Absorbent article

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an absorbent article having an excellent antibacterial effect and excellent leak-proof properties. The absorbent article (1) is provided with an absorbent body (27), and is characterized by being provided with a pair of leak-proof walls (43) in which a leak-proof wall elastic member (45) is bonded to a hydrophobic sheet member (33) via a leak-proof wall bonding section (35) formed from a hot melt adhesive, and also with a leak-proof wall overlapping region (47) that overlaps the pair of leak-proof walls in the thickness direction (T) in an expanded state. The present invention is provided with an antibacterial composition (39) that contains a hydrophilic antibacterial agent and a hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvent, and with an antibacterial composition arrangement region (41) that overlaps the antibacterial composition in the thickness direction in an expanded state. The average weight per unit area of the antibacterial composition in the lengthwise center region (51) and the widthwise center region is greater than the average weight per unit area of the antibacterial composition in the lengthwise center region and the leak-proof wall overlap region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to absorbent articles comprising an antimicrobial composition comprising a hydrophilic antimicrobial agent and a hydrophilic, non-volatile organic solvent. Background Technology

[0002] Research is underway on absorbent materials containing antibacterial agents.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article sheet (claim 1) and an absorbent article including an absorbent core (claim 6), wherein the absorbent article sheet contains an organic hydrophobic antibacterial agent, a hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvent, and less than 10% by mass of water, and the absorbent core contains an organic hydrophobic antibacterial agent and a hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvent.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-70515 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] The absorbent article disclosed herein is not disclosed in Patent Document 1.

[0009] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an absorbent article with excellent antibacterial properties and excellent leak-proof properties.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] The inventors have proposed an absorbent article comprising an absorbent body having mutually orthogonal length, width, and thickness directions. The absorbent article is characterized by having a pair of leak-proof walls, in each of the pair of leak-proof walls, an elastic member of which is bonded to a hydrophobic sheet member via a leak-proof wall adhesive portion formed by a hot-melt adhesive. The absorbent article has a leak-proof wall overlap region that overlaps with the pair of leak-proof walls in the thickness direction in the unfolded state. The absorbent article also includes an antibacterial composition comprising a hydrophilic antibacterial agent and a hydrophilic, non-volatile organic solvent. The absorbent article has an antibacterial composition that overlaps with the antibacterial composition in the unfolded state. In the unfolded state, the antimicrobial composition configuration area overlapping the absorber in the thickness direction is divided into a central region in the length direction by dividing the absorber into three equal parts in the length direction, and a central region in the width direction is also divided into a central region in the width direction. In the unfolded state, the antimicrobial composition configuration area is disposed at least in both the central region in the length direction and the central region in the width direction, and the average unit area weight of the antimicrobial composition in both the central region in the length direction and the central region in the width direction is greater than the average unit area weight of the antimicrobial composition in both the central region in the length direction and the overlapping area of ​​the leak-proof wall.

[0012] Invention Effects

[0013] The absorbent articles disclosed herein have excellent antibacterial properties and excellent leak-proof properties. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the shorts-type sanitary napkin 1 of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the shorts-type sanitary napkin 1 of the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the shorts-type sanitary napkin 1 of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the shorts-type sanitary napkin 1 of the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the shorts-type sanitary napkin 1 of the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the shorts-type sanitary napkin 1 of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the shorts-type sanitary napkin 1 of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the shorts-type sanitary napkin 1 of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the shorts-type sanitary napkin 1 of the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the shorts-type sanitary napkin 1 of the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the sanitary napkin 71 for menstrual use in the second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 12 This is a diagram illustrating the sanitary napkin 71 for menstrual use in the second embodiment.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0027] 1. Panty-style sanitary napkin

[0028] 3 Absorbent Subject

[0029] 5 outer body

[0030] 7. Front waist area

[0031] 9. Rear waist area

[0032] 11. Groin area

[0033] 13 Waist area

[0034] 15. Buttock area

[0035] 21 Top Film

[0036] 25 Second film

[0037] 27 Absorbers

[0038] 27a Absorber Core

[0039] 27b core-coated sheet

[0040] 29 Back side

[0041] 33 Hydrophobic sheet components

[0042] 35 Leak-proof wall bonding section

[0043] 39 Antibacterial Compositions

[0044] 41 Antimicrobial composition formulation area

[0045] 43 Leak-proof wall

[0046] 45 Leak-proof wall elastic components

[0047] 47. Overlapping areas of leak-proof walls

[0048] 51. Central region along the length direction

[0049] 53. Lateral region along the length direction

[0050] 55 Central area in the width direction

[0051] 57. Side area in the width direction

[0052] 65. Regions where absorbers do not exist

[0053] 71. Sanitary napkins for menstrual use. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Specifically, this disclosure relates to the following methods.

[0055] [Method 1]

[0056] An absorbent article comprising an absorbent body having mutually orthogonal length, width, and thickness directions, characterized in that...

[0057] The aforementioned absorbent article has a pair of leak-proof walls, in each of the pair of leak-proof walls, the elastic component of the leak-proof wall is bonded to the hydrophobic sheet component by a leak-proof wall adhesive portion formed by a hot melt adhesive.

[0058] The aforementioned absorbent article has a leak-proof wall overlap area that overlaps with the aforementioned pair of leak-proof walls in the thickness direction when it is in the unfolded state.

[0059] The aforementioned absorbent articles comprise an antimicrobial composition containing a hydrophilic antimicrobial agent and a hydrophilic, non-volatile organic solvent.

[0060] The absorbent article described above has an antimicrobial composition placement area that overlaps with the antimicrobial composition in the thickness direction in the unfolded state described above.

[0061] In the aforementioned unfolded state, the central region obtained by dividing the absorber into three equal parts along the length direction is designated as the central region along the length direction, and the region overlapping with the absorber in the width direction is designated as the central region along the width direction.

[0062] In the above-described unfolded state, the antibacterial composition configuration area is at least configured in the central region in the length direction and the central region in the width direction, and the average unit area weight of the antibacterial composition in the central region in the length direction and the central region in the width direction is greater than the average unit area weight of the antibacterial composition in the central region in the length direction and the overlapping region of the leak-proof wall.

[0063] In the aforementioned absorbent articles, since the antibacterial composition contains a hydrophilic antibacterial agent and a hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvent, the hydrophilic antibacterial agent is not prone to crystallization, allowing it to rapidly move into the body fluids absorbed by the absorbent article. Furthermore, after the hydrophilic antibacterial agent moves into the body fluids, it is also not prone to crystallization, thus easily exerting an antibacterial effect on the body fluids.

[0064] In the aforementioned absorbent article, in the unfolded state, the average area weight of the antibacterial composition in both the longitudinal and width-direction central regions is greater than the average area weight of the antibacterial composition in both the longitudinal and width-direction central regions and the overlapping areas of the leak-proof walls. Therefore, the antibacterial composition with a relatively larger average area weight in both the longitudinal and width-direction central regions can exert an antibacterial effect on bodily fluids. Furthermore, in both the longitudinal and width-direction central regions and the overlapping areas of the leak-proof walls, since the average area weight of the antibacterial composition is relatively small, the antibacterial composition containing both hydrophilic antibacterial agents and hydrophilic organic solvents does not easily hinder the hydrophobicity of the leak-proof walls. Additionally, the adhesive force of fixing the leak-proof wall elastic member to the leak-proof wall adhesive portion of the hydrophobic sheet member is not easily reduced, and the elastic member functions elastically, allowing the pair of leak-proof walls to easily stand upright when the absorbent article is worn.

[0065] Therefore, the above-mentioned absorbent materials have excellent antibacterial properties and excellent leak-proof properties.

[0066] [Method 2]

[0067] In the absorbent article of method 1, in the unfolded state, the antimicrobial composition is not disposed in the central region along the length direction and in the overlapping region of the leak-proof wall.

[0068] In the aforementioned absorbent article, the antibacterial composition is not disposed in the central region along the length direction and in the overlapping region of the leak-proof walls. Therefore, in the central region along the length direction and in the overlapping region of the leak-proof walls, the antibacterial composition containing both a hydrophilic antibacterial agent and a hydrophilic organic solvent is less likely to impede the hydrophobicity of the leak-proof walls. Furthermore, the adhesive force of the leak-proof wall elastic member fixed to the leak-proof wall adhesive portion of the hydrophobic sheet member is less likely to decrease, and the leak-proof wall elastic member further exhibits elasticity, making it easier for a pair of leak-proof walls to stand upright when the absorbent article is worn. Thus, the aforementioned absorbent article exhibits excellent antibacterial properties and excellent leak-proof performance.

