Panty-type absorbent article

Abstract

A pant-type absorbent article has an absorbent main body (10), a waist member (20), an engaging member (30), and a crotch elastic member (50), wherein the engaging member has a convex shape that protrudes from the outside toward the inside in the left-right direction, the maximum length of the engaging member in the up-down direction 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 has an engaging portion (32) provided with a plurality of hooks (325) and a base material sheet (31), a plurality of compression portions (71) are provided in the surface of the base material sheet opposite the engaging portion, the pant-type absorbent article has a portion in which the hooks and the compression portions overlap, the outer edge of the engaging member is a curved shape, and the upper end edge or the lower end edge of the engaging portion and the upper end edge or the lower end edge of the engaging member are in the same position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an absorbent underwear-type product. Background Technology

[0002] It is known in the past that absorbent articles such as disposable diapers can also be used as belt-type (spread-out type) by partially separating the waistband component, which is formed as an underwear type (shorts type). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses such an underwear type absorbent article: the underwear type absorbent article has a pair of separation portions for separating the waistband component into a front piece and a back piece, and has a locking portion (locking member) provided on one side of the front piece and the back piece and detachably locked to the other side of the front piece and the back piece.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

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

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] When such absorbent materials are used as a belt, if the engaging components (wings, straps, etc.) are large, they may protrude from the waist component during engagement, rubbing against the wearer's body or interfering with their movements. Conversely, if the engaging components are small, problems may arise such as localized force applied when pulling on the engaging components during wear, causing the waist component to twist. This results in reduced operability of the engagement action and a poorer fit during wear. Furthermore, during the engagement or disengagement of the engaging components relative to the waist component, if the engaging force (mechanical fasteners, etc.) is too strong, the engaging part may detach from the engaging components.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the problems mentioned above, and its object is to improve the operability and fit when engaging or disengaging the engaging member from the waist member in an underwear-type absorbent article that can also be used as a belt.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] The main technical solution for achieving the above-mentioned objective is an absorbent underwear-type garment, which has intersecting vertical, horizontal, and thickness directions, and comprises: an absorbent body having a liquid-absorbent core; a waistband having a front waistband and a back waistband; a locking member, the outer end of which is fixed to the waistband in a non-separable manner in the horizontal direction, and the inner end of which is detachably engaged with the non-skin side of the waistband; and a crotch elastic member located closer to the non-skin side than the absorbent core, extending and retracting along the vertical direction. At both ends in the horizontal direction, the front waistband and the back waistband are engaged with each other by a pair of lateral joints. The characteristic of this absorbent underwear-type garment is that the locking member has only one location on the outer side in the horizontal direction. The convex shape protrudes inwards. In the vertical direction, the maximum length of the engaging member is shorter than the length of the side joint and longer than half the length of the side joint. The engaging member has an engaging portion with multiple hooks and a base plate supporting the engaging portion. In the thickness direction of the base plate, on the surface opposite to the engaging portion, there are multiple compression portions formed by compressing the base plate along the thickness direction. When viewed along the thickness direction, the underwear-type absorbent article has a portion where the hooks and the compression portions overlap. The outer edge of the engaging member is curved in a position closer to the left-right direction than the engaging portion. In the vertical direction, the upper edge of the engaging portion and the upper edge of the engaging member are at the same position, or the lower edge of the engaging portion and the lower edge of the engaging member are at the same position.

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

[0012] The effects of the invention

[0013] According to the present invention, in underwear-type absorbent articles that can also be used as belts, the operability and fit of engaging or disengaging the engaging member relative to the waist member can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a rough 3D diagram of sanitary napkin 1.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a top view of a sanitary napkin 1 in its unfolded and elongated state, viewed from the thickness direction.

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the AA section.

[0017] Figure 4These are top and sectional views of the absorbent body 10 in its elongated state.

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

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

[0020] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This diagram illustrates the action of separating the waist component 20 of the sanitary napkin 1 from the front to the back.

[0021] Figure 8 This is an example illustration of the action of wearing sanitary napkin 1.

[0022] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This diagram illustrates the engagement mechanism between the waist member 20 and the engaging member 30 (engaging part 32).

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

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

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

[0026] Figure 13 This is a top view showing an example of a sanitary napkin 1 with an asymmetrical shape relative to the central position CC in the left-right direction.

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

[0028] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating the cross-sectional structure of the waist component 20 of the sanitary napkin 2. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Based on the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings, at least the following matters are clear.

[0030] (Method 1)

[0031] An absorbent underwear-type garment has intersecting vertical, horizontal, and thickness directions, and comprises: an absorbent body having a liquid-absorbent core; a waistband having a front waistband and a back waistband; a locking member, the outer end of which is fixed to the waistband in a non-separable manner in the horizontal direction, and the inner end of which is detachably engaged with the non-skin side of the waistband; and a crotch elastic member located closer to the non-skin side than the absorbent core, extending and retracting along the vertical direction, wherein the front waistband and the back waistband are engaged with each other at their two ends in the horizontal direction by a pair of lateral joints. The absorbent underwear-type garment is characterized in that the locking member has only one convex protrusion extending from the outer side to the inner side in the horizontal direction. The convex shape of the locking member is such that, in the vertical direction, the maximum length of the locking member is shorter than the length of the side joint and longer than half the length of the side joint. The locking member has a locking portion with multiple hooks and a base plate supporting the locking portion. In the thickness direction of the base plate, on the surface opposite to the locking portion, there are multiple compression portions formed by compressing the base plate along the thickness direction. When viewed along the thickness direction, the underwear-type absorbent article has a portion where the hooks and the compression portions overlap. The outer edge of the locking member is curved in a position closer to the left-right direction than the locking portion. In the vertical direction, the upper edge of the locking portion and the upper edge of the locking member are at the same position, or the lower edge of the locking portion and the lower edge of the locking member are at the same position.

[0032] According to Method 1, when used as a strap-type absorbent item, during the wearing process, by grasping the locking member and pulling the waist member upwards, the elasticity of the crotch elastic member makes it easy to pull the absorbent body upwards, thus easily fitting the crotch area. At this time, since the locking member has only one protrusion at its inner end in the left and right directions, it is easy to grasp the locking member and efficiently transmit the force of pulling the locking member to the waist member. Furthermore, since the locking member is neither too long nor too short in the vertical direction compared to the waist member (side joint), it can prevent the locking member from extending from the waist member or the waist member from twisting when the locking member is engaged, thus improving operability and fit. In addition, in the locking member, the force pressing the hook against the waist member at the overlapping part of the hook and compression part is mitigated (the hook's engagement is shallower). Therefore, when the locking member is detached from the waist component, the locking part (hook) can be prevented from detaching from the base plate of the locking member, leaving only the locking part remaining on the waist component. Furthermore, by making the outer edge (contour) of the locking member curved inward in the left-right direction than the locking part, discomfort is less likely to occur to women during menstruation, improving the comfort when gripping it. Additionally, in the vertical direction, at least one end edge of the locking part and at least one end edge of the locking member (base plate) are in the same position. That is, by extending the locking part to at least one side of the upper and lower ends of the locking member, the rigidity of the locking member is increased, thereby easily preventing the locking member from bending during wear.

[0033] (Method 2)

[0034] According to the underwear-type absorbent article of method 1, when viewed along the thickness direction, the area of ​​the compression portion is larger than the area of ​​the hook.

[0035] According to Method 2, the absorbent underwear-type garment is less likely to snag on the fibers of the waistband member when the locking member is engaged, as some hooks may enter the recess of the compression section (the compression section of the first substrate sheet). Therefore, the locking force is less likely to become excessive. Furthermore, when the locking member bends around the compression section (the compression section of the first substrate sheet) during engagement, this bending deformation is less likely to be interfered with by hooks. Consequently, the locking member can easily deform in three dimensions, improving operability when engaging or disengaging the locking member relative to the curved surface of the waistband member.

[0036] (Method 3)

[0037] According to method 1 or 2, in the vertical 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 greater than the spacing of the compression portions.

[0038] According to Method 3, the spacing between the upper (lower) end of the waistband member and the upper (lower) end of the locking member is easily recognized by comparing it with the spacing of the compression portion visually identifiable on the surface of the locking member. As a result, when wearing the underwear-type absorbent item, it is easy to imagine that the body is reliably covered by the front waistband, which can give the user a good fit and a sense of security.

[0039] (Method 4)

[0040] In the absorbent underwear-type article according to any one of methods 1 to 3, the distance between the upper end of the waist member and the upper end of the engaging member at the outer end in the left-right direction of the waist member is greater than the spacing of the compression portion.

[0041] According to the absorbent underwear of method 4, since the wearer's abdomen is reliably covered by the part forming the waist opening at the upper part of the front waist when worn, the fit around the waist can be further improved.

[0042] (Method 5)

[0043] In the absorbent underwear-type article according to any one of methods 1 to 4, the distance between the lower end of the waist member and the lower end of the engaging member at the outer end in the left-right direction of the waist member is greater than the spacing of the compression portion.

[0044] According to the absorbent underwear of method 5, since the lower part of the front waist area is reliably covered by the part forming the leg opening when worn, the fit around the leg area can be further improved.

[0045] (Method 6)

[0046] In any one of the embodiments 1 to 5, the spacing between the compression portions is larger than the spacing between the hooks in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

[0047] According to Method 6, the probability of arranging multiple hooks between adjacent compression sections along the vertical and horizontal directions is relatively high, thus enhancing the locking force. On the other hand, since the hooks are less likely to be pressed down in the parts overlapping with the compression sections, the situation where the locking force becomes too strong can be suppressed. Therefore, it is easy to adjust the locking force of the locking member to an appropriate strength, and compared with the opposite situation, the operability of assembling and disassembling the locking member can be further improved.

[0048] (Method 7)

[0049] In the absorbent underwear-type article according to any one of methods 1 to 6, the average depth of the compression portion is greater than the average height of the hook.

[0050] According to the absorbent underwear-type garment of method 7, when the hook is pressed at the position where the hook overlaps with the compression part, the hook as a whole will not protrude from the recess of the compression part, thus making it less likely to snag the fibers of the non-woven fabric constituting the waistband component, thereby preventing the locking force from becoming too strong. Therefore, it is easy to adjust the locking force of the locking component to an appropriate strength, and compared with the opposite situation, it can further improve the operability when assembling and disassembling the locking component.

