Underpants-type absorbent article

Abstract

An underpants-type absorbent article is provided with an absorbent main body (10), a waist member (20), an engagement member (30) having a convex shape protruding from the outer side toward the inner side in the left-right direction, the maximum length of the engagement member in the up-down direction being shorter than the length of the side joining sections and longer than 1 / 2 of the length of the side joining sections, and an elastic crotch member (50) having a convex shape protruding from the outer side toward the inner side in the up-down direction. The engagement member has an engagement part (32) provided with a plurality of hooks (325), and a base sheet (31), a plurality of compressed parts (71) are provided on a surface of the base sheet facing the engagement part, the underpants-type absorbent article has a portion where the hooks overlap the compressed parts, and the outer edge of the engagement member has a curved shape. The upper end edge or the lower end edge of the clamping part and the upper end edge or the lower end edge of the clamping component are located at the same position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pant-type absorbent article. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are known absorbent articles such as disposable diapers that can be used as a belt type (expandable type) by partially separating a waist member formed in a panty type (shorts type). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a panty type absorbent article having a pair of separation portions for separating the waist member into a front piece and a back piece, and a locking portion (locking member) provided on one side of the front piece and the back piece and removably locked to the other side of the front piece and the back piece.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2022 / 4727 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] When such absorbent articles are used as belts, if the engaging components (wings, belts, etc.) are large, they may extend from the waist member during engagement, rubbing against the wearer's body or interfering with body movements. On the other hand, if the engaging components are small, the following problems may arise: when the engaging components are grasped and pulled during wear, local forces may be applied, causing the waist member to twist. In other words, the operability of the engaging operation and the fit during wear may be deteriorated. In addition, when engaging or removing the engaging components from the waist member, if the engaging force of the engaging portion (mechanical fastener, etc.) relative to the waist member is too strong, the engaging portion may detach from the engaging component.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve the operability and fit when engaging or removing an engaging member with a waist member in a pull-on absorbent article that can also be used as a tape-type article.

[0009] Solutions for solving problems

[0010] The main technical solution for achieving the above-mentioned purpose is an underwear-type absorbent article, which has mutually intersecting up and down directions, left and right directions and thickness directions, and has: an absorbent main body, which has a liquid-absorbing absorbent core; a waist member, which has a front waist part and a back waist part; a snap-fitting member, the outer end parts of the snap-fitting member in the left and right directions are fixed to the waist member in an inseparable manner, and the inner end parts of the snap-fitting member in the left and right directions are snapped with the non-skin side of the waist member in a detachable manner; and a crotch elastic member, which is provided at a position closer to the non-skin side than the absorbent core, and stretches along the up and down directions, and at both ends in the left and right directions, the front waist part and the back waist part are joined to each other by a pair of side joints. The underwear-type absorbent article is characterized in that the snap-fitting member has only one place from the outer side of the left and right directions. The convex shape protrudes convexly toward the inside, and in the up-down direction, the maximum length of the locking member is shorter than the length of the side joint and longer than 1 / 2 of the length of the side joint, and the locking member has a locking portion with multiple hooks and a base sheet supporting the locking portion, and a surface of the base sheet opposite to the locking portion in the thickness direction is provided with multiple compression portions formed by compressing the base sheet along the thickness direction, when observed along the thickness direction, the underwear-type absorbent article has a portion where the hook and the compression portion overlap, and the outer edge of the locking member is curved at a position closer to the inside of the left-right direction than the locking portion, and in the up-down direction, the upper end edge of the locking portion and the upper end edge of the locking member are at the same position, or the lower end edge of the locking portion and the lower end edge of the locking member are at the same position.

[0011] Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, in a pull-on absorbent article that can also be used as a tape-type absorbent article, it is possible to improve operability and fit when engaging or removing the engaging member with respect to the waist member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a schematic perspective view of the sanitary napkin 1.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a plan view of the sanitary napkin 1 in the unfolded and stretched state as viewed from the thickness direction.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 AA cross-sectional view of .

[0017] Figure 41 and 2 are a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the absorbent body 10 in an extended state.

[0018] Figure 5A is a top view of the engaging member 30 in the extended state, Figure 5B It is a cross-sectional view of the engaging member 30 in the extended state.

[0019] Figure 6 It is an enlarged representation Figure 5B Schematic cross-sectional view of region X.

[0020] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a diagram for explaining the operation of separating the waist member 20 of the sanitary napkin 1 frontward and rearward.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of how the sanitary napkin 1 is worn.

[0022] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is a diagram for explaining the mechanism of engagement between the waist member 20 and the engaging member 30 (engaging portion 32 ).

[0023] Figure 10A and Figure 10B 3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the pitch of the first base sheet compression portion 71 and the pitch of the hooks 325 .

[0024] Figure 11A and Figure 11B It is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the depth of the first base sheet compression portion 71 and the height of the hook 325 .

[0025] Figure 12A and Figure 12B This is a diagram for explaining the folding guide line 37 provided on the engaging member 30 .

[0026] Figure 13 This is a plan view showing an example of a case where the sanitary napkin 1 is formed into an asymmetrical shape with respect to the center position CC in the left-right direction.

[0027] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the easy-tear line 25 (separation portion 25).

[0028] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the cross-sectional structure of the waist member 20 of the sanitary napkin 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] At least the following matters are clarified from the description of this specification and the drawings.

[0030] (Method 1)

[0031] The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the front waist portion and the back waist portion are connected to each other by a pair of side joints at the two ends of the waist portion and the front waist portion are connected to each other by a pair of side joints at the two ends of the waist portion and the back waist portion. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the front waist portion and the back waist portion are connected to each other by a pair of side joints at the two ends of the waist portion and the back waist portion are connected to each other by a pair of side joints at the two ends of the waist portion and the back waist portion. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the front waist portion and the back waist portion are connected to each other by a pair of side joints at the two ends of the waist portion and the back waist portion are connected to each other by a pair of side joints at the two ends of the waist portion and the back waist portion. The convex shape is shown, and in the above-mentioned vertical direction, the maximum length of the locking member is shorter than the length of the side joint part and longer than 1 / 2 of the length of the side joint part, and the locking member has a locking part with multiple hooks and a base sheet supporting the locking part, and a surface of the base sheet opposite to the locking part in the thickness direction is provided with multiple compression parts formed by compressing the base sheet along the thickness direction. When observed along the thickness direction, the underwear type absorbent article has a portion where the hooks overlap with the compression parts, and the outer edge of the locking member is curved at a position closer to the inside of the left-right direction than the locking part, and in the above-mentioned vertical direction, the upper end edge of the locking part and the upper end edge of the locking member are at the same position, or the lower end edge of the locking part and the lower end edge of the locking member are at the same position.

[0032] According to the first embodiment of the invention, when the underpants-type absorbent article is used as a belt-type absorbent article, when the engaging member is grasped and the waist member is pulled upward during the wearing process, the elasticity of the crotch elastic member is utilized to easily pull the absorbent body upward, thereby making it easy to fit the underpants. At this time, since only one of the inner ends of the engaging member in the left and right directions is protruding, it is easy to grasp the engaging member and the force of pulling the engaging member is easily transmitted to the waist member efficiently. In addition, since the engaging member is not too long or too short in the vertical direction compared to the waist member (lateral joint), it is possible to suppress the engaging member from extending from the waist member or the waist member from twisting when the engaging member is engaged, thereby improving operability and fit. In addition, in the engaging member, the force of pressing the hook against the waist member is alleviated at the portion where the hook and the compression portion overlap (the hook is relatively shallow). Therefore, when the engaging member is peeled off from the waist member, the engaging portion (hook) can be prevented from detaching from the substrate sheet of the engaging member, and only the engaging portion remains on the waist member. In addition, by making the outer edge (contour) of the engaging member curved at a position closer to the inside in the left-right direction than the engaging portion, it is difficult for women during menstruation to feel uncomfortable, and the affinity when grasped by hand can be improved. In addition, in the vertical direction, the end edge of at least one side of the engaging portion and the end edge of at least one side of the engaging member (substrate sheet) are in the same position. That is, by the engaging portion extending to at least one side of the upper end and the lower end of the engaging member, the rigidity of the engaging member is increased, thereby making it easy to prevent the engaging member from bending when worn.

[0033] (Method 2)

[0034] The pull-on absorbent article according to aspect 1, wherein an area of ​​the compressed portion is larger than an area of ​​the hook when viewed in the thickness direction.

[0035] According to the second embodiment of the underpants-type absorbent article, when the engaging member is engaged, it is unlikely that some of the hooks will enter the recessed portion of the compression portion (the first substrate sheet compression portion) and snag the fibers of the waist member, thus preventing the engaging force from becoming excessively strong. Furthermore, when the engaging member bends with the compression portion (the first substrate sheet compression portion) as the base point during the engagement operation, this bending deformation is less likely to be interfered with by the hooks. Consequently, the engaging member can easily and freely deform three-dimensionally, improving the operability of engaging or releasing the engaging member from the curved surface of the waist member.

[0036] (Method 3)

[0037] The underpants-type absorbent article according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein in the up-down direction, the distance between the upper end of the waist member and the upper end of the engaging member or the distance between the lower end of the waist member and the lower end of the engaging member is larger than the spacing of the compression parts.

[0038] According to the third embodiment of the absorbent underpants, the distance between the upper end (lower end) of the waist member and the upper end (lower end) of the engaging member is easily recognized by the user by comparing the distance between the compressed portions visually recognized on the surface of the engaging member. Thus, when wearing the absorbent underpants, the user can easily be assured that the front waist portion is securely covering the body, which can provide the user with a good fit and a sense of security.

[0039] (Method 4)

[0040] The pull-on absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein, at the outer ends of the waist member in the left-right direction, the distance between the upper ends of the waist member and the upper ends of the engaging members is greater than the pitch of the compression portions.

[0041] According to the pull-on absorbent article of aspect 4, the wearer's abdomen is easily and reliably covered by the portion forming the waist opening at the upper end of the front waist portion when worn, thereby further improving the fit near the waist.

[0042] (Method 5)

[0043] The pull-on absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein, at the outer ends of the waist member in the left-right direction, the distance between the lower ends of the waist member and the lower ends of the engaging members is greater than the pitch of the compression portions.

[0044] According to the underpants-type absorbent article of embodiment 5, the wearer's legs are easily and reliably covered by the portion forming the leg openings at the lower end of the front waistline when worn, thereby further improving the fit near the legs.

[0045] (Method 6)

[0046] The pull-on absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein a pitch of the compressed portions in the up-down direction and the left-right direction is larger than a pitch of the hooks.

[0047] According to the underpants-type absorbent article of embodiment 6, the probability of multiple hooks being arranged between adjacent compression sections in the vertical and horizontal directions is high, thereby enhancing the engagement force. Furthermore, since the hooks are less likely to be pressed in the areas overlapping the compression sections, the engagement force can be prevented from becoming excessively strong. This makes it easier to adjust the engagement force of the engagement member to an appropriate level, further improving the operability of attaching and detaching the engagement member compared to the opposite situation.

[0048] (Method 7)

[0049] The pull-on absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein an average value of the depths of the compressed portions is greater than an average value of the heights of the hooks.

[0050] According to the underpants-type absorbent article of embodiment 7, when the hook is pressed at the position where it overlaps with the compression portion, the hook as a whole does not extend from the recessed portion of the compression portion, making it less likely to snag the fibers of the nonwoven fabric constituting the waist member. This prevents the engagement force from becoming excessively strong. Consequently, it is easier to adjust the engagement force of the engagement member to an appropriate strength, and compared to the opposite situation, the operability of attaching and detaching the engagement member can be further improved.

