Absorbent article

Abstract

An absorbent article having a main body provided with a liquid-permeable top sheet on the upper side, a liquid-impermeable back sheet on the lower side, and an absorbent body provided between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein side sheets are arranged on both sides of the main body, respectively, the absorbent article further having a pair of wing portions extending from the main body to the width direction outer side, the wing portions being mainly formed by joining a part of the back sheet and a part of the side sheets, in a state where the wing portions are folded back to the lower side in wear, the side sheets being formed with flexion portions in a manner of covering the folded-back fold lines, the flexion portions having a wheel-shaped cross section at any position in the front-rear direction including both end positions in the front-rear direction, the width direction outer end of the flexion portion being located on the width direction outer side with respect to the fold line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an absorbent article. Background Technology

[0002] Absorbent articles include sanitary napkins, incontinence pads, and panty liners. The basic structure of such absorbent articles generally includes a main body with a top sheet on the upper side (the side opposite the skin), a back sheet on the lower side (the side opposite the underwear), and an absorbent core disposed between these two sheets. Furthermore, primarily for preventing lateral leakage of bodily fluids, many also have a pair of separate side sheets arranged on both sides of the main body in the front-back direction (e.g., Patent Document 1). The side sheets are typically made of non-woven fabric or the like.

[0003] <Prior art documents>

[0004] <Patent Documents>

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-312694 Summary of the Invention

[0006] <Problem to be solved by this invention>

[0007] However, when wearing absorbent clothing, the two sides of the main body may come into contact with the inner sides of the wearer's legs. Since the side panels, as mentioned above, are mostly made of non-woven fabric, the softness of this material can somewhat alleviate discomfort on the inner sides of the legs. However, for example, when the wearer walks or runs, causing the legs to move back and forth, the edges of the main body may sometimes come into contact with the inner sides of the legs, causing friction. In this case, wearers with sensitive skin may sometimes experience discomfort or pain. Therefore, there is a need for a structure for absorbent clothing that can reduce discomfort caused by contact with the sides of the main body, even for wearers with sensitive skin.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that reduces discomfort or other discomfort that may result from contact with the sides of the body.

[0009] <Methods for solving problems>

[0010] One aspect of the present invention provides an absorbent article comprising a body having an upper liquid-permeable top sheet, a lower liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein side sheets are respectively arranged on both sides of the body, and the absorbent article further comprises a pair of wings extending outward in the width direction from the body, the wings being mainly formed by joining a portion of the back sheet and a portion of the side sheets, wherein when worn, the side sheets are folded back in a downward direction, and the side sheets are formed with a flexible portion in such a way as to cover the folded-back fold line, the flexible portion having a wheel-shaped cross section at any position in the front-back direction including the two ends in the front-back direction, and the outer end of the flexible portion in the width direction being located outward in the width direction relative to the fold line.

[0011] <The Effects of the Invention>

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, an absorbent article can be provided that reduces discomfort or other discomfort that may result from contact with the sides of the body. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a plan view of an absorbent article according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A sectional view along line II.

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of the portion with side panels.

[0016] Figure 4 It shows the clothing Figure 1 A plan view showing the state of the absorbent material.

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A sectional view along line II-II.

[0018] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the formation of the flexural portion.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a plan view of an absorbent article according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0021] Figure 9 It shows the clothing Figure 7 A plan view showing the state of the absorbent material.

[0022] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view along line IV-IV.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a plan view of an absorbent article according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the VV line. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the same or corresponding structures may sometimes be labeled with the same symbols and the description may be omitted in the accompanying drawings.

[0026] <First Implementation>

[0027] (Basic structure of absorbent materials)

[0028] First, the basic structure of the absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention will be explained using sanitary napkins as an example. Figure 1 The diagram shows a plan view of the absorbent article 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, Figure 2 The middle shows Figure 1 A sectional view along line II.

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the absorbent article 1 has a main body (absorbent article body) 10, which has a liquid-permeable top sheet 3 on the upper side, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 2 on the lower side, and an absorbent body 4 disposed between the back sheet 2 and the top sheet 3. Figure 2 As shown, the main body 10 has a flat shape overall.

[0030] In this instruction manual, the top panel 3 side of the absorbent article 1 is referred to as the "upper side" and the back panel 2 side is referred to as the "lower side". That is, the "upper side" of the absorbent article 1 is the side that faces the skin when worn (skin side or surface side), and the "lower side" is the side that faces the underwear when worn (underwear side or back side). Figure 1 The plan view is a view of the absorbent material 1 from above.