[0051] (Method 8)

[0052] According to any one of the embodiments 1 to 7, the absorbent article of the underwear type has a first piece on the non-skin side in the thickness direction, a second piece on the skin side in the thickness direction, and a third piece sandwiched between the first piece and the second piece in the area where it engages with the engaging member; a waist elastic member that stretches and contracts 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 absorbent underwear-type garment of method 8, since a third piece is provided between the first piece and the waist elastic member in the thickness direction, the third piece functions as an interference member, and the influence of the hook pressed from the non-skin side of the first piece towards the skin side is less likely to affect the waist elastic member located between the second and third pieces. Therefore, even when repeatedly engaging or disengaging the engaging member, the elasticity of the waist elastic member is easily maintained, improving the fit of the waist member.

[0054] (Method 9)

[0055] The absorbent underwear-type article according to any one of methods 1 to 8, wherein the first piece and the third piece have mutually joined portions and non-mutually joined portions.

[0056] According to Method 9, in the action of engaging or disengaging the locking member relative to the non-skin side of the waistband member, the non-joining portion of the first and third pieces functions as a buffer, making it less likely for the impact of assembly and disassembly to affect the waistband elastic member. Therefore, even with repeated engagement and disengagement of the locking member, the elasticity of the waistband elastic member is easily maintained, further improving the fit of the waistband member.

[0057] (Method 10)

[0058] According to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, in the panty-type absorbent article, the engaging member has a folding guide line between the engaging portion and the lateral joint portion in the left-right direction, the folding guide line causing the substrate sheet to bend in a manner that protrudes toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction.

[0059] According to Method 10, the absorbent underwear-type garment features a folding guide line that allows the substrate sheet to bend in a manner that protrudes towards the non-skin side. This facilitates the creation of a space between the bent snap fastener and the waistband member, making it easy for the wearer to visually identify the snap fastener. Furthermore, by inserting a finger into this space, it is easy to peel off the snap fastener. Consequently, the wearing of the absorbent underwear-type garment becomes convenient.

[0060] (Method 11)

[0061] According to any one of the embodiments 1 to 10, the underwear-type absorbent article has a waist elastic member that stretches in the left-right direction, and a waist elastic member discontinuity portion that is discontinuous in the left-right direction is provided at the position where the waist elastic member and the engaging member overlap in the up-down direction and at the center of the left-right direction.

[0062] According to the absorbent underwear of method 11, at the discontinuity of the waist elastic member, the elastic force of the waist elastic member is less likely to exert a contraction force on the absorbent body, thus suppressing the lateral contraction of the absorbent body. Furthermore, wrinkles are less likely to form in the absorbent body, allowing it to easily conform to the wearer's abdomen in a wide manner. Therefore, when wearing the absorbent underwear, the fit of the absorbent body on the abdominal side is further improved.

[0063] (Method 12)

[0064] The absorbent article of the underwear type according to any one of methods 1 to 11, wherein the absorbent article of the underwear type has a pair of leg openings, the waist member has a hip elastic member that stretches along the periphery of the leg openings, and the hip elastic member has a discontinuous portion of the hip elastic member in the left-right direction at the central part in the left-right direction.

[0065] According to the absorbent underwear-type garment of method 12, at the discontinuity of the elastic member in the buttocks area, the elastic force of the buttocks member is less likely to exert a stretching force on the absorbent body, thus preventing the absorbent body from being pressed too forcefully against the wearer's body (buttocks). Furthermore, since the force causing the absorbent body to contract in the lateral direction is less likely to act at the discontinuity of the elastic member in the buttocks area, wrinkles are less likely to form on the surface of the absorbent body, and the absorbent body easily maintains a wide, flat state. Therefore, the absorbent body easily covers a large area of ​​the wearer's buttocks, improving fit and easily suppressing leakage.

[0066] (Method 13)

[0067] According to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, the underwear-type absorbent article has a pair of separation portions on both sides in the left-right direction for separating the waist member from the 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.

[0068] According to Method 13, compared to the case where the lengths on both sides are the same, it is easier for the wearer to recognize that the underwear-type absorbent item has an asymmetrical shape in the left-right direction. Furthermore, it is ideal for the wearer to recognize that wearing the underwear-type absorbent item in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

[0069] (Method 14)

[0070] According to any one of embodiments 1 to 13, the absorbent article of the underwear type has a top compression portion formed by a pattern of a predetermined shape arranged at a predetermined interval at the inner end of the locking member in the left-right direction, and the average depth of the top compression portion is greater than the average depth of the compression portion.

[0071] According to the underwear-type absorbent article of method 14, in the area where it is easy to grip the locking member by hand, the rigidity of the base material sheet is increased by the compression part at the top, making the locking member less prone to breakage. Therefore, it is easier to transfer the pulling force to the lower back. As a result, the operability of engaging or disengaging the locking member relative to the waist member is improved.

[0072] (Method 15)

[0073] According to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, the underwear-type absorbent article has a locking member having a locking compression portion formed by compressing the locking portion along the thickness direction, wherein, when viewed along the thickness direction, at least a portion of the hook overlaps with the locking compression portion.

[0074] According to the underwear-type absorbent article of method 15, in the portion where the hook and the compression portion of the engaging part overlap, the hook is compressed and flattened in the thickness direction, thereby reducing the overall engaging force of the engaging part compared to the case where no compression portion of the engaging part is formed. Therefore, the engaging member that engages with the waistband member can be easily peeled off. Furthermore, since the integration of the engaging part and the substrate sheet is improved by utilizing the compression portion of the engaging part, situations such as the engaging part detaching from the substrate sheet and remaining on the waistband member can be prevented when peeling off the engaging member that engages with the waistband member. This improves the operability of engaging or peeling the engaging member relative to the waistband member.

[0075] (Method 16)

[0076] The absorbent article of the underwear type according to any one of methods 1 to 15, wherein, when viewed along the thickness direction, the absorbent article of the underwear type has a portion in which the top compression portion and the engaging compression portion overlap each other and a portion in which the top compression portion and the engaging compression portion do not overlap.

[0077] According to the underwear-type absorbent article of method 16, the thickness of the substrate sheet is minimal (thin) in the portion where the top compression portion overlaps with the engaging compression portion. Furthermore, in the portion where the top compression portion does not overlap with the engaging compression portion but the hook overlaps with the engaging compression portion, the hook height is slightly increased corresponding to the substrate sheet not being compressed by the top compression portion. Additionally, in the portion where the top compression portion does not overlap with the engaging compression portion and the hook does not overlap with the engaging compression portion, neither the substrate sheet nor the hook is compressed, resulting in the highest hook height. Thus, by varying the height of the hook protruding along the thickness direction in stages, a gradient is created in the magnitude of the engaging force between the hook and the waist member, making it easier to peel the engaging member off compared to cases where the engaging force is the same. This improves the operability of engaging or disengaging the engaging member relative to the waist member.

[0078] ===Implementation Methods===

[0079] As an example of an underwear-type (shorts-type) absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention, an underwear-type (shorts-type) sanitary napkin 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "sanitary napkin 1") will be described. In addition, underwear-type (shorts-type) absorbent articles also include underwear-type (shorts-type) diapers, underwear-type (shorts-type) absorbent pads, etc.

[0080] <Basic Structure of Sanitary Napkins>

[0081] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the sanitary napkin 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a top view of a sanitary napkin 1 in its unfolded and elongated state, viewed from the thickness direction. Figure 3 yes Figure 2A schematic diagram of the AA section. Additionally, in Figure 2 The lateral joint 40 and the separation part 25, which are described later, should not appear in the cross-section at position AA, but... Figure 3 The positions of the two are indicated for illustrative purposes.

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

[0083] like Figure 1 As shown, the sanitary napkin 1 has mutually orthogonal "up-down direction", "left-right direction", and "front-back direction". Furthermore, as... Figure 3 As shown, the sanitary napkin 1 has a "thickness direction" which is the direction in which the components are stacked. In the up-down direction, the side that becomes the wearer's waist side when the sanitary napkin 1 is worn is designated as the "upper side," and the side that becomes the wearer's crotch side is designated as the "lower side." Furthermore, in the front-back direction, the side that becomes the wearer's abdomen side when worn is designated as the "front side," and the side that becomes the wearer's back side is designated as the "back side." Additionally, in the thickness direction, the side 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 mutually orthogonal "length direction" and "left-right direction". The "length direction" is the direction along the vertical direction in panty-type sanitary napkins, and the "left-right direction" is the direction along the horizontal direction in panty-type sanitary napkins.

[0085] The sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment includes: an absorbent body 10 for absorbing menstrual blood and other excretory fluids; a waist member 20 which is overlapped on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10 and is positioned on the wearer's waist when wearing the sanitary napkin 1; and a snap-fit ​​member 30 which is provided on both sides of the waist member 20 in the left-right direction.

[0086] (Absorbent Subject 10)

[0087] Figure 4These are top and cross-sectional views of the absorbent body 10 in its extended state. The absorbent body 10 is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from above along the vertical direction of the sanitary napkin 1. The absorbent body 10 has an absorbent core 11 along its length (vertical direction), a top sheet 12 disposed on the skin side of the absorbent core 11, and a bottom sheet 13 disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11. However, the absorbent body 10 may also have other sheet members. 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 on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11.

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

[0089] The top sheet 12 is a liquid-permeable sheet component that comes into contact with the wearer's skin during wear, such as being formed from hydrophilic hot-air nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, etc.

[0090] The backing sheet 13 is formed by a double-layer structure, which includes: a liquid-impermeable sheet 13a, which is used to prevent leakage of menstrual blood and other liquids absorbed by the absorbent core 11 to the outside; and a hydrophobic sheet 13b, which is disposed on the non-skin side of the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a. As the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a, for example, a resin film is used, and as the hydrophobic sheet 13b, for example, a soft non-woven fabric is used.