[0069] [Method 3]

[0070] In the absorbent article described in method 1 or 2, the aforementioned leak-proof wall adhesive portion is configured to exist on both outer sides of the area where the antibacterial composition is disposed when viewed from above in the aforementioned width direction.

[0071] In the aforementioned absorbent article, when viewed from above in the width direction, the leak-proof wall adhesive portions are located on both outer sides of the area where the antibacterial composition is disposed. That is, on both outer sides of the area where the antibacterial composition is disposed, the leak-proof wall elastic members are bonded to the hydrophobic sheet via the leak-proof wall adhesive portions. Therefore, the leak-proof wall elastic members can function elastically, allowing the pair of leak-proof walls to easily stand upright when the absorbent article is worn. As a result, bodily fluids are less likely to leak, and the article easily exerts an antibacterial effect on bodily fluids retained between the pair of leak-proof walls. Thus, the aforementioned absorbent article exhibits excellent antibacterial properties and excellent leak-proof performance.

[0072] [Method 4]

[0073] In any one of the absorbent articles of methods 1 to 3, in each of the pair of leak-proof walls, the hydrophobic sheet component is configured to exist on the non-skin side of the elastic component of the leak-proof wall in the unfolded state.

[0074] In the aforementioned absorbent article, in its unfolded state, the hydrophobic sheet component is located on the non-skin side of the leak-proof elastic component. Therefore, the hydrophobic sheet component on the non-skin side of the leak-proof elastic component can inhibit the antibacterial composition in the antibacterial composition application area from reaching the leak-proof adhesive portion that bonds the leak-proof elastic component to the hydrophobic sheet component. Consequently, the adhesive strength of the leak-proof adhesive portion is less likely to decrease. As a result, the absorbent article easily maintains its leak-proof properties over time, easily retains bodily fluids inside the pair of leak-proof walls, and the antibacterial composition easily imparts antibacterial properties to the bodily fluids. Thus, the absorbent article exhibits excellent antibacterial activity and excellent leak-proof properties.

[0075] [Method 5]

[0076] In any one of the absorbent articles of methods 1 to 4, the absorbent article is a shorts-type absorbent article with a waistband.

[0077] The aforementioned absorbent fabric is a pre-designed shorts-style absorbent fabric. Therefore, when wearing this absorbent fabric, it is easy to guide the wearer's excretions to the appropriate position within the fabric. As a result, this absorbent fabric exhibits excellent antibacterial properties and excellent leak-proof performance.

[0078] [Method 6]

[0079] In the absorbent article described in Method 5, the waistband includes a sheet component, a waistband elastic component that can stretch along the waist, and a waistband adhesive portion for bonding the waistband elastic component to the sheet component by means of a hot melt adhesive. In the shorts-style state, the antibacterial composition does not come into contact with the waistband.

[0080] In the aforementioned absorbent articles, the antibacterial composition does not come into contact with the waistband. Therefore, the adhesive strength of the waistband bonding area is less likely to decrease due to the antibacterial composition, and the elastic components of the waistband are less likely to detach. As a result, the wearability of shorts-type absorbent articles is suppressed, and the wearer's excretory opening is easily kept in the proper position within the absorbent article. Consequently, the aforementioned absorbent articles exhibit excellent antibacterial properties, excellent leak-proof performance, and excellent wearability.

[0081] [Method 7]

[0082] In the absorbent article described in method 5 or 6, the absorbent article further includes a back leg elastic member, in which the antibacterial composition does not come into contact with the back leg elastic member when in shorts form.

[0083] In the aforementioned absorbent articles, in their shorts-like configuration, the antibacterial composition does not come into contact with the elastic component of the back leg opening. Therefore, the elastic component of the back leg opening is less likely to detach due to the antibacterial composition. As a result, the absorbent article exhibits excellent fit and leak-proof properties in the back leg opening.

[0084] [Method 8]

[0085] In any one of the absorbent articles of methods 5 to 7, the antimicrobial composition configuration region is further configured in the non-absorbent region located on the outer side of the absorbent in the length direction, and the absorbent article has unevenness in the non-absorbent region.

[0086] In the aforementioned absorbent article, the antimicrobial composition is also disposed in the area where the absorbent is not present. Since the absorbent is absent in this area, it tends to become uneven as the waistline expands or contracts in the width direction. Therefore, the aforementioned absorbent article can reliably apply the antimicrobial composition to the wearer's skin in the area where the absorbent is not present.

[0087] [Method 9]

[0088] In any one of the absorbent articles of methods 5 to 8, the absorbent article is an absorbent article that is folded in the width direction into three folds, which is the same as the shorts-type absorbent article.

[0089] Since the above-mentioned absorbent article is an absorbent article folded along a specified width direction, it has the same effect as method 1.

[0090] [Method 10]

[0091] In the absorbent article described in Method 9, the absorbent article further includes a buttock cover portion having a buttock cover elastic member, and in the absorbent article folded along the width direction, the antibacterial composition does not come into contact with the buttock cover portion.

[0092] In absorbent articles folded along the aforementioned width direction, the antibacterial composition does not come into contact with the buttock area. Therefore, it is less likely for the elastic components of the buttock area to detach. As a result, the absorbent article exhibits excellent fit and leak-proof properties at the buttock area.

[0093] [Method 11]

[0094] In the absorbent article described in method 9 or 10, the absorbent article is an absorbent article that is folded along the width direction and further folded along the length direction, and the absorbent article that is folded along the width direction and the length direction has the antibacterial composition disposed in the portion protruding toward the skin.

[0095] An absorbent article folded along both its width and length directions has an antibacterial composition disposed on the portion protruding towards the skin. This protruding portion is the part that easily comes into contact with the wearer's skin. Therefore, the portion protruding towards the skin can exert its absorbency and also exert the antibacterial effect of the antibacterial composition.

[0096] [Method 12]

[0097] In any one of the absorbent articles of methods 1 to 11, the absorbent article further comprises a liquid-impermeable back sheet, on which a pattern representing antibacterial properties is disposed.

[0098] The aforementioned absorbent articles have a prescribed pattern. Therefore, the antimicrobial properties of the antimicrobial composition can be visually communicated to the user or wearer of the absorbent article.

[0099] [Method 13]

[0100] In any one of the absorbent articles of methods 1 to 12, the absorbent article further comprises a main elastic member, which is disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent body in a manner extending along the length direction, and is bonded by an adhesive portion of the main elastic member formed by a hot melt adhesive.

[0101] In the unfolded state described above, the main elastic component and the antibacterial composition configuration area overlap when viewed from above in the thickness direction, but do not overlap when viewed from above in the length direction.

[0102] The aforementioned absorbent articles possess a defined main elastic component. Therefore, in these absorbent articles, the absorbent body readily comes into contact with the wearer's skin, and the antibacterial composition readily imparts an antibacterial effect to bodily fluids. Furthermore, in these absorbent articles, the adhesive strength of the main adhesive portion is not easily reduced by the antibacterial composition, the main elastic component is not easily detached, and the antibacterial composition readily and continuously imparts an antibacterial effect to bodily fluids.

[0103] [Method 14]

[0104] In any one of the absorbent articles of methods 1 to 13, the pair of leak-proof walls do not contain the antibacterial composition, and the hydrophobic sheet component constituting each of the pair of leak-proof walls is colored.

[0105] In the aforementioned absorbent articles, each of the two leak-proof walls does not contain an antimicrobial composition, and the hydrophobic sheet components constituting the two leak-proof walls are colored. Therefore, the user or wearer can easily determine the location of the antimicrobial composition in the absorbent article and can easily align the absorbent article.

[0106] The absorbent articles disclosed herein will now be described in detail.

[0107] [First Implementation]

[0108] Figures 1-9 This is a diagram illustrating an absorbent article, specifically a panty-type sanitary napkin 1, used to illustrate one embodiment of this disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the "first embodiment"). Figure 1 This is a 3D image of a panty-style sanitary napkin (model 1). Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 These are images of the skin side and non-skin side of the shorts-type sanitary napkin 1 in its unfolded state. Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 These are images of the skin side and non-skin side of the absorbent main body 3 in its unfolded state. Figure 6 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows the end face of the panty-shaped sanitary napkin 1 at the VI-VI end face. It should be noted that... Figure 6 In the middle, the compression part 37 is omitted, and all the joints are not shown. Figures 7-9 This is a diagram illustrating the folding method of the shorts-type sanitary napkin 1.