[0031] Additionally, in this specification, such as Figure 1As shown, the direction corresponding to the front-back direction of the wearer's body when wearing the absorbent article 1 is defined as the front-back direction D1 of the absorbent article 1, and the direction orthogonal to the front-back direction D1 is defined as the width direction D2 of the absorbent article 1. The main body 10 may have an elongated shape that is longer in the front-back direction D1 when viewed from above, has a predetermined length in the front-back direction D1, and has a predetermined width in the width direction D2, which is orthogonal to the front-back direction D1.

[0032] Although Figure 1 In the configuration shown, the main body 10 has a generally linearly symmetrical top view shape with respect to the centerline (front-rear centerline) CL extending in the front-rear direction D1, but the shape of the main body 10 may not be linearly symmetrical. In addition, structures other than the shape of the absorbent article 1 and the main body 10 (including the thickness or density of the absorbent body 4, the size and position of the compression groove, the shape and size of the wings or protective wings, etc.) may be generally symmetrical about the centerline as the axis of symmetry, or they may be asymmetrical.

[0033] The backing sheet 2 can be a sheet with at least waterproof properties, such as a sheet made of olefin resins like polyethylene or polypropylene. Alternatively, laminated nonwoven fabrics with nonwoven fabric layered on top of polyethylene sheets, or laminated sheets with a waterproof membrane sandwiched between them to substantially ensure liquid impermeability, can be used. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of preventing stuffiness, a breathable sheet is more preferable. As such waterproof and breathable sheets, microporous sheets obtained by forming the sheet through melt-mixing of inorganic fillers into olefin resins like polyethylene or polypropylene, and then extending it in a uniaxial or biaxial direction, can be used. The backing sheet 2 can be a sheet with the same shape as the absorbent article 1.

[0034] The top sheet 3 can be a liquid-permeable sheet that allows bodily fluids such as menstrual blood, vaginal discharge, and urine to pass through quickly. Preferably, the top sheet 3 is a porous or non-porous nonwoven fabric or a porous plastic sheet. The raw material fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric can be, for example, two or more types of polyethylene, polypropylene, and other olefins, polyester, polyamide, and other synthetic fibers, rayon, cupro fiber, and other recycled fibers and their blends, as well as natural fibers such as cotton, used alone or in combination. Furthermore, processing methods for the nonwoven fabric include spunlace, spunbond, thermal bonding, meltblown, and needle punching. Among these processing methods, spunlace is preferred for producing soft nonwoven fabrics, spunbond is preferred for producing nonwoven fabrics with good drape, and thermal bonding is preferred for producing fluffy and soft nonwoven fabrics. Additionally, composite fibers such as core-sheath type fibers, parallel type fibers, and split type fibers, which have a core of higher melting point fibers and a sheath of lower melting point fibers, can also be used.

[0035] The absorbent 4 is not limited to any material capable of absorbing and retaining bodily fluids, but preferably contains cotton-like pulp and a water-absorbing polymer. As the water-absorbing polymer, superabsorbent polymer powder (SAP), superabsorbent fiber (SAF), and combinations thereof can be used. As the pulp, examples include pulp composed of cellulose fibers such as chemical pulp derived from wood, dissolving pulp, rayon, and artificial cellulose fibers such as acetate. As raw materials for chemical pulp, hardwood materials and softwood materials are used, but softwood materials are preferred due to their longer fiber length.

[0036] Alternatively, synthetic fibers can be mixed into the absorbent 4. As synthetic fibers, polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, polyamides such as nylon, and their copolymers can be used, or a mixture of two of these can be used. Additionally, composite fibers such as core-sheath type fibers, parallel type fibers, and split type fibers, which have a core of higher melting point fibers and a sheath of lower melting point fibers, can also be used. It should be noted that substances that impart affinity for body fluids to hydrophobic fibers by surface treatment with hydrophilic agents can be used. The absorbent 4 is preferably manufactured by fiber lamination or air-laid method.

[0037] To prevent wrinkles, cracks, or leakage of polymer particles, the absorbent 4 may be covered with a sheet made of colored or uncolored (white) crepe paper, non-woven fabric, etc. Furthermore, the thickness of the absorbent is preferably 0.5–25 mm. The thickness of the absorbent 4 may be uneven overall, or it may have a structure that causes the portion opposite the body fluid outlet and its surrounding area to bulge out.