[0091] Furthermore, a pair of leak-proof wall portions 60, 60 are provided on both sides of the absorbent body 10 in the left-right direction. The leak-proof wall portions 60 are equivalent to so-called three-dimensional pleats; when wearing the sanitary napkin 1, these leak-proof wall portions 60, by rising from both sides of the absorbent body 10 towards the wearer's skin, inhibit the leakage of menstrual blood and other excretory fluids to the outside of the absorbent body 10. Figure 4 As shown in the cross-sectional view, in the sanitary napkin 1, the hydrophobic sheet 13b of the backing sheet 13, which is arranged to cover the absorbent core 11 from the non-skin side, is folded back towards the skin side on both sides in the left-right direction and bent in multiple places, thereby forming a pair of leak-proof wall portions 60, 60. A leak-proof wall elastic member 61 (e.g., elastic band) is installed on the leak-proof wall portion 60 in a state of elongation along the length direction. When wearing the sanitary napkin 1, based on the elasticity exhibited by the leak-proof wall elastic member 61, the leak-proof wall portion 60 stands upright towards the skin side and conforms to the wearer's groin area.

[0092] In addition, such as Figures 2-4As shown, in this embodiment, the crotch portion of the absorbent body 10 is provided with a plurality of crotch elastic members 50 that extend and retract along the length direction (vertical direction). The crotch elastic members 50 are, for example, made of elastic cord and are arranged in a state of elongation along the length direction (vertical direction) on the non-skin side (in the direction of the absorbent core 11). Figure 4 (between the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a and the hydrophobic sheet 13b). In the sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment, five crotch elastic members 50 are provided at predetermined intervals along the left and right directions, but the number of crotch elastic members 50 can be appropriately adjusted. The elongation ratio of the crotch elastic members 50 is preferably about 1.4 to 3.3 times. In addition, the elongation ratio is expressed by dividing the length of the elastic member in the elongated state by the length of the elastic member in the natural state. By pre-setting the elongation ratio of the crotch elastic members 50 to a relatively strong ratio, the absorbent core 11 with relatively high stiffness contracts from the non-skin side in the thickness direction and deforms towards the skin side, so that the absorbent body 10 can easily fit the wearer's body when wearing the sanitary napkin 1. That is, by utilizing the elasticity exhibited by the crotch elastic members 50 to lift the absorbent body 10 towards the wearer's skin side, the absorbent body 10 can easily fit tightly against the wearer's crotch area, making it less likely for menstrual blood and other excretory fluids to leak.

[0093] Furthermore, the absorbent body 10 is provided with a high-density portion 80 formed by compression processing, etc., of at least the absorbent core 11 and the top sheet 12 in the thickness direction. Figure 4 In the middle, a pair of high-density portions 80 are provided in the left-right direction, which are formed into a curved (dashed line) shape by multiple point-like compression portions intermittently arranged along the length direction. The portion of the absorbent body 10 with the high-density portion 80 has a higher density than other portions, and the absorbent core 11 can easily bend and deform in three dimensions with the high-density portion 80 as the bending base point. That is, by the linear high-density portion 80 acting like a hinge, the planar absorbent core 11 can easily deform in accordance with the concavity and convexity of the wearer's body, and can easily fit the wearer's crotch area.

[0094] Furthermore, in sanitary napkin 1, at least one [unclear] is disposed between a pair of high-density portions 80, 80 spaced apart at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction. Figure 4 The absorbent core 11 has three elastic members 50 in the crotch area. Due to the increased stiffness of the high-density portion 80, excessive contraction of the elastic members 50 is suppressed, thus preventing the entire absorbent core 11 from being forcefully pressed against the crotch area. Furthermore, by utilizing the elasticity of the elastic members 50 located between the pair of high-density portions 80, 80, the area between the pair of high-density portions 80, 80 easily protrudes towards the skin, allowing it to easily conform to the wearer's crotch area and other excretory openings such as the vagina. This further improves the fit of the absorbent body 10.

[0095] In addition to the high-density portion 80, a compression portion (not shown) may also be provided to compress the absorbent core 11 along its thickness direction. For example, by providing a compression portion different from the high-density portion 80 at the end of the absorbent core 11 along its length direction, the thickness of the absorbent core 11 can be easily controlled. That is, when wearing the sanitary napkin 1, even if the absorbent core 11 protrudes and deforms towards the skin due to the elasticity of the crotch elastic member 50, by using this other compression portion (not shown) at the end of the absorbent core 11 along its length direction to suppress the increase in the thickness of the absorbent core 11, the absorbent core 11 can be prevented from being forcefully pressed against the skin or its breathability from decreasing, thus reducing discomfort for the wearer.

[0096] (Waist component 20)

[0097] Waist frame component 20 is an outer casing composed of multiple sheet components, including at least non-skin side panels 21, skin side panels 22, 23, and multiple waist frame elastic components 26, 26... (see reference) Figure 2 and Figure 3 Furthermore, in the following description, the portion of the waist member 20 that is forward (abdominal) from the center position CL in the longitudinal direction is also referred to as the front waist portion 20f, and the portion that is backward (back) from the center position CL is also referred to as the back waist portion 20b. The front waist portion 20f is the part that touches the abdominal side of the wearer's body when wearing the sanitary napkin 1, and is equivalent to the "front panel" of the sanitary napkin 1. The back waist portion 20b is the part that touches the back side of the wearer's body when wearing the sanitary napkin 1, and is equivalent to the "back panel" of the sanitary napkin 1. In addition, a pair of separation portions 25, described later, are provided at both ends of the front waist portion 20f (front panel) of the sanitary napkin 1 in the left and right directions.

[0098] The non-skin side sheet 21 is a non-stretchable sheet member disposed on the non-skin side of the sanitary napkin 1, and is continuously arranged from the front to the back in the length direction. The non-skin side sheet 21 is formed, for example, from spunbond nonwoven fabric, SMS nonwoven fabric, etc. In this embodiment, such as... Figure 2 As shown in the top view, the non-skin side panel 21 has a shape that narrows inward in the left-right direction from the central portion (including the portion at the central position CL) along its length. Alternatively, it can also be as follows... Figure 3 As shown, by folding back the non-skin side piece 21 at its end in the length direction, the waist member 20 locally has a structure of three or more layers.

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

[0100] The waist elastic member 26, for example, is formed of elastic bands, and multiple members are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction between the non-skin side piece 21 and the skin side piece 22 (23), and are installed in a state of elongation in the horizontal direction. The waist member 20 fits the wearer's waist by utilizing the stretchability in the horizontal direction exhibited by the waist elastic member 26.

[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 elongated at a predetermined elongation ratio, and the waist elastic member 26 is sandwiched between the non-skin side piece 21 and the skin side piece 22 (23), thereby installing the waist elastic member 26. That is, the non-skin side piece 21 and the skin side piece 22 (23) are joined together with adhesive across the waist elastic member 26. Alternatively, the waist elastic member 26 can be installed by applying adhesive to the non-skin side piece 21 and the skin side piece 22 (23) instead of applying adhesive to the waist elastic member 26 side.

[0102] Sanitary napkin 1 from Figure 2 The unfolded state shown is such that the skin-side surfaces of the front waist section 20f (front body piece) and the rear waist section 20b (rear body piece) are folded together along the length direction (front-to-back direction) with the central position CL in the longitudinal direction as the folding position. In this folded state, the left and right ends 40f, 40f of the overlapping front waist section 20f and the left and right ends 40b, 40b of the rear waist section 20b are joined using known joining methods such as sealing welding, thereby forming a side joint 40. Thus, the folded waist members 20 (20f and 20b) are connected in a ring shape on the front (ventral) and rear (dorsal) sides, forming... Figure 1 The design includes a waist opening 1a and a pair of leg openings 1b, 1b, thus forming a panty-shaped sanitary napkin 1.

[0103] (Clamping component 30)

[0104] A pair of engaging components 30 are provided on both sides of the sanitary napkin 1 in the left and right directions. Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the engaging member 30. Figure 5A This is a top view of the engaging member 30 in its extended state. Figure 5BThis is a cross-sectional view of the engaging member 30 in its extended state. Figure 6 It is an enlarged representation Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of region X. The engaging member 30 has a base plate 31 and an engaging portion 32. In addition, the engaging member 30 is provided with a top end compression portion 75 and an engaging portion compression portion 76, which will be described later.

[0105] The substrate sheet 31 is a sheet component made of non-woven fabric or the like. In this embodiment, the substrate sheet 31 is formed by stacking and bonding the first substrate sheet 311 and the second substrate sheet 312 together in the thickness direction (see reference). Figure 5B , Figure 6 The first substrate sheet 311 is a sheet member disposed opposite to the waist member 20 (and the engaging portion 32) in the thickness direction, and SMS nonwoven fabric can be used 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 a compression process such as embossing on the first substrate sheet 311 from both sides in the thickness direction, and are distributed throughout the first substrate sheet 311. The spunbond layer and meltblown layer constituting the first substrate sheet 311 (SMS nonwoven fabric) are bonded together using these first substrate sheet compression portions 71. The first substrate sheet compression portions 71 are compression portions formed during the manufacturing process of the first substrate sheet 311 (SMS nonwoven fabric).

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

[0107] Thus, by constructing the engaging member 30 from at least two layers of sheet material (first substrate sheet 311 and second substrate sheet 312), the rigidity of the engaging member 30 can be improved. This helps to prevent breakage of the engaging member 30 during actions that engage or disengage it from the waist member 20. In particular, the inner end of the engaging member 30 in the lateral direction is the part that is grasped and pulled by the wearer's hand when wearing the sanitary napkin 1 (see below). Figure 8 Therefore, it is easy to apply force to the inner end. Thus, by constructing a structure with at least two or more layers of material stacked in the inner end region, the rigidity is improved, thereby improving operability during engagement or disengagement.

[0108] In sanitary napkin 1, one side of the substrate sheet 31 in the left-right direction (in) Figure 2, Figure 5A The outer side (in the left-right direction) is fixed to the waist member 20 in a non-separable manner. Hereinafter, the portion where the engaging member 30 (base plate 31) is fixed to the waist member 20 in a non-separable manner will also be referred to as the base plate fixing portion 35. In this embodiment, the base plate 31 and the waist member 20 are fixed in a non-separable manner using the side joining portion 40 of the waist member 20. That is, the side joining portion 40 serves as both the base plate fixing portion 35 and the base plate fixing portion 35. However, the base plate 31 and the waist member 20 can also be fixed in a non-separable manner using a base plate fixing portion 35 that is different from the side joining portion 40.

