Disposable absorbent article

Abstract

In a disposable absorbent article (1), a center sheet (31) and a pair of pleat sheets (32) are joined in a compression joining region (4) by means of welding with pressure. The compression bonding region (4) includes a center bonding region (41) located in the center in the longitudinal direction and end bonding regions (42) located in the end portions in the longitudinal direction. The end joining regions (42) include outer joining regions (432) that are present on the outer sides of the elastic members (3222, 3223) of the pleat sheets (32) in the width direction, and inner joining regions (431) that are present on the inner sides of the elastic members (3222, 3223) in the width direction, and the end joining regions (42) do not overlap the elastic members (3221-3223). As a result, the elastic members (3221-3223) prevent the end joining regions (42) from being strongly bent toward the wearer side, thereby improving the wearing feel of the absorbent article (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a disposable absorbent article for receiving excrement from a wearer.

[0002] [Reference to related applications]

[0003] This application claims the benefit of priority from Japanese patent application JP2022-049269 filed on March 25, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated into this application. Background Art

[0004] In the past, when nonwoven fabrics are joined together, a technique for joining them by welding is known, which is performed by applying pressure while utilizing heat or ultrasonic vibration. The portion joined by such a method is also referred to as "embossing." Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-289622 (Document 1) discloses a sanitary napkin having side panels arranged so as to cover both sides of a top sheet, the top sheet and the side panels being joined at an embossed portion extending in a front-to-back direction. The embossed portion is wider at the front and back portions of the sanitary napkin and narrower at the center portion.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-24384 (Document 2) discloses a structure in which the joining portion between the topsheet and the leakage-barrier portion is located further outward in the width direction than the front and rear portions of the sanitary napkin in the center portion.

[0006] However, the area where the embossing is formed becomes relatively hard. Therefore, as shown in Document 1, when the area where the embossing is formed is widely separated to the left and right of the front and back edges of the absorbent article, discomfort is generated on the left and right sides of the front and back parts of the absorbent article. In particular, in the case of disposable diapers or disposable auxiliary absorbents arranged on the inner side of diapers, diaper-like covers, etc., when the pleats to prevent leakage are relatively wide on the ventral and dorsal sides when worn, discomfort is easily generated if the pleated sheet is fixed to the center sheet by utilizing embossing (i.e., by welding). Document 1 also does not take into account the discomfort generated on the left and right sides of the front and back parts of the absorbent article when a pleated sheet with an elastic component is provided. In addition, in the sanitary napkin of Document 1, the embossed portion exists in a straight line in a substantially longitudinal direction, and is not a structure that makes the pleats stand up widely. Utility Model Content

[0007] The present invention aims to improve the wearing comfort of an absorbent article in which a gather sheet is joined to a center sheet by welding accompanied by pressure.

[0008] Mode 1 of the present invention is a disposable absorbent article for receiving excrement from a wearer, comprising: a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core located between the top sheet and the back sheet; the top sheet comprises: a center sheet, and a pair of pleated sheets separated from a center line toward the longitudinal direction to both sides of the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and fixed to the center sheet; a pair of the pleated sheets respectively comprise: side sheets that are longer in the longitudinal direction, and elastic members fixed to the areas on the inner side of the width direction of the side sheets and extending along the longitudinal direction; the center sheet and a pair of the pleated sheets are joined in a compression joining area by welding accompanied by pressure; the compression joining area between the center sheet and each of the pleated sheets comprises: a central joining area located in the center of the longitudinal direction and separated from the elastic member toward the outer side of the width direction, and an end joining area located at the two end portions of the longitudinal direction and not overlapping with the elastic member; the end joining area comprises: an outer joining area existing on the outer side of the elastic member in the width direction, and an inner joining area existing on the inner side of the elastic member in the width direction.

[0009] According to the present invention, in an absorbent article in which the gather sheet is joined to the center sheet by welding with pressure, it is possible to improve the wearing comfort.

[0010] A second aspect of the present invention is the disposable absorbent article according to the first aspect, wherein the central joining region and the outer joining regions are continuous in the longitudinal direction.

[0011] A third aspect of the present invention is the disposable absorbent article of aspect 1 or 2, wherein the outer edges in the width direction of the end joint regions are located on the inner side in the width direction of the inner edge in the width direction of the central joint region.

[0012] Mode 4 of the present invention is based on the disposable absorbent article of Mode 1 or 2 (or any one of Modes 1 to 3), and the compression joining area is a collection of multiple point-shaped joining elements; the proportion of joining elements between the outer edge and the inner edge in the width direction of the end joining area is smaller than the proportion of joining elements between the outer edge and the inner edge in the width direction of the central joining area.

[0013] Mode 5 of the present invention is based on the disposable absorbent article of Mode 1 or 2 (or any one of Modes 1 to 4), and includes a plurality of the elastic components; the elastic component that is located innermost in the width direction among the plurality of the elastic components is located on the inner side of the inner joining area in the width direction.

[0014] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the disposable absorbent article of the fifth aspect, the second elastic member from the inner side in the width direction among the plurality of elastic members is located between the inner joining region and the outer joining region in the width direction.

