Absorbent article

Abstract

Provided is an absorbent article capable of preventing unabsorbed liquid from leaking from an end portion in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article (10) includes: a first absorbent layer (20) formed of a crushed fiber material and extending in a longitudinal direction; and a second absorbent layer (30) which is formed of a sheet-like material containing an absorbent resin material, and which is located in the region of the first absorbent layer (20) in plan view. The first absorption layer (20) includes, in plan view, an overlapping portion (21k) that overlaps a region of the second absorption layer (30), and protruding portions (21p, 21q) that protrude from the region of the second absorption layer (30) in the longitudinal direction. When the absorbent article (10) is used, the first absorbent layer (20) is located on the user side, and the second absorbent layer (30) is located on the user side opposite to the first absorbent layer (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article, and more particularly to an absorbent article for use in a diaper or the like. Background Art

[0002] The absorbent article includes an absorbent layer for absorbing and locking liquid. The absorbent layer is formed of a crushed fiber material, or a sheet material containing an absorbent resin material.

[0003] For example, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The absorbent article 110 shown includes the two absorbent layers described above. Fig. 9 is a plan view of the absorbent article 110. Fig.10 It is along Fig. 9 Cross-section of line XX. Fig.10 The arrow on the right side in the middle indicates that the upper side is the skin surface side of the user.

[0004] like Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, in order to form an absorbent article 110, first, an absorbent pad provided with a sheet-like liquid-absorbing layer 101 and a fiber assembly layer 106 is sandwiched between a liquid-impermeable rear surface sheet 112 and a liquid-permeable front surface sheet 111, so that the sheet-like liquid-absorbing layer 101 is located on the side of the front surface sheet 111, and then, a liquid-impermeable side sheet 114 is provided to cover from the bottom of the absorbent pad to the side. Here, the side sheet 114 is bonded to the front surface sheet 111 and the rear surface sheet 112 in a fixing area A provided in an outwardly extending portion of the bottom of the absorbent pad, is bonded to the front surface sheet 111 at the upper part (user side) of the absorbent pad and at the edge (base end bonding portion 115) in the width direction of the absorbent pad, and has a raised area B for the side sheet 114 to be raised from the base end bonding portion 115.

[0005] The fiber assembly layer 106 is formed of fibrillated pulp fibers, heat-fusible fibers, and absorbent resin powder 103 dispersed in the above fibers, and is formed by wrapping the entirety of the above materials with thin paper (eg, tissue paper).

[0006] The sheet-like liquid absorbing layer 101 has a structure in which absorbent resin powder 103 is sandwiched between two sheets of nonwoven fabric.

[0007] The wearable article 110 is used so that the sheet-like liquid-absorbing layer 101 is located on one side of the user, and the fiber assembly layer 106 is arranged on the opposite side of the user relative to the sheet-like liquid-absorbing layer 101. The wearable article 110 is generally gourd-shaped. That is, in order to ensure that the wearable article is closely attached to the groin of the user, the middle portion C2 in the length direction is narrower than the rear portion C1 in the length direction attached to the buttocks of the user, and the front portion C3 in the length direction has an unfolded length in the width direction that does not cause discomfort to the user.

[0008] Once the sheet-like liquid absorption layer 101 absorbs body fluid, the absorbent resin powder 103 expands, causing the thickness of the sheet-like liquid absorption layer to increase, thereby increasing the distance between the fiber assembly layer 106 as the final water-locking layer and the user's skin (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0009] Patent document 1: WO 2004 / 080361 A1.

[0010] exist Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In the absorbent article shown, liquid that is not completely absorbed by the absorbent pad leaks from both ends in the longitudinal direction of the fiber assembly layer 106 and the sheet-like liquid-absorbing layer 101 of the absorbent pad. Summary of the invention

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article which can prevent liquid which has not been completely absorbed from leaking from the longitudinal end portions.