[0038] The absorber 4 can have a shape and size that, when viewed from above, does not extend from the back sheet 2 and the top sheet 3 in the front-to-back direction D1. Furthermore, at both ends in the front-to-back direction D1, the edges of the back sheet 2 and the top sheet 3 can be joined by adhesive, heat sealing, or the like. Additionally, the absorber 4 as a whole preferably has a shape and size that does not extend from the back sheet 2 when viewed from above. Although the top sheet 3 may not cover the absorber 4 in the width direction D2, it is preferable to form and arrange it to cover the absorber 4 entirely.

[0039] (Wings and side panels)

[0040] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the absorbent article 1 may have a pair of wings W, W extending from the sides of the main body 10. An adhesive portion (not shown) may be arranged on the underside (back panel side) of the wings W, W. When worn, the wings W, W are folded back downwards (towards the back of the underwear) and secured to the underwear by the adhesive portion, thereby preventing the absorbent article 1 from shifting or wrinkling. The position of the pair of wings W, W in the front-back direction D1 may be a fluid discharge outlet-facing portion Q, which is opposite to the wearer's fluid discharge outlet when worn, and an area extending throughout the front-back direction. In other words, viewed from the front-back direction D1, the fluid discharge outlet-facing portion Q may be included within the range from the front end to the rear end of the wings W at the boundary line 11 between the main body 10 and the wings W.

[0041] In this configuration, a pair of side panels 7, 7 are arranged on the upper sides (top panel 3 sides) of both ends of the main body 10 in the width direction D2, extending across the front-to-back direction D1. The side panels are preferably formed of nonwoven fabric. Furthermore, the nonwoven fabric used for the side panels can be treated with a waterproof or hydrophilic process, with a waterproof treatment being preferred. The waterproof treatment can be, for example, the application of a silicone-based waterproofing agent or a paraffin-based waterproofing agent. By using the waterproof-treated nonwoven fabric, it is possible to prevent the penetration of bodily fluids such as menstrual blood, vaginal discharge, and urine. There is no particular limitation on the type of nonwoven fabric; it can be a nonwoven fabric obtained by hot air processing, hydroentangling, spunbonding, meltblowing, or needle punching. However, to improve the function of the flexible portion (described in detail later), a soft, hot-air nonwoven fabric that is less prone to creases and wrinkles is preferred. Furthermore, there are no particular limitations on the types of fibers that make up nonwoven fabrics. Examples include olefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, synthetic fibers such as polyester and polyamide, regenerated fibers such as rayon and cupro fiber, as well as blended fibers and natural fibers such as cotton. These fibers can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a portion of the side pieces 7, 7 extends outward in the width direction D2 and joins with a portion of the back piece 2, which also extends in the width direction D2, to form a pair of wings W, W. The joining of the side pieces 7 and the back piece 2 can be achieved by adhesives, heat sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc. It should be noted that, for the purpose of improving the joint strength and rigidity, dot-shaped or other shaped embossed portions (knots) can also be formed on the outer edges of the wings W, W.

[0043] It should be noted that, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example shown, side pieces 7 and 7 are each made of one sheet, but side piece 7 can also be formed by overlapping two or more nonwoven fabrics as described above.

[0044] Figure 4The diagram shows a plan view of the absorbent material 1 being worn over underwear (not shown). Additionally, Figure 5 Show Figure 4 A sectional view along line II-II. (See example.) Figure 5 As shown, the wings W and W can be folded downwards by clamping the underwear S between the main body 10 and the wings W. The fold line (the fold line that folds the back panel back) 15 formed during this folding does not necessarily have to be along the boundary line 11 of the main body 10 and the wings W; for example, it can also be relative to the boundary line 11 (…). Figure 2 It is located inside D2 in the width direction. Alternatively, it can be located outside D2 in the width direction relative to the boundary line 11.