[0015] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the disposable absorbent article of aspect 1 or 2 (or any of aspects 1 to 6), wherein the outer joining region includes a plurality of linear regions extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0016] Mode 8 of the present invention is based on the disposable absorbent article of Mode 1 or 2 (or any one of Modes 1 to 7), wherein the compression bonding area exists across the entire longitudinal length of the top sheet, and the maximum value of the total length of the compression bonding in the width direction of the compression bonding area is greater than 1.25 times and less than 4 times the minimum value.

[0017] Mode 9 of the present invention is based on the disposable absorbent article of Mode 1 or 2 (or any one of Modes 1 to 8), and the edge of the longitudinal center side of the end joining area is a discontinuous line, and the edge is inclined toward the longitudinal center side as it moves toward the outside of the width direction; there is an additional joining area on the outside or inside of the width direction of the range where the edge is interrupted.

[0018] Aspect 10 of the present invention is the disposable absorbent article of aspect 1 or 2 (may be any of aspects 1 to 9), and is disposed inside a diaper or a diaper-like cover.

[0019] The above-mentioned object and other objects, features, aspects and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 It is a plan view showing the structure of the absorbent article.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing one of the free states of the absorbent article.

[0022] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article.

[0023] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article.

[0024] Figure 5 It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the pleat.

[0025] Figure 6This is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the boundary between the central joint region and the end joint regions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figure 1 1 is a top view showing the structure of a disposable absorbent article 1 (hereinafter referred to as "absorbent article 1") according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 In the figure, the absorbent article 1 is shown unfolded into a flat surface. The absorbent article 1 is an auxiliary absorbent that is placed on the inner side (i.e., the wearer's side) of an outer article worn by the wearer and receives excrement from the wearer. The outer article is a disposable diaper, a non-disposable diaper, a diaper-like cover, etc. The absorbent article 1 is used by a person receiving care, for example, in a hospital or a nursing facility. Figure 1 In the description below, the side of the absorbent article 1 that contacts the wearer is depicted as the near side. Figure 1 The vertical direction is called the "longitudinal direction", and the left-right direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is called the "width direction". The absorbent article 1 is symmetrical. Figure 1 In the figure, the center line in the longitudinal direction is given a reference numeral 11.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing one free state of the absorbent article 1. As will be described later, the absorbent article 1 includes an elastic member, and the entire absorbent article 1 is in a curved state due to the contraction of the elastic member.

[0028] Figure 3 is Figure 1 The position of II II II shown in FIG is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 1 cut at a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Figure 2 As shown, since the pleats of the pleated sheet described later are erected by the contraction force of the elastic member, Figure 3 The pleats are depicted standing up. Figure 4 is Figure 1 The IV-IV position shown in FIG is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 1 cut along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0029] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the absorbent article 1 includes a top sheet 21, an absorbent core 22 and a back sheet 23. The absorbent core 22 is located between the top sheet 21 and the back sheet 23. The top sheet 21 includes a center sheet 31 and a pair of pleated sheets 32. The pair of pleated sheets 32 are fixed to both side portions of the center sheet 31 (i.e., at positions separated on both sides in the width direction) and extend in the longitudinal direction. Each pleated sheet 32 ​​exists along the entire longitudinal length of the center sheet 31. In other words, the longitudinal length of each pleated sheet 32 ​​is substantially the same as the longitudinal length of the absorbent article 1. The pleats, which are located on the inner side in the width direction of the pair of pleated sheets 32, stand up toward the wearer when the absorbent article 1 is worn.

[0030] In the absorbent article 1, Figure 1 The upper part and the lower part in the absorbent article 1 are the front part and the rear part that are in contact with the wearer's abdominal and dorsal skin, respectively. In the absorbent article 1, the part that is continuous from the front part and the rear part between the front part and the rear part is the central part opposite to the wearer's crotch. The boundary between the front part and the central part and the boundary between the rear part and the central part do not need to be clearly defined. In the absorbent article 1, the front part, the central part and the rear part are arranged in sequence in the longitudinal direction. Figure 1 In the example shown, the absorbent article 1 is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from above, and the widths of the front, center, and rear portions in the width direction (i.e., the width in the left-right direction when worn, hereinafter also referred to as "width") are substantially the same. In other words, the width of the absorbent article 1 is generally constant along its entire longitudinal length. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 The cross-sectional views of the central and front portions of the absorbent article 1 are shown. The cross-sectional view of the rear portion of the absorbent article 1 is shown. Figure 4 The cross-section of the front portion shown is substantially the same. The width of the absorbent article 1 does not need to be constant. For example, the width of the rear portion may be greater than the width of the front portion.

[0031] like Figure 1 、 Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the absorbent core 22 is sandwiched between the top sheet 21 and the back sheet 23. The top sheet 21 and the back sheet 23 are bonded around the absorbent core 22 using an adhesive. Figure 1 In FIG, the outline of the absorbent core 22 is depicted with a thin dotted line. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 In order to facilitate understanding of the drawings, the absorbent article 1 is shown in the thickness direction (ie, Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 In the vertical direction, the absorbent article 1 is drawn larger than the actual size. In addition, the components of the absorbent article 1 that are actually in contact or joined are drawn appropriately separated in the thickness direction.

