Absorbent article

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article excellent in flexibility and feeling.SOLUTION: An absorbent article 1 includes a surface sheet 2, a rear surface sheet 3 and an absorber 4, has a longitudinal direction X and a width direction Y, and an abdominal side area, a crotch area and a back side area along the longitudinal direction X. The absorbent article 1 has a proportion of a plane direction deformation amount against a thickness direction deformation amount in the crotch area is 0.45 or larger. The absorbent article 1 preferably forms a plurality of joint areas 7 where two components adjacent in the thickness direction Z are joined and which extends in the longitudinal direction X and a non-joint area 8 which is positioned between the joint areas 7, 7 adjacent in the width direction Y and extends in the longitudinal direction X. In a developed and maximum extended state of the absorbent article 1, the non-joint area 8 has a proportion of maximum length along the width direction Y against a minimum length L0 along the width direction of the absorbent article to be preferably 0.2 or more.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to absorbent articles.

Background Art

[0002] Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins generally include a surface sheet disposed relatively close to the wearer's skin, a back sheet disposed relatively far from the wearer's skin, and a liquid-retaining absorbent body disposed between the two sheets. Since such absorbent articles are used in contact with the wearer's skin, improvement in flexibility and texture is required.

[0003] The present applicant has proposed a nonwoven fabric having excellent followability with respect to the skin surface and an absorbent article containing the same (Patent Document 1).

[0004] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an absorbent article configured such that a top sheet located at a position overlapping both a leak-proof portion and an absorbent body in the thickness direction has a non-bonded region that is not bonded to the absorbent body by an adhesive, for the purpose of preventing inhibition of the formation of three-dimensional gathers caused by the leakage of the adhesive from the top sheet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The technology described in Patent Document 1 improves conformability to the skin surface only through the nonwoven fabric structure, leaving room for improvement in terms of improving the overall flexibility and texture of the absorbent article. Furthermore, the technology described in Patent Document 2 does not consider improving the overall flexibility and texture of the absorbent article. In addition, when an absorbent article is designed to be thin, such as by using a sheet-type absorbent which is thinner than a piled fiber type absorbent, it is difficult to ensure sufficient deformation in the thickness direction, so there is also room for improvement in terms of improving flexibility and texture in this respect as well.

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article with excellent flexibility and texture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This invention relates to absorbent articles. The absorbent article comprises a liquid-permeable surface sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between the surface sheet and the back sheet, and preferably has a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-back direction passing through the wearer's crotch and a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and preferably has an ventral region, a crotch region and a dorsal region along the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article is unfolded and in its maximum extension state, and with the artificial leather in contact with the member constituting the non-skin-facing surface in the crotch area, the artificial leather is moved in the planar direction at a tensile speed of 50 mm / min under a load of 6.8 kPa. The distance moved (mm) when the tensile load measured becomes 2.6 kPa is defined as the deformation in the planar direction. In the unfolded and fully extended state of the absorbent article, the compression speed is 0.1 cm / sec and the maximum compression load is 68 g / cm². 2 When the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article is compressed in the thickness direction under the conditions described above, the maximum deformation amount (mm) measured is defined as the deformation amount in the thickness direction, and it is preferable that the ratio of the deformation amount in the plane direction to the deformation amount in the thickness direction is 0.45 or more. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, an absorbent article with excellent flexibility and texture is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-section along the width direction of the crotch area in one embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figures 2(a) to 2(e) are schematic plan views showing one embodiment of a joined region and a non-joined region formed between two constituent members. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-section along the width direction of the crotch area in another embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an absorbent sheet that may be included as one embodiment of an absorbent core. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments, with reference to the drawings as necessary. The absorbent article of the present invention generally has an ventral region located on the wearer's abdominal side, a dorsal region located on the wearer's back side, and a crotch region located between these two regions. The absorbent article has a longitudinal shape with a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-back direction passing through the wearer's crotch and a width direction perpendicular to this. The ventral region, crotch region, and dorsal region are located along the longitudinal direction. The crotch region has an excretory area facing the wearer's excretory parts such as the urethra and anus when the absorbent article is worn. The ventral region, crotch region, and dorsal region correspond to the regions when the absorbent article is virtually divided into three equal parts along its longitudinal direction.

[0012] Absorbent articles generally comprise an absorbent body having a surface sheet located on the side facing the wearer's skin, a back sheet located on the side not facing the skin, and an absorbent material placed between the two sheets. For the surface sheet, a liquid-permeable sheet material is preferable; for example, various nonwoven fabrics and perforated films can be used. For the back sheet, a liquid-impermeable or liquid-blocking sheet material is preferable; for example, a liquid-impermeable film or a laminate in which a sheet with a good texture, such as a nonwoven fabric, is laminated on the outer surface of the film can be used. If necessary, the surface sheet and the back sheet may each be composed of a single layer or multiple layers, independently of each other.

[0013] The absorbent material comprises an absorbent core. The absorbent core is composed of, for example, a stack of hydrophilic fibers such as cellulose including pulp, a mixed stack of hydrophilic fibers and a water-absorbing polymer, a deposit of a water-absorbing polymer, or an absorbent sheet in which multiple water-absorbing polymer particles are arranged between two identical or different fiber sheets. These can be used individually or in combination of two or more types.

