Absorbent article

Abstract

An absorbent article (1) is provided with a surface sheet (2), an absorbent body (4) containing a water-absorbent polymer, and an activated carbon member (5) containing activated carbon particles disposed apart from the absorbent body (4). A water-absorbing polymer contained in an absorber (4) and an activated carbon member (5) are disposed so as to satisfy the conditions represented by formula (1) in a deodorization function test in which the activated carbon member (5) is disposed in a closed space. A first odor component amount, which is the amount of an odor component including a basic odor caused by ammonia or trimethylamine and an acidic odor caused by methyl mercaptan, in the sealed space after three hours in a state in which urine is to be absorbed by the absorbent article (1), is measured. And a second odor component amount, which is the amount of an odor component in the closed space after three hours in a state in which urine is left to be absorbed by the absorbent article (1), is measured, and the first odor component amount / the second odor component amount is less than or equal to 0.07 (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles. Background Art

[0002] Absorbent articles having a deodorizing function for suppressing the odor of urine are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses malodorous components (phenolic compounds and indoles) that contribute more to urine odor than ammonia, and discloses an absorbent article (sanitary product) containing a β-glucuronidase inhibitor that inhibits the activity of β-glucuronidase, which is an enzyme related to the production of the above malodorous components.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-255836 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] According to the absorbent article disclosed in Patent Document 1, the generation of malodorous components (phenolic compounds and indoles) other than ammonia odor caused by urine can be suppressed. However, from the viewpoint of effectively suppressing the odor of urine, it is not enough to only suppress the generation of the above malodorous components (phenolic compounds and indoles).

[0008] Therefore, an object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an absorbent article that can more effectively suppress the odor of urine.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] The present disclosure includes the following modes 1 to 21.

[0011] (Mode 1)

[0012] An absorbent article having a deodorizing function for absorbing odor components caused by urine, characterized in that

[0013] the absorbent article includes:

[0014] a liquid-permeable surface sheet facing the wearer's skin;

[0015] an absorber disposed on the opposite side of the surface sheet from the skin and containing a water-absorbing polymer; and

[0016] a deodorant disposed separately from the absorber,

[0017] the water-absorbing polymer contained in the absorber and the deodorant are arranged so as to satisfy the conditions shown in the following formula (1) in a deodorizing function test,

[0018] The deodorizing function test is carried out in a closed space. The amount of odor components including the alkaline odor caused by ammonia or trimethylamine and the acidic odor caused by methanethiol in the closed space after 3 hours in a state where 300 ml of simulated urine containing 0.05 ml of ammonia, 0.5 ml of trimethylamine, and 0.20 ml of methanethiol is absorbed by the absorbent article, that is, the first odor component amount, is measured. And in the closed space, the amount of the odor components in the closed space after 3 hours in a state where the simulated urine is left unabsorbed by the absorbent article, that is, the second odor component amount, is measured.

[0019] The first odor component amount / the second odor component amount ≤ 0.07...(1).

[0020] In a conventional general absorbent article specifically for absorbing urine excreted by a wearer, on the one hand, ammonia dissolved in urine can be effectively absorbed together with urine. On the other hand, there is room for improvement in the absorption amount of methanethiol which is hardly soluble in water. In addition, trimethylamine and the above-mentioned methanethiol that may be contained in urine produce strong odors even at low concentrations. Specifically, for the minimum concentration at which people feel the odor, ammonia is 1.5 ppm, while trimethylamine is 0.000032 ppm and methanethiol is 0.00007 ppm. Therefore, in order to effectively reduce the odor of the absorbent article that has absorbed urine, these substances also need to be effectively absorbed. However, there is room for improvement in conventional general absorbent articles from this perspective. Specifically, it is difficult for conventional general absorbent articles to have a deodorizing function that satisfies the above formula (1). On the other hand, an absorbent article according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a deodorant separate from the absorbent body (water-absorbing polymer). Moreover, the absorbent body and the deodorant are arranged in a manner that satisfies the above formula (1). That is, according to the above absorbent article, similar to conventional general absorbent articles, urine containing ammonia can be effectively absorbed by the absorbent body, and the above-mentioned trimethylamine and methanethiol can also be effectively absorbed by the deodorant. As a result, the odor of urine can be more effectively suppressed.

[0021] (Aspect 2)

[0022] The absorbent article according to Aspect 1, wherein

[0023] the water-absorbing polymer and the deodorant contained in the absorbent body are arranged in a manner that satisfies the conditions shown in the following formula (2) in the deodorizing function test,

[0024] The first odor component amount / the second odor component amount ≤ 0.04...(2).

[0025] According to Method 2, it is possible to more effectively suppress the odor of urine.

[0026] (Method 3)

[0027] The absorbent article according to Method 1, wherein

[0028] the water-absorbing polymer and the deodorant contained in the absorbent are arranged in such a manner that the conditions shown in the following formula (3) are satisfied in the deodorizing function test,

[0029] the amount of the first odor component / the amount of the second odor component ≤ 0.03...(3).

[0030] According to Method 3, it is possible to more effectively suppress the odor of urine.

[0031] (Method 4)

[0032] The absorbent article according to Method 1, wherein

[0033] the water-absorbing polymer and the deodorant contained in the absorbent are arranged in such a manner that the conditions shown in the following formula (4) are satisfied in the deodorizing function test,

[0034] the amount of the first odor component / the amount of the second odor component ≤ 0.01...(4).

[0035] According to Method 4, it is possible to more effectively suppress the odor of urine.

[0036] (Method 5)

[0037] The absorbent article according to any one of Methods 1 to 4, wherein

[0038] the amount of the first odor component and the amount of the second odor component are the total values of the threshold dilution multiples obtained by adding up the threshold dilution multiples of ammonia, trimethylamine, and methanethiol respectively.

[0039] According to the above structure, the amount of the first odor component and the amount of the second odor component can be measured by a known odor analysis method, and it is possible to reliably and easily judge whether a certain deodorizing function is satisfied.

[0040] (Method 6)

[0041] The absorbent article according to any one of Methods 1 to 5, wherein

[0042] the deodorant is arranged at a position closer to the skin side than the absorbent.

[0043] According to the above structure, by disposing the deodorant in a manner that covers the absorber from the skin side, it is possible to appropriately suppress the diffusion of odor components from the absorber side to the skin side.

[0044] (Mode 7)

[0045] The absorbent article according to any one of Modes 1 to 6, characterized in that

[0046] the amount of the water-absorbing polymer contained in the absorber is 12.9 g to 35.2 g.

[0047] By setting the amount of the water-absorbing polymer within the above range, it is possible to prevent the absorbent article from becoming too thick while exhibiting sufficient water absorption performance and deodorization performance.

[0048] (Mode 8)

[0049] The absorbent article according to any one of Modes 1 to 7, characterized in that

[0050] the absorber has an upper absorber disposed on the skin side and a lower absorber disposed on the side opposite to the skin side with respect to the upper absorber,

[0051] the amount of the water-absorbing polymer contained in the upper absorber is more than the amount of the water-absorbing polymer contained in the lower absorber.

[0052] According to the above structure, it is possible to further appropriately suppress the diffusion of urine odor to the skin side.

[0053] (Mode 9)

[0054] The absorbent article according to any one of Modes 1 to 8, characterized in that

[0055] the absorber has an upper absorber disposed on the skin side and a lower absorber disposed on the side opposite to the skin side with respect to the upper absorber,

[0056] the upper absorber and the lower absorber respectively contain the water-absorbing polymer and pulp fibers,

[0057] If the ratio of the mass of the water-absorbing polymer to the total mass of the water-absorbing polymer and the pulp fibers is defined as the polymer ratio, the polymer ratio of the upper absorber is lower than the polymer ratio of the lower absorber.

[0058] According to the above structure, in the upper absorber, it is possible to appropriately diffuse urine in the planar direction (length direction and width direction). In addition, it is possible to suppress the generation of gel blockage in the upper absorber and inhibit the hindrance of urine from entering the lower absorber.