[0032] The center sheet 31 of the top sheet 21 quickly captures moisture from the wearer's excrement and moves it to the absorbent core 22. The absorbent core 22 absorbs the moisture that passes through the center sheet 31 and quickly fixes it. The back sheet 23 mainly prevents moisture from excrement that passes through the center sheet 31 and the absorbent core 22 and reaches the back sheet 23 from seeping out to the outside of the absorbent article 1. Figure 3In the example shown, the absorbent core 22 contacts the center piece 31 and the back sheet 23, but a lining paper (e.g., tissue paper) may be disposed between the absorbent core 22 and the center piece 31, or a lining paper may be disposed between the absorbent core 22 and the back sheet 23. The absorbent core 22 may also be wrapped with other sheets, or the absorbent core 22 may be formed by overlapping a plurality of absorbent cores. That is, the absorbent core 22 and its peripheral structure may adopt various known structures.

[0033] The longitudinal length of the top sheet 21 and the back sheet 23 is longer than the length of the absorbent core 22. The width of the top sheet 21 and the back sheet 23 in the width direction is larger than the width of the absorbent core 22. The two side portions of the top sheet 21 (i.e., the portions on both sides in the width direction) are directly or indirectly joined to the two side portions of the back sheet 23 over the entire length. The width of the center piece 31 can be smaller than the width of the back sheet 23. In this case, the outer ends of the pleated sheet 32 ​​in the width direction can also be joined to the back sheet 23. At the longitudinal ends of the absorbent article 1, the longitudinal ends of the top sheet 21 and the longitudinal ends of the back sheet 23 are directly or indirectly joined. The top sheet 21 and the back sheet 23 are joined around the entire periphery of the absorbent core 22, whereby the absorbent core 22 is surrounded by the top sheet 21 and the back sheet 23 as a whole. The top sheet 21 and the back sheet 23 are joined, for example, using a hot melt adhesive. The top sheet 21 and the back sheet 23 may be joined together by various methods other than hot melt adhesives.

[0034] As the core sheet 31, for example, a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric (such as a point-bonded nonwoven fabric, a hot-rolled nonwoven fabric, or a spunbonded nonwoven fabric) made of hydrophobic fibers (such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, polyamide, or nylon) whose surfaces have been hydrophilized by a surfactant can be used. Alternatively, a nonwoven fabric (such as a spunlace nonwoven fabric) made of hydrophilic fibers such as cellulose, rayon, or cotton can be used as the core sheet 31.

[0035] The back sheet 23 preferably has a laminated structure in which multiple sheets are laminated. For example, the back sheet 23 has a structure in which a nonwoven fabric is laminated on a liquid-repellent or liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric or plastic film. When the back sheet 23 includes a plastic film, the plastic film is arranged relative to the absorbent core 22. The plastic film preferably has moisture permeability (breathability). Thus, the water resistance of the back sheet 23 can be improved, and the absorbent article 1 can be prevented from getting stuffy and the wearer's comfort can be improved. As the nonwoven fabric laminated on the plastic film, for example, a liquid-repellent or liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric can be utilized. Thus, the feel of the back sheet 23, the skin feel, etc. can be made good. The nonwoven fabric is, for example, a spunbond nonwoven fabric, a meltblown nonwoven fabric, or an SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) nonwoven fabric formed by hydrophobic fibers, which is treated with liquid repellency as needed.

[0036] The absorbent core 22 is a generally sheet-like member whose thickness is smaller than its length and width. The absorbent core 22 is disposed across the front, center, and rear portions of the absorbent article 1. Specifically, the absorbent core 22 is positioned on the wearer's ventral side, crotch, and back. The shape of the absorbent core 22, as viewed from above, can be modified in various ways. For example, the rear portion of the absorbent core 22 can be wider than the front portion. Alternatively, the center portion of the absorbent core 22 can be narrower than the front and rear portions.

[0037] The absorbent core 22 is, for example, a member in which a superabsorbent material is dispersed within a sheet-like fiber aggregate. The fiber aggregate is, for example, an aggregate of pulp fibers and / or synthetic fibers. The superabsorbent material is, for example, granular SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) or fibrous SAF (Super Absorbent Fiber). The absorbent core 22 may also be a sheet-like fiber aggregate that does not contain a superabsorbent material. Alternatively, the absorbent core 22 may be a member that does not substantially contain fibers such as pulp fibers, but instead has a superabsorbent material fixed between two liquid-permeable sheet members (e.g., nonwoven fabrics) using a hot-melt adhesive or the like.

[0038] like Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 As shown, each pleated piece 32 has a side piece 321 and elastic members 3221 to 3223. Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 In the embodiment, only the pleated sheet 32 ​​on the right side is given reference numerals 321, 3221 to 3223. The side sheet 321 is a longitudinally long, generally strip-shaped sheet member. In this embodiment, three elastic members 3221 to 3223 are provided on the left and right pleated sheets 32, respectively. Each elastic member 3221 to 3223 is a linear member extending in the longitudinal direction and is fixed to the inner area of ​​the width direction of the side sheet 321. Figure 1 In the state where the absorbent article 1 is flatly unfolded, the elastic members 3221 to 3223 are stretched, and the elastic members 3221 to 3223 are contracted, so that Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the pleated sheet 32 ​​contracts and the absorbent article 1 is bent into a substantially cup shape. Figure 3 As shown, the inner portion of the gather sheet 32 ​​in the width direction stands upright from the center sheet 31 .