[0051] (Method 8)

[0052] An underwear-type absorbent article according to any one of methods 1 to 7, wherein the waist member has a first piece provided on the non-skin side in the thickness direction, a second piece provided on the skin side in the thickness direction, and a third piece sandwiched between the first piece and the second piece in the area engaged with the engaging member, a waist elastic member that can be stretched and contracted in the left-right direction is provided between the second piece and the third piece, and the waist elastic member is not provided between the first piece and the third piece.

[0053] According to the underpants-type absorbent article of embodiment 8, since the third sheet is provided between the first sheet and the waist elastic member in the thickness direction, the third sheet functions as an interference member, and the hook pressed from the non-skin side toward the skin side of the first sheet is less likely to affect the waist elastic member located between the second and third sheets. As a result, even when the engaging member is repeatedly engaged and disengaged, the elasticity of the waist elastic member is easily maintained, thereby improving the fit of the waist member.

[0054] (Method 9)

[0055] The pull-on absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the first sheet and the third sheet have portions joined to each other and portions not joined to each other.

[0056] According to the panty-type absorbent article of embodiment 9, during the operation of engaging or removing the engaging member from the non-skin-facing side of the waist member, the non-joined portion between the first and third sheets functions as a buffer, making it less likely that the impact of assembly and disassembly will affect the waist elastic member. Thus, even when the engaging member is repeatedly engaged or removed, the elasticity of the waist elastic member is easily maintained, further improving the fit of the waist member.

[0057] (Method 10)

[0058] The underpants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the engaging member has a folding guide line between the engaging portion and the side joint portion in the left-right direction, and the folding guide line bends the base sheet in a manner convex toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction.

[0059] According to embodiment 10, the underpants-type absorbent article is provided with a folding guide line that bends the base sheet so that it bulges toward the non-skin side. This facilitates the formation of a space between the bent engaging member and the waist member, making it easier for the wearer to visually identify the engaging member. Furthermore, inserting a finger into this space facilitates the removal of the engaging member. This makes it easier to put on the underpants-type absorbent article.

[0060] (Method 11)

[0061] An underwear-type absorbent article according to any one of methods 1 to 10, wherein the front waist portion has a waist elastic component that is stretchable along the left-right direction, and a waist elastic component discontinuity portion in which the waist elastic component is discontinuous in the left-right direction at a portion where the waist elastic component overlaps with the engaging component in the up-down direction and is a central portion in the left-right direction.

[0062] According to the underpants-type absorbent article of embodiment 11, the elastic force of the waist elastic member is less likely to act on the absorbent body at the discontinuous portion of the waist elastic member, thereby suppressing the absorbent body from contracting in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, wrinkles are less likely to form in the absorbent body, making it easier for the absorbent body to fit the wearer's abdomen in a wide state. Consequently, when the underpants-type absorbent article is worn, the absorbent body can further improve the fit of the ventral side of the absorbent body.

[0063] (Method 12)

[0064] An underpants-type absorbent article according to any one of methods 1 to 11, wherein the underpants-type absorbent article has a pair of leg openings, the waist member has a buttocks elastic member that stretches and contracts along the periphery of the leg openings, and has a buttocks elastic member discontinuity portion in the central portion in the left-right direction where the buttocks elastic member is discontinuous in the left-right direction.

[0065] According to the panty-type absorbent article of embodiment 12, the elastic member's stretching and contracting force is less likely to act on the absorbent body at the discontinuous portion of the hip elastic member, thereby preventing the absorbent body from being excessively pressed against the wearer's body (hips). Furthermore, since the discontinuous portion of the hip elastic member is less likely to act on the absorbent body in the left-right direction, wrinkles are less likely to form on the surface of the absorbent body, allowing the absorbent body to maintain a wide, flat surface. Consequently, the absorbent body easily covers the wearer's hips over a wide area, improving fit and preventing excretion leakage.

[0066] (Method 13)

[0067] An underpants-type absorbent article according to any one of methods 1 to 12, wherein the waist member has a pair of separation portions on both sides in the left-right direction for separating the waist member front and back, and in an extended state, a distance from the center position in the left-right direction of the underpants-type absorbent article to the separation portion on one side in the left-right direction is different from a distance from the center position in the left-right direction of the underpants-type absorbent article to the separation portion on the other side in the left-right direction.

[0068] According to the underpants-type absorbent article of embodiment 13, the wearer can easily recognize that the underpants-type absorbent article has an asymmetrical shape in the left-right direction, compared to a case where the left and right sides have the same length. In addition, the wearer can easily recognize that it is desirable to wear the underpants-type absorbent article in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0069] (Method 14)

[0070] The underpants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 13, wherein the inner end portion of the locking member in the left-right direction has a top end compression portion formed by arranging a pattern of a predetermined shape at a predetermined pitch, and the average depth of the top end compression portion is greater than the average depth of the compression portion.

[0071] According to the panty-type absorbent article of embodiment 14, the top compression portion increases the rigidity of the base sheet in the area where the engaging member is easily grasped when being pulled, thereby making the engaging member less susceptible to damage. This allows for easier transmission of pulling force to the rear waistline portion. This improves operability when engaging or removing the engaging member from the waistline member.

[0072] (Method 15)

[0073] The underpants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 14, wherein the engaging member has an engaging portion compression portion formed by compressing the engaging portion in the thickness direction, and when viewed in the thickness direction, at least a portion of the hook overlaps with the engaging portion compression portion.

[0074] According to the underpants-type absorbent article of embodiment 15, the hook is compressed and flattened in the thickness direction at the portion where the hook and the engaging portion compression portion overlap, thereby weakening the overall engaging force of the engaging portion compared to a case where the engaging portion compression portion is not formed. Therefore, it is easy to peel off the engaging member engaged with the waist member. Furthermore, since the engaging portion compression portion improves the integrity of the engaging portion and the base sheet, when peeling off the engaging member engaged with the waist member, it is possible to prevent the engaging portion from detaching from the base sheet and remaining in the waist member. This improves the operability of engaging or peeling the engaging member relative to the waist member.

[0075] (Method 16)

[0076] The underpants-type absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 15, wherein, when viewed along the thickness direction, the underpants-type absorbent article has a portion where the top end compression portion and the engaging portion compression portion overlap with each other and a portion where the top end compression portion and the engaging portion compression portion do not overlap with each other.

[0077] According to the underwear-type absorbent article of mode 16, the thickness of the substrate sheet is the smallest (thinnest) in the portion where the top compression portion and the engaging portion compression portion overlap. Furthermore, in the portion where the top compression portion and the engaging portion compression portion do not overlap and the hook overlaps with the engaging portion compression portion, the height of the hook slightly increases, corresponding to the substrate sheet not being compressed by the top compression portion. Furthermore, in the portion where the top compression portion and the engaging portion compression portion do not overlap and the hook does not overlap with the engaging portion compression portion, neither the substrate sheet nor the hook is compressed, so the height of the hook is the highest. Thus, by gradually varying the height of the hook protruding along the thickness direction, a gradient is generated in the magnitude of the engaging force between the hook and the waist member, making it easier to peel off the engaging member compared to a situation where the engaging force is the same. This improves the operability of engaging or peeling the engaging member relative to the waist member.

[0078] ===Implementation Method===

[0079] As an example of a pull-on (pants-type) absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention, a pull-on (pants-type) sanitary napkin 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "sanitary napkin 1") will be described. Pull-on (pants-type) absorbent articles also include pull-on (pants-type) diapers, pull-on (pants-type) absorbent pads, and the like.

[0080] <Basic structure of sanitary napkin 1>

[0081] Figure 1 It is a schematic perspective view of the sanitary napkin 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a plan view of the sanitary napkin 1 in the unfolded and stretched state as viewed from the thickness direction. Figure 3 yes Figure 2AA cross-sectional view of . In addition, Figure 2 The side joint portion 40 and the separation portion 25 described later should not appear in the cross section at the AA position, but Figure 3 The positions of both are shown for the purpose of explanation.

[0082] The "stretched state" of the sanitary napkin 1 refers to the following state: the sanitary napkin 1 as a whole (the product as a whole) is stretched to a wrinkle-free state by stretching the various elastic components of the sanitary napkin 1 (for example, the crotch elastic component 50, the waist elastic component 26, etc. described later). Specifically, it refers to the state in which the sanitary napkin 1 is stretched to a state in which the size of the various components constituting the sanitary napkin 1 (for example, the non-skin side panels 21, the skin side panels 22, 23, etc. described later) becomes the same as or close to the size of the component itself.

[0083] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG, the sanitary napkin 1 has a "up-down direction", "left-right direction" and "front-back direction" that are orthogonal to each other. Figure 3 As shown, the sanitary napkin 1 has a "thickness direction" which is the direction in which the components are stacked. The side in the up-down direction that forms the wearer's waist when the sanitary napkin 1 is worn is designated as the "upper side," and the side that forms the wearer's crotch is designated as the "lower side." Furthermore, the side in the front-to-back direction that forms the wearer's ventral side when worn is designated as the "front side," and the side that forms the wearer's back is designated as the "back side." Furthermore, the side in the thickness direction that contacts the wearer's skin when the sanitary napkin 1 is worn is designated as the "skin side," and the opposite side is designated as the "non-skin side."

[0084] In addition, Figure 2 In the unfolded state shown, the sanitary napkin 1 has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction that are orthogonal to each other. The longitudinal direction is the direction along the vertical direction of the panty-type sanitary napkin, and the lateral direction is the direction along the horizontal direction of the panty-type sanitary napkin.

[0085] The sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment includes: a liquid-absorbent absorbent body 10, which absorbs excretions such as menstrual blood; a waist member 20, which is overlapped and arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10 and is arranged on the waist of the wearer when the sanitary napkin 1 is worn; and a snap-fit ​​member 30, which is provided on both sides of the waist member 20 in the left and right directions.

[0086] (Absorbent body 10)

[0087] Figure 4It is a top view and a cross-sectional view of the absorbent body 10 in an extended state. The absorbent body 10 is a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above with the longitudinal direction along the up-down direction of the sanitary napkin 1. The absorbent body 10 has an absorbent core 11 along the longitudinal direction (up-down direction), a top sheet 12 arranged at a position closer to the skin side than the absorbent core 11, and a back sheet 13 arranged at a position closer to the non-skin side than the absorbent core 11. However, the absorbent body 10 may also have sheet members other than these. For example, an auxiliary sheet may be provided between the top sheet 12 and the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction. In addition, a crotch elastic member 50, described later, is provided at a position closer to the non-skin side than the absorbent core 11.

[0088] The absorbent core 11 is a member that absorbs and retains liquids such as menstrual blood and is formed, for example, from liquid-absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers mixed with superabsorbent polymer (SAP). In this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the absorbent core 11 is covered with a liquid-permeable core wrap sheet 18 made of tissue paper, nonwoven fabric, or the like. However, the core wrap sheet 18 is not necessarily required.

[0089] The top sheet 12 is a liquid-permeable sheet member that comes into contact with the wearer's skin when worn, and is formed of, for example, a hydrophilic air-through nonwoven fabric, a spunbond nonwoven fabric, or the like.

[0090] The backsheet 13 has a two-layer structure consisting of a liquid-impermeable sheet 13a for preventing leakage of fluids such as menstrual blood absorbed by the absorbent core 11, and a hydrophobic sheet 13b disposed on the non-skin side of the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a. The liquid-impermeable sheet 13a is made of, for example, a resin film, and the hydrophobic sheet 13b is made of, for example, a soft nonwoven fabric.

