Disposable diapers and methods for detecting changes in disposable diapers

Abstract

The present invention provides a disposable diaper and a method for detecting changes in a disposable diaper. The disposable diaper (1) includes a liquid-retaining absorbent body (4) having a longitudinal direction (X) corresponding to the front-back direction of the wearer and a transverse direction (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The disposable diaper (1) has a mark (30) formed on the non-skin-facing surface. The absorbent body (4) has a high liquid-permeability portion (43) in a portion overlapping with the mark (30) that is higher in liquid permeability than portions located on both sides of the portion in the transverse direction (Y). The mark (30) preferably indicates the installation position of a urination sensor (20) for detecting urination of the wearer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a disposable diaper and a method for detecting changes in the disposable diaper. Background Art

[0002] Technologies are known that use urination sensors to detect and notify the wearer of urination, for purposes such as reducing the burden of care. Methods for detecting urination include, for example, methods that detect increases in temperature or humidity caused by urination. Furthermore, sensors that can sense changes in temperature or humidity caused by excrement, and disposable diapers equipped with such sensors, are also known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a sensor that can be placed within or on an absorbent article such as a disposable diaper. This sensor is detachable from the absorbent article and is configured to sense changes in conditions within the absorbent article.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes an absorbent article including a color change indicator and an optical sensor and suitable for detecting color changes.

[0004] Disposable diapers are known that include an absorbent body as a main liquid-absorbing portion and an outer sheet forming the outer surface of the disposable diaper. The outer sheet is a sheet member disposed closer to the non-skin facing surface than the absorbent body.

[0005] For example, the applicant previously proposed a disposable diaper having, between an absorbent body and an outer sheet,: a stretchable area having an elastic component extending in the longitudinal direction so as to be stretchable in the longitudinal direction; and a low unit area weight portion in the transverse central portion of the absorbent body, wherein the mass per unit area of ​​the absorbent material is less than that in the transverse side portions; the stretchable area overlaps with the low unit area weight portion when viewed from above (Patent Document 3).

[0006] On the other hand, Patent Document 1 describes forming a pocket for arranging a sensor by joining an additional material to the inner or outer surface of a layer facing clothing.

[0007] Furthermore, Patent Document 4 describes that a sensor is directly attached to and fixed on the non-skin facing side of an absorbent article.

[0008] In addition, Patent Document 5 proposes an absorbent article in which a sensor for detecting urination by changes in impedance is detachably provided on the outer surface side of the absorbent article, wherein two sheets having elastic components provided at their free ends are arranged in a state where a portion of the free end sides overlap with each other at a position closer to the non-skin opposite side than the absorbent body of the absorbent article to form a mounting portion of the sensor.

[0009] Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers generally consist of an absorbent body that absorbs and retains excretions such as urine, feces, and menstrual blood; an inner layer, such as a front sheet, positioned closer to the wearer's skin than the absorbent body; and an outer layer, such as a back sheet, positioned farther from the wearer's skin than the absorbent body. Patent Documents 6 and 7 describe improvements to the outer layer.

[0010] Specifically, Patent Document 6 describes an unfolded disposable diaper having a transparent portion formed on a portion of a back sheet, which enables visual confirmation of the state of excrement absorption from the outside while the diaper is worn. The back sheet having the transparent portion is manufactured by partially embossing a microporous sheet made from a molten mixture of a thermoplastic resin and a compound that phase separates below the crystallization temperature of the thermoplastic resin, and the transparent portion is the embossed portion.

[0011] Furthermore, Patent Document 7 describes an absorbent article having a back sheet with a metal layer as a heat-retaining effect that prevents the temperature of the area wetted by urination from decreasing. The absorbent article described in Patent Document 2 utilizes body heat reflected by the metal layer to maintain the temperature of excrement absorbed and retained by the absorbent body.

[0012] Furthermore, there is a known technique for attaching temperature and humidity sensors to absorbent articles such as disposable diapers. Based on the temperature and humidity information provided by these sensors about the interior of the absorbent article while being worn, the technique can be used to detect whether the wearer has defecated. For example, Patent Document 8 describes a diaper wetness notification device utilizing this technique.

[0013] In addition, Patent Document 9 discloses an absorbent article having improved absorbency and breathability, wherein a back sheet is disposed inwardly relative to both sides of an absorbent body, and the end surfaces of a front sheet are rolled up from both sides of the absorbent body toward the back side and adhered to the outer end surfaces of the back sheet. According to the absorbent article disclosed in Patent Document 9, the size of the back sheet and the size of the portion where the end of the front sheet overlaps the end of the back sheet are set to the minimum necessary, thereby improving absorbency and breathability.

[0014] Prior art literature

[0015] Patent Literature

[0016] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-214903

[0017] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-512676

[0018] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-103884

[0019] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-027391

[0020] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-027322

[0021] Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-85257

[0022] Patent Document 7: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-180461

[0023] Patent Document 8: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-220259

[0024] Patent Document 9: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-65729 Summary of the Invention

[0025] The present invention provides a disposable diaper including a liquid-retaining absorbent body and having a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-back direction of a wearer and a transverse direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0026] It is preferable that a marking is formed on the non-skin facing surface of the disposable diaper.

[0027] The absorbent body preferably has a highly liquid-permeable portion in a portion overlapping with the mark, wherein the highly liquid-permeable portion has higher liquid permeability than portions located on both sides of the highly liquid-permeable portion in the transverse direction.

[0028] The present invention provides a disposable diaper having a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-back direction of the wearer and a transverse direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and including a front sheet located on the skin-opposing side, an outer sheet located on the non-skin-opposing side, and a liquid-retaining absorbent body arranged between the front sheet and the outer sheet.

[0029] It is preferable that a marking is formed on the non-skin facing surface of the disposable diaper.

[0030] The absorbent body preferably has a highly liquid-permeable portion in a portion overlapping with the mark, wherein the highly liquid-permeable portion has higher liquid permeability than portions located on both sides of the highly liquid-permeable portion in the transverse direction.

[0031] The outer sheet preferably comprises a first nonwoven fabric and a second nonwoven fabric partially or entirely overlapping the non-skin-facing side of the first nonwoven fabric, and serves as the outermost component of the disposable diaper.

[0032] Preferably, the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric are not joined in a portion of the overlapping region where the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric overlap, forming a sensor pocket in which a sensor for detecting changes in the disposable diaper can be arranged.

[0033] The overlapping region preferably has fixed regions where the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric are joined in three directions around the sensor bag, and an insertion port for the sensor is formed in the remaining one direction.

[0034] Preferably, in at least a portion of a region in which the sensor pocket is formed in the overlapping region, the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric have different stretchability.

[0035] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for detecting a change in a disposable diaper.

[0036] The change detection method is preferably to arrange the sensor in the sensor pocket of the disposable diaper and to detect changes in the disposable diaper caused by the wearer's excretion using the sensor.

[0037] The present invention provides a disposable diaper having a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-back direction of the wearer and a transverse direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and including a crotch portion arranged in the crotch of the wearer, a ventral portion arranged on the ventral side of the wearer relative to the crotch portion, and a dorsal portion arranged on the dorsal side of the wearer relative to the crotch portion, and at least the crotch portion includes a liquid-retaining absorbent body and an outer layer body arranged on the side farther from the wearer's skin than the absorbent body.

[0038] It is preferable that a marking is formed on the non-skin facing surface of the disposable diaper.

[0039] The absorbent body preferably has a highly liquid-permeable portion in a portion overlapping with the mark, wherein the highly liquid-permeable portion has higher liquid permeability than portions located on both sides of the highly liquid-permeable portion in the transverse direction.

[0040] The disposable diaper preferably includes a sensor-mountable area on a portion of the non-skin-facing surface of the outer layer forming the outer surface of the crotch portion, including an area overlapping the absorbent body in a plan view.

[0041] The sensor preferably includes a portion capable of detecting the temperature of a portion of the disposable diaper that overlaps with the sensor when viewed from above.

[0042] Preferably, in the outer layer of the crotch portion, the thermal conductivity of the first portion having the sensor corresponding area provided on the non-skin facing surface is higher than the thermal conductivity of the second portion having no sensor corresponding area provided on the non-skin facing surface.

[0043] The present invention provides a disposable diaper having a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-back direction of the wearer and a transverse direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and including a crotch portion arranged in the crotch of the wearer, a ventral portion arranged on the ventral side of the wearer relative to the crotch portion, and a dorsal portion arranged on the dorsal side of the wearer relative to the crotch portion, and at least the crotch portion includes a liquid-retaining absorbent body and an outer layer body arranged on the side farther from the wearer's skin than the absorbent body.

[0044] It is preferable that a marking is formed on the non-skin facing surface of the disposable diaper.

[0045] The absorbent body preferably has a highly liquid-permeable portion in a portion overlapping with the mark, wherein the highly liquid-permeable portion has higher liquid permeability than portions located on both sides of the highly liquid-permeable portion in the transverse direction.

[0046] The disposable diaper preferably includes a sensor-mountable area on a portion of the non-skin-facing surface of the outer layer forming the outer surface of the crotch portion, including an area overlapping the absorbent body in a plan view.

[0047] The sensor preferably includes a portion capable of detecting the humidity of a portion of the disposable diaper that overlaps with the sensor when viewed from above.

[0048] Preferably, in the outer layer of the crotch portion, the first portion having the sensor corresponding area provided on the non-skin facing surface has higher air permeability than the second portion having no sensor corresponding area provided on the non-skin facing surface.

[0049] In other words, the air permeation resistance of the first portion is preferably lower than the air permeation resistance of the second portion.

[0050] The first part is preferably liquid-impermeable or poorly liquid-permeable.

[0051] The present invention provides an absorbent article comprising a top sheet located on a skin-facing side, an outer sheet located on a non-skin-facing side, and an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the outer sheet.

[0052] The outer sheet preferably comprises a first nonwoven fabric and a second nonwoven fabric arranged to partially or completely overlap the non-skin-facing side of the first nonwoven fabric, as the outermost component of the absorbent article.

[0053] Preferably, the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric are not joined in a portion of the overlapping region where the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric overlap, forming a sensor pocket in which a sensor for detecting changes in the absorbent article can be disposed.

[0054] The overlapping region preferably has fixed regions where the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric are joined in three directions around the sensor bag, and an insertion port for the sensor is formed in the remaining one direction.

[0055] Preferably, in at least a portion of a region in which the sensor pocket is formed in the overlapping region, the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric have different stretchability.

[0056] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for detecting changes in an absorbent article.

[0057] The change detection method preferably comprises disposing the sensor in the sensor pocket of the absorbent article and using the sensor to detect changes in the absorbent article caused by the wearer's excretion.

[0058] In addition, the present invention provides an absorbent article having a longitudinal direction extending from the wearer's ventral side through the crotch portion to the back side and a lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and is divided into a crotch portion arranged in the crotch portion, a ventral portion arranged on the wearer's ventral side relative to the crotch portion, and a dorsal portion arranged on the wearer's dorsal side relative to the crotch portion, and at least in the crotch portion includes an absorbent body for absorbing and retaining body fluids and an outer layer body arranged on the side farther from the wearer's skin than the absorbent body.

[0059] The absorbent article preferably includes a sensor-mountable region on a portion of the non-skin-facing surface of the outer layer forming the outer surface of the crotch portion, the region including a region overlapping with the absorbent body in a plan view.

[0060] The sensor preferably includes a portion capable of detecting the temperature of a portion of the absorbent article that overlaps with the sensor when viewed from above.

[0061] Preferably, in the outer layer of the crotch portion, the thermal conductivity of the first portion having the sensor corresponding area provided on the non-skin facing surface is higher than the thermal conductivity of the second portion having no sensor corresponding area provided on the non-skin facing surface.

[0062] Alternatively, the sensor preferably includes a portion capable of detecting the humidity of a portion of the absorbent article that overlaps with the sensor when viewed from above.

[0063] Preferably, in the outer layer of the crotch portion, the first portion having the sensor corresponding area provided on the non-skin facing surface has higher air permeability than the second portion having no sensor corresponding area provided on the non-skin facing surface.

[0064] In other words, the air permeation resistance of the first portion is preferably lower than the air permeation resistance of the second portion.

[0065] In one embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention, the first portion is liquid-impermeable or poorly liquid-permeable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0066] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing an unfolded disposable diaper as a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 2 It is a schematic representation Figure 1 The illustrated diaper is a developed plan view of the skin-facing side (inner surface side) in the developed and stretched state.

[0068] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 II-II cross-sectional view.

[0069] Figure 4 It is a schematic representation Figure 1 The diaper shown is a developed plan view of the non-skin-facing side (outer surface side) in the developed and stretched state.

[0070] Figure 5 (a) and (b) are disposable diapers having other embodiments of the absorbent body of the present invention. Figure 3 The corresponding figure.

[0071] Figure 6 (a) to (g) are plan views showing variations of the markings of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 7 (a) is a plan view showing a urination sensor and a mark, Figure 7 (b) is a plan view showing a state where the urination sensor is installed at the marked position.

[0073] Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing a disposable diaper according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 9 Observe from the side opposite to the skin Figure 8 The disposable diaper shown is in an unfolded state.

[0075] Figure 10 Observe from the side not facing the skin Figure 8 The disposable diaper shown is in an unfolded state.

[0076] Figure 11 It means composition Figure 8 A plan view of the base sheet, the first nonwoven fabric, and the second nonwoven fabric of the outer sheet of the disposable diaper shown.

[0077] Figure 12 yes Figure 10 A magnified view of the area around the sensor bag.

[0078] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 XX cross-sectional view, (a) is the cross-sectional view before the sensor is inserted, and (b) is the cross-sectional view after the sensor is inserted.

[0079] Figure 14 This is a disposable diaper showing a third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 The corresponding figure.

[0080] Figure 15 It is a perspective view showing a disposable diaper according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Figure 16 This is a disposable diaper showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 The corresponding figure.

[0082] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the main parts of a disposable diaper according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 12 The corresponding figure.

[0083] Figure 18 (a) and (b) show the main parts of the disposable diaper of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 The corresponding figure.

[0084] Figure 19 This is a disposable diaper showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 The corresponding figure.

[0085] Figure 20 It is a schematic perspective view of an unfolded disposable diaper according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 The illustrated diagram is a schematic developed plan view of the skin-facing side (inner body side) of the diaper in the developed and stretched state.

[0087] Figure 22 It is along Figure 21 The cross-sectional view along the thickness direction of line II is Figure 20 Schematic cross-section of the crotch portion of the diaper shown.

[0088] Figure 23 It is a schematic perspective view of a pants-type disposable diaper according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Figure 24 It will Figure 23 The illustrated developed plan view schematically shows a partially cutaway portion of the skin-facing side (inner layer side) of the diaper in the developed and stretched state.

[0090] Figure 25 It is along Figure 24 The cross-sectional view along the thickness direction of line II-II is Figure 20 Schematic cross-section of the crotch portion of the diaper shown.

[0091] Figure 26 (a)~ Figure 26 (f) is a schematic plan view of the disposable diaper according to the seventh or eighth embodiment of the present invention in the unfolded and stretched state, and is a view showing the arrangement pattern of the sensor corresponding areas.

[0092] Figure 27 (a)~ Figure 27 (g) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the crotch portion in the lateral direction and the thickness direction of the disposable diaper according to the seventh or eighth embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Figure 28 (a)~ Figure 28 (g) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the crotch portion in the lateral direction and the thickness direction of the disposable diaper according to the seventh or eighth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0094] When attaching a sensor to a disposable diaper to detect urination or other excretion, it is desirable to provide the diaper with a structure that maximizes sensor sensitivity and facilitates sensor attachment to a location that maximizes sensor sensitivity. The absorbent articles described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are insufficient in achieving high sensor sensitivity and accurate detection of urination or other excretion. The technology described in Patent Document 3 does not specifically address the attachment of external components, such as sensors, to the outer surface of a disposable diaper.

[0095] A first embodiment of the present invention relates to a disposable diaper that can easily attach an external member to the outer surface of the disposable diaper, and in which, when the external member is a sensor, the sensitivity of the sensor is excellent.

[0096] Furthermore, in the method of configuring a sensor on the skin-facing side of a disposable diaper as an absorbent article to detect urination or defecation, since the sensor comes into direct contact with excrement, it needs to be washed before reuse, which poses a hygiene problem.

[0097] Directly attaching the sensor to the non-skin-facing side of a disposable diaper carries the risk of the sensor detaching from the absorbent article due to vibrations caused by the wearer's movements and a decrease in adhesion with repeated use. The sensor attachment method disclosed in Patent Document 1 also carries the risk of the sensor detaching from the pocket due to the wearer's posture or movements. The techniques of Patent Documents 4 and 5 offer room for improvement in preventing accidental sensor detachment and facilitating sensor attachment.

[0098] Second to sixth embodiments of the present invention relate to absorbent articles and methods for detecting changes in absorbent articles that can solve the problems of the conventional techniques described above.

[0099] Furthermore, in order to accurately detect whether the wearer has defecated by incorporating temperature and humidity sensors into absorbent articles, high sensor sensitivity is essential. Achieving this high sensor sensitivity requires not only improving the detection performance of the sensor itself but also researching the absorbent articles in which the sensors are mounted to enhance their sensitivity. For example, research on absorbent articles involving temperature sensors mounted on the outer layer forming the outer surface of the absorbent article can consider reducing the outer layer's thickness to improve thermal conductivity, so that heat generated by excrement absorbed and retained by the absorbent article can be quickly transferred to the temperature sensor via the outer layer.

[0100] Furthermore, in addition to the technology described in Patent Document 9, technologies utilizing sensors for detecting temperature and humidity are also known. In order to accurately detect whether the wearer has excreted, the sensors must be highly sensitive. To achieve this high sensor sensitivity, not only must the detection performance of the sensors themselves be improved, but research is also needed to enhance the sensor's sensitivity in the absorbent articles in which they are mounted. Research on such absorbent articles, for example, involves mounting a humidity sensor on an outer layer forming the outer surface of the absorbent article. To ensure that moisture from excrement absorbed and retained by the absorbent article is quickly transferred to the humidity sensor via the outer layer, it is possible to consider reducing the thickness of the outer layer to improve breathability, that is, to reduce air flow resistance.

[0101] However, the outer layer, a component of an absorbent article located farther from the wearer's skin than the absorbent body, has the function of preventing excreta absorbed and retained by the absorbent body from leaking out. However, if the outer layer, which is supposed to provide this leakage-proofing function, is uniformly thin, this function is compromised, and there is a concern that excreta may permeate the outer layer in the thickness direction and leak out. Excreta leaking through the outer layer could potentially cause problems such as staining clothing worn over the absorbent article.

[0102] The seventh and eighth embodiments of the present invention provide a technique for reducing the risk of leakage of excrement and achieving higher sensitivity of the sensor in a sensor-attached absorbent article.

[0103] The absorbent article of the present invention will be described below based on its preferred embodiment. In the following drawings, the same or similar parts are marked with the same or similar reference numerals. The drawings are generally schematic, and the proportions of various dimensions may differ from the actual ones.

[0104] Figures 1 to 4 1 shows an unfolded disposable diaper (hereinafter simply referred to as a "diaper 100") as a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The figure shows a diaper 100 and a urination sensor 80 mounted on the diaper 100. For ease of explanation, Figure 4 The urination sensor 80 is shown in a see-through state.

[0105] Diapers 100 Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the outer surface S1 of the diaper has a mark 300. In this embodiment, the mark 300 indicates the attachment position of the external component. The external component in this embodiment is a urination sensor 80 for detecting urination of the wearer.

[0106] The mark 300 of this embodiment indicates the mounting position of the urination sensor 80 and is therefore visible on the outer surface S1 of the diaper before urination. That is, unlike indicators that change color upon contact with urine, the mark 300 is visible regardless of whether or not it has come into contact with urine. In other words, the mark 300 does not change color on the outer surface S1 of the diaper before and after urination.

[0107] The urination sensor 80 includes a sensor capable of detecting either or both of the temperature and humidity of the portion of the diaper 100 that overlaps the sensor 80 when viewed from above. Specifically, the urination sensor 80 includes either or both of a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. The urination sensor 80 may also include a sensor that detects targets other than temperature and humidity. For example, a urination sensor that utilizes changes in impedance caused by urination or an ultrasonic urination sensor may be used.

[0108] The urination sensor 80 of this embodiment includes a temperature sensor unit (not shown) for detecting temperature, a humidity sensor unit (not shown) for detecting humidity, a battery (not shown) for powering these sensor units, and a housing 81 that houses these units. The housing 81 includes a power button (not shown) for turning the urination sensor 80 on and off. More specifically, the housing 81 includes a sensor outer surface 82 that is located opposite the surface facing the diaper 100 (the surface that contacts the outer surface of the diaper 100) when the urination sensor 80 is attached to the diaper 100. The sensor outer surface 82 may also have an indicator function that changes its display color or blinking pattern depending on the operating state of the urination sensor 80. The urination sensor 80 is turned on by pressing the power button, and detects the temperature, humidity, and other physical or chemical changes of the diaper 100 at a predetermined period. The sensor transmits these changes to a communication terminal device (not shown) located at a distance from the urination sensor 80 at a predetermined period or at the time of detection. The communication terminal device is, for example, a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer.

[0109] The housing 81 has a predetermined thickness in order to house the sensor unit, etc. The shape of the urination sensor 80 is not particularly limited. Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, it has a generally circular shape when viewed from above, and is a curved shape with no corners.

[0110] The housing 81 has an engaging portion (not shown) on the surface that contacts the outer surface S1 of the diaper 100 when attached thereto, and is secured to the member constituting the outer surface S1 (the member forming the non-skin-facing surface of the outer sheet 26) via the engaging portion. The engaging portion can be, for example, the male member of a mechanical fastener.

[0111] The diaper 100 has an abdominal portion A disposed on the wearer's abdominal side when worn, a dorsal portion B disposed on the dorsal side, and a crotch portion C disposed in the crotch.

[0112] The diaper 100 has a longitudinal direction X, corresponding to the wearer's front-to-back direction, extending from the wearer's ventral side through the crotch region to the back; and a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. The longitudinal direction X runs from the wearer's front to the back when worn. In disposable diapers, this direction runs from the ventral portion A through the crotch region C to the back portion B. The transverse direction Y is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. The crotch region C has an excretion-facing portion (not shown) that faces the wearer's excretion region when the diaper 100 is worn.

[0113] The outline of the diaper 100 in the unfolded and stretched state of this embodiment is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the central portion in the longitudinal direction X is indented, and the two end portions in the longitudinal direction X protrude outward from the indented portion in the transverse direction Y. In other words, the diaper 100 of this embodiment has wide portions at both end portions in the longitudinal direction X, and a narrower indented portion between the two wide portions in the longitudinal direction X than the wide portions. Of the two wide portions, the portion that is disposed on the wearer's ventral side when the diaper 100 is worn is the ventral portion A, and the portion that is disposed on the wearer's dorsal side is the dorsal portion B (see FIG. Figure 2 ). In addition, the inwardly contracted portion is the crotch portion C.

[0114] In this specification, the so-called "expanded and stretched state" means that the diaper 100 (absorbent article) is spread out into a flat surface so as to be in an expanded state, and the elastic components of each part of the expanded diaper 100 (absorbent article) are stretched to make it stretched to the designed size (the same size as when it is spread out into a flat surface without any influence of the elastic components).

[0115] Furthermore, with respect to a diaper (absorbent article) or its component parts (e.g., the absorbent body 4), the "skin-facing surface" refers to the surface facing the wearer's skin when the diaper is worn, while the "non-skin-facing surface" refers to the surface facing away from the wearer's skin when the diaper is worn. Specifically, the skin-facing surface is the surface relatively close to the wearer's skin, while the non-skin-facing surface is the surface relatively far from the wearer's skin. Furthermore, the outer surface S1 of the diaper 100 is the non-skin-facing surface of the diaper 100.

[0116] The terms "when worn" and "worn state" refer to a state in which the diaper is worn while maintaining a proper wearing position.

[0117] Diapers 100 Figure 4 As shown, the front body portion F arranged on the front side (ventral side) of the wearer when worn and the back body portion R arranged on the back side (rear side) of the wearer are divided by the longitudinal center line CLx extending in the transverse direction. Figure 4 As shown, it is an imaginary straight line that divides the entire length of the diaper 100 in the longitudinal direction X into two equal parts and extends in the transverse direction Y. For the convenience of explanation, Figure 2 The front body F, the back body R and the longitudinal center line CLx are omitted in the figure.

[0118] like Figure 3 As shown, the diaper 100 includes a liquid-permeable top sheet 21 forming the skin-facing surface, a liquid-impermeable (including water-repellent) leak-proof sheet 23 forming the non-skin-facing surface, and a liquid-retaining absorbent body 4 disposed between the top sheet 21 and the leak-proof sheet 23. These components constitute the absorbent body 5. For ease of explanation, Figure 3 The following leak-proof flange 6 is shown in the figure in an upright state.