[0012] The present invention provides an absorbent article having the following structure:

[0013] An absorbent article, comprising: (a) a first absorbent layer formed of a crushed fiber material and extending in a longitudinal direction; and (b) a second absorbent layer formed of a sheet material containing an absorbent resin material and located in a region of the first absorbent layer in a plan view. The first absorbent layer includes an overlapping portion overlapping with a region of the second absorbent layer in a plan view, and a protruding portion protruding from the region of the second absorbent layer in a longitudinal direction; when the absorbent article is used, the first absorbent layer is located on a user's side, and the second absorbent layer is located on an opposite side of the user relative to the first absorbent layer.

[0014] With the above structure, liquid will be partially locked by the first absorbent layer when passing through the first absorbent layer. The remaining liquid is absorbed by the second absorbent layer containing the absorbent resin material. Liquid that is not completely absorbed by the second absorbent layer can be absorbed by the protruding portion of the first absorbent layer that protrudes from the area of ​​the second absorbent layer in a plan view.

[0015] Therefore, the present invention can prevent the liquid that has not been completely absorbed from leaking from the longitudinal end portions.

[0016] Preferably, in the region of the first absorbent layer in plan view, the first absorbent layer has a first groove portion free of fiber material. In the region of the second absorbent layer in plan view, the second absorbent layer has a second groove portion free of absorbent resin material.

[0017] In this case, the liquid will pass through the first groove portion and reach the second absorbent layer faster than if the first groove portion is not provided. In addition, the liquid will be diffused and absorbed into the second absorbent layer faster when reaching the second groove portion than if the second groove portion is not provided. Since the liquid diffuses more easily into the second absorbent layer, the liquid disappears from the first absorbent layer faster, thereby better suppressing irritation to the skin.

[0018] Preferably, the first groove portion is located in the region of the second groove portion in a plan view.

[0019] In this case, since the second groove portion of the second water absorbent layer is larger than the first groove portion of the first water absorbent layer, the time for liquid to flow from the first absorbent layer to the second absorbent layer is shorter than when the second groove portion is smaller than the first groove portion, thereby better suppressing skin irritation.

[0020] Preferably, when the absorbent article 10 is used, a part of the protruding portion of the first absorbent layer is opposed to an end surface of the second absorbent layer extending in the thickness direction of the second absorbent layer.

[0021] In this case, the liquid which is not completely absorbed by the second absorbent layer and leaks from the second absorbent layer is immediately absorbed by the protruding portion of the first absorbent layer around the second absorbent layer.

[0022] Preferably, the first absorbent layer comprises an absorbent resin material.

[0023] In this case, the amount of liquid absorbed and locked by the first absorbent layer can be increased.

[0024] The absorbent article of the present invention can prevent liquid that has not been completely absorbed from leaking from the longitudinal ends. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 (a) is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of Example 1 of the absorbent article of the present invention; Figure 1 (b) is along Figure 1 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of line BB; Figure 1 (c) is along Figure 1 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of line CC. Figure 2 (a) is a schematic plan view of the main parts of Example 1 of the absorbent article of the present invention; Figure 2 (b) is along Figure 2 (a) is a schematic side view of line BB; Figure 2 (c) is along Figure 2 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of line CC. Figure 3 It is a schematic side view of Example 1 of the absorbent article of the present invention. Figure 4 (a) is a schematic plan view of the main parts of the absorbent article of the present invention; Figure 4 (b) is along Figure 4 (a) is a schematic side view of line BB; Figure 4 (c) is along Figure 4 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC. (Variant 1) Figure 5 (a) is a schematic plan view of the main parts of the absorbent article of the present invention; Figure 5 (b) is along Figure 5 (a) is a schematic side view of line BB; Figure 5 (c) is along Figure 5 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC. (Variant 2) Figure 6 (a) is a schematic plan view of the main parts of the absorbent article of the present invention; Figure 6 (b) is along Figure 6 (a) is a schematic side view of line BB; Figure 6 (c) is along Figure 6 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC. (Variant 2) Figure 7 (a) is a schematic plan view of the main parts of the absorbent article of the present invention; Figure 7 (b) is along Figure 7 (a) is a schematic side view of line BB; Figure 7 (c) is along Figure 7 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of line CC. (Variant 3) Figure 8 (a) is a schematic plan view of the main parts of the absorbent article of the present invention; Figure 8 (b) is along Figure 8 (a) is a schematic side view of line BB; Figure 8 (c) is along Figure 8 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC. (Variant 4) Fig. 9 It is a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a conventional absorbent article. Fig.10 It is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an embodiment of a conventional absorbent article. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0027] Example 1: Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the absorbent article 10 of the present invention will be described.