[0091] Furthermore, a pair of leak-proof walls 60, 60 are provided on both sides of the absorbent body 10 in the left-right direction. The leak-proof walls 60 are equivalent to so-called three-dimensional gathers. When the sanitary napkin 1 is worn, the leak-proof walls 60 stand up from both sides of the absorbent body 10 in the left-right direction toward the wearer's skin to prevent excretions such as menstrual blood from leaking out of the absorbent body 10. Figure 4 As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG, in the sanitary napkin 1, the hydrophobic sheet 13b of the backsheet 13, which is arranged to cover the absorbent core 11 from the non-skin side, is folded back toward the skin side at both sides in the left-right direction and bent at multiple locations, thereby forming a pair of leakage-barrier walls 60, 60. Leakage-barrier elastic members 61 (e.g., elastic cords) are attached to the leakage-barrier walls 60 in an extended state along the longitudinal direction. When the sanitary napkin 1 is worn, the elasticity of the leakage-barrier elastic members 61 causes the leakage-barrier walls 60 to rise toward the skin side and fit the wearer's groin.

[0092] In addition, if Figures 2 to 4As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of crotch elastic members 50 that stretch in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) are provided in the crotch portion of the absorbent body 10 of this embodiment. The crotch elastic members 50 are, for example, made of elastic cords and are arranged on the non-skin side (at the bottom) of the absorbent core 11 in a stretched state in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction). Figure 4 The crotch elastic member 50 is provided between the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a and the hydrophobic sheet 13b in the middle. In the sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment, five crotch elastic members 50 are provided at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction, but the number of crotch elastic members 50 can be adjusted appropriately. The elongation ratio of the crotch elastic member 50 is preferably about 1.4 to 3.3 times. In addition, the elongation ratio is expressed by the value obtained by dividing the length of the elastic member in the elongated state by the length of the elastic member in the natural state. By presetting the elongation ratio of the crotch elastic member 50 to a certain degree of strength, the absorbent core 11 with relatively high rigidity is contracted from the non-skin side in the thickness direction and deformed to bulge toward the skin side, making it easy for the absorbent body 10 to fit the wearer's body when the sanitary napkin 1 is worn. That is, by utilizing the elasticity exhibited by the crotch elastic member 50 to lift the absorbent body 10 toward the wearer's skin side, the absorbent body 10 is easily in close contact with the wearer's crotch, which can prevent excretion such as menstrual blood from leaking.

[0093] Furthermore, the absorbent body 10 is provided with a high-density portion 80 formed by compressing at least the absorbent core 11 and the top sheet 12 in the thickness direction. Figure 4 In the absorbent core 10, a pair of high-density sections 80 are provided in the left-right direction, formed into a curved (dashed) shape by a plurality of dot-shaped compressions arranged intermittently along the longitudinal direction. The portion of the absorbent body 10 where the high-density sections 80 are located has a higher density than the rest of the absorbent body 10, allowing the absorbent core 11 to easily bend and deform three-dimensionally with these high-density sections 80 as the base points for bending. In other words, the linear high-density sections 80 function like hinges, allowing the planar absorbent core 11 to easily deform in accordance with the contours of the wearer's body, allowing it to easily fit the wearer's crotch.

[0094] In addition, in the sanitary napkin 1, at least one (at least one) high-density portion 80 is disposed between a pair of high-density portions 80 disposed at a predetermined interval in the left-right direction. Figure 4 (There are three in the middle) crotch elastic members 50. Excessive contraction of the crotch elastic members 50 is suppressed in the portion of the absorbent core 11 where rigidity is increased due to the high-density portion 80, thereby preventing the absorbent core 11 as a whole from being strongly pressed against the crotch. Furthermore, the elasticity of the crotch elastic member 50 located between the pair of high-density portions 80, 80 facilitates the region between the pair of high-density portions 80, 80 to bulge toward the skin, thereby facilitating close contact between the wearer's crotch and an excretion opening such as the vagina. This further improves the fit of the absorbent body 10.

[0095] In addition, in addition to the high-density portion 80, a compression portion (not shown) that compresses the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction may also be provided. For example, by providing other compression portions that are different from the high-density portion 80 at the ends of the absorbent core 11 in the longitudinal direction, the thickness of the absorbent core 11 can be easily controlled. That is, when the sanitary napkin 1 is worn, even if the absorbent core 11 is deformed to bulge toward the skin due to the elasticity of the crotch elastic member 50, by utilizing the other compression portions (not shown) at the ends of the absorbent core 11 in the longitudinal direction to suppress the increase in the thickness of the absorbent core 11, it is also possible to suppress the absorbent core 11 from being strongly pressed against the skin or the decrease in breathability, which can prevent the wearer from feeling uncomfortable.

[0096] (waist member 20)

[0097] The waist member 20 is an outer body composed of a plurality of sheet members, and includes at least a non-skin side sheet 21, skin side sheets 22, 23 and a plurality of waist elastic members 26, 26 ... (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). In addition, in the following description, the portion of the waist member 20 that is closer to the front side (ventral side) than the central position CL in the longitudinal direction is also referred to as the front waist portion 20f, and the portion that is closer to the rear side (dorsal side) than the central position CL is also referred to as the back waist portion 20b. The front waist portion 20f is the portion that touches the ventral side of the wearer's body when the sanitary napkin 1 is worn, and is equivalent to the "front piece" of the sanitary napkin 1. The back waist portion 20b is the portion that touches the back side of the wearer's body when the sanitary napkin 1 is worn, and is equivalent to the "back piece" of the sanitary napkin 1. In addition, a pair of separation portions 25 described later are provided at both end portions in the left and right directions of the front waist portion 20f (front piece) of the sanitary napkin 1.

[0098] The non-skin side sheet 21 is a non-stretchable sheet member disposed at the non-skin side of the sanitary napkin 1 and is continuously disposed from the front side to the back side in the longitudinal direction. The non-skin side sheet 21 is formed of, for example, spunbond nonwoven fabric, SMS nonwoven fabric, etc. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in the top view of FIG, the non-skin side sheet 21 has a shape that is narrowed toward the left and right inner sides in the central portion in the longitudinal direction (the portion including the central position CL). Figure 3 As shown, the non-skin side sheets 21 are folded back at the ends in the longitudinal direction, so that the waist member 20 partially has a structure of three or more layers.

[0099] The skin side sheet 22 is a sheet member that is laminated on the skin side of the non-skin side sheet 21 on the front side (ventral side) in the longitudinal direction and is formed of the same nonwoven fabric as the non-skin side sheet 21. The skin side sheet 23 is a sheet member that is laminated on the skin side of the non-skin side sheet 21 on the rear side (dorsal side) in the longitudinal direction and is formed of the same nonwoven fabric as the non-skin side sheet 21.

[0100] The waist elastic member 26 is formed by, for example, elastic cords, and is provided with a plurality of waist elastic members 26 at predetermined intervals between the non-skin side panels 21 and the skin side panels 22 (23) in the vertical direction, and is installed in a state stretched in the left-right direction. The waist elastic member 26 is utilized to stretch the waist member 20 in the left-right direction so as to fit the waist of the wearer.

[0101] The waist elastic member 26 can be installed using an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive. For example, by applying a hot melt adhesive to the waist elastic member 26, the waist elastic member 26 is stretched at a predetermined stretch ratio, and the waist elastic member 26 is sandwiched between the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheet 22 (23), thereby installing the waist elastic member 26. That is, the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheet 22 (23) are bonded to each other via the waist elastic member 26 using an adhesive. Alternatively, the waist elastic member 26 can be installed by applying an adhesive to the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheet 22 (23) instead of applying an adhesive to the waist elastic member 26.

[0102] Sanitary napkin 1 from Figure 2 In the unfolded state shown, the waist member 20 (20f and 20b) is folded in half along the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction) with the central position CL in the longitudinal direction as the folding position so that the skin side of the front waist portion 20f (front body piece) and the skin side of the back waist portion 20b (back body piece) are opposite to each other. In this folded state, the left and right ends 40f, 40f of the front waist portion 20f and the left and right ends 40b, 40b of the back waist portion 20b that overlap front and back are joined using known joining means such as sealing welding to form a side joint 40. As a result, the folded waist member 20 (20f and 20b) is connected in a ring shape at the front side (ventral side) and the back side (dorsal side), forming Figure 1 The sanitary napkin 1 is provided with a waist opening 1a and a pair of leg openings 1b, 1b, thereby forming a panty-type sanitary napkin.

[0103] (Engaging member 30)

[0104] A pair of engaging members 30 are provided on both sides of the sanitary napkin 1 in the left-right direction. Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the engagement member 30 . Figure 5A is a top view of the engaging member 30 in the extended state, Figure 5BIt is a cross-sectional view of the engaging member 30 in the extended state. Figure 6 It is an enlarged representation Figure 5B The engaging member 30 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a region X. The engaging member 30 includes a base sheet 31 and an engaging portion 32. The engaging member 30 is provided with a distal end compression portion 75 and an engaging portion compression portion 76, which will be described later.

[0105] The substrate sheet 31 is a sheet member made of nonwoven fabric or the like. In this embodiment, the substrate sheet 31 is formed by stacking a first substrate sheet 311 and a second substrate sheet 312 in the thickness direction and bonding them to each other (see FIG. Figure 5B 、 Figure 6 ). The first substrate sheet 311 is a sheet member arranged opposite to the waist member 20 (and the engaging portion 32) in the thickness direction, and SMS non-woven fabric can be applied, for example. The first substrate sheet 311 has a plurality of first substrate sheet compression portions 71 on both sides in the thickness direction. The first substrate sheet compression portions 71 are formed by performing compression processing such as embossing processing on the first substrate sheet 311 from both sides in the thickness direction, and are dispersedly arranged on the entire first substrate sheet 311. The spunbond layer and the meltblown layer constituting the first substrate sheet 311 (SMS non-woven fabric) are bonded to each other by means of the first substrate sheet compression portion 71. The first substrate sheet compression portion 71 is a compression portion formed in the manufacturing process of the first substrate sheet 311 (SMS non-woven fabric).

[0106] The second substrate sheet 312 is a sheet member laminated in the thickness direction on the non-skin side of the first substrate sheet 311. For example, a spunbond nonwoven fabric can be used. The second substrate sheet 312 has a plurality of second substrate sheet compression portions 72 on at least one side in the thickness direction. The second substrate sheet compression portions 72 are formed by compressing the second substrate sheet 312 in the thickness direction, such as by embossing, and are dispersed throughout the second substrate sheet 312. The second substrate sheet compression portions 72 are formed during the manufacturing process of the second substrate sheet 312 (spunbond nonwoven fabric).

[0107] In this way, by forming the engaging member 30 from at least two layers of sheet members (the first base sheet 311 and the second base sheet 312), the rigidity of the engaging member 30 can be increased. This can prevent the engaging member 30 from being damaged during the action of engaging or peeling the engaging member 30 relative to the waist member 20. In particular, since the inner end portion of the engaging member 30 in the left-right direction is the portion that is grasped and pulled by the wearer's hand when wearing the sanitary napkin 1 (see the following description), Figure 8 ), so it is easy to apply force to the inner end. Then, by making the structure of at least two layers of materials stacked in the inner end region to improve rigidity, the operability during engagement or peeling is improved.