[0059] (Mode 10)

[0060] The absorbent article according to any one of Modes 1 to 9, wherein:

[0061] The absorbent article further includes a water-absorbing polymer layer, which is disposed between the topsheet and the deodorant and contains a water-absorbing polymer.

[0062] According to the above structure, it is possible to further appropriately suppress the diffusion of the odor of urine absorbed by the absorbent body to the skin side.

[0063] (Mode 11)

[0064] The absorbent article according to Mode 10, wherein:

[0065] The topsheet has a ventral part facing the abdomen of the wearer, a crotch part facing the crotch of the wearer, and a dorsal part facing the back of the wearer.

[0066] The water-absorbing polymer layer is disposed so as to overlap with the dorsal part.

[0067] According to the above structure, when the main posture of the wearer when wearing the absorbent article is a sitting posture or an upward sleeping posture, the above-described odor diffusion prevention effect can be more appropriately exerted.

[0068] (Mode 12)

[0069] The absorbent article according to any one of Modes 1 to 11, wherein:

[0070] When viewed from the skin side of the topsheet in the thickness direction, which is the direction in which the topsheet and the absorbent body face each other, the lightness of the area where the deodorant is disposed is 80 or more and 90 or less.

[0071] According to the above structure, it is possible for the wearer of the absorbent article or the caregiver caring for the wearer to effectively recognize the presence of the deodorant, and it is possible to give the wearer or the caregiver a sense of security about the deodorizing function of the deodorant.

[0072] (Mode 13)

[0073] The absorbent article according to Mode 12, wherein:

[0074] The deodorant is an activated carbon member containing activated carbon particles.

[0075] The average particle diameter of the activated carbon particles contained in the activated carbon member is 17 μm or more.

[0076] The pore volume of the activated carbon particles contained in the activated carbon member is 0.55 mL / g or more,

[0077] and the basis weight of the activated carbon particles contained in the activated carbon member is 3.0 g / m 2 or less.

[0078] According to the above structure, it is possible to easily realize an absorbent article that can satisfy the above brightness condition and can appropriately suppress the shedding of activated carbon particles, the flying of activated carbon particles during manufacturing, etc.

[0079] (Mode 14)

[0080] The absorbent article according to Mode 13, wherein

[0081] the basis weight of the activated carbon particles contained in the activated carbon member is 0.2 g / m 2 or more.

[0082] According to the above structure, the deodorizing function of the activated carbon member can be more appropriately exerted.

[0083] (Mode 15)

[0084] The absorbent article according to Mode 13 or 14, wherein

[0085] the pore volume of the activated carbon particles contained in the activated carbon member is 1.2 mL / g or less.

[0086] According to the above structure, by ensuring that the density of the activated carbon particles is above a certain level, the flying of the activated carbon particles during manufacturing can be appropriately suppressed.

[0087] (Mode 16)

[0088] The absorbent article according to any one of Modes 13 to 15, wherein

[0089] the average particle diameter of the activated carbon particles contained in the activated carbon member is 50 μm or less.

[0090] According to the above structure, the shedding of the activated carbon particles can be appropriately suppressed.

[0091] (Mode 17)

[0092] The absorbent article according to any one of Modes 1 to 16, wherein

[0093] the surface sheet has a ventral part facing the abdomen of the wearer, a crotch part facing the crotch of the wearer, and a dorsal part facing the back of the wearer,

[0094] The deodorant has a pair of deodorant sheets, which are configured to extend from the ventral part, through the crotch part, to the dorsal part along the length direction, i.e., the direction in which the ventral part and the dorsal part face each other across the crotch part, and to face each other separately in the width direction orthogonal to the length direction.

[0095] According to the above structure, by separately arranging the deodorant in multiple parts, the absorption performance (deodorant performance) of the deodorant for the odor of urine can be effectively exerted.

[0096] (Mode 18)

[0097] The absorbent article according to Mode 17 is characterized in that

[0098] In the region between the pair of deodorant sheets, a slit extending in the length direction and recessed in the thickness direction, i.e., the direction in which the surface sheet faces the absorbent body, is provided on the absorbent body.

[0099] According to the above structure, the odor of urine absorbed by the absorbent body can be appropriately suppressed from diffusing to the skin side.

[0100] (Mode 19)

[0101] The absorbent article according to any one of Modes 1 to 18 is characterized in that

[0102] The deodorant is an activated carbon member containing activated carbon particles,

[0103] The absorbent article further includes a sheet member disposed between the surface sheet and the activated carbon member.

[0104] According to the above structure, the brightness of the region where the activated carbon member is disposed can be reduced when observed from the skin side of the surface sheet. Thus, the amount of activated carbon particles that can be disposed within the range satisfying the above brightness condition can be increased, and the deodorizing function can be improved.

[0105] (Mode 20)

[0106] The absorbent article according to Mode 19 is characterized in that

[0107] The activated carbon member is disposed between the absorbent body and the sheet member.

[0108] According to the above structure, when manufacturing the absorbent article by laminating the respective members constituting the absorbent article, the activated carbon member can be surrounded and supported by the absorbent body and the sheet member at an earlier stage. Thus, during manufacturing, the risk of activated carbon particles falling off from the activated carbon member and reaching the surface sheet can be reduced.

[0109] (Mode 21)

[0110] The absorbent article according to Mode 19 or 20, characterized in that

[0111] the sheet member is thin crepe paper.

[0112] According to the above structure, the risk of activated carbon particles falling off from the activated carbon member reaching the surface sheet can be more effectively reduced.

[0113] Effect of the Invention

[0114] According to the present disclosure, an absorbent article capable of more effectively suppressing the odor of urine can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0115] Figure 1 is a top view of an absorbent article of an embodiment.

[0116] Figure 2 is along Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article taken along line II-II.

[0117] Figure 3 is along Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article taken along line III-III.

[0118] Figure 4 is a top view showing Figure 1 a structural example of the absorbent body and the activated carbon sheet of the absorbent article.

[0119] Figure 5 is a diagram schematically showing the procedure of the deodorizing function test.

[0120] Figure 6 is a correspondence table of samples for the deodorizing function test.

[0121] Figure 7 is a table showing the concentration of each odor component and the threshold dilution multiple of each sample measured in the above deodorizing function test.

[0122] Figure 8 is a table showing the value obtained by dividing the total value of the threshold dilution multiples of each sample by the total value of the threshold dilution multiples of the blank example and the odor intensity measured by the odor sensory test.

[0123] Figure 9 is a graph showing the odor residual rate (ratio when the comparative example is set to 100%) of methanethiol of each sample measured in the above deodorizing function test.

[0124] Figure 10 is a graph showing the odor residual rate (ratio when the comparative example is set to 100%) of trimethylamine of each sample measured in the above deodorizing function test.

[0125] Figure 11 It is a graph showing the ammonia odor residual rate of each sample measured in the above-mentioned deodorizing function test (the ratio when the comparative example is set to 100%). Detailed implementation mode

[0126] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in the following description, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In addition, the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the respective dimensions etc. may sometimes be different from the actual ones.

[0127] [Structure of absorbent article]

[0128] First, with reference to Figures 1 to 4 , the structure of an absorbent article 1 according to an embodiment will be described. In addition, in the present embodiment, the "skin side" means the side facing the wearer's skin in the usage state (wearing state) of the absorbent article 1. The "non-skin side" means the side opposite to the skin side of the wearer in the usage state (wearing state) of the absorbent article 1. The "wearer" means a person wearing the absorbent article 1. In addition, in the present embodiment, the length direction in the extended state of the absorbent article 1 (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 4 ) is denoted as the length direction L, the direction orthogonal to the length direction L and the width direction of the absorbent article 1 in the extended state is denoted as the width direction W, and the direction orthogonal to the length direction L and the width direction W is denoted as the thickness direction T (refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). The length direction L is the direction extending from the front side to the rear side of the wearer's body in the usage state of the absorbent article 1. In other words, the length direction L is the direction (front-rear direction) in which the ventral part P1 and the dorsal part P3 face each other with the crotch part P2 described later therebetween. The width direction W is the direction coinciding with the left-right direction of the wearer in the usage state of the absorbent article 1. The thickness direction T is the lamination direction of the materials (such as the surface sheet 2, the back sheet 3, the absorbent body 4, etc.) constituting the absorbent article 1.