[0109] The panty-type sanitary napkin 1 has a waist opening 101 and a pair of leg openings 103 (one leg opening 103a and the other leg opening 103b), and a pair of locking portions 105 (one locking portion 105a and the other locking portion 105b) extending from the waist opening 101 toward the pair of leg openings 103. The pair of locking portions 105 lock the front waist portion 7 and the back waist portion 9, which will be described later.

[0110] The panty-style sanitary napkin 1 comprises: an absorbent body 3 having an absorbent core 27 for absorbing menstrual blood and an outer body 5 having a panty-like shape. The absorbent core 27 has a rectangular shape, which has a length direction L and a width direction W. The absorbent body 3 is fixed to the outer body 5 by an interbody adhesive portion 131 made of hot melt adhesive.

[0111] When unfolded, the panty-style sanitary napkin 1 has a length direction L and a width direction W originating from the absorbent body 27, and a thickness direction T orthogonal to the length direction L and the width direction W. It should be noted that the length direction L and the width direction W refer to the longer and shorter directions of the absorbent body 27, respectively, and not to the longer and shorter directions of the panty-style sanitary napkin 1 in the unfolded state.

[0112] The panty-style sanitary napkin 1, when unfolded, is divided into a front waistband 7 located near the front end 17, a back waistband 9 located near the rear end 19, and a crotch area 11 located between the front waistband 7 and the back waistband 9. It should be noted that the front end 17 and the rear end 19 refer to the end edges on the front waistband 7 and the back waistband 9 sides, respectively, that divide the waist opening 101. The front waistband 7 and the back waistband 9 are secured together by a pair of locking parts 105 to form a waistband 13.

[0113] The outer garment 5 includes: a first outer garment piece 111 extending from the front waist portion 7 to the rear waist portion 9 and disposed on the non-skin side; a second outer garment piece 113a extending from the front waist portion 7 to the crotch portion 11 and disposed on the skin side; and a second outer garment piece 113b extending from the rear waist portion 9 to the crotch portion 11 and disposed on the skin side. The first outer garment piece 111, the second outer garment piece 113a on the abdomen side, and the second outer garment piece 113b on the back side are each made of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric.

[0114] In the unfolded state, in the front waistband 7, a plurality of front waistband elastic members 115 are disposed between the first outer panel 111 and the second ventral outer panel 113a. These plurality of front waistband elastic members 115 extend from one locking portion 105a to the other locking portion 105b and are disposed separately in the length direction L. When the plurality of front waistband elastic members 115 are extended relative to the first outer panel 111 and the second ventral outer panel 113a, they are joined to the first outer panel 111 and the second ventral outer panel 113a by a front waistband adhesive portion (not shown) made of hot melt adhesive.

[0115] In the unfolded state, in the rear waistband 9, a plurality of rear waistband elastic members 117 are disposed between the first outer panel 111 and the second back outer panel 113b. These multiple rear waistband elastic members 117 extend from one locking portion 105a to the other locking portion 105b and are arranged separately in the length direction L. When extended relative to the first outer panel 111 and the second back outer panel 113b, the multiple rear waistband elastic members 117 are engaged with the first outer panel 111 and the second back outer panel 113b by a rear waistband adhesive portion (not shown) made of hot-melt adhesive.

[0116] In the unfolded state, in the crotch area 11, a plurality of buttock-covering elastic members 119 are disposed between the first outer cover 111 and the back second outer cover 113b. These plurality of buttock-covering elastic members 119 extend from one leg opening 103a to the other leg opening 103b and are separately arranged in the length direction L. The first outer cover 111, the back second outer cover 113b, and the plurality of buttock-covering elastic members 119 form a buttock-covering area 15 that covers the wearer's buttocks.

[0117] In addition, in the unfolded state, in the back waist section 9 and the crotch section 11, there are three back leg elastic members 121 between the first outer cover 111 and the back second outer cover 113b. These three back leg elastic members 121 are arranged to overlap with the absorbent body 3 from one locking part 105a through one leg opening 103a and the other leg opening 103b to the other locking part 105b, and are bent in a way that protrudes toward the center line LC of the length direction that extends parallel to the width direction W at the center of the length direction L of the panty-type sanitary napkin 1.

[0118] The elastic member 119 of the buttock cover and the three elastic members 121 of the back leg are joined to the first outer cover 111 and the second outer cover 113a of the abdomen by means of the inner adhesive portion 133 of the outer cover made of hot melt adhesive when they are extended relative to the first outer cover 111 and the second outer cover 113b of the back side.

[0119] In its unfolded state, the absorbent body 3 comprises, in the thickness direction T, a top sheet 21 having a skin-contact surface 23a and a non-skin-contact surface 23b, a second sheet 25, an absorbent body 27, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 29, a main body elastic component 31, and a hydrophobic sheet component 33. The absorbent body 27 comprises an absorbent core 27a and a core-covering sheet 27b covering the absorbent core 27a. The absorbent core 27a is hourglass-shaped.

[0120] The absorbent body 3 has a compression top plate 21, a second plate 25, and an absorbent body 27 (absorbent core 27a and core covering plate 27b), the compression part 37 having a design that mimics a rabbit.

[0121] The core-covering sheet 27b disposed between the absorbent core 27a and the back sheet 29 is bonded to the absorbent core 27a by an absorbent bonding portion (not shown) made of hot melt adhesive. In addition, the core-covering sheet 27b disposed between the absorbent core 27a and the back sheet 29 is joined to the back sheet 29 by a core-covering bonding portion 135 made of hot melt adhesive.

[0122] The top sheet 21 is configured to cover the second sheet 25 and the absorbent body 27 (absorbent core 27a and core-covering sheet 27b), and is bonded to the back sheet 29 by a hot-melt adhesive. The back sheet 29 is made of a moisture-permeable open-cell film. The back sheet 29, together with the leak-proof wall 43 described later, stands upright to protect the sides of the absorbent body 27. The hydrophobic sheet component 33 is made of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric.

[0123] The main elastic member 31 is composed of five filamentous elastic members. These five filamentous elastic members are arranged at certain intervals along the length direction L and separated in the width direction W. When the five filamentous elastic members are extended relative to the back sheet 29 and the hydrophobic sheet member 33, the main elastic member 31 is bonded to the back sheet 29 and the hydrophobic sheet member 33 via a main elastic member adhesive portion 137 made of hot-melt adhesive. The main elastic member 31 is a component used to facilitate contact between the absorbent body 3, and consequently the absorbent core 27a, and the wearer's excretory opening.

[0124] It should be noted that, in Figure 6 In the figure, the main elastic member 31 is disposed on the back sheet 29 side, and the main elastic member adhesive part 137 is disposed on the hydrophobic sheet member 33 side. In fact, the main elastic member adhesive part 137 adhesives the main elastic member 31 from the back sheet 29 side and the hydrophobic sheet member 33 side.

[0125] At both ends of the hydrophobic sheet component 33 in the width direction W, it is folded inward once and folded outward once towards the non-skin side through two fold lines extending parallel to the length direction L, for a total of two folds, forming a leak-proof wall 43. A pair of leak-proof walls 43 are formed at both ends of the hydrophobic sheet component 33 in the width direction W. Each pair of leak-proof walls 43 has two leak-proof wall elastic members 45 that extend along the length direction L and are separately arranged in the width direction W when unfolded. The two leak-proof wall elastic members 45 are extended relative to the leak-proof wall 43 (hydrophobic sheet component 33) and are bonded to the leak-proof wall 43 (hydrophobic sheet component 33) by a leak-proof wall adhesive portion 35 formed by a hot-melt adhesive. The panty-type sanitary napkin 1 has a leak-proof wall overlap region 47 that overlaps with the pair of leak-proof walls 43 in the thickness direction T when unfolded.

[0126] A pair of leak-proof walls 43 are made of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric forming hydrophobic sheet components 33, are hydrophobic, and stand up from the absorbent body 3 when the panty-type sanitary napkin 1 is worn to inhibit menstrual blood leakage.

[0127] The absorbent body 3 includes an antibacterial composition 39 disposed on the non-skin-contact surface 23b of the top sheet 21 in the thickness direction T. This antibacterial composition 39 comprises a hydrophilic antibacterial agent and propylene glycol as a hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvent. Additionally, the panty-type sanitary napkin 1 includes an antibacterial composition placement area 41 that overlaps with the antibacterial composition 39 in the thickness direction T when unfolded. By including the antibacterial composition 39 in the absorbent body 3, the hydrophilic antibacterial agent can rapidly move into the bodily fluids absorbed by the panty-type sanitary napkin 1. Furthermore, after the hydrophilic antibacterial agent moves into the bodily fluids, it is less prone to crystallization, and thus readily exerts an antibacterial effect on the bodily fluids.