[0119] The topsheet 21 and the leak-proof sheet 23 are larger than the absorber 4 and extend outward from the outer periphery of the absorber 4. The longitudinal ends of the leak-proof sheet 23 in this embodiment substantially coincide with the longitudinal ends of the diaper 100.

[0120] The diaper 100 includes a liquid-retaining absorbent body 4 . Figure 2 The absorber 4 shown is arranged so that its longitudinal direction coincides with the longitudinal direction X of the diaper and extends from the ventral portion A through the crotch portion C to the dorsal portion B. The longitudinal side edges of the absorber 4 are located inward of the longitudinal side edges of the diaper 100.

[0121] The diaper 100 includes a pair of leakage-barrier cuffs 6 , 6 arranged along both side portions in the longitudinal direction X of the absorbent body 5 .

[0122] The leak-proof cuff 6 comprises a linear cuff-forming elastic member 61 and a water-repellent and breathable cuff-forming sheet 60. The leak-proof cuff 6 is raised toward the wearer's skin at least in the crotch portion C by contraction of the cuff-forming elastic member 61, thereby preventing urine and other excrement from flowing outward in the transverse direction Y.

[0123] Diapers 100 Figure 2 As shown, a pair of hook and loop fasteners 7, 7 are included at both side edges along the longitudinal direction X of the dorsal portion B. Each hook and loop fastener 7 is provided in a manner that extends outwardly from both side edges along the longitudinal direction X of the dorsal portion B to the transverse direction Y. One end of the transverse direction Y inner side of each hook and loop fastener 7 is fixed to a sheet component constituting the diaper 100, preferably fixed between each other of the sheet components constituting the diaper 100, for example, between the leak-proof sheet 23 and the outer layer sheet 26 (not shown).

[0124] The diaper 100 of this embodiment is provided with a fastening member 78 for detachably fastening the hook and loop fastening tape 7 on the non-skin facing surface of the ventral portion A. By fastening the hook and loop fastening tape 7 to the fastening member 78, a waist opening WH for the wearer's waist to pass through and a pair of leg openings LH, LH for the wearer's lower limbs to pass through are formed (see FIG. Figure 1 ).

[0125] The diaper 100 of this embodiment is as follows Figure 3 The diaper 100 includes an outer sheet 26, which is disposed on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body 5, that is, closer to the non-skin-facing side than the leak-proof sheet 23. The outer sheet 26 forms the outer surface S1 (non-skin-facing side) of the diaper 100. The outer sheet 26 of this embodiment extends from the ventral portion A through the crotch portion C to the dorsal portion B in the longitudinal direction X. The outer sheet 26 forms the outer shape of the diaper 100 in the unfolded and stretched state, and the peripheral edges of the outer sheet 26 form the contours of the ventral portion A, the crotch portion C, and the dorsal portion B.

[0126] The outer layer sheet 26 extends outward in the transverse direction Y from both side edges of the absorbent body 4 along the longitudinal direction X, and together with the leak-proof sheet 23 and the cuff-forming sheet 60 constituting the leak-proof cuff 6, forms the side flaps SF. The side flaps SF are formed by sheet members extending outward in the transverse direction Y from both side edges of the absorbent body 4 along the longitudinal direction X. The sheet members constituting the side flaps SF extend from the ventral portion A through the crotch portion C toward the dorsal portion B, and are joined together at the portions extending outward in the transverse direction Y from both side edges of the absorbent body 4 by known joining means such as adhesives, heat sealing, and ultrasonic sealing.

[0127] The outer sheet 26 forming the outer surface S1 (non-skin facing surface) of the diaper 100 is provided with a marking 300 (see Figure 1 ). In this embodiment, the mark 300 has a star-shaped planar shape.

[0128] In the diaper 100 of this embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, leg gather-forming elastic members 91 (hereinafter also referred to as "leg elastic members 91") are arranged in an extended state in the longitudinal direction X on both sides of the diaper 100, specifically, on each of the pair of side flaps SF and SF, through the crotch portion C. Contraction of the elastic members 91 forms leg gathers in the left and right portions around the wearer's legs, i.e., on both sides of the diaper 100 in the longitudinal direction X. In this embodiment, the leg elastic members 91 are fixed in an extended state along the longitudinal direction X between the cuff-forming sheet 60 and the leak-proof sheet 23 in the side flaps SF.

[0129] Furthermore, in the diaper 100 of this embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, an elastic member 92 for forming waist gathers (hereinafter referred to as "waist elastic member 92") is arranged in an extended state on the outside of the absorbent body 4 in the longitudinal direction X of the back portion B, extending in the transverse direction Y. Contraction of the elastic member 92 forms waist gathers in the portion arranged around the wearer's waist. In this embodiment, the waist elastic member 92 is fixed in an extended state along the transverse direction Y between the cuff-forming sheet 60 and the leak-proof sheet 23.

[0130] Absorber 4 Figure 3 As shown, it includes an absorbent core 40 having absorption performance and a liquid-permeable core sheet 41 covering the surface of the absorbent core.

[0131] The absorbent core 40 is composed of hydrophilic fibers such as wood pulp, hydrophilized synthetic fibers, and water-absorbent polymers. The absorbent core 40 has the ability to absorb and retain liquids such as urine.

[0132] Absorber 4 Figure 4As shown, the portion overlapping with the mark 300 includes a highly liquid-permeable portion 43 having a higher liquid permeability than the portions located on either side of the portion in the transverse direction Y. Hereinafter, the portions located on either side of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 in the transverse direction Y are also referred to as "lowly liquid-permeable portions 44." Specifically, the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 is located between the lowly liquid-permeable portions 44 in the transverse direction Y (between a pair of lowly liquid-permeable portions 44). "Higher liquid permeability" specifically means that the time required for liquids such as urine to pass through the absorbent body 4 from the skin-facing surface to the non-skin-facing surface is shorter, that is, the liquid permeation rate is faster.

[0133] The highly liquid-permeable portion 43 of this embodiment is a through-hole formed from the material forming the absorbent core 40. This allows the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 to be a portion of the material forming the absorbent core 40 with a lower basis weight than the other portions. "Other portions" refer to portions other than the highly liquid-permeable portion 43, such as the low liquid-permeable portion 44.

[0134] Figure 3 The highly liquid-permeable portion 43 shown has a space (hereinafter also referred to as a "liquid-permeable space") where the material forming the absorbent core 40 is missing or does not exist in the thickness direction of the absorbent core 40. In other words, the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 is a through hole that penetrates the absorbent core 40, and the gram weight of the material forming the absorbent core 40 is 0 g / m 2 As described below, the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 may be a low-weight portion of the material forming the absorbent core 40 instead of the through-hole.

[0135] Thus, the highly liquid-permeable portion 43, formed of the material forming the absorbent core 40, has a smaller thickness than the low liquid-permeable portion 44 due to the presence of liquid-permeable spaces. Specifically, the portion of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 that retains liquids such as urine in the thickness direction Z of the diaper 100 is smaller than that of the low liquid-permeable portion 44. As a result, liquid can pass through the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 more quickly than through the low liquid-permeable portion 44. Therefore, urine (liquid) excreted onto the topsheet 21 preferentially collects in the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 and readily passes through it to the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body 4.

[0136] Absorber 4 Figure 4As shown, the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 is provided in the portion overlapping with the marking 300 formed on the non-skin-facing surface of the diaper 100. In this embodiment, the marking 300 indicates the mounting position of the urination sensor 80 that detects urination by the wearer. When the urination sensor 80 is mounted at a position overlapping with the marking 300 on the non-skin-facing surface of the diaper 100, the urination sensor 80 overlaps with the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 when viewed from above. As described above, the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 has a higher liquid permeation rate for liquids such as urine than the less liquid-permeable portion 44. Therefore, the urination sensor 80 mounted at a position overlapping with the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 can quickly and accurately detect physical changes in temperature, humidity, and other factors caused by the liquid, thereby improving the sensor's sensitivity to urination. This allows for easy detection of each urination event, even if multiple urinations occur.

[0137] Furthermore, the mark 300 on the skin-facing surface (outer surface S1) of the diaper 100 serves as a marker, so that the attachment position of an external component such as the urination sensor 80 can be easily grasped, and the external component can be easily attached.

[0138] To further enhance the sensor's sensitivity to urination, the mark 300 is preferably located in the center of the crotch portion C in the transverse direction Y. This configuration allows the urination sensor 80 to be mounted closer to the wearer's excretion site, enabling more rapid urination detection. The center of the crotch portion C in the transverse direction Y is the area that would be located in the center if the crotch portion C's full width in the transverse direction Y were divided into three equal parts. The full width of the crotch portion C in the transverse direction Y is the maximum length of the crotch portion C in the transverse direction Y.

[0139] From the same viewpoint as described above, the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 is also preferably located at the center of the crotch portion C in the transverse direction Y, similar to the mark 300 .

[0140] From the same viewpoint as described above, the mark 300 is preferably located in the front body portion F, and more preferably located in the crotch portion C of the front body portion F.

[0141] From the same viewpoint as described above, the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 is preferably located in the front body portion F, more preferably in the crotch portion C of the front body portion F, similarly to the mark 300 .

[0142] The distance between the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 and the longitudinal center line CLx is preferably within the same range as the distance between the mark 300 and the longitudinal center line CLx.

[0143] From the viewpoint of further improving the liquid permeability and more reliably ensuring the liquid retention of the absorber 4, the size of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 is preferably within the following range.

[0144] The area of ​​the high liquid-permeable portion 43 is preferably 0.05% or more, more preferably 0.1% or more, relative to the area of ​​the absorbent core 40, and is preferably 10% or less, more preferably 7% or less. It is also preferably 0.05% or more and 10% or less, more preferably 0.1% or more and 7% or less.

[0145] The maximum length L1 of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 in the longitudinal direction X (see Figure 2 ) relative to the longitudinal X total length L5 of the absorbent core 40 (refer to Figure 2 )(L1 / L5) is preferably 1.5% or more, more preferably 3% or more, further preferably 20% or less, more preferably 10% or less, further preferably 1.5% or more and 20% or less, more preferably 3% or more and 10% or less.

[0146] The maximum length W1 of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 in the transverse direction Y (see Figure 2 ) with respect to the maximum length W5 of the transverse direction Y of the absorbent core 40 (refer to Figure 2 )(W1 / W5) is preferably 3% or more, more preferably 5% or more, further preferably 40% or less, more preferably 30% or less, further preferably 3% or more and 40% or less, more preferably 5% or more and 30% or less.

[0147] The maximum length L1 of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 in the longitudinal direction X (see Figure 2 ) is preferably greater than 15 mm, more preferably greater than 20 mm, further preferably less than 50 mm, more preferably less than 40 mm, further preferably greater than 15 mm and less than 50 mm, more preferably greater than 20 mm and less than 40 mm.

[0148] The maximum length W1 of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 in the transverse direction Y (see Figure 2 ) is preferably greater than 15 mm, more preferably greater than 20 mm, further preferably less than 50 mm, more preferably less than 40 mm, further preferably greater than 15 mm and less than 50 mm, more preferably greater than 20 mm and less than 40 mm.

[0149] The diaper 100 of this embodiment is as follows Figure 2 As shown, the absorbent core 40 has an elongated highly liquid-permeable portion 45, which is adjacent to the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 in the longitudinal direction X and extends in the longitudinal direction X. The elongated highly liquid-permeable portion 45 is a portion of the material forming the absorbent core 40 having a lower basis weight than the portions on both sides in the transverse direction Y and having a width in the transverse direction Y narrower than that of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43. The elongated highly liquid-permeable portion 45 is continuous with the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0150] Urine (liquid) passes through the highly liquid-permeable portions 43 more quickly than the low liquid-permeable portions 44. Therefore, urine excreted onto the topsheet 21 is preferentially concentrated in the highly liquid-permeable portions 43. Urine concentrated in these highly liquid-permeable portions 43 is dispersed in the longitudinal direction X along the narrow, elongated highly liquid-permeable portions 45. This allows the urine (liquid) in the highly liquid-permeable portions 43 to migrate rapidly along the plane of the absorbent core 4. This reduces the burden on the wearer's skin caused by localized urine concentration in the absorbent core 4, and allows for more accurate detection of urination after the second urination.

[0151] The elongated highly liquid-permeable portion 45 is a portion of the absorbent core forming material having a lower basis weight than portions other than the highly liquid-permeable portion 43. The elongated highly liquid-permeable portion 45 may be a portion where the forming material of the absorbent core 40 is not present, i.e., a through groove (slit), or a portion with a lower basis weight where the forming material is present.

[0152] From the perspective of further diffusing urine from the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 in the longitudinal direction X, the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion 45 preferably has a grammage of the material forming the absorbent core that is less than or equal to that of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43. For example, if the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 is a low-grammage portion containing the material forming the absorbent core, the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion 45 preferably has a grammage of the material forming the absorbent core that is less than that of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43. Furthermore, if the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 is a through-hole without a through-hole in the material forming the absorbent core, the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion 45 preferably also has no through-grooves in the through-groove in the through-groove.

[0153] In the case where the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 and the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion 45 are respectively low-weight portions in which the material forming the absorbent core exists, from the viewpoint of allowing the urine in the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 to diffuse more quickly in the longitudinal direction X, the gram weight of the material forming the absorbent core 40 in the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion 45 is preferably 80% or less, more preferably 70% or less, relative to the gram weight of the material forming the absorbent core 40 in the highly liquid-permeable portion 43, further preferably 0%, more preferably 10% or more, further preferably 0% or more and 80% or less, more preferably 10% or more and 70% or less.

[0154] From the same viewpoint as above, the basis weight of the material forming the absorbent core 40 in the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion 45 is preferably 0 g / m 2 More than 10 g / m 2 More than 300g / m 2 Below, more preferably 200g / m 2 Below, preferably 0g / m 2 Above and 300g / m 2 Below, more preferably 10g / m 2 Above and 200g / m 2 the following.

[0155] From the viewpoint of allowing urine in the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 to diffuse more rapidly in the longitudinal direction X, the total length L3 of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 and the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion 45 in the longitudinal direction X (see Figure 2 ) relative to the longitudinal X total length L5 of the absorbent core 40 (refer to Figure 2 )(L3 / L5) is preferably 1% or more, more preferably 5% or more, further preferably 95% or less, more preferably 90% or less, further preferably 1% or more and 95% or less, more preferably 5% or more and 90% or less.

[0156] From the viewpoint of further diffusing the urine collected in the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 through the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion 45, the width W3 (see Figure 2 ) relative to the maximum length W1 (W3 / W1) in the transverse direction Y of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43, is preferably 2% or more, more preferably 5% or more, further preferably 75% or less, more preferably 50% or less, further preferably 2% or more and 75% or less, more preferably 5% or more and 50% or less.

[0157] The absorbent core 4 of this embodiment includes the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion 45 on the front and rear sides (ventral portion A side and dorsal portion B side) of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 in the longitudinal direction X. Instead of this configuration, the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion 45 may be provided only on the ventral portion A side of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 in the longitudinal direction X, or the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion 45 may be provided only on the dorsal portion B side of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0158] From the perspective of further capturing excreted urine at positions other than the highly liquid-permeable portion 43, the length of the longitudinal direction X of the slender highly liquid-permeable portion 45b located on the dorsal portion B side with the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 as the boundary is preferably longer than the length of the longitudinal direction X of the slender highly liquid-permeable portion 45a located on the ventral portion A side with the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 as the boundary.

[0159] The planar shape of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 is not particularly limited, and may be the same shape as the shape of the mark 300 described below.

[0160] Figure 5 (a) and (b) show other embodiments of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 of the present invention. Figure 5 In (a) and (b) of the above Figures 1 to 4 The same components of the embodiment shown are marked with the same reference numerals. For points not specifically described in the figure, the above-mentioned Figures 1 to 4 Description of the illustrated embodiment.

[0161] Figure 5The highly liquid-permeable portion 43a shown in (a) is a low-weight portion in which the forming material of the absorbent core 40 exists. The highly liquid-permeable portion 43a is a bottomed groove having an opening on the side opposite to the skin. That is, the highly liquid-permeable portion 43a of this embodiment has a space (liquid permeable space) in a portion of the thickness direction Z of the absorbent core 40 in which the forming material of the absorbent core 40 does not exist. In the highly liquid-permeable portion 43a, the thickness D1 of the liquid permeable space [refer to Figure 5 (a)] relative to the thickness D of the absorbent core 40 [reference Figure 5 (a)] is preferably 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more, further preferably 80% or less, more preferably 70% or less, further preferably 5% or more and 80% or less, more preferably 10% or more and 70% or less.

[0162] In the case where the highly liquid-permeable portion 43a is a low-weight portion in which the material forming the absorbent core 40 exists, from the viewpoint of more reliably ensuring a higher liquid permeability than the low liquid-permeable portion 44, the gram weight of the material forming the absorbent core 40 in the highly liquid-permeable portion 43a is preferably 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more, and further preferably 80% or less, more preferably 70% or less, and further preferably 5% or more and 80% or less, more preferably 10% or more and 70% or less, relative to the gram weight of the material forming the absorbent core 40 in the low liquid-permeable portion 44.

[0163] From the same viewpoint as above, it is preferable that the basis weight of the material forming the absorbent core 40 in the highly liquid-permeable portion 43a is greater than 0 g / m 2 , more preferably 10g / m 2 More than, preferably 350g / m 2 Below, more preferably 250g / m 2 Below, more preferably greater than 0g / m 2 And 350g / m 2 Below, more preferably 10g / m 2 Above and 250g / m 2 the following.

[0164] When the highly liquid-permeable portion 43a is a low-weight portion containing the material forming the absorbent core 40, it is preferable that the highly liquid-permeable portion 43a not contain a water-absorbent polymer in order to further improve liquid permeability. This configuration can suppress the retention of urine in the highly liquid-permeable portion 43a, further improving liquid permeability and further increasing the sensor's sensitivity to temperature changes.

[0165] Figure 5 The highly liquid-permeable portion 43b shown in (b) and Figures 1 to 4In the illustrated embodiment, there are no through-holes in the material forming the absorbent core 40. In the highly liquid-permeable portion 43b, a space-retaining member 47 made of a non-absorbent material is disposed in the space (liquid-permeable space) where there is no material forming the absorbent core 40. In this embodiment, the liquid-permeable space in the highly liquid-permeable portion 43b is filled with the space-retaining member 47.

[0166] The space-retaining member 47 functions as a spacer that maintains the liquid-permeable space within the highly liquid-permeable portion 43b. In the highly liquid-permeable portion 43b of this embodiment, the space-retaining member 47 further maintains the liquid-permeable space, thereby more easily maintaining the liquid permeability of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43b. This effect is particularly effective when the absorbent body 4 includes a water-absorbent polymer in the low liquid-permeable portion 44. Even when the water-absorbent polymer swells after absorbing urine, the liquid-permeable space within the highly liquid-permeable portion 43b is well maintained. Furthermore, the space-retaining member 47 functions as a storage space for temporarily retaining urine, thereby easily increasing the time it takes for urine to be absorbed by the water-absorbent material of the low liquid-permeable portion 44, further enhancing the leakage suppression effect.

[0167] As the space retaining member 47, a structure formed of a non-water-absorbing material is used. The so-called "non-water-absorbing" includes not only not absorbing water at all, but also absorbing a small amount of water. In addition, the non-water-absorbing material can also be a material that can retain water. More specifically, the non-water-absorbing material refers to a material that retains less than 60% of its own weight in water. The amount of water retained relative to the self-weight of the non-water-absorbing material (water retention) can be calculated by the following method. The mass a of the non-water-absorbing material before immersion in water is measured as the "self-weight". Then, after the non-water-absorbing material is fully immersed in water, it is centrifuged (700 rpm, 10 minutes) and the mass b is measured. The mass c obtained by subtracting the mass a from the mass b is used as the water retention. The ratio of the mass c to the mass a is calculated as (c / a)×100, and this is used as the water retention relative to the self-weight of the non-water-absorbing material.

[0168] As the non-water-absorbing material, a fiber block containing hydrophobic fibers or a bulky nonwoven fabric can be used. When the non-water-absorbing material is formed of fibers such as hydrophobic fibers, the water-absorbing material can also be a material that does not absorb water itself but can retain water between the fibers.

[0169] A fiber mass is a fiber aggregate formed by integrating a plurality of fibers. The method for producing the fiber mass is not particularly limited. For example, it may be a fixed-shaped fiber aggregate, such as small pieces obtained by cutting a synthetic fiber sheet (thermoplastic fiber sheet) of a certain size with a cutting machine, or an amorphous fiber aggregate produced by crushing, pulling, or tearing a non-woven fabric mainly composed of thermoplastic fibers (synthetic fibers) into small pieces, such as the non-woven fabric sheet described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-301105. As an example of a fixed-shaped fiber aggregate, there can be exemplified a structure including two opposing basic surfaces and a skeleton surface connecting the two basic surfaces. This fiber aggregate (fiber mass) is obtained by cutting the fiber sheet as a raw material into a fixed shape. For example, when the fiber sheet as a raw material is cut into a dice shape, a plurality of rectangular-shaped fiber masses can be obtained. In this fiber block, the cut surface, i.e., the surface that contacts a cutting mechanism such as a cutter when the raw fiber sheet is cut, is generally referred to as the skeleton surface, while the uncut surface, i.e., the surface that does not contact the cutting mechanism, is referred to as the base surface. The base surface is the front and back surface of the fiber sheet (the surface perpendicular to the thickness direction Z) and is the largest surface among the multiple surfaces of the fiber block.

[0170] A bulky nonwoven fabric has a plurality of spaces defined by the fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric (portions where no fibers or other nonwoven fabric components exist), and the ratio of the spaces to the total volume of the nonwoven fabric (space occupancy) is 98% or more.

[0171] The bulky nonwoven fabric preferably has an apparent density of 0.01 g / cm2 from the viewpoint of more reliably ensuring the separator function. 3 More preferably, 0.02 g / cm 3 More than, and preferably 0.30 g / cm 3 Below, more preferably 0.20g / cm 3 Below, preferably 0.01 g / cm 3 Above and 0.30g / cm 3 Below, more preferably 0.02 g / cm 3 Above and 0.20g / cm 3 the following.

[0172] From the same point of view, the gram weight of the fluffy nonwoven fabric is preferably 15g / m 2 More than 20 g / m 2 More than, preferably 50g / m 2 Below, more preferably 40g / m 2 the following.

[0173] As the bulky nonwoven fabric, for example, air-through nonwoven fabric, air-laid nonwoven fabric, resin-bonded nonwoven fabric, etc. are suitable.

[0174] From the viewpoint of more reliably ensuring the spacer function, the apparent density and basis weight of the fiber block are preferably also within the same preferred ranges as those of the bulky nonwoven fabric.

[0175] As the hydrophobic fibers constituting the fiber mass or bulky nonwoven fabric, thermoplastic fibers (thermoplastic fibers) can be used. Examples of the constituent resins (thermoplastic resins) of the thermoplastic fibers include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene; polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate; polyamides such as nylon 6 and nylon 66; polyacrylic acid, polyalkyl methacrylate, polyvinyl chloride, and polyvinylidene chloride. These resins can be used alone or in combination.

[0176] The ratio of the space occupied by the space retaining member 47 in the liquid-permeable space of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43b is preferably 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more, further preferably 100% or less, more preferably 95% or less, further preferably 5% or more and 100% or less, more preferably 10% or more and 95% or less. This ratio is the ratio of the volume of the space retaining member 47 to the spatial volume of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43 (volume of the space retaining member 47 / spatial volume of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43).

[0177] In the Figures 1 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the mark 300 has a star shape. However, the shape of the mark 300 is not limited thereto. The mark 300 may be in the form of characters, graphics, symbols, or a combination thereof. The characters may be hiragana, katakana, uppercase English letters, lowercase English letters, Arabic numerals, Roman numerals, various foreign characters, combinations thereof, and may also be distorted characters. The top view of the mark 300 may also include a portion surrounded by a linear portion.

[0178] Figure 6 1 and 2 show various forms of the marking 300 of the present invention.

[0179] Mark 300 can be Figure 6 (a) shown in a perfect circle or ellipse, etc., can also be Figure 6 Alternatively, the mark 300 may be a polygonal shape such as a triangle, a quadrilateral, a pentagon, or a hexagon, or a regular polygon. If the mark 300 is a polygon, it may have curved corners or may not have curved corners.

[0180] Mark 300 can also be as Figure 6 (c) shows an animal pattern. Figure 6The mark 300 in (c) is the outline of an animal's face. In addition, it can also be a pattern of a vehicle, food, plant, animal, character, musical note, star, rainbow, cloud, musical instrument, etc.

[0181] Mark 300 can also be as Figure 6 As shown in (d), it is a combination of multiple patterns. Figure 6 The mark 300 of (d) is a combination of a black circle and an arrow arranged so as to point thereto.

[0182] Mark 300 can also be as Figure 6 As shown in (e) to (g), it is composed of multiple straight lines, curves and other lines. Figure 6 The symbol (e) is a cross formed by two straight lines intersecting each other. Figure 6 (f) and (g) are shapes in which two straight lines extending parallel to each other are arranged side by side.