[0129] The absorbent article 1 is divided into a ventral part P1, a crotch part P2, and a dorsal part P3. The ventral part P1 is the area facing the abdomen of the wearer in the use state. The dorsal part P3 is the area facing the back of the wearer in the use state. The crotch part P2 is located between the ventral part P1 and the dorsal part P3 in the longitudinal direction L and faces the crotch (under the crotch) of the wearer in the use state. In the present embodiment, in a plan view (i.e., the case of observing from the thickness direction T. The same applies hereinafter), the width of the crotch part P2 is smaller than the width of the ventral part P1 and the width of the dorsal part P3. That is, the absorbent article 1 is formed in a gourd shape with the crotch part P2 narrowed in the width direction W in a plan view. However, the shapes of the ventral part P1, the crotch part P2, and the dorsal part P3 of the absorbent article 1 are not limited to the above. The size of the absorbent article 1 in the longitudinal direction L is, for example, 350 mm to 960 mm. The size of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction W is, for example, 160 mm to 600 mm.

[0130] The absorbent article 1 is an article having a deodorizing function of absorbing odor components caused by urine. In the present embodiment, as an example, the absorbent article 1 is a urine pad. The absorbent article 1 has a topsheet 2, a backsheet 3, an absorbent body 4, and an activated carbon member 5 (deodorant).

[0131] The topsheet 2 is a liquid-permeable sheet disposed on the skin side of the wearer. That is, the topsheet 2 is a sheet facing the skin of the wearer in the use state. The topsheet 2 can be formed, for example, of a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric or woven fabric, a synthetic resin film having liquid-permeable holes, or a composite sheet thereof.

[0132] The backsheet 3 is a liquid-impermeable sheet disposed on the non-skin side of the wearer. The backsheet 3 can be formed, for example, of a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric, a synthetic resin film, or a composite sheet thereof.

[0133] The absorbent body 4 is a member having liquid absorbency and liquid retention. The absorbent body 4 contains a water-absorbing polymer. The absorbent body 4 is disposed on the non-skin side of the wearer with respect to the topsheet 2. The absorbent body 4 is located between the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3. The absorbent body 4 can contain materials other than the water-absorbing polymer (for example, pulp fibers, synthetic fibers, etc.). In addition, each member such as the topsheet 2, the backsheet 3, and the absorbent body 4 can be joined to each other using a known material such as an adhesive.

[0134] The amount of the water-absorbing polymer contained in the absorbent body 4 can be appropriately adjusted in consideration of the absorption performance of the absorbent body 4, etc. For example, the amount of the water-absorbing polymer contained in the absorbent body 4 is set within the range of 12.9 g to 35.2 g. By setting the amount of the water-absorbing polymer within the above range, it is possible to prevent the absorbent article 1 from becoming too thick while exhibiting sufficient water absorption performance and deodorization performance.

[0135] The absorber 4 has an upper absorber 41 disposed on the skin side and a lower absorber 42 disposed on the non-skin side with respect to the upper absorber 41. As Figure 1 shown, in the present embodiment, the upper absorber 41 has a gourd shape that is narrowed in the width direction W in the crotch portion P2. More specifically, as Figure 4 shown, the upper absorber 41 has a protruding portion 51 that protrudes outward in the width direction W from the activated carbon member 5 in the ventral portion P1 and a protruding portion 52 that protrudes outward in the width direction W from the activated carbon member 5 in the dorsal portion P3. The upper absorber 41 has a shape that is substantially similar to the shape of the absorbent article 1 (a shape that is one size smaller than the absorbent article 1). In addition, the lower absorber 42 has a rectangular shape in which the dimension in the length direction L is longer than the dimension in the width direction W.

[0136] Both end portions (front end portion 41a and rear end portion 41b) of the upper absorber 41 in the length direction L are located at positions outside the both end portions (front end portion 42a and rear end portion 42b) of the lower absorber 42 in the length direction L in the length direction L. That is, the upper absorber 41 is formed wider than the lower absorber 42 on both sides in the length direction L. In addition, both end portions in the width direction W of the ventral portion P1 and the dorsal portion P3 of the upper absorber 41 (that is, the outer end portions of the protruding portions 51 and 52) are located at positions outside the both end portions of the lower absorber 42 in the width direction W in the width direction W. That is, the upper absorber 41 is formed wider than the lower absorber 42 on both sides in the width direction W. Therefore, in the present embodiment, both end portions (front end portion 4a and rear end portion 4b) of the absorber 4 in the length direction L coincide with both end portions (front end portion 41a and rear end portion 41b) of the upper absorber 41 in the length direction L. In addition, when viewed from above, the entire lower absorber 42 overlaps with the upper absorber 41. Thus, by covering the entire lower absorber 42 from the skin side with the upper absorber 41, it is possible to appropriately suppress the diffusion of the urine odor generated from the lower absorber 42 to the skin side.

[0137] The lower absorber 42 has an absorbent core 421 and a core wrap layer 422 that wraps the absorbent core 421. In addition, the thickness, basis weight, etc. of the upper absorber 41 and the lower absorber 42 can be appropriately adjusted in consideration of the absorption performance of the absorber 4, etc. In addition, the absorber 4 may be one layer or three or more layers. As materials for the upper absorber 41 and the absorbent core 421, for example, a polymer absorber, pulp fibers, etc. can be cited.

[0138] In the present embodiment, both the upper absorbent body 41 and the lower absorbent body 42 contain a water-absorbing polymer (superabsorbent polymer) and pulp fibers. The amount of the water-absorbing polymer contained in the upper absorbent body 41 is larger than the amount of the water-absorbing polymer contained in the lower absorbent body 42. By disposing a larger amount of the water-absorbing polymer in the upper absorbent body 41 closer to the skin side than in the lower absorbent body 42 located on the non-skin side with respect to the upper absorbent body 41, it is possible to further more appropriately suppress the diffusion of urine odor to the skin side.

[0139] On the other hand, if the ratio of the mass of the water-absorbing polymer to the total mass of the water-absorbing polymer and pulp fibers is defined as the polymer ratio, the polymer ratio of the upper absorbent body 41 is lower than the polymer ratio of the lower absorbent body 42. That is, the pulp fiber ratio (the ratio of the mass of pulp fibers to the total mass) of the upper absorbent body 41 is higher than the pulp fiber ratio of the lower absorbent body 42. According to the above structure, in the upper absorbent body 41, urine can be appropriately diffused in the planar direction (length direction L and width direction W). As a result, the activated carbon member 5 can be effectively utilized over a wide area. That is, urine can be spread over a large area of the activated carbon member 5. In addition, gel blocking in the upper absorbent body 41 can be suppressed, and the entry of urine into the lower absorbent body 42 can be inhibited.

[0140] The activated carbon member 5 is disposed separately from the absorbent body 4 in the absorbent article 1. The activated carbon member 5 includes a plurality of activated carbon particles. In the present embodiment, the activated carbon member 5 is disposed at a position closer to the skin side than the absorbent body 4. In addition, the activated carbon member 5 has a pair of activated carbon sheets 6 (deodorant sheets). The pair of activated carbon sheets 6 continuously extends from the abdominal side portion P1 via the crotch portion P2 to the dorsal side portion P3 along the length direction L, and are disposed facing each other separately in the width direction W. Thus, by dividing and disposing the activated carbon member 5 into a plurality (two in the present embodiment), the absorption performance (deodorant performance) of the activated carbon member 5 for urine odor can be effectively exhibited. In addition, the color of urine absorbed by the central portion of the absorbent body 4 (the region between the pair of activated carbon sheets 6) can be more accurately confirmed. That is, according to the absorbent article 1 having the above structure, the odor of urine can be suppressed, and the wearer or caregiver can accurately confirm the place where urine leakage occurs, etc. Thereby, the installation state of the absorbent article 1 can be grasped, the cause of urine leakage can be determined, and the recurrence of urine leakage can be suppressed. In addition, by being able to accurately confirm the color of urine, the health state of the wearer can be accurately grasped.