[0109] On the other side of the substrate sheet 31 in the left-right direction (in Figure 2 , Figure 5A A locking part 32 is provided on the inner side (in the left-right direction). The locking part 32 is a part used to detachably engage the locking member 30 with the waist member 20. The locking member 30 is provided on the side opposite to the waist member 20 (in the left-right direction). Figure 5B The designated area (near the inner end in the left-right direction) is the side of the skin. For example... Figure 6 As shown, multiple hooks 325 protruding along the thickness direction are provided on the surface (skin side) of the engaging portion 32. The hooks 325 are fastening components made of polypropylene or the like. By hooking the hooks 325 onto the fibers of the non-skin side panel 21 formed on the outermost side of the waist member 20, the engaging portion 32 (engaging component 30) is detachably fastened to the non-skin side of the waist member 20. In other words, the engaging portion 32 functions as a so-called nylon hook and loop fastener (mechanical fastener).

[0110] Furthermore, in the sanitary napkin 1, the engaging portion 32 is continuously provided from the upper end to the lower end of the engaging member 30 (substrate sheet 31) in the vertical direction. By maximizing the area of ​​the engaging portion 32, the stability when engaging with the waist member 20 is improved. In addition, because the engaging portion 32 is continuous in the vertical direction, the vertical bending of the engaging portion 32 is suppressed, and the operability during engagement or disengagement is improved.

[0111] <Regarding actions while wearing a sanitary napkin>

[0112] Next, the actions of wearing sanitary napkin 1 will be explained. Sanitary napkin 1 in its initial state is... Figure 1The shown panty-type (shorts-type) can be worn as a regular panty-type absorbent item. Furthermore, when removing the sanitary napkin 1, it can be removed by separating the waistband member 20, which is formed as a ring along the wearer's waist, into a front waistband 20f and a back waistband 20b, and then unfolding the sanitary napkin 1. Moreover, after separating the waistband member 20, it can be worn as a belt-type absorbent item by engaging the other of the front waistband 20f and back waistband 20b with the engaging member 30 that engages with either the front waistband 20f or the back waistband 20b.

[0113] Additionally, when wearing sanitary napkin 1, the tear strip 25 (separation part 25) on either the left or right side can be torn beforehand. For example, after passing one leg through the leg opening 1b on the other side (the side without the tear strip 25) and pulling it up to the crotch, the engaging member 30 on one side engages with the waist member 20, thereby wearing sanitary napkin 1 (see below). Figure 8 In addition, other dressing and doffing actions can also be performed.

[0114] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This diagram illustrates the action of separating the waist component 20 of the sanitary napkin 1 from the front and back. Figure 7A This is a cross-sectional view showing the state of the sanitary napkin 1 in its panty-like shape as viewed from the top side (the side with the waist opening 1a) in the vertical direction. Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram showing the state of the waist component 20 separated front and back.

[0115] In the panty-style sanitary napkin 1, the front waist section 20f and the back waist section 20b are joined together by side joints 40, 40 located at both ends in the left and right directions, thereby forming... Figure 7A Such a ring-shaped waist opening 1a. In addition, a pair of engaging members 30 are provided on both sides of the waist member 20 in the left and right directions. The engaging members 30 engage with the non-skin side of the front waist part 20f by means of engaging part 32.

[0116] In addition, Figure 7A In this design, a pair of separating portions 25 are provided on both sides of the front waist section 20f in the left-right direction. The separating portions 25 are provided to separate the waist member 20, which is formed in a ring shape along the wearer's waist, into the front waist section 20f and the back waist section 20b. They are located either inside the side joint 40 or outside the inner end of the engaging member 30 in the left-right direction. That is, the separating portions 25 are located at a position overlapping the engaging member 30 in the left-right direction. Using these separating portions 25, the waist member 20 can be separated into a portion including at least the central portion of the front waist section 20f and a portion including at least the central portion of the back waist section 20b.

[0117] In this embodiment, the separating portion 25 is constituted by a so-called easy-tear line, that is, a plurality of grooves (notches 25a described later) penetrating the waist member 20 along the thickness direction are arranged discontinuously from the waist opening 1a to the leg opening 1b in the vertical direction. By tearing the waist member 20 along this easy-tear line, it can be easily separated into a front waist portion 20f and a rear waist portion 20b. Hereinafter, the separating portion 25 will also be referred to as "easy-tear line 25".

[0118] The sanitary napkin 1, which separates the waist component 20 into a front waist part 20f and a back waist part 20b using the separating part 25 (tear line 25), becomes... Figure 7B The state shown. That is, Figure 7A The separating portion 25 is separated into a separating end 25fe on the front waist body 20f side and a separating end 25be on the rear waist body 20b side, thereby separating the front waist body 20f and the rear waist body 20b front and back. Then, in Figure 7B In this design, a pair of engaging members 30, 30 are joined to the back waist section 20b side by means of a base material fixing part 35 (side joining part 40) on both sides in the left and right directions, so that the engaging parts 32, 32 provided on the engaging members 30, 30 engage with the front waist section 20f respectively. Thus, the waist section 20 is formed into a ring shape. When the sanitary napkin 1 is removed from the wearer's body in this state, it can be easily removed by peeling off the engaging parts 32 from the front waist section 20f and unfolding the sanitary napkin 1.

[0119] Next, as an example of the action of wearing sanitary napkin 1, the operation method of wearing sanitary napkin 1 again after tearing the easy-tear line 25 to separate the waist component 20 from the front and back will be explained. Figure 8 This diagram illustrates an example of the act of wearing sanitary napkin 1. Figure 8 The text describes a sanitary napkin 1 in which one of the two tear strips 25, 25 located on the left and right sides is torn while the other tear strip 25 remains intact.

[0120] exist Figure 8 In the case of wearing sanitary napkin 1, firstly, the wearer's single leg (in...) Figure 8 (Left leg) Pass the sanitary napkin 1 through the leg opening 1b on the side where the tear line 25 is not torn, and pull the sanitary napkin 1 up to near the knee. Next, grasp the front waist part 20f and the back waist part 20b, which are separated by tearing the tear line 25, and pull them diagonally upwards, pulling the sanitary napkin 1, including the absorbent body 10, up to the crotch area. Figure 8In this method, on the wearer's right leg side, the wearer's left hand grasps the end of the front waist section 20f and pulls it diagonally upwards, while the right hand grasps the end of the back waist section 20b (locking member 30) and pulls it diagonally upwards. Then, using the left hand to press down on the front waist section 20f, the right hand wraps the back waist section 20b around the wearer's abdomen, and the locking member 30 (locking part 32) locks into place with the non-skin side of the front waist section 20f, thus forming the sanitary napkin 1 into an underwear shape. Through this action, the sanitary napkin 1 can be easily put on.

[0121] Furthermore, when removing the sanitary napkin 1 from the wearer's body, the engaging member 30 (engaging part 32) that engages with the non-skin side of the front waist part 20f is peeled off from the wearer's right leg side, allowing the front waist part 20f and the back waist part 20b to separate again, thus making it easy to remove the sanitary napkin 1. Alternatively, it can be done in... Figure 8 On the left leg side of the wearer, the easy-tear line 25 is torn when the sanitary napkin 1 is removed from the wearer's body. In this way, since the front waist part 20f and the back waist part 20b can be separated from each other in the left and right directions, the sanitary napkin 1 can be removed more easily.

[0122] In the process of putting on and taking off sanitary napkin 1, if the locking member 30 is too large, a portion of the locking member 30 may protrude from the front waist part 20f and come into contact with the wearer's skin when locking with the front waist part 20f, causing discomfort. On the other hand, if the locking member 30 is too small, it may cause discomfort when... Figure 8 When you try to grab the locking member 30 and pull the lower back 20b, it may be difficult to grab the locking member 30. Moreover, since the pulling force transmitted to the lower back 20b through the locking member 30 is localized to a small area of ​​the lower back 20b, it may cause the lower back 20b to tilt or twist, making it difficult to engage with the front back 20f.

[0123] Furthermore, if the engaging force between the engaging member 30 (engaging portion 32) and the front waist portion 20f is too strong, it may be difficult to peel 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 forcibly peeled off, the substrate sheet 31 may detach from the engaging portion 32, leaving only the engaging portion 32 on the front waist portion 20f, or the non-woven fabric constituting the front waist portion 20f may be torn.

[0124] Therefore, in the sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment, by appropriately adjusting the structure of the engaging member 30 and the engaging portion 32, the operability and fit of engaging or disengaging the engaging member 30 (engaging portion 32) relative to the waist member 20 are improved. The specific structure of the engaging member 30 and the engaging portion 32 of the sanitary napkin 1 will be described below.

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

[0126] The length h40 of the side joint 40 in the vertical direction is equivalent to the minimum length of the waist member 20 in the vertical direction (refer to...). Figure 2 (etc.). Therefore, if the maximum length h30 of the engaging member 30 is smaller than the length h40 of the side joint 40 (h40 > h30), it is easier to engage the engaging member 30 with a larger range of the waist member 20. Furthermore, it can prevent the engaging member 30 from extending outwards from the waist member 20 and directly contacting the wearer's skin during engagement. On the other hand, since the maximum length h30 of the engaging member 30 is greater than half the length h40 of the side joint 40, it is easier to ensure that the engaging member 30 is large enough to be grasped by hand. Furthermore, when the waist part 20b is pulled after grasping the engaging member 30, the pulling force can be applied to at least half of the side joint 40. Therefore, it is easier to prevent localized forces from acting on a small range in the vertical direction of the waist member 20, thus preventing the waist member 20 from tilting or twisting.

[0127] In addition, the engaging member 30 has a convex shape that protrudes from the outer side to the inner side in the left-right direction at only one point. Figure 5A The locking member 30 shown has a roughly 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 horizontal direction. With such a shape, when grabbing the locking member 30 and pulling the waist part 20b, the position of the locking member 30 (the inner end in the horizontal direction) should be clearly defined, so that the force of pulling the locking member 30 can be efficiently transmitted to the lateral joint 40 (waist part 20) in the horizontal direction without being dispersed.