[0128] In the unfolded state, the central region obtained by dividing the absorber 27 into three equal parts along the length direction L is designated as the length-direction central region 51, and the regions on both sides of the length-direction central region 51 are designated as the length-direction side regions 53. Furthermore, in the unfolded state, the region overlapping with the absorber 27 in the width direction W is designated as the width-direction central region 55, and the region not overlapping with the absorber 27 in the width direction W is designated as the width-direction side regions 57.

[0129] The antimicrobial composition configuration region 41 (antimicrobial composition 39) is disposed along the length direction L from the front end 61 of the front end of the absorbent body 3 along the length direction L to the rear end 63 of the rear end of the absorbent body 3 along the length direction L. Therefore, the antimicrobial composition configuration region 41 (antimicrobial composition 39) is disposed in the central region 51 along the length direction and the side regions 53 on both sides of the length direction. In addition, the antimicrobial composition configuration region 41 (antimicrobial composition 39) is disposed in the central region 55 along the width direction W, but the antimicrobial composition configuration region 41 (antimicrobial composition 39) is not disposed in the side regions 57 along the width direction.

[0130] In the unfolded state, the average area weight of the antibacterial composition 39 in the central region 51 along the length direction and the central region 55 along the width direction is greater than the average area weight of the antibacterial composition 39 in the central region 51 along the length direction and the overlapping area 47 of the leak-proof walls. Therefore, the antibacterial composition 39, with its relatively large average area weight in the central region 51 along the length direction and the central region 55 along the width direction, can exert an antibacterial effect on bodily fluids. Furthermore, in the central region 51 along the length direction and the overlapping area 47 of the leak-proof walls, since the average area weight of the antibacterial composition 39 is relatively small, the antibacterial composition 39 does not easily hinder the hydrophobicity of the leak-proof wall 43, and the adhesive force of fixing the leak-proof wall elastic member 45 to the leak-proof wall adhesive portion 35 of the hydrophobic sheet member 33 is not easily reduced. The leak-proof wall elastic member 45 exhibits elasticity, and the pair of leak-proof walls 43 easily stand upright when the panty-type sanitary napkin 1 is worn.

[0131] Furthermore, in the unfolded state, the antibacterial composition configuration area 41 is not provided in the central region 51 along the length direction and the overlapping area 47 of the leak-proof walls. As a result, in the central region 51 along the length direction and the overlapping area 47 of the leak-proof walls, the antibacterial composition 39 is less likely to hinder the hydrophobicity of the leak-proof walls 43, and the adhesive force of fixing the leak-proof wall elastic member 45 to the leak-proof wall adhesive portion 35 of the hydrophobic sheet member 33 is less likely to decrease, and the leak-proof wall elastic member 45 further exerts its elasticity, making it easier for a pair of leak-proof walls 43 to stand up when the absorbent article is worn.

[0132] In the unfolded state, the region located on the outer side of the absorbent body 27 in the length direction L is referred to as the absorbent body non-existence region 65. In the unfolded state, the antibacterial composition placement region 41 (antibacterial composition 39) is disposed from the front end 61 to the rear end 63 of the absorbent body 3. Therefore, the absorbent body non-existence region 65 has an antibacterial composition placement region 41 in which the antibacterial composition 39 is disposed. The absorbent body 27 is absent in the absorbent body non-existence region 65, and in the panty-type sanitary napkin 1, it is disposed in the front waistband 7 and the back waistband 9, thus having irregularities due to the contraction of the multiple front waistband elastic members 115 and the back waistband elastic members 117. This allows the antibacterial composition to be reliably applied to the wearer's skin.

[0133] Furthermore, since the antimicrobial composition configuration region 41 (antimicrobial composition 39) is configured in the non-absorbent region 65, the antimicrobial composition 39 can also easily exert antimicrobial effects on bodily fluids other than those excreted from the excretory opening, such as sweat.

[0134] In the panty-type sanitary napkin 1, the leak-proof elastic member 45 is bonded to the leak-proof adhesive portion 35 of the hydrophobic sheet member 33, and is located on both outer sides of the antibacterial composition configuration area 41 when viewed from above in the width direction W. Thus, the leak-proof elastic member 45 can function elastically, and the pair of leak-proof walls 43 easily stand up when the panty-type sanitary napkin 1 is worn.

[0135] like Figure 6 As shown, in each of the pair of leak-proof walls 43, the hydrophobic sheet component 33 is configured to exist on the non-skin side of the leak-proof wall elastic component 45, specifically between the leak-proof wall elastic component 45 and the top sheet 21, in the unfolded state. Thus, the hydrophobic sheet component 33 present on the non-skin side of the leak-proof wall elastic component 45 can inhibit the antibacterial composition 39 in the antibacterial composition configuration area 41 from reaching the leak-proof wall bonding portion 35 that bonds the leak-proof wall elastic component 45 to the hydrophobic sheet component 33; therefore, the adhesive force of the leak-proof wall bonding portion 35 is less likely to decrease.

[0136] In the unfolded state, the main elastic component 31 and the antibacterial composition placement area 41 overlap when viewed from above in the thickness direction T, but do not overlap when viewed from above in the length direction L. Therefore, in the panty-type sanitary napkin 1, the absorbent body 27 easily comes into contact with the wearer's skin, and the antibacterial composition 39 easily imparts an antibacterial effect to bodily fluids. Furthermore, in the panty-type sanitary napkin 1, the adhesive strength of the main elastic component's adhesive portion 137 is not easily reduced by the antibacterial composition 39, the main elastic component 31 is less likely to detach, and the antibacterial composition 39 easily and continuously imparts an antibacterial effect to bodily fluids.

[0137] Each of the pair of leak-proof walls 43 does not contain the antibacterial composition 39, and the hydrophobic sheet component 33 constituting each of the pair of leak-proof walls 43 is colored pink. Therefore, the user or wearer can easily determine the location of the antibacterial composition 39 in the panty-style sanitary napkin 1 and easily align the panty-style sanitary napkin 1.

[0138] The panty-type sanitary napkin 1 is an absorbent article with a waistband 13 consisting of a front waistband 7 and a back waistband 9. The front waistband 7 includes a first outer sheet 111 and a second outer sheet 113a on the ventral side as sheet components, multiple front waistband elastic members 115 that can stretch along the waist, and a front waistband adhesive portion (not shown) formed by a hot-melt adhesive. The back waistband 9 includes a first outer sheet 111 and a second outer sheet 113b on the back side as sheet components, multiple back waistband elastic members 117 that can stretch along the waist, and a back waistband adhesive portion (not shown) formed by a hot-melt adhesive. In the panty-type sanitary napkin 1 in its panty-type state, the antibacterial composition 39 does not come into contact with the waistband 13. Therefore, the antibacterial composition 39 can be reliably applied to the wearer's skin.

[0139] The crotch portion 11 includes a first outer panel 111 as a panel component and a second outer panel 113b on the back side, a rear leg elastic member 121, and a rear leg elastic member adhesive portion (not shown) formed by hot melt adhesive.

[0140] In the panty-shaped sanitary napkin 1 in its panty-like configuration, the antibacterial composition 39 does not come into contact with the elastic member 121 of the back leg opening and the adhesive portion of the elastic member. Therefore, the elastic member 121 of the back leg opening is less likely to detach due to the antibacterial composition 39.

[0141] Panty-style sanitary napkin 1 can be used as Figure 8 The shown is a panty-style sanitary napkin 1A folded along its width, or as... Figure 9 The shorts-type sanitary napkin 1B shown is folded along both the width and length directions for storage and distribution.

[0142] The methods for forming the panty-type sanitary napkin 1A, which is folded along the width direction, and the panty-type sanitary napkin 1B, which is folded along both the width and length directions, are described below.

[0143] like Figure 7 As shown, two first fold lines F extending parallel to the length direction L at the end of the absorbent body 27 along the width direction W of the panty-type sanitary napkin 1 in its natural state are formed. L1 And the second broken line F in the length direction L2 Using the back 59 of the panty-style sanitary napkin 1 as the inner side, fold it into three folds along the width direction (W) to form... Figure 8 The shorts-type sanitary napkin 1A is shown folded along its width. Next, as... Figure 8 As shown, the panty-shaped sanitary napkin 1A, which is folded along the width direction, extends along the width direction F, parallel to the width direction W. W Fold along the length direction L to form Figure 9 The shown is a shorts-type sanitary napkin 1B that is folded along both the width and length directions.