[0141] The activated carbon sheet 6 is a liquid-permeable sheet that holds activated carbon particles. The activated carbon sheet 6 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape. The activated carbon sheet 6 has, for example, a structure in which activated carbon particles are supported on a sheet body formed of fibers. As an example of the activated carbon sheet 6, a mixed paper made of natural fibers such as pulp or synthetic fibers such as polyethylene and activated carbon particles can be cited. In addition, as an example of the activated carbon (activated carbon particles) contained in the activated carbon sheet 6, carbides of coconut trees, bamboo, wood, etc. (coconut charcoal, bamboo charcoal, charcoal, etc.) can be cited. In addition, the activated carbon sheet 6 may further contain deodorizing materials other than activated carbon (for example, well-known deodorizing materials such as zeolite, silica gel, alumina, and porous glass).

[0142] The thickness, basis weight, amount (number) of activated carbon particles, etc. of the activated carbon sheet 6 can be appropriately adjusted in consideration of the deodorizing performance of the activated carbon sheet 6. In the present embodiment, as an example, from the viewpoint of holding a sufficient amount of activated carbon particles (lower limit) and the viewpoint of not hardening the absorbent article 1 (upper limit), the thickness of the activated carbon sheet 6 is preferably 0.1 to 10 mm, more preferably 0.2 to 5 mm. In addition, from the viewpoint of fully exerting the deodorizing function (lower limit), the basis weight of the activated carbon particles contained in the activated carbon sheet 6 is preferably 0.2 g / m 2 or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of not hardening the absorbent article 1 (upper limit), the basis weight of the activated carbon particles contained in the activated carbon sheet 6 is preferably 8.0 g / m 2 or less. Furthermore, as will be described later, from the viewpoint of controlling the lightness in the range of 80 or more and 90 or less when observing the region where the activated carbon member 5 (activated carbon sheet 6) is arranged in the absorbent article 1 from the skin side of the surface sheet 2 in the thickness direction T, the basis weight of the activated carbon particles contained in the activated carbon sheet 6 is preferably 3.0 g / m 2 or less. As an example, from the viewpoints of the deodorizing function and lightness as described above, the basis weight of the activated carbon particles contained in the activated carbon sheet 6 can be set to about 2.4 g / m 2 .

[0143] From the viewpoint of enabling the wearer of the absorbent article 1 or the caregiver of the wearer to effectively recognize the presence of the activated carbon member 5, in other words, from the viewpoint of giving the wearer or caregiver a sense of security regarding the deodorizing function generated by the activated carbon member 5 (upper limit), and from the viewpoint that the black color of the activated carbon is not conspicuous and gives the wearer or caregiver a sense of cleanliness, or it is easy to confirm dirt (such as excrement like urine or feces) after using toilet paper, toilet seat wipes, the absorbent article 1, etc. (lower limit), when observing the area where the activated carbon member 5 (activated carbon sheet 6) is arranged from the skin side of the surface sheet 2 in the thickness direction T, the lightness of the above area is preferably set to 80 or more and 90 or less. Here, the lightness is an index (L value) of the degree of brightness where the maximum value (white) is set to "100" and the minimum value (black) is set to "0". In addition, the lightness (L value) can be measured, for example, using a commercially available color difference meter (such as manufactured by Konica Minolta Inc., Color Difference Meter CR-300) on a white calibration plate (such as manufactured by Konica Minolta Inc., CR-A43 (L value 96.7)).

[0144] In addition, as an example, among the activated carbon particles of the activated carbon sheet 6, at least 90% by volume of the particles, preferably 95% by volume of the particles, have a particle size distribution such that the particle diameter is 1 μm or more and 60 μm or less. By making most of the activated carbon particles have a particle diameter of 60 μm or less, the activated carbon particles can easily enter between the constituent fibers of the sheet body of the activated carbon sheet 6, and the sheet body can easily support the activated carbon particles. In addition, by making most of the activated carbon particles have a particle diameter of 1 μm or more, even if a part of the activated carbon particles falls off from the sheet body, the fallen particles are difficult to pass through the surface sheet 2. In addition, from the viewpoint of suppressing such falling off, it is preferable that the ratio of particles with a particle diameter of 10 μm or less is less than 20%, and the ratio of particles with a particle diameter of 30 μm or more is less than 10%.

[0145] In addition, the average particle diameter of the activated carbon particles of the activated carbon sheet 6 can also be set to 17 μm or more, the pore volume of the activated carbon particles of the activated carbon sheet 6 can also be set to 0.55 mL / g or more, and the basis weight of the activated carbon particles of the activated carbon sheet 6 can also be set to 3.0 g / m 2 The following. The pore volume of the activated carbon particles can be measured, for example, using known methods such as pore distribution measurement by mercury intrusion method and BET multipoint method using nitrogen adsorption. In addition, when using charcoal as the material of the activated carbon particles, activated carbon particles with a relatively large pore volume (such as 1.17 mL / g) can be obtained. In contrast, when using coconut tree as the material of the activated carbon particles, the pore volume is smaller than that in the case of generally using charcoal, but by adjusting the time of steam inactivation, it is possible to easily form activated carbon particles with a desired pore volume.

[0146] According to the above structure, it is possible to easily realize the absorbent article 1 that can satisfy the above lightness condition and can appropriately suppress the shedding of activated carbon particles from the sheet body of the activated carbon sheet 6 and the flying of activated carbon particles during manufacturing. More specifically, by suppressing the density and amount of activated carbon particles in the activated carbon sheet 6, the pore volume is made to be a certain value or more (0.55 mL / g or more) and the basis weight of the activated carbon particles is made to be a certain value or less (3.0 g / m 2 2

[0147] The particle size distribution (distribution of particle diameters) of the activated carbon can be measured under specified conditions using, for example, a laser diffraction / scattering type particle size distribution measuring device (such as LA-920 manufactured by Horiba, Ltd.). The measurement conditions for the particle size distribution are as follows.

[0148] · Measuring element: laminar flow cell (Flow Cell)

[0149] · Particle size standard: volume

[0150] · Dispersion medium: 90 mass% ethanol aqueous solution

[0151] · Transmittance: 70 - 90%

[0152] · Sample concentration: 0.1%

[0153] In addition, when the particle diameter of the activated carbon particles is too large, it is easy for the activated carbon particles to fall off from the sheet body of the activated carbon sheet 6. Therefore, from the viewpoint of suppressing the falling off of the activated carbon particles, it is preferable that the average particle diameter of the activated carbon particles in the activated carbon sheet 6 is set to 50 μm or less. From the same viewpoint, it is preferable that the ratio of the activated carbon particles having a particle diameter of 45 μm or more is set to 0.5% or less.

[0154] The absorbent article 1 has a pair of side sheets 7. Each side sheet 7 is joined to both end portions in the width direction W of the topsheet 2 on the skin side surface of the topsheet 2 and extends along the length direction L. A pair of leak barriers 8 are formed by inner portions in the width direction W of the pair of side sheets 7. The pair of leak barriers 8 extend along the length direction L on both sides in the width direction W of the topsheet 2. The pair of leak barriers 8 are arranged at a prescribed interval in the width direction W. The end portions on the outer side in the width direction W of each leak barrier 8 are fixed ends 8a fixed to the topsheet 2. The end portions on the inner side in the width direction W of each leak barrier 8 are free ends 8b. Near the free end 8b of the leak barrier 8, an elastic member 9 such as a rubber thread extending along the length direction L is arranged. The side sheet 7 (including the leak barrier 8) can be formed of, for example, a hydrophobic sheet, a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, or the like.

[0155] The fixed end 8a of the leak barrier 8 is arranged on the outer side in the width direction W with respect to the outer end portions 6a in the width direction W of each of the pair of activated carbon sheets 6. That is, in the width direction W, the activated carbon sheets 6 are not arranged at positions outside the positions where the leak barrier 8 blocks urine, but are arranged in the region where urine mainly exists. Therefore, the activated carbon sheets 6 can be widely and effectively used, and the odor of urine can be efficiently suppressed by the activated carbon sheets 6.