[0183] Reference numeral 300 preferably indicates the location where external components such as the urination sensor 80 are mounted.

[0184] For example, Figure 6 In the case where the geometric mark 300 shown in (a) and (b) is similar in shape to the top view shape of the urination sensor 80, it is preferable that the center of gravity of the geometric mark 300 overlaps with the center of the urination sensor 80 so as to intuitively remind people of the installation of the urination sensor 80.

[0185] Figure 6 In the mark 300 shown in (d), it is preferable that the black circle overlaps with the center of the urination sensor 80 in order to intuitively remind people that the urination sensor 80 is attached.

[0186] Figure 6 In the mark 300 shown in (e), it is preferable that the intersection (intersection point) of the two straight lines overlaps with the center of the urination sensor 80 in order to intuitively remind people that the urination sensor 80 is mounted.

[0187] Figure 6 In (f) and (g), it is preferable that the two straight lines overlap with the edge of the urination sensor 80 so as to intuitively remind people that the urination sensor 80 is installed.

[0188] When the mark 300 indicates the mounting position of an external component such as the urination sensor 80, it is preferable to arrange the urination sensor 80 so that the mark 300 and the sensor outer surface portion 82 are integrated to form a predetermined pattern when the urination sensor 80 is mounted on the diaper 100 at the position of the mark 300. This configuration makes it easier to position the urination sensor 80 when mounting it, and allows the urination sensor 80 to be mounted at an appropriate position and angle for achieving good sensor sensitivity. Furthermore, even if the urination sensor 80 is misaligned when mounted on the diaper 100, the misalignment can be easily detected. Figure 7 An example of the above structure is shown in (a) and (b). Figure 7 (a) shows a star-shaped mark 300 and a urination sensor 80 in which the sensor outer surface portion 82 is formed with portions excluding the corners of the star. Figure 7 (b) shows Figure 7 The mark 300 shown in (a) overlaps the urination sensor 80. When the urination sensor 80 is attached to the diaper 100 at the position of the mark 300, the urination sensor 80 overlaps the mark 300, and the pattern of the mark 300 is integrated with the pattern of the sensor outer surface 82. As a result, the mark 300 and the sensor outer surface 82 form a star-shaped pattern.

[0189] The above structure is not limited to Figure 7 The embodiments shown in (a) and (b) of FIG. For example, the mark 300 may be a pattern of an animal's face, and the pattern on the sensor outer surface 82 may be a pattern representing the animal's facial expression. This combination is configured such that the urination sensor 80 is superimposed on the mark 300, and the pattern of the mark 300 and the pattern on the sensor outer surface 82 are integrated, thereby changing the animal's facial expression.

[0190] The area of ​​the mark 300 is not particularly limited. The area of ​​the mark 300 may be larger or smaller than the highly liquid-permeable portion 43. Alternatively, the area of ​​the mark 300 may be the same as that of the highly liquid-permeable portion 43.

[0191] The mark 300 can be formed on the outer surface S1 (non-skin facing side) of the diaper 100 at a position overlapping with the high liquid-permeable portion 43 by printing the ink used for disposable diapers in the prior art by a known method such as flexographic printing, gravure printing, or inkjet printing.

[0192] The materials forming each part of the diaper in the above embodiment will be described in detail. The topsheet 21, the leakage-barrier sheet 23, and the absorber 4 are not particularly limited, and materials conventionally used for absorbent articles can be used for each.

[0193] As the surface sheet 21, for example, a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric, an apertured film, or the like can be used.

[0194] As the leakage-barrier sheet 23 , a liquid-impermeable resin film, a laminate of a resin film and a nonwoven fabric, or the like can be used.

[0195] As the forming material of the absorbent core 40, the above-mentioned hydrophilic fibers and water-absorbent polymers can be used. That is, as the absorbent core 40, a material formed by an aggregate of hydrophilic fibers or a material formed by retaining a water-absorbent polymer in the aggregate can be used. In addition, as the core sheet 41, the same material as the front sheet 21 can be used. For example, as the absorbent body 4, an absorbent core composed of a fiber accumulation body of a fiber material such as pulp fiber, or an absorbent core composed of a mixed fiber accumulation body of superabsorbent polymer particles and fiber materials such as pulp fiber, and a structure covered with a core accumulation body formed of thin paper or a liquid-permeable non-woven fabric can be used.

[0196] The outer layer sheet 26 and the cuff-forming sheet 60 can be made of, for example, nonwoven fabrics produced by various methods, such as spunbond nonwoven fabrics, air-through nonwoven fabrics, spunlace nonwoven fabrics, hot-rolled nonwoven fabrics, meltblown nonwoven fabrics, or laminated nonwoven fabrics thereof. The outer layer sheet can be composed of a single sheet or, instead of this structure, a laminated body of multiple sheets. Alternatively, a water-repellent nonwoven fabric can be used as the cuff-forming sheet 60.

[0197] The elastic components such as the elastic component 61, the leg elastic component 91, and the waist elastic component 92 of the leak-proof cuff 6 are not particularly limited, and various known elastic materials commonly used in such absorbent articles can be used. Examples of the elastic material include synthetic rubbers such as styrene-butadiene, butadiene, isoprene, and chloroprene rubber, natural rubber, EVA, stretchable polyolefins, and polyurethanes. The elastic components can be in the form of linear (stranded rubber, etc.) or ribbon (flat rubber, etc.) materials with rectangular, square, circular, or polygonal cross-sections, or multi-filament linear materials.

[0198] The materials forming the hook and loop fastener 7 and the fastening member 78 are not particularly limited; any material commonly used for unfolded disposable diapers can be used. For example, the hook and loop fastener 7 can be made of a tape substrate having a male material of a mechanical fastener, and the fastening member 78 can be made of a base material of a mechanical fastener. The base material can be a fiber sheet capable of engaging with the male material, such as a woven fabric or a nonwoven fabric.

[0199] As mentioned above, although the 1st embodiment of this invention was demonstrated based on its preferable embodiment, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment.

[0200] For example, in the diaper 100 of the first embodiment, the outer surface S1 is formed by the outer sheet 26 , but the outer surface S1 may be formed by the leakage-barrier sheet 23 .

[0201] In addition, the disposable diaper is a so-called unfolded disposable diaper with a hook and loop fastener, but can also be a pants type disposable diaper. In addition, it can be a diaper for infants or a diaper for adults.

[0202] Furthermore, the urination sensor 80 of the first embodiment has a power button, but may not have a power button. As an example of this embodiment, a rechargeable urination sensor 80 can be exemplified, which starts operating when charging is terminated.

[0203] Next, the absorbent articles (second to sixth embodiments) of the present invention will be described.

[0204] A disposable diaper 101 (hereinafter also referred to as diaper 101) as a second embodiment of the present invention is as follows: Figure 8 Shown are shorts-style disposable diapers.

[0205] Diapers 101 Figure 9 As shown, the diaper 101 includes a top sheet 21 located on the skin-facing side, a multi-layered outer sheet 18 located on the non-skin-facing side, and an absorbent body 4 disposed between the top sheet 21 and the outer sheet 18. More specifically, the diaper includes a liquid-permeable top sheet 21, a liquid-impermeable or water-repellent leak-proof sheet 23, and a liquid-retaining absorbent body 4 disposed between the top sheet 21 and the leak-proof sheet 23. The diaper 101 of this embodiment includes: an absorbent body 5 formed by laminating and integrating the top sheet 21, the absorbent body 4, and the leak-proof sheet 23 in this order; and an outer body 17 located on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body 5 and formed by the outer sheet 18 to which the absorbent body 5 is fixed.

[0206] The diaper 101 of this embodiment is a shorts-type disposable diaper. The side edges of the abdominal portion A and the side edges of the dorsal portion B are joined to each other, thereby forming a pair of side seals S, 16, a waist opening WH and a pair of leg openings LH, LH.

[0207] The outer sheet 18 forming the outer body 17 of the diaper 101 has a multi-layer structure in which two or more nonwoven fabrics are stacked in the thickness direction. Figure 11 As shown, the absorbent article comprises a base sheet 11, a first nonwoven fabric 12 disposed on the non-skin facing side of the base sheet 11, and a second nonwoven fabric 13 disposed on the non-skin facing side of the first nonwoven fabric 12 in a state partially overlapping the first nonwoven fabric 12. The first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 are both outermost components of the absorbent article.

[0208] More specifically, the first nonwoven fabric 12 has a portion disposed in the ventral portion A and a portion disposed in the crotch portion C, but has no portion disposed in the dorsal portion B. The second nonwoven fabric 13 has a portion disposed in the dorsal portion B and a portion disposed in the crotch portion C, but has no portion disposed in the ventral portion A. The strip-shaped end region 13a on the ventral portion A side of the second nonwoven fabric 13 overlaps the non-skin-facing side of the strip-shaped end region 12a on the dorsal portion B side of the first nonwoven fabric 12. The overlapping portion of the first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 constitutes an overlapping region 14.

[0209] In this embodiment, the overlapping region 14 is a region between the edge 12 d of the first nonwoven fabric 12 on the back portion B side and the edge 13 u of the second nonwoven fabric 13 on the belly portion A side in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper.

[0210] The skin-facing surface is the surface that faces the wearer's skin when worn, and the non-skin-facing surface is the surface that faces the side opposite to the wearer's skin when worn. The first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 may have a portion folded back toward the skin-facing side of the outer body 17 at the peripheral edge of the waist opening WH.

[0211] like Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, in a portion of the overlapping region 14, there is a portion where the first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 are not joined. This portion becomes a sensor pocket 15 in which a sensor 8 for detecting changes in the diaper 101 (absorbent article) can be arranged. Figure 12 As shown, in a top view (plan view) of the overlapping region 14, the sensor bag 15 has fixed areas E1 to E3 formed by the bonding between the first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 in three directions around it. A sensor insertion opening 15a is formed in the remaining direction. The insertion opening 15a extends and opens in a direction perpendicular to the direction (insertion direction) in which the sensor 8 is inserted into the sensor bag 15 through the insertion opening 15a. In this embodiment, the perpendicular direction coincides with the transverse direction Y. In other words, the insertion opening 15a extends in the transverse direction Y.

[0212] In this embodiment, the three directions are the left and right directions and the dorsal direction B when viewed from the center of the sensor bag 15. The remaining direction is the ventral direction A when viewed from the center of the sensor bag 15. Furthermore, the skin-facing surface of the first nonwoven fabric 12 is adhesively bonded to the non-skin-facing surface of the base sheet 11. Meanwhile, the second nonwoven fabric 13 is adhesively bonded to the non-skin-facing surface of the first nonwoven fabric 12 in fixed regions E1 to E3 within the overlap region 14. Furthermore, the second nonwoven fabric 13 is adhesively bonded to the non-skin-facing surface of the base sheet 11 outside of the overlap region 14. The adhesive can be applied seamlessly across the entire surface, or it can be applied in a pattern such as a spiral pattern, a dot pattern, or an Ω-shaped pattern. The adhesive is not particularly limited; conventional adhesives for this type of article can be used, with hot-melt adhesives being preferred. The adhesive for fixing the second nonwoven fabric 13 is preferably used in such a way that the bonding strength of the portion adjacent to the sensor bag 15 is stronger than that of the other portions by varying the type and basis weight of the adhesive used.

[0213] In this embodiment, the first nonwoven fabric 12 is a non-stretchable nonwoven fabric, and the second nonwoven fabric 13 is a stretchable nonwoven fabric. Therefore, in the entire region of the overlapping region 14 where the sensor pocket 15 is formed, the second nonwoven fabric 13 has a higher stretchability than the first nonwoven fabric 12. Stretchability refers to the property of expanding when stretched and contracting when released from the stretched state. The closer the contraction to the pre-stretched length, the higher the stretchability.

[0214] Stretchable nonwoven fabrics are stretchable. "Stretchable" here means that the maximum elongation in the stretching direction is preferably 50% or greater. "Maximum elongation" refers to the elongation when the object being measured is stretched to the point where it can no longer be stretched (the length at which the material is about to break), and is calculated using the following formula (1).

[0215] Maximum elongation (%) = {(length after elongation - length before elongation) / length before elongation} × 100% ... (1)

[0216] The maximum elongation can be measured as follows. In the natural state of the measurement object (the contracted state of the elastic component), mark the center of the measurement object in the expansion and contraction direction with marks spaced 50 mm apart. The interval between the marks is measured and used as the "length before extension". Next, the measurement object is extended in the expansion and contraction direction to the extent that the material of the measurement object is about to break. The interval between the marks in the extended state is measured and used as the "length after extension". These measured values ​​are then substituted into the formula (1) to calculate the maximum elongation. Alternatively, the measurement object can be cut out from the absorbent article and used as a measurement sample for measurement.

[0217] The stretch nonwoven fabric preferably has a maximum elongation of 50% or more and an elongation recovery of 70% or more at least in the transverse direction Y. The elongation recovery of the stretch nonwoven fabric is measured by the following measurement method.

[0218] <Method for measuring elongation recovery>

[0219] A sample piece 50 mm long and 25 mm wide was cut from the nonwoven fabric to be measured. The sample piece was fixed between the chucks (chuck spacing K0) of a tensile testing machine (Orientec Co., Ltd., "Tensilon" RTC-1150A) in a non-stretched and non-relaxed state. The chucks were separated at a tensile speed of 300 mm / min to stretch the sample piece to a length K2 (= K0 × 2) at 100% elongation. The distance between the chucks was then narrowed at the same rate as the stretching speed. The length of the sample piece at the point where the tensile stress reached zero was taken as the length after recovery from elongation, K1. The recovery rate of the nonwoven fabric to 100% elongation was calculated using the following formula.

[0220] Elongation recovery rate at 100% elongation (%) = [(K2-K1) / (K2-K0)] × 100

[0221] As stretchable nonwoven fabrics, for example, suitable ones include (1) a stretchable nonwoven fabric in which a stretchable fiber layer is integrated with both sides or one side of an elastic fiber layer, (2) a stretchable nonwoven fabric in which a stretchable fiber layer is integrated with both sides or one side of a mesh elastic sheet, (3) a stretchable nonwoven fabric in which a stretchable fiber layer is integrated with both sides or one side of an elastic sheet formed by an elastic film, (4) a stretchable nonwoven fabric in which a plurality of elastic threads arranged in a manner extending in one direction without crossing each other are integrated with a stretchable fiber layer, etc.

[0222] The “extensible fiber layer” referred to here includes not only a fiber layer that can be extended before integration with an elastic material, but also a fiber layer that can be extended by mechanical processing or the like after integration with an elastic material.

[0223] Examples of methods for integrating the elastic fiber layer and the stretchable fiber layer include laminating them and entangling the fibers using water entanglement or hot air, or joining them using heat embossing, adhesives, or ultrasonic techniques. The stretchable nonwoven fabric can be produced, for example, according to the method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-61743.

[0224] The nonwoven fabric with lower stretchability among the first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 may be a stretchable nonwoven fabric or a non-stretchable nonwoven fabric. In this embodiment, the first nonwoven fabric 12, which is a non-stretchable nonwoven fabric, corresponds to this. The maximum elongation in the transverse direction Y of the non-stretchable nonwoven fabric is usually less than 50%, more preferably less than 40%, and may also be 0%. As the non-stretchable nonwoven fabric, nonwoven fabrics produced by various production methods can be used. Examples of such nonwoven fabrics include spunbond nonwoven fabrics, hot air nonwoven fabrics, and needle-punched nonwoven fabrics. The non-stretchable nonwoven fabric may be a single-layer structure or a laminated structure consisting of two or more layers.

[0225] From the perspective of making it easier to insert the sensor 8 and more stably hold the sensor 8 when pressure is applied to the sensor 8 as described below, at least one of the first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 in the overlapping region 14 is preferably stretchable in the direction in which the insertion opening 15a extends. For example, in this embodiment, the stretchable nonwoven fabric used as the second nonwoven fabric 13 is preferably stretchable at least in the transverse direction Y, which is a direction parallel to the direction in which the insertion opening 15a extends.

[0226] The stretchable nonwoven fabric may have stretchability in the transverse direction Y, but may also have stretchability in directions other than the transverse direction Y. The same applies when a stretchable nonwoven fabric is used as the first nonwoven fabric 12 instead of the second nonwoven fabric 13 .

[0227] The first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 have different stretchability over at least a portion, and preferably over the entire region, of the area where the sensor pocket 15 is formed. This allows the sensor 8, inserted into the sensor pocket 15 through the insertion port 15a, to be pressurized between the first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 and stably retained within the sensor pocket 15. It is preferable that the second nonwoven fabric 13, which is positioned outside the sensor pocket 15 in the thickness direction, has a higher stretchability than the first nonwoven fabric 12, which is positioned inside. This facilitates retaining the sensor 8 in the pressurized state within the sensor pocket 15, and is therefore preferable.

[0228] As an embodiment in which the first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 have different stretchability in a portion of the region where the sensor pocket 15 is formed, for example, the following embodiment can be cited: the maximum depth L15 (see FIG. 15 ) of the sensor pocket 15 is set to Figure 12 ) is divided into an area 15b on the insertion port 15a side and an area 15c on the insertion direction depth side, the first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 have different stretch properties only in the area 15b on the insertion port 15a side.

[0229] According to the diaper 101 of this embodiment, a sensor pocket 15 is formed in the overlapping region 14 between the first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13, which are the outermost components of the absorbent article. Unlike sensors placed on the skin-facing side of the diaper, the sensor 8 does not come into direct contact with excrement, thus minimizing hygiene and malfunction issues and making the sensor 8 easily reusable. Furthermore, by varying the stretchability of the first and second nonwoven fabrics 12, 13, the sensor 8 is stably held between the first and second nonwoven fabrics 12, 13. This achieves both ease of sensor insertion and resistance to sensor 8 falling out of the sensor pocket 15 due to the wearer's movements or changes in posture. Furthermore, by locating the sensor pocket 15 in a preferred location based on the physical properties to be measured by the sensor 8, the sensor 8 can be easily positioned.

[0230] As described above, according to the diaper 101 of this embodiment, the sensor can be easily reused, the sensor can be easily arranged at an appropriate position, and the sensor can be prevented from falling off.

[0231] In the second embodiment, the sensor 8 is not particularly limited, and any known sensor capable of detecting changes occurring in the absorbent article can be used. The changes occurring in the absorbent article are preferably changes caused by the wearer's excretion. Examples include a temperature sensor capable of measuring a temperature rise due to urination, a humidity sensor capable of measuring a humidity rise due to urination, a sensor capable of measuring impedance changes due to urination, and an odor sensor capable of measuring odors generated by urination or defecation. These sensors may also be capable of measuring two or more physical properties. For example, the temperature sensor and humidity sensor may be capable of measuring both temperature and humidity.

[0232] When a temperature sensor is used, for example, the sensor can be placed in a sensor pocket to monitor the temperature of the diaper being worn. A temperature rise on the first nonwoven fabric 12 side caused by urination by the wearer is interpreted as urination, thereby detecting urination by the wearer and facilitating the decision of when to change the diaper 101. When a humidity sensor is used, for example, the sensor can be placed in a sensor pocket to monitor the humidity of the diaper being worn. A temperature rise caused by urination by the wearer is interpreted as urination, thereby detecting urination by the wearer. When a humidity sensor is used, the leak-proof sheet 23 and the outermost first nonwoven fabric 12 are preferably moisture permeable.

[0233] The sensor pocket 15 is preferably large enough to accommodate the entire sensor 8. This allows the entire sensor 8 to be stored without being exposed to the outside, thereby preventing the wearer from directly contacting the sensor 8 and causing the sensor to fall out of the absorbent article.

[0234] The maximum depth L15 of the sensor bag 15 is preferably 40 mm or more, more preferably 45 mm or more, further preferably 100 mm or less, more preferably 80 mm or less, further preferably 40 mm or more and 100 mm or less, more preferably 45 mm or more and 80 mm or less.

[0235] In the diaper 101 of this embodiment, the second nonwoven fabric 13 is stretchable throughout its entire area, and the second nonwoven fabric 13 , which is at least one of the first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 in the overlapping region 14 , is stretchable in an area larger than the size of the sensor 8 .

[0236] By adopting this structure, the portion where the sensor 8 is arranged can be given the ability to follow the various postures and movements of the wearer, and the sensor 8 to be installed can be prevented from shifting from the installation position.

[0237] The same effect can be achieved when the first non-woven fabric 12 is stretchable in an area larger than the size of the sensor 8 instead of the second non-woven fabric 13. However, from the perspective of easily inserting the sensor 8 into the bag, it is preferable that the second non-woven fabric 13 located outside the sensor bag 15 is stretchable.

[0238] In the overlapping region 14 of the diaper 101 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown, of the three fixed regions E1 to E3 located around the sensor pocket 15, at least the fixed regions E1 and E2 located on either side of the sensor pocket 15 also extend beyond the ends of the overlapping region 14. This allows the sensor 8 to be positioned at a narrower, predetermined position, thereby improving the accuracy of the sensor 8 in measuring the physical properties of the absorbent article and detecting changes in the absorbent article.

[0239] From the same perspective, in a top view of the overlapping region 14, the area of ​​the sensor pocket 15 is preferably less than half of the area of ​​the overlapping region 14, i.e., less than 50%, and more preferably less than 40%. Furthermore, the area of ​​the sensor pocket 15 is preferably not less than 5%, and more preferably not less than 10%, of the area of ​​the overlapping region 14. Figure 10 The overlapping region 14 shown is continuously present over the entire region of the outer body 17 in the crotch portion C in the transverse direction Y, but may not reach both ends of the crotch portion C in the transverse direction Y.

[0240] To accurately obtain information about changes caused by urination, the sensor 8 is preferably installed in an area overlapping the diaper's urination area. The urination area of ​​the diaper refers to the area within the absorbent body 4. To more accurately detect changes in temperature, humidity, and other factors caused by urination, the sensor 8 is preferably installed in the crotch portion C, where the absorbent body 4 is located, and more preferably in the central area of ​​the crotch portion C in the transverse direction Y.

[0241] In the shorts-type diaper 1010, the crotch portion C is the area located between the left and right leg openings. In diapers other than the shorts-type diapers, the crotch portion C is the central three areas when the diaper is divided into five areas by dividing the entire longitudinal length X of the diaper in a flat state into five equal parts.

[0242] The central area C1 of the diaper or crotch in the transverse direction Y is as follows Figure 19 As shown, the central area C1 (refer to FIG. 1 ) is a region where the diaper is divided into three parts by two parallel straight lines extending in the longitudinal direction X, with the length of the crotch portion C in the transverse direction Y being divided into three equal parts. Figure 19 ).

[0243] From the perspective of arranging the sensor 8 at a position where it can accurately obtain information on changes due to urination, the sensor pocket 15 is preferably formed at a portion overlapping the absorber 4 , that is, the aforementioned urination portion.

[0244] The diaper 101 of this embodiment is as follows Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, waist elastic members 92 for forming waist gathers are arranged around the periphery of the waist opening WH, and leg elastic members 91 for forming leg gathers are arranged around the periphery of the leg openings LH.

[0245] In the diaper 101 of this embodiment, as Figure 13 As shown, an intermediate sheet 19 having a shape substantially identical to that of the base sheet 11 is disposed between the leak-proof sheet 23 and the base sheet 11. The waist elastic members 92 and the leg elastic members 91 may be fixed in a stretched state between the base sheet 11 and the intermediate sheet 19 by means of an adhesive or the like disposed between the two sheets 11 and 19. Furthermore, if the intermediate sheet 19 is not present, the waist elastic members 92 and the leg elastic members 91 may be fixed in a stretched state between the base sheet 11 and the first nonwoven fabric 12 or the second nonwoven fabric 13 by means of an adhesive or the like disposed between the two sheets. Various known sheet materials may be used as the base sheet 11 and the intermediate sheet 19, preferably nonwoven fabrics. For example, the same non-stretchable nonwoven fabric as that used for the less stretchable of the first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 may be used.

[0246] Next, third to sixth embodiments of the absorbent article of the present invention will be described.

[0247] Regarding the third to sixth embodiments, the differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described. Regarding the same points, the same reference numerals will be given to the same components and the description will be omitted. Regarding the points not particularly described in the third to sixth embodiments, including the preferred configuration, the description of the second embodiment can be applied as appropriate.

[0248] like Figure 14 As shown, in the diaper 101A of the third embodiment, a first nonwoven fabric 12 formed of a non-stretch nonwoven fabric is arranged from the back portion B to a portion of the crotch portion C, and a second nonwoven fabric 13 formed of a stretch nonwoven fabric is arranged from the ventral portion A to a portion of the crotch portion C. In the crotch portion C, the end region of the second nonwoven fabric 13 on the back portion B side overlaps with the non-skin-facing side of the end region 12a on the ventral portion A side of the first nonwoven fabric 12. The overlapping portion of the first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 constitutes an overlapping region 14.