[0045] (Flexural region)

[0046] In this embodiment, the side piece 7 is not joined to the constituent elements (such as the back piece 2) arranged below it in a manner that covers the entire surface; instead, it has partially unjoined areas. That is, the side piece 7 may have a joint portion that joins with the constituent elements arranged below it, and an unjoined non-joined portion. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the example, the side panel 7 may have an inner joining portion 21 that engages with the top panel 3 of the main body 10, an outer joining portion 22 that engages with the back panel 2 at the wing W, and a non-jointing portion 23 located between the inner joining portion 21 and the outer joining portion 22 that is not engaged with the main body 10 and / or the back panel 2. Furthermore, the non-jointing portion 23 of the side panel 7 is loosely arranged in an upwardly bulging manner to form a hollow flexural portion 25.

[0047] Figure 3 The middle shows Figure 2 A partially enlarged view (enlarged view of the portion where the side piece 7 is arranged). The bulge (flexure), i.e. the flexure 25, of the non-joined portion 23 of the side piece 7 is formed by making the length a of the width direction D2 of the non-joined portion 23 of the side piece 7 (the length of the width direction D2 of the unjoined portion in the side piece 7) longer than the distance b between the outer end of the width direction D2 of the inner joint portion 21 and the inner end of the width direction D2 of the outer joint portion 22.

[0048] If, when worn, the pair of wings W, W fold back towards the back of the underwear S, then as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the flexural portions 25, 25, respectively formed on both sides of the centerline CL in the front-rear direction, can protrude outward in the width direction D2. More specifically, the flexural portions 25, 25 are formed to extend outward in the width direction D2 beyond the fold lines 15, 15 of the wings W, W. That is, when the wings W, W are folded back, the outer ends 28, 28 of the flexural portions 25, 25 in the width direction D2 are located outside the fold lines 15, 15 of the wings W, W in the width direction D2. The flexural portions 25, 25 are hollow, and as shown... Figure 5As shown, the cross-section taken in the width direction D2 is wheel-shaped. In this specification, "wheel-shaped" is a shape of a curved line that can be formed by curling a straight line using a single bend, and can be part of a circle or part of an ellipse.

[0049] It should be noted that the wheel-like shape of the flexible portion 25 includes not only the case where the wheel is formed substantially alone by the non-jointing portion 23 of the side plate 7, but also the case where the wheel is formed by the non-jointing portion 23 together with the top plate 3 and / or the back plate 2. In either case, it is the non-jointing portion 23 of the side plate 7 that contacts the leg. In addition, the wheel shape also includes the so-called ring-shaped (hollow inside) case, and the case where although it is not substantially hollow inside in the pre-wearing state (the hollow is flattened), it can become hollow in the wearing state. However, as will be explained in detail later, the flexible portion 25 in this form is hollow in any cross-section, for example, it will not be joined in a way that prevents it from being hollow at the end or the center.

[0050] In this configuration, with the wings W folded back, the fold lines 15, 15 of the wings W are covered by the side panels 7, 7, and the flexural portions 25, 25 protrude outwards in the width direction D2. Therefore, when worn, the flexural portions 25, 25 contact the inner side of the wearer's thigh, while the fold lines 15, 15 do not directly contact the inner side of the wearer's thigh. Because the flexural portions 25, 25 are hollow and elastic, the wearer experiences a soft touch and less discomfort upon contact. In the traditional configuration without the flexural portions 25, 25, the fold lines 15, 15 of the wings W directly contact the inner side of the thigh, and the fold lines 15, 15 and their surrounding areas tend to be more rigid, which can cause discomfort on the delicate inner thigh skin. However, according to this form, the soft flexural parts 25, 25 are in direct contact with the legs, which can provide a comfortable wearing experience by preventing the wearer's legs from contacting the fold lines 15, 15.

[0051] Furthermore, even when the wearer is walking or running, that is, when the wearer moves their legs back and forth, the elastic and soft flexures 25, 25 can deform relative to the force from the legs and can follow the movement to some extent, thus making it difficult to cause discomfort or pain due to friction.

[0052] Furthermore, the flexural portions 25, 25 have a wheel-shaped cross-section at any position in the front-rear direction D1, including both ends. That is, the flexural portions 25, 25 have a wheel-shaped cross-section not only at the center of the front-rear direction D1, but also at both ends. In other words, the flexural portions 25, 25 have a continuous wheel-shaped cross-section throughout the front-rear direction D1, i.e., a cylindrical shape. The wheel-shaped shape of the flexural portions 25, 25 can vary throughout the front-rear direction D1; that is, the bending condition or size of the wheel can be changed midway, but the hollowness of the flexural portions 25, 25 is maintained throughout the front-rear direction D1. In other words, there are no flattened portions 25, 25 or portions where the inner surfaces of the wheels of the flexural portions 25, 25 meet each other. Regarding this, it can be seen that... Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, it is clear from the fact that the non-jointing portions 23 of the side plates 7 and 7 extend continuously in the front-to-back direction.