[0014] Preferably, the outer surface of the absorbent core is covered with a liquid-permeable core wrap sheet. The absorbent core may have at least its skin-facing surface covered with a liquid-permeable core wrap sheet, or the entire surface including the skin-facing and non-skin-facing surfaces may be covered with a core wrap sheet. As the core wrap sheet, for example, thin paper made of hydrophilic fibers or a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric can be used.

[0015] As used herein, the "skin-facing surface" of an absorbent article or its component (e.g., absorbent body) is the surface that faces the wearer's skin when the absorbent article is worn, and the "non-skin-facing surface" is the surface that faces away from the wearer's skin when the absorbent article is worn. That is, the skin-facing surface is the surface on the side relatively close to the wearer's skin, and the non-skin-facing surface is the surface on the side relatively far from the wearer's skin. Also, as used herein, the "deployed and maximally extended state" means a state in which the absorbent article is in a deployed state, and the elastic members of each part in the deployed absorbent article are extended, etc., to eliminate the influence of the elastic members completely and spread it until it becomes a planar design dimension.

[0016] In addition to the above-described top sheet, back sheet, and absorbent body, depending on the specific use of the absorbent article, leak-proof cuffs extending along the longitudinal direction may be provided on both sides along the longitudinal direction on the skin-facing surface side. The leak-proof cuff generally has a base end portion and a free end portion. The leak-proof cuff has the base end portion on the skin-facing surface side of the absorbent article, and the free end portion stands up from the skin-facing surface side. The leak-proof cuff is composed of a sheet material having liquid resistance or water repellency and air permeability. An elastic member made of thread rubber or the like may be arranged in an extended state near the free end portion or in the vicinity thereof. When this elastic member contracts in the worn state of the absorbent article, the leak-proof cuff stands up toward the wearer's body, and effectively prevents the liquid excreted on the top sheet from spreading on the top sheet and leaking outward in the width direction of the absorbent article.

[0017] Both sides along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article are preferably formed in a shape convex inward in the width direction in the crotch region when viewed in plan. When the absorbent article is formed in such a shape, typically, the portion having the minimum length L0 described later is located in the crotch region. A plurality of elastic members made of thread rubber or the like are arranged in an extended state between the two sheets constituting the absorbent article on both sides in the width direction of the portion formed in the convex inward shape. When these elastic members contract in the worn state of the absorbent article, leg gathers arranged around the wearer's legs are formed in the crotch region.

[0018] Further, according to the specific use of the absorbent article, a plurality of elastic members made of thread rubber or the like may be arranged in an extended state so as to extend in the width direction at at least one end of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction. When these elastic members contract in the worn state of the absorbent article, a waist gather is formed.

[0019] Further, according to the specific use of the absorbent article, an exterior body may be further provided on the non-skin-facing surface side of the above-described back sheet. The exterior body is a member that is the outer surface of the absorbent article and is typically arranged on the non-skin-facing surface side rather than the back sheet. The periphery of the exterior body typically forms the contour lines of the abdominal region, crotch region, and dorsal region in the absorbent article, respectively. The exterior body is joined and fixed to a member that constitutes the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent main body, such as the back sheet.

[0020] When the exterior body is further provided, according to the specific use of the absorbent article, the exterior body may be arranged in two separated pieces in each of the abdominal region and the dorsal region and not arranged in the crotch region in a divided form, and the absorbent main body may be fixed by bridging between both exterior bodies. Alternatively, the exterior body may be arranged continuously over the entire abdominal region, crotch region, and dorsal region. In any case, if necessary, both end portions in the width direction of the exterior body arranged in the abdominal region and the dorsal region may be joined so that a cylindrical shape is formed when the absorbent article is worn.

[0021] As the exterior body, for example, a non-woven fabric used in this technical field may be used alone or laminated with two or more kinds, or a stretch sheet in which a plurality of elastic members are arranged between two non-woven fabrics may be used. As such a stretch sheet, for example, the stretch sheets described in JP-A-2008-179128 and JP-A-2007-22066 can be used.

[0022] Absorbent articles having the above configuration include, but are not limited to, unfoldable disposable diapers, pant-type disposable diapers, incontinence pads, and sanitary napkins. As will be described later, even when the absorbent article is formed in a thin shape, the absorbent article is preferably a disposable diaper in order to exhibit good flexibility and texture.