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the absorbent article 10. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the main parts of the absorbent article 10. Specifically, Figure 1 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of an absorbent article 10; Figure 1 (b) is along Figure 1 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of line BB; Figure 1 (c) is along Figure 1 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of line CC. Figure 2 (a) is a schematic plan view of the main parts of the absorbent article 10; Figure 2 (b) is along Figure 2 (a) is a schematic side view of line BB; Figure 2 (c) is along Figure 2 (a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of line CC.

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the absorbent article 10 has a first absorbent layer 20 and a second absorbent layer 30 wrapped with a liquid-impermeable outer sheet 12. The outer sheet 12 covers the periphery of the first absorbent layer 20 and covers the entire area of ​​the major surface 30t of the second absorbent layer 30 opposite to the first absorbent layer 20.

[0030] The first absorbent layer 20 is formed of a crushed fiber material and is longitudinally ( Figure 1 The first absorbent layer 20 is wrapped with liquid-permeable sheets 26 and 28 (e.g., tissue paper) or the like. A structure without the sheet 26 or 28 may be adopted.

[0031] The first absorbent layer 20 may or may not contain an absorbent resin material that absorbs and locks liquid, such as granular or powdered super absorbent polymer (SAP). In the case where the first absorbent layer 20 contains an absorbent resin material, the first absorbent layer 20 will absorb and lock a greater amount of liquid.

[0032] The second absorbent layer 30 is formed of a sheet material containing an absorbent resin material. For example, to form the second absorbent layer 30, a nonwoven sheet is lifted to form a bulky structure, an absorbent resin material is sprayed onto the bulky structure so that the absorbent resin material is arranged on the surface and inside of the bulky structure, and then, the bulky structure is compressed.

[0033] The first absorbent layer 20 and the second absorbent layer 30 are arranged to overlap each other in a plan view.

[0034] Specifically, Figure 1 (b) Figure 1 (c) and Figure 2 As shown in (a), the second absorbent layer 30 is located in the region of the first absorbent layer 20 in plan view. That is, the second absorbent layer 30 is placed in the region surrounded by the end edges 20p and 20q and the side edges 20m and 20n of the first absorbent layer 20 in plan view.

[0035] The first absorbent layer 20 includes an overlapping portion 21k overlapping with the region of the second absorbent layer 30 in a plan view, and protruding portions 21p and 21q protruding in the longitudinal direction from the region of the second absorbent layer 30. That is, in a plan view, end edges 20p and 30p of the first absorbent layer 20 and the second absorbent layer 30 on one side in the longitudinal direction are away from each other, and end edges 20q and 30q of the first absorbent layer 20 and the second absorbent layer 30 on the other side in the longitudinal direction are away from each other.

[0036] In addition, in a plan view, the side edges 20m and 30m of the first absorbent layer 20 and the second absorbent layer 30 on one side in the width direction are away from each other, and the side edges 20n and 30n on the other side in the width direction are away from each other. In a plan view, the side edges 20m and 30m on one side in the width direction may overlap with each other, and the side edges 20n and 30n on the other side in the width direction may overlap with each other.