[0053] When the flexural portions 25, 25 are flattened front to back and fixed in this flattened state, the fixed state affects the center of the front-back direction D1 of the flexural portions 25, 25. As a result, the flexural portions 25, 25 become difficult to move flexibly, potentially impairing their flexibility. In contrast, in this form where the flexural portions 25, 25 have a wheel-shaped cross-section at any position in the front-back direction D1, including both ends, the elasticity and flexibility of the flexural portions are maintained throughout the entire front-back direction D1. Therefore, even when the wearer moves their legs forward and backward significantly, the flexural portions 25, 25 function throughout the front-back direction D1, reducing discomfort caused by friction.

[0054] With the wings W and W folded back, the length C1 from the folding line (folding position) 15, 15 of the wings W and W to the outer end 28, 28 of the width direction D2 of the flexural portion 25, 25 is ( Figure 5 The length C1 can be approximately 1 to 10 mm. The above length C1 is the length measured when the absorbent material 1 is worn on the underwear S and in its natural state.

[0055] The aforementioned length C1 also depends on the thickness and rigidity of the side piece 7 used in the flexural portion 25. The size of the flexural portion 25 can be adjusted according to the relationship between the length a of the width direction D2 of the non-jointing portion 23 of the side piece 7 and the distance b of the width direction D2 between the inner joining portion 21 and the outer joining portion 22. Figure 3In order to obtain a suitable flexural portion 25, for example, when the wing portion W is deployed, it is preferable to set the difference (ab) between the length a of the width direction D2 of the non-jointing portion 23 and the distance b of the width direction D2 between the inner joining portion 21 and the outer joining portion 22 to 5 to 10 mm.

[0056] Therefore, the side pieces 7, 7 used in this form are made with a length D2 in the width direction that is longer than that of the side pieces used in the conventional structure without the flexural portion 25, 25. Figure 6 The diagram shows a plan view of the flat side panel 7 being superimposed on the main body during the manufacturing stage of the absorbent article 1. Figure 6 As shown, a side piece 7 is used that is longer by a length d than the back piece 2, which forms part of the wing, in the width direction D2. Furthermore, while flexing the non-jointing portion 23 of the side piece 7, the inner joining portion 21 and the outer joining portion 22 are joined to the constituent elements of the main body 10 arranged below it. Figure 2 and Figure 3 It should be noted that the length d can be equal to the difference (ab) between the length a of the width direction D2 of the non-jointing portion 23 and the distance b between the inner joining portion 21 and the outer joining portion 22.

[0057] The length a of the width direction D2 of the non-joint portion 23 Figure 3 The length 'a' can be 5 to 20 mm. By setting the length 'a' within this range, the appropriate size of the flexure 25 can be ensured, so that even when the leg moves back and forth, the flexure 25 can follow the movement of the leg to some extent, and discomfort caused by an excessively large flexure 25 can be prevented. Furthermore, the distance 'b' in the width direction D2 between the inner joint 21 and the outer joint 22 can be 3 to 15 mm. By setting the distance 'b' within this range, a flexible flexure 25 with a wheel-shaped cross-section can be formed.

[0058] Regarding the position of the flexible portion 25 (the position where the non-jointing portion 23 is formed) in the width direction D2, there is no limitation as long as the flexible portion 25 can protrude outward in the width direction D2 when worn. However, it is preferable that the position is located outside the width direction D2 relative to the absorbent body 4 when viewed from above, and more preferably located at a position 2 mm or more outward relative to the absorbent body 4 in the width direction D2.

[0059] Each side panel 7 can be a single sheet extending in the planar direction, for example, the end of the width direction D2 can be folded back. However, as... Figures 1 to 5As shown, for example, the inner end 7i of the side panel 7 in the width direction D2 is neither folded back downwards nor upwards, but rather faces inwards in the width direction D2. In this simple structure without folding back as shown, the structure of the flexural portion 25 is simplified, preventing the loss of flexibility due to the layering of the sheet material caused by folding back, etc. Furthermore, for example, if the inner end 7i of the side panel 7 in the width direction D2 is folded back downwards, and the surface facing upwards of the side panel 7 is joined to the constituent elements below it before folding back, when the wings W, W are folded back during wearing, the flexural portion 25 tends to protrude upwards and is difficult to face outwards in the width direction D2. However, according to this configuration, the flexural portion 25 naturally protrudes outwards in the width direction D2, covering the folding line 15.