[0156] The absorbent article 1 has an outer sheet 10. The outer sheet 10 is a liquid-impermeable sheet located on the non-skin side of the backsheet 3. The outer sheet 10 can be formed of, for example, the same material as the backsheet 3.

[0157] The absorbent article 1 has a diffusion sheet 11. The diffusion sheet 11 is a sheet member disposed between the topsheet 2 and the activated carbon member 5. The diffusion sheet 11 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with the dimension in the length direction L being longer than the dimension in the width direction W. The sizes in the width direction W and the length direction L of the diffusion sheet 11 are substantially the same as the size obtained by combining the entirety of the pair of activated carbon sheets 6 and the region between the pair of activated carbon sheets 6. Examples of the diffusion sheet 11 include nonwoven fabric, thin tissue paper, etc. Through the diffusion sheet 11, urine can be widely diffused in the planar direction (width direction W and length direction L). Since the diffusion sheet 11 covers the activated carbon sheet 6 from the skin side, even if a part of the activated carbon particles comes off from the sheet body of the activated carbon sheet 6, it is possible to suppress the detached activated carbon particles from reaching the topsheet 2. In addition, by covering the color and odor of the activated carbon particles constituting the activated carbon sheet 6 with the diffusion sheet 11, it is possible to reduce the lightness of the region where the activated carbon sheet 6 is disposed when viewed from the skin side of the topsheet 2. Thus, within the range that satisfies the above-described lightness condition (the lightness (L value) is 80 or more and 90 or less), it is possible to increase the amount of activated carbon particles that can be added to the activated carbon sheet 6, and the deodorizing function can be improved. In addition, the activated carbon sheet 6 is disposed between the absorbent body 4 and the diffusion sheet 11. That is, when manufacturing the absorbent article 1 by overlapping the respective members constituting the absorbent article 1, the activated carbon sheet 6 can be surrounded and supported by the absorbent body 4 and the diffusion sheet 11 at a relatively early stage. Thus, when transporting an intermediate product during manufacturing (a structure including at least the absorbent body 4, the activated carbon sheet 6, and the diffusion sheet 11), etc., the risk of the activated carbon particles coming off from the sheet body of the activated carbon sheet 6 and reaching the topsheet 2 can be reduced. In addition, by forming the diffusion sheet 11 with thin tissue paper having a relatively high fiber density, the diffusion sheet 11 can appropriately hold the activated carbon particles that come off from the sheet body of the activated carbon sheet 6, and thus the risk of the activated carbon particles reaching the topsheet 2 can be more effectively reduced.

[0158] The absorbent article 1 has a water-absorbent polymer sheet 12 (water-absorbent polymer layer) containing a water-absorbent polymer. The water-absorbent polymer sheet 12 is disposed between the topsheet 2 and the activated carbon member 5. In the present embodiment, since the above-described diffusion sheet 11 is provided, the water-absorbent polymer sheet 12 is disposed between the topsheet 2 and the diffusion sheet 11. The water-absorbent polymer sheet 12 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape and is arranged so as to overlap with the dorsal portion P3. The water-absorbent polymer sheet 12 contains, for example, a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and a wrapping sheet incorporating the superabsorbent polymer. The content of the superabsorbent polymer with respect to the entire water-absorbent polymer sheet 12 is, for example, 80% by mass or more, preferably 90% by mass or more. Examples of the wrapping sheet include a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric, thin crepe paper, and the like. By absorbing urine and swelling, the water-absorbent polymer sheet 12 can block or suppress the odor of urine generated from the absorber 4 located on the non-skin side with respect to the water-absorbent polymer sheet 12. Therefore, by arranging the water-absorbent polymer sheet 12, the odor of urine absorbed by the absorber 4 can be appropriately suppressed from diffusing toward the skin side. In addition, since the water-absorbent polymer sheet 12 is arranged so as to overlap with the dorsal portion P3, particularly when the main postures taken by the wearer when wearing the absorbent article 1 are a sitting posture or a supine sleeping posture, the above-described odor diffusion prevention effect can be more appropriately exhibited. That is, the water-absorbent polymer sheet 12 can appropriately suppress the diffusion of the odor of urine mainly absorbed by the dorsal portion P3 of the absorber 4 toward the skin side due to the wearer taking the above-described sitting posture or sleeping posture.

[0159] In the present embodiment, in the region between the pair of activated carbon sheets 6 when viewed from the thickness direction T, the absorber 4 is provided with slits 13 and 14 that extend in the length direction L and are recessed in the thickness direction T. The slit 13 is provided in the upper absorber 41, and the slit 14 is provided in the lower absorber 42.

[0160] The slit 13 of the upper absorber 41 is recessed from the skin side toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction T. In the present embodiment, the slit 13 is a through-hole that penetrates the upper absorber 41 in the thickness direction T. The slit 13 is formed in the range of the rear portion from the crotch portion P2 to the ventral portion P1 (urination region A1) in the length direction L. The urination region A1 is a region where the urine of the wearer is mainly excreted.

[0161] The slit 14 of the lower absorber 42 is recessed from the skin side toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction T in the same manner as the slit 13. In the present embodiment, the slit 14 is a through-hole that penetrates the lower absorber 42 in the thickness direction T. The slit 14 is formed in the urination region A1 in the same manner as the slit 13. When viewed from the thickness direction T, the slit 14 is formed within the range inside the slit 13 in the length direction L and the width direction W.

[0162] Urine excreted from the wearer is mainly guided by the slits 13 and 14, and quickly reaches the upper absorber 41 and the lower absorber 42 via the slits 13 and 14 without passing through the pair of activated carbon sheets 6, and is quickly absorbed by the upper absorber 41 and the lower absorber 42 and diffuses in the planar direction (width direction W and length direction L). Thus, the pair of activated carbon sheets 6 located on the side closer to the skin than the upper absorber 41 and the lower absorber 42 can appropriately block or suppress the odor of urine generated from the upper absorber 41 and the lower absorber 42. That is, the odor of urine absorbed by the absorber 4 can be appropriately suppressed from diffusing toward the skin side.

[0163] In addition, in the present embodiment, a pair of embossed portions 15 extending along the length direction L and extending from the upper absorber 41 toward the lower absorber 42 in the thickness direction T are formed on both outer sides in the width direction W of the slits 13 and 14. Through such embossed portions 15, urine can be diffused more quickly and widely in the length direction L and can be quickly absorbed by the absorber 4.

[0164] [Deodorizing function test]

[0165] Refer to Figures 5 to 11 , and the deodorizing function test of the absorbent article 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the absorbent article 1, the absorber 4 and the activated carbon member 5 are arranged in such a manner as to satisfy certain conditions in the deodorizing function test described in detail below. In other words, the absorbent article 1 is configured to satisfy certain conditions (formula (1) described later) in the deodorizing function test by having the configuration structure of the absorber 4 and the activated carbon member 5 as described in Figures 1 to 4 the description.

[0166] Refer to Figure 5 , and an example of the procedure (test method) of the deodorizing function test will be described. The deodorizing function test includes a simulated urine preparation step, an input step, a placement step, and a measurement step described below.

[0167] (Simulated urine preparation step)

[0168] First, prepare artificial urine. The artificial urine is a liquid formulated to contain ammonia and further contain malodorous components other than ammonia. In this embodiment, as an example, 300 ml of artificial urine containing 0.05 ml of ammonia, 0.5 ml of trimethylamine, 0.20 ml of methanethiol, and 299.25 ml of physiological saline was prepared. Additionally, the artificial urine preparation process is carried out, for example, in a windless space (such as a room) where the power supply of an air conditioner or the like is turned off, under certain temperature conditions (for example, 17°C to 18°C). Further, the series of processes from the artificial urine preparation process to the input process are carried out separately under the same conditions for each sample (blank example B, comparative example C, and example E1 to E3 described later). Specifically, the following series of processes are carried out separately for each sample. That is, in the artificial urine preparation process, after adjusting the artificial urine in a windless environment at 17°C to 18°C, the input process of putting this artificial urine into the sample of the test subject is carried out immediately without leaving as much time as possible.