[0108] In the sanitary napkin 1, one side of the base sheet 31 in the left-right direction (at Figure 2、 Figure 5A The side joints 40 of the waist member 20 are used to fix the substrate sheet 31 and the waist member 20 in an inseparable manner. That is, the side joints 40 also serve as the substrate sheet fixing portion 35. However, the substrate sheet 31 and the waist member 20 may be fixed in an inseparable manner using a substrate sheet fixing portion 35 different from the side joints 40.

[0109] On the other side in the left-right direction of the base sheet 31 (at Figure 2 、 Figure 5A The engaging portion 32 is provided on the inner side in the left-right direction. The engaging portion 32 is used to engage the engaging member 30 with the waist member 20 in a detachable manner. Figure 5B The predetermined area (near the inner end in the left and right directions) of the skin. Figure 6 As shown, the surface (skin-facing side) of the engaging portion 32 is provided with a plurality of hooks 325 protruding along the thickness direction. The hooks 325 are locking members made of polypropylene or the like. By hooking these hooks 325 onto the fibers of the nonwoven fabric forming the non-skin-facing side panel 21 provided on the outermost side of the waist member 20, the engaging portion 32 (engaging member 30) is removably secured to the non-skin-facing side of the waist member 20. In other words, the engaging portion 32 functions as a so-called Velcro fastener (mechanical fastener).

[0110] Furthermore, in the sanitary napkin 1, the engaging portion 32 is provided continuously in the vertical direction from the upper end to the lower end of the engaging member 30 (base sheet 31). By maximizing the area of ​​the engaging portion 32, the stability of the engagement with the waist member 20 is improved. Furthermore, since the engaging portion 32 is continuous in the vertical direction, the engaging portion 32 is prevented from bending upward and downward, thereby improving the operability during engagement and removal.

[0111] <About the action when wearing sanitary napkin 1>

[0112] Next, the operation of wearing the sanitary napkin 1 will be described. In the initial state, the sanitary napkin 1 is Figure 1The panty type (shorts type) shown can be worn as a common panty type absorbent article. In addition, when the sanitary napkin 1 is removed from the body, the waist member 20 formed into a ring along the waist of the wearer can be separated into a front waist portion 20f and a back waist portion 20b and the sanitary napkin 1 can be unfolded and removed. In addition, after the waist member 20 is separated, the engaging member 30 engaged with either the front waist portion 20f or the back waist portion 20b is engaged with the other of the front waist portion 20f and the back waist portion 20b, thereby being worn as a belt type absorbent article.

[0113] In addition, when wearing the sanitary napkin 1, the easy tear line 25 (separation portion 25) on either side in the left-right direction may be torn in advance. For example, after one leg is passed through the leg opening 1b on the other side in the left-right direction (the side where the easy tear line 25 is not torn) and pulled up to the crotch, the engaging member 30 on one side is engaged with the waist member 20, and the sanitary napkin 1 is worn (see the following description). Figure 8 ). In addition, other putting on and taking off actions can also be performed.

[0114] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a diagram for explaining the operation of separating the waist member 20 of the sanitary napkin 1 frontward and rearward. Figure 7A 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the state of the panty-type sanitary napkin 1 as viewed from the upper side in the vertical direction (the side of the waist opening 1a). Figure 7B It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a state where the waist member 20 is separated front and back.

[0115] In the panty-type sanitary napkin 1, the front waist portion 20f and the back waist portion 20b are joined to each other by side joints 40, 40 provided at both ends in the left and right directions, thereby forming a Figure 7A Furthermore, a pair of engaging members 30 are provided on both sides of the waist member 20 in the left-right direction, and the engaging members 30 engage with the non-skin side of the front waist portion 20f through the engaging portions 32.

[0116] In addition, Figure 7A In the embodiment of the present invention, a pair of separation portions 25 are provided on both sides of the front waist portion 20f in the left-right direction. The separation portions 25 are provided to separate the waist member 20, which is formed into a ring along the wearer's waist, into the front waist portion 20f and the back waist portion 20b. The separation portions 25 are provided at any portion that is closer to the inside than the side joint 40 and closer to the outside than the inner end of the engaging member 30 in the left-right direction. In other words, the separation portions 25 are provided at a position that overlaps with the engaging member 30 in the left-right direction. The separation portions 25 enable the waist member 20 to be separated into a portion that includes at least the central portion of the front waist portion 20f and a portion that includes at least the central portion of the back waist portion 20b.

[0117] In this embodiment, the separation portion 25 comprises a so-called easy-tear line. Specifically, the separation portion 25 comprises a plurality of grooves (hereinafter referred to as notches 25a) extending through the waist member 20 in the thickness direction and arranged intermittently along the vertical direction from the waist opening 1a to the leg opening 1b. By tearing the waist member 20 along these easy-tear lines, the waist member 20 can be easily separated into the front waist portion 20f and the back waist portion 20b. Hereinafter, the separation portion 25 will also be referred to as the "easy-tear line 25."

[0118] The sanitary napkin 1 in which the waist member 20 is separated into the front waist portion 20f and the back waist portion 20b by the separation portion 25 (easy tear line 25) becomes Figure 7B The state shown. That is, Figure 7A The separation portion 25 is separated into a separation end 25fe on the front waist portion 20f side and a separation end 25be on the back waist portion 20b side, thereby separating the front waist portion 20f and the back waist portion 20b from each other. Figure 7B In the embodiment of the present invention, a pair of engaging members 30, 30 are joined to the rear waist portion 20b on both sides in the left and right directions by means of base sheet fixing portions 35 (lateral engaging portions 40), and engaging portions 32, 32 provided on the engaging members 30, 30 are respectively engaged with the front waist portion 20f. Thus, the waist member 20 is formed into an annular shape. When removing the sanitary napkin 1 in this state from the wearer's body, the sanitary napkin 1 can be unfolded by peeling off the engaging portions 32 from the front waist portion 20f, thereby making it easy to remove.

[0119] Next, as an example of the operation when wearing the sanitary napkin 1, the operation method of tearing the easy tear line 25 to separate the waist member 20 front and back, then engaging the engaging member 30 with the waist member 20 and wearing the sanitary napkin 1 again will be described. Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the wearing action of the sanitary napkin 1. Figure 8 The middle shows a state in which the sanitary napkin 1 is worn in a state in which one of the pair of easy tear lines 25, 25 provided on the left and right sides is torn, while the other easy tear line 25 is not torn.

[0120] exist Figure 8 In the case of wearing sanitary napkin 1, first put the wearer's single leg (in Figure 8 The left leg is in the middle) and the sanitary napkin 1 is passed through the leg opening 1b on the side where the tear line 25 is not torn and the sanitary napkin 1 is pulled up to the knee. Then, the front waist part 20f and the back waist part 20b that are separated by the tear line 25 are torn and pulled diagonally upward to pull the sanitary napkin 1 including the absorbent body 10 up to the crotch. Figure 8In the process of putting on the sanitary napkin 1, the wearer grabs the end of the front waist portion 20f with his left hand and pulls it diagonally upward, and grabs the end of the back waist portion 20b (the engaging member 30) with his right hand and pulls it diagonally upward. Then, while pressing the front waist portion 20f with his left hand, he wraps the back waist portion 20b around the wearer's abdomen with his right hand, and engages the engaging member 30 (engaging portion 32) with the non-skin side of the front waist portion 20f, thereby forming the sanitary napkin 1 into a panty shape. This action makes it easy to put on the sanitary napkin 1.

[0121] Furthermore, when removing the sanitary napkin 1 from the wearer's body, the front waist portion 20f and the back waist portion 20b can be separated again by peeling off the engaging member 30 (engaging portion 32) engaged with the non-skin side of the front waist portion 20f on the wearer's right leg side, thereby making it possible to easily remove the sanitary napkin 1. Figure 8 The easy tear line 25 is torn at the moment of removing the sanitary napkin 1 from the wearer's body, on the left leg side of the wearer. In this way, the front waistline 20f and the back waistline 20b can be separated from each other on both sides of the left and right directions, so the sanitary napkin 1 can be removed more easily.

[0122] In the wearing and taking off of such a sanitary napkin 1, if the size of the engaging member 30 is too large, a part of the engaging member 30 may protrude from the front waist portion 20f when engaging with the front waist portion 20f and come into contact with the wearer's skin, thereby causing discomfort. On the other hand, if the size of the engaging member 30 is too small, Figure 8 When the engaging member 30 is grasped and the rear waist portion 20b is pulled in that manner, it is likely that it is difficult to grasp the engaging member 30. Furthermore, since the pulling force transmitted to the rear waist portion 20b via the engaging member 30 acts locally on the narrow area of ​​the rear waist portion 20b, it is likely that the rear waist portion 20b is skewed or twisted and becomes difficult to engage with the front waist portion 20f.

[0123] Furthermore, if the engagement force between the engaging member 30 (engaging portion 32) and the front waist portion 20f is too strong, it may be difficult to peel off the engaging member 30 (engaging portion 32) from the front waist portion 20f when removing the sanitary napkin 1. For example, if the strongly engaged engaging portion 32 is peeled off with great effort, the substrate sheet 31 may be disengaged from the engaging portion 32, leaving only the engaging portion 32 on the front waist portion 20f, or the nonwoven fabric constituting the front waist portion 20f may be torn.

[0124] Therefore, in the sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment, the structure of the engaging member 30 and the engaging portion 32 is appropriately adjusted to improve the operability and fit of the engaging member 30 (engaging portion 32) when engaging or removing the waist member 20. The specific structure of the engaging member 30 and the engaging portion 32 of the sanitary napkin 1 is described below.

[0125] like Figure 5A As shown, in the sanitary napkin 1, the maximum length h30 of the snap-fitting member 30 in the vertical direction is shorter than the length h40 of the side joint 40 provided at both ends of the waist member 20 in the horizontal direction (the outer ends in the horizontal direction), and the maximum length h30 of the snap-fitting member 30 is longer than 1 / 2 of the length h40 of the side joint 40 (h40>h30>h40 / 2).

[0126] The length h40 of the side joint 40 in the vertical direction corresponds to the minimum length of the waist member 20 in the vertical direction (see Figure 2 Therefore, if the maximum length h30 of the engaging member 30 is smaller than the length h40 of the side joints 40 (h40>h30), it is easier to engage the engaging member 30 with a larger area of ​​the waist member 20. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the engaging member 30 from protruding outward from the waist member 20 and coming into direct contact with the wearer's skin during engagement. On the other hand, since the maximum length h30 of the engaging member 30 is greater than 1 / 2 of the length h40 of the side joints 40, it is easier to ensure a sufficient size for grasping the engaging member 30 by hand. Furthermore, when grasping the engaging member 30 and pulling the rear waist portion 20b, the pulling force can be applied to at least 1 / 2 of the side joints 40. Consequently, it is easier to prevent local forces from acting on a narrow area in the vertical direction of the waist member 20, causing the waist member 20 to become distorted or twisted.

[0127] In addition, the engaging member 30 has a convex shape protruding from the outside toward the inside in the left-right direction at only one location. Figure 5A The engaging member 30 shown has a substantially parabolic shape (convex shape) in which the length (width) in the vertical direction gradually decreases from the outer side to the inner side in the left-right direction. With such a shape, when the engaging member 30 is grasped to pull the rear waist portion 20b, the position where the engaging member 30 should be grasped (the inner end in the left-right direction) is clear, and the force of pulling the engaging member 30 can be effectively transmitted to the side joint portion 40 (waist member 20) on the outer side in the left-right direction without being dispersed.