[0060] It should be noted that the flexible portion 25 preferably does not contain elastic components such as rubber filaments or elastic sheets. By using sheets such as non-woven fabric to form the flexible portion 25, discomfort upon contact with the skin can be prevented.

[0061] <Second Implementation Method>

[0062] Figure 7 A plan view of an absorbent article 201 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. Additionally, Figure 8 Show Figure 7 A cross-sectional view along line III-III. The second embodiment has the same basic structure and the same basic effects as the first embodiment. In the absorbent article 201, side panels 207, 207 are also arranged on both sides of the main body 10. Furthermore, the inner joint 221 and the outer joint 222 of each side panel 207 are joined to the constituent elements below them, while a non-joining portion 223 is formed between the inner joint 221 and the outer joint 222. The non-joining portion 223 rises from the constituent element (back panel 2) below it, thereby forming a flexible portion 225. However, in the second embodiment, the positions of the flexible portions 225, 225 are different from those in the first embodiment, which is different from the first embodiment.

[0063] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the flexible portions 225, 225 of the second embodiment are arranged slightly outside the width direction D2 compared to the flexible portions 25, 25 of the first embodiment. More specifically, Figure 7 and Figure 8The flexural portions 225 and 225 shown are formed adjacent to the boundary line 11 between the main body 10 and the wing W. However, the flexural portion 225 can be formed either at least within the region of the wing W or beyond the boundary line 11. In other words, in this configuration, the non-joining portion 223 of the side piece 207 can be formed within the region of the wing W. Alternatively, the outer end of the width direction D2 of the inner joining portion 221 of the side piece 207 may not cross the boundary line 11 between the main body 10 and the wing W, and the inner end of the width direction D2 of the outer joining portion 222 of the side piece 207 may be located within the region of the wing W.

[0064] also, Figure 9 The diagram shows a plan view of an absorbent item 201 with its pair of wings W, W folded back when worn. Figure 10 The middle shows Figure 9 A sectional view along line IV-IV. It should be noted that... Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the example shown, with Figure 4 and Figure 5 The folding method shown is different; the wings W and W are folded back at the boundary lines 11, 11 between the main body 10 and the wings W, W. That is, according to the folding method of the wings W and W in this embodiment, the folding lines 215, 215 are along the boundary lines 11, 11, respectively. However, the position of forming the folding line 215 can be located outside the width direction D2 relative to the boundary line 11, or it can be the folding method illustrated in the first embodiment ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 So that it is located inside the width direction D2 relative to the boundary line 11.

[0065] according to Figures 7 to 10 In the second embodiment shown, by arranging the flexible portions 225, 225 further outward in the width direction D2 than in the first embodiment, the tendency of the flexible portions 225, 225 to bulge upward when the pair of wings W, W are folded back towards the underside of the underwear S can be suppressed, and they can be formed to protrude further outward in the width direction D2. Therefore, the function of the flexible portions 225, 225 can be performed more reliably, that is, to reduce discomfort caused by the contact between the main body 10 of the absorbent article 1 and the inner thigh, which are frequently in contact with each other in the width direction D2.

[0066] In the second embodiment, with the wings W and W folded back, the length C2 from the folding line (folding position) 215, 215 of the wings W and W to the outer end 228, 228 of the width direction D2 of the flexural portion 225, 225 is ( Figure 10 It can also be around 1 to 10 mm.

[0067] <Third Implementation Method>

[0068] Figure 11 The diagram shows a plan view of an absorbent article 301 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 The middle shows Figure 11 A cross-sectional view along the VV line. The basic structure of the absorbent article 301 according to the third embodiment and the basic effects obtained are the same as those of the first embodiment (…). Figures 1-5 ) and the second embodiment ( Figures 7-10 The same applies. In the absorbent article 301, side plates 307 and 307 are also arranged on both sides of the main body 310.

[0069] The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that it lacks wings. Because it lacks wings, the back panel 302 does not have a lateral extension, but instead has a slender top-view shape that is substantially the same as the main body 310. Furthermore, the side panels 307 also become top-view shapes without lateral extensions.