[0128] Furthermore, the outer edge (outline) of the engaging member 30 is curved in the left-right direction inwards from 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 edges, discomfort or unpleasantness may occur. In contrast, by making the outer edge of the engaging member 30 curved in the left-right direction inwards, such discomfort or unpleasantness can be reduced. In addition, by making the outer edge of the engaging member 30 curved, the affinity for the fingers and hands when gripping the engaging member 30 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 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 at the same position. In other words, when viewed along the thickness direction, the upper edge of the engaging portion 32 overlaps with the upper edge of the substrate sheet 31, and the lower edge of the engaging portion 32 overlaps with the lower edge of the substrate sheet 31. By extending at least one of the upper and lower edges of the engaging portion 32 to the upper or lower end of the engaging member 30 (substrate sheet 31), the stiffness of the engaging member 30 is increased, thereby easily suppressing the bending of the engaging member 30 during wear.

[0130] Furthermore, since the engaging portion 32 is bonded to the substrate sheet 31 from top to bottom, the engaging or disengaging action of the engaging member 30 can be performed stably. If there are unbonded portions (so-called dry edges) at the upper and lower ends of the engaging portion 32, the upper and lower ends of the engaging member 30 are prone to bending during the engaging action, and therefore the upper and lower ends of the engaging portion 32 are also prone to bending. In this case, the bent upper and lower ends of the engaging portion 32 may touch the wearer's fingers or skin, causing discomfort, or the engagement area between the engaging portion 32 and the waist member 20 may decrease, resulting in a decrease in engagement force. In contrast, in this embodiment, since the engaging portion 32 reliably engages from top to bottom, dry edges are less likely to form at the upper and lower ends of the engaging portion 32, thus preventing the engaging portion 32 from touching the wearer's fingers or causing a decrease in engagement force.

[0131] In addition, such as Figure 6 As shown, a plurality of first substrate sheet compression portions 71 (compression portions) are provided on the surface of the substrate sheet 31 that faces the engagement portion 32 (i.e., the skin side of the first substrate sheet 311) in which the engagement member 30 is formed. Furthermore, when viewed along the thickness direction, there is a portion where the hook 325 of the engagement portion 32 overlaps with the first substrate sheet compression portion 71. Therefore, in the sanitary napkin 1, it is possible to prevent the engagement force between the engagement member 30 (engagement portion 32) and the waist member 20 from becoming excessively strong.

[0132] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This diagram illustrates the mechanism of engagement between the waist member 20 and the engaging member 30 (engaging part 32). Figure 9A As a comparative example, the case where the first substrate compression portion 71 (compression portion) is not provided on the side of the substrate 31 opposite to the engaging portion 32 (skin side). Figure 9B This refers to the case where, in the sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment, a first substrate compression portion 71 (compression portion) is provided on the side of the substrate sheet 31 opposite to the engaging portion 32 (skin side).

[0133] When the engaging member 30 engages with the waist member 20, in the case of... Figure 9A and Figure 9B With the engaging portion 32 facing the non-skin side of the waist member 20, press the engaging member 30 (engaging portion 32) from the non-skin side towards the skin side in the thickness direction, so that the hook 325 of the engaging portion 32 hooks onto the fibers constituting the waist member 20. In the comparative example Figure 9A In this process, the force applied to the skin-side by the engaging member 30 is transmitted through the substrate 31 to the entire area of ​​the engaging portion 32, thereby making it easy for all the hooks 325 to hook onto the fibers constituting the waist member 20. That is, the engaging force between the engaging portion 32 and the waist member 20 is enhanced, making them less likely to separate easily. If the engaging member 30 is forcibly separated from this state, the engaging portion 32 may detach from the substrate 31 and remain engaged with the waist member, potentially reducing the operability of engaging the engaging member 30 with the waist member 20.

[0134] In contrast, in sanitary napkin 1, in the case of... Figure 9B When the engaging member 30 is pressed against the skin, at the position overlapping with the compression portion 71 of the first substrate sheet, part of the hook 325 can move towards the non-skin side in the thickness direction and thus embed itself into the recess of the compression portion 71 of the first substrate sheet. Therefore, when the engaging member 30 is pressed against the skin, at the position overlapping with the compression portion 71 of the first substrate sheet, the hook 325 is less likely to snag on 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 reduced, and the hook 325 becomes less snagable. Therefore, with Figure 9A Compared to the previous situation, the overall engagement force between the engaging member 30 and the waist member 20 is weakened, making it easier to smoothly engage or disengage the engaging member 30 relative to the waist member 20.

[0135] Furthermore, the sanitary napkin 1 has a crotch elastic member 50 that extends and retracts along its length (vertical direction) at the crotch area. Therefore, in Figure 8 In the wearing action of the sanitary napkin 1 as described, when the waist member 20 is pulled upward, the elasticity of the crotch elastic member 50 makes it easy to pull the absorbent body 10 upward, so that the absorbent body 10 can easily fit the crotch of the wearer.

[0136] Based on these structures, in the sanitary napkin 1, during the putting-on and taking-off process, the operability and fit of the engaging member 30 (engaging part 32) relative to the waist member 20 can be improved.

[0137] Furthermore, when observing the engaging member 30 of the sanitary napkin 1 along the thickness direction, the area of ​​the compression portion 71 of the first substrate sheet is larger than the area of ​​the hook 325. If this structure is present, then... Figure 9BThe hook 325 can easily enter the recess of the first substrate compression portion 71, thus preventing the engaging force of the engaging portion 32 (hook 325) from becoming too strong. Furthermore, the first substrate compression portion 71 functions as the bending reference point when the engaging member 30 (substrate sheet 31) undergoes three-dimensional bending deformation. If the hook 325 is larger than the first substrate compression portion 71, the bending deformation of the engaging member 30 will be interfered with by the hook 325, potentially making it difficult to engage or disengage the engaging member 30 relative to 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 with the first substrate compression portion 71 as the bending reference point is less likely to be interfered with by the hook 325, the engaging member 30 can easily deform freely in accordance with the curved surface of the waist member 20, making processing easier. Therefore, the operability of engaging or disengaging the engaging member 30 relative to the waist member 20 can be improved.

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

[0139] When engaging or disengaging the engaging member 30 relative to the waist member 20, the first substrate compression portion 71 and the second substrate compression portion 72 can be visually identified on the surface of the engaging member 30 (substrate sheet 31). At this time, by comparing the distance P71 of the visually identified first substrate compression portion 71 and the distance P72 of the second substrate compression portion 72, it is easy for the user to perceive that the distance g30t, g30b between the upper and lower ends 20ft, 20fb of the front waist portion 20f and the upper and lower ends 30t, 30b of the engaging member 30 is larger. That is, by making g30t or g30b larger than the distance P71 of the first substrate compression portion 71 and the distance P72 of the second substrate compression portion 72, it is easy for the user to perceive that the front waist portion 20f (waist member 20) has a larger vertically formed area than the engaging member 30. Based on this structure, when wearing the sanitary napkin 1, the user can easily imagine that their body is reliably covered by the front waist part 20f (waist part 20), thereby giving the user a good fit and a sense of security. Furthermore, by making the user aware that the front waist part 20f is larger than the locking member 30, it is easier to perform the operation of locking the locking member 30 with the front waist part 20f.

[0140] Furthermore, by making the distance g30t longer than the spacing P71 and spacing P72 (refer to...) Figure 5A This allows the upper part of the front waist section 20f (waist section member 20) to reliably cover the wearer's abdomen using the portion forming the waist opening 1a when wearing the sanitary napkin 1, thus further improving the fit around the waist.

[0141] Furthermore, by making the distance g30b longer than the spacing P71 and the spacing P72 (see reference) Figure 5A This allows the lower end of the front waist part 20f (waist part 20) to reliably cover the wearer's leg area using the portion forming the leg opening 1b when wearing the sanitary napkin 1, thus further improving the fit around the leg area.

[0142] Furthermore, in the sanitary napkin 1, the spacing of the compression portion 71 of the first substrate sheet is larger than the spacing of the hooks 325 in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Figure 10A and Figure 10B This diagram illustrates the relationship between the spacing of the compression portions 71 of the first substrate sheet and the spacing of the hooks 325. Figure 10A and Figure 10B In the middle, in the left-right direction (up-down direction), the spacing of the first substrate sheet compression part 71 is set to P71, and the spacing of the hooks 325 is set to P325. Figure 10A This indicates a case where the spacing P71 of the first substrate compression portion 71, similar to that of the sanitary napkin 1 in this embodiment, is larger than the spacing P325 of the hooks 325 (P71 > P325). On the other hand, Figure 10BThis indicates a case where the spacing P71 of the first substrate compression portion 71, which differs from the sanitary napkin 1 of this embodiment, is smaller than the spacing P325 of the hook 325 (P71 < P325).

[0143] Like in Figure 9B As explained, when engaging the engaging member 30 and the waist member 20, the nonwoven fabric constituting the waist member 20 is hooked by pressing the hook 325, which is positioned at a location that does not overlap with the first substrate sheet compression portion 71, toward the skin side in the thickness direction. That is, the hook 325, which is positioned between the two first substrate sheet compression portions 71, 71 that are adjacent to each other in the left-right (up-down) direction, hooks the nonwoven fabric.

[0144] Here, in the case where P71 < P325 ( Figure 10B In this configuration, there is at most one hook 325 positioned between adjacent first substrate compression portions 71, 71, making it difficult to obtain sufficient engaging force. Furthermore, in the portion where the first substrate compression portion 71 overlaps with the hook 325, the hook 325 moves towards the non-skin side in the thickness direction, thereby embedding itself into the recess of the first substrate compression portion 71 (see reference). Figure 9B Therefore, the engaging force is further weakened. That is, it may be difficult to perform the operation of engaging the engaging member 30 with the waist member 20.

[0145] In contrast, in the case where P71 > P325 ( Figure 10A Under these conditions, there is a higher probability that multiple hooks 325 are arranged between adjacent first substrate compression portions 71, 71. Figure 10B Compared to the previous case, the clamping force is enhanced. Furthermore, in the portion overlapping with the first substrate compression portion 71, as described above, the hook 325 moves towards the non-skin side in the thickness direction, thereby embedding itself into the recess of the first substrate compression portion 71 (see reference). Figure 9B Therefore, it can suppress the situation where the locking force becomes too strong. Thus, by making the spacing P325 of the hooks 325 smaller than the spacing P71 of the compression portion 71 of the first substrate sheet, it is easy to adjust the locking force of the locking member 30 to an appropriate strength. Compared with the opposite situation, the operability of assembling and disassembling the locking member 30 can be further improved.