[0249] A sensor pocket 15 is formed in the center of the overlapping area 14 in the horizontal direction Y. Regarding the structure and shape of the sensor pocket 15 and the three surrounding fixing areas E1 to E3, the position of the pocket insertion port 15a and the position of the fixing area E3 located on the deep side of the insertion direction of the sensor pocket 15 are reversed in the vertical direction X. That is, Figure 14 As shown, in a top view of the overlapping region 14, as viewed from the center of the sensor bag 15, there are fixed regions E1 to E3 where the first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 are joined in three directions: the left and right directions and the ventral direction A. As viewed from the center of the sensor bag 15 in the remaining direction, a sensor insertion port 15a is formed in the dorsal direction B. Except for this point, the second embodiment is the same as the second embodiment.

[0250] In the overlapping region 14 of the diaper 101A of the third embodiment, the second nonwoven fabric 13 located outside the sensor pocket 15 in the thickness direction of the diaper has higher stretchability than the first nonwoven fabric 12 located inside the sensor pocket 15 .

[0251] The diaper 101A of the third embodiment also has the sensor pocket 15 like the diaper 101 of the second embodiment, and the first non-woven fabric 12 and the second non-woven fabric 13 have different stretchability across the entire region where the sensor pocket 15 is formed, thereby achieving the same effect as the diaper 101 of the second embodiment.

[0252] like Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, in the diaper 101B of the fourth embodiment, the first nonwoven fabric 12 formed of a non-stretchable nonwoven fabric is arranged on one side in the transverse direction Y ( Figure 16 The second nonwoven fabric 13 formed of a stretchable nonwoven fabric is arranged on the other side of the horizontal direction Y ( Figure 16 The end region on the transverse center side of the second nonwoven fabric 13 overlaps the non-skin-facing side of the end region on the transverse center side of the first nonwoven fabric 12, and the overlapping portion of the first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 forms an overlapping region 14.

[0253] A sensor pocket 15 is formed in the crotch portion C near the ventral portion A. Figure 16 As shown, the three-directional fixing areas E1 to E3 surrounding the sensor bag 15 include fixing areas E1 and E2 located above and below the sensor bag 15, and a fixing area E3 formed at one end of the horizontal direction Y of the overlapping area 14, and a sensor insertion port 15a is formed at the other end of the horizontal direction Y of the overlapping area 14.

[0254] From the perspective of making it easier to insert the sensor 8 and to more stably hold the sensor 8 when pressurized as described below, in the diaper 101B of the fourth embodiment, the stretchable nonwoven fabric used as the second nonwoven fabric 13 is preferably also stretchable at least in the direction parallel to the extension direction of the sensor insertion port 15a, that is, in the longitudinal direction X.

[0255] In the overlapping region 14 of the diaper 101B of the fourth embodiment, the second nonwoven fabric 13 located outside the sensor pocket 15 in the thickness direction of the diaper has higher stretchability than the first nonwoven fabric 12 located inside the sensor pocket 15 .

[0256] The diaper 101B of the fourth embodiment also has the sensor pocket 15 as in the diaper 101 of the second embodiment, and the first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 have different stretchability across the entire region where the sensor pocket 15 is formed, thereby achieving the same effects as the diaper 101 of the second embodiment. Figure 15 and Figure 16 In the example shown, the first non-woven fabric 12 and the second non-woven fabric 13 are continuously arranged in the ventral part A, the crotch part C and the dorsal part B, respectively, and the overlapping area 14 is also continuously formed in the ventral part A, the crotch part C and the dorsal part B, but instead of this structure, the first non-woven fabric 12 and the second non-woven fabric 13 forming the overlapping area 14 can be arranged only in the crotch part C.

[0257] The diaper 101 of the second embodiment is as follows Figure 10As shown, the insertion port 15a of the sensor in the sensor bag 15 is formed on the ventral part A side in the overlapping area 14, so the insertion direction of the sensor 8 is from the upper side to the lower side of the wearer, and the wearer and the measurer who measures the characteristics of the diaper such as temperature and humidity based on the sensor can easily insert the sensor 8, and the sensor 8 is not easy to fall due to gravity in many states such as standing and sitting.

[0258] The diaper 101A of the third embodiment is as follows Figure 14 As shown, the sensor insertion port 15 a in the sensor pocket 15 is formed on the back portion B side in the overlapping region 14 , so the wearer is less likely to visually recognize the sensor 8 disposed in the sensor pocket 15 .

[0259] Therefore, it is possible to prevent the wearer from feeling stressed by the presence of the sensor 8 and to prevent the wearer from removing the sensor 8 while the sensor is monitoring urination or the like.

[0260] The diaper 101B of the fourth embodiment is as follows Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the sensor insertion port 15a of the sensor bag 15 is formed on one end side of the transverse direction Y in the overlapping area 14, so that when the wearer is lying down, especially in a horizontal position or a side position, it is easy to put the sensor 8 into or take it out of the sensor bag 15.

[0261] In the first to fourth embodiments described above, a stretchable nonwoven fabric is used as the second nonwoven fabric 13 disposed on the outer side in the thickness direction of the diaper in the overlapping region 14. Thus, the stretchability of the first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 are different from each other in the region where the sensor pocket 15 is formed in the overlapping region 14. However, this structure may be substituted, for example Figure 17 and Figure 18 As in the diaper 101C of the fifth embodiment shown, an elastic member 15d having a length greater than that of the sensor 8 is arranged in an area 15b on the side of the insertion opening 15a of the sensor 8 of the sensor pocket 15 of the second non-woven fabric 13 formed of a non-stretchable non-woven fabric, and a part of the area where the sensor pocket 15 is formed in the overlapping area 14 forms an area where the stretchability of the first non-woven fabric 12 and the second non-woven fabric 13 is different.

[0262] This diaper also includes a sensor pocket 15, similar to the diaper 101 of the second embodiment. This prevents the sensor 8 from coming into direct contact with excrement, making it easier to reuse the sensor 8 from the perspectives of hygiene and preventing malfunctions. Furthermore, the first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 have different stretch properties in the portion of the area where the sensor pocket 15 is formed. This allows the sensor 8, inserted into the sensor pocket 15, to be stably held between the first and second nonwoven fabrics 12, 13. Furthermore, by placing the sensor pocket 15 in a preferred location corresponding to the physical properties to be measured by the sensor 8, it is possible to easily position the sensor 8 in an appropriate location. Figure 17 , an example is shown in which the sensor insertion port 15a is provided at the end portion on the ventral side A side of the overlapping region 14, but as shown in the third embodiment or the fourth embodiment, a method may be adopted in which the sensor bag 15 has the sensor insertion port 15a at the end portion on the dorsal side B side of the overlapping region 14, or at the lateral end portion of the diaper.

[0263] The length L2 of the edge of the elastic member 15d along the overlap region 14 forming the sensor insertion port 15a is preferably greater than 100%, more preferably at least 105%, and even more preferably at least 110% of the length L18 of the sensor 8 disposed in the sensor pocket 15 in that direction. This value has no upper limit and may be equal to the full width or full length of the diaper.

[0264] In addition, the length L2 of the edge of the elastic part 15d along the overlapping area 14 for forming the insertion port 15a for the sensor is preferably greater than 100%, more preferably greater than 105%, and further preferably less than 150%, more preferably less than 140%, and further preferably greater than 100% and less than 150%, more preferably greater than 105% and less than 140%, relative to the length L13 of the insertion port 15a in this direction.

[0265] The elastic member 15d may be arranged in the first nonwoven fabric 12 located inside the sensor pocket 15 in the thickness direction of the diaper, but is preferably arranged in the second nonwoven fabric 13 outside the sensor pocket 15 in order to facilitate insertion of the sensor 8 into the pocket.

[0266] Suitable elastic members 15d include, for example, synthetic rubbers such as styrene-butadiene, butadiene, isoprene, and chloroprene rubber, natural rubber, EVA, stretchable polyolefin, and polyurethane, which are formed into a linear (stranded rubber, etc.), a ribbon (flat rubber, etc.), or a film. The cross-sectional shape of the elastic member 15d may be rectangular, square, circular, elliptical, or polygonal.

[0267] From the perspective of placing the sensor 8 at an appropriate location and accurately obtaining information on changes due to urination, it is preferable to also place a sensor fixing material for fixing the sensor 8 within the sensor bag 15. For example, an adhesive may be applied to the surface of the first non-woven fabric 12 facing the sensor 8 to form an adhesive layer, or one of the male and female parts of a mechanical surface fastener may be fixed to the sensor 8, and the other may be provided on the surface of the first non-woven fabric 12 facing the sensor 8.

[0268] The sensor bag 15 in the diaper of each of the above-mentioned embodiments is provided with a sensor 8, and the use of the sensor 8 is used to detect changes in the diaper that occur with the wearer's excretion, such as changes in humidity, temperature, odor, and impedance that occur with urination. This is an example of a preferred embodiment of the change detection method of the present invention. The above-mentioned preferred structures and descriptions of the diapers of each embodiment can be applied to the change detection method of the present invention as appropriate.

[0269] The absorbent article of the present invention may also be Figure 19 As shown, the outermost component of the absorbent article includes an overlapping region 14 in which the entire second nonwoven fabric 13 is overlapped with a portion of the first nonwoven fabric 12 . Figure 19 In the disposable diaper 101D of the sixth embodiment shown, the fixed regions E1 to E3, where the first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 are joined, are provided only at the ends of the overlapping region 14 in three directions. A sensor insertion port 15a is provided at the end in the remaining direction. In this case, a diaper capable of exhibiting the effects of the present invention can also be formed by using a stretchable nonwoven fabric as the second nonwoven fabric 13 or by disposing an elastic member in the region near the insertion port 15a.

[0270] Figure 19 , an example is shown in which the sensor insertion port 15a is provided at the end portion on the ventral side A side of the overlapping region 14, but as shown in the third embodiment or the fourth embodiment, a method may be adopted in which the sensor bag 15 has the sensor insertion port 15a at the end portion on the dorsal side B side of the overlapping region 14 or the lateral end portion of the diaper.

[0271] In addition, the absorbent article of the present invention may also be Figure 19 As shown in FIG. 1 , the diaper includes an indicator 9 that notifies urination by changing color. The indicator 9 preferably extends in the longitudinal direction X of the absorbent article, which corresponds to the wearer's front-to-back direction, and the sensor pocket 15 is preferably formed in a portion overlapping the indicator 9. Various known compositions that change color upon contact with urine are preferably disposed between the absorbent body 4 and the leak-proof sheet 23 as the indicator 9.

[0272] Indicator 9 is typically a component that changes color upon contact with urine and is therefore positioned in a location that is susceptible to urine contact, such as the widthwise central region C1. Thus, by placing sensor bag 15 in a location that overlaps indicator 9, sensor 8 can be easily positioned in a location suitable for detecting changes caused by urination.

[0273] The second nonwoven fabric 13 in the overlapping region 14 is preferably provided with a mark indicating the position of the sensor pocket 15. The mark may be characters, graphics, symbols, or a combination thereof, and is preferably provided by printing, but is not particularly limited.

[0274] As mentioned above, although the 2nd to 6th embodiment of the present invention was demonstrated based on the preferable embodiment, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment.

[0275] For example, in the second to sixth embodiments described above, the sensor 8 may have a function of measuring temperature, humidity, etc. and a function of recording the measured data. Alternatively, the sensor 8 may have a function of measuring temperature, humidity, etc. and a function of communicating the measured temperature, etc., transmitting the measured temperature, etc. data to an external device via a wireless method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), which then records and analyzes the data. Examples of the external device include a portable terminal such as a smartphone, a dedicated terminal, or a desktop or laptop personal computer, which has the required application software or program installed.

[0276] In the second to sixth embodiments described above, the shape of the sensor 8 can be determined as appropriate. For example, the top view shape may not be circular but may be an ellipse, triangle, quadrilateral, or other polygonal shape, or a heart shape (like a playing card). Furthermore, the sensor 8 preferably has a height smaller than its top view diameter or equivalent circular diameter, and may also have a non-flat shape.

[0277] Next, the absorbent article (seventh and eighth embodiments) of the present invention will be described.

[0278] Figures 20 to 22 FIG2 shows an unfolded disposable diaper 102A, a seventh embodiment of the present invention. Diaper 102A is a so-called unfolded absorbent article in which waist and leg openings are not pre-formed but formed during wear. Diaper 102A includes, at least in the crotch region C, an absorbent body 4 for absorbing and retaining bodily fluids and an outer layer 3 positioned farther from the wearer's skin than the absorbent body 4.

[0279] In this embodiment, the diaper 102A is as follows Figure 21 As shown, in the developed and stretched state, the sprockets are formed symmetrically on one side and the other side of the transverse center line CLy.

[0280] The ventral portion A is a portion of the front body F of the diaper 102A, and the dorsal portion B is a portion of the back body R of the diaper 102A. The crotch portion C extends from the front body F to the back body R, spanning the longitudinal centerline CLx in the longitudinal direction X. Typically, the crotch portion C includes regions where the leg edges LS, LS, which are recessed portions forming the leg openings LH, LH, are formed. The leg edges LS are portions of the side edges of the outer layer 3 along the longitudinal direction X.

[0281] In the present invention, the abdominal portion A, the crotch portion C, and the dorsal portion B may be regions obtained by dividing the diaper 102A in the unfolded and stretched state into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction X.

[0282] The transverse centerline CLy is an imaginary straight line that bisects the unfolded and stretched diaper 102A in the transverse direction Y and extends in the longitudinal direction X. The longitudinal centerline CLx is an imaginary straight line that bisects the unfolded and stretched diaper 102A in the longitudinal direction X and extends in the transverse direction Y.

[0283] In this embodiment (7th embodiment), the diaper 102A is as follows Figure 22 As shown, it includes a liquid-permeable inner layer 2 forming the skin-opposing surface, a liquid-impermeable outer layer 3 forming the non-skin-opposing surface, and an absorbent body 4 between the inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3. These components 2, 3, and 4 constitute the article body 50. The components constituting the article body 50 are integrated with each other by bonding means such as adhesives and welding. The inner layer 2 covers the entire area of ​​the skin-opposing surface of the absorbent body 4, and the outer layer 3 covers the entire area of ​​the non-skin-opposing surface of the absorbent body 4. The inner layer 2 and the outer layer 3 extend outward from both ends of the longitudinal direction X of the absorbent body 4, respectively. The outer layer 3 also extends outward from the two side edges of the absorbent body 4 along the longitudinal direction X (the two ends of the transverse direction Y), as shown Figure 21 As shown, the outer shape of the diaper 102A in the unfolded state is formed, and the peripheral edge of the outer layer 3 forms the outline of each of the abdominal part A, the crotch part C and the dorsal part B.

[0284] The inner layer 2 may have a single-layer structure or a laminated structure composed of multiple laminated layers. The inner layer 2 may be liquid-permeable as a whole, as long as aqueous liquids such as bodily fluids can pass through the inner layer 2 in the thickness direction. For example, a liquid-impermeable sheet may be included as part of the laminated structure. Typically, the inner layer 2 includes a liquid-permeable sheet such as a topsheet. If necessary, a liquid-permeable sheet such as a sublayer or a second sheet may be included on the non-skin-facing side of the topsheet. The inner layer 2 is not particularly limited without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any material that can be used as a topsheet, sublayer, etc. in absorbent articles of this type may be used, such as a nonwoven fabric or an apertured film.

[0285] The outer layer 3 may be a single layer structure or a laminated structure formed by a plurality of laminated layers. Figure 22 As shown, the diaper 102A has a two-layer structure comprising a first outer sheet 3a and a second outer sheet 3b, arranged in order from closest to farthest from the absorbent body 4. The second outer sheet 3b forms the non-skin-facing surface of the outer body 3 (the outer surface of the diaper 102A). The two sheets 3a and 3b together constitute the article body 50. The two sheets 3a and 3b may be of the same or different types.

[0286] In this specification, the term "sheets of the same type" refers to sheets having the same manufacturing process, type of fiber constituting the sheet, fiber diameter and length of the fiber constituting the sheet, thickness and basis weight, etc. If at least one of these factors is different, the sheet is considered a "sheet of a different type."

[0287] The outer layer 3 as a whole is liquid-impermeable (including low liquid permeability and water repellency), as long as aqueous liquids such as body fluids are difficult to pass through the outer layer 3 in the thickness direction. For example, a liquid-permeable sheet may be included in a portion of the laminated structure. Typically, the outer layer 3 includes a liquid-impermeable sheet such as a back sheet or a cuff-forming sheet. The outer layer 3 is not particularly limited without departing from the scope of the present invention. Materials that can be used as back sheets, cuff-forming sheets, etc. in absorbent articles of this type can be used. For example, various nonwoven fabrics, resin films, and laminates of resin films and nonwoven fabrics can be used.

[0288] In this embodiment, the absorber 4 is as follows Figure 21 As shown, it has a shape that is long in one direction when viewed from above (in Figure 21 The absorbent body 4 is arranged so that its longitudinal direction is aligned with the longitudinal direction X of the diaper 102A. The absorbent body 4 is arranged at least in the crotch portion C. In this embodiment, the absorbent body 4 is arranged so as to extend from the ventral portion A through the crotch portion C to the dorsal portion B. The longitudinal side edges of the absorbent body 4 (side edges along the longitudinal direction X) are located inward of the longitudinal side edges of the diaper 102A.

[0289] In this embodiment, the absorber 4 is as follows Figure 22 As shown, the absorbent body 4 includes an absorbent core 40 mainly composed of a water-absorbing material and a core wrap 41 covering the outer surfaces (skin-facing and non-skin-facing) of the absorbent core 40. Typically, the absorbent material can be one or more materials selected from fiber materials such as wood pulp and water-absorbing polymers. The core wrap 41 is liquid-permeable and is typically formed from paper, non-woven fabric, or the like. The absorbent body 4 may also be composed solely of the absorbent core 40 without the core wrap 41.

[0290] In this embodiment, the diaper 102A includes a pair of leak-proof cuffs 6, 6 arranged along both sides of the article body 50 in the longitudinal direction X. Each leak-proof cuff 6 includes a liquid-impermeable and breathable cuff-forming sheet 60, one end of which in the transverse direction Y is fixed to another component (at Figure 22 In the manner shown, the outer layer 3) becomes a fixed end, and the other end side in the transverse direction Y is not fixed to other parts and becomes a free end. At the free end of the cuff-forming sheet 60, the cuff-forming elastic member 61 is fixed in an extended state in the longitudinal direction X, thereby being able to stretch and contract in this direction. When the diaper 102A is worn, due to the contraction force of the elastic member 61, at least in the crotch portion C, the free end side of the cuff-forming sheet 60 stands up toward the wearer with the fixed end as the standing base end, thereby a pair of leak-proof cuffs 6, 6 stand up, thereby preventing urine and other excrement from flowing out to the outside of the transverse direction Y. In addition, for the convenience of explanation, Figure 22 The leak-proof flange 6 is shown in the figure in a state in which it is erected, but in the Figure 21 In the unfolded and stretched state of the diaper 102A shown, the leakage-proof cuff 6 is not necessarily as Figure 22 Stand up as shown.

[0291] The diaper 102A has a structure unique to an expandable absorbent article, such as Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, it includes: a pair of Velcro strips 7, 7, which are arranged on both side edges of the dorsal portion B along the longitudinal direction X; and a fixing component 78, which is arranged on the non-skin opposite surface of the ventral portion A (the non-skin opposite surface of the outer layer body 3), and can detachably fix the snap-fitting portion 71 of each Velcro strip 7, so that the snap-fitting portion 71 is fixed to the fixing component 78 when the diaper 102A is worn.

[0292] In the present embodiment, a pair of Velcro tapes 7, 7 are respectively arranged in a manner that extends outward from the two side edges along the longitudinal direction X of the back portion B to the outside of the transverse direction Y. One end of the inner side of each Velcro tape 7 in the transverse direction Y is fixed to the sheet constituting the diaper 102A, for example, fixed between the flap forming sheet 60 and the outer layer body 3, or when the outer layer body 3 has a stacked structure, fixed between the sheets constituting the stacked structure. Velcro tape 7 has a base material 70 and a snap-fitting portion 71 fixed to the skin-opposite surface of the base material 70. The snap-fitting portion 71 has a snap-fitting protrusion on its skin-opposite surface. As the snap-fitting portion 71, a male material of a mechanical fastener can be used. The mechanical fastener includes a male material having a plurality of snap-fitting protrusions configured on the surface and a mother material having a material that can directly snap-fit ​​the snap-fitting protrusions configured on the surface, and is a fastener that is snapped together by making the male material and the mother material surface contact. There is no particular restriction as a mechanical fastener, and various known structures can be used.

[0293] In this embodiment, the fastening member 78 is formed from the base material of the mechanical fastener. The material forming the portion of the fastening member 78 that fastens the engaging portion 71, i.e., the base material, can be selected based on the shape of the engaging protrusion of the engaging portion 71. Examples of the base material include loops, meshes, and nonwoven fabrics with excellent engagement properties.

[0294] In this embodiment, the diaper 102A is as follows Figure 21 As shown, it includes wing portions FP extending outward from the peripheral edge of the article body 50 (absorbent body 4). The wing portions FP are composed of components (inner layer 2, outer layer 3, flange forming sheet 60, etc.) extending outward from the peripheral edge of the article body 50. The multiple components constituting the wing portions FP are joined to each other by known joining means such as adhesives, heat sealing, and ultrasonic sealing. In the wing portions FP, the portion located on the outside of the two side edges of the article body 50 along the longitudinal direction X and the imaginary extension lines of the two side edges in the transverse direction Y is the side wing portion SF. A pair of side wing portions SF are respectively provided with leg elastic components 91, which extend in the longitudinal direction X through the crotch portion C and can be stretched and contracted in the longitudinal direction X. When the diaper 102A is worn, the elastic member 91 contracts, and a plurality of folds (pleats) extending in a direction intersecting with the contraction direction of the elastic member 91 are formed on the sheet constituting the leg edges LS, LS (in this embodiment, the outer layer 3 and the cuff-forming sheet 60), thereby forming leg folds that are substantially continuous around the entire circumference of the wearer's legs.

[0295] Figures 23 to 25 FIG2 shows a shorts-type disposable diaper 102B as an eighth embodiment of the present invention. Diaper 102B has a waist opening and leg openings pre-formed therein. Regarding diaper 102B, the components that differ from diaper 102A will be described. Components identical to diaper 102A will be designated with the same reference numerals, and description will be omitted. The description of diaper 102A applies to components not specifically described in diaper 102B, as appropriate.

[0296] In the diaper 102B, Figure 23 As shown, in the longitudinal direction X of the outer layer 3 of each of the ventral part A and the dorsal part B, the side edges are joined to each other, and a pair of side seals S, S, a waist opening WH and a pair of leg openings LH, LH are formed by the joined parts.

[0297] In this embodiment, the outer layer 3 of the diaper 102B is as follows Figure 25As shown, the diaper 102B has a three-layer structure comprising a first outer sheet 3c, a second outer sheet 3d, and a third outer sheet 3e in order from closest to the absorbent body 4. The third outer sheet 3e forms the non-skin-facing surface of the outer body 3 (the outer surface of the diaper 102B). These sheets 3c, 3d, and 3e may be of the same or different types.

[0298] Of these sheets 3c, 3d, and 3e, sheet 3c constitutes the article body 50, and sheets 3d and 3e together constitute the outer package 30. The outer package 30 (sheets 3d and 3e) is larger in size than sheet 3d when viewed from above. Figure 25 As shown, the outer shape of the unfolded diaper 102B is formed, and the periphery of the outer cover 30 forms the contours of the belly portion A, the crotch portion C, and the back portion B. The components constituting the outer cover 30 are integrated with each other by bonding means such as adhesives and welding.

[0299] In addition, Figure 25 In the manner shown, a portion of the cuff-forming sheet 60 is arranged on the non-skin-opposite side of the absorbent body 4, specifically, between the first outer sheet 3c and the second outer sheet 3d (outer package 30). However, even if a portion of such "component that is essentially arranged on the side closer to the wearer's skin than the absorbent body and is expected to exhibit a prescribed function on the side closer to the wearer's skin than the absorbent body" (hereinafter also referred to as "skin-side component") is arranged on the non-skin-opposite side of the absorbent body, a portion of the skin-side component is not the "outer layer body" mentioned in the present invention. In addition, because the inner layer body 2 is also the skin-side component, even if a portion of the inner layer 2 such as the front sheet is opposite to the skin-side component, Figure 25 The cuff forming sheet 60 is similarly arranged on the non-skin facing side of the absorbent body 4 , and a portion of the inner layer body 2 is not the outer layer body 3 .

[0300] As the sheets 3d and 3e constituting the outer cover 30, nonwoven fabrics, resin films, and the like produced by various methods can be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Examples of the nonwoven fabric include spunbond nonwoven fabrics, air-through nonwoven fabrics, and needle-punched nonwoven fabrics. Furthermore, the sheets 3d and 3e can each be a stretch sheet having stretchability in the transverse direction Y, or a non-stretch sheet having no stretchability. An example of a stretch sheet is "a stretch sheet formed by joining a plurality of elastic threads arranged so as to extend in one direction without intersecting each other to a stretchable nonwoven fabric containing non-elastic fibers in a substantially non-stretched state," as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-61743. For example, the third outer layer sheet 3e (the outermost sheet) can be this stretch sheet, and the second outer layer sheet 3d can be a non-stretch sheet.