[0023] One of the features of the absorbent article of the present invention is that, when the article is unfolded and in its maximum extension state, the ratio of the deformation amount in the planar direction to the deformation amount in the thickness direction in the crotch area is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. Absorbent materials such as disposable diapers are in demand for thinner designs to improve comfort and ease of handling during wear. However, simply making absorbent materials thinner can result in insufficient thickness to deform in the thickness direction when external force is applied, making it difficult to convey the desired flexibility and texture to the wearer. Conversely, simply increasing the thickness of the absorbent material ensures sufficient thickness for deformation in the thickness direction, but it is difficult to obtain the desired thin absorbent material. In order to improve this point, the inventors diligently studied the matter and unexpectedly discovered that by making it easier to deform the absorbent article in the planar direction when it is unfolded, the excellent flexibility and texture of the absorbent article can be well perceived by the wearer, even when the absorbent article is made thin. Furthermore, it was found that this excellent flexibility and texture can be fully perceived not only when the absorbent article is worn, but also, for example, when the user takes the absorbent article out of a packaging bag or the like, by grasping or pinching the absorbent article with their fingers.

[0024] The absorbent article of the present invention has a deformation ratio (Dp / Dt), which is the ratio of the deformation amount in the planar direction Dp to the deformation amount in the thickness direction Dt, measured in the crotch area when the absorbent article is unfolded and in its maximum stretched state. This deformation ratio is preferably 0.45 or higher, more preferably 0.5 or higher, and even more preferably 0.55 or higher. A higher ratio is preferable, but 0.8 or lower is practical. Having such a deformation ratio results in an absorbent article with excellent flexibility and texture. Specific embodiments for achieving such a deformation ratio will be described later.

[0025] From the viewpoint of making absorbent articles even more flexible and pleasant to the touch, the planar deformation amount Dp is preferably 1.7 mm or more, more preferably 1.9 mm or more, even more preferably 2.2 mm or more, preferably 3.0 mm or less, more preferably 2.9 mm or less, and even more preferably 2.8 mm or less, provided that the above-mentioned deformation ratio is satisfied.

[0026] From the viewpoint of making the absorbent article even more flexible and pleasant to the touch, the amount of deformation Dt in the thickness direction is preferably 3.2 mm or more, more preferably 3.7 mm or more, and even more preferably 3.8 mm or more, provided that the above-mentioned deformation ratio is satisfied. The upper limit can be appropriately changed depending on the thickness of the absorbent article, but is preferably 5.0 mm or less, more preferably 4.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 4.0 mm or less.

[0027] The planar deformation amount Dp can be measured by the following method. First, the absorbent article to be measured is fixed to a flat plate in its unfolded and fully extended state, with the non-skin-facing side facing upwards. Next, the artificial leather Supplere PBZ13001 (manufactured by Idemitsu Technofine Co., Ltd., black, product name) is brought into contact with the component constituting the non-skin-facing side in the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article. Examples of components constituting the non-skin-facing side include the backing sheet and the outer casing. If an adhesive is provided on the component constituting the non-skin-facing side, the artificial leather is brought into contact with the part where no adhesive is provided. Subsequently, a tensile testing machine (e.g., Autograph AG-X, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation) is attached to the artificial leather, and the artificial leather is moved in the planar direction at a tensile speed of 50 mm / min under a load of 6.8 kPa, and the tensile load (N) and the distance moved (mm) are measured. The measured tensile load is 2.6 kPa (0.68 N / mm). 2 The distance traveled (mm) when the equivalent state is calculated. The above measurement and calculation are performed three times in each direction, moving the artificial leather along the longitudinal direction and along the width direction of the absorbent article, and the arithmetic mean of all these measurement results is taken as the planar deformation amount Dp (mm) in this invention.

[0028] The deformation amount Dt in the thickness direction can be measured by the following method. Using a KES-G5 handheld compression tester manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Ltd., the absorbent material to be measured is mounted on the test stand of the tester in its unfolded and fully extended state. Between the two circular plywood plates of the tester, the compression speed is 0.1 cm / sec and the maximum compression load is 68 g / cm². 2 The crotch area of ​​the absorbent article is compressed in the thickness direction under the specified conditions, and the maximum deformation amount (mm) measured at that time is measured. This measurement is performed three times, and the arithmetic mean of the measured values ​​is taken as the thickness direction deformation amount Dt (mm) in this invention.

[0029] The absorbent article has a thickness T1 in the crotch area that is preferably 8 mm or less, more preferably 6 mm or less, and even more preferably 5 mm or less. The smaller the thickness, the better, but 4 mm or more is practical. This thickness allows the absorbent article to be made thin while ensuring absorption and retention of excretory fluids, and also provides excellent flexibility and texture. As a result, the absorbent article is easy to wear, especially when worn by infants. In addition, for example, when the absorbent article is folded and carried, it does not become excessively thick, thus improving portability. The thickness of the absorbent article, in its unfolded and fully extended state, is 0.5 g / cm² in the area to be measured. 2 (4.9 mN / cm 2 With a load of ) applied, the thickness is measured at three or more locations using a laser displacement meter, and the arithmetic mean of these thicknesses is defined as the thickness T1 in this invention.

[0030] In the ventral and dorsal regions of an absorbent article, the thickness is not particularly limited. However, from the viewpoint of making the entire absorbent article thin while ensuring sufficient absorption and retention of excretory fluids, and providing excellent handling, flexibility, and texture, it is more preferable that the ventral and dorsal regions each satisfy the aforementioned thickness range T1. In other words, it is more preferable that the thickness of the absorbent article satisfies the aforementioned thickness range T1. To ensure that the absorbent article satisfies the aforementioned thickness T1, one possible method is to use an absorbent sheet as a component of the absorbent material.