[0144] The panty-type sanitary napkin 1A, which is folded along its width, exhibits excellent antibacterial properties and excellent leak-proof performance. Furthermore, in the panty-type sanitary napkin 1A, which is folded along its width, the antibacterial composition 39 does not come into contact with the buttock cover 15. Therefore, it is less likely for the elastic component 119 of the buttock cover to detach.

[0145] In the panty-type sanitary napkin 1B, which is folded along both the width and length directions, an antibacterial composition is disposed on the portion protruding towards the skin. Thus, the portion protruding towards the skin provides absorbency, and the antibacterial composition 39 exerts its antibacterial effect.

[0146] Furthermore, in the panty-type sanitary napkin 1B, which is folded along both the width and length directions, the antibacterial composition 39 does not come into contact with the buttock cover 15. Therefore, it is less likely for the elastic component 119 of the buttock cover to detach.

[0147] [Second Implementation]

[0148] Figures 10-12 This diagram illustrates an absorbent article, specifically a sanitary napkin 71 for nighttime use, according to another embodiment of this disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the "second embodiment"). Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 These are images of the skin side and the non-skin side of the sanitary napkin 71 in its unfolded state. Figure 12 yes Figure 10 End face view at the XII-XII end face.

[0149] The second embodiment of the sanitary napkin 71 includes a pair of side wings 73 and a pair of buttock wings 75 for fixing the sanitary napkin 71 to clothing.

[0150] The sanitary napkin 71, in its unfolded state and along its thickness direction T, comprises, in sequence, a liquid-permeable top sheet 21, an absorbent body 27 disposed adjacent to the non-skin side of the top sheet 21, and a liquid-impermeable back sheet 29 disposed adjacent to the non-skin side of the absorbent body 27. The top sheet 21 has a skin-contacting surface 23a that contacts the wearer's skin and a non-skin-contacting surface 23b opposite to the skin-contacting surface 23a.

[0151] In its unfolded state, the absorber 27 has mutually orthogonal length direction L, width direction W, and thickness direction T.

[0152] The absorbent body 27 includes an absorbent core 27a and a core-covering sheet 27b covering the absorbent core 27a. The sanitary napkin 71 has a pair of hydrophobic sheet members 33 on both outer sides of the top sheet 21 in the width direction W. Each pair of hydrophobic sheet members 33 is hydrophobic.

[0153] A pair of leak-proof walls 43 are formed as follows: (i) at a first fold line (not shown) extending parallel to the length direction L, the hydrophobic sheet member 33 is folded back once towards the non-skin side, with three leak-proof wall elastic members 45 sandwiched in the middle; then, (ii) at a second fold line (not shown) located on the outer side of the width direction W and extending parallel to the length direction L, the three leak-proof wall elastic members 45 and a portion of the hydrophobic sheet member 33 are folded back towards the skin side. In the unfolded state, the three leak-proof wall elastic members 45 of each pair of leak-proof walls 43 extend along the length direction L and are separately arranged in the width direction W. The three leak-proof wall elastic members 45 are extended relative to the leak-proof wall 43 (hydrophobic sheet member 33) and are bonded to the leak-proof wall 43 (hydrophobic sheet member 33) by a leak-proof wall adhesive portion 35 formed by a hot melt adhesive. The sanitary napkin 71 has a leak-proof wall overlap area 47 that overlaps with a pair of leak-proof walls 43 in the thickness direction T when it is unfolded.

[0154] A pair of leak-proof walls 43 are made of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric forming hydrophobic sheet components 33, are hydrophobic, and stand up when worn to inhibit menstrual blood leakage.

[0155] The sanitary napkin 71 includes an antibacterial composition 39 disposed on the non-skin-contact surface 23b of the top sheet 21. This antibacterial composition 39 comprises a hydrophilic antibacterial agent and propylene glycol, which is a hydrophilic and non-volatile organic solvent. Additionally, the panty-type sanitary napkin 1 includes an antibacterial composition placement area 41 that overlaps with the antibacterial composition 39 in the thickness direction T when unfolded. Because the sanitary napkin 71 includes the antibacterial composition 39, the hydrophilic antibacterial agent is less prone to crystallization, allowing it to rapidly migrate to the bodily fluids absorbed by the sanitary napkin 71. Furthermore, after migrating to the bodily fluids, the hydrophilic antibacterial agent is less likely to crystallize, thus easily exerting an antibacterial effect on the bodily fluids.

[0156] The second embodiment of the sanitary napkin 71 has its antibacterial composition 39 and antibacterial composition placement area 41 disposed throughout the length L of the sanitary napkin 71. In this respect, it is the same as the antibacterial composition 39 and antibacterial composition placement area 41 of the panty-type sanitary napkin 1 of the first embodiment, but the function is different. By disposing the antibacterial composition 39 and antibacterial composition placement area 41 throughout the length L, it is easily accessible to areas that are prone to sweating and close contact, such as the lower abdomen and buttocks. Therefore, the antibacterial composition 39 can also easily exert an antibacterial effect on bodily fluids other than those excreted from the excretory opening, such as sweat.

[0157] For points other than those mentioned above, since the antibacterial composition 39 and the antibacterial composition configuration area 41 of the sanitary napkin 71 of the second embodiment are the same as the antibacterial composition 39 and the antibacterial composition configuration area 41 of the shorts-type sanitary napkin 1 of the first embodiment, the effects described in the first embodiment are omitted in the second embodiment.

[0158] The sanitary napkin 71 of the second embodiment also has the following structure.

[0159] The top sheet 21 and a pair of hydrophobic sheet components 33 are bonded together by side adhesive portions 77 formed by hot melt adhesive. The sanitary napkin 71 has a compression portion 37 for compressing the top sheet 21 and the absorbent body 27 (absorbent core 27a and core cover sheet 27b). The sanitary napkin 71 has a circular sealing portion 79 at its outer edge for sealing the top sheet 21 or the hydrophobic sheet components 33 to the back sheet 29.

[0160] The top sheet 21 or hydrophobic sheet component 33 is bonded to the absorbent body 27 via an absorbent body adhesive portion 81 made of hot-melt adhesive, specifically to the core-covering sheet 27b. Within the absorbent body 27, the absorbent core 27a and the core-covering sheet 27b are bonded together via an internal absorbent body adhesive portion 83 made of hot-melt adhesive. Furthermore, the core-covering sheet 27b is joined to the back sheet 29 via a core-covering adhesive portion 135 made of hot-melt adhesive. The back sheet 29 is provided with an adhesive portion 85 and a release tab 87 for securing the sanitary napkin 71 to clothing.

[0161] As for the absorbent articles disclosed herein, any article that has an absorbent body is acceptable and there are no particular limitations. Examples include sanitary napkins, panty liners, panty-style sanitary napkins, hemostatic plugs, disposable diapers (e.g., adult disposable diapers, baby disposable diapers), incontinence pads, absorbent shorts, breast pads, etc.

[0162] The aforementioned absorbent articles typically include: a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent body between the top sheet and the back sheet. Additionally, depending on the requirements, the aforementioned absorbent articles may also include: a liquid diffusion sheet disposed between the top sheet and the absorbent body (hereinafter referred to as a "second sheet"), a liquid diffusion sheet disposed between the absorbent body and the back sheet (sometimes referred to as a "third sheet"), and a sheet disposed on the non-skin side of the back sheet (e.g., a non-woven fabric sheet, or a hydrophobic sheet component), etc.

[0163] The aforementioned absorbent items can be shorts-shaped absorbent items with a waistband. This makes it easy to guide the wearer's excretory opening to the appropriate position on the absorbent item when wearing it. Examples of shorts-shaped absorbent items with the aforementioned waistband include shorts-shaped sanitary napkins and disposable diapers (e.g., adult disposable diapers, baby disposable diapers).

[0164] Shorts-type absorbent items are typically divided in the unfolded state along their length into a front waist section, a back waist section, and a crotch section located between the front and back waist sections. The front and back waist sections are secured by a pair of locking parts to form the waist section.

[0165] The absorbent described above can be any component used as an absorbent in this technical field without limitation. For example, the absorbent may be formed solely of an absorbent core, and may also include a core-covering sheet that covers the absorbent core from the skin side and / or the non-skin side. Examples of materials constituting the absorbent core include pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymers.