[0128] Furthermore, the outer edge (contour) of the engaging member 30 is curved at a position inward in the left-right direction relative to the engaging portion 32. For example, it is known that women tend to be overly sensitive to sharp objects during menstruation, and if the outer edge of the engaging member 30 has sharp corners, this may cause discomfort or unpleasant sensations. In contrast, by having the outer edge of the engaging member 30 inward in the left-right direction be curved, such discomfort can be reduced. Furthermore, by having the outer edge of the engaging member 30 be curved, the compatibility of the engaging member 30 with the fingers or hand when grasped can be improved.

[0129] Furthermore, in the sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment, the upper edge of the engaging portion 32 and the upper edge of the engaging member 30 are located at the same position in the vertical direction, and the lower edge of the engaging portion 32 and the lower edge of the engaging member 30 are located at the same position. In other words, when viewed in the thickness direction, the upper edge of the engaging portion 32 overlaps with the upper edge of the base sheet 31, and the lower edge of the engaging portion 32 overlaps with the lower edge of the base sheet 31. Since at least one of the upper and lower edges of the engaging portion 32 extends to the upper or lower end of the engaging member 30 (base sheet 31), the rigidity of the engaging member 30 is increased, thereby easily preventing the engaging member 30 from bending during wear.

[0130] Furthermore, since the engaging portion 32 is bonded to the base sheet 31 from its upper end to its lower end, the engaging and peeling operations of the engaging member 30 can be performed stably. If portions (so-called dry edges) are formed at the upper and lower ends of the engaging portion 32 that are not bonded to the base sheet 31, the upper and lower ends of the engaging member 30 are easily bent during the engaging operation, and thus the upper and lower ends of the engaging portion 32 are also easily bent. In this case, the bent upper and lower ends of the engaging portion 32 may contact the wearer's fingers or skin, causing discomfort, or the engaging area between the engaging portion 32 and the waist member 20 may be reduced, resulting in a decrease in the engaging force. In contrast, in this embodiment, since the engaging portion 32 is securely bonded from its upper end to its lower end, dry edges are less likely to form at the upper and lower ends of the engaging portion 32, thereby preventing the engaging portion 32 from contacting the wearer's fingers or reducing the engaging force.

[0131] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown, a plurality of first substrate sheet compressions 71 (compressions) are provided on the surface of the substrate sheet 31 forming the engaging member 30 that faces the engaging portion 32 (i.e., the skin-facing surface of the first substrate sheet 311). Furthermore, when viewed in the thickness direction, the hooks 325 of the engaging portion 32 overlap with the first substrate sheet compressions 71. This prevents the engaging force between the engaging member 30 (engaging portion 32) and the waist member 20 from becoming excessively strong.

[0132] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This is a diagram for explaining the mechanism of engagement between the waist member 20 and the engagement member 30 (engagement portion 32). Figure 9A As a comparative example, a case where the first base sheet compression portion 71 (compression portion) is not provided on the surface (skin-side surface) of the base sheet 31 facing the engagement portion 32 will be described. Figure 9B This shows a case where the first base sheet compression portion 71 (compression portion) is provided on the surface (skin-side surface) of the base sheet 31 that faces the engagement portion 32 in the sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment.

[0133] When the engaging member 30 is engaged with the waist member 20, Figure 9A and Figure 9B In this way, the engaging portion 32 is positioned opposite to the non-skin side of the waist member 20, and the engaging member 30 (engaging portion 32) is pressed from the non-skin side to the skin side in the thickness direction so that the hook 325 of the engaging portion 32 hooks the fibers constituting the waist member 20. Figure 9A In this state, the force pressing the engaging member 30 toward the skin acts on the entire area of ​​the engaging portion 32 via the base sheet 31, allowing all hooks 325 to easily hook onto the fibers forming the waist member 20. This strengthens the engagement between the engaging portion 32 and the waist member 20, making it difficult to easily separate the two. If the engaging member 30 is forcibly separated from this state, the engaging portion 32 may separate from the base sheet 31, leaving the engaging portion 32 engaged with the waist member, which may impair the operability of the engaging member 30 when engaging the waist member 20.

[0134] In contrast, in sanitary napkin 1, Figure 9B When the engaging member 30 is pressed toward the skin side, at the position overlapping with the compression portion 71 of the first substrate sheet, part of the hook 325 can move toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction and be buried in the recess of the compression portion 71 of the first substrate sheet. Therefore, when the engaging member 30 is pressed toward the skin side, at the position overlapping with the compression portion 71 of the first substrate sheet, it is not easy for the hook 325 to hook onto the fibers constituting the waist member 20. In other words, the force pressing the hook 325 against the waist member 20 (non-woven fabric, etc.) is alleviated, and the hooking of the hook 325 becomes shallower. Therefore, Figure 9A Compared with the case of , the engaging force between the engaging member 30 and the waist member 20 is weakened as a whole, and the operation of engaging or peeling the engaging member 30 relative to the waist member 20 can be easily and smoothly performed.

[0135] Furthermore, a crotch elastic member 50 that stretches in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) is provided at the crotch portion of the sanitary napkin 1. Figure 8 When the waist member 20 is pulled upward during wearing of the sanitary napkin 1 as described above, the elasticity of the crotch elastic member 50 facilitates the upward pulling of the absorbent body 10, thereby making it easier for the absorbent body 10 to fit the crotch of the wearer.

[0136] According to these structures, in the sanitary napkin 1, the operability and fit when engaging or removing the engaging member 30 (engaging portion 32) with respect to the waist member 20 can be improved.

[0137] Furthermore, when the engagement member 30 of the sanitary napkin 1 is viewed in the thickness direction, the area of ​​the first base sheet compression portion 71 is larger than the area of ​​the hook 325. Figure 9BThis makes it easier for the hook 325 to enter the recess of the first substrate sheet compression portion 71, so the engaging force of the engaging portion 32 (hook 325) is less likely to become excessively strong. Furthermore, the first substrate sheet compression portion 71 serves as the base point for the three-dimensional bending of the engaging member 30 (substrate sheet 31). If the hook 325 were larger than the first substrate sheet compression portion 71, the bending deformation of the engaging member 30 would be interfered with by the hook 325, potentially making it difficult to engage or release the engaging member 30 from the curved surface of the waist member 20 (the curved surface of the wearer's body). In contrast, in the sanitary napkin 1, since the bending deformation of the engaging member 30, which is based on the first substrate sheet compression portion 71, is less likely to be interfered with by the hook 325, the engaging member 30 can easily deform in accordance with the curved surface of the waist member 20, making it easier to handle. This improves the operability of engaging or releasing the engaging member 30 from the waist member 20.

[0138] In addition, in the vertical direction of the stretched sanitary napkin 1, as shown in FIG. Figure 5A As shown, the distance g30t between the upper end 20ft of the front waist portion 20f (waist member 20) and the upper end 30t of the engaging member 30 is longer than the spacing P71 of the first substrate sheet compression portion 71 and the spacing P72 of the second substrate sheet compression portion 72 (g30t>P71, P72). Similarly, the distance g30b between the lower end 20fb of the front waist portion 20f (waist member 20) and the lower end 30b of the engaging member 30 is longer than the spacing P71 of the first substrate sheet compression portion 71 and the spacing P72 of the second substrate sheet compression portion 72 (g30b>P71, P72). In addition, although Figure 5A In the figure, the pitch P71 of the first base sheet compression portion 71 and the pitch P72 of the second base sheet compression portion 72 are depicted as having the same length, but the length of the pitch P71 and the length of the pitch P72 may be different.

[0139] When engaging or peeling the engaging member 30 relative to the waist member 20, the first substrate sheet compressed portion 71 and the second substrate sheet compressed portion 72 can be visually identified on the surface of the engaging member 30 (base sheet 31). At this time, by comparing the spacing P71 of the first substrate sheet compressed portion 71 and the spacing P72 of the second substrate sheet compressed portion 72 that are visually identified, it is easy for the user to recognize that the spacing g30t and g30b between the upper and lower ends 20fb and 20fb of the front waist portion 20f and the upper and lower ends 30t and 30b of the engaging member 30 are larger. In other words, by making g30t or g30b larger than the spacing P71 of the first substrate sheet compressed portion 71 and the spacing P72 of the second substrate sheet compressed portion 72, it is easy for the user to recognize that the front waist portion 20f (waist member 20) is larger than the range formed in the upper and lower parts of the engaging member 30. According to such structure, when wearing sanitary napkin 1, it is easy to make the user think that the body is reliably covered by front waist portion 20f (waist member 20), thereby can make the user produce good fitting, sense of security.And then, by making the user realize that front waist portion 20f is larger than the scope of engaging member 30, thereby can easily carry out the operation of engaging member 30 with front waist portion 20f.

[0140] Furthermore, by making the distance g30t longer than the pitch P71 and the pitch P72 (see Figure 5A ), so that when wearing the sanitary napkin 1, it is easy to reliably cover the wearer's abdomen with the portion constituting the waist opening 1a at the upper end of the front waist portion 20f (waist member 20), thereby further improving the fit near the waist.

[0141] Furthermore, by making the distance g30b longer than the pitch P71 and the pitch P72 (see Figure 5A ), so that when the sanitary napkin 1 is worn, it is easy to reliably cover the wearer's leg parts at the lower end of the front waist part 20f (waist member 20) using the part that constitutes the leg opening 1b, thereby further improving the fit near the leg parts.

[0142] Furthermore, in the sanitary napkin 1 , the pitch of the first base sheet compressed portions 71 is larger than the pitch of the hooks 325 in the up-down direction and the left-right direction. Figure 10A and Figure 10B 3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the pitch of the first base sheet compression portion 71 and the pitch of the hooks 325. Figure 10A and Figure 10B In the left-right direction (up-down direction), the pitch of the first base sheet compression parts 71 is denoted as P71, and the pitch of the hooks 325 is denoted as P325. Figure 10A This shows a case where the pitch P71 of the first base sheet compression portion 71 is larger than the pitch P325 of the hooks 325 (P71>P325), similar to the sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment. Figure 10BUnlike the sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment, the pitch P71 of the first base sheet compressed portions 71 is smaller than the pitch P325 of the hooks 325 ( P71 < P325 ).

[0143] Like in Figure 9B As described in the foregoing, when the engaging member 30 and the waist member 20 are engaged, the hook 325, which is arranged at a position not overlapping with the first base sheet compressed portion 71, is pressed toward the skin side in the thickness direction to hook the nonwoven fabric constituting the waist member 20, thereby engaging the two. That is, the hook 325 arranged between the two first base sheet compressed portions 71, 71 adjacently arranged in the left-right direction (up-down direction) hooks the nonwoven fabric.

[0144] Here, in the case of P71<P325 ( Figure 10B ), there is only one hook 325 disposed between the adjacent first substrate sheet compression parts 71, 71, and it is difficult to obtain sufficient engagement force. In addition, in the portion where the first substrate sheet compression part 71 and the hook 325 overlap, the hook 325 moves toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction and is embedded in the recess of the first substrate sheet compression part 71 (see Figure 9B ), so the engagement force is further weakened. That is, it is likely to be difficult to carry out the operation of engaging the engagement member 30 with the waist member 20.

[0145] In contrast, in the case of P71>P325 ( Figure 10A ), there is a high probability that a plurality of hooks 325 are arranged between the adjacent first substrate sheet compression portions 71, 71, and Figure 10B In addition, in the portion overlapping with the first base sheet compression portion 71, the hook 325 moves toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction as described above and is embedded in the recess of the first base sheet compression portion 71 (see Figure 9B Therefore, by making the pitch P325 of the hooks 325 smaller than the pitch P71 of the first base sheet compression portions 71, it is easier to adjust the engaging force of the engaging member 30 to an appropriate strength, and compared to the opposite case, the operability when attaching and detaching the engaging member 30 can be further improved.