[0039] Figure 5 It is an enlarged representation Figure 3 The left pleat piece 32 has the same structure. Figure 5As shown, the side panel 321 has a structure in which an inner panel 331 and an outer panel 332 are overlapped by folding a thin sheet. The folding position is the inner edge 333 of the gather panel 32 in the width direction. Three elastic members 3221 to 3223 are arranged between the inner panel 331 and the outer panel 332. Hereinafter, the three elastic members 3221 to 3223 are referred to as the "first elastic member 3221," the "second elastic member 3222," and the "third elastic member 3223," in order from the inner side to the outer side in the width direction. The first elastic member 3221 is arranged along the edge 333 of the gather panel 32. The second elastic members 3222 and the third elastic members 3223 are arranged to separate from the first elastic member 3221 and to extend outward in the width direction.

[0040] As the side sheet 321, a hydrophobic or liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric (e.g., spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, SMS nonwoven fabric, etc.) formed of hydrophobic fibers is used and subjected to liquid-repellent treatment as needed. As the elastic members 3221 to 3223, for example, polyurethane thread, strip-shaped polyurethane film, thread-shaped or strip-shaped natural rubber, etc. can be used.

[0041] The side panels 321 are fixed to the center panel 31. Figure 1 、 Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 In the bonding area between the center piece 31 and the side piece 321, that is, the bonding area between the center piece 31 and the pleated piece 32 is given parallel oblique lines. In this embodiment, the center piece 31 and the pair of pleated pieces 32 are bonded by welding accompanied by pressure. Hereinafter, this bonding area is referred to as "compression bonding area 4". The so-called "welding accompanied by pressure" is hot melting while pressing, ultrasonic welding while applying ultrasonic vibration and pressing, etc., which is the so-called "embossing process". Since it is compressed by pressure, "welding accompanied by pressure" can also be regarded as "welding accompanied by compression". In addition, the bonding between the center piece 31 and the pleated piece 32 can also be combined with other bonding methods, such as a method of using a hot melt adhesive.

[0042] The compression joint area 4 includes a central joint area 41 located in the center of the longitudinal direction and end joint areas 42 located at both ends of the longitudinal direction. Figure 1 As shown, in one absorbent article 1, there are two central joining regions 41 and four end joining regions 42. Each central joining region 41 is separated from the three elastic members 3221 to 3223 to the outside in the width direction. Each end joining region 42 does not overlap with the three elastic members 3221 to 3223. Figure 1As shown, each central joining region 41 is elongated in the longitudinal direction. Each end joining region 42 includes three linear regions extending in the longitudinal direction. Hereinafter, the three linear regions are referred to as "first linear region 421", "second linear region 422" and "third linear region 423" from the inner side to the outer side in the width direction. Figure 1 In the figure, only the upper right portion is given reference numerals 421 to 423. Furthermore, since the second linear region 422 and the third linear region 423 are located outside the second elastic member 3222 and the third elastic member 3223 in the width direction, they are collectively referred to as the "outer joining region 432," and the first linear region 421 located inside the second elastic member 3222 and the third elastic member 3223 in the width direction is referred to as the "inner joining region 431."

[0043] The inner joining region 431 and the outer joining region 432 are separated in the width direction. The second elastic member 3222 and the third elastic member 3223 are positioned in the width direction between the inner joining region 431 and the outer joining region 432. The innermost first elastic member 3221 is positioned inward in the width direction of the inner joining region 431. In other words, the width direction positions of the three elastic members 3221-3223 do not overlap with the width direction range of either the inner joining region 431 or the outer joining region 432.

[0044] When manufacturing the absorbent article 1, a plurality of absorbent cores 22 are sandwiched between a continuous top sheet 21 and a continuous back sheet 23, which correspond to a plurality of absorbent articles 1. Then, the stacked continuous body is cut to obtain individual absorbent articles 1. However, since the three elastic members 3221 to 3223 do not overlap with the end joining area 42, the ends of the three elastic members 3221 to 3223 are in a state of free contraction within the pleated sheet 32 ​​after cutting. Therefore, after cutting, the end joining area 42 is not subjected to any force from the elastic members 3221 to 3223. As a result, the end joining area 42 that has become hard due to compression bonding can be prevented from being subjected to the force from the elastic members 3221 to 3223 and being strongly bent inward, i.e., the wearer's side, and the wearing feel of the absorbent article 1 can be improved. In addition, Figure 1 In the embodiment, the longitudinal existence range of the end joint region 42 overlaps with the longitudinal existence range of the elastic members 3221 to 3223 , but these existence ranges do not necessarily need to overlap.

[0045] The second linear region 422 and the third linear region 423 are connected longitudinally inward. By dividing the outer joining region 432 into the second linear region 422 and the third linear region 423, the softness of the absorbent article 1 can be improved in the widthwise outer regions of the front and rear portions of the absorbent article 1. As a result, the widthwise outer regions of the front and rear portions can be easily aligned with the inner surface of the diaper (including the diaper-like cover; the same applies hereinafter) or the wearer's body, thereby improving the wearing feel. Furthermore, the breathability of the end joining region 42 is also improved.