[0031] The following describes specific embodiments that can achieve the deformation ratio described above, with reference to the drawings as necessary. For the sake of clarity, the following description may focus on specific positions or components, but unless otherwise specified, these descriptions can be appropriately applied to the description of the absorbent article of the present invention, and each configuration can be combined as appropriate. The dimensions described below are based on the dimensions of the absorbent article in its unfolded and maximum extended state, unless otherwise specified.

[0032] Preferred embodiments for easily achieving the above-mentioned deformation ratio can be broadly classified into, but are not limited to, (1) a form in which a non-joined region having a predetermined configuration is provided when joining components of an absorbent article together, and (2) a form in which a predetermined configuration is adopted for the components of the absorbent article itself. Either embodiment (1) or (2) may be adopted individually, or they may be adopted in combination.

[0033] The embodiment of (1) described above will be explained below, but it is not limited to the following configuration. Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an absorbent article, along the width direction Y in the crotch area. The absorbent article 1 shown in the figure comprises a surface sheet 2, a back sheet 3, and an absorbent body 4 disposed between the two sheets 2 and 3. The absorbent body 4 shown in the figure comprises an absorbent core 41 capable of absorbing and retaining liquid, and a core wrap sheet 42 covering the outer surface of the absorbent core 41. In the embodiment, the absorbent article 1 has an outer casing 5 further disposed on the non-skin-facing side of the back sheet 3, and the outer casing 5 constitutes the outer surface of the absorbent article 1. If necessary, the absorbent article may have a pair of leak-proof cuffs (not shown) disposed on both sides in the width direction Y on the skin-facing side of the absorbent article 1.

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, it is preferable that two adjacent components in the thickness direction Z of the absorbent article 1 have multiple joining regions 7 formed where the components are joined together. As shown in Figures 2(a) to (e), it is preferable that each joining region 7 is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction X of the absorbent article 1. Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the width direction Y of the absorbent article 1, one or more non-jointed regions 8, which are areas where the constituent members are not joined together, are formed between adjacent jointed regions 7, 7. The non-jointed regions 8 are formed to extend in the longitudinal direction X of the absorbent article 1, similar to the jointed regions 7 (see Figure 2). Both the bonded region 7 and the non-bonded region 8 are formed to extend in the longitudinal direction X over at least the entire crotch area of ​​the absorbable article 1, and preferably are formed continuously in the longitudinal direction X in the ventral and dorsal regions as well.

[0035] The combinations of two components joined by the formation of the joining region 7 include, as shown in Figure 1, one or more of the following combinations: surface sheet 2 and core wrap sheet 42, core wrap sheet 42 and absorbent core 41, core wrap sheet 42 and back sheet 3, and back sheet 3 and outer casing 5. In any combination, the non-skin-facing surface of one component and the skin-facing surface of the other component at the position opposite to that surface are joined via the joining region 7, forming a joining layer E. Consequently, non-jointed regions 8, where these surfaces are not joined, are formed in the same joining layer E. The width of the non-jointed regions 8 can be appropriately changed depending on, for example, the width and number of joining regions 7, or their shape.

[0036] The above-mentioned joint regions 7 are formed in multiple locations when considering any two adjacent components in the thickness direction Z. The number of joint regions 7 formed between two components may be two or more, three or more, four or more, or even more. Similarly, the non-jointed region 8 described above may be formed only once between the two constituent members, or two or more times, or three or more times, or even more times, depending on the number of jointed regions 7 formed. In other words, the absorbent article 1 of this embodiment is configured such that when n is an integer of 1 or more, n bonding regions 7 are formed between the two components, (n-1) non-bonding regions 8 are formed between the two components. Furthermore, the number of bonded regions 7 and non-bonded regions 8 formed may be the same or different for each bonded layer formed between each component member.

[0037] The bonding region 7 can be formed, for example, by applying an adhesive commonly used in this art to the components to be bonded. In this case, the bonding region 7 formation pattern, i.e., the adhesive application pattern, preferably employs an intermittent pattern such that there are areas where the adhesive is not applied, as shown in Figures 2(a) to (e). The areas where the adhesive is applied correspond to the bonding region 7 described above, and the areas where the adhesive is not applied correspond to the formation locations of the non-bonding region 8 described above.

[0038] The formation pattern of the bonding region 7 is not particularly limited as long as it is formed to extend in the longitudinal direction X of the absorbent article 1. For example, it may be a stripe shape, which is a continuous line extending in the longitudinal direction X (see Figure 2(a)), a spiral shape or an omega shape (see Figure 2(b) or (c)), or a wavy shape (see Figures 2(d) and (e)). Furthermore, the width and shape of the jointed area 7 and the non-joined area 8 may be the same for each component, or they may be different for each component.