[0146] Furthermore, in the sanitary napkin 1, in the thickness direction, the average depth of the first substrate sheet compression portion 71 is greater than the average height (depth) of the hook 325. Figure 11A and Figure 11B This diagram illustrates the relationship between the depth of the compression portion 71 of the first substrate sheet and the height of the hook 325. Figure 11A and Figure 11B In the thickness direction, the depth of the first substrate sheet compression portion 71 is set to h71, and the height of the hook 325 is set to h325. Figure 11AThis indicates a case where the depth h71 of the first substrate compression portion 71, similar to that of the sanitary napkin 1 in this embodiment, is greater than the height h325 of the hook 325 (deeper) (h71 > h325). On the other hand, Figure 11B This indicates a case where the depth h71 of the first substrate compression portion 71, which differs from that of the sanitary napkin 1 in this embodiment, is smaller (shallow) than the height h325 of the hook 325 (h71 < h325).

[0147] During the operation of engaging the engaging member 30 with the waist member 20, when pressing the hook 325 toward the waist member 20 (non-woven fabric), at the position where the hook 325 and the first substrate sheet compression portion 71 overlap, like... Figure 9B That way, hook 325 enters the recess of the compression portion 71 of the first substrate sheet, thereby reducing the locking force. However, in the case where h71 < h325 ( Figure 11B When hook 325 is engaged with the waist member 20, a portion (the tip) of hook 325 extends from the compression portion 71 of the first substrate sheet. This extended portion hooks onto the fibers of the nonwoven fabric constituting the waist member 20, thus preventing the engagement force from decreasing. Furthermore, at the location where hook 325 and the compression portion 71 do not overlap, and where the height h325 of hook 325 is higher, it is easier for the hook to become deeply entangled with the nonwoven fabric fibers, thus increasing the engagement force. Therefore, once the engagement member 30 is engaged with the waist member 20, the operation of peeling off the engagement member 30 becomes difficult.

[0148] In contrast, in the case where h71 > h325 ( Figure 11A At the position where the hook 325 and the first substrate sheet compression portion 71 overlap, the hook 325 as a whole is not easily protruding from the recess of the first substrate sheet compression portion 71 (see reference). Figure 9B This can suppress the situation where the locking force becomes too strong. Therefore, by making the height h325 of the hook 325 smaller than the depth h71 of the compression portion 71 of the first substrate sheet, it is easy to adjust the locking force of the locking member 30 to an appropriate strength, which can further improve the operability of assembling and disassembling the locking member 30 compared to the opposite situation.

[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, it is possible to measure multiple parts (e.g., ten parts) of a cross-section obtained by cutting the first substrate sheet 311 (including the first substrate sheet compression portion 71) and the hook 32 (hook 325) of the engaging member 30 in the thickness direction using a microscope or the like, and calculate the average value for comparison, or to take pictures of the cross-section and compare them by using image analysis using a computer.

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

[0151] In the region where the top compression portion 75 is provided, the integration of the first substrate sheet 311 and the second substrate sheet 312 is improved, and the rigidity is also increased. Because this region is like... Figure 8 The part held by hand when pulling on the engaging member 30 increases the rigidity of that area, making the engaging member 30 less prone to breakage and facilitating the transfer of pulling force to the rear waist part 20b. This improves the operability of engaging or disengaging the engaging member 30 relative to the waist part 20.

[0152] The engaging compression portion 76 is provided in the engaging member 30 in the area overlapping with the engaging portion 32. It is formed by compressing the engaging portion 32 and the substrate sheet 31 from the skin side of the engaging portion 32 toward the non-skin side along the thickness direction. Figure 5A In the engagement portion 32, a diagonal grid-shaped compression portion 76 is provided in the area overlapping with the engagement portion 32 in the left-right direction and in the areas on both sides (i.e., the area larger than the engagement portion 32). In the portion of the plurality of hooks 325, 325... provided in the engagement portion 32 that overlap with the compression portion 76, the hook 325 is compressed and flattened in the thickness direction, thereby losing its function as a hook. That is, compared to the case where the compression portion 76 is not formed, the overall engagement force of the engagement portion 32 is weakened. Therefore, it is easier to peel off the engagement member 30 that engages with the waist member 20. Furthermore, since the integration of the engagement portion 32 and the substrate sheet 31 is improved by utilizing the compression portion 76, it is possible to prevent the engagement portion 32 from detaching from the substrate sheet 31 and remaining in the waist member 20 when peeling off the engagement member 30 that engages with the waist member 20. Thus, the operability of engaging or peeling the engagement member 30 relative to the waist member 20 can be further improved.

[0153] Furthermore, when viewed along the thickness direction, the engaging member 30 has a portion where the top compression portion 75 overlaps with the engaging compression portion 76, and a portion where the top compression portion 75 and the engaging compression portion 76 do not overlap. In the portion where the top compression portion 75 and the engaging compression portion 76 overlap in the engaging member 30, the thickness of the substrate sheet 31 is the smallest (thinnest). Therefore, in the top compression portion 75, the engaging compression portion 76, and the engaging portion 32 (hook 325)... Figure 5B In the overlapping portion in the left-right direction, the height of the hook 325 protruding in the thickness direction is the lowest. Secondly, in the portion where the top compression portion 75 and the engaging compression portion 76 do not overlap, and the engaging portion 32 (hook 325) overlaps with the engaging compression portion 76, the height of the hook 325 protruding in the thickness direction is slightly lower, corresponding to the fact that the substrate sheet 31 is not compressed by the top compression portion 75. Furthermore, in the portion where the top compression portion 75 and the engaging compression portion 76 do not overlap, and the engaging portion 32 (hook 325) overlaps with the engaging compression portion 76, neither the substrate sheet 31 nor the hook 325 is compressed, therefore the height of the hook 325 protruding in the thickness direction is the highest.

[0154] In this way, by varying the height of the hooks 325 protruding along the thickness direction in stages within the engaging member 30, a gradient in the magnitude of the engaging force between the hooks 325 and the waist member 20 (non-woven fabric) is easily created. Therefore, compared to the case where the engaging force is of the same degree, it is easier to peel the engaging member 30 from the waist member 20. This improves the operability of engaging or peeling the engaging member 30 relative to the waist member 20.

[0155] Alternatively, the waist elastic member 26 may have a discontinuous portion in the left-right direction at the location where the engaging member 30 overlaps with the waist elastic member 26 in the vertical direction and at the center of the left-right direction. For example, it could also be that... Figure 2 In the area shown by the diagonal line, a discontinuity portion 26nc of the waist elastic member 26 is provided, which is discontinuous in the left-right direction by cutting the waist elastic member 26, etc. In the discontinuity portion 26nc, since the elastic force of the waist elastic member 26 is less likely to act on the absorbent body 10, the shrinkage of the absorbent body 10 in the left-right direction can be suppressed. Furthermore, wrinkles are less likely to form on the absorbent body 10, allowing the absorbent body 10 to easily conform to the wearer's abdomen in a wide manner. Therefore, when wearing the sanitary napkin 1, the fit of the absorbent body 10 on the abdominal side can be further improved.

[0156] For example, when wearing sanitary napkin 1, like Figure 8As described, the action of grasping the outer end of the front waist section 20f in the left-right direction and pulling it diagonally upward is performed. At this time, since the elastic force of the waist elastic member 26 is not easily exerted at the discontinuity 26nc of the waist elastic member, the situation where the absorbent body 10 is pressed too hard against the wearer's body (abdomen) can be prevented. In addition, when the engaging member 30 engages with the front waist section 20f, since the force (the elastic force of the waist elastic member 26) that causes the absorbent body 10 to contract in the left-right direction is not easily exerted at the discontinuity 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 can easily fit closely to the wearer's abdomen, and leakage can be easily suppressed.

[0157] Alternatively, a discontinuity 26nc in the waist elastic member can also be provided in the rear waist section 20b, similar to the front waist section 20f. On the other hand, in the sanitary napkin 1, the discontinuity 26nc in the waist elastic member is not necessarily required. That is, the waist elastic member 26 can be continuous in the left-right direction at the central position where the engaging member 30 and the waist elastic member 26 overlap in the vertical direction.

[0158] In addition, the lower back portion 20b of the sanitary napkin 1 is provided with an elastic hip member 27 that extends and retracts along the periphery of the leg opening 1b (see reference). Figure 2 The hip elastic member 27, like the waist elastic member 26, is formed of elastic bands and the like, and is installed between the non-skin side panel 21 and the skin side panel 23 in a curved and elongated state along the contour of the leg opening 1b. When wearing the sanitary napkin 1, the elasticity of the hip elastic member 27 along the leg opening 1b makes it easy for the lower back 20b to fit snugly in a way that covers the wearer's hips.

[0159] Alternatively, a discontinuous portion 27nc of the buttock elastic member 27 can be provided in the central part in the left-right direction. This further improves the fit of the absorbent body 10 on the back (buttock side) when wearing the sanitary napkin 1. For example, when wearing the sanitary napkin 1, a pulling action is performed by grasping the outer end (locking member 30) of the lower back 20b in the left-right direction and pulling it diagonally upwards (see reference). Figure 8At this time, since the elastic force of the buttock elastic member 27 is less likely to act at the discontinuity 27nc of the buttock elastic member, the situation where the absorbent body 10 is pressed too hard against the wearer's body (buttocks) can be suppressed. Furthermore, when wearing the sanitary napkin 1, since the force causing the absorbent body 10 to contract in the left-right direction (the elastic force of the buttock elastic member 27) is less likely to act at the discontinuity 27nc of the buttock elastic member, wrinkles are less likely to form on the surface of the absorbent body 10, and the absorbent body 10 is more likely to maintain a wide, flat state. Therefore, the absorbent body 10 can easily cover a large area of ​​the wearer's buttocks, improving fit and easily suppressing leakage.

[0160] Furthermore, preferably, in the vertical direction of the sanitary napkin 1, the upper end position 27f of the buttock elastic member 27 is located above the lower end position 30b of the locking member 30. In other words, preferably, in the panty-type state, the sanitary napkin 1 has a portion in the vertical direction where the locking member 30 overlaps with the buttock elastic member 27. With such a structure, when the sanitary napkin 1 is worn, the force of grasping the locking member 30 and pulling the lower back 20b diagonally upward is easily transmitted to the buttock elastic member 27, thereby making it easy to pull up the lower back 20b. As a result, the lower back 20b and the leg opening 1b can easily fit against the wearer's body on the buttock side.