[0146] Furthermore, in the sanitary napkin 1 , the average value of the depth of the first base sheet compressed portion 71 in the thickness direction is greater than the average value of the height (depth) of the hook 325 . Figure 11A and Figure 11B 3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the depth of the first base sheet compression portion 71 and the height of the hook 325. Figure 11A and Figure 11B In the thickness direction, the depth of the first base sheet compression portion 71 is denoted as h71, and the height of the hook 325 is denoted as h325. Figure 11AThis shows a case where the depth h71 of the first base sheet compressed portion 71 is greater (deeper) than the height h325 of the hook 325 (h71>h325), similar to the sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment. Figure 11B Unlike the sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment, the depth h71 of the first base sheet compressed portion 71 is smaller (shallower) than the height h325 of the hook 325 ( h71 < h325 ).

[0147] In the operation of engaging the engaging member 30 with the waist member 20, when the hook 325 is pressed toward the waist member 20 (non-woven fabric) side, at the position where the hook 325 and the first base sheet compression portion 71 overlap, Figure 9B In this way, the hook 325 enters the recess of the first base sheet compression portion 71, thereby reducing the engagement force. However, in the case of h71 < h325 ( Figure 11B ), a portion (the tip) of the hook 325 protrudes from the first substrate sheet compressed portion 71. This protruding portion can hook onto the fibers of the nonwoven fabric that constitutes the waist member 20, making it difficult to reduce the engagement force. Furthermore, in a position where the hook 325 and the first substrate sheet compressed portion 71 do not overlap, the higher the height h325 of the hook 325, the more deeply it becomes entangled with the nonwoven fabric fibers, thereby increasing the engagement force. Consequently, once the engaging member 30 is engaged with the waist member 20, it becomes difficult to remove the engaging member 30.

[0148] In contrast, in the case of h71>h325 ( Figure 11A ) under the position where the hook 325 and the first base sheet compression portion 71 overlap, the hook 325 as a whole is not easy to extend from the recessed portion of the first base sheet compression portion 71 (refer to Figure 9B Therefore, by making the height h325 of the hook 325 smaller than the depth h71 of the first base sheet compressed portion 71, it is easier to adjust the engaging force of the engaging member 30 to an appropriate strength, and compared with the opposite case, the operability when attaching and detaching the engaging member 30 can be further improved.

[0149] In addition, as a method for comparing the height (depth) of the first substrate sheet compression portion 71 and the height of the hook 325, for example, a method of measuring multiple parts (for example, ten parts) of the cross-section obtained by cutting the first substrate sheet 311 (including the part of the first substrate sheet compression portion 71) and the engaging portion 32 (hook 325) of the engaging member 30 in the thickness direction using a microscope or the like and calculating the average value for comparison, or a method of photographing the cross-section and comparing by using image analysis on a computer can be exemplified.

[0150] Furthermore, in the sanitary napkin 1, the engaging member 30 is provided with a top end compression portion 75 and an engaging portion compression portion 76. Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, the top compression portion 75 is provided at the inner end region in the left-right direction of the engaging member 30 and is formed by compressing the first substrate sheet 311 and the second substrate sheet 312 constituting the substrate sheet 31 in the thickness direction. Since the top compression portion 75 is formed by integrally compressing the two stacked sheet members, it becomes a compression portion deeper than the first substrate sheet compression portion 71 and the second substrate sheet compression portion 72 formed by respectively compressing the first substrate sheet 311 and the second substrate sheet 312. Figure 5A In the embodiment, the top end compression portion 75 is provided in the region on the inner side of the portion where the engaging member 32 is provided. The top end compression portion 75 has a honeycomb structure in which regular hexagons are arranged without gaps. However, the top end compression portion 75 may also be formed by a plurality of other components. Figure 5A Other shapes (patterns) than the honeycomb pattern shown are formed.

[0151] In the region where the top compression portion 75 is provided, the integrity of the first base sheet 311 and the second base sheet 312 is improved, and the rigidity is increased. Figure 8 In that way, when the engaging member 30 is pulled, the part that is grabbed by hand is thereby increased by the rigidity in this area, thereby making the engaging member 30 difficult to be damaged, and the pulling force can be easily transmitted to the back waist portion 20b. Thus, the operability when the engaging member 30 is engaged with respect to the waist member 20 or peeled off can be improved.

[0152] The engagement portion compression portion 76 is provided in the engagement member 30 in an area overlapping with the engagement portion 32 and is a portion formed by compressing the engagement portion 32 and the base sheet 31 in the thickness direction from the skin side of the engagement portion 32 toward the non-skin side. Figure 5A In the embodiment of the present invention, oblique lattice-shaped engagement compression sections 76 are provided in the area overlapping the engagement section 32 in the left-right direction and on both sides thereof (i.e., an area larger than the engagement section 32). In the portions of the multiple hooks 325, 325, ... provided in the engagement section 32 that overlap with the engagement compression sections 76, the hooks 325 are compressed and flattened in the thickness direction, thereby losing their hook function. In other words, the overall engagement force of the engagement section 32 is weakened compared to a case where the engagement compression sections 76 are not formed. Therefore, the engagement section 32 can be easily removed from the waist member 20. Furthermore, since the engagement compression sections 76 enhance the integrity of the engagement section 32 and the base sheet 31, when removing the engagement section 30 from the waist member 20, the engagement section 32 can be prevented from detaching from the base sheet 31 and remaining on the waist member 20. This further improves the operability of engaging or removing the engagement section 30 from the waist member 20.

[0153] Furthermore, the engaging member 30 has a portion where the top compression portion 75 overlaps with the engaging portion compression portion 76 and a portion where the top compression portion 75 and the engaging portion compression portion 76 do not overlap when viewed in the thickness direction. In the portion where the top compression portion 75 and the engaging portion compression portion 76 overlap in the engaging member 30, the thickness of the base sheet 31 is the smallest (thinnest). Figure 5B The height of the hook 325 protruding in the thickness direction is lowest in the portion where the top compression portion 75 and the engaging portion compression portion 76 do not overlap, and where the engaging portion 32 (hook 325) overlaps with the engaging portion compression portion 76. Since the base sheet 31 is not compressed by the top compression portion 75, the height of the hook 325 protruding in the thickness direction is slightly lower. Furthermore, in the portion where the top compression portion 75 and the engaging portion compression portion 76 do not overlap, and where the engaging portion 32 (hook 325) does not overlap with the engaging portion compression portion 76, neither the base sheet 31 nor the hook 325 are compressed, the height of the hook 325 protruding in the thickness direction is highest.

[0154] In this way, the height of the hook 325 protruding in the thickness direction of the engaging member 30 changes stepwise, making it easier to create a gradient in the magnitude of the engaging force between the hook 325 and the waist member 20 (non-woven fabric). As a result, the engaging member 30 engaged with the waist member 20 is easier to peel off than when the engaging force is the same. This improves the operability of engaging or peeling the engaging member 30 with respect to the waist member 20.

[0155] In addition, the waist elastic member 26 may be discontinuous in the left-right direction at the portion where the engaging member 30 and the waist elastic member 26 overlap in the vertical direction and at the center portion in the left-right direction. Figure 2 In the area indicated by the oblique lines, a waist elastic member discontinuous portion 26nc is provided where the waist elastic member 26 is discontinuous in the left-right direction by cutting the waist elastic member 26. In the waist elastic member discontinuous portion 26nc, the elastic force of the waist elastic member 26 is less likely to act on the absorbent body 10, thereby suppressing the absorbent body 10 from contracting in the left-right direction. Furthermore, wrinkles are less likely to form in the absorbent body 10, making it easier for the absorbent body 10 to fit the wearer's abdomen in a wide state. Therefore, when the sanitary napkin 1 is worn, the fit of the absorbent body 10 on the ventral side can be further improved.

[0156] For example, when wearing sanitary napkin 1, Figure 8As described in the preceding text, the outer end of the front waist portion 20f in the left-right direction is grasped and pulled obliquely upward. At this time, since the elastic force of the waist elastic member 26 is not easily exerted on the discontinuous portion 26nc of the waist elastic member, the absorbent body 10 can be prevented from being pressed too strongly against the wearer's body (abdomen). In addition, when the engaging member 30 is engaged with the front waist portion 20f, since the force that causes the absorbent body 10 to contract in the left-right direction (the elastic force of the waist elastic member 26) is not easily exerted on the discontinuous portion 26nc of the waist elastic member, wrinkles are not easily formed on the surface of the absorbent body 10, and the absorbent body 10 is easily maintained in a wide flat state. Therefore, the absorbent body 10 is easy to fit tightly against the wearer's abdomen, and excretion leakage can be easily suppressed.

[0157] In addition, similarly to the front waist portion 20f, the back waist portion 20b may also be provided with a waist elastic member discontinuous portion 26nc. On the other hand, in the sanitary napkin 1, the waist elastic member discontinuous portion 26nc is not necessarily required to be provided. That is, the waist elastic member 26 may also be continuous in the left-right direction at the portion where the engaging member 30 and the waist elastic member 26 overlap in the vertical direction and at the center portion in the left-right direction.

[0158] Furthermore, the rear waist portion 20b of the sanitary napkin 1 is provided with a buttocks elastic member 27 that stretches and contracts along the periphery of the leg opening 1b (see Figure 2 Like the waist elastic members 26, the hip elastic members 27 are formed of elastic threads or the like and are attached between the non-skin side panels 21 and the skin side panels 23 in a curved and stretched state along the contours of the leg openings 1b. When the sanitary napkin 1 is worn, the elasticity of the hip elastic members 27 along the leg openings 1b facilitates the rear waist portion 20b to fit the wearer's hips.

[0159] Alternatively, a discontinuous portion 27nc of the buttocks elastic member 27 may be provided in the center portion in the left-right direction. This can further improve the fit of the absorbent body 10 on the back side (buttocks side) when the sanitary napkin 1 is worn. For example, when the sanitary napkin 1 is worn, the outer end portion (engaging member 30) of the rear waist portion 20b in the left-right direction is grasped and pulled diagonally upward (see FIG. Figure 8At this time, since the elastic force of the buttocks elastic member 27 is not easily applied to the discontinuous portion 27nc of the buttocks elastic member, the absorbent body 10 can be prevented from being pressed too strongly against the wearer's body (buttocks). In addition, when the sanitary napkin 1 is worn, since the force that causes the absorbent body 10 to contract in the left-right direction (the elastic force of the buttocks elastic member 27) is not easily applied to the discontinuous portion 27nc of the buttocks elastic member, wrinkles are not easily formed on the surface of the absorbent body 10, and the absorbent body 10 can be easily maintained in a wide, flat state. Therefore, the absorbent body 10 can easily cover the wearer's buttocks over a large area, which can improve the fit and easily prevent excretion leakage.

[0160] Furthermore, it is preferred that the upper end 27f of the hip elastic member 27 is located above the lower end 30b of the engaging member 30 in the vertical direction of the sanitary napkin 1. In other words, it is preferred that the engaging member 30 and the hip elastic member 27 overlap in the vertical direction of the sanitary napkin 1 when in the panty-like position. With this structure, the force applied by grasping the engaging member 30 and pulling the rear waist portion 20b diagonally upward when the sanitary napkin 1 is worn is easily transferred to the hip elastic member 27, thereby facilitating the lifting of the rear waist portion 20b. This facilitates the fit of the rear waist portion 20b and the leg opening 1b to the wearer's body on the hip side.