[0039] In the absorbent article 1, it is preferable that the non-jointed region 8 is formed such that the ratio of the maximum length L1 along the width direction Y to the minimum length L0 along the width direction Y of the absorbent article 1 when it is unfolded and fully extended is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The reason for this is that the area where the non-jointed region 8 exists is more easily displaced in the planar direction by the application of an external force than the area where the jointed region 7 exists. From this viewpoint, it is sufficient that at least one non-jointed region 8 that satisfies this ratio is formed in the absorbent article 1. As will be described later, for example, if multiple non-jointed regions 8 are formed between two adjacent components in the thickness direction Z of the absorbent article 1, it is preferable that at least one of the multiple non-jointed regions 8 satisfies the ratio, more preferably that two or more satisfy the ratio, and even more preferably that all non-jointed regions 8 satisfy the ratio.

[0040] Alternatively, if multiple non-bonded regions 8 are formed in the thickness direction Z of the absorbent article 1, it is preferable that at least one non-bonded region 8 satisfies the ratio, more preferably that two or more non-bonded regions 8 satisfy the ratio, and even more preferably that all non-bonded regions 8 satisfy the ratio.

[0041] In any of the above cases, the non-jointed region 8 that satisfies the ratio is preferably formed in at least the crotch region of the absorbable article 1, more preferably continuously formed over the entire crotch region, and even more preferably continuously formed over the entire ventral region, crotch region, and dorsal region.

[0042] More specifically, it is preferable that the non-jointed region 8 is formed such that the ratio of the maximum length L1 to the minimum length L0 (L1 / L0) is preferably 0.2 or more, more preferably 0.3 or more, even more preferably 0.4 or more, and even more preferably 0.5 or more. By forming a non-jointed region 8 that satisfies the above-mentioned L1 / L0 ratio in the absorbent article 1, the area where the non-jointed region 8 exists becomes more easily displaced in the planar direction by the application of an external force than the area where the jointed region 7 exists. This makes it easier for the user to perceive excellent flexibility and texture, and also makes it easier to achieve the above-mentioned deformation ratio. Furthermore, the larger the L1 / L0 ratio, more specifically, if the L1 / L0 ratio is preferably 0.2 or higher, the larger the range that is easily displaced in the planar direction, which is advantageous in that it significantly exhibits the effects of the present invention. The upper limit of the L1 / L0 ratio is theoretically 1.0 or less, but from the viewpoint of increasing the bonding strength between adjacent components to achieve sufficient strength for practical use while maintaining excellent flexibility and texture, it is preferably 0.9 or less, and more preferably 0.8 or less.

[0043] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of reducing unintended twisting and wrinkling of the components arranged on the skin-facing side and improving the feel against the skin when worn, it is preferable that a non-bonding region 8 satisfying the above-mentioned L1 / L0 ratio is formed at a position other than between the component constituting the skin-facing side of the absorbent article 1 and the component adjacent to said component. In other words, the preferred combinations of the two components that form the non-jointed region 8 satisfying the above-mentioned L1 / L0 ratio are, taking Figure 1 as an example, one or more of the combinations of the core wrap sheet 42 and the absorbent core 41, the core wrap sheet 42 and the back sheet 3, and the back sheet 3 and the outer casing 5.

[0044] When a non-jointed region 8 is formed, preferably having an L1 / L0 ratio of 0.2 or more, it is preferable that multiple non-jointed regions 8 are formed on the same plane (i.e., between the same joint layers) as the jointed regions 7 formed between two adjacent components in the thickness direction Z of the absorbent article 1. More preferably, two or more non-jointed regions 8 are formed, even more preferably, three or more non-jointed regions 8 are formed, and four or fewer is practical. In this case, the multiple non-jointed regions 8 may each have the same L1 / L0 ratio, or they may each have different ratios. Examples of such an absorbent article 1 include a form in which three or more jointed regions and two or more non-jointed regions 8 are formed between two adjacent components in the thickness direction Z of the absorbent article 1, and a form in which four or more jointed regions 7 are formed and three or more non-jointed regions 8 are formed. This configuration creates multiple regions that are easily displaced in the planar direction, resulting in an absorbent article with excellent flexibility and texture, and making it easier to achieve the aforementioned deformation ratio.

[0045] If n jointed regions 7 and (n-1) non-jointed regions 8 are formed between two adjacent components in the thickness direction Z of the absorbent article 1, and if 50% or more of the (n-1) non-jointed regions 8 satisfy the above-mentioned L1 / L0 ratio, then multiple regions that are easily displaced in the planar direction are formed in the planar direction, resulting in an absorbent article with excellent flexibility and texture, and the above-mentioned deformation ratio can be easily achieved. From the viewpoint of making the effects of the present invention even more remarkable, it is more preferable that 70% or more of the (n-1) non-jointed regions 8 satisfy the above-mentioned L1 / L0 ratio.

[0046] Furthermore, if a non-jointed region 8 with an L1 / L0 ratio of preferably 0.2 or more is formed, it is also preferable that multiple such non-jointed regions 8 are formed in the thickness direction Z of the absorbent article 1. In other words, it is preferable that a non-jointed region 8 with an L1 / L0 ratio of preferably 0.2 or more is formed in two or more different jointed layers in the thickness direction Z. More specifically, it is preferable that a non-jointed region 8 with an L1 / L0 ratio of preferably 0.2 or more is formed in both a first jointed layer in which a jointed region 7 is formed between two adjacent components in the thickness direction Z of the absorbent article 1, and a second jointed layer in which a jointed region 7 is formed between two such components in a different combination.