[0046] Figure 6 It is an enlarged representation Figure 1 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the vicinity of the boundary between the central bonding area 41 and the end bonding area 42 in the upper right corner. Figure 6 Each of the multiple points 40 is a segment of the compression bond area, i.e., a dot-shaped embossing, or a recessed area. Hereinafter, the points 40 will be referred to as "bonding elements 40." The compression bond area 4 is formed by multiple bonding elements 40. However, since the spacing between bonding elements 40 is small, the area including the areas between bonding elements 40 is considered the compression bond area 4.

[0047] like Figure 6 As shown by the lead lines at the top of the , the outer widthwise edges of the end joining regions 42 (widthwise position 443) are located widthwise inward of the inner widthwise edges of the central joining region 41 (widthwise position 442). By positioning the end joining regions 42 widthwise inward of the central joining region 41, there are no areas hardened by compression bonding in the widthwise outer regions of the front and rear portions of the absorbent article 1, thereby improving softness. As a result, the widthwise outer regions of the front and rear portions easily conform to the inner surface of the diaper or the wearer's body, thereby improving the wearing feel. By positioning the central joining region 41 widthwise outward of the end joining regions 42, the gathers can be raised more strongly, effectively preventing side leakage of excrement. In addition, preferably, the size of the end joining area 42 in the width direction, that is, the distance between the position 443 of the outer edge of the end joining area 42 and the position 444 of the inner edge of the end joining area 42, is greater than the size of the central joining area 41 in the width direction, that is, greater than the distance between the position 441 of the outer edge and the position 442 of the inner edge of the central joining area 41.

[0048] Here, the central joining region 41 and the outer joining regions 432 are continuous in the longitudinal direction. This prevents excrement received by the absorbent article 1 from leaking out between the central joining region 41 and the outer joining regions 432. As described above, the spacing between the joining elements 40 is narrow enough to prevent excrement from leaking. More preferably, the compression joining region 4 extends across the entire longitudinal length of the top sheet 21. Thus, when the compression joining region 4 is formed using ultrasonic vibration, the ultrasonic vibration continuously acts on the protrusions of the roller (the so-called embossing roller) that forms the compression joining region 4. As a result, the ultrasonic vibration stably acts on the protrusions of the embossing roller, reducing fluctuations in the strength of the welded joint. In addition, wear of the protrusions of the embossing roller can be suppressed, thereby increasing the life of the embossing roller. Even when the compression joining region 4 is formed using hot melt, fluctuations in the linear pressure generated between the pair of rollers sandwiching the sheet formed with the compression joining region 4 can be suppressed, thereby reducing fluctuations in the strength of the welded joint. In addition, wear of the protrusions of the embossing roller can be suppressed, thereby increasing the life of the embossing roller.

[0049] More preferably, the maximum value of the total length of the compression bond in the width direction of the compression bonding area 4 is more than 1.25 times and less than 4 times the minimum value. Here, the "total length of the compression bond" refers to the total length of the range actually compressed and bonded on the straight line by the bonding element 40, etc., assuming a straight line extending in the width direction (the length of the range when the range is one). More preferably, the total length of the compression bond is more than 1.5 times and less than 3 times. Thus, the ultrasonic vibration acts stably on the protrusion of the embossing roller, reducing the fluctuation in the strength of the weld bond. In addition, the wear of the protrusion of the embossing roller can be suppressed, thereby improving the life of the embossing roller. Even in the case of forming the compression bonding area 4 by hot melting, the fluctuation of the linear pressure generated between a pair of rollers clamping the thin sheet forming the compression bonding area 4 can be suppressed, thereby reducing the fluctuation in the strength of the weld bond. In addition, the wear of the protrusion of the embossing roller can be suppressed, thereby improving the life of the embossing roller.

[0050] The edge of the longitudinal center side of the end joint area 42 (at Figure 6 In the line designated by reference numeral 445, the edge portion of the end joint region 42 is indicated by a solid line, and the portion other than the edge is indicated by a dotted line) is a discontinuous line interrupted at the positions of the second elastic member 3222 and the third elastic member 3223, and the edge is inclined toward the longitudinal center as it moves toward the outer side in the width direction. In addition, the edge is not limited to a straight line, but may also be a curve. In the range of the edge interruption ( Figure 6There is an additional joining area 401 on the outside in the width direction of the embossing roller (assigned with the reference numeral 446 in the figure). As a result, when the embossing roller rotates, the fluctuation of the protrusion range of the embossing roller acted by the ultrasonic vibration is reduced, and the fluctuation of the strength of the welded joint is reduced. In addition, the wear of the protrusions of the embossing roller can be suppressed, and the life of the embossing roller can be improved. Even in the case of using hot melting to form the compression joining area 4, the fluctuation of the linear pressure generated between a pair of rollers can be suppressed, and the fluctuation of the strength of the welded joint can be reduced. In addition, the wear of the protrusions of the embossing roller can be suppressed, and the life of the embossing roller can be improved. In addition, the "additional joining area" can be understood as a skewed, isolated joining area in the end joining area 42, and the like, which should originally exist in a straight line from the surrounding shape. The additional joining area 401 can also be provided on the inside in the width direction of the range 446 where the edge is interrupted.