[0301] In this embodiment, the waist region T of the diaper 102B, which is positioned around the wearer's waist (the portion located at the same position as the side seals S in the longitudinal direction X), is stretchable in the transverse direction Y. Specifically, a plurality of waist elastic members 92 are included between the panels 3d and 3e of the outer cover 30 that form the waist region T. These elastic members 92 are stretchable in the transverse direction Y. The elasticity of these elastic members 92 provides the waist region T with stretchability in the transverse direction Y. The plurality of elastic members 92 extend in the transverse direction Y and are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction X. The waist region T is formed by securing the elastic members 92 between the panels 3d and 3e in an extended state in the transverse direction Y and then releasing the elastic members 92 from the extended state. When the diaper 102B is worn, the contraction of the elastic members 92 forms a plurality of gathers (gathers) on the surface of the waist region T that extend in a direction intersecting the elastic members 92 (the longitudinal direction X). The portion of the waist portion T that overlaps with the absorber 4 in a plan view is treated so that the elastic members 92 do not exhibit elastic stretchability, such as by cutting the elastic members 92. This portion does not have stretchability in the transverse direction Y.

[0302] Hereinafter, the diapers 102A and 1B are also collectively referred to as “diapers 102 .” The following description of the diaper 102 applies to both the diapers 102A and 1B unless otherwise specified.

[0303] In the diaper 102, as Figure 20 and Figure 22 As shown, a sensor corresponding area 10 for mounting a sensor 8 is provided on a portion of the non-skin-facing surface of the outer layer 3 forming the outer surface of the crotch portion C, so as to include an area overlapping with the absorbent body 4 when viewed from above. The sensor 8 is not a component of the absorbent article of the present invention.

[0304] The sensor 8 may include a sensor (temperature sensor) capable of detecting the temperature of a portion of the diaper 102 that overlaps with the sensor 8 when viewed from above. In this case, the sensor 8 may also be capable of detecting information other than temperature. Examples of such information include humidity. Unless otherwise specified, the following description assumes that the sensor 8 includes a sensor capable of detecting temperature.

[0305] There is no particular limitation on the number of sensors 8 installed in the sensor-supporting area 10. When a single sensor 8 is installed in the sensor-supporting area 10, the single sensor 8 is a temperature sensor capable of detecting at least the temperature of the diaper 102. When multiple sensors 8 are installed in the sensor-supporting area 10, it suffices as long as at least one of the multiple sensors 8 functions as a temperature sensor. For example, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor capable of detecting humidity may be installed in the sensor-supporting area 10 as the sensor 8.

[0306] In this embodiment, the sensor 8 includes a sensor unit (not shown) for detecting temperature, a battery (not shown) for powering the sensor unit, and a housing 81 that houses these components. The housing 81 includes a power button (not shown) for turning the sensor 8 on and off, and an indicator (not shown) that changes the display color or flashing pattern depending on the operating state of the sensor 8. The sensor 8 is turned on by pressing the power button, and detects the temperature of the diaper 102 and other information related to the diaper 102 at a predetermined period. This information is then transmitted to a communication terminal device (not shown) located at a distance from the sensor 8 at a predetermined period. The communication terminal device is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, or a personal computer.

[0307] The housing 81 has a predetermined thickness in order to house the sensor unit, etc. The shape of the sensor 8 is not particularly limited. Figure 20 and Figure 22 As shown, it has an elliptical shape when viewed from above, and is a curved shape with no corners. In addition, the housing 81 has waterproof properties in order to protect the built-in sensor unit and the like from moisture.

[0308] The housing 81 has an engaging portion (not shown) on the surface that contacts the sensor-corresponding area 10 when attached to the sensor-corresponding area 10, and is secured to the member constituting the sensor-corresponding area 10 (the member forming the non-skin-facing surface of the outer layer 3) via the engaging portion. The engaging portion can be, for example, a male member of a mechanical fastener similar to the engaging portion 71 of the hook and loop fastener 7.

[0309] As described above, the sensor corresponding area 10 exists in the crotch portion C and includes an area overlapping with the absorbent core 4 when viewed from above, overlapping with the projection image of the absorbent core 4 when projected in the thickness direction. One of the important functions of the sensor 8 mounted in the sensor corresponding area 10 is to detect the temperature affected by the excrement absorbed and retained by the absorbent core 4. Therefore, from the perspective of improving the detection sensitivity of the sensor 8, the sensor 8 is preferably mounted in the crotch portion C and in an area overlapping with the absorbent core 4 when viewed from above. From this perspective, the sensor corresponding area 10 needs to include an area located in the crotch portion C and overlapping with the absorbent core 4 when viewed from above. However, the sensor corresponding area 10 may also include an area that does not overlap with the absorbent core 4 when viewed from above, such as the periphery of the area overlapping with the absorbent core 4 when viewed from above, while existing in the crotch portion C and including an area overlapping with the absorbent core 4 when viewed from above.

[0310] In this embodiment, if Figure 20 and Figure 22As shown, the presence of the sensor-corresponding area 10 can be visually identified. Specifically, the entire sensor-corresponding area 10, which is a portion of the non-skin-facing surface of the outer layer 3 of the crotch portion C, is colored a different color from the surrounding area by printing or other means. When the presence of the sensor-corresponding area 10 is visually identified as described above, the sensor 8 can be installed smoothly without the need for time-consuming confirmation of its installation position.

[0311] In the present invention, the method for visually identifying the presence of the sensor-corresponding area 10 is not particularly limited. For example, rather than coloring the entire sensor-corresponding area 10, only the outline of the sensor-corresponding area 10 may be colored. Furthermore, for example, characters, graphics, or patterns indicating the presence of the sensor-corresponding area 10 may be printed on any portion of the non-skin-facing surface of the outer layer 3 (which may not be the sensor-corresponding area 10). Furthermore, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, instead of printing color, characters, graphics, or patterns, or in conjunction with such printing, recesses or projections may be formed in the sensor-corresponding area 10 to make the three-dimensional structure of the sensor-corresponding area 10 different from that of the surrounding area.

[0312] As one of the main features of the diaper 102, the following point can be cited: in the outer layer 3 of the crotch portion C, the first part 31 having the sensor corresponding area 10 provided on the non-skin opposite surface has a higher thermal conductivity than the second part 32 having no sensor corresponding area 10 provided on the non-skin opposite surface.

[0313] The first portion 31 is the entire portion overlapping the sensor corresponding area 10 in the outer layer 3 of the crotch portion C in a plan view, and the second portion 32 is the portion of the outer layer 3 of the crotch portion C other than the first portion 31 .

[0314] As an indicator of the "thermal conductivity", the "heat-retaining power value" can be used. The heat-retaining power value is the power required to maintain a constant temperature of a substance in contact with the outside air. It is measured by the following method and the unit is "W / m 2 ". The thermal insulation power value is a physical property value that represents the thermal insulation properties of the substance (the ease with which heat flows within the substance), and is defined as "the power per unit area required to maintain the temperature of one surface of an object at a certain value when the temperature of the one surface is taken away by the surface on the opposite side." The smaller the numerical value of the thermal insulation power value, the slower the speed at which heat is transferred in the substance, the higher the thermal insulation properties, that is, the lower the thermal conductivity. Therefore, in the diaper 102 in which the thermal conductivity of the first part 31 is higher than that of the second part 32, the relationship of "first part 31>second part 32" holds true with respect to the thermal insulation power value.

[0315] <Method for measuring thermal insulation power value>

[0316] This measurement method uses a "q-max" measuring device, which measures the maximum heat flux per unit area and serves as an indicator of contact cold temperature sensation. An example of this measuring device is the "KES-F7 Thermo Labo" manufactured by Kado Technology Co., Ltd. Specifically, using the KES-F7, a dry contact method is used to measure the thermal insulation power values ​​at 12 points on the skin-facing or non-skin-facing surface of an evaluation object (e.g., the first portion 31 or second portion 32 of the outer layer 3 removed from a diaper 102). The arithmetic average of these values ​​is used as the thermal insulation power value of the evaluation object. A larger thermal insulation power value indicates a higher thermal conductivity (lower thermal insulation) of the evaluation object.

[0317] When measuring the outer layer's properties, such as thermal insulation power, when removing the outer layer from the absorbent article, if the outer layer is attached to another component by adhesive, welding, or other means, it is necessary to apply an organic solvent to the attached portion, blow cold air such as for cold spraying, and then release the attachment before removing the outer layer. The procedure for removing the outer layer from the absorbent article is common to all measurements in this manual.

[0318] Improving the thermal conductivity of the outer layer 3 (increasing the heat-retaining power value) can improve the detection sensitivity of the sensor 8 attached to the outer layer 3 to detect heat within the diaper 102. However, depending on the specific means used to improve the thermal conductivity of the outer layer 3, there is a risk of causing an undesirable condition in which excrement leaks out through the outer layer 3. In response to this, the present invention implements a method of selectively making the thickness of only the first portion 31 of the outer layer 3 thinner than that of the second portion 32, thereby forming a portion with high thermal conductivity. This prevents the occurrence of undesirable conditions (such as excrement leaking out through the outer layer 3) that could be caused by increasing the thermal conductivity of the outer layer 3 (first portion 31), and further increases the sensitivity of the sensor 8. As a result, the sensor 8 can detect excretion from the wearer of the diaper 102 with high accuracy.

[0319] Furthermore, in the present invention, the sensor 8 is attached to the outer surface of the crotch portion C of the diaper 102 (the non-skin-facing surface of the outer layer 3). Therefore, when the diaper 102 is worn over clothing, the sensor 8 is interposed between the crotch portion C and the clothing, creating a gap between the crotch portion C and the clothing. In other words, the sensor 8 functions as a spacer, preventing the diaper 102 from adhering tightly to the clothing it overlies. This spacing function of the sensor 8 reduces the chance of excrement from the diaper 102 leaking out of the crotch portion C, thereby preventing soiling of clothing by the excrement. Furthermore, by creating a gap between the crotch portion C and the clothing overlying it, centered around the sensor 8, heat generated by the sensor 8 easily diffuses through this gap to the surrounding area, thereby minimizing adverse effects caused by the installation of the sensor 8.

[0320] From the perspective of more reliably exerting the effect brought about by the relationship of "thermal conductivity of the first part 31 > thermal conductivity of the second part 32" (thermal insulation power value of the first part 31 > thermal insulation power value of the second part 32) in the outer layer 3 of the crotch part C, the thermal insulation power value of each part of the outer layer 3 is preferably set as follows.

[0321] The ratio of the insulation power value of the first part 31 to the insulation power value of the second part 32 is preferably 1.01 or more, more preferably 1.1 or more, and preferably 10 or less, more preferably 2 or less, assuming that the former is greater than the latter.

[0322] The heat-retaining power value of the first portion 31 is preferably greater than the heat-retaining power value of the second portion 32 and is preferably 0.50 W / m 2 More than 0.70W / m 2 More than 1.50W / m 2 Below, more preferably 1.00W / m 2 the following.

[0323] The heat-retaining power value of the second portion 32 is preferably 0.20 W / m, provided that it is smaller than the heat-retaining power value of the first portion 31. 2 More than 0.50W / m 2 More than 1.0W / m 2 Below, more preferably 0.90W / m 2 the following.

[0324] From the perspective of establishing the relationship of "thermal conductivity of the first portion 31 > thermal conductivity of the second portion 32" (heat-retaining power value of the first portion 31 > heat-retaining power value of the second portion 32) in the outer layer 3 of the crotch portion C, it is preferable that the thickness of the first portion 31 be thinner than the thickness of the second portion 32. Specifically, one means of establishing this relationship in thermal conductivity is to establish the relationship of "thickness of the first portion 31 <thickness of the second portion 32."

[0325] The ratio of the thickness of the first part 31 to the thickness of the second part 32 takes into account the advantages (improved thermal conductivity and thermal conductivity speed) and disadvantages (reduced strength of the first part 31, etc.) brought about by the thinner former, and is based on the premise that the former is less than the latter. When expressed as the former / the latter, it is preferably greater than 0.01, more preferably greater than 0.05, and further preferably greater than 0.09, and is preferably less than 0.80, more preferably less than 0.50, and further preferably less than 0.46.

[0326] The thickness of the first portion 31 is preferably 0.05 mm or more, more preferably 0.1 mm or more, and is preferably 0.50 mm or less, more preferably 0.02 mm or less, provided that it is thinner than the thickness of the second portion 32 .

[0327] The thickness of the second portion 32 is preferably 0.1 mm or more, more preferably 0.15 mm or more, provided that it is thicker than the first portion 31 , and is preferably 2.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.5 mm or less.

[0328] The thickness of the outer layer 3 (the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 ) referred to herein is obtained by measuring the outer layer taken out from the absorbent article using the following method.

[0329] <Thickness measurement method>

[0330] The sheet to be measured (outer layer 3) was cut along the thickness direction, and the cut surface was observed using a microscope (VHX-1000, manufactured by KEYENCE Corporation). Based on the observed image, the thickness of the measurement target portion (first portion 31, second portion 32) was measured. The thickness of the measurement target portion was measured at any 10 locations, and the arithmetic average of the thicknesses at these 10 locations was taken as the thickness of the measurement target portion.

[0331] There are no particular limitations on the method for establishing the relationship "thickness of first portion 31 < thickness of second portion 32" in the outer layer 3 of the crotch portion C. In addition to methods in which the thicknesses of the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 are naturally different (without compression of the first portion in the thickness direction), one example is a method in which only the first portion 31 is compressed in the thickness direction of the outer layer 3 of uniform thickness by embossing or the like. In the outer layer 3 obtained by this selective compression method, the compressed first portion 31 is thinner than the uncompressed second portion 32 and has higher thermal conductivity (higher thermal insulation power), while the components of the first and second portions are identical.

[0332] In addition to the aforementioned method of providing a thickness difference between the two parts 31 and 32, a method of creating a difference in composition between the two parts 31 and 32 can be used to establish the relationship "thermal conductivity of the first part 31 > thermal conductivity of the second part 32" (heat-retaining power value of the first part 31 > heat-retaining power value of the second part 32) in the outer layer 3 of the crotch portion C. Specifically, a method can be used in which the first part 31, which should have relatively high thermal conductivity, is made of a material having high thermal conductivity, such as a metal material. In other words, from the perspective of establishing the aforementioned relationship in terms of thermal conductivity, it is preferable that the first part 31 be made of a metal material.

[0333] Examples of the metal material include aluminum, tin, chromium, nickel, gold, silver, copper, germanium, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, and magnesium fluoride, and any one of these materials may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0334] The content of the metal material in the first portion 31 is preferably 0.1 mass % or more, more preferably 0.5 mass % or more, and further preferably 1 mass % or more, relative to the total mass of the first portion 31, and is preferably 20 mass % or less, more preferably 15 mass % or less, and further preferably 10 mass % or less.

[0335] Typically, the second portion 32 contains substantially no metal material, but may contain a metal material in an amount smaller than the content of the metal material in the first portion 31 without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0336] The method for incorporating the metal material into the first portion 31 is not particularly limited. Examples include a method of kneading the metal material into the resin forming the fibers constituting the first portion 31, a method of vapor-depositing the metal material onto the first portion 31, and a method of laminating a metal sheet formed of the metal material onto the first portion 31. Specifically, the metal material may be dispersed throughout the first portion 31, or may be disposed in the form of a metal layer on the skin-facing surface (the surface facing the absorbent body 4) of the first portion 31. If the first portion 31 has a laminated structure, the metal material may be disposed within the laminated structure.

[0337] The first portion 31 is preferably liquid-impermeable and has higher air permeability than the second portion 32. This improves the air permeability of the sensor corresponding area 10 for mounting the sensor 8, thereby enabling rapid removal of heat generated from the sensor 8. This further improves detection sensitivity for multiple urination detection.

[0338] However, increasing the air permeability of the outer layer 3 (first portion 31) leads to a decrease in the density of the outer layer 3, resulting in an increase in the distance between the constituent fibers. In some cases, this may reduce the leakage prevention function, which is one of the main functions of the outer layer 3, and there is a risk that excrement may seep through the outer layer 3 to the outside of the diaper 102. Therefore, even if the first portion 31 has a higher air permeability than the second portion 32, it is preferably liquid-impermeable.

[0339] As an indicator of whether the outer layer 3 (first portion 31, second portion 32) is liquid-impermeable, water pressure resistance measured by the following method can be used. The water pressure resistance of the evaluation object sheet is preferably 1000 mmAq. or greater, more preferably 1500 mmAq. or greater, in which case the sheet can be evaluated as liquid-impermeable.

[0340] <Method for measuring water pressure resistance>

[0341] The water pressure resistance of the measured piece is measured according to the water resistance test (hydrostatic pressure method) A method (low water pressure method) of JIS L1092-1998. When performing the water resistance test, a nylon mesh sheet (pore size: 133μm, thickness: 121μm, manufactured by Kurabo Co., Ltd., DO-ML-20) is stacked on the test piece and measured. In addition, if the size of the test piece does not meet the requirements, a device with a smaller measurement area can be assembled to allow water to contact the test piece, and the water pressure resistance is measured using the same method. Prepare three test pieces for each measured piece, measure them separately, and take the arithmetic average of their measured values ​​as the water pressure resistance of the measured piece.

[0342] As an indicator of "breathability," an "air resistance value" can be used. A low air resistance value indicates a high volume of air passing through per unit time and per unit area, indicating high breathability. Conversely, a high air resistance value indicates a low volume of air passing through per unit time and per unit area, indicating low breathability. Therefore, in a diaper 102 where the first portion 31 has higher air permeability than the second portion 32, the relationship "first portion 31 < second portion 32" holds true with respect to the air resistance value.

[0343] From the perspective of more reliably exerting the effect brought about by the relationship of "air resistance value of the first part 31 < air resistance value of the second part 32" in the outer layer 3 of the crotch part C, the ratio of the air resistance value of the first part 31 to the air resistance value of the second part 32 is based on the premise that the former is < the latter, and when expressed as the former / the latter, it is preferably greater than 0.001, more preferably greater than 0.005, and preferably less than 0.5, more preferably less than 0.1.

[0344] The air permeability resistance value of the first portion 31 is preferably 0.005 kPa·s / m or more, more preferably 0.01 kPa·s / m or more, and is preferably 5 kPa·s / m or less, more preferably 3 kPa·s / m or less.

[0345] The air permeability resistance value of the second portion 32 is preferably 0.005 kPa·s / m or more, more preferably 0.01 kPa·s / m or more, and is preferably 5 kPa·s / m or less, more preferably 3 kPa·s / m or less.

[0346] The air permeability resistance value of the outer layer 3 (the first portion 31 and the second portion 32) referred to herein is obtained by measuring the outer layer taken out from the absorbent article using the following method.

[0347] <Method for measuring air resistance>

[0348] The air permeability resistance of the sheet was measured using a KES-F8-AP1 Air Permeability Tester (trade name) manufactured by KEDO Technology Co., Ltd. Specifically, the air permeability resistance was measured at 12 random locations on the sheet using the air permeability tester according to conventional methods, and the arithmetic average of these values ​​was used as the air permeability resistance value for the sheet.

[0349] The air permeability resistance value can be adjusted by adjusting the density of the outer layer 3, the inter-fiber distance of the constituent fibers, etc. Methods for establishing the relationship "air permeability resistance value of the first portion 31 < air permeability resistance value of the second portion 32" in the outer layer 3 of the crotch portion C include using a highly air-permeable material (e.g., a material with a relatively low fiber density) for the first portion 31 and using a less air-permeable material (e.g., a material with a relatively high fiber density, a resin film) for the second portion 32. Both methods may also be used.

[0350] In the present invention, as described above, the sensor corresponding area 10 only needs to be arranged on a portion of the non-skin facing surface of the outer layer 3 of the crotch portion C so as to overlap with the absorber 4 in a plan view, and can be arbitrarily set within this range. Figure 26 1 and 2 show an example of an arrangement (pattern) of the sensor corresponding region 10 (first portion 31 ) of the diaper 102 (diapers 102A and 102B).

[0351] exist Figure 26 In (a), a pair of straight lines VL and VL extending in the longitudinal direction X are imaginary straight lines, which pass through the ends of the transverse direction Y of the portion of the absorbent body possessed by the diaper 102 having the largest length (width) in the transverse direction Y, and the area sandwiched between the pair of imaginary straight lines VL and VL (hereinafter also referred to as "absorbent body width area") 42 includes both the area overlapping with the absorbent body when viewed from above and the imaginary extended area when the absorbent body is imaginarily extended in the longitudinal direction X.

[0352] exist Figure 26 In the embodiment shown in (a), the sensor corresponding area 10 (first portion 31) is located in a portion of the absorbent body width region 42 of the crotch portion C, specifically in the central portion in the longitudinal direction X, and spans the longitudinal center line CLx passing through the center of the diaper 102 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0353] Figure 26 The embodiment shown in (b) is the same as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except that the sensor corresponding area 10 (first portion 31) continuously extends over the entire length of the absorbent body width area 42 of the crotch portion C in the longitudinal direction X. Figure 26 The same method as shown in (a).

[0354] Figure 26The embodiment shown in (c) is similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 except that the sensor corresponding area 10 (first portion 31) extends continuously over the entire length of the crotch portion C in the transverse direction Y and includes a portion extending from the absorbent body width area 42 to the outside of the transverse direction Y. Figure 26 The same method as shown in (a).

[0355] Figure 26 (d)~ Figure 26 The method shown in (f) is the same as the method shown in FIG. 1 except that a plurality of sensor corresponding areas 10 (first portion 31) having an elliptical shape in a plan view are arranged close to each other to form an area 111 as a whole. Figure 26 (a)~ Figure 26 The method shown in (c) is the same. In the region 111, there can be a second portion 32 without a sensor corresponding region 10 between adjacent sensor corresponding regions 10, but the area of ​​the second portion 32 in the region 111 is extremely small and does not substantially affect the thermal conductivity of the region 111. Figure 26 (d)~ Figure 26 In the embodiment shown in (f), the sensor 8 can be installed at any position in the area 111 . For example, one sensor 8 can be installed across a plurality of sensor-compatible areas 10 .

[0356] Figure 26 The method shown in (d) is the same as Figure 26 The same way that the single sensor corresponding to area 10 of (a) is replaced by area 111 corresponds to Figure 26 The corresponding relationship also exists in the way shown in (a). Figure 26 The method shown in (e) is the same as Figure 26 The method shown in (b), and Figure 26 The method shown in (f) is the same as Figure 26 In the manner shown in (c).

[0357] The arrangement pattern of the sensor corresponding area 10 (first portion 31) can be selected as appropriate according to the type of absorbent article. Figure 20 The unfolded absorbent article such as the diaper 102A shown in FIG. 1 (an absorbent article comprising a hook and loop fastener 7 provided on both side edges of the back portion B in the longitudinal direction X, and a fastening member 78 provided on the non-skin-opposing surface of the ventral portion A and capable of fastening the hook and loop fastener 7) is different from the absorbent article shown in FIG. Figure 22 In a shorts-type absorbent article such as the diaper 102B shown (an absorbent article in which the side edges of the ventral part A and the dorsal part B along the longitudinal direction X are joined to each other to form a waist opening WH and a leg opening LH), the configuration pattern of the sensor corresponding area 10 (the first part 31) can also be made different.

[0358] Reference Figure 26 In the case where the diaper 102 is an unfolded absorbent article, the sensor corresponding area 10 is preferably (i) offset in the center of the lateral direction Y of the crotch C (not existing on both sides of the lateral direction Y of the crotch C), and more preferably (ii) offset in the absorbent body width area 42. Figure 26 (a) Figure 26 (b) Figure 26 (d) and Figure 26 The method shown in (e) satisfies both (i) and (ii) above.

[0359] The diaper 102 as an expanded absorbent article is particularly preferably provided with, in addition to the above (i) and (ii), Figure 26 As shown in (a), (iii) in the sensor corresponding area 10, with the longitudinal center line CLx (the center of the longitudinal direction X of the diaper 102) as the boundary, the part located closer to the ventral part A than the longitudinal center line CLx is used as the ventral sensor corresponding area 10A, and the part located closer to the dorsal part B than the longitudinal center line CLx is used as the dorsal sensor corresponding area 10C, all of the following (1) to (3) are satisfied.

[0360] (1) The area of ​​the ventral sensor corresponding region 10A is greater than 0

[0361] (2) The area of ​​the back sensor corresponding area 10C is ≥ 0

[0362] (3) The area of ​​the ventral sensor corresponding region 10A > the area of ​​the dorsal sensor corresponding region 10C

[0363] In the configuration method (iii) above, the sensor corresponding area 10 must exist at a position closer to the ventral part A than the longitudinal center line CLx (the above (1)), and may not exist at a position closer to the dorsal part B than the longitudinal center line CLx (the above (2)), and may be biased towards the ventral part A (the above (3)).