[0161] In addition, the engaging member 30 may be provided with a folding guide line 37 to facilitate bending of the engaging member 30 in a predetermined direction. Figure 12A and Figure 12B This is a diagram illustrating the folding guide line 37 provided on the engaging member 30. Figure 12A This is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional state of sanitary napkin 1 when viewed from the top and bottom. Figure 12B This is a top view of the engaging member 30 with folding guide lines 37.

[0162] Folding guide line 37 is provided vertically between the side joint 40 and the engaging part 32 in the left-right direction (see reference). Figure 12B This allows the engaging member 30 (substrate sheet 31) to be easily bent with the folding guide line 37 as a base point in a manner that protrudes towards the non-skin side in the thickness direction. Figure 12A Therefore, a space is easily formed between the engaging member 30, which protrudes and deforms towards the non-skin side at the location of the fold guide line 37, and the waist member 20 (20f), making it easy for the wearer to visually identify the engaging member 30. Furthermore, by inserting a finger into this space, it is easy to pull the engaging member 30 towards the non-skin side and detach it from the waist member 20. Thus, the wearing of the sanitary napkin 1 can be easily performed.

[0163] <Understanding Sanitary Napkins 1>

[0164] This explains that sanitary napkin 1 can be used in both panty-type and belt-type states. However, the methods and steps for wearing panty-type absorbent items and belt-type sanitary napkins are different. In particular, the wearing process for belt-type sanitary napkins involves different steps on the left and right sides. Therefore, it is necessary to inform the wearer about the wearing method.

[0165] For example, in the case of the sanitary napkin 1 in its underwear-like state, with both legs passed through a pair of leg openings 1b from the waist opening 1a side, the sanitary napkin 1 can be pulled up to the waist opening 1a until it reaches the wearer's waist, thus achieving a wearing state. In other words, the sanitary napkin 1 in its underwear-like state can be worn approximately symmetrically on both sides of the wearer's body through the same action.

[0166] On the other hand, when the sanitary napkin 1 is worn in a band-like state, for example, in the panty-like state, the easy-tear seam 25 on one side of the front waist section 20f is torn, causing the locking member 30 on one side to engage with the front waist section 20f, thus creating a state where one of the wearer's legs passes through the leg opening 1b on the left-right side of the sanitary napkin 1. Next, the easy-tear seam 25 on the other side of the front waist section 20f is torn, causing the locking member 30 on the other side to engage with the front waist section 20f, thus creating a state where the other leg of the wearer passes through the leg opening 1b on the other side of the sanitary napkin 1.

[0167] However, since typical absorbent items in the panty-like (shorts-like) form are symmetrical when viewed from above, in absorbent items like sanitary napkin 1 that can be worn in both panty-like and strap-like forms, it may be difficult for the wearer to realize that the steps for wearing the item differ between the left and right sides when it is in the strap-like form. In particular, since sanitary napkin 1 is initially in the panty-like form when removed from the packaging, it may be difficult for the wearer to realize that the steps for wearing sanitary napkin 1 in the strap-like form are different for the left and right sides.

[0168] Therefore, by making the sanitary napkin 1 in its underwear-like state asymmetrical in shape relative to the central position in the left and right directions when stretched, it is ideal for the wearer to realize that wearing the sanitary napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side in the left and right directions is easy.

[0169] Figure 13 This is a top view illustrating an example of a sanitary napkin 1 with an asymmetrical shape relative to its central position CC in the left-right direction. Figure 13In this design, the locking member 30 on one side of the sanitary napkin 1 in the extended state is designated as a one-sided locking member 30a, and the locking member 30 on the other side in the left-right direction is designated as a other-sided locking member 30b. The same applies to other parts besides the locking member 30 (e.g., the side joint 40, the locking part 32, etc.).

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

[0171] In the left-right direction, the lengths L1a and L1b in the stretched state of the sanitary napkin 1 are different, making it easy for the wearer to recognize that the sanitary napkin 1 has an asymmetrical shape relative to the central CC in the left-right direction. Therefore, it is ideal for the wearer to recognize and realize that wearing the sanitary napkin 1 involves different steps on one side and the other side. Especially in the case of absorbent items like the sanitary napkin 1 that can also be worn in an underwear-like state, since underwear-like absorbent items usually have a left-right symmetrical shape, the wearer may easily get confused when trying to wear it in a strap-like state. In contrast, in Figure 13 In the sanitary napkin 1 shown, the sanitary napkin 1 in the initial panty-type state has an asymmetrical shape relative to the central CC in the left and right directions, which makes it easy for the wearer to realize that the sanitary napkin 1 is not a typical panty-type absorbent item, but can also be worn as a band-type item, and is ideal to be worn on one side and the other side in different steps in the left and right directions.

[0172] Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the extended state of the sanitary napkin 1, the length (distance) L2a from the central position CC in the left-right direction to the one-sided separation part (tear line) 25aa and the length (distance) L2b from the central position CC in the left-right direction to the other-sided separation part (tear line) 25bb are different (L2a≠L2b).

[0173] Therefore, compared to the case where lengths L2a and L2b are the same, it is easier for the wearer to recognize that the sanitary napkin 1 has an asymmetrical shape relative to the central CC in the left-right direction. Furthermore, it is ideal for the wearer to recognize that wearing the sanitary napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction is convenient.

[0174] Furthermore, preferably, in the extended state of the sanitary napkin 1, the length L3a from the center 32ac of the left-right direction of the one-side engaging portion 32a to the other end 40au of the one-side side joint portion 40a (one-side fixing portion 35a) and the length L3b from the center 32bc of the left-right direction of the other-side engaging portion 32b to the one end 40bu of the other-side side joint portion 40b (other-side fixing portion 35b) are different (L3a≠L3b).

[0175] Therefore, compared to the case where lengths L3a and L3b are the same, it is easier for the wearer to recognize that the sanitary napkin 1 has an asymmetrical shape relative to the central CC in the left-right direction. Furthermore, it is ideal for the wearer to recognize that wearing the sanitary napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction is convenient.

[0176] Furthermore, in the stretched state of the sanitary napkin 1, the areas of the locking members 30a on one side and the area of ​​the locking members 30b on the other side can also be different. By visually recognizing the different sizes of the locking members 30a and 30b on one side, compared to the case where the locking members 30a and 30b on one side have the same area, the wearer can more easily perceive that the sanitary napkin 1 has an asymmetrical shape relative to the center in the left-right direction. Therefore, it is ideal for the wearer to easily recognize that it is better 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 extended state of the sanitary napkin 1, the shapes of the locking member 30a on one side and the locking member 30b on the other side can also be different. For example, one locking member 30a can be semi-circular, and the other locking member 30b can be rectangular (in... Figure 13 (Not shown in the figure). By visually recognizing the different shapes of the one-sided engaging member 30a and the other-sided engaging member 30b, the wearer can easily recognize that the sanitary napkin 1 has an asymmetrical shape relative to the center in the left-right direction. Therefore, it is ideal for the wearer to easily recognize that it is desirable to wear the sanitary napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction.

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

[0179] Therefore, compared to the case where lengths L4a and L4b are the same, it is easier for the wearer to recognize that the sanitary napkin 1 has an asymmetrical shape relative to the central CC in the left-right direction. Furthermore, it is ideal for the wearer to recognize that wearing the sanitary napkin 1 in different steps on one side and the other side in the left-right direction is convenient.

[0180] <Regarding the structure of the easy-tear line 25 (separation part 25)>

[0181] The tear line 25 (separation part 25) provided on the waist member 20 can have the structure described below. Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the tear line 25 (separation part 25). For example... Figure 14 As shown, the separating portion 25 has a plurality of "notches 25a" and a plurality of "non-notches 25b" arranged alternately in the vertical direction (length direction). In the notches 25a, the sheet members (non-skin side sheet 21 and skin side sheet 22) stacked in the front waist portion 20f are completely or partially cut off. That is, the notch 25a is an opening in which the sheet member is completely cut through in the thickness direction, or a groove in which the sheet member is partially cut in the thickness direction. In the separating portion 25, the notches 25a reduce the strength of the front waist portion 20f, thereby making the front waist portion 20f easier to tear in the vertical direction.

[0182] The separation 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, by tearing the front waist portion 20f along the separation portion 25 in the vertical direction, the waist member 20 is separated front and back.

[0183] In addition, such as Figure 14 As shown, the plurality of notches 25a have an "upper notch 25a1" which is the second one from the top, a "lower notch 25a2" which is the second one from the bottom, and a "middle notch 25a3" located between the upper notch 25a1 and the lower notch 25a2. Furthermore, in the stretched state of the sanitary napkin 1, the vertical length L25a3 of the middle 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] In other words, a longer intermediate notch 25a3 is provided on the inner side of the upper and lower ends of the waist member 20 (front waist part 20f) in the vertical direction. Therefore, compared with a separation part without the intermediate notch 25a3 (i.e., a separation part consisting only of a shorter notch), the longer intermediate notch 25a3 becomes the starting point, making the separation part 25 easier to tear. Therefore, the waist member 20 is easier to separate when putting on and taking off the sanitary napkin 1.

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

[0186] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the length L25a3 of the middle notch 25a3 in the vertical direction is longer than the vertical length of each of the notches 25a, including the upper notch 25a1 and the lower notch 25a2. Additionally, in the stretched state of the sanitary napkin 1, the separating portion 25 in this embodiment is a straight line along the vertical direction, but the separating portion 25 may also be inclined relative to the vertical direction, or it may be a curved shape.

[0187] Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the stretched state of the sanitary napkin 1, the average length (e.g., in the vertical direction of all notches 25a except for the central notch 25a3) is... Figure 14 L25aave) is longer than the average length in the vertical direction of all non-notched portions 25b (e.g. Figure 14 The length of L25bave is greater than L25bave. By doing so, the proportion of the total length of the notched portions 25a in the separating portion 25 is increased, making the separating portion 25 easier to tear. However, it is not limited to the above method; the average length L25aave of the notched portions 25a can also be less than or equal to the average length L25bave of the non-notched portions 25b. Furthermore, in Figure 14 In the middle, the vertical length of the notch 25a, except for the uppermost and lowermost notch 25a and the middle notch 25a3 that reach the upper and lower ends of the waist member 20, is constant, but the vertical length of the notch 25a can also be irregular. Similarly, the vertical length of the non-notch 25b is not limited to being constant, but can also be irregular.