[0047] In this case, the non-jointed regions 8 are preferably formed on two different bonding layers in the thickness direction Z of the absorbent article 1, and more preferably on three or more different bonding layers. Furthermore, the L1 / L0 ratios of the multiple non-jointed regions 8 formed on each bonding layer may be the same or different, but it is preferable that the L1 / L0 ratio of the non-jointed region 8 located on the non-skin-facing side is smaller than that of the non-jointed region 8 located on the skin-facing side. This reduces the unintended occurrence of wrinkles and creases in the components located on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent article, and as a result, the flexibility and texture of the absorbent article can be further improved. Furthermore, the layers on which the non-jointed regions 8 satisfying the above-mentioned L1 / L0 ratio are formed may or may not be adjacent in the thickness direction Z. "Adjacent in the thickness direction Z" means that they are formed between the closest adjacent bonding layers in the thickness direction Z. This configuration allows for the formation of multiple regions in the thickness direction that are easily displaced in the planar direction, resulting in an absorbent article with excellent flexibility and texture, and making it easier to achieve the aforementioned deformation ratio.

[0048] Alternatively, if multiple non-jointed regions 8 are formed in the thickness direction Z, it is preferable that, provided that at least one non-jointed region 8 with an L1 / L0 ratio of 0.2 or more is formed in the thickness direction Z, the L1 / L0 ratio of the non-jointed region 8 located furthest to the non-skin-facing surface is smaller than the L1 / L0 ratio of the non-jointed region 8 located closer to the skin. This reduces the unintended occurrence of wrinkles and creases in the components located on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent article. This further improves the flexibility and texture of the absorbent article. From the viewpoint of making this effect even more pronounced, the L1 / L0 ratio of the non-jointed region 8 located furthest to the non-skin-facing surface is preferably 0.008 or more, more preferably 0.01 or more, even more preferably 0.03 or more, and even more preferably 0.05 or more, provided that the L1 / L0 ratio of the non-jointed region 8 located furthest to the non-skin-facing surface is smaller than the L1 / L0 ratio of the non-jointed region 8 located closer to the skin. Furthermore, the non-bonded region 8 located furthest to the non-skin-facing side preferably has an L1 / L0 ratio of 0.07 or less, and more preferably 0.05 or less. In addition to the non-bonded region 8 with an L1 / L0 ratio of 0.2 or more, the formation of non-bonded regions 8 with an L1 / L0 ratio within this range reduces the unintended occurrence of wrinkles and creases in the components located on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent article, particularly the outer casing 5. As a result, the flexibility and texture of the absorbent article can be further improved.

[0049] Furthermore, the absorbent article 1 is configured such that when m is an integer of 1 or more, (m-1) bonding layers E are formed when m constituent members are adjacent to each other in the thickness direction Z. If (m-1) bonding layers E are formed in the thickness direction Z of the absorbent article 1, and if 50% or more of the (m-1) bonding layers E satisfy the above-mentioned L1 / L0 ratio, then multiple regions that are easily displaced in the planar direction are formed in the planar direction, resulting in an absorbent article with excellent flexibility and texture, and the above-mentioned deformation ratio can be easily achieved. From the viewpoint of making the effects of the present invention even more remarkable, it is more preferable that 70% or more of the (m-1) bonding layers E satisfy the above-mentioned L1 / L0 ratio.

[0050] When multiple non-jointed regions 8, where the L1 / L0 ratio is preferably 0.2 or higher, are formed in the thickness direction Z, it is also preferable that these non-jointed regions 8 have overlapping regions As (see Figures 1 and 3) in the thickness direction Z. With such a configuration, regions that are easily displaced in the planar direction can be formed to overlap in the thickness direction, and excellent flexibility and texture can be effectively expressed at the positions where the non-jointed regions 8 overlap in the thickness direction. From a similar viewpoint, it is also preferable that the overlapping regions in the thickness direction Z of each non-jointed region 8, where the L1 / L0 ratio is preferably 0.2 or higher, are formed in the width direction center of the absorbent article 1. The number of such non-jointed regions 8 formed in the thickness direction Z may be two or more, three or more, four or more, or even more. As one embodiment of such an absorbent article 1, there is a form in which two non-jointed regions 8, where the L1 / L0 ratio is preferably 0.2 or higher, are formed in the thickness direction Z.

[0051] Alternatively, if multiple non-jointed regions 8 with a preferred L1 / L0 ratio of 0.2 or more are formed in the thickness direction Z, it is also preferable that these non-jointed regions 8 are arranged so as not to overlap with each other in the thickness direction Z. With such a configuration, regions that are easily displaced in the planar direction can be formed over the entire width direction of the absorbent article 1, thereby effectively exhibiting excellent flexibility and texture over the entire width direction. From a similar viewpoint, it is also preferable that the regions in the thickness direction Z that do not overlap with each other in each non-jointed region 8 with a preferred L1 / L0 ratio of 0.2 or more are formed in the width direction of the absorbent article 1. The number of such non-jointed regions 8 formed in the thickness direction Z may be two or more, three or more, four or more, or even more. As one embodiment of such an absorbent article 1, there is a form in which two non-jointed regions 8 with a preferred L1 / L0 ratio of 0.2 or more are formed in the thickness direction Z.