[0161] Furthermore, the engaging member 30 may be provided with a folding guide line 37 for facilitating folding of the engaging member 30 in a predetermined direction. Figure 12A and Figure 12B This is a diagram for explaining the folding guide line 37 provided on the engaging member 30 . Figure 12A 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional state of the sanitary napkin 1 when viewed in the up-down direction. Figure 12B It is a plan view of the engaging member 30 provided with the folding guide line 37 .

[0162] The folding guide line 37 is provided between the side joint portion 40 and the engaging portion 32 in the left-right direction along the up-down direction (see Figure 12B ), so that the engaging member 30 (base material sheet 31) can be easily bent in a manner convex toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction with the folding guide line 37 as a base point ( Figure 12A ). This makes it easier to create a space between the engaging member 30, which is deformed to convexly protrude toward the non-skin side at the position of the folding guide line 37, and the waist member 20 (20f), making it easier for the wearer to visually identify the engaging member 30. Furthermore, by inserting a finger into this space, it is easier to pull the engaging member 30 toward the non-skin side and remove it from the waist member 20. This makes it easier to put on the sanitary napkin 1.

[0163] <About understanding of sanitary napkins 1>

[0164] It is explained that the sanitary napkin 1 can be used in an underpants-type state and a belt-type state, but generally speaking, the wearing method, wearing steps, etc. are different for underpants-type absorbent articles and belt-type sanitary napkins. In particular, the wearing method in the belt-type state is achieved through different steps on the left and right sides, so it is necessary to make the wearer aware of the wearing method.

[0165] For example, in the case of a panty-type sanitary napkin 1, the legs are passed through the pair of leg openings 1b from the waist opening 1a, and the sanitary napkin 1 is pulled up until it reaches the waist of the wearer. In other words, the panty-type sanitary napkin 1 can be put on by the same movement, roughly symmetrically, on both sides of the wearer's body.

[0166] On the other hand, when the sanitary napkin 1 is worn in a belt-like state, for example, the end portion of the front waist portion 20f in the left-right direction is torn off using the easy tear line 25 on one side in the left-right direction in the panty-like state, so that the one-side engaging member 30 engages with the front waist portion 20f, thereby putting one leg of the wearer through the leg opening 1b on one side in the left-right direction of the sanitary napkin 1. Next, the easy tear line 25 on the other side of the front waist portion 20f is torn off, so that the other-side engaging member 30 engages with the front waist portion 20f, thereby putting the other leg of the wearer through the leg opening 1b on the other side in the left-right direction of the sanitary napkin 1.

[0167] However, since typical panty-type (or shorts-type) absorbent articles are bilaterally symmetrical when viewed from above, in absorbent articles such as the sanitary napkin 1 that can be worn in both a panty-type and a tape-type configuration, it may be difficult for the wearer to recognize that the left and right sides of the sanitary napkin 1 are to be worn in a tape-type configuration. In particular, since the sanitary napkin 1 is initially in a panty-type configuration after being removed from its packaging, it may be difficult for the wearer to recognize that the left and right sides of the sanitary napkin 1 are to be worn in a tape-type configuration.

[0168] Therefore, by making the sanitary napkin 1 in the underwear-type state asymmetrical with respect to the center position in the left-right direction in the stretched state, it is easy for the wearer to realize that it is ideal to wear the sanitary napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction when wearing it.

[0169] Figure 13 This is a top view showing an example of a sanitary napkin 1 being asymmetrical in shape with respect to the center position CC in the left-right direction. Figure 13In the embodiment, the engaging member 30 provided on one side of the extended sanitary napkin 1 in the left-right direction is referred to as the one-side engaging member 30a, and the engaging member 30 provided on the other side in the left-right direction is referred to as the other-side engaging member 30b. The same applies to other parts other than the engaging member 30 (e.g., the side joint 40, the engaging portion 32, etc.).

[0170] like Figure 13 As shown, in the extended state, the length L1a in the left-right direction from the other side end 30aei of the one side engaging member 30a to the other side end 40au of the one side side joint 40a (the one side fixing portion 35a) is different from the length L1b from the one side end 30bei of the other side engaging member 30b to the one side end 40bu of the other side side joint 40b (the other side fixing portion 35b) (L1a≠L1b).

[0171] In the left-right direction of the sanitary napkin 1, the length L1a and the length L1b in the stretched state are different, so that the wearer etc. can easily recognize that the sanitary napkin 1 is asymmetrical in shape with respect to the center CC in the left-right direction. Therefore, the wearer etc. can easily recognize that it is ideal to wear the sanitary napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side when wearing it. Especially in the case of absorbent articles such as the sanitary napkin 1 that can also be worn in a panty-type state, since panty-type absorbent articles usually have a left-right symmetrical shape, the wearer etc. can easily get confused when trying to wear it in a belt-type state. In contrast, in Figure 13 In the sanitary napkin 1 shown, the sanitary napkin 1 in the initial underwear-type state is asymmetrical in shape relative to the center CC in the left-right direction, so that it is easy for the wearer to realize that the sanitary napkin 1 is not a conventional underwear-type absorbent article, but can also be worn in a belt-type state, and it is ideal to wear it in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0172] In addition, it is preferred that, in the extended state of the sanitary napkin 1, the length (distance) L2a from the center position CC in the left-right direction to the one side separation portion (easy-tear line) 25aa and the length (distance) L2b from the center position CC in the left-right direction to the other side separation portion (easy-tear line) 25bb are different (L2a≠L2b).

[0173] This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the sanitary napkin 1 is asymmetrical about the center CC in the left-right direction, compared to a case where the length L2a and the length L2b are the same length. Furthermore, it makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is ideal to wear the sanitary napkin 1 with different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0174] In addition, it is preferred that, in the extended state of the sanitary napkin 1, the length L3a in the left-right direction from the left-right center 32ac of the one side snap-fitting portion 32a to the other side end 40au of the one side side joint 40a (one side fixing portion 35a) is different from the length L3b in the left-right direction from the left-right center 32bc of the other side snap-fitting portion 32b to the other side end 40bu of the other side side joint 40b (the other side fixing portion 35b) (L3a≠L3b).

[0175] This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the sanitary napkin 1 is asymmetrical about the center CC in the left-right direction, compared to a case where the length L3a and the length L3b are the same length. Furthermore, it makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is ideal to wear the sanitary napkin 1 with different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0176] Furthermore, in the extended state of the sanitary napkin 1, the area of ​​the one side engaging member 30a and the area of ​​the other side engaging member 30b may be different. By visually recognizing the different sizes of the one side engaging member 30a and the other side engaging member 30b, the wearer can more easily recognize that the sanitary napkin 1 is asymmetrical with respect to the center in the left-right direction, compared to a case where the one side engaging member 30a and the other side engaging member 30b have the same area. This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is ideal to wear the sanitary napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0177] Furthermore, in the stretched state of the sanitary napkin 1, the shape of the one side engaging member 30a and the shape of the other side engaging member 30b may be different. For example, the one side engaging member 30a may be semicircular and the other side engaging member 30b may be rectangular (in the embodiment of FIG. Figure 13 (Not shown in the figure). By visually recognizing the different shapes of the one-side engaging member 30a and the other-side engaging member 30b, the wearer can easily recognize that the sanitary napkin 1 has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the center in the left-right direction. Therefore, the wearer can easily recognize that it is ideal to put on the sanitary napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0178] In addition, in the sanitary napkin 1 in the extended state, the length L4a in the left-right direction from the central position CC of the crotch elastic member 50 to the other side end 30aei of the one side snap-fitting member 30a is different from the length L4b from the central position CC of the crotch elastic member 50 to the one side end 30bei of the other side snap-fitting member 30b (L4a≠L4b).

[0179] This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that the sanitary napkin 1 is asymmetrical about the center CC in the left-right direction, compared to a case where the length L4a and the length L4b are the same length. Furthermore, it makes it easier for the wearer to recognize that it is ideal to wear the sanitary napkin 1 with different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0180] <Regarding the Structure of the Easy-Tear Line 25 (Separation Portion 25 )>

[0181] The easy-tear line 25 (separation portion 25 ) provided in the waist member 20 may have the following structure. Figure 14 25 (separation portion 25). Figure 14 As shown, the separation portion 25 has a plurality of "notch portions 25a" and a plurality of "non-notch portions 25b" arranged alternately in the up-down direction (length direction). In the notch portion 25a, the sheet members (non-skin side panels 21 and skin side panels 22) stacked on the front waist portion 20f are completely or partially cut off. In other words, the notch portion 25a is an opening portion through which the sheet member is completely cut off and passes through in the thickness direction, or a groove portion in which a part of the sheet member is cut off and recessed in the thickness direction. In the separation portion 25, the notch portion 25a is utilized to reduce the strength of the front waist portion 20f, thereby making the front waist portion 20f easy to tear in the up-down direction.

[0182] The separating portion 25 extends vertically from the upper end 20fu (waist opening 1a) of the front waist portion 20f to the lower end 20fl (leg opening 1b). Therefore, the waist member 20 can be separated front and back by tearing the front waist portion 20f along the separating portion 25 in the vertical direction.

[0183] In addition, if Figure 14 As shown, the plurality of notches 25a include an "upper notch 25a1" located second from the top, a "lower notch 25a2" located second from the bottom, and an "intermediate notch 25a3" located between the upper notch 25a1 and the lower notch 25a2. Furthermore, when the sanitary napkin 1 is in the extended state, the vertical length L25a3 of the intermediate notch 25a3 is longer than the vertical length L25a1 of the upper notch 25a1 and the vertical length L25a2 of the lower notch 25a2 (L25a3>L25a1, L25a3>L25a2).

[0184] That is, a middle notch 25a3 having a longer length in the vertical direction is provided at a position closer to the inside of the upper and lower ends of the waist member 20 (front waist portion 20f) in the vertical direction. Therefore, compared to a separation portion without the middle notch 25a3 (i.e., a separation portion consisting only of a shorter notch), the longer middle notch 25a3 serves as a starting point, making it easier to tear the separation portion 25. Therefore, the waist member 20 can be easily separated when putting on and taking off the sanitary napkin 1.

[0185] Furthermore, the upper notch 25a1 and the lower notch 25a2 located at the upper or lower end of the waist member 20 are more likely to become the starting point for tearing of the separation portion 25 than the middle notch 25a3. Therefore, by lengthening the length of the middle notch 25a3 rather than lengthening the length of the upper notch 25a1 and the lower notch 25a2, the accidental tearing of the separation portion 25 can be suppressed before and during the wearing of the sanitary napkin 1, thereby maintaining the annular waist member 20.

[0186] Furthermore, the vertical length L25a3 of the middle notch 25a3 of this embodiment is longer than the vertical lengths of all the notches 25a, including the upper notch 25a1 and the lower notch 25a2. Furthermore, when the sanitary napkin 1 is in the extended state, the separator 25 of this embodiment is a straight line extending in the vertical direction. However, the separator 25 may be inclined relative to the vertical direction or may be curved.

[0187] Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the stretched state of the sanitary napkin 1, the average length in the vertical direction of all the notches 25a except the middle notch 25a3 (for example, Figure 14 L25aave) is greater than the average length in the vertical direction of all non-notch portions 25b (e.g. Figure 14 By doing so, the ratio of the total length of the notch portion 25a in the separation portion 25 is increased, and the separation portion 25 is easy to tear. However, this is not limited to the above method. The average length L25aave of the notch portion 25a can also be less than the average length L25bave of the non-notch portion 25b. In addition, Figure 14 In the embodiment of the present invention, the length of the notch portion 25a on the vertical direction except the notch portion 25a and the middle notch portion 25a3 that reach the upper and lower ends of the waist member 20 is constant, but the length on the vertical direction of the notch portion 25a can also be irregular. Similarly, the length on the vertical direction of the non-notch portion 25b is not limited to be constant and can also be irregular.