[0188] ===Second Implementation Method===

[0189] The second embodiment describes a sanitary napkin 2 whose structure of the waist member 20 differs from that of the sanitary napkin 1 in the first embodiment. In the sanitary napkin 2, the structure other than the waist member 20 (e.g., the absorbent body 10, the locking member 30) is the same as that of the sanitary napkin 1 (see reference 1). Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4 (etc.). Therefore, the following description will focus on the waist component 20, which has a structure different from that of the sanitary napkin 1, and will omit the description of structures other than the waist component 20.

[0190] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating the waist component 20 of the sanitary napkin 2. The waist component 20 of the sanitary napkin 2 includes a non-skin side sheet 21 (referred to as "the first sheet") located on the non-skin side in the thickness direction, skin side sheets 22 and 23 (referred to as "the second sheet") located on the skin side, a middle layer 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 component 20 of the sanitary napkin 2 is constructed by stacking at least three sheet members, namely the non-skin side sheet 21, the middle layer sheet 24, and the skin side sheet 22 (23), from the non-skin side in the thickness direction toward the skin side. In addition, a plurality of waist elastic members 26, 26... are installed between the middle layer sheet 24 and the skin side sheet 22 (23) at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, in a state of elongation in the left-right direction.

[0191] The non-skin side sheet 21, skin side sheets 22, 23, and waist elastic member 26 each have a structure substantially the same as those described in the sanitary napkin 1 of the first embodiment. The middle layer sheet 24 is a non-stretchable sheet member, for example, formed from the same nonwoven fabric as the skin side sheets 22, 23, and in the same shape (size) as the skin side sheets 22 (23). However, the structure of the waist member 20 is not limited to this; for example, the skin side sheets 22 and 23 may be formed from a single sheet member (nonwoven fabric) that is continuous in the longitudinal direction from the front (abdominal) side to the back (dorsal) side. In this case, the middle layer sheet 24 only needs to be large enough to cover the area where the waist elastic member 26 is disposed. The non-skin side sheet 21 (first sheet) and the middle layer sheet 24 (third sheet) are joined together by means of an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive (HMA). The skin side pieces 22 and 23 (the second piece) and the middle piece 24 (the third piece) are bonded together by means of 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 towards the skin side. At this time, since a middle layer 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 influence of the hook 325 pressed towards the skin side is less likely to affect the waist elastic member 26. That is, by the middle layer sheet 24 (third sheet) functioning as an interference member, the situation where the waist elastic member 26 is damaged or cut off by the hook 325 can be suppressed. In addition, when the engaging member 30 engaged with the waist member 20 is peeled off, it is not easy to affect the waist elastic member 26. Thus, even when the engaging or peeling action of the engaging member 30 is repeatedly performed, the elasticity of the waist elastic member 26 is easily maintained. Therefore, it can improve the fit of the waist component 20 when wearing sanitary napkin 2.

[0193] In addition, such as Figure 15 As shown, the non-skin side sheet 21 (first sheet) and the middle sheet 24 (third sheet) are joined using a hot melt adhesive (HMA) or similar material that is intermittently applied. In other words, the non-skin side sheet 21 (first sheet) and the middle sheet 24 (third sheet) have portions that are joined together (the portions provided with HMA) and portions that are not joined together (the portions without HMA).

[0194] With this structure, during the engagement or disengagement of the locking member 30 relative to the non-skin side of the waist member 20, the non-joined portion of the non-skin side piece 21 (first piece) and the middle layer piece 24 (third piece) functions as a buffer, making it less likely for the impact during assembly and disassembly to affect the waist elastic member 26. That is, compared to the case where the non-skin side piece 21 (first piece) and the middle layer piece 24 (third piece) are integrally joined, the impact during assembly and disassembly of the locking part 32 (hook 325) is more easily mitigated. This helps to prevent damage or breakage of the waist elastic member 26 and maintains its elasticity. Consequently, the fit of the waist member 20 when wearing the sanitary napkin 2 can be further improved.

[0195] ===Others===

[0196] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It is evident that the present invention can be modified and altered without departing from its spirit, and equivalents are included within the present invention.

[0197] In the above embodiment, a pair of easy-tear lines 25 (separation portions 25) are provided on both sides of the waist member 20 in the left-right direction, but easy-tear lines 25 may also be provided on only one side. That is, the waist member 20 may also have a structure in which only one side in the left-right direction can be separated front and back.

[0198] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0199] 1. Sanitary napkin (underwear-type absorbent); 1a. Waist opening; 1b. Leg opening; 10. Absorbent body; 11. Absorbent core; 12. Top sheet; 13. Bottom sheet; 13a. Liquid-proof sheet; 13b. Hydrophobic sheet; 18. Core pack; 20. Waist component; 20f. Front waist section; 20b. Back waist section; 21. Non-skin side sheet (1st piece); 22. Skin side sheet (2nd piece); 23. Skin side sheet (2nd piece); 24. Middle layer sheet (3rd piece); 25. Tear line (separation part); 25fe. Separation end; 25be. Separation end; 25a. Notch; 25b. Non-notch; 26. Waist elastic component; 26nc. Waist elastic component not... Continuous portion; 27, buttock elastic member; 27nc, discontinuous portion of buttock elastic member; 30, engaging member; 31, substrate sheet; 311, first substrate sheet; 312, second substrate sheet; 32, engaging portion; 325, hook; 35, substrate sheet fixing portion; 37, folding guide line; 40, side joint portion; 40f, side joint portion (front side); 40b, side joint portion (rear 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 compression portion; 76, engaging portion compression portion; 80, high-density portion; CL, central position (length direction).

Claims

1. An absorbent underwear-type garment having intersecting vertical, horizontal, and thickness directions. And has: An absorbent substrate with an absorbent core that is capable of absorbing liquids; The waist structure has a front waist section and a rear waist section; A locking member, wherein the outer end of the locking member in the left-right direction is fixed to the waist member in a non-separable manner, and the inner end of the locking member in the left-right direction is detachably locked to the non-skin side of the waist member; as well as The crotch elastic member is located on the non-skin side of the absorbent core and extends and retracts along the vertical direction. At both ends in the left and right directions, the front waistband and the back waistband are joined together by a pair of lateral joints. This type of absorbent underwear is characterized in that... The engaging member has a convex shape with only one point protruding from the outer side towards the inner side in the left-right direction. In the vertical direction, the maximum length of the engaging member is shorter than the length of the lateral joint and longer than half the length of the lateral joint. The engaging member has an engaging portion with multiple hooks and a base plate supporting the engaging portion. The substrate sheet has a plurality of substrate sheet compression portions on the surface opposite to the engaging portion in the thickness direction, which are formed by compressing the substrate sheet along the thickness direction. When viewed along the thickness direction, the underwear-type absorbent article has a portion where the hook overlaps with the compression portion of the substrate sheet. The outer edge of the engaging member is curved at a position closer to the inside of the left-right direction than the engaging portion. In the vertical direction, the upper edge of the engaging portion and the upper edge of the engaging member are at the same position, or the lower edge of the engaging portion and the lower edge of the engaging member are at the same position. The engaging member has a folding guide line between the engaging portion and the pair of lateral engaging portions in the left-right direction of the lateral engaging portion closer to the engaging member, the folding guide line causing the substrate sheet to bend in a manner that protrudes toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction.

2. The absorbent underwear-type garment according to claim 1, characterized in that, When viewed along the thickness direction, the area of ​​the compressed portion of the substrate sheet is larger than the area of ​​the hook.

3. The absorbent underwear-type garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the vertical 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 greater than the spacing of the substrate sheet compression portion.

4. The absorbent underwear-type garment according to claim 3, characterized in that, At the outer end of the waist member in the left-right direction, the distance between the upper end of the waist member and the upper end of the engaging member is greater than the spacing of the substrate sheet compression portion.

5. The absorbent underwear-type garment according to claim 3, characterized in that, At the outer end of the waist member in the left-right direction, the distance between the lower end of the waist member and the lower end of the engaging member is greater than the spacing of the substrate sheet compression portion.

6. The absorbent underwear-type garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the vertical and horizontal directions, the spacing between the compressed portions of the substrate sheet is larger than the spacing between the hooks.

7. The absorbent underwear-type garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The average depth of the compressed portion of the substrate sheet is greater than the average height of the hook.

8. The absorbent underwear-type garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The waist member has a first piece on the non-skin side in the thickness direction, a second piece on the skin side in the thickness direction, and a third piece sandwiched between the first piece and the second piece in the area where it engages with the engaging member. An elastic waist member that extends and retracts in the left-right direction is provided between the second and third pieces. The waist elastic member is not provided between the first piece and the third piece.

9. The absorbent underwear-type article according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first piece and the third piece have parts that engage with each other and parts that do not engage with each other.

10. The absorbent underwear-type article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The front waist section has a waist elastic member that extends and retracts in the left-right direction. The waist elastic member has a discontinuity portion in the left-right direction at the position where the waist elastic member and the engaging member overlap in the vertical direction and at the center of the left-right direction.

11. The absorbent underwear-type garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, This absorbent underwear-style garment features a pair of leg openings. The waist member has a hip elastic member that extends and retracts along the periphery of the leg opening. The hip elastic member has a discontinuity portion in the central part of the left-right direction.

12. The absorbent underwear-type garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, 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. 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.

13. The absorbent underwear-type garment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The engaging member has a top compression portion at its inner end in the left-right direction. This top compression portion is formed by a pattern of a predetermined shape arranged at a predetermined interval. The average depth of the top compression portion is greater than the average depth of the substrate sheet compression portion.

14. The absorbent underwear-type article according to claim 13, characterized in that, The engaging member has an engaging compression portion formed by compressing the engaging portion along the thickness direction. When viewed along the thickness direction, at least a portion of the hook overlaps with the compression portion of the engaging part.

15. The absorbent underwear-type article according to claim 14, characterized in that, When viewed along the thickness direction, the underwear-type absorbent article has a portion where the top compression portion and the locking compression portion overlap, and a portion where the top compression portion and the locking compression portion do not overlap.

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