[0364] exist Figure 26 In the embodiment shown in (a), the ventral sensor corresponding region 10A and the dorsal sensor corresponding region 10C are connected and integrated, but the two may be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction X without being connected.

[0365] Reference Figure 26 When the diaper 102 is a pants-type absorbent article, the sensor corresponding area 10 is preferably (iv) offset to the center of the crotch portion C in the longitudinal direction X (not existing at both ends of the crotch portion C in the longitudinal direction X). Figure 26 (a) Figure 26 (c) Figure 26 (d) and Figure 26The embodiment shown in (f) satisfies the above (iv). As a pants-type absorbent article, the diaper 102 more preferably satisfies the above (iii) in addition to the above (iv), and particularly preferably satisfies the above (ii) in addition to the above (iv) and (iii).

[0366] Regarding the arrangement of the sensor-corresponding region 10 (first portion 31), it is preferred that both expandable absorbent articles satisfy the aforementioned requirement (i) of being "offset to the center of the crotch portion C in the transverse direction Y (not located on either side of the crotch portion C in the transverse direction Y)" and that both pants-type absorbent articles satisfy the aforementioned requirement (iv) of being "offset to the center of the crotch portion C in the longitudinal direction X (not located on either end of the crotch portion C in the longitudinal direction X)." In other words, in expandable absorbent articles, the sensor-corresponding region is preferably offset (biased) to the transverse center of the absorbent article, while in pants-type absorbent articles, the sensor-corresponding region is preferably offset (biased) to the longitudinal center of the absorbent article. The reason for differing the offset directions of the sensor-corresponding region 10 in expandable absorbent articles and pants-type absorbent articles is that the manufacturing efficiency of the absorbent articles, and in particular, the ease of processing for arranging the sensor-corresponding region, differs. Specifically, in flat-type absorbent articles, the longitudinal direction is typically aligned with the machine direction (MD) during manufacturing. Therefore, during manufacturing of the absorbent article, the processing used to position the sensor-corresponding area is sometimes easier to accommodate, for example, changes in the longitudinal length of the sensor-corresponding area, along the MD, than changes in the transverse direction. Therefore, when offsetting the sensor-corresponding area in flat-type absorbent articles, it is preferable to use a pattern that places the sensor-corresponding area at the transverse center of the absorbent article as a basis, and to perform changes in the longitudinal length of the sensor-corresponding area within this base pattern. On the other hand, in shorts-type absorbent articles, the transverse direction is typically aligned with the MD. Therefore, based on the above perspective, when offsetting the sensor-corresponding area in shorts-type absorbent articles, it is preferable to use a pattern that places the sensor-corresponding area at the longitudinal center of the absorbent article as a basis, and to perform changes in the transverse and longitudinal length of the sensor-corresponding area within this base pattern.

[0367] Figure 27 1 shows a cross section of the crotch portion C of the modified example of the diaper 102 along the thickness direction. Figure 27 The diapers 102 shown are Figure 26 A variation of the method shown in (a) is provided, whereby the first portion 31 (sensor corresponding area 10) is located in the central portion of the absorbent width region 42 of the crotch portion C in the longitudinal direction X and spans the longitudinal center line CLx passing through the center of the diaper 102 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0368] exist Figure 27 In the illustrated diaper 102, the outer body 3 comprises a two-layer structure comprising, in descending order from the nearest to the farthest point from the absorbent body 4, a first outer sheet 3f and a second outer sheet 3g. Typically, the two sheets 3f and 3g are joined together using known bonding methods such as adhesives and welding. The second outer sheet 3g forms not only the non-skin-facing surface of the outer body 3 but also the outer surface of the diaper 102. The sensor-compatible area 10 is provided on the non-skin-facing surface of the second outer sheet 3g.

[0369] exist Figure 27 In the embodiment shown in (a), the first outer sheet 3f is composed of a moisture-permeable film 35. The thickness and composition of the moisture-permeable film 35 are uniform. The moisture-permeable film 35 can be a single-layer structure or a laminated structure. As the moisture-permeable film 35, a resin film that is moisture-permeable and liquid-impermeable can be used. Specifically, for example, a microporous film can be used. The microporous film is obtained by, for example, melt-kneading a hydrophobic thermoplastic resin (polyolefin resin, etc.) and inorganic filler particles (calcium carbonate, etc.) that are incompatible with the thermoplastic resin to form a film, and then uniaxially or biaxially stretching the film. In the microporous film thus manufactured, a large number of micropores (microvoids) are formed by stretching with the interface between the thermoplastic resin and the inorganic filler particles as the starting point. The gram weight of the moisture-permeable film 35 is preferably 10 g / m 2 More than 15g / m 2 More than 30g / m 2 Below, more preferably 25g / m 2 the following.

[0370] exist Figure 27 In the embodiment shown in (a), the second outer layer sheet 3g has the same thickness in the first portion 31 (sensor corresponding area 10) and the second portion 32, but different compositions. Due to this difference in composition, the relationship "thermal conductivity of the first portion 31 > thermal conductivity of the second portion 32" (heat-retaining power value of the first portion 31 > heat-retaining power value of the second portion 32) holds true in the outer layer 3 in the crotch portion C. Specifically, the second outer layer sheet 3g intentionally contains a metal material in a portion of the base nonwoven fabric 36. This portion containing the metal material is the first portion 31, and the portion not containing the metal material (or containing less metal material than the first portion 31) is the second portion 32. Regarding the metal material, see above.

[0371] As the base nonwoven fabric 36 constituting the second outer layer sheet 3g, various nonwoven fabrics can be used, for example, hot air nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric and spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) nonwoven fabric, and one of them can be used alone or two or more of them can be used in combination. The second outer layer sheet 3g (base nonwoven fabric 36) can be a single-layer structure or a stacked structure. By making the outer layer body 3 include these nonwoven fabrics in the second part 32, the thermal conductivity of the sensor corresponding area 10 is locally improved, so that heat can be effectively transferred to the sensor 8 installed in the sensor corresponding area 10, thereby improving the detection sensitivity of the sensor 8. The gram weight of the second outer layer sheet 3g (base nonwoven fabric 36) is preferably 10g / m2 in both the first part 31 and the second part 32. 2 More than 12 g / m 2 More than 30g / m 2 Below, more preferably 25g / m 2 the following.

[0372] Figure 27 The method shown in (b) is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 except that the thickness of the first portion 31 (sensor corresponding area 10) and the second portion 32 are different. Figure 27 The same method as shown in (a). Figure 27 In the embodiment shown in (b), the relationship of "the thickness of the first part 31 is less than the thickness of the second part 32" holds. More specifically, the thickness of the first outer layer sheet 3f of the first part 31 and the second part 32 is the same, but the thickness of the second outer layer sheet 3g (base material nonwoven fabric 36) is thinner than that of the latter.

[0373] As mentioned above, in Figure 27 In the embodiment shown in (b), in order to establish the relationship of "thermal conductivity of the first part 31 > thermal conductivity of the second part 32" (heat-retaining power value of the first part 31 > heat-retaining power value of the second part 32) in the outer layer 3 of the crotch portion C, in addition to making the first part 31 contain a metal material, the thickness of the first part 31 is also made thinner than that of the second part 32. Therefore, Figure 27 The method shown in (b) has no substantial difference in thickness between the first portion 31 and the second portion 32. Figure 27 In the embodiment shown in (a), the thermal conductivity of the first portion 31 is higher, and further sensitivity of the sensor 8 can be expected. The first portion 31 can be made thinner than the second portion 32 by, for example, compressing only the first portion 31 in the thickness direction.

[0374] Figure 27The method shown in (c) is that the second outer sheet 3g is composed of a base nonwoven fabric 37 having a surface with unevenness, and the unevenness is formed on the non-skin opposite side of the outer layer 3 (the outer surface of the diaper 102), which is different from the outer layer 3 having substantially no such unevenness. Figure 27 (b) is different. When the outer layer 3's non-skin-facing surface is formed with projections and depressions as described above, the outer layer 3 can be made thicker than when it is not formed with projections and depressions. This effectively creates a difference in thermal conductivity between the sensor-corresponding region 10 and the non-sensor-corresponding region, and as a result, the intended effects of the present invention are more reliably achieved. The base nonwoven fabric 37 is essentially the same as the base nonwoven fabric 36 described above, except for the projections and depressions on its surface. The projections and depressions forming the surface of the base nonwoven fabric 37 can be solid structures filled with fibers, or hollow structures with no fibers and a certain size of space.

[0375] Figure 27 (d)~ Figure 27 The aspects shown in (g) are common in that the first portion 31 includes the meltblown layer 38 .

[0376] The so-called "meltblown layer" here refers to a fiber layer (a layer of a spun straight non-woven fabric) formed by spinning a thermoplastic resin that has been heated and melted by the so-called meltblowing method and then depositing it on a conveyor to form a non-woven fabric. In the meltblowing method, a jet of high-temperature gas is used to blow away the molten resin ejected from the nozzle of the spinning head, tearing it into pieces to form extremely fine cotton fibers. Therefore, the meltblown layer obtained is typically a layer of non-woven fabric formed by extremely fine fibers with a fiber diameter of less than 10 μm. The fibers that constitute it are typically composed of long fibers with a fiber length of more than 30 μm. In addition, the fiber spacing is also small. This type of meltblown layer has excellent texture and leak-proof properties.

[0377] By configuring the first portion 31 to include the meltblown layer 38 having such a special length, the risk of excrement leakage can be reduced, and the sensitivity of the sensor 8 mounted in the sensor corresponding area 10 can be more easily increased.

[0378] The meltblown layer 38 may be a single layer structure or a laminated structure composed of a plurality of laminated layers, provided that the meltblown layer 38 includes a meltblown layer. In the latter case, layers other than the meltblown layer may be laminated. The gram weight of the meltblown layer 38 is preferably 5 g / m2 in both the first part 31 and the second part 32. 2 More than 8 g / m 2 More than 20g / m 2 Below, more preferably 30g / m 2 the following.

[0379] A preferred example of the meltblown layer 38 is the following meltblown nonwoven fabric i. Meltblown nonwoven fabric i: A meltblown nonwoven fabric having an average fiber diameter of 4 μm or less, wherein the straightness of the fibers in a first direction along the plane of the meltblown nonwoven fabric, which is the highest, and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, are both 35% or greater.

[0380] Since the fiber straightness of the meltblown nonwoven fabric i is 35% or more in both the first direction where the fiber straightness is highest and the second direction perpendicular thereto, gaps are unlikely to form between the fibers even when deformed, thereby suppressing the decrease in water pressure resistance.

[0381] The details of the meltblown nonwoven fabric i are described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-112757. In the present invention, the technology related to the meltblown nonwoven fabric i described in the publication can be adopted as appropriate.

[0382] Another preferred example of the meltblown layer 38 is the following meltblown nonwoven fabric ii: a meltblown nonwoven fabric ii having a laminated structure of a meltblown layer and a protective layer superposed thereon, wherein the laminated structure has a raised region in which fibers of the meltblown layer penetrate into the protective layer at a number of 2.5 fibers / mm or more.

[0383] The presence of the raised regions in the meltblown nonwoven fabric ii allows some fibers in the meltblown layer to stand upright, even without excessively increasing the fiber content, filling the inter-fiber spaces of the meltblown nonwoven fabric ii. This effectively blocks through-pores in the thickness direction of the meltblown nonwoven fabric ii, achieving high leak-proof properties without compromising flexibility.

[0384] In the meltblown nonwoven fabric ii, the protective layer is typically arranged on the non-skin facing side of the meltblown layer. When the meltblown nonwoven fabric ii is used in the outer layer 3 of the diaper 102, the protective layer is arranged on the side farther from the wearer's skin than the meltblown layer.

[0385] In the meltblown nonwoven fabric ii, the protective layer is a layer that enhances the strength of the meltblown layer, for example, it is composed of a spunbond layer. The so-called "spunbond layer" here refers to a layer of nonwoven fabric produced by the so-called spunbond method. Like the meltblown layer, it is a fiber layer formed by spinning a heated and molten thermoplastic resin and then depositing it on a conveyor. However, in the spunbond method, the molten resin ejected from the spinning mouth (nozzle) is cooled and stretched while forming fibers. The obtained spunbond layer is a fiber layer formed by fibers (filaments) having a larger fiber diameter than the fibers of the meltblown layer and a longer fiber length. The laminated structure of the meltblown layer and the spunbond layer as the protective layer can be manufactured by, for example, laminating the meltblown layer with the spunbond layer and then performing a hot embossing process to integrate the two.

[0386] Typically, the meltblown nonwoven fabric ii has an embossed portion where the meltblown layer and the protective layer are bonded (a region formed by compacting the fibers constituting the fiber layer through a heat embossing process), and a non-embossed portion other than the embossed portion. The meltblown nonwoven fabric ii preferably has a non-opening region in the non-embossed portion, wherein the non-opening region does not have "an area of ​​25 μm including a rectangle with a diagonal length of 10 μm when the meltblown nonwoven fabric ii is viewed from above." 2 The above-mentioned areas are defined as “through holes” where the inter-fiber spaces penetrate in the thickness direction.

[0387] The details of the meltblown nonwoven fabric ii are described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-209121. In the present invention, the technology regarding the meltblown nonwoven fabric ii described in the publication can be adopted as appropriate.

[0388] exist Figure 27 In the embodiment shown in (d), the first outer sheet 3f is formed by a moisture-permeable film 35, and the second outer sheet 3g is formed by a melt-blown layer 38. The first outer sheet 3f (moisture-permeable film 35) has a through hole 33 penetrating the sheet 3f in the thickness direction at a position corresponding to the first portion 31 (sensor corresponding area 10), and the through hole 33 is completely covered by the second outer sheet 3g (melt-blown layer 38) arranged on the non-skin-opposite side of the sheet 3f. Figure 27 In the embodiment shown in (d), the through hole 33 is not exposed on the non-skin opposite surface of the outer layer 3 of the crotch C (the outer surface of the diaper 102). When the non-skin opposite surface of the outer layer 3 is visually observed, the through hole 33 is hidden in the second outer layer sheet 3g and cannot be seen.

[0389] exist Figure 27 In the embodiment shown in (d), the first portion 31 includes through-holes 33 and is therefore thinner than the second portion 32, which does not have through-holes. Consequently, the relationship "thermal conductivity of the first portion 31 > thermal conductivity of the second portion 32" (heat-retaining power value of the first portion 31 > heat-retaining power value of the second portion 32) holds true. Furthermore, the through-holes 33 of the first portion 31 are covered by the meltblown layer 38, which forms the non-skin-facing surface of the outer layer 3 and has excellent leakage-proof properties. This effectively prevents the undesirable situation of excrement absorbed and retained by the absorbent body 4 leaking out through the first portion 31.

[0390] exist Figure 27 In the embodiment shown in (d), the first part 31 (the part of the meltblown layer 38 corresponding to the first part 31) may also contain metal material. At this time, the thermal conductivity of the first part 31 is further improved through the interaction between the thin thickness and the metal material, and the sensor 8 can be expected to be further sensitive.

[0391] Figure 27 (e)~ Figure 27The method shown in (g) is Figure 27 A modification of the method shown in (d) can be applied to Figure 27 The structure of the embodiment shown in (d) can also be applied to these embodiments unless otherwise specified. Figure 27 (e)~ Figure 27 The structure not specifically described in the method shown in (g) shall be subject to the following provisions as appropriate: Figure 27 Description of the method shown in (d).

[0392] exist Figure 27 In the embodiment shown in (e), the first outer sheet 3f is formed from a meltblown layer 38, and the second outer sheet 3g is formed from a base nonwoven fabric 36 having substantially no irregularities on the non-skin-facing surface. The second outer sheet 3g (base nonwoven fabric 36) has through-holes 33 extending through the sheet 3g in the thickness direction at positions corresponding to the first portion 31 (sensor-corresponding area 10). The through-holes 33 in the second outer sheet 3g are exposed and visible when visually observing the non-skin-facing surface of the outer layer 3. However, the presence of the meltblown layer 38 between the absorbent body 4 and the through-holes 33 eliminates the concern that excrement absorbed and retained by the absorbent body 4 will leak out through the first portion 31.

[0393] Figure 27 In the embodiment shown in (f), the second outer sheet 3g is formed of a base nonwoven fabric 37 having a surface with irregularities, and the irregularities are formed on the non-skin facing surface of the outer sheet 3 (the outer surface of the diaper 102), which is different from the outer sheet 3g having substantially no such irregularities. Figure 27 The method shown in (e) is different.

[0394] Figure 27 In the embodiment shown in (g), the outer layer 3 has a stacking structure in a stacking order similar to Figure 27 In contrast to the embodiment shown in (f), the first outer layer sheet 3f is formed of a base nonwoven fabric 37, and the second outer layer sheet 3g is formed of a meltblown layer 38. The first outer layer sheet 3f (base nonwoven fabric 37) has a through hole 33 penetrating the sheet 3f in the thickness direction at a position corresponding to the first portion 31 (sensor corresponding area 10), and all of the through holes 33 are covered by the second outer layer sheet 3g (meltblown layer 38) arranged on the non-skin-facing side of the sheet 3f.

[0395] pass Figure 27 (e)~ Figure 27 The method shown in (g) can also play a role in Figure 27 The same effect is achieved as shown in (d).

[0396] In the diapers 102 of the seventh and eighth embodiments, the sensor 8 mounted in the sensor-corresponding area 10 includes a temperature sensor. Alternatively, the sensor 8 may include a sensor (humidity sensor) capable of detecting the humidity of the portion of the diaper 102 that overlaps with the sensor 8 when viewed from above. The sensor 8 may also be capable of detecting information other than humidity. Temperature is an example of information other than humidity. Unless otherwise specified, the following describes the preferred configuration of the diapers 102 of the seventh and eighth embodiments when the sensor 8 includes a humidity sensor.

[0397] Regarding the configuration in which the sensor 8 includes a sensor capable of detecting humidity, the description of the diaper 102 described above is applicable as appropriate to configurations not specifically described.

[0398] There is no particular limitation on the number of sensors 8 installed in the sensor-supporting area 10. When a single sensor 8 is installed in the sensor-supporting area 10, the single sensor 8 is a humidity sensor capable of detecting at least the humidity of the diaper 102. When multiple sensors 8 are installed in the sensor-supporting area 10, it suffices as long as at least one of the multiple sensors 8 functions as a humidity sensor. For example, a humidity sensor and a temperature sensor capable of detecting temperature may be installed in the sensor-supporting area 10 as the sensor 8.

[0399] When the sensor 8 includes a sensor capable of detecting humidity, the sensor 8 includes a sensor unit (not shown) for detecting humidity, a battery (not shown) for powering the sensor unit, and a housing 81 that houses these components. The sensor 8 detects the humidity of the diaper 102 and other information related to the diaper 102 at a predetermined interval, and transmits this information to a communication terminal device (not shown) located at a distance from the sensor 8 at a predetermined interval.

[0400] When the sensor 8 includes a sensor capable of detecting humidity, the diaper 102 preferably has a first portion 31 of the outer layer 3 of the crotch portion C, where the sensor corresponding area 10 is provided on the non-skin-facing surface, with a higher air permeability than the second portion 32, where the sensor corresponding area 10 is not provided on the non-skin-facing surface. Air permeability resistance can be used as an indicator of air permeability. A low air permeability resistance indicates a high volume of air passing through per unit time and per unit area, thus indicating high air permeability. Conversely, a high air permeability resistance indicates a low volume of air passing through per unit time and per unit area, thus indicating low air permeability. In other words, in the diaper 102, the air permeability resistance of the first portion 31 is lower than that of the second portion 32.

[0401] Improving the air permeability of the outer layer 3 can improve the detection sensitivity of the sensor 8 attached to the outer layer 3 to detect humidity within the diaper 102. However, depending on the specific means used to improve the air permeability of the outer layer 3, there is a risk of inducing an undesirable condition in which excrement leaks out through the outer layer 3. In contrast, by selectively thinning only the first portion 31 of the outer layer 3 relative to the second portion 32 to form a highly air-permeable portion, the occurrence of undesirable conditions (such as excrement leaking out through the outer layer 3) that could be caused by increasing the air permeability of the outer layer 3 (the first portion 31) can be prevented, and the sensitivity of the sensor 8 can be increased. As a result, the sensor 8 can detect excretion from the wearer of the diaper 102 with high accuracy.

[0402] From the perspective of more reliably exerting the effect brought about by the relationship of "breathability of the first part 31 > breathability of the second part 32" in the outer layer 3 of the crotch part C, that is, the relationship of "breathability resistance of the first part 31 < breathability resistance of the second part 32", the ratio of the breathability resistance value of the first part 31 to the breathability resistance value of the second part 32 and the range of these breathability resistance values ​​are preferably within the above-mentioned range.

[0403] Air permeability can be adjusted by adjusting the density of the outer layer 3, the inter-fiber distance of the constituent fibers, etc. Methods for establishing the relationship of "air permeability of the first portion 31 > air permeability of the second portion 32" in the outer layer 3 of the crotch portion C include using a highly air-permeable material (e.g., a material with a relatively low fiber density) for the first portion 31 and using a less air-permeable material (e.g., a material with a relatively high fiber density, a resin film) for the second portion 32. Both methods may also be used.

[0404] Furthermore, by using the aforementioned stretch sheet in the first portion 31, the breathability of the first portion 31 can also be improved. By using the stretch sheet in the first portion 31, when the absorber 4 absorbs urine or other excretions and expands, the expanded absorber 4 presses the stretch sheet toward the non-skin-facing surface, stretching the stretch sheet and increasing the distance between the fibers, thereby improving breathability. This improves the breathability of the first portion 31 when the wearer urinates, making it easier to achieve higher sensitivity for the sensor 8.

[0405] The first portion 31 of the outer layer 3 is liquid-impermeable or poorly liquid-permeable. By making the first portion 31 liquid-impermeable or poorly liquid-permeable, it is possible to effectively prevent the occurrence of adverse conditions that could result from increasing the air permeability of the first portion 31. Furthermore, in the present invention, as long as at least the first portion is liquid-impermeable or poorly liquid-permeable, the second portion may or may not be liquid-impermeable or poorly liquid-permeable. From the perspective of more effectively preventing the leakage of excrement through the outer layer 3, it is preferable that the second portion also be liquid-impermeable or poorly liquid-permeable.

[0406] The aforementioned water pressure resistance can be used as an indicator for determining whether the outer layer 3 (first portion 31, second portion 32) is liquid-impermeable or poorly liquid-permeable. When the water pressure resistance of the evaluation sheet is preferably 1000 mmAq. or greater, and more preferably 1500 mmAq. or greater, the sheet can be evaluated as liquid-impermeable or poorly liquid-permeable. Water pressure resistance can be measured using the aforementioned method.

[0407] From the perspective of establishing the relationship of "air permeability of the first portion 31 > air permeability of the second portion 32" in the outer layer 3 of the crotch portion C, it is preferred that the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 be formed of fiber sheets, and that the density of fibers in the first portion 31 (hereinafter also referred to as "fiber density") be lower than the density of fibers in the second portion 32. Specifically, one means of establishing this relationship of air permeability is to establish the relationship of "fiber density of the first portion 31 < fiber density of the second portion 32."

[0408] The ratio of the thickness of the first part 31 to the thickness of the second part 32, taking into account the advantages (improved air permeability) and disadvantages (reduced strength of the first part 31, etc.) brought about by the thinner former, is preferably greater than 0.01, more preferably greater than 0.05, and preferably less than 0.80, more preferably less than 0.50 when expressed as the former / the latter, on the premise that the former is less than the latter.

[0409] The fiber density of the first portion 31 is preferably 0.01 g / cm 3 More preferably, 0.03 g / cm 3 More than, and preferably 0.30g / cm 3 Below, more preferably 0.20g / cm 3 the following.

[0410] The fiber density of the second portion 32 is preferably 0.01 g / cm 3 More preferably, 0.03 g / cm 3 More than, and preferably 0.30g / cm 3 Below, more preferably 0.20g / cm3 the following.

[0411] The fiber density of the outer layer 3 (the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 ) referred to herein is obtained by measuring the outer layer taken out from the absorbent article using the following method.

[0412] <Method for Preparing a Measuring Sheet for Measuring Fiber Density>

[0413] The fiber density measuring piece was prepared according to the following steps.

[0414] Under a 65% RH environment, use a sharp knife to cut the sheet to be measured into measurement pieces measuring 1 cm in the machine direction and 1 cm in the cross direction. Cut measurement pieces from two locations on each sheet. Repeat this procedure for five sheets. Fiber density is measured on the ten measurement pieces obtained using the following method.

[0415] <Fiber density measurement method>

[0416] Fiber density was measured as follows. First, using a microscope (VHX-1000, manufactured by KEYENCE Corporation), the thickness of each measurement piece obtained in the "Method for Preparing a Measurement Piece for Measuring Fiber Density" described above was measured. Next, the mass per unit area of ​​each measurement piece was measured, and the mass per unit area / thickness ratio was calculated. The average of the mass per unit area / thickness ratios for each measurement piece was used as the fiber density.