[0070] Furthermore, the side pieces 307 and 307 are joined by covering the end edges (outer ends of the width direction D2) 311 and 311 of the main body 310, respectively. More specifically, as... Figure 11 As shown, the joint portion 321a of each side piece 307 is joined to the upper component of the main body 310 (top piece 3 in this example), and the joint portion 321b is joined to the lower component of the main body 310 (back piece 2 in this example). Furthermore, between the joint portions 321a and 321b of the side pieces 307, there is a non-jointing portion 323 that is not joined to other components. This non-jointing portion 323 of the side piece 307 is arranged in a flexed manner in a bulging manner, thereby forming a hollow flexed portion 325.

[0071] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the flexible portion 325 protrudes outward from the end edge 311 of the main body 310 in the width direction D2. Therefore, when worn, it is not the end edge 311 of the main body 310 in the width direction D2 that directly contacts the skin on the inner side of the thigh, but the flexible portion 325. The length C3 in the width direction D2 from the end edge 311 of the main body 310 in the width direction D2 to the outer end 328 of the flexible portion 325 in the width direction D2 is... Figure 11 It can be around 1 to 10 mm.

[0072] When viewed in a cross-section along the width direction D2, the flexure portion 325 is wheel-shaped. In the illustrated configuration, the wheel-shaped cross-section is formed by the flexure portion 325 and a portion of the backing plate 302, but it can also be formed by the flexure portion 325 alone. Compared to other parts of the absorbent article 1, the flexure portion 325 has higher elasticity and softness, resulting in less discomfort when the two sides of the absorbent article 1 come into contact with the wearer's inner thigh skin. Furthermore, even when rubbing against the inner thigh skin during the wearer's walking or other activities, discomfort or pain is unlikely to occur. In addition, in this configuration, the wheel-shaped cross-section of the flexure portion 325 is maintained at any position in the front-back direction D1, including both ends in the front-back direction D1. The elasticity and softness of the flexure portion 325 are maintained throughout the front-back direction D1, allowing the flexure portion 325 to function even if the absorbent article 1 is slightly shifted forward or backward relative to the wearing position of the underwear.

[0073] The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0074] (Note 1)

[0075] In an embodiment according to Note 1, an absorbent article is provided, comprising a main body having a liquid-permeable top sheet on the upper side, a liquid-impermeable back sheet on the lower side, and an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. Side sheets are respectively arranged on both sides of the main body. The absorbent article also has a pair of wings extending outward in the width direction from the main body. The wings are mainly formed by joining a portion of the back sheet and a portion of the side sheets. When worn, with the wings folded back downward, the side sheets form a flexible portion in such a way as to cover the folded-back fold line. The flexible portion has a wheel-shaped cross section at any position in the front-back direction including the two ends in the front-back direction. The outer end of the flexible portion in the width direction is located outward in the width direction relative to the fold line.

[0076] According to the embodiment described in Note 1 above, when the wing is folded back, the side panel forms a flexural portion that covers the fold line of the wing and has a wheel-shaped cross-section. Furthermore, the outer end of the flexural portion in the width direction is located outward relative to the fold line of the wing. Therefore, during the wearing of the absorbent article, the fold line of the wing does not directly contact the inner side of the wearer's leg; instead, the flexural portion formed by the side panel contacts the inner side of the wearer's leg. Since the flexural portion has a hollow wheel-shaped cross-section, it is elastic and soft, thus providing a better tactile experience when in contact with the inner side of the leg compared to the case where the fold line of the wing is in direct contact without flexion. Additionally, even when the leg moves forward or backward, the flexural portion can follow the leg's movement to some extent, making it less likely to cause discomfort or pain due to friction.

[0077] Furthermore, the aforementioned flexible portion is configured to have a wheel-shaped cross-section at any position in the front-back direction, including both ends in the front-back direction. That is, the flexible portion maintains a wheel-shaped cross-section at both ends in the front-back direction, and the flexible portion is not flattened in front of and / or behind. Therefore, compared to a configuration where the inner surfaces of the flexible portion engage with each other in front of and / or behind, the flexible portion maintains elasticity and flexibility throughout the entire front-back direction, thus reducing discomfort caused by friction even when the leg moves forward and backward significantly.