[0037] In the region of the first absorbent layer 20 in the plan view, the first absorbent layer 20 has first groove portions 22 and 24 that do not contain fiber material. Although the case where the first groove portions 22 and 24 pass through the opposite main surfaces 20s and 20t of the first absorbent layer 20 is shown, the first groove portions may be bottom grooves. The first groove portions 22 and 24 extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the first absorbent layer 20, and the entire peripheries of the first groove portions 22 and 24 are surrounded by the first absorbent layer 20 in the plan view.

[0038] In the second absorbent layer 30, a plurality of element portions 30a to 30c formed of a sheet material containing an absorbent resin material and extending in the longitudinal direction are arranged at intervals in the width direction, and second groove portions 32 and 34 are formed between the adjacent element portions 30a and 30b and the element portions 30b and 30c. That is, in the region of the second absorbent layer 30 in the plan view, the second absorbent layer 30 has the second groove portions 32 and 34 not containing the absorbent resin material. The second groove portions 32 and 34 extend in the longitudinal direction, and both ends 32p and 32q and both ends 34p and 34q of the second groove portions 32 and 34 in the longitudinal direction are aligned with the end edges 30p and 30q of the second absorbent layer 30.

[0039] For example, the second absorption layer 30 may be integrally formed by arranging the element portions 30a to 30c on a substrate not shown at intervals in the width direction and bonding them.

[0040] The first groove portions 22 and 24 and the second groove portions 32 and 34 overlap each other in a plan view, and the first groove portions 22 and 24 are located in the region of the second groove portions 32 and 34. Specifically, in a plan view, the second groove portions 32 and 34 include a middle portion overlapping with the first groove portions 22 and 24 and extension portions extending from both sides of the middle portion. One ends 22p and 24p of the first groove portions 22 and 24 in the longitudinal direction are away from one ends 32p and 34p of the second groove portions 32 and 34 in the longitudinal direction, and the other ends 22q and 24q of the first groove portions 22 and 24 in the longitudinal direction are away from the other ends 32q and 34q of the second groove portions 32 and 34 in the longitudinal direction.

[0041] In a plan view, the first groove portions 22 and 24 and the second groove portions 32 and 34 overlap each other in the width direction, and their side edges overlap each other.

[0042] The absorbent article 10 can be used for wearable articles such as diapers, pant-type diapers, and sanitary napkins. When the absorbent article 10 is used, the first absorbent layer 20 is located on the user's side, and the second absorbent layer 30 is located on the user's opposite side relative to the first absorbent layer 20. When the wearable article is worn, one end of the absorbent article 10 in the longitudinal direction is located at the user's lower abdomen, and the other end thereof in the longitudinal direction is located on the user's buttocks side.

[0043] The liquid flows from the overlapped portion 21k at the longitudinal middle position of the first absorbent layer 20 of the absorbent article 10 to the second absorbent layer 30. At this time, part of the liquid is locked by the first absorbent layer 20, and the remaining liquid passes through the first absorbent layer 20 and is absorbed by the second absorbent layer 30.

[0044] Liquid that is not completely absorbed and leaks from the second absorbent layer 30 can be absorbed by the protruding portions 21p and 21q of the first absorbent layer 20 that protrude longitudinally from the second absorbent layer 30 in a plan view. This enables the absorbent article 10 to prevent liquid that is not completely absorbed from leaking from the ends in the longitudinal direction.

[0045] When absorbing liquid, the displacement of the first absorbent layer 20 may be smaller than that of the second absorbent layer 30. Therefore, compared with the second absorbent layer 30 being located on the user's side, the first absorbent layer 20 being located on the user's side may cause less stimulation to the user when the liquid is absorbed, thereby reducing the user's discomfort.