[0052] Figure 3 schematically illustrates another embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in the figure, there are at least three bonding layers E, and non-bonding regions 8 are formed in each bonding layer in the thickness direction Z of the absorbent article 1. The absorbent article 1 shown in the figure comprises a first bonding layer 7A, a second bonding layer 7B, and a third bonding layer 7C in that order when viewed along the thickness direction Z from the surface sheet 2 side, which is the skin-facing surface, to the back sheet 3 side. The first bonding layer 7A has a first non-bonded region 81. Similarly, the second bonding layer 7B has a second non-bonded region 82. Similarly, the third bonding layer 7C has a third non-bonded region 83. These non-bonded regions 81, 82, and 83 are formed in at least the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article 1. These non-bonded regions 81, 82, and 83 may or may not be formed adjacent to each other in the thickness direction Z.

[0053] In detail, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the first bonding layer 7A is bonded to the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent core 41 and the skin-facing surface of the core wrap sheet 42 facing that surface by a first bonding region 71, thereby forming a first non-bonded region 81 between adjacent bonding regions 71 and 72 in the width direction Y. Similarly, the second bonding layer 7B is bonded to the non-skin-facing surface of the core wrap sheet 42 and the skin-facing surface of the back sheet 3 facing that surface by a second bonding region 72, thereby forming a second non-bonded region 82 between adjacent bonding regions 72 and 72 in the width direction Y. Likewise, the third bonding layer 7C is bonded to the non-skin-facing surface of the back sheet 3 and the skin-facing surface of the exterior body 5 facing that surface by a third bonding region 73, thereby forming a third non-bonded region 83 between adjacent bonding regions 73 in the width direction Y. In the embodiment shown in the figure, these non-jointed regions 81, 82, and 83 are each formed in the crotch region. Furthermore, each non-jointed region 81, 82, and 83 is formed adjacent to each other in the thickness direction Z, and each has an overlapping region As in the thickness direction Z. Furthermore, the third non-bonded region 83 shown in the figure is formed in the third bonding layer 7C, which is the bonding layer located on the side closest to the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent article 1.

[0054] As described above, when the first non-jointed region 81, the second non-jointed region 82, and the third non-jointed region 83 are formed in the absorbent article 1, it is preferable that the L1 / L0 ratio in each of the non-jointed regions 81, 82, and 83 is within a predetermined range. In the following explanation, for convenience, the maximum lengths along the width direction Y of the first non-joint region 81, the second non-joint region 82, and the third non-joint region 83 will be described as maximum length L1a, maximum length L1b, and maximum length L1c, respectively, and will be denoted by different symbols. However, these maximum lengths are all synonymous with the maximum length L1 described above and can be appropriately substituted for maximum length L1.

[0055] In detail, the first non-bonded region 81 has an L1 / L0 ratio of preferably 0.008 or higher, more preferably 0.2 or higher, even more preferably 0.3 or higher, and a ratio of 0.4 or lower is practical. Furthermore, the second non-bonded region 82 preferably has an L1 / L0 ratio of 0.008 or higher, more preferably 0.2 or higher, even more preferably 0.3 or higher, and realistically 0.4 or lower. In this case, the L1 / L0 ratios of the first non-jointed region 81 and the second non-jointed region 82 may be the same or different. If the L1 / L0 ratios are different in each non-jointed region 81 and 82, the L1 / L0 ratio of the first non-jointed region 81 may be greater than that of the second non-jointed region 82, and the L1 / L0 ratio of the first non-jointed region 81 may be smaller than that of the second non-jointed region 82. From the viewpoint of reducing the unintended occurrence of wrinkles and creases in the components located on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent article, and thereby further improving the flexibility and texture of the absorbent article, it is more preferable that the L1 / L0 ratio of the first non-jointed region 81 is greater than that of the second non-jointed region 82. In either case, it is preferable that the first non-bonded region 81 and the second non-bonded region 82 have areas that overlap with each other in the thickness direction Z of the absorbent article 1.