[0166] The absorbent article disclosed herein comprises an absorbent body having mutually orthogonal length, width, and thickness directions. Sometimes, a plane orthogonal to the aforementioned thickness direction is referred to as a planar direction, which includes the aforementioned length and width directions. It should be noted that the length and width directions used in relation to the absorbent article refer to the length and width directions of the absorbent body, and not to the longer and shorter directions of the absorbent article. Furthermore, in this specification, when referred to only as length direction, width direction, and / or thickness direction, they refer to the length, width, and / or thickness directions as defined for the aforementioned absorbent article.

[0167] The aforementioned absorbent article includes a pair of leak-proof walls. These leak-proof walls are components that rise up and suppress leakage of bodily fluids when the absorbent article is worn. In each of the pair of leak-proof walls, the leak-proof wall elastic member is bonded to the hydrophobic sheet member via a leak-proof wall adhesive portion formed by a hot-melt adhesive. The leak-proof wall elastic member is bonded to the hydrophobic sheet member via the leak-proof wall adhesive portion when it is extended along its length. The leak-proof wall elastic member can be one or more; if there are multiple leak-proof wall elastic members, they can also be arranged separately in the width direction.

[0168] Examples of elastic components for the aforementioned leak-proof wall include filamentous elastic components (e.g., rubber threads) and stretchable nonwoven fabrics. Examples of hydrophobic sheet components include nonwoven fabrics, such as hydrophobic treated nonwoven fabrics.

[0169] The aforementioned absorbent article has a leak-proof wall overlap area that overlaps with the aforementioned pair of leak-proof walls in the thickness direction when it is in the unfolded state.

[0170] In this specification, "unfolded state" refers to the state in which the absorbent article is stretched out on a flat surface without causing the material constituting the absorbent article (e.g., nonwoven fabric) to break. It should be noted that, in the case of a shorts-type absorbent article (e.g., shorts-type sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, etc.), the state is as follows: the locking part of the shorts-type absorbent article is released, separating the abdominal and back portions, and the absorbent article is stretched out on a flat surface without causing the material constituting the shorts-type absorbent article (e.g., nonwoven fabric) to break.

[0171] In addition, in this specification, the unfolded state of an absorbent article is sometimes referred to simply as the "unfolded state".

[0172] The aforementioned absorbent articles comprise an antimicrobial composition comprising a hydrophilic antimicrobial agent and a hydrophilic, non-volatile organic solvent.

[0173] The aforementioned hydrophilic antibacterial agent refers to an antibacterial agent that can dissolve more than 40g of 100g of deionized water at 25°C within 5 hours. Examples of such hydrophilic antibacterial agents include cationic antibacterial agents. Examples of such cationic antibacterial agents include guanidine-based antibacterial agents, biguanide-based antibacterial agents, and quaternary ammonium salts. Examples of such guanidine-based antibacterial agents include polyhexamethylene guanidine (PHMG). Examples of such biguanide-based antibacterial agents include polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), also known as polyaminopropyl biguanide. Examples of such quaternary ammonium salts include benzalkonium chloride and benzyl chloride.

[0174] The aforementioned organic solvents are hydrophilic and non-volatile. Hydrophilicity refers to their miscibility with water in any ratio. Non-volatileness refers to their vapor pressure of less than 50 Pa at 25°C.

[0175] Examples of organic solvents mentioned above include polyols (e.g., polyols that are liquid at room temperature and pressure) and monohydric alcohols. It should be noted that room temperature refers to 25°C and atmospheric pressure refers to 1,013 hPa. Examples of polyols that are liquid at room temperature and pressure include ethylene glycol and glycerol. Examples of ethylene glycols include propylene glycol (PG), dipropylene glycol (DPG), 1,3-butanediol (BG), and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400). Examples of monohydric alcohols include 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol.

[0176] The absorbent article disclosed herein comprises an antibacterial composition including a hydrophilic antibacterial agent and a hydrophilic, non-volatile organic solvent. Therefore, in the aforementioned absorbent article, the hydrophilic antibacterial agent can rapidly migrate to the body fluid absorbed by the absorbent article, and after the hydrophilic antibacterial agent migrates to the body fluid, it is less prone to crystallization, thus readily exerting an antibacterial effect on the body fluid.

[0177] The absorbent article described above has an area that overlaps with the antimicrobial composition in the thickness direction in the unfolded state, namely the antimicrobial composition application area.

[0178] The average area weight of the aforementioned hydrophilic antimicrobial agent can be appropriately set according to the required antimicrobial properties of the absorbent article. The average area weight of the antimicrobial agent can be set based on JIS L 1902:2015 "Test methods for antimicrobial properties of fibrous articles and their antimicrobial effects" to obtain the specified antimicrobial properties. The specified antimicrobial properties refer to the antimicrobial properties demonstrated by a significant difference of logarithm 2 or higher when the test bacteria are evaluated as Staphylococcus aureus or Pneumococcus in the antimicrobial test method.

[0179] The average weight per unit area of ​​the above-mentioned hydrophilic antibacterial agent is preferably 0.01 g / m². 2 The above, more preferably 0.02 g / m 2 That's all. Furthermore, the average weight per unit area of ​​the aforementioned hydrophilic antibacterial agent is preferably 1.0 g / m². 2 The preferred value is 0.8 g / m³. 2 the following.

[0180] Furthermore, the average weight per unit area of ​​the above-mentioned antibacterial composition is preferably 0.1 g / m². 2 The above, more preferably 0.3 g / m 2 That's all. Furthermore, the average weight per unit area of ​​the above-described antibacterial composition is preferably 50.0 g / m². 2 The following is more preferably 40g / m 2 the following.

[0181] By ensuring that the average area weight of the aforementioned hydrophilic antibacterial agent is within the above-mentioned range, in JIS L 1902:2015 "Test methods for antibacterial properties of fiber products and their antibacterial effects," when evaluating antibacterial properties using Staphylococcus aureus and Pneumococcus as test bacteria, a significant difference of log2 or higher can be observed. Furthermore, with the aforementioned average area weight, the hydrophilic antibacterial agent can maintain its effectiveness even when the absorbent article repeatedly absorbs body fluids.

[0182] In this disclosure, the average weight per unit area of ​​the hydrophilic antibacterial agent is determined as follows.

[0183] (1) Cut out a specified area (the central area in the length direction and the central area in the width direction, the central area in the length direction and the overlapping area of ​​the leak-proof wall, etc.) from the absorbent article as a sample, and measure the area of ​​the sample.

[0184] (2) Dissolve the sample in a specified reagent (e.g., ethanol), analyze the sample using a specified analytical method, and perform identification and quantification of the hydrophilic antibacterial agent constituting the antibacterial composition and the organic solvent. It should be noted that the organic solvent is analyzed using GC / MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry), and the hydrophilic antibacterial agent is analyzed using LC / MS (high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry).

[0185] (3) The average unit area weight of the hydrophilic antibacterial agent is calculated by dividing the mass of the hydrophilic antibacterial agent obtained in (2) above by the specified area of ​​the sample.

[0186] In the absorbent articles of this disclosure, the antimicrobial composition preferably does not precipitate even after standing at 0°C for 24 hours. Therefore, crystallization of the hydrophilic antimicrobial agent can be inhibited during storage and use of the absorbent articles.

[0187] In this disclosure, the presence or absence of precipitation in hydrophilic antibacterial agents is evaluated as follows.

[0188] (1) Prepare a specified amount (e.g., 5 g) of the antimicrobial composition and place it in a petri dish.

[0189] (2) The culture dish containing the antibacterial composition was left to stand for 24 hours at a temperature of 0°C and a relative humidity of 50%RH. The hydrophilic antibacterial agent was visually observed to confirm whether it precipitated and formed a precipitate.

[0190] In the absorbent articles disclosed herein, it is preferable that the hydrophilic antibacterial agent does not precipitate even when twice its mass of water is added at 25°C. Therefore, when the antibacterial composition comes into contact with body fluids, crystallization of the antibacterial agent in the antibacterial composition can be inhibited.

[0191] In this disclosure, the contact test of the antimicrobial composition with water is carried out as follows.

[0192] (1) Prepare a specified amount (e.g., 5 g) of the antimicrobial composition and place it in a petri dish.

[0193] (2) At 25°C, add twice the mass of the antibacterial solution of deionized water (e.g., 10 g) to the antibacterial composition in the petri dish and visually confirm whether the antibacterial agent has precipitated out of the antibacterial solution.