[0169] In addition, the above artificial urine is formulated based on the following insights obtained by the present inventor. That is, through in-depth research, the present inventor has obtained the insight that among the malodorous components caused by urine, there are sometimes malodorous components other than ammonia odor. More specifically, the present inventor has found that, for example, in the urine excreted by a person (such as an elderly person, etc., hereinafter referred to as a "specific wearer") whose number of bacteria or protein content in the urine is more than the average due to urinary tract infection, decreased renal function, etc., as malodorous components, there are sometimes more trimethylamine and methanethiol. In particular, acidic methanethiol has an odor similar to fecal odor (the odor of flatulence). Therefore, if such malodorous components are generated, the room where the specific wearer lives will be filled with an unpleasant odor. As a result, there may be drawbacks such as a decrease in the appetite of the specific wearer and the family members of the specific wearer (such as the elderly) returning immediately due to the malodor in the room when they come to visit. Therefore, the present inventor has proposed the deodorizing function test of this embodiment, and in this deodorizing function test, in order to exert a deodorizing function of a certain level or more, as described above, by arranging the absorber 4 and the activated carbon member 5, the absorbent article 1 capable of reducing the degree of drawbacks caused by the odor of urine excreted by the specific wearer has been invented.

[0170] (Input process)

[0171] Next, in a sealed container (sealed space), pseudo-urine is poured onto the absorption surface (urination area A1) of an absorbent article (liner) that is the sample to be tested, and a specified amount (50 L in this embodiment) of synthetic air is filled into the sealed container. Additionally, in the blank test (blank example B) described later, only pseudo-urine is poured into the sealed container, and 50 L of synthetic air is filled into the sealed container. Moreover, the pouring step is carried out in the environment (placement environment) where the sample is placed in the subsequent placement step. That is, the pseudo-urine adjusted (generated) in an environment of 17°C to 18°C in the above-mentioned pseudo-urine preparation step is transported to the placement environment immediately after generation and poured into the sample.

[0172] Refer to Figure 6 , five samples used in this embodiment will be described. The five samples include three examples E1 to E3, one comparative example C, and a blank example B.

[0173] Examples E1 to E3 are absorbent articles (urine collection pads) having the same structure as the absorbent article 1 Figures 1 to 4 shown. Examples E1 to E3 differ from each other in the amount of water-absorbing polymer contained in the absorbent body 4, and the other structures are the same. Example E1 corresponds to "low absorption amount (reaching 800 cc)", and the amount of water-absorbing polymer contained in the absorbent body 4 of Example E1 is 18.1 g (upper layer (upper absorbent body 41. The same applies hereinafter): 10.8 g, lower layer (lower absorbent body 42. The same applies hereinafter): 7.3 g). Example E2 corresponds to "medium absorption amount (reaching 1000 cc)", and the amount of water-absorbing polymer contained in the absorbent body 4 of Example E2 is 24.0 g (upper layer: 15.4 g, lower layer: 8.6 g). Example E3 corresponds to "high absorption amount (reaching 1500 cc)", and the amount of water-absorbing polymer contained in the absorbent body 4 of Example E3 is 35.2 g (upper layer: 19.9 g, lower layer: 15.3 g).

[0174] In addition, as the same structure, Examples E1 to E3 include an activated carbon member 5 (activated carbon sheet 6) containing activated carbon particles with the following particle size distribution. Additionally, the content rate of the activated carbon particles in the activated carbon member 5 of Examples E1 to E3 is 12% by mass relative to the basis weight of the sheet body of the activated carbon sheet 6. Moreover, the material of the activated carbon particles is coconut tree.

[0175] <Particle Size Distribution>

[0176] · Particle size of 10 μm or less: 18%

[0177] · Particle size of 20 μm or less: 77%

[0178] · Particle size of 45 μm or more: 0.50%

[0179] ·Average particle size: 17 μm

[0180] Comparative Example C is an absorbent article (urine pad) having a structure in which the activated carbon member 5 is omitted from the absorbent article 1 shown in Figures 1 to 4 The amount of the water-absorbing polymer contained in the absorber 4 of Comparative Example C is the same as that of Example E2 (in terms of the absorption amount). That is, the activated carbon member 5 is omitted from Example E2 in Comparative Example C.

[0181] Blank Example B is an example that does not include an absorbent article. That is, in Blank Example B, the simulated urine is not absorbed by the absorbent article and is left as it is.

[0182] (Placement process)

[0183] Next, synthetic air is filled in a closed container and left for a specified period (3 hours in this embodiment). During the above placement period (3 hours), the temperature inside the closed container is adjusted to a temperature close to the human body temperature (for example, 40 °C, etc.) so as to be a temperature close to the temperature when a specific wearer wears the pad. In this embodiment, it is left for 3 hours while maintaining the temperature inside the closed container at 38 °C.

[0184] (Measurement process)

[0185] Next, the air inside the closed container after the above placement period is collected. For example, the air inside the sealed container is moved to another place such as a Flek-Sampler (registered trademark). Then, the amounts of the respective odor components contained in the collected air are measured.

[0186] In this embodiment, the amounts of the first odor components of Examples E1 to E3 and Comparative Example C are measured respectively. The amount of the first odor component is the amount of the odor component including the alkaline odor caused by ammonia or trimethylamine and the acidic odor caused by methanethiol in the closed container after 3 hours in a state where the simulated urine is absorbed by the absorbent article inside the closed container. In addition, the amount of the second odor component of Blank Example B is measured. The amount of the second odor component is the amount of the odor component in the closed container after 3 hours in a state where the simulated urine is not absorbed by the absorbent article and is left inside the closed container.

[0187] The indicators (units) of the amount of the first odor component and the amount of the second odor component are not particularly limited. In this embodiment, as the indicators (units) of the amount of the first odor component and the amount of the second odor component, the value of the total dilution multiple of the threshold values (odor concentration) of the respective odor components (ammonia, trimethylamine, and methanethiol) is used (total value of the dilution multiples of the threshold values).

[0188] Figure 7It is a table showing the concentration (ppm) of each odor component of each sample (B, C, E1 to E3) measured in the above-mentioned deodorizing function test and the threshold dilution multiple (absolute value and ratio based on the blank example B). Figure 8 It is a table showing "total threshold dilution multiple of each sample (B, C, E1 to E3) / total threshold dilution multiple of the blank example B" and odor intensity measured in the above-mentioned deodorizing function test. Figure 9 , Figure 10 and Figure 11 They are respectively graphs showing the odor remaining rates (ratios when the odor remaining rate in the comparative example C is "100%") of methanethiol, trimethylamine and ammonia of each sample (C, E1 to E3) measured in the above-mentioned deodorizing function test.

[0189] As Figure 7 and Figure 8 shown, it was confirmed that both the comparative example C and the examples E1 to E3 exhibited high deodorizing effects. However, based on the examples E1 to E3, it was confirmed that a significantly higher deodorizing effect than that of the comparative example C was exhibited. More specifically, as Figures 9 to 11 shown, it was confirmed that the examples E1 to E3 exhibited a higher deodorizing effect on any odor component than the comparative example C. In particular, for trimethylamine and ammonia, it was confirmed that the examples E1 to E3 exhibited a significantly higher deodorizing effect than the comparative example C. In addition, although the amount of the absorbent polymer contained in the absorber 4 of the example E1 was less than the amount of the absorbent polymer contained in the absorber 4 of the comparative example C, it was confirmed that by including the absorber 4 and the activated carbon member 5 in the example E1, a higher deodorizing effect than that of the comparative example C was exhibited.