[0417] In the case of a multi-layer structure, the mass per unit area of ​​the measuring piece is measured according to the following method. In the case of a multi-layer structure and each layer can be clearly identified, the first surface of the first fiber layer and the second surface of the first fiber layer are carefully separated at the boundary of the layers by cold spraying, etc., or the boundary is cut with a tool. Then, after measuring the mass of each layer, the area of ​​each separated layer is measured, and the mass per unit area of ​​each layer is calculated from their quotient. The average value of the mass per unit area of ​​each layer is used as the mass per unit area of ​​the measuring piece. In the case of a multi-layer structure but no clear difference can be seen visually at the boundary of each layer, the layers are not separated, and the mass of the measuring piece is directly measured, and then its area is measured, and then the mass per unit area of ​​the measuring piece is calculated from their quotient.

[0418] There are no particular limitations on the method for establishing the relationship "fiber density of first portion 31 > fiber density of second portion 32" in the outer layer 3 of the crotch portion C. In addition to methods in which the fiber densities of the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 are naturally different (without compression of the first portion in the thickness direction), there are also methods in which, in an outer layer 3 having a uniform thickness, only the second portion 32 is compressed in the thickness direction by embossing or the like. In the outer layer 3 obtained by this selective compression method, the uncompressed first portion 31 has a lower fiber density and higher air permeability than the compressed second portion 32, but the components of the two portions are the same.

[0419] As described above, the thermal conductivity of the first portion 31 is preferably higher than that of the second portion 32. This relationship improves the thermal conductivity of the sensor-facing region 10 where the sensor 8 is mounted, allowing heat to dissipate more easily from the skin-facing side to the non-skin-facing side of the outer layer 3, thereby reducing the feeling of stuffiness and dampness. Furthermore, if the sensor 8 can detect temperature in addition to humidity, this temperature detection sensitivity can also be expected to be improved.

[0420] When the thermal conductivity of the first portion 31 is higher than that of the second portion 32, the ratio of the heat-retaining power values ​​of the first portion 31 to the second portion 32 and the heat-retaining power values ​​thereof are preferably within the above-mentioned range. The heat-retaining power value can be measured by the above-mentioned measurement method.

[0421] Figure 28 Shown in Figure 27 The corresponding figure shows a cross section of the crotch portion C along the thickness direction in a variation of the diaper 102. Figure 28 In, with Figure 27 The same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and for structures not particularly described, the same reference numerals are applied as appropriate. Figure 27 Description.

[0422] exist Figure 28 In the embodiment shown in (a), the second outer layer sheet 3g has a through hole 33 extending through the sheet 3g in the thickness direction at a position corresponding to the first portion 31 (sensor-corresponding area 10). The through hole 33 of the second outer layer sheet 3g is exposed and can be visually observed when observing the non-skin-facing surface of the outer layer 3. However, because the first outer layer sheet 3f is interposed between the absorbent body 4 and the through hole 33, there is no risk of excrement absorbed and retained by the absorbent body 4 leaking out through the first portion 31.

[0423] The first portion 31 and the second portion 32 in the second outer layer sheet 3g may be made of the same or different nonwoven fabrics.

[0424] exist Figure 28In the embodiment shown in (b), except that the second outer layer sheet 3g does not have a through hole, the other aspects are the same as those of FIG. Figure 28 The same method as shown in (a). Figure 28 In the embodiment shown in (b), the base nonwoven fabric 36 is also present in the first portion 31. Figure 28 In the embodiment shown in (b), the fiber density of the first portion 31 and the second portion 32 are different. Due to the difference in fiber density, the relationship of "air permeability of the first portion 31 > air permeability of the second portion 32" is established in the outer layer 3 of the crotch portion C. Specifically, the fiber density of the first portion 31 is lower than the fiber density of the second portion 32.

[0425] Figure 28 In the embodiment shown in (c), the second outer sheet 3g is formed by a base nonwoven fabric 37 having a surface with irregularities, and the irregularities are formed on the non-skin facing surface of the outer sheet 3 (the outer surface of the diaper 102), which is different from the outer sheet 3g having substantially no such irregularities. Figure 28 The method shown in (b) is different. As an example of the advantage of forming the irregularities on the non-skin-facing surface of the outer layer 3 as described above, the irregularities can be used to impart thickness to the nonwoven fabric. This effectively creates a difference in thermal conductivity between the sensor-corresponding region 10 and areas outside the sensor-corresponding region 10.

[0426] Figure 28 (d)~ Figure 28 The embodiments shown in (g) are all common in that the first portion 31 includes a meltblown layer 38 .

[0427] exist Figure 28 In the embodiment shown in (d), the first portion 31 includes through-holes 33 and is therefore thinner than the second portion 32, which does not have through-holes. Consequently, the relationship "air permeability of the first portion 31 > air permeability of the second portion 32" holds true. Furthermore, the through-holes 33 of the first portion 31 are covered by the meltblown layer 38, which has excellent leakage-proof properties and forms the non-skin-facing surface of the outer layer 3. This effectively prevents the undesirable situation of excrement absorbed and retained by the absorbent body 4 leaking out through the first portion 31.

[0428] As described above, the seventh and eighth embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, but can be modified as appropriate.

[0429] For example, in the shorts-type disposable diaper 102B, the outer cover 30 is as follows: Figure 24As shown, the outer cover 30 has a continuous shape, such as an hourglass, spanning the ventral portion A, crotch portion C, and dorsal portion B. However, instead of this structure, the outer cover 30 may include an ventral outer cover for placement on the wearer's ventral side, a crotch outer cover for placement on the wearer's crotch, and a dorsal outer cover for placement on the wearer's dorsal side, with the outer covers joined to each other at their ends in the longitudinal direction X. The structures of the outer covers may be the same or different. Alternatively, the outer cover 30 may include the ventral outer cover and the dorsal outer cover, but not the crotch outer cover, with the article body 50 being secured across the two outer covers.

[0430] Only the parts possessed by one embodiment described above can be utilized with each other as appropriate.

[0431] The absorbent articles of the first to eighth embodiments broadly include articles for absorbing body fluids (urine, loose stools, menstrual blood, sweat, etc.) discharged from the human body, and include, in addition to the disposable diapers mentioned above, sanitary napkins, menstrual underwear, incontinence pads, etc.

[0432] Furthermore, the absorbent article or disposable diaper of the present invention may employ the structures of the first to eighth embodiments individually or in combination. For example, the disposable diaper of the present invention may include an outer sheet 18 having a marking 300 formed on the non-skin-facing surface, and an absorbent body 4 having a highly liquid-permeable portion 43 in the portion overlapping the marking 300. Furthermore, a sensor pocket 15 is formed in a portion of an overlapped region 14 where the first nonwoven fabric 12 and the second nonwoven fabric 13 constituting the outer sheet 18 overlap. The sensor pocket 15 is a sensor-supporting region 10 in which the sensor 8 can be mounted. On the non-skin-facing surface of the outer layer 3 including the outer sheet 18, the first portion 31 having the sensor-supporting region 10 provided thereon has higher thermal conductivity or air permeability than the second portion 32 having no sensor-supporting region 10 provided thereon.

[0433] The "outer sheet 18" of the second to sixth embodiments is a member formed by a laminate of multiple sheets and is disposed on the non-skin facing side of the absorbent body 5, which includes the top sheet 21, absorbent body 4, and leak-proof sheet 23. The "outer layer 3" of the seventh and eighth embodiments is a member disposed on the non-skin facing side of the absorbent body 4. The outer sheet 18 is included in the components of the outer layer 3.

[0434] Regarding the above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention, the following absorbent article or change detection method will be further described.

[0435] <1>

[0436] An absorbent article having a liquid-retaining absorbent body and having a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-back direction of a wearer and a transverse direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, wherein:

[0437] A marking is formed on the non-skin facing surface of the absorbent article.

[0438] The absorbent body has a highly liquid-permeable portion in a portion overlapping the mark, wherein the highly liquid-permeable portion has higher liquid permeability than portions located on both sides of the highly liquid-permeable portion in the transverse direction.

[0439] <2>

[0440] The absorbent article according to <1>, wherein:

[0441] The marks indicate installation positions of urination sensors that detect urination of the wearer.

[0442] <3>

[0443] The absorbent article according to <1> or <2>, wherein:

[0444] The absorbent body includes a pair of low liquid-permeable portions having lower liquid-permeability than the high liquid-permeable portion.

[0445] The high liquid-permeable portion is located between the pair of low liquid-permeable portions in the lateral direction.

[0446] <4>

[0447] The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein:

[0448] It has: a crotch portion disposed on the crotch of the wearer; and a ventral portion and a dorsal portion extending to the front and back of the crotch portion,

[0449] The mark is located in the center of the crotch portion in the transverse direction.

[0450] When the absorbent article is divided into a front body portion that is arranged on the wearer's ventral side when worn and a back body portion that is arranged on the wearer's back side when worn, with the longitudinal center line extending in the transverse direction dividing the entire longitudinal length of the absorbent article into two equal parts, the mark is located on the front body portion.

[0451] <5>

[0452] The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <4>, wherein:

[0453] The absorbent body comprises an absorbent core,

[0454] The highly liquid-permeable portion has a space in which a material forming the absorbent core does not exist, in the entire region or a partial region in the thickness direction of the absorbent core.

[0455] <6>

[0456] The absorbent article as described in <5> above, wherein:

[0457] The highly liquid-permeable portion is a through-hole in which the material forming the absorbent core is not present.

[0458] <7>

[0459] The absorbent article as described in <5> above, wherein:

[0460] The highly liquid-permeable portion is a low-weight portion where the forming material of the absorbent core exists, and the thickness D1 of the space where the forming material does not exist is more than 5% of the thickness D of the absorbent core, preferably more than 10%, and less than 80%, preferably less than 70%, and more than 5% and less than 80%, preferably more than 10% and less than 70%.

[0461] <8>

[0462] The absorbent article according to <5> or <6>, wherein:

[0463] The absorbent body includes a low liquid-permeable portion having a lower liquid-permeability than the high liquid-permeable portion.

[0464] The highly liquid-permeable portion is a low-weight portion containing the material forming the absorbent core, and the weight of the highly liquid-permeable portion is more than 5% of the weight of the low liquid-permeable portion, preferably more than 10%, and less than 80%, preferably less than 70%, and more than 5% and less than 80%, preferably more than 10% and less than 70%.

[0465] <9>

[0466] The absorbent article as described in <8> above, wherein:

[0467] The weight of the material forming the absorbent core in the highly liquid-permeable portion is greater than 0 g / m 2 , preferably 10g / m 2 Above, other than 350g / m 2 Below, preferably 250g / m 2 Below, otherwise greater than 0g / m 2 And 350g / m 2 Below, preferably 10g / m 2 Above and 250g / m 2 the following.

[0468] <10>

[0469] The absorbent article according to any one of <5> to <9>, wherein:

[0470] A space retaining member formed of a non-water-absorbent material is disposed in a space where the material forming the absorbent core does not exist.

[0471] <11>

[0472] The absorbent article according to <10>, wherein:

[0473] The space retaining member is formed of a non-water-absorbent material,

[0474] The non-water-absorbent material is a fiber block containing hydrophobic fibers or a fluffy non-woven fabric.

[0475] <12>

[0476] The absorbent article according to <11>, wherein:

[0477] The apparent density of the fluffy nonwoven fabric is 0.01 g / cm 3 Above, preferably 0.02 g / cm 3 Above, other than 0.30g / cm 3 Below, preferably 0.20g / cm 3 Below, other than 0.01g / cm 3 Above and 0.30g / cm 3 Below, preferably 0.02 g / cm 3 Above and 0.20g / cm 3 the following.

[0478] <13>

[0479] The absorbent article according to <11>, wherein:

[0480] The apparent density of the fiber block is 0.01 g / cm 3 Above, preferably 0.02 g / cm 3 Above, other than 0.30g / cm 3 Below, preferably 0.20g / cm 3 Below, other than 0.01g / cm 3 Above and 0.30g / cm 3 Below, preferably 0.02g / cm 3 and above 0.20g / cm 3 the following.

[0481] <14>

[0482] The absorbent article according to any one of <10> to <13>, wherein

[0483] In the liquid permeable space of the highly liquid-permeable portion, the proportion of the space occupied by the space retaining member is greater than 5%, preferably greater than 10%, further less than 100%, preferably less than 95%, further greater than 5% and less than 100%, preferably greater than 10% and less than 95%.

[0484] <15>

[0485] The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <14>, wherein

[0486] No water-absorbent polymer is present in the highly liquid-permeable portion.

[0487] <16>

[0488] The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <15>, wherein

[0489] The absorbent body comprises an absorbent core,

[0490] The absorbent core of the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion has a gram weight of a material forming the absorbent core of the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion that is lower than the gram weight of a material forming the absorbent core of the portions on both sides in the transverse direction, and the transverse width of the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion is narrower than the transverse width of the highly liquid-permeable portion.

[0491] The elongated highly liquid-permeable portion is continuous with the highly liquid-permeable portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0492] <17>

[0493] The absorbent article as described in <16> above, wherein:

[0494] The highly liquid-permeable portion is a low-weight portion where the material forming the absorbent core exists.

[0495] The gram weight of the material forming the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion is lower than the gram weight of the material forming the highly liquid-permeable portion.

[0496] <18>

[0497] The absorbent article according to <16> or <17>, wherein:

[0498] The elongated highly liquid-permeable portion is a through groove (slit) in the material forming the absorbent core.

[0499] <19>

[0500] The absorbent article according to <16> or <17>, wherein:

[0501] The highly liquid-permeable portion and the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion are respectively low-weight portions of the material forming the absorbent core.

[0502] The gram weight of the material forming the absorbent core in the slender high liquid-permeable part is less than 80% of the gram weight of the material forming the absorbent core in the high liquid-permeable part, preferably less than 70%, furthermore is more than 0%, preferably more than 10%, furthermore is more than 0% and less than 80%, preferably more than 10% and less than 70%.

[0503] <20>

[0504] The absorbent article according to any one of <16>, <17>, and <19>, wherein:

[0505] The basis weight of the material forming the absorbent core in the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion is 0 g / m 2 Above, preferably 10g / m 2 Above, other than 300g / m 2 Below, preferably 200g / m 2 Below, otherwise 0g / m 2 Above and 300g / m 2 Below, preferably 10g / m 2 Above and 200g / m 2 the following.

[0506] <21>

[0507] The absorbent article according to any one of <16> to <20>, wherein

[0508] The total longitudinal length L3 of the highly liquid-permeable portion and the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion is greater than 1% of the total longitudinal length L5 of the absorbent core (L3 / L5), preferably greater than 5%, and further less than 95%, preferably less than 90%, and further less than 1% and less than 95%, preferably greater than 5% and less than 90%.

[0509] <22>

[0510] The absorbent article according to any one of <16> to <21>, wherein

[0511] The width W3 of the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion is greater than 2%, preferably greater than 5%, and less than 75%, preferably less than 50%, relative to the maximum lateral length W1 of the highly liquid-permeable portion (W3 / W1). Furthermore, the width W3 is greater than 2% and less than 75%, preferably greater than 5% and less than 50%.

[0512] <23>

[0513] The absorbent article according to any one of <16> to <22>, wherein

[0514] It has: a crotch portion disposed on the crotch of the wearer; and a ventral portion and a dorsal portion extending to the front and back of the crotch portion,

[0515] The absorbent body has the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion in front of and behind the highly liquid-permeable portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0516] The longitudinal length of the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion located on the dorsal side bordered by the highly liquid-permeable portion is longer than the longitudinal length of the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion located on the ventral side bordered by the highly liquid-permeable portion.

[0517] <24>

[0518] The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <23>, wherein:

[0519] The mark is provided on the outer surface of the absorbent article before urination so as to be visible.

[0520] <25>

[0521] The absorbent article as described in <24> above, wherein:

[0522] The mark is a mark in which the outer surface of the absorbent article does not change color before and after urination.

[0523] <26>

[0524] The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <25>, wherein

[0525] The mark is in the shape of a character, a graphic, a symbol, or a combination thereof.

[0526] <27>

[0527] The absorbent article as described in <26> above, wherein:

[0528] The characters are hiragana, katakana, uppercase English letters, lowercase English letters, Arabic numerals, Roman numerals, various foreign characters, or a combination thereof.

[0529] <28>

[0530] The absorbent article according to <26> or <27>, wherein:

[0531] The characters include deformed characters.

[0532] <29>

[0533] The absorbent article according to any one of <26> to <28>, wherein

[0534] The graphics include geometric shapes formed by any one or more of a circle, a triangle, a quadrilateral, and a polygon.

[0535] <30>

[0536] The absorbent article as described in <29> above, wherein:

[0537] The polygon is a polygon with curved corners or non-curved corners or a regular polygon.

[0538] <31>

[0539] The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <25>, wherein

[0540] The mark includes a pattern formed by any one or more of animals, vehicles, food, plants, animals, characters, musical notes, stars, rainbows, clouds and musical instruments.

[0541] <32>

[0542] The absorbent article as described in <31> above, wherein:

[0543] The mark is a combination of multiple patterns.

[0544] <33>

[0545] The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <32>, wherein

[0546] The markings include either or both straight lines and curved lines.

[0547] <34>

[0548] The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <33>, wherein:

[0549] The mark indicates the installation position of the urination sensor for detecting the wearer's urination,

[0550] The urination sensor has a sensor outer surface portion on the side opposite to the side in contact with the outer surface of the absorbent article.

[0551] When the urination sensor is attached to the absorbent article at the position of the mark, the mark is arranged so as to be integrated with the outer surface of the sensor to form a predetermined pattern.

[0552] <35>

[0553] The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <34>, wherein

[0554] The mark indicates the mounting position of a urination sensor for detecting urination of the wearer, and the shape of the mark is similar to the shape of the urination sensor in a plan view.

[0555] <36>

[0556] The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <35>, wherein

[0557] The absorbent body comprises an absorbent core,

[0558] The area of ​​the highly liquid-permeable portion is 0.05% or more, preferably 0.1% or more, and 10% or less, preferably 7% or less, relative to the area of ​​the absorbent core. Furthermore, it is 0.05% or more and 10% or less, preferably 0.1% or more and 7% or less.

[0559] <37>

[0560] The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <36>, wherein

[0561] The absorbent body comprises an absorbent core,

[0562] The maximum longitudinal length L1 of the highly liquid-permeable portion is 1.5% or more, preferably 3% or more, and 20% or less, preferably 10% or less, and 1.5% or more and 20% or less, preferably 3% or more and 10% or less, relative to the total longitudinal length L5 of the absorbent core (L1 / L5).

[0563] <38>

[0564] The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <37>, wherein

[0565] The absorbent body comprises an absorbent core,

[0566] The maximum lateral length W1 of the highly liquid-permeable portion relative to the maximum lateral length W5 of the absorbent core (W1 / W5) is greater than 3%, preferably greater than 5%, preferably less than 40%, preferably less than 30%, and furthermore is greater than 3% and less than 40%, preferably greater than 5% and less than 30%.

[0567] <39>

[0568] The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <38>, wherein:

[0569] The maximum longitudinal length L1 of the highly liquid-permeable portion is 15 mm or more, preferably 20 mm or more, and 50 mm or less, preferably 40 mm or less, and 15 mm or more and 50 mm or less, preferably 20 mm or more and 40 mm or less.

[0570] <40>

[0571] The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <39>, wherein:

[0572] The maximum transverse length W1 of the highly liquid-permeable portion is 15 mm or more, preferably 20 mm or more, and further 50 mm or less, preferably 40 mm or less, and further 15 mm or more and 50 mm or less, preferably 20 mm or more and 40 mm or less.

[0573] <41>

[0574] The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <40>, wherein

[0575] The absorbent article is a disposable diaper.

[0576] <A1>

[0577] The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <41>, wherein

[0578] The absorbent body comprises a front sheet located on the skin-facing side and an outer sheet located on the non-skin-facing side, wherein the absorbent body is arranged between the front sheet and the outer sheet.

[0579] The outer sheet comprises a first nonwoven fabric and a second nonwoven fabric partially or completely overlapped on the non-skin facing side of the first nonwoven fabric, serving as the outermost component of the absorbent article.

[0580] In a portion of the overlapping region where the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric overlap, the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric are not joined, forming a sensor pocket in which a sensor for detecting changes in the absorbent article can be arranged.

[0581] The overlapping region has fixed regions where the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric are joined in three directions around the sensor bag, and an insertion port for the sensor is formed in the remaining direction.

[0582] In at least a portion of a region in the overlapping region where the sensor pocket is formed, the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric have different stretchability.

[0583] <A2>

[0584] An absorbent article comprising a front sheet located on the skin-facing side, an outer sheet located on the non-skin-facing side, and an absorbent body disposed between the front sheet and the outer sheet, wherein:

[0585] The outer sheet comprises a first nonwoven fabric and a second nonwoven fabric partially or completely overlapped on the non-skin facing side of the first nonwoven fabric, serving as the outermost component of the absorbent article.

[0586] In a portion of the overlapping region where the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric overlap, the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric are not joined, forming a sensor pocket in which a sensor for detecting changes in the absorbent article can be arranged.

[0587] The overlapping region has fixed regions where the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric are joined in three directions around the sensor bag, and an insertion port for the sensor is formed in the remaining direction.

[0588] In at least a portion of a region in the overlapping region where the sensor pocket is formed, the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric have different stretchability.

[0589] <A3>

[0590] The absorbent article as described in <A1> or <A2> above, wherein:

[0591] The sensor bag has a size that allows the entire sensor to be accommodated therein.

[0592] <A4>

[0593] The absorbent article according to any one of <A1> to <A3>, wherein:

[0594] At least one of the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric in the overlapping region has stretchability in an area equal to or larger than the size of the sensor.

[0595] <A5>

[0596] The absorbent article according to any one of <A1> to <A4>, wherein:

[0597] The second nonwoven fabric has higher stretchability than the first nonwoven fabric in the entire region where the sensor pocket is formed in the overlapping region.

[0598] <A6>

[0599] The absorbent article according to any one of <A1> to <A5>, wherein:

[0600] The insertion port extends and opens in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the sensor is inserted into the sensor bag through the insertion port.

[0601] At least one of the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric in the overlapping region has stretchability in the extending direction of the insertion port.

[0602] <A7>

[0603] The absorbent article according to any one of <A1> to <A6>, wherein:

[0604] At least one of the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric is a stretchable nonwoven fabric,

[0605] The stretchable nonwoven fabric is obtained by integrating a plurality of elastic yarns arranged so as to extend in one direction without crossing each other with an extensible fiber layer.

[0606] <A8>

[0607] The absorbent article as described in <A7> above, wherein:

[0608] The first nonwoven fabric is a non-stretchable nonwoven fabric, and the second nonwoven fabric is a stretchable nonwoven fabric.

[0609] <A9>

[0610] The absorbent article as described in <A8> above, wherein:

[0611] It has a longitudinal direction from the front to the back of the wearer when worn and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0612] The maximum elongation of the non-stretchable nonwoven fabric in the transverse direction is less than 50%.

[0613] <A10>

[0614] The absorbent article according to any one of <A1> to <A9>, wherein

[0615] At least one of the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric in the overlapping region is provided with an elastic member having a length equal to or greater than the length of the sensor at a location on the insertion port side of the sensor bag.

[0616] <A11>

[0617] The absorbent article as described in <A10> above, wherein:

[0618] The length of the edge of the elastic member along the overlapping region forming the sensor insertion port is preferably greater than 100%, more preferably 105% or more, and even more preferably 110% or more of the length of the sensor arranged in the sensor bag in that direction.

[0619] <A12>

[0620] The absorbent article as described in <A10> or <A11>, wherein:

[0621] The length of the edge of the elastic component along the overlapping area for forming the insertion port of the sensor is preferably 100% or more, more preferably 105% or more, and preferably 150% or less, more preferably 140% or less, relative to the length of the sensor insertion port in that direction.

[0622] <A13>

[0623] The absorbent article according to any one of <A10> to <A12>, wherein:

[0624] The elastic member is disposed on the second nonwoven fabric.

[0625] <A14>

[0626] The absorbent article according to any one of <A1> to <A13>, wherein:

[0627] The invention comprises an abdominal portion arranged on the abdominal side of the wearer when worn, a dorsal portion arranged on the dorsal side of the wearer, and a crotch portion located between the abdominal portion and the dorsal portion.

[0628] An insertion port for the sensor of the sensor bag is formed on the ventral side of the overlapping region.

[0629] <A15>

[0630] The absorbent article as described in <A14> above, wherein:

[0631] The invention comprises an abdominal portion arranged on the abdominal side of the wearer when worn, a dorsal portion arranged on the dorsal side of the wearer, and a crotch portion located between the abdominal portion and the dorsal portion.