[0046] Compared to the case where the first groove portions 22 and 24 are not provided, the liquid will reach the second absorbent layer 30 faster through the first groove portions 22 and 24. In addition, compared to the case where the second groove portions are not provided, the liquid will be diffused and absorbed into the second absorbent layer 30 faster by the second groove portions 32 and 34. And it flows out from the one ends 32p and 34p and / or the other ends 32q and 34q of the second groove portions 32 and 34 to be absorbed by the protruding portions 21p and / or 21q of the first absorbent layer 20 that protrude from the second absorbent layer 30 in the longitudinal direction in a plan view. This makes the liquid disappear faster from the first absorbent layer 20 on the user's skin surface side, so that irritation to the skin can be better suppressed.

[0047] Figure 3 : is a schematic side view of the absorbent article 10 when the absorbent article 10 is used. When the user wears the absorbent article 10, the first absorbent layer 20 is pressed from the skin surface side to the non-skin surface side of the user. At this time, the portions 21u and 21v of the protrusions 21p and 21q of the first absorbent layer 20 that protrude from the second absorbent layer 30 in the longitudinal direction in a plan view are opposite to the end surfaces 31p and 31q of the second absorbent layer 30 that extend in the thickness direction of the second absorbent layer 30. That is, the portions 21u and 21v of the protrusions 21p and 21q of the first absorbent layer 20 are located in the opposite regions 31u and 31v that are opposite to the end surfaces 31p and 31q of the second absorbent layer 30. In this case, the liquid that is not completely absorbed by the second absorbent layer 30 and leaks from the second absorbent layer 30 is immediately absorbed by the protruding portions 21p and 21q of the first absorbent layer 20 around the second absorbent layer 30.

[0048] like Figures 4 to 8 The figures show various variations of the first embodiment of the present invention. Figures 4 to 8 is similar to Figure 2 Components similar to those of Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals below, and differences from Embodiment 1 will be mainly described.

[0049] Modification 1: Although in Embodiment 1, the boundary line of the region of the first groove portions 22 and 24 and the boundary line of the region of the second groove portions 32 and 34 are arranged to overlap each other in a plan view, similar to Figure 4 In the absorbent article 10a of the modification 1 shown, the boundary line of the region of the first groove portions 22 and 24 and the boundary line of the region of the second groove portions 32 and 34 may be arranged so as not to overlap at all. Figure 4 As shown in (a), in a plan view, the first groove portions 22 and 24 may be arranged to be located in the area of ​​the second groove portions 32 and 34, and to be spaced apart from the area of ​​the second groove portions 32 and 34 over the entire circumference.

[0050] In the absorbent article 10a of variant example 1, similar to embodiment 1, the first groove portions 22, 24 are located in the area of ​​the second groove portions 32, 34 in a plan view, so that liquid disappears more quickly from the first absorbent layer on the skin surface side of the user, thereby better suppressing irritation to the skin.

[0051] Modification 2: Although in Embodiment 1, the first absorbent layer 20 has the first groove portions 22 and 24, and the second absorbent layer 30 has the second groove portions 32 and 34, Figure 5 and Figure 6 The absorbent articles 10b and 10c of the illustrated modification 2 may not be provided with the first groove portions 22 and 24 and the second groove portions 32 and 34.

[0052] Figure 5 The first absorbent layer 20 of the absorbent article 10b shown includes a protruding portion 21p protruding from the region of the second absorbent layer 30 toward one side in the longitudinal direction in a plan view, and does not protrude from the region of the second absorbent layer 30 toward the other side in the longitudinal direction.

[0053] Figure 6 The first absorbent layer 20 of the absorbent article 10c shown includes a protruding portion 21p protruding from the region of the second absorbent layer 30 to one side in the longitudinal direction in a plan view and a protruding portion 21q protruding to the other side in the longitudinal direction.

[0054] With the absorbent articles 10b and 10c, since liquid not completely absorbed by and leaking from the second absorbent layer 30 is absorbed by the protruding portions 21p and / or 21q of the first absorbent layer 20, leakage of the incompletely absorbed liquid from the ends in the longitudinal direction can be avoided.

[0055] Variation 3: Similar to Figure 7 In the absorbent article 10 d of the third modification shown, the first groove portion 23 of the first absorbent layer 20 may be provided outside the region of the second groove portion 33 of the second absorbent layer 30 .