[0190] In addition, as Figure 8 shown, for "total threshold dilution multiple of each sample / total threshold dilution multiple of the blank example B", it remained at "0.075" in the comparative example C. In contrast, it was confirmed that it was "0.032" according to the example E1, "0.015" according to the example E2, and "0.007" according to the example E3, that is, a very high deodorizing effect was exhibited. Here, the total threshold dilution multiple of each sample is a value obtained by summing the threshold dilution multiple of methanethiol, the threshold dilution multiple of trimethylamine, and the threshold dilution multiple of ammonia of the corresponding sample, and is an index equivalent to the above-mentioned first odor component amount. For example, the total threshold dilution multiple of the example E1 is the sum of the threshold dilution multiple of methanethiol "328.641", the threshold dilution multiple of trimethylamine "416.406", and the threshold dilution multiple of ammonia "0.13373", which is "745.18". In addition, the total threshold dilution multiple of the blank example B "23147 (=5532.99 + 17604.2 + 9.92202)" is an index equivalent to the above-mentioned second odor component amount.

[0191] In addition, Figure 8 The odor intensity shown is the odor intensity obtained through an odor sensory test based on a 6 - level odor intensity representation method. The odor sensory test is carried out by the following method. That is, n (in this embodiment, for blank example B, n = 7, and for comparative example C and examples E1 - E3, n = 3) subjects inhale the air of each sample (B, C, E1 - E3) collected after the above - mentioned placement process, and each subject evaluates the odor intensity felt by each subject according to the following 6 - level scale.

[0192] (Odor intensity)

[0193] Odor intensity = 0: Odorless (unable to perceive odor)

[0194] Odor intensity = 1: Odor of a degree that can be perceived (detection threshold)

[0195] Odor intensity = 2: Odor that can distinguish what kind of odor it is (recognition threshold)

[0196] Odor intensity = 3: Easily perceivable odor

[0197] Odor intensity = 4: Strong odor

[0198] Odor intensity = 5: Very strong odor

[0199] In addition, regarding the evaluation of odor intensity, in order to exclude the prior judgment of each subject, each subject is asked to evaluate in a state where they do not know which air is which sample. As Figure 8 shown, it was confirmed that in any of comparative example C and examples E1 - E3, the odor intensity was felt to be lower than that of blank example B (odor intensity 3.4). In addition, compared with the odor intensity "2.5" included in the range (2.5 - 3.5) where the limit standard can be set in the odor prevention method measured in comparative example C, in examples E1 - E3, the measured odor intensity was lower than the set range of the above - mentioned limit standard. Here, there is almost no difference in numerical value between the odor intensity "2.5" of the comparative example and the odor intensity "2.3" of example E1 (that is, the numerical difference "0.2" is very small). However, actually, according to Weber - Fechner's law, the odor intensity is proportional to the logarithm of the stimulus intensity, so the difference between odor intensity "2.5" and odor intensity "2.3" is greater than it appears. That is, it was confirmed that in example E1 in the above - mentioned index "first odor component amount / second odor component amount", by exerting a deodorizing effect corresponding to a value "0.032" lower than "0.075" of comparative example C (that is, a higher deodorizing effect than comparative example C), a value lower than that of comparative example C can also be obtained in terms of odor intensity.

[0200] As Figure 8As shown, it was confirmed that Comparative Example C did not satisfy the conditions of the following formula (1), while Examples E1 to E3 satisfied the conditions of the following formula (1). That is, it was confirmed that according to Examples E1 to E3, compared with Blank Example B and Comparative Example C, the amount of odor components (total value of threshold dilution multiples) after a certain period (3 hours) had elapsed since urine was excreted into the absorbent article 1 could be effectively reduced.

[0201] The amount of the first odor component / the amount of the second odor component ≤ 0.07…(1)

[0202] In addition, as described above, in Comparative Example C where the amount of the first odor component / the amount of the second odor component (that is, "the total value of threshold dilution multiples of each sample / the total value of threshold dilution multiples of Blank Example B") was slightly higher than 0.07, specifically "0.075", the odor intensity "2.5", which was the lower limit of the restricted range of the malodor prevention method, was measured. Therefore, according to Examples E1 to E3 that satisfy the above formula (1), it is possible to expect that the odor of the absorbent article 1 after absorbing urine can be suppressed to an odor that is less irritating than the malodor (odor with an odor intensity of "2.5" or more) specified in the malodor prevention method. In addition, at least in Example E1 where the "amount of the first odor component / the amount of the second odor component" was less than 0.04, the odor intensity "2.3" that was less than "2.5" was measured. That is, by satisfying the following formula (2) as in Examples E1 to E3, it is possible to expect that the odor of the absorbent article 1 after absorbing urine can be suppressed to an odor that is less than the malodor specified in the malodor prevention method.

[0203] The amount of the first odor component / the amount of the second odor component ≤ 0.04···(2)

[0204] In addition, Examples E2 and E3 can reduce the odor intensity to "2" or less by further satisfying the conditions of the following formula (3). In addition, Example E3 can reduce the odor intensity to less than "2" by further satisfying the conditions of the following formula (4).

[0205] The amount of the first odor component / the amount of the second odor component ≤ 0.03…(3)

[0206] The amount of the first odor component / the amount of the second odor component ≤ 0.01…(4)

[0207] Next, the rubbing fastness of the activated carbon sheet 6 of the present embodiment will be described. The activated carbon sheet 6 preferably has a rubbing fastness such that it is judged to be qualified in the rubbing fastness test described below.

[0208] (Rubbing Fastness Test)

[0209] First, using a commercially available rubbing fastness tester (manufactured by TESTER Sangyo Co., Ltd., AB301), the surface of the activated carbon sheet 6 was rubbed with a rubbing member having a film attached to its end. Next, when the number of reciprocations of the rubbing member was 20 times, a commercially available color difference meter (e.g., manufactured by Konica Minolta, Inc., Color Difference Meter CR-300) was used to measure the lightness of the film attached to the end of the rubbing member on a white calibration plate (e.g., manufactured by Konica Minolta, Inc., CR-A43 (L value 96.7)).

[0210] In addition, the test conditions of the rubbing fastness tester are as follows.

[0211] · Test load: 200 gf

[0212] · Rubbing member: 20×20 mm, R45 mm

[0213] · Stroke: 120 mm

[0214] · Reciprocating speed: 30 cpm

[0215] In the case where activated carbon particles are detached from the activated carbon sheet 6 by rubbing with a rubbing member, the detached activated carbon particles are transferred to the film side of the rubbing member, and the lightness (L value) of the film decreases (i.e., the film turns black due to the attachment of activated carbon particles). Therefore, the larger the lightness (L value) of the film after the rubbing fastness test, the more difficult it is for activated carbon particles to detach. Therefore, for example, by setting the activated carbon sheet 6 with a lightness (L value) of 80 or more when the number of reciprocations of the rubbing member is 20 times as qualified, and the activated carbon sheet 6 with a value less than the above specified value as unqualified, it is possible to evaluate the detachment of activated carbon particles (judgment of pass or fail based on the criterion of the degree of difficulty of detachment).

[0216] The above detachment evaluation was performed on Examples 1 to 4 (activated carbon sheets 6) in Table 1 below. In addition, for any of Examples 1 to 4, the thickness (basis weight) of the sheet body of the activated carbon sheet 6 was 20 gsm. In addition, the activated carbon sheet 6 of Example 1 is a sheet having the same structure as the activated carbon sheet 6 used in Examples E1 to E3 above.

[0217] [Table 1]

[0218]

[0219] As shown in Table 1 above, for any of Examples 1 to 4, after 20 reciprocations of the rubbing member in the above rubbing fastness test, a very high film lightness (L value) of 90 or more was obtained. That is, it was confirmed that for any of Examples 1 to 4, a structure in which activated carbon is difficult to detach can be achieved.

[0220] [Function and Effect]

[0221] Next, the effects of the absorbent article 1 will be described. The absorbent article 1 contains both an absorber 4 (a water-absorbing polymer) and an activated carbon member 5 as a deodorant. Moreover, the deodorant is arranged in such a manner as to satisfy the above formula (1). That is, according to the absorbent article 1, similar to conventional general absorbent articles, the absorber 4 can effectively absorb ammonia-containing urine, and the activated carbon member 5 can also effectively absorb trimethylamine and methanethiol. As a result, the odor of urine can be more effectively suppressed. That is, according to the absorbent article 1, not only can it deodorize ammonia odor, but also can effectively deodorize the odor unique to the urine of a specific wearer (such as acidic odor like methanethiol).