[0051] Here, for convenience, the edge of the central joining area 41 corresponding to the position 441 on the outside of the outermost joining element 40 located in the width direction of the central joining area 41 is called the "outer edge 441", the edge of the central joining area 41 corresponding to the position 442 on the inside of the innermost joining element 40 located in the width direction is called the "inner edge 442", the edge of the end joining area 42 corresponding to the position 443 on the outside of the outermost joining element 40 located in the width direction of the end joining area 42 is called the "outer edge 443", and the edge of the end joining area 42 corresponding to the position 444 on the inside of the innermost joining element 40 located in the width direction is called the "inner edge 444", then the existence ratio of the joining elements 40 between the outer edge 443 and the inner edge 444 of the end joining area 42 is smaller than the existence ratio of the joining elements 40 between the outer edge 441 and the inner edge 442 of the central joining area 41. Here, the "existence ratio of the joining elements 40" refers to the ratio of the number of joining elements 40 to the width of the compressed joining area 4 when the compressed joining area 4 is cut by a straight line extending in the width direction, or the ratio of the total length of the range where the joining elements 40 exist to the width of the compressed joining area 4. Alternatively, the "existence ratio of the joining elements 40" may be the ratio of the area of ​​the joining elements 40 to the area of ​​the entire target area.

[0052] By making the proportion of joining elements 40 in the end joining regions 42 smaller than that in the central joining region 41, the joining elements 40 are sparsely dispersed in the end joining regions 42. This improves the softness of the absorbent article 1 in the front and rear regions, particularly in the widthwise outer regions of the front and rear regions. As a result, the wearing feel is enhanced in the front and rear regions. Meanwhile, in the central joining region 41, the gather sheet 32 ​​is securely fixed to the center sheet 31, preventing side leakage of excrement.

[0053] like Figure 6 As shown, the first elastic member 3221 located most in the width direction is located inward of the inner joining region 431 (first linear region 421) in the width direction. This prevents unwanted force generated by the first elastic member 3221 from acting on the inner side of the first linear region 421 in the width direction while forming pleats up to the inner edge 333 of the gather sheet 32.

[0054] The portion of the gather sheet 32 ​​located inside the compression joint region 4 in the width direction is not fixed to the center sheet 31. This portion of the gather sheet 32 ​​can be separated from the center sheet 31 upward (i.e., toward the wearer when the absorbent article 1 is worn). Figure 1 as well as Figure 3 As shown, near the inner edge 333 of each side panel 321, the first elastic member 3221 is joined in an elongated state stretched in the longitudinal direction by using an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive. The second elastic member 3222 and the third elastic member 3223 are separated from the first elastic member 3221 to the outside in the width direction, and are joined in an elongated state stretched in the longitudinal direction by using an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive. The second elastic member 3222 and the third elastic member 3223 are also separated from each other in the width direction. When the absorbent article 1 is worn, the elastic members 3221 to 3223 in each pleat sheet 32 ​​are contracted, so that the portion located on the inner side of the width direction of the central joining area 41, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the side panels 321 and the elastic members 3221-3223 separate upward from the center panel 31 and rise toward the wearer. Furthermore, the elastic members 3221-3223 contract, forming gathers in the widthwise inner side of the central joining region 41 of the gather panel 32. This prevents urine and the like from leaking out of the leg openings in the absorbent article 1. Alternatively, the side panels 321 and the elastic members 3221-3223 may be joined by methods other than adhesives, such as ultrasonic vibration or heat welding.

[0055] The absorbent article 1 can be modified in various ways. For example, the back sheet 23 is not limited to a single sheet. It can be a sheet composed of multiple overlapping sheets or a sheet composed of multiple sheets joined in the longitudinal or width direction. The back sheet 23 only needs to have the function of preventing the liquid in the absorbent core 22 from leaking to the outside of the absorbent article 1. Typically, the back sheet 23 includes a plastic film formed with countless fine holes and a non-woven fabric bonded to the outer surface of the plastic film. The expression back sheet 23 refers to the sheet covering the lower surface of the absorbent core 22, that is, the surface on the side opposite to the wearer.

[0056] The expression "top sheet 21" refers to the sheet covering the upper surface of the absorbent core 22, i.e., the surface facing the wearer. In the absorbent article 1 described above, the top sheet 21 includes a center sheet 31 and a pleat sheet 32, but may further include sheets other than these sheets. The center sheet 31 is liquid-permeable. However, the entire center sheet 31 does not need to be liquid-permeable. The center sheet 31 is not limited to a single sheet and may be a sheet composed of multiple overlapping sheets or a sheet composed of multiple sheets joined in the longitudinal or width directions.

[0057] The gather sheet 32 ​​is a sheet material having gathers that rise toward the wearer's groin. The structure and shape of the gather sheet 32 ​​are not limited thereto. The gather sheet 32 ​​may also be joined to the lower surface of the center sheet 31 by welding with pressure. In this case, for example, the gather sheet 32 ​​may be joined to the lower surface of the center sheet 31 in the central joining region 41, and the gather sheet 32 ​​may be joined to the upper surface of the center sheet 31 in the end joining regions 42, where the edges of the center sheet 31 are folded upward.