[0056] In the absorbent article 10d, the second absorbent layer 30 is provided in the region of the first groove portion 23 in a plan view. Since liquid takes a shorter time to be absorbed and disappears more quickly from the first absorbent layer 20 on the user's skin surface side than in a case where the first absorbent layer 20 does not have the first groove portion 23, irritation to the skin can be better suppressed. Since liquid not completely absorbed by the second absorbent layer 30 can be absorbed by the protruding portions 21p and 21q of the first absorbent layer 20 protruding from the region of the second absorbent layer 30 in a plan view, liquid not completely absorbed can be prevented from leaking from the end portions in the longitudinal direction.

[0057] More than one first groove portion 23 and / or second groove portion 33 may be provided.

[0058] Variant 4: Similar to Figure 8 In the absorbent article 10 e of the modification 4 shown, the first groove portion 25 may be provided so as to protrude outward in the width direction of the region of the second groove portion 35 in a plan view.

[0059] In the absorbent article 10e, in a plan view, the second absorbent layer 30 and the second groove portion 35 are provided in the region of the first groove portion 25. Since liquid takes a shorter time to be absorbed and disappears more quickly from the first absorbent layer 20 on the user's skin surface side than in a case where the first absorbent layer 20 does not have the first groove portion 25, irritation to the skin can be better suppressed. Since liquid not completely absorbed by the second absorbent layer 30 can be absorbed by the protruding portions 21p and 21q of the first absorbent layer 20 protruding from the region of the second absorbent layer 30 in a plan view, it is possible to prevent liquid not completely absorbed from leaking from the end portions in the longitudinal direction.

[0060] More than one first groove portion 25 and / or second groove portion 35 may be provided.

[0061] As described above, the absorbent articles 10, 10a to 10e can prevent liquid that has not been completely absorbed from leaking from the end portions in the longitudinal direction.

[0062] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications may be made in practice.

[0063] For example, in a plan view, the shapes of the absorbent article, the first absorbent layer, the second absorbent layer, the first recessed portion, and the second recessed portion are not limited to the rectangular shapes shown, but may be any suitable shapes.

[0064] In addition, the structures disclosed in Embodiment 1 and Modifications 1 to 4 may be appropriately selected and combined to constitute an absorbent article. For example, a structure may be adopted in which some of the plurality of first groove portions are provided within the region of the second groove portion, while the other first groove portions are provided outside the second groove portion. Reference numerals

[0065] 10 and 10a-10e absorbent articles 20First absorption layer 21k overlap 21p and 21q protrusions 22, 23, 24 and 25 first groove portion 30 Second absorption layer 31p and 31q end faces 32, 33, 34 and 35 second groove portion

Claims

1. An absorbent article, characterized in that: It includes: a first absorbent layer formed of a crushed fiber material and extending in the longitudinal direction; and a second absorbent layer which is formed of a sheet material containing an absorbent resin material and is located in the region of the first absorbent layer in a plan view, wherein the first absorbent layer includes an overlapping portion overlapping with a region of the second absorbent layer in the plan view, and a protruding portion protruding from the region of the second absorbent layer in the longitudinal direction, and When the absorbent article is used, the first absorbent layer is located on a user's side, and the second absorbent layer is located on an opposite side of the user relative to the first absorbent layer.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the region of the first absorbent layer in the plan view, the first absorbent layer has a first groove portion that does not contain the fiber material, and The second absorbent layer has a second groove portion containing no absorbent resin material in the region of the second absorbent layer in the plan view.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first groove portion is located in the region of the second groove portion in the plan view.

4. The absorbent article according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: When the absorbent article is used, a part of the protruding portion of the first absorbent layer is opposed to an end surface of the second absorbent layer extending in the thickness direction of the second absorbent layer.

5. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first absorbent layer contains the absorbent resin material.

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