[0194] The above-mentioned antibacterial composition can be disposed at any position in the thickness direction of the absorbent article, for example, the skin-contacting surface of the top sheet, the inner and / or non-skin-contacting surface, the skin-side surface, the inner and / or non-skin-side surface of the desired second sheet, the skin-side surface, the inner and / or non-skin-side surface of the desired core-covering sheet (the core-covering sheet present on the skin side of the absorbent core), the skin-side surface, the inner and / or non-skin-side surface of the desired absorbent core, etc.

[0195] In this specification, the aforementioned skin-contacting surface and non-skin-contacting surface refer to the surface that contacts the wearer's skin and the surface opposite to it. The aforementioned skin-side surface and non-skin-side surface refer to the surface on the wearer's skin side and the surface opposite to it, respectively.

[0196] In addition, in this instruction manual, the skin side and the non-skin side refer to the wearer's skin side and the opposite side, respectively.

[0197] In the aforementioned absorbent article, in its unfolded state and viewed from above, the absorbent body can be divided into three equal parts along its length, with the center designated as the central region along the length, and the regions on either side of the central region along the length direction designated as the side regions along the length direction. It should be noted that the central region along the length direction is obtained by dividing the absorbent body into three equal parts along its length, from one end edge to the other, using a straight line parallel to the width direction.

[0198] Furthermore, in the aforementioned absorbent article, in its unfolded state and viewed from above, the area overlapping with the absorbent in the width direction can be designated as the central region in the width direction, and the area not overlapping with the absorbent in the width direction can be designated as the side region in the width direction. It should be noted that the central region in the width direction is defined by a straight line parallel to the length direction that intersects the outermost portion of the absorbent in the width direction.

[0199] In the absorbent article of this disclosure, the antimicrobial composition configuration region is disposed at least in the central region in the length direction and the central region in the width direction. Alternatively, the antimicrobial composition configuration region may be disposed in the central region in the length direction and the leak-proof wall overlapping region, the side region in the length direction and the central region in the width direction, etc. Furthermore, the antimicrobial composition configuration region may be disposed in the side region in the length direction and the side region in the width direction, or the side region in the length direction and the leak-proof wall overlapping region, etc.

[0200] In the absorbent article disclosed herein, if the area other than the area where the antimicrobial composition is disposed is designated as the area where the antimicrobial composition is not disposed, the area where the antimicrobial composition is not disposed can be disposed in the overlapping area of ​​the leak-proof walls, such as the overlapping area of ​​the central area in the length direction and the overlapping area of ​​the leak-proof walls, or the overlapping area of ​​the side area in the length direction and the overlapping area of ​​the leak-proof walls. Therefore, the antimicrobial composition containing a hydrophilic antimicrobial agent and a hydrophilic organic solvent does not easily hinder the hydrophobicity of the leak-proof walls, and the adhesive force of fixing the elastic member of the leak-proof wall to the leak-proof wall adhesive portion of the hydrophobic sheet member is not easily reduced. The elastic member exerts its elasticity, and a pair of leak-proof walls easily stand upright when the absorbent article is worn. Furthermore, the area where the antimicrobial composition is not disposed can be disposed in the side area in the length direction and the central area in the width direction, or the side area in the width direction, etc.

[0201] In the absorbent article of this disclosure, in the unfolded state, the average area weight of the antibacterial composition in the central region along the length direction and the central region along the width direction is greater than the average area weight of the antibacterial composition in the central region along the length direction and the overlapping area of ​​the leak-proof walls. In the central region along the length direction and the central region along the width direction, the antibacterial composition with a relatively larger average area weight can exert an antibacterial effect on body fluids. Furthermore, in the central region along the length direction and the overlapping area of ​​the leak-proof walls, since the average area weight of the antibacterial composition is relatively small, the antibacterial composition containing a hydrophilic antibacterial agent and a hydrophilic organic solvent does not easily hinder the hydrophobicity of the leak-proof wall. Moreover, the adhesive force of fixing the leak-proof wall elastic member to the leak-proof wall adhesive portion of the hydrophobic sheet member is not easily reduced, the elastic member functions elastically, and the pair of leak-proof walls easily stand upright when the absorbent article is worn.

[0202] In the aforementioned unfolded state, the antibacterial composition configuration area may not be provided in the aforementioned central region along the length direction and the overlapping region of the leak-proof walls. That is, the average unit area weight of the antibacterial composition in the aforementioned central region along the length direction and the overlapping region of the leak-proof walls may also be 0. As a result, in the aforementioned central region along the length direction and the overlapping region of the leak-proof walls, the antibacterial composition containing hydrophilic antibacterial agents and hydrophilic organic solvents is less likely to hinder the hydrophobicity of the leak-proof walls, and the adhesive force of fixing the leak-proof wall elastic member to the leak-proof wall adhesive portion of the hydrophobic sheet member is less likely to decrease, the leak-proof wall elastic member further exerts its elasticity, and a pair of leak-proof walls are easier to stand up when the absorbent article is worn.

[0203] When viewed from above in the width direction, the aforementioned leak-proof wall adhesive portion can be positioned at any location, preferably on the outer side of at least one of the areas where the antibacterial composition is disposed, and more preferably on both outer sides of the areas where the antibacterial composition is disposed. Thus, the leak-proof wall elastic member can function elastically, allowing the pair of leak-proof walls to easily stand upright when the absorbent article is worn.

[0204] In each of the aforementioned pair of leak-proof walls, the hydrophobic sheet member, in the unfolded state, may be configured to be present on the non-skin side of the leak-proof wall elastic member, or may not be configured to be present on the non-skin side of the leak-proof wall elastic member, but is preferably configured to be present on the non-skin side of the leak-proof wall elastic member. Therefore, the hydrophobic sheet member present on the non-skin side of the leak-proof wall elastic member can inhibit the antibacterial composition in the antibacterial composition configuration area from reaching the leak-proof wall bonding portion that bonds the leak-proof wall elastic member to the hydrophobic sheet member; thus, the adhesive strength of the leak-proof wall bonding portion is less likely to decrease.

[0205] In the case of a shorts-type absorbent article with a waistband, the waistband may include a sheet component, a waistband elastic component that can stretch along the waist, and a joint that joins the waistband elastic component to the sheet component. The joint may be a waistband adhesive joint bonded with a hot-melt adhesive, a waistband fusion joint of the sheet component, or the like. When the joint is a waistband adhesive joint bonded with a hot-melt adhesive, in the shorts-type configuration, the antibacterial composition preferably does not come into contact with the waistband. Therefore, the adhesive strength of the waistband adhesive joint is less likely to decrease due to the antibacterial composition, and the waistband elastic component is less likely to detach.

[0206] As the aforementioned waist elastic component, the same component as the aforementioned leak-proof wall elastic component can be cited.

[0207] In the case of a shorts-type absorbent article with a waistband, the absorbent article may further include a back leg elastic member. This back leg elastic member may extend in the width direction in the back region (e.g., from one locking portion along one leg opening and the other leg opening to the other locking portion). The back leg elastic member may also bend in a manner that protrudes towards the centerline in the length direction. Furthermore, the back leg elastic member may partially or completely break in the area overlapping with the absorbent body or absorbent core in the unfolded state of the shorts-type absorbent article.

[0208] It should be noted that the aforementioned back area refers to the area behind the center line of the length direction, which extends parallel to the width direction from the center of the length direction of the absorbent item in the unfolded shorts-type shape.

[0209] The aforementioned elastic member in the back leg circumference can be bonded to the sheet component via an adhesive portion formed by a hot-melt adhesive. In this case, in the shorts-style configuration, the antibacterial composition preferably does not come into contact with the elastic member or the adhesive portion. Therefore, the elastic member in the back leg circumference is less likely to detach from the sheet component due to the antibacterial composition.

[0210] As the aforementioned rear leg circumference elastic component, the same component as the aforementioned leak-proof wall elastic component can be cited.

[0211] When the absorbent article disclosed herein is a shorts-type absorbent article with a waistband, the absorbent article may be an absorbent article that is a shorts-type absorbent article folded into three folds along the width direction, or an absorbent article folded along the width direction.

[0212] In the case where the absorbent article disclosed herein is a shorts-type absorbent article with a waistband, the absorbent article may also include a buttock cover. The buttock cover is disposed at the crotch area, and in the unfolded state, there is no pair of locking portions along the extension line of the width direction of the buttock cover. The buttock cover may include a buttock cover elastic member, and the buttock cover may include a sheet member, a buttock cover elastic member, and a buttock cover elastic member adhesive portion for bonding the buttock cover elastic member to the sheet member using a hot melt adhesive.