[0058] The side panels 321 of the pleated sheet 32 ​​are not limited to being a single sheet material folded over, but can also be a sheet material formed by overlapping multiple sheets, or a sheet material formed by joining multiple sheets in the longitudinal or width direction. The pleated sheet 32 ​​prevents excrement from leaking outward in the width direction, and at least the inner side of the pleats is hydrophobic. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the gathers 32 stand from the outside in the width direction to the inside, but may be stood toward the wearer's groin after being folded outward in the width direction in the central joining region 41 .

[0059] The number of elastic members of the pleat piece 32 can be one, two, or more than four. That is, at least one elastic member is provided in the pleat piece 32. The elastic member is preferably linear. The expression "linear" includes "thin line", "linear with a flat cross section", and "tape-shaped with a flat cross section". In either case, preferably, at least one elastic member does not overlap with the end joining area 42. To be precise, the position in the width direction of at least one elastic member does not overlap with the existence range in the width direction of the end joining area 42. Thereby, the contraction force of at least one elastic member acting on the end joining area 42 can be suppressed. Preferably, an elastic member is arranged near the edge 333 on the inner side of the side panel 321 in the width direction along the edge 333. The elastic member can also be fixed to the side panel 321 by utilizing ultrasonic vibration or heat welding.

[0060] When the number of elastic members is 1, the outer joining area 432 is an area that exists on the outer side of the elastic member in the width direction. The inner joining area 431 is an area that exists on the inner side of the elastic member in the width direction. When the number of elastic members is 2 or more, the outer joining area 432 is an area that exists on the outer side of any one of the elastic members in the width direction. The inner joining area 431 is an area that exists on the inner side of the width direction of any one of the elastic members. In more general terms, the outer joining area 432 is an area that exists on the outer side of the width direction of any one of the elastic members (the number of any one of the elastic members can be one or more) in at least one elastic member, and the inner joining area 431 is an area that exists on the inner side of the width direction of any one of the elastic members. By making the end joining area 42 not overlap with any elastic member, the end joining area 42 will not be directly subjected to the force from the elastic member, thereby preventing the end joining area 42 that has hardened due to compression joining from moving inward ( Figure 1 The front side (the front side of the center paper), that is, the wearer side, is strongly curved, which can improve the wearing feeling of the absorbent article 1. In other words, compared with the case where the end joining area 42 and the elastic member overlap, the discomfort when wearing the absorbent article 1 can be reduced.

[0061] By providing an inner joining region 431 and an outer joining region 432 and arranging one or more (preferably two, as in the above-described embodiment) elastic members between these regions in the width direction, the gather-forming portion of the gather sheet 32 ​​can be easily raised. By providing at least one elastic member between the inner joining region 431 and the outer joining region 432, the overall shape of the gathers can be stabilized. In the gather sheet 32, to ensure that the ends of the gathers are stably raised, the elastic member located most innermost in the width direction among the multiple elastic members is preferably located inwardly of the inner joining region 431 in the width direction. Furthermore, to ensure that the inner joining region 431 is positioned as innermost as possible, the elastic member located second from the inner side in the width direction among the multiple elastic members is preferably located between the inner joining region 431 and the outer joining region 432 in the width direction. That is, the number of elastic members located inwardly of the inner joining region 431 in the width direction is preferably one.

[0062] The at least one elastic member may be provided in various forms on the gather panel 32, but in any case, the presence range of the longitudinal elastic member and the presence range of the longitudinal end joining region 42 may or may not overlap.

[0063] In the above embodiment, the compression bond region 4 comprises a plurality of point-like bonding elements 40. However, it may also comprise a plurality of linear bonding elements or a mesh-like bonding pattern. Of course, the center sheet 31 and the gather sheet 32 ​​can be seamlessly welded throughout the entire compression bond region 4. In any case, the maximum total length of the compression bond in the width direction of the compression bond region 4 is preferably 1.25 to 4 times the minimum. More preferably, the maximum total length is 1.5 to 3 times the minimum.

[0064] Preferably, the compression bonding area 4 exists continuously from the front end bonding area 42 to the rear end bonding area 42. More preferably, the compression bonding area 4 exists across the entire longitudinal length of the top sheet 21. Here, the "continuous existence" of the compression bonding area 4 includes the case where the bonding element 40 is separated within a range where excrement does not leak. In addition, the compression bonding area 4 does not necessarily need to exist continuously. In the position where the compression bonding area 4 does not exist, the center piece 31 and the pleated piece 32 can also be bonded using an adhesive. In the above embodiment, the end bonding area 42 is divided into an inner bonding area 431 and an outer bonding area 432, but the inner bonding area 431 can be omitted. In this case, the outer bonding area 432 is consistent with the end bonding area 42. Preferably, by making the outer bonding area 432 and the central bonding area 41 continuous in the longitudinal direction, the entire compression bonding area 4 is continuous in the longitudinal direction.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the widthwise outer edges 443 of the end joint regions 42 are located widthwise inward of the widthwise inner edges 442 of the central joint region 41. However, the widthwise outer edges 443 of the end joint regions 42 may be located only widthwise inward of the widthwise outer edges 441 of the central joint region 41. In this case, the flexibility of the widthwise outer portions of the front and / or rear portions of the absorbent article 1 can also be improved. Furthermore, since the compression joint region 4 may be a collection of dot-shaped joint elements 40, as described above, the edges 441-444 refer to lines that connect the outer or inner sides of the compression joint region 4. When the edges 441-444 are curved, "one edge being widthwise inward of the other edge" generally means that the entire edge is widthwise inward of the entire edge of the other edge. However, this also includes cases where a very small portion of one edge or a very small portion of the other edge does not meet this definition.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the outer joining region 432 is composed of the second linear region 422 and the third linear region 423 extending in the longitudinal direction. However, it may also be composed of three or more linear regions. Furthermore, these linear regions do not have to be connected. In this case, the outermost linear region can be considered the outer joining region 432. By making the end joining region 42 a collection of linear regions, the flexibility of the end joining region 42 can be improved, and the breathability of the end joining region 42 can be enhanced. Preferably, at least the longitudinal end side of the end joining region 42 is a collection of multiple longitudinally extending linear regions.