[0188] ===Second embodiment===

[0189] In the second embodiment, a sanitary napkin 2 is described in which the structure of the waist member 20 is different from that of the sanitary napkin 1 of the first embodiment. In the sanitary napkin 2, the structure other than the waist member 20 (for example, the absorbent body 10 and the engaging member 30) is the same as that of the sanitary napkin 1 (see Figure 1 、 Figure 2 、 Figure 4 Therefore, the waist member 20 having a structure different from that of the sanitary napkin 1 will be described below, and descriptions of structures other than the waist member 20 will be omitted.

[0190] Figure 15 : This is a diagram illustrating the cross-sectional structure of the waist member 20 of the sanitary napkin 2. The waist member 20 of the sanitary napkin 2 includes a non-skin side sheet 21 (referred to as the "first sheet") provided on the non-skin side in the thickness direction, skin side sheets 22 and 23 (referred to as the "second sheet") provided on the skin side, a middle sheet 24 (referred to as the "third sheet") sandwiched between the non-skin side sheet 21 and the skin side sheets 22 and 23 in the thickness direction, and a plurality of waist elastic members 26, 26, .... That is, the waist member 20 of the sanitary napkin 2 is constructed by laminating at least three sheet members of the non-skin side sheet 21, the middle sheet 24, and the skin side sheet 22 (23) from the non-skin side to the skin side in the thickness direction. In addition, the plurality of waist elastic members 26, 26, ... are attached between the middle sheet 24 and the skin side sheet 22 (23) in a state of being stretched in the left-right direction at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction.

[0191] The non-skin side panels 21, the skin side panels 22, 23, and the waist elastic member 26 each have a structure substantially the same as that of the components described in the sanitary napkin 1 of the first embodiment. The middle layer 24 is a non-stretchable sheet member, for example, formed of the same non-woven fabric as the skin side panels 22, 23 and having the same shape (size) as the skin side panels 22 (23). However, the structure of the waist member 20 is not limited to this. For example, the skin side panels 22 and the skin side panels 23 may be composed of a sheet member (non-woven fabric) that is continuous in the longitudinal direction from the front side (ventral side) to the back side (dorsal side). In this case, the middle layer 24 only needs to be large enough to cover the area where the waist elastic member 26 is arranged. The non-skin side panels 21 (first sheet) and the middle layer 24 (third sheet) are bonded to each other by an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive (HMA). The skin side sheets 22 and 23 (second sheet) and the middle sheet 24 (third sheet) are bonded to each other via an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive (HMA) applied to the surface of the waist elastic member 26 .

[0192] In the sanitary napkin 2 of the second embodiment, when the engaging member 30 is engaged with the non-skin side of the waist member 20, the engaging portion 32 (hook 325) is pressed against the non-skin side sheet 21 (first sheet) from the non-skin side toward the skin side. At this time, because the middle sheet 24 (third sheet) is provided between the non-skin side sheet 21 (first sheet) and the waist elastic member 26 in the thickness direction, the hook 325 pressing toward the skin side is less likely to affect the waist elastic member 26. In other words, the middle sheet 24 (third sheet) functions as an interference member, thereby preventing the hook 325 from damaging or cutting the waist elastic member 26. Furthermore, when the engaging member 30 is removed from the waist member 20, the waist elastic member 26 is less likely to be affected. Consequently, even when the engaging and removing actions of the engaging member 30 are repeated, the elasticity of the waist elastic member 26 is easily maintained. Therefore, the fit of the waist member 20 when the sanitary napkin 2 is worn can be improved.

[0193] In addition, if Figure 15 As shown, the non-skin side sheet 21 (first sheet) and the middle sheet 24 (third sheet) are joined by intermittently provided hot melt adhesive (HMA) or the like. In other words, the non-skin side sheet 21 (first sheet) and the middle sheet 24 (third sheet) have mutually joined portions (portions provided with HMA) and non-joined portions (portions not provided with HMA).

[0194] If such a structure is used, when the engaging member 30 is engaged or peeled off relative to the non-skin side of the waist member 20, the non-engaged portion of the non-skin side sheet 21 (the first sheet) and the middle sheet 24 (the third sheet) functions as a buffer, and the impact during assembly and disassembly is less likely to affect the waist elastic member 26. That is, compared with a situation where the non-skin side sheet 21 (the first sheet) and the middle sheet 24 (the third sheet) are integrally joined and the two are integrally formed, the impact during assembly and disassembly of the engaging portion 32 (hook 325) is easily mitigated. Thus, the waist elastic member 26 can be prevented from being damaged or cut, and the elasticity of the waist elastic member 26 can be easily maintained. Thus, the fit of the waist member 20 when wearing the sanitary napkin 2 can be further improved.

[0195] ===Others===

[0196] The above embodiments are provided to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Obviously, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

[0197] In the above embodiment, the easy tearing line 25 (separation portion 25) is provided as a pair on both sides of the waist member 20 in the left-right direction, but the easy tearing line 25 may be provided on only one side. In other words, the waist member 20 may be structured so that only one side in the left-right direction can be separated front and back.

[0198] Description of Reference Numerals

[0199] 1. Sanitary napkin (underwear type absorbent article); 1a. Waist opening; 1b. Leg opening; 10. Absorbent body; 11. Absorbent core; 12. Top sheet; 13. Bottom sheet; 13a. Liquid-impermeable sheet; 13b. Hydrophobic sheet; 18. Core wrap sheet; 20. Waist member; 20f. Front waist portion; 20b. Back waist portion; 21. Non-skin side sheet (1st sheet); 22. Skin side sheet (2nd sheet); 23. Skin side sheet (2nd sheet); 24. Middle layer sheet (3rd sheet); 25. Tear line (separation portion); 25fe. Separation end; 25be. Separation end; 25a. Notch portion; 25b. Non-notch portion; 26. Waist elastic member; 26nc. Waist elastic member not Continuous portion; 27, hip elastic member; 27nc, hip elastic member discontinuous portion; 30, snap-fitting member; 31, substrate sheet; 311, first substrate sheet; 312, second substrate sheet; 32, snap-fitting portion; 325, hook; 35, substrate sheet fixing portion; 37, folding guide line; 40, side joint; 40f, side joint (front side); 40b, side joint (back side); 50, crotch elastic member; 60, leak-proof wall portion; 61, leak-proof wall elastic member; 71, first substrate sheet compression portion (compression portion); 72, second substrate sheet compression portion; 75, top end compression portion; 76, snap-fitting portion compression portion; 80, high-density portion; CL, central position (length direction).

Claims

1. A pant-type absorbent article having an up-down direction, a left-right direction, and a thickness direction intersecting each other, And has: an absorbent body having a liquid-absorbent absorbent core; a waist member having a front waist portion and a rear waist portion; a locking member, wherein the outer end portion of the locking member in the left-right direction is fixed to the waist member in an inseparable manner, and the inner end portion of the locking member in the left-right direction is removably engaged with the non-skin side surface of the waist member; as well as The crotch elastic member is provided at a position closer to the non-skin side than the absorbent core and is stretchable in the vertical direction. At both ends in the left-right direction, the front waist portion and the back waist portion are joined to each other by a pair of side joints. The underwear-type absorbent article is characterized in that: The engaging member has a convex shape protruding from the outer side toward the inner side in the left-right direction at only one position. In the vertical direction, the maximum length of the engaging member is shorter than the length of the side joint portion and longer than 1 / 2 of the length of the side joint portion. The engaging member includes an engaging portion having a plurality of hooks and a base sheet supporting the engaging portion. A surface of the base sheet facing the engaging portion in the thickness direction is provided with a plurality of compression portions formed by compressing the base sheet in the thickness direction. When viewed in the thickness direction, the underpants-type absorbent article has a portion where the hook overlaps with the compressed portion. The outer edge of the engaging member is curved at a position inward in the left-right direction relative to the engaging portion. In the up-down direction, an upper end edge of the engagement portion and an upper end edge of the engagement member are located at the same position, or a lower end edge of the engagement portion and a lower end edge of the engagement member are located at the same position.

2. The underpants-type absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein When viewed in the thickness direction, the compressed portion has an area larger than an area of ​​the hook.

3. The underpants-type absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that In the up-down direction, a distance between an upper end of the waist member and an upper end of the engaging member or a distance between a lower end of the waist member and a lower end of the engaging member is greater than a pitch of the compression portions.

4. The underpants-type absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein: At an outer end of the waist member in the left-right direction, a distance between an upper end of the waist member and an upper end of the engaging member is larger than the pitch of the compression portion.

5. The underpants-type absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein: At an outer end of the waist member in the left-right direction, a distance between a lower end of the waist member and a lower end of the engaging member is larger than the pitch of the compression portion.

6. The underpants-type absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: In the up-down direction and the left-right direction, a pitch of the compression portions is larger than a pitch of the hooks.

7. The underpants-type absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that An average value of the depth of the compressed portion is greater than an average value of the height of the hook.

8. The underpants-type absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The waist member includes, in an area engaged with the engaging member, a first piece provided on the non-skin side in the thickness direction, a second piece provided on the skin side in the thickness direction, and a third piece sandwiched between the first piece and the second piece. A waist elastic member that is stretchable in the left-right direction is provided between the second piece and the third piece. The waist elastic member is not provided between the first sheet and the third sheet.

9. The underpants-type absorbent article according to claim 8, wherein: The first sheet and the third sheet have portions that are joined to each other and portions that are not joined to each other.

10. The underpants-type absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The engaging member has a folding guide line between the engaging portion and the side joint portion in the left-right direction, and the folding guide line bends the base sheet so as to convexly face the non-skin side in the thickness direction.

11. The underpants-type absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The front waist portion has a waist elastic member that is stretchable in the left-right direction. A waist elastic member discontinuity portion where the waist elastic member is discontinuous in the left-right direction is provided at a portion where the waist elastic member and the engaging member overlap in the up-down direction and at a center portion in the left-right direction.

12. The underpants-type absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The pant-type absorbent article has a pair of leg openings. The waist member has a hip elastic member that stretches and contracts along the periphery of the leg opening. A buttocks elastic member discontinuous portion where the buttocks elastic member is discontinuous in the left-right direction is provided at a central portion in the left-right direction.

13. The underpants-type absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The waist member has a pair of separation parts on both sides in the left-right direction for separating the waist member front and back. In the extended state, the distance from the center position of the underwear-type absorbent article in the left-right direction to the separation portion on one side of the left-right direction is different from the distance from the center position of the underwear-type absorbent article in the left-right direction to the separation portion on the other side of the left-right direction.

14. The underpants-type absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The engaging member has a top end compression portion in which a pattern of a predetermined shape is arranged at a predetermined pitch at an inner end portion in the left-right direction. The average depth of the top end compression portion is greater than the average depth of the compression portion.

15. The underpants-type absorbent article according to claim 14, wherein The engaging member includes an engaging portion compression portion formed by compressing the engaging portion along the thickness direction. When viewed in the thickness direction, at least a portion of the hook overlaps with the engagement portion compression portion.

16. The underpants-type absorbent article according to claim 15, wherein: When viewed in the thickness direction, the pull-on absorbent article includes a portion where the front end portion compressed portion and the engaging portion compressed portion overlap with each other and a portion where the front end portion compressed portion and the engaging portion compressed portion do not overlap with each other.

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