[0222] In addition, in the above deodorizing function test, as the first odor component amount and the second odor component amount, which are indicators for confirming whether the absorbent article has a certain deodorizing function (i.e., the deodorizing performance to the extent that satisfies the above formula (1)), the total value of the dilution multiples of the thresholds of ammonia, trimethylamine, and methanethiol respectively is used. According to the above structure, the first odor component amount and the second odor component amount can be measured by a known odor analysis method, and it is possible to reliably and easily judge whether a certain deodorizing function is satisfied.

[0223] In addition, the activated carbon member 5 is arranged at a position closer to the skin side than the absorber 4. Odor components that are not easily soluble in the water contained in urine (such as acidic component methanethiol) cannot be completely absorbed by the water-absorbing polymer contained in the absorber 4, and are likely to volatilize and diffuse toward the skin side. Therefore, by arranging the activated carbon member 5 so as to cover the absorber 4 from the skin side, it is possible to appropriately suppress the diffusion of odor components from the absorber 4 side to the skin side.

[0224] [Modification Example]

[0225] The above describes the embodiments of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. The materials and shapes of each component are not limited to the above materials and shapes, and various materials and shapes can be adopted. In addition, a part of the structures included in the structure of the above embodiments ( Figures 1 to 4 ) can be changed or omitted, and other structures can also be added. That is, within the range that satisfies the above formula (1) in the above deodorizing function test, a part of the structure of the absorbent article 1 (mainly the structures of the absorber 4 and the activated carbon member 5) can be appropriately changed or omitted, and other structures can also be added to the absorbent article 1. For example, in the above embodiment, the activated carbon sheet 6 continuously extends along the length direction L, but the activated carbon sheet 6 can also be divided at an intermediate position in the length direction L. In addition, a deodorant other than activated carbon (for example, a deodorant having the effect of absorbing the above trimethylamine and methanethiol) can be used instead of the activated carbon member 5.

[0226] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, as a specific example of the absorbent article, the absorbent article 1 as a urine collection pad is illustrated, but the absorbent article is not limited thereto. Other examples of the absorbent article include diapers (band type, short pants type, etc.), incontinence pads, and the like.

[0227] Explanation of reference numerals

[0228] 1... Absorbent article, 2... Surface sheet, 4... Absorbent body, 5... Activated carbon member (deodorant), 6... Activated carbon sheet (deodorant sheet), 12... Water-absorbing polymer sheet (water-absorbing polymer layer), 13, 14... Slits, 41... Upper absorbent body, 42... Lower absorbent body, P1... Ventral part, P2... Crotch part, P3... Dorsal part.

Claims

1. An absorbent article having a deodorizing function of absorbing odor components caused by urine, characterized in that: The absorbent article comprises: A liquid-permeable topsheet facing the wearer's skin; An absorbent body disposed on the side opposite to the skin with respect to the topsheet and containing a water-absorbing polymer; and A deodorant disposed separately from the absorbent body, The water-absorbing polymer and the deodorant contained in the absorbent body are arranged in such a manner as to satisfy the conditions shown in the following formula (1) in the deodorizing function test, In the deodorizing function test, in a closed space, the amount of odor components including the alkaline odor caused by ammonia or trimethylamine and the acidic odor caused by methanethiol in the closed space after 3 hours in a state where 300 ml of simulated urine containing 0.05 ml of ammonia, 0.5 ml of trimethylamine and 0.20 ml of methanethiol is absorbed by the absorbent article, that is, the first odor component amount, is measured, and in the closed space, the amount of the odor components in the closed space after 3 hours in a state where the simulated urine is left unabsorbed by the absorbent article, that is, the second odor component amount, is measured, The first odor component amount / the second odor component amount ≤ 0.07...(1).

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water-absorbing polymer and the deodorant contained in the absorbent body are arranged in such a manner as to satisfy the conditions shown in the following formula (2) in the deodorizing function test, The first odor component amount / the second odor component amount ≤ 0.04...(2).

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water-absorbing polymer and the deodorant contained in the absorbent body are arranged in such a manner as to satisfy the conditions shown in the following formula (3) in the deodorizing function test, The first odor component amount / the second odor component amount ≤ 0.03...(3).

4. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water-absorbing polymer and the deodorant contained in the absorbent body are arranged in such a manner as to satisfy the conditions shown in the following formula (4) in the deodorizing function test, The first odor component amount / the second odor component amount ≤ 0.01...(4).

5. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first odor component amount and the second odor component amount are the total values of the threshold dilution multiples obtained by adding up the threshold dilution multiples of ammonia, trimethylamine and methanethiol respectively.

6. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that: The deodorant is disposed at a position closer to the skin side than the absorbent body.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that: The amount of the water-absorbing polymer contained in the absorbent body is 12.9 g to 35.2 g.

8. The absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that: The absorbent body has an upper absorbent body disposed on the skin side and a lower absorbent body disposed on the side opposite to the skin side with respect to the upper absorbent body, The amount of the water-absorbing polymer contained in the upper absorbent body is larger than the amount of the water-absorbing polymer contained in the lower absorbent body.

9. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent body has an upper absorbent body disposed on the skin side and a lower absorbent body disposed on the side opposite to the skin side with respect to the upper absorbent body, the upper absorbent body and the lower absorbent body each contain the water-absorbing polymer and pulp fibers, if the ratio of the mass of the water-absorbing polymer to the total mass of the water-absorbing polymer and the pulp fibers is defined as the polymer ratio, the polymer ratio of the upper absorbent body is lower than the polymer ratio of the lower absorbent body.

10. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent article further includes a water-absorbing polymer layer, which is disposed between the topsheet and the deodorant and contains a water-absorbing polymer.

11. The absorbent article according to claim 10, wherein the topsheet has a ventral portion facing the abdomen of the wearer, a crotch portion facing the crotch of the wearer, and a dorsal portion facing the back of the wearer, the water-absorbing polymer layer is disposed so as to overlap with the dorsal portion.

12. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein when viewed from the skin side of the topsheet in the thickness direction, which is the direction in which the topsheet and the absorbent body face each other, the lightness of the region where the deodorant is disposed is 80 or more and 90 or less.

13. The absorbent article according to claim 12, wherein the deodorant is an activated carbon member containing activated carbon particles, the average particle diameter of the activated carbon particles contained in the activated carbon member is 17 μm or more, the pore volume of the activated carbon particles contained in the activated carbon member is 0.55 mL / g or more, The basis weight of the activated carbon particles included in the activated carbon member is 3.0 g / m 2 or less.

14. The absorbent article according to claim 13, wherein The basis weight of the activated carbon particles contained in the activated carbon member is 0.2 g / m 2 or more.

15. The absorbent article according to claim 13, wherein the pore volume of the activated carbon particles contained in the activated carbon member is 1.2 mL / g or less.

16. The absorbent article according to claim 13, wherein the average particle diameter of the activated carbon particles contained in the activated carbon member is 50 μm or less.

17. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the topsheet has a ventral portion facing the abdomen of the wearer, a crotch portion facing the crotch of the wearer, and a dorsal portion facing the back of the wearer, the deodorant has a pair of deodorant sheets, which are arranged so as to extend from the ventral portion through the crotch portion to the dorsal portion along the length direction, which is the direction in which the ventral portion and the dorsal portion face each other with the crotch portion therebetween, and face each other separately in the width direction orthogonal to the length direction.

18. The absorbent article according to claim 17, wherein In the region between the pair of deodorant sheets, a slit extending in the length direction and recessed in the direction in which the surface sheet faces the absorber, i.e., the thickness direction, is provided on the absorber.

19. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the deodorant is an activated carbon member containing activated carbon particles, the absorbent article further includes a sheet member disposed between the surface sheet and the activated carbon member.

20. The absorbent article according to claim 19, wherein the activated carbon member is disposed between the absorber and the sheet member.

21. The absorbent article according to claim 20, wherein the sheet member is thin crepe paper.

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