[0067] Preferably, the center panel 31 and the pair of gather panels 32 are joined only in the compression joining region 4. That is, they are joined only by welding, and no adhesive is present between them. Of course, an adhesive may be used as an auxiliary to join the center panel 31 and the pair of gather panels 32 as needed.

[0068] The above-mentioned absorbent article 1 is merely exemplary, and the joining of the center piece 31 and the pleated piece 32 by welding described in the above embodiment can be used for various absorbent articles that receive excretions from the wearer, such as underwear-type disposable diapers, open-type disposable diapers with the waist fixed by tape, auxiliary absorbent members arranged in diapers or diaper-like covers, urine-absorbing pads, etc.

[0069] The configurations in the above-described embodiment and various modifications may be appropriately combined as long as they do not contradict each other.

[0070] Although the present invention has been described and illustrated in detail, the description is illustrative rather than restrictive. Therefore, many variations or implementations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0071] Explanation of symbols

[0072] 1. Absorbent articles

[0073] 4 Compression joint area

[0074] 11 Centerline

[0075] 21 Top sheet

[0076] 22 absorbent core

[0077] 23 back piece

[0078] 31 center piece

[0079] 32 pleats

[0080] 40 joint elements

[0081] 41 Central joint area

[0082] 42 end joint area

[0083] 321 side panels

[0084] 401 Additional junction area

[0085] 421 First Linear Area

[0086] 422 Second linear area

[0087] 423 Third Linear Area

[0088] 431 medial joint area

[0089] 432 outer joint area

[0090] 441 (position of) outer edge (of central joint area)

[0091] 442 (position of the inner edge of the central joint area)

[0092] 443 (location of) outer edge (of end joint area)

[0093] 444 (Position of the inner edge of the end joint area)

[0094] 445 (along the edge of the center side of the end joint area) line

[0095] 3221 first elastic member

[0096] 3222 second elastic member

[0097] 3223The third elastic member.

Claims

1. A disposable absorbent article for receiving excrement from a wearer, characterized in that: include: Top sheet, Back piece, an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet; The top sheet comprises: Center piece, A pair of pleated panels separated from a center line toward the longitudinal direction toward both sides in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and fixed to the center panel; A pair of pleated sheets respectively include: The side panels are longer in the longitudinal direction, an elastic member fixed to an inner region of the side panel in the width direction and extending in the longitudinal direction; The center panel and the pair of gather panels are joined in a compression joining area by welding accompanied by pressure; The compressed joining area between the central panel and each of the pleat panels comprises: The central joint area is located in the central range of the longitudinal direction and is separated from the elastic member toward the outside in the width direction. end joining regions located at both ends of the longitudinal direction and not overlapping with the elastic member; The end joining region comprises: an outer joining region existing on the outer side of the elastic member in the width direction, The inner bonding region exists on the inner side of the elastic member in the width direction.

2. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein The central joining region and the outer joining regions are continuous in the longitudinal direction.

3. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The outer edges of the end joint regions in the width direction are located on the inner side of the inner edge of the central joint region in the width direction.

4. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The compression bonding area is a collection of multiple point-shaped bonding elements; The ratio of the number of joining elements between the outer edge and the inner edge in the width direction of the end joining region is smaller than the ratio of the number of joining elements between the outer edge and the inner edge in the width direction of the central joining region.

5. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: comprising a plurality of said elastic members; The elastic member located innermost in the width direction among the plurality of elastic members is located innerward of the inner joint region in the width direction.

6. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein Among the plurality of elastic members, the elastic member located second from the inner side in the width direction is located between the inner joining region and the outer joining region in the width direction.

7. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The outer joining area includes a plurality of linear areas extending along the longitudinal direction.

8. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The compression bonded region extends over the entire longitudinal length of the top sheet, and a maximum value of a total compression bonded length of the compression bonded region in the width direction is not less than 1.25 times and not more than 4 times a minimum value.

9. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The edge of the longitudinal center side of the end joining area is a discontinuous line, and the edge is inclined toward the longitudinal center side as it moves toward the outside of the width direction; there is an additional joining area on the outside or inside of the width direction of the range where the edge is interrupted.

10. The disposable absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that It is placed inside a diaper or a diaper-like cover.

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