[0078] (Note 2)

[0079] In the embodiment according to Note 2, the side panel has an inner joining portion that engages with the main body in the width direction, an outer joining portion that engages with the back panel in the width direction, and a non-joining portion between the inner joining portion and the outer joining portion, wherein the width length of the non-joining portion is 5 to 10 mm longer than the distance between the outer end of the inner joining portion and the inner end of the outer joining portion in the width direction when the pair of wings are deployed.

[0080] By implementing the method described in Note 2 above, a flexible portion of appropriate size can be formed. Sufficient elasticity and softness can be imparted to the flexible portion, and it is also possible to prevent the flexible portion from becoming excessively large and causing discomfort.

[0081] (Note 3)

[0082] In the embodiment according to Note 3, the flexural portion is formed within the wing.

[0083] By implementing the method described in Note 3 above, since the flexure is formed not on the main body but in a more lateral (outer) position in the width direction, the flexure can protrude more reliably to the side when worn. Therefore, the function of the flexure, namely, reducing discomfort that may occur due to contact with the inner thigh, can be performed more reliably.

[0084] (Note 4)

[0085] In an embodiment according to Note 4, an absorbent article is provided, comprising a body having an upper liquid-permeable top sheet, a lower liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein side sheets are respectively arranged on both sides of the body, the side sheets being joined to the body on the lower and upper sides to form flexible portions such that they cover the outer ends of the body in the width direction, the flexible portions having a wheel-shaped cross section at any position in the front-back direction including the positions of the two ends in the front-back direction, and the outer ends of the flexible portions in the width direction being located outside the width direction relative to the outer ends of the body in the width direction.

[0086] By implementing the embodiment according to Note 4 above, it is possible to provide an absorbent article without wings that achieves the same effect as the embodiment according to Note 1.

[0087] (Note 5)

[0088] In the embodiment according to Note 5, the inner end of the side piece in the width direction is not folded back to the lower side at least.

[0089] By implementing the method described in Note 5 above, by preventing the inner end of the side plate in the width direction from folding back downwards, the tendency of the flexural portion to protrude laterally (outwards in the width direction) is stronger than its tendency to bulge upwards. Therefore, the elasticity and flexibility of the flexural portion can be fully utilized on the side of the main body.

[0090] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-057751, filed on March 30, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0091] Label Explanation

[0092] 1, 201, 301 absorbent materials

[0093] 2. 302 back film

[0094] 3 top films

[0095] 4 absorbers

[0096] 7, 207, 307 side panels

[0097] 10. 310 Main Body (Absorbent Item Main Body)

[0098] 11. Outer end of the width direction of the main body of 311

[0099] 15, 215 foldback line

[0100] 21, 221 Inner joint

[0101] 22, 222 outer joint

[0102] 23, 223, 323 Non-joint parts

[0103] 25, 225, 325 flexural sections

[0104] The outer ends of the flexural sections 28, 228, and 328 in the width direction

[0105] 321a, 321b joint

[0106] CL forward and backward centerline

[0107] D1 Front and rear directions

[0108] D2 Width Direction

[0109] Q. Relative area of ​​bodily fluid excretion outlet

[0110] W wing.

Claims

1. An absorbent article comprising a body having an upper liquid-permeable top sheet, a lower liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. in, Side plates are arranged on both sides of the main body. The absorbent article also includes a pair of wings extending outward from the body in the width direction. The wing is mainly formed by joining a portion of the back panel and a portion of the side panel. The side panel has an inner joining portion that engages with the main body on the inner side in the width direction, an outer joining portion that engages with the back panel on the outer side in the width direction, and a non-joining portion between the inner joining portion and the outer joining portion. The non-joining portion is a portion that extends integrally throughout the front-rear direction of the side piece, is not joined to any constituent element arranged on the underside of the side piece, is not folded in the width direction, and is not joined to each other. When worn with the wings folded downwards, the side panel has a flexural portion formed from the non-jointed portion in a manner that covers the folded-back crease. The flexural portion has a wheel-shaped cross-section at any position in the front-back direction, including both ends in the front-back direction. The outer end of the flexure in the width direction is located on the outside of the fold line in the width direction.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein, The width of the non-jointed portion is 5 to 10 mm longer than the distance between the outer end of the inner joint and the inner end of the outer joint in the width direction when the pair of wings are unfolded.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The flexural portion is formed within the wing.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The inner end of the side piece in the width direction should not be folded back to the lower side at least.

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