[0632] In a plan view of the overlapping region, the three directions are left and right directions and the dorsal direction when viewed from the center of the sensor bag, and the remaining direction is the ventral direction when viewed from the center of the sensor bag.

[0633] <A16>

[0634] The absorbent article as described in <A14> or <A15>, wherein:

[0635] The invention comprises an abdominal portion arranged on the abdominal side of the wearer when worn, a dorsal portion arranged on the dorsal side of the wearer, and a crotch portion located between the abdominal portion and the dorsal portion.

[0636] The first nonwoven fabric has a portion disposed on the ventral portion and a portion disposed on the crotch portion, but does not have a portion disposed on the dorsal portion.

[0637] The second nonwoven fabric has a portion arranged in the back portion and a portion arranged in the crotch portion, but does not have a portion arranged in the abdominal portion.

[0638] <A17>

[0639] The absorbent article according to any one of <A1> to <A13>, wherein:

[0640] The invention comprises an abdominal portion arranged on the abdominal side of the wearer when worn, a dorsal portion arranged on the dorsal side of the wearer, and a crotch portion located between the abdominal portion and the dorsal portion.

[0641] An insertion portion of the sensor of the sensor bag is formed on the back side of the overlapping region.

[0642] <A18>

[0643] The absorbent article as described in <A17> above, wherein

[0644] The invention comprises an abdominal portion arranged on the abdominal side of the wearer when worn, a dorsal portion arranged on the dorsal side of the wearer, and a crotch portion located between the abdominal portion and the dorsal portion.

[0645] In a plan view of the overlapping region, the three directions are left and right directions and the ventral direction when viewed from the center of the sensor bag, and the remaining direction is the dorsal direction when viewed from the center of the sensor bag.

[0646] <A19>

[0647] The absorbent article according to any one of <A1> to <A13>, wherein:

[0648] It has a longitudinal direction which is the direction from the front to the back of the wearer when worn, and a transverse direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0649] The first nonwoven fabric has a portion arranged on one side in the transverse direction, but does not have a portion arranged on the other side.

[0650] The second nonwoven fabric has a portion arranged on the other side in the transverse direction, but does not have a portion arranged on one side.

[0651] The end region on the transverse center side of the second nonwoven fabric overlaps the non-skin-facing side of the end region on the transverse center side of the first nonwoven fabric, and the overlapping portion of the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric constitutes the overlapping region.

[0652] <A20>

[0653] The absorbent article according to any one of <A1> to <A19>, wherein

[0654] Among the fixed areas in the three directions of the overlapping area, at least the fixed areas located on both sides of the sensor bag also extend beyond the ends of the overlapping area. When the overlapping area is viewed from above, the area of ​​the sensor bag is less than half of the area of ​​the overlapping area.

[0655] <A21>

[0656] The absorbent article according to any one of <A1> to <A20>, wherein

[0657] In a plan view of the overlapping region, the area of ​​the sensor pocket is preferably 50% or less, more preferably 40% or less, and preferably 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more of the area of ​​the overlapping region.

[0658] <A22>

[0659] The absorbent article according to any one of <A1> to <A21>, wherein

[0660] The maximum depth of the sensor pocket is preferably 40 mm or more, more preferably 45 mm or more, and is preferably 100 mm or less, more preferably 80 mm or less.

[0661] <A23>

[0662] The absorbent article according to any one of <A1> to <A22>, wherein:

[0663] The invention comprises an abdominal portion arranged on the abdominal side of the wearer when worn, a dorsal portion arranged on the dorsal side of the wearer, and a crotch portion located between the abdominal portion and the dorsal portion.

[0664] It has a longitudinal direction which is the direction from the front to the back of the wearer when worn, and a transverse direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0665] The sensor is preferably attached to a portion of the crotch portion where the absorbent body is located inside the absorbent article, and is preferably attached to a central region in the transverse direction of the crotch portion.

[0666] <A24>

[0667] The absorbent article according to any one of <A1> to <A23>, wherein

[0668] The sensor pocket is formed at a portion overlapping with the absorbent body.

[0669] <A25>

[0670] The absorbent article according to any one of <A1> to <A24>, wherein

[0671] The absorbent article includes an indicator that notifies urination by color change, the indicator extending in a longitudinal direction of the absorbent article corresponding to a front-back direction of a wearer, and the sensor pocket is formed at a portion overlapping the indicator.

[0672] <A26>

[0673] The absorbent article according to any one of <A1> to <A25>, wherein

[0674] A sensor fixing material for fixing the sensor is arranged inside the sensor bag.

[0675] <A27>

[0676] The absorbent article according to any one of <A1> to <A26>, wherein

[0677] The second nonwoven fabric in the overlapping region is provided with a mark indicating the position of the sensor pocket.

[0678] <A28>

[0679] A method for detecting changes in an absorbent article, wherein:

[0680] The sensor pocket of the absorbent article according to any one of <A1> to <A27> is provided with the sensor, and the sensor is used to detect changes in the absorbent article accompanying the excretion of the wearer.

[0681] <B1>

[0682] The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <41>, wherein

[0683] The invention comprises a crotch portion arranged at the crotch portion of the wearer, an abdominal portion arranged closer to the wearer's abdominal side than the crotch portion, and a back portion arranged closer to the wearer's back side than the crotch portion.

[0684] The outer layer is arranged at least in the crotch portion on a side farther from the wearer's skin than the absorbent body.

[0685] A sensor corresponding area capable of mounting a sensor is provided on a portion of the non-skin-opposing surface of the outer layer forming the outer surface of the crotch portion so as to include an area overlapping with the absorbent body when viewed from above, the sensor including a portion capable of detecting the temperature of a portion of the absorbent article overlapping with the sensor when viewed from above.

[0686] In the outer layer of the crotch portion, the thermal conductivity of the first portion having the sensor corresponding area provided on the non-skin facing surface is higher than the thermal conductivity of the second portion having no sensor corresponding area provided on the non-skin facing surface.

[0687] <B2>

[0688] An absorbent article having a longitudinal direction extending from the wearer's ventral side through the crotch portion to the back side and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and being divided into a crotch portion arranged at the crotch portion, a ventral portion arranged closer to the wearer's ventral side than the crotch portion, and a dorsal portion arranged closer to the wearer's dorsal side than the crotch portion, and comprising at least an absorbent body in the crotch portion for absorbing and retaining body fluids and an outer layer arranged on a side farther from the wearer's skin than the absorbent body.

[0689] A sensor corresponding area on which a sensor can be mounted is provided on a portion of the non-skin facing surface of the outer layer forming the outer surface of the crotch portion so as to include an area overlapping with the absorbent body when viewed from above, the sensor including a portion capable of detecting the temperature of a portion of the absorbent article overlapping with the sensor when viewed from above.

[0690] In the outer layer of the crotch portion, the thermal conductivity of the first portion having the sensor corresponding area provided on the non-skin facing surface is higher than the thermal conductivity of the second portion having no sensor corresponding area provided on the non-skin facing surface.

[0691] <B3>

[0692] The absorbent article as described in <B1> or <B2> above, wherein:

[0693] The thickness of the first portion is thinner than the thickness of the second portion.

[0694] <B4>

[0695] The absorbent article according to any one of <B1> to <B3>, wherein:

[0696] The first part includes one or more metal materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, tin, chromium, nickel, gold, silver, copper, germanium, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, and magnesium fluoride.

[0697] <B5>

[0698] The absorbent article according to any one of <B1> to <B4>, wherein:

[0699] The first portion is liquid-impermeable and has higher air permeability than the second portion.

[0700] <B6>

[0701] The absorbent article as described in <B5> above, wherein:

[0702] The first part comprises a meltblown layer.

[0703] <B7>

[0704] The absorbent article according to any one of <B1> to <B6>, wherein:

[0705] The second part includes one or more selected from air-through nonwoven fabrics, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, and spunbond-meltblown-spunbond nonwoven fabrics.

[0706] <B8>

[0707] The absorbent article according to any one of <B1> to <B7>, wherein:

[0708] The presence of the sensor corresponding area can be visually recognized.

[0709] <B9>

[0710] The absorbent article according to any one of <B1> to <B8>, wherein:

[0711] The absorbent article comprises: a hook and loop fastener provided on both side edges of the back portion along the longitudinal direction; and a fastening member provided on the non-skin-opposite surface of the ventral portion and capable of fastening the hook and loop fastener.

[0712] The sensor corresponding area is biased towards the center of the crotch portion in the transverse direction.

[0713] <B10>

[0714] The absorbent article as described in <B9> above, wherein:

[0715] The sensor corresponding region is offset in a region sandwiched by a pair of imaginary straight lines extending in the longitudinal direction through both ends of the transverse direction of the portion of the absorbent body having the largest transverse length.

[0716] <B11>

[0717] The absorbent article as described in <B9> or <B10> above, wherein:

[0718] In the sensor corresponding area, the center of the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article is used as a boundary, the portion located closer to the ventral portion than the boundary is defined as the ventral sensor corresponding area, and the portion located closer to the dorsal portion than the boundary is defined as the dorsal sensor corresponding area, and all of the following conditions (1) to (3) are satisfied:

[0719] (1) The area corresponding to the ventral sensor is greater than 0;

[0720] (2) The area corresponding to the dorsal sensor is ≥ 0;

[0721] (3) The area corresponding to the ventral sensor is greater than the area corresponding to the dorsal sensor.

[0722] <B12>

[0723] The absorbent article according to any one of <B1> to <B8>, wherein:

[0724] The absorbent article is a shorts-type absorbent article in which both side edges of the ventral portion and the dorsal portion along the longitudinal direction are joined to each other to form a waist opening and leg openings.

[0725] The sensor corresponding area is biased towards the longitudinal center of the crotch portion.

[0726] <B13>

[0727] The absorbent article as described in <B12> above, wherein

[0728] In the sensor corresponding area, the center of the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article is used as a boundary, the portion located closer to the ventral portion than the boundary is defined as the ventral sensor corresponding area, and the portion located closer to the dorsal portion than the boundary is defined as the dorsal sensor corresponding area, and all of the following conditions (1) to (3) are satisfied:

[0729] (1) The area corresponding to the ventral sensor is greater than 0;

[0730] (2) The area corresponding to the dorsal sensor is ≥ 0;

[0731] (3) The area corresponding to the ventral sensor is greater than the area corresponding to the dorsal sensor.

[0732] <B14>

[0733] The absorbent article as described in <B12> or <B13> above, wherein:

[0734] The sensor corresponding region is offset in a region sandwiched by a pair of imaginary straight lines extending in the longitudinal direction through both ends of the transverse direction of the portion of the absorbent body having the largest transverse length.

[0735] <C1>

[0736] The absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <41>, wherein

[0737] The invention comprises a crotch portion arranged at the crotch portion of the wearer, an abdominal portion arranged closer to the wearer's abdominal side than the crotch portion, and a back portion arranged closer to the wearer's back side than the crotch portion.

[0738] The outer layer is arranged at least in the crotch portion on a side farther from the wearer's skin than the absorbent body.

[0739] A sensor corresponding area on which a sensor can be mounted is provided on a portion of the non-skin facing surface of the outer layer forming the outer surface of the crotch portion so as to include an area overlapping with the absorbent body when viewed from above, the sensor including a portion capable of detecting the humidity of a portion of the absorbent article overlapping with the sensor when viewed from above.

[0740] In the outer layer of the crotch portion, the air permeability of the first portion where the sensor corresponding area is provided on the non-skin facing surface is higher than the air permeability of the second portion where the sensor corresponding area is not provided on the non-skin facing surface.

[0741] The first part is liquid-impermeable or hardly liquid-permeable.

[0742] <C2>

[0743] An absorbent article having a longitudinal direction extending from the wearer's ventral side through the crotch portion to the back side and a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and being divided into a crotch portion arranged at the crotch portion, a ventral portion arranged closer to the wearer's ventral side than the crotch portion, and a dorsal portion arranged closer to the wearer's dorsal side than the crotch portion, and comprising at least an absorbent body in the crotch portion for absorbing and retaining body fluids and an outer layer arranged on a side farther from the wearer's skin than the absorbent body.

[0744] A sensor corresponding area on which a sensor can be mounted is provided on a portion of the non-skin facing surface of the outer layer forming the outer surface of the crotch portion so as to include an area overlapping with the absorbent body when viewed from above, the sensor including a portion capable of detecting the humidity of a portion of the absorbent article overlapping with the sensor when viewed from above.

[0745] In the outer layer of the crotch portion, the air permeability of the first portion where the sensor corresponding area is provided on the non-skin facing surface is higher than the air permeability of the second portion where the sensor corresponding area is not provided on the non-skin facing surface.

[0746] The first part is liquid-impermeable or hardly liquid-permeable.

[0747] <C3>

[0748] The absorbent article as described in <C1> or <C2> above, wherein:

[0749] Parts 1 and 2 are formed of fiber sheets,

[0750] The density of the fibers in the first portion is lower than the density of the fibers in the second portion.

[0751] <C4>

[0752] The absorbent article according to any one of <C1> to <C3>, wherein:

[0753] The thermal conductivity of the first portion is higher than the thermal conductivity of the second portion.

[0754] <C5>

[0755] The absorbent article according to any one of <C1> to <C4>, wherein:

[0756] The sensor corresponding area is biased towards the center of the crotch portion in the transverse direction.

[0757] <C6>

[0758] The absorbent article as described in <C5> above, wherein:

[0759] The sensor corresponding region is offset in a region sandwiched by a pair of imaginary straight lines extending in the longitudinal direction through both ends of the transverse direction of the portion of the absorbent body having the largest transverse length.

[0760] <C7>

[0761] The absorbent article as described in <C6> above, wherein

[0762] In the sensor corresponding area, the center of the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article is used as a boundary, the portion located closer to the ventral portion than the boundary is defined as the ventral sensor corresponding area, and the portion located closer to the dorsal portion than the boundary is defined as the dorsal sensor corresponding area, and all of the following conditions (1) to (3) are satisfied:

[0763] (1) The area corresponding to the ventral sensor is greater than 0;

[0764] (2) The area corresponding to the dorsal sensor is ≥ 0;

[0765] (3) The area corresponding to the ventral sensor is greater than the area corresponding to the dorsal sensor.

[0766] <C8>

[0767] The absorbent article according to any one of <C1> to <C4>, wherein:

[0768] The absorbent article is a shorts-type absorbent article in which both side edges of the ventral portion and the dorsal portion along the longitudinal direction are joined to each other to form a waist opening and leg openings.

[0769] The sensor corresponding area is biased towards the longitudinal center of the crotch portion.

[0770] <C9>

[0771] The absorbent article as described in <C8> above, wherein

[0772] In the sensor corresponding area, the center of the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article is used as a boundary, the portion located closer to the ventral portion than the boundary is defined as the ventral sensor corresponding area, and the portion located closer to the dorsal portion than the boundary is defined as the dorsal sensor corresponding area, and all of the following conditions (1) to (3) are satisfied:

[0773] (1) The area corresponding to the ventral sensor is greater than 0;

[0774] (2) The area corresponding to the dorsal sensor is ≥ 0;

[0775] (3) The area corresponding to the ventral sensor is greater than the area corresponding to the dorsal sensor.

[0776] <C10>

[0777] The absorbent article as described in <C9> above, wherein:

[0778] The sensor corresponding region is offset in a region sandwiched by a pair of imaginary straight lines extending in the longitudinal direction through both ends of the transverse direction of the portion of the absorbent body having the largest transverse length.

[0779] <C11>

[0780] The absorbent article according to any one of <C1> to <C10>, wherein

[0781] Part 1 contains the meltblown layer.

[0782] <C12>

[0783] The absorbent article according to any one of <C1> to <C11>, wherein

[0784] The second part includes one or more selected from air-through nonwoven fabrics, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, and spunbond-meltblown-spunbond nonwoven fabrics.

[0785] Industrial applicability

[0786] According to the disposable diaper (first embodiment) of the present invention, the external member can be easily attached to the outer surface of the disposable diaper. When the external member is a sensor, the sensitivity of the sensor is excellent.

[0787] According to the disposable diaper (second to sixth embodiments) of the present invention, the sensor can be easily reused, the sensor can be easily arranged at an appropriate position, and the sensor can be prevented from falling off.

[0788] According to the disposable diaper change detection method of the present invention, the sensor can be easily reused, the sensor can be easily configured in an appropriate position, the sensor can be prevented from accidentally falling off or being removed, and changes in the absorbent article caused by the wearer's excretion can be easily detected.

[0789] According to the disposable diaper (the seventh and eighth embodiments) of the present invention, there is provided an absorbent article capable of reducing the risk of leakage of excrement and achieving increased sensitivity of a sensor.

Claims

1. A disposable diaper having a liquid-retaining absorbent body and having a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-back direction of a wearer and a transverse direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, wherein: A marking is formed on the non-skin facing surface of the disposable diaper. The absorbent body has a highly liquid-permeable portion at a portion overlapping the mark, wherein the highly liquid-permeable portion has higher liquid permeability than portions located on both sides of the highly liquid-permeable portion in the transverse direction. The invention comprises a crotch portion arranged at the crotch portion of the wearer, an abdominal portion arranged closer to the wearer's abdominal side than the crotch portion, and a back portion arranged closer to the wearer's back side than the crotch portion. The outer layer is arranged at least in the crotch portion on a side farther from the wearer's skin than the absorbent body. A sensor corresponding area on which a sensor can be mounted is provided on a portion of the non-skin facing surface of the outer layer forming the outer surface of the crotch portion so as to include an area overlapping with the absorbent body when viewed from above, the sensor including a portion capable of detecting the humidity of a portion of the disposable diaper overlapping with the sensor when viewed from above. In the outer layer of the crotch portion, the air permeability of the first portion where the sensor corresponding area is provided on the non-skin facing surface is higher than the air permeability of the second portion where the sensor corresponding area is not provided on the non-skin facing surface. The first part is liquid-impermeable or poorly liquid-permeable, The first part and the second part are formed of fiber sheets, The abundance density of the fibers in the first portion is lower than the abundance density of the fibers in the second portion.

2. The disposable diaper according to claim 1, wherein: The marks indicate installation positions of urination sensors that detect urination of the wearer.

3. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The absorbent body includes a pair of low liquid-permeable portions having lower liquid-permeability than the high liquid-permeable portion. The high liquid-permeable portion is located between the pair of low liquid-permeable portions in the lateral direction.

4. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It has: a crotch portion disposed on the crotch of the wearer; and a ventral portion and a dorsal portion extending to the front and back of the crotch portion, The mark is located in the center of the crotch portion in the transverse direction. When the disposable diaper is divided into a front body portion disposed on the wearer's ventral side and a back body portion disposed on the wearer's back side when worn, with the longitudinal center line bisecting the entire longitudinal length of the disposable diaper, the mark is located on the front body portion.

5. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The absorbent body comprises an absorbent core, The highly liquid-permeable portion has a space in which a material forming the absorbent core does not exist, in the entire region or a partial region in the thickness direction of the absorbent core.

6. The disposable diaper according to claim 5, wherein: The highly liquid-permeable portion is a through-hole in which the material forming the absorbent core is not present.

7. The disposable diaper according to claim 5, wherein: The highly liquid-permeable portion is a low-weight portion where the material forming the absorbent core exists, and a thickness D1 of a space where the material does not exist is 5% to 80% of the thickness D of the absorbent core.

8. The disposable diaper according to claim 5, wherein: The absorbent body includes a low liquid-permeable portion having a lower liquid-permeability than the high liquid-permeable portion. The highly liquid-permeable portion is a low-weight portion where the material forming the absorbent core is present, and the weight of the highly liquid-permeable portion is 5% to 80% of the weight of the low liquid-permeable portion.

9. The disposable diaper according to claim 5, wherein: A space retaining member formed of a non-water-absorbing material is arranged in the space where the forming material does not exist.

10. The disposable diaper according to claim 9, wherein: The space retaining member is formed of a non-water-absorbent material, The non-water-absorbent material is a fiber block containing hydrophobic fibers or a fluffy non-woven fabric.

11. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: No water-absorbent polymer is present in the highly liquid-permeable portion.

12. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The absorbent body comprises an absorbent core, The absorbent core of the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion has a gram weight of a material forming the absorbent core of the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion that is lower than the gram weight of a material forming the absorbent core of the portions on both sides in the transverse direction, and the transverse width of the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion is narrower than the transverse width of the highly liquid-permeable portion. The elongated highly liquid-permeable portion is continuous with the highly liquid-permeable portion in the longitudinal direction.

13. The disposable diaper according to claim 12, wherein: The highly liquid-permeable portion is a low-weight portion where the material forming the absorbent core exists. The gram weight of the material forming the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion is lower than the gram weight of the material forming the highly liquid-permeable portion.

14. The disposable diaper according to claim 12, wherein: The elongated highly liquid-permeable portion is a through groove in the material forming the absorbent core.

15. The disposable diaper according to claim 12, wherein: It has: a crotch portion disposed on the crotch of the wearer; and a ventral portion and a dorsal portion extending to the front and back of the crotch portion, The absorbent body has the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion in front of and behind the highly liquid-permeable portion in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal length of the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion located on the dorsal side bordered by the highly liquid-permeable portion is longer than the longitudinal length of the elongated highly liquid-permeable portion located on the ventral side bordered by the highly liquid-permeable portion.

16. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The mark indicates the installation position of the urination sensor for detecting the wearer's urination, The urination sensor has a sensor outer surface portion on the side opposite to the side in contact with the outer surface of the disposable diaper. When the urination sensor is attached to the disposable diaper at the position of the mark, the mark is arranged so as to be integrated with the outer surface of the sensor to form a predetermined pattern.

17. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The absorbent body comprises a front sheet located on the skin-facing side and an outer sheet located on the non-skin-facing side, wherein the absorbent body is arranged between the front sheet and the outer sheet. The outer sheet comprises a first nonwoven fabric and a second nonwoven fabric partially or completely overlapped on the non-skin facing side of the first nonwoven fabric, serving as the outermost component of the disposable diaper. In a portion of the overlapping region where the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric overlap, the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric are not joined, forming a sensor pocket in which a sensor for detecting changes in the disposable diaper can be arranged. The overlapping region has fixed regions where the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric are joined in three directions around the sensor bag, and an insertion port for the sensor is formed in the remaining direction. In at least a portion of a region in the overlapping region where the sensor pocket is formed, the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric have different stretchability.

18. The disposable diaper according to claim 17, wherein: The insertion port extends and opens in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the sensor is inserted into the sensor bag through the insertion port. At least one of the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabric in the overlapping region has stretchability in the extending direction of the insertion port.

19. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The invention comprises a crotch portion arranged at the crotch portion of the wearer, an abdominal portion arranged closer to the wearer's abdominal side than the crotch portion, and a back portion arranged closer to the wearer's back side than the crotch portion. The outer layer is arranged at least in the crotch portion on a side farther from the wearer's skin than the absorbent body. A sensor corresponding area on which a sensor can be mounted is provided on a portion of the non-skin facing surface of the outer layer forming the outer surface of the crotch portion so as to include an area overlapping with the absorbent body when viewed from above, the sensor including a portion capable of detecting the temperature of a portion of the disposable diaper overlapping with the sensor when viewed from above. In the outer layer of the crotch portion, the thermal conductivity of the first portion having the sensor corresponding area provided on the non-skin facing surface is higher than the thermal conductivity of the second portion having no sensor corresponding area provided on the non-skin facing surface.

20. The disposable diaper according to claim 19, wherein: The thickness of the first portion is thinner than the thickness of the second portion.

21. The disposable diaper according to claim 19, wherein: The first part includes one or more metal materials selected from the group consisting of aluminum, tin, chromium, nickel, gold, silver, copper, germanium, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, silicon oxide, and magnesium fluoride.

22. The disposable diaper according to claim 19, wherein: The first portion is liquid-impermeable and has higher air permeability than the second portion.

23. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The thermal conductivity of the first portion is higher than the thermal conductivity of the second portion.

24. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first part comprises a meltblown layer.

25. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second part includes one or more selected from air-through nonwoven fabrics, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, and spunbond-meltblown-spunbond nonwoven fabrics.

26. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The presence of the sensor corresponding area can be visually recognized.

27. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sensor corresponding area is biased towards the center of the crotch portion in the transverse direction.

28. The disposable diaper according to claim 27, wherein: The sensor corresponding region is offset in a region sandwiched by a pair of imaginary straight lines extending in the longitudinal direction through both ends of the transverse direction of the portion of the absorbent body having the largest transverse length.

29. The disposable diaper according to claim 28, wherein: In the sensor corresponding area, the center of the longitudinal direction of the disposable diaper is used as a boundary, the portion located closer to the ventral portion than the boundary is defined as the ventral sensor corresponding area, and the portion located closer to the dorsal portion than the boundary is defined as the dorsal sensor corresponding area, and all of the following conditions (1) to (3) are satisfied: (1) The area corresponding to the ventral sensor is greater than 0; (2) The area corresponding to the dorsal sensor is ≥ 0; (3) The area corresponding to the ventral sensor is greater than the area corresponding to the dorsal sensor.

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