[0213] In absorbent articles folded along the aforementioned width direction, the antibacterial composition preferably does not come into contact with the aforementioned buttock cover portion. This reduces the likelihood of the elastic component of the buttock cover portion detaching. As the aforementioned elastic component of the buttock cover portion, a component similar to the aforementioned leak-proof elastic component can be cited.

[0214] In the case of a shorts-type absorbent article with a waistband, the absorbent article can be an absorbent article that is folded along the width direction and then further folded along the length direction, or an absorbent article folded along both the width and length directions. In absorbent articles folded along both the width and length directions, the antibacterial composition is preferably disposed in the portion protruding towards the skin. Therefore, the portion protruding towards the skin can exert absorbency, and the antibacterial effect of the antibacterial composition can also be exerted.

[0215] Preferably, the absorbent article further comprises a liquid-impermeable back sheet, on the non-skin-facing side of which an antibacterial graphic is arranged. This allows the antibacterial properties of the antibacterial composition to be visually communicated to the user or wearer of the absorbent article. Examples of such graphics include, for example, markings indicating that certain certification standards have been met, and illustrations showing raw materials containing known antibacterial components. Examples of markings indicating that certain certification standards have been met include, for example, the SEK mark from the China Textile Evaluation Technology Association (e.g., antibacterial and deodorizing processing mark, antibacterial processing mark, etc.). Examples of raw materials containing known antibacterial components include, for example, plants.

[0216] The absorbent article disclosed herein may further include a main elastic member disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent body, extending along the aforementioned length direction, and bonded by an adhesive portion formed of the main elastic member using a hot-melt adhesive. In this case, it is preferable that, in the unfolded state, the main elastic member and the area where the antibacterial composition is disposed overlap when viewed from above in the thickness direction, but do not overlap when viewed from above in the length direction and / or the width direction. Thus, in the absorbent article, the absorbent body easily comes into contact with the wearer's skin, and the antibacterial composition easily imparts an antibacterial effect to bodily fluids. Furthermore, in the absorbent article, the adhesive strength of the main adhesive portion is not easily reduced by the antibacterial composition, the main elastic member is not easily detached, and the antibacterial composition easily and continuously imparts an antibacterial effect to bodily fluids.

[0217] Preferably, neither of the aforementioned leak-proof walls contains the aforementioned antibacterial composition. Therefore, the adhesive force of fixing the leak-proof wall elastic component to the leak-proof wall adhesive portion of the hydrophobic sheet component is less likely to decrease, the leak-proof wall elastic component further exhibits elasticity, and the pair of leak-proof walls are more likely to stand upright when the absorbent article is worn.

[0218] Each of the aforementioned pair of leak-proof walls may or may not be colored.

[0219] In the case where neither of the aforementioned leak-proof walls contains the aforementioned antibacterial composition, the aforementioned leak-proof walls are preferably colored in a predetermined color. As the predetermined color, colors other than white are preferred, such as pink or green. This allows the user or wearer to easily determine the location of the antibacterial composition in the absorbent material and facilitates the alignment of the absorbent material.

[0220] The aforementioned antibacterial composition and antibacterial composition placement area may also be disposed in the central region along the length direction and in the side region along the length direction. Alternatively, the aforementioned antibacterial composition and antibacterial composition placement area may also be disposed in the central region along the width direction and in the side region along the width direction.

[0221] The region on the outer side of the absorbent body in the longitudinal direction (i.e., outside the longitudinal side region) of the aforementioned absorbent article can be designated as an absorbent non-existent region. It should be noted that, in the case of a shorts-type absorbent article having an absorbent body, the region on the outer side of the absorbent body in the longitudinal direction (i.e., outside the longitudinal side region) of the aforementioned absorbent body can be designated as an absorbent non-existent region. Furthermore, the absorbent non-existent region can be further divided into a front absorbent non-existent region disposed on the front side of the absorbent body and a rear absorbent non-existent region disposed on the rear side of the absorbent body.

[0222] In this case, the aforementioned antibacterial composition and the antibacterial composition application area can be disposed in the area where the absorbent is not present, and the aforementioned antibacterial composition and the antibacterial composition application area can be disposed in at least one of the area where the front absorbent is not present and the area where the rear absorbent is not present. Therefore, in locations that are easily touched when moving, such as the lower abdomen or buttocks where sweating is likely to occur, the antibacterial composition can easily exert an antibacterial effect on bodily fluids other than those excreted from the excretory opening, such as sweat. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of manufacturing absorbent articles, since the antibacterial composition can be continuously applied, uneven application of the antibacterial composition (weight per unit area) is less likely to occur.

[0223] Furthermore, in the case of the absorbent article disclosed herein being a shorts-type absorbent article with a waistband, the non-absorbent areas, lacking absorbent material, tend to become uneven with the stretching and contraction of the front and back waistbands in the width direction. Therefore, the aforementioned absorbent article can reliably impart an antibacterial composition to the wearer's skin in the non-absorbent areas.

Claims

1. An absorbent article comprising an absorbent body having mutually orthogonal length, width, and thickness directions, characterized in that, The absorbent article has a pair of leak-proof walls, in each of the pair of leak-proof walls, the leak-proof wall elastic component is bonded to the hydrophobic sheet component by a leak-proof wall adhesive portion formed by hot melt adhesive. The absorbent article has a leak-proof wall overlap area that overlaps with the pair of leak-proof walls in the thickness direction when it is in the unfolded state. The absorbent article comprises an antimicrobial composition including a hydrophilic antimicrobial agent and a hydrophilic, non-volatile organic solvent. The absorbent article has an antimicrobial composition configuration area that overlaps with the antimicrobial composition in the thickness direction in the unfolded state. In the unfolded state, the central region obtained by dividing the absorber into three equal parts along the length direction is designated as the central region along the length direction, and the region overlapping with the absorber in the width direction is designated as the central region along the width direction. In the unfolded state, the antimicrobial composition configuration area is at least configured in the central region in the length direction and the central region in the width direction, and the average unit area weight of the antimicrobial composition in the central region in the length direction and the central region in the width direction is greater than the average unit area weight of the antimicrobial composition in the central region in the length direction and the overlapping region of the leak-proof wall.

2. The absorbent article as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, In the unfolded state, the antibacterial composition is not configured in the central region along the length direction and in the overlapping region of the leak-proof wall.

3. The absorbent article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The leak-proof wall adhesive portion is configured to exist on both outer sides of the area where the antibacterial composition is disposed when viewed from above in the width direction.

4. The absorbent article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In each of the pair of leak-proof walls, the hydrophobic sheet component is configured to be present on the non-skin side of the elastic component of the leak-proof wall in the unfolded state.

5. The absorbent article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The absorbent item is a shorts-type absorbent item with a waistband.

6. The absorbent article as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The waistband includes a sheet component, a waistband elastic component that can stretch along the waist, and a waistband adhesive portion that bonds the waistband elastic component to the sheet component using a hot melt adhesive. In the shorts-style configuration, the antibacterial composition does not come into contact with the waistband.

7. The absorbent article as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The absorbent article also has an elastic back leg circumference, in which the antibacterial composition does not come into contact with the elastic back leg circumference when in a shorts-like configuration.

8. The absorbent article as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The antimicrobial composition configuration area is also configured in the non-absorbent region located on the outer side of the absorbent in the length direction, and the absorbent article has irregularities in the non-absorbent region.

9. The absorbent article as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, The absorbent article is an absorbent article that is folded into three folds along the width direction, which is the same as the shorts-type absorbent article.

10. The absorbent article as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The absorbent article also includes a buttock cover portion having a buttock cover elastic member, wherein the antibacterial composition does not contact the buttock cover portion when the absorbent article is folded along the width direction.

11. The absorbent article as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The absorbent article is an absorbent article that is folded along the width direction and further folded along the length direction, and the antibacterial composition is disposed on the portion of the absorbent article that is folded along the width direction and the length direction and protrudes towards the skin.

12. The absorbent article as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The absorbent article also has a liquid-impermeable back sheet, on the non-skin side of which a graphic indicating antibacterial properties is provided.

13. The absorbent article as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The absorbent article also includes a main elastic member, which is disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent body in a manner extending along the length direction, and is bonded by an adhesive portion of the main elastic member formed by a hot melt adhesive. In the unfolded state, the main elastic component and the antibacterial composition configuration area overlap when viewed from above in the thickness direction, but do not overlap when viewed from above in the length direction.

14. The absorbent article as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The pair of leak-proof walls do not contain the antibacterial composition, and the hydrophobic sheet components constituting each of the pair of leak-proof walls are colored.

Images