[0056] On the other hand, the third non-bonded region 83, that is, the non-bonded region located on the side of the non-skin facing surface, has an L1 / L0 ratio of preferably 0.008 or more, more preferably 0.01 or more, even more preferably 0.02 or more, even more preferably 0.03 or more, preferably 0.07 or less, and more preferably 0.05 or less. In this case, it is preferable that the L1 / L0 ratio of the third non-jointed region 83 is different from the L1 / L0 ratio of the first non-jointed region 81 and also different from the L1 / L0 ratio of the second non-jointed region 82. Furthermore, it is even more preferable that the L1 / L0 ratio of the third non-jointed region 83, i.e., the non-jointed region located furthest from the skin-facing surface, is smaller than the L1 / L0 ratio of the first non-jointed region 81, which is a non-jointed region located closer to the skin than the third non-jointed region 83, and also smaller than the L1 / L0 ratio of the second non-jointed region 82, which is a non-jointed region located closer to the skin than the third non-jointed region 83. This reduces the unintended occurrence of wrinkles and creases in the components located on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent article, and as a result, the flexibility and texture of the absorbent article can be further improved. Furthermore, it is preferable that the third non-bonded region 83 has an area that overlaps with the first non-bonded region 81 and the second non-bonded region 82 in the thickness direction Z of the absorbent article 1. By forming three non-jointed regions 81, 82, and 83 having the aforementioned L1 / L0 ratios, it is possible to create multiple layers of regions that are easily displaced in the planar direction within the article. This increases the number of parts that can be deformed in the planar direction, further increasing the amount of deformation in the planar direction. As a result, the flexibility and texture of the absorbent article 1 are further improved, especially at the locations where the non-jointed regions overlap in the thickness direction Z.

[0057] When the third non-jointed region 83 is formed on the side of the absorbent article 1 closest to the non-skin-facing surface, in the relationship between the maximum length L1c (see Figure 3) of the third non-jointed region 83 along the width direction Y and the maximum length L1b (see Figure 3) of the second non-jointed region 82, which is located closer to the skin-facing surface than the third non-jointed region 83 and adjacent in the thickness direction Z, it is preferable that the maximum length L1c of the third non-jointed region 83 along the width direction Y is shorter than the maximum length L1b of the second non-jointed region 82 along the width direction Y. In other words, it is preferable that the L1 / L0 ratio of the third non-jointed region 83 is smaller than the L1 / L0 ratio of the second non-jointed region 82.

[0058] In addition, as shown in Figure 3, when the first non-jointed region 81 is formed as a non-jointed region 8 located on the skin-facing side of the second non-jointed region 82 and adjacent in the thickness direction Z, it is preferable that the maximum length L1a of the first non-jointed region 81 along the width direction Y is longer than the maximum length L1b of the second non-jointed region 82 along the width direction Y. In other words, in the relationship between the maximum lengths L1 of each non-jointed region 81, 82, and 83 along the width direction Y, it is preferable that the maximum length L1a of the first non-jointed region 81 along the width direction Y is the longest, the maximum length L1c of the third non-jointed region 83 along the width direction Y is the shortest, and the maximum length L1b of the second non-jointed region 82 along the width direction Y is an intermediate length between the maximum lengths L1a and L1c of each non-jointed region 81 and 83. This is equivalent to saying that the L1 / L0 ratio of the first non-jointed region 81 is the largest, the L1 / L0 ratio of the third non-jointed region 83 is the smallest, and the L1 / L0 ratio of the second non-jointed region 82 is an intermediate value compared to the L1 / L0 ratios of each non-jointed region 81 and 83. By configuring the three non-jointed regions 81, 82, and 83 having the aforementioned positional relationship and maximum length L1 relationship in the thickness direction Z, it is possible to form multiple layers of regions that are easily displaced in the planar direction inside the article. As a result, the number of parts that can be deformed in the planar direction increases, and the amount of deformation in the planar direction increases further. Consequently, the flexibility and texture of the absorbent article 1 are further improved.

[0059] The minimum length L0 along the width direction Y of the absorbent article 1 can be appropriately changed depending on the configuration and shape of the absorbent article 1, but is preferably 160 mm or more, more preferably 180 mm or more, even more preferably 200 mm or more, preferably 270 mm or less, more preferably 250 mm or less, and even more preferably 230 mm or less. Furthermore, it is preferable that the portion having this minimum length L0 is located in the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article 1.

[0060] Furthermore, the maximum length L1 along the width direction of the non-bonded region 8 formed on the absorbent article 1 can be appropriately changed depending on the configuration and shape of the target absorbent article 1 or the manner in which the bonded region 7 is formed, but provided that it is less than or equal to the minimum length L0 described above, each of these lengths is preferably 20 mm or more, more preferably 30 mm or more, even more preferably 40 mm or more, preferably 110 mm or less, more preferably 100 mm or less, and even more preferably 90 mm or less. In addition, it is preferable that the portion having this maximum length L1 is located in the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article 1.

[0061] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the absorbent article 1, when a first non-jointed region 81, a second non-jointed region 82, and a third non-jointed region 83 are formed in the absorbent article 1, the maximum length L1a along the width direction Y of the first non-jointed region 81 is preferably 20 mm or more, more preferably 30 mm or more, even more preferably 40 mm or more, preferably 110 mm or less, more preferably 100 mm or less, and even more preferably 90 mm or less, provided that it is less than or equal to the minimum length L0 described above.

[0062] Similarly, the maximum length L1b along the width direction Y of the second non-joined region 82 is preferably 20 mm or more, more preferably 30 mm or more, even more preferably 40 mm or more, preferably 110 mm or less, more preferably 100 mm or less, and even more preferably 90 mm or less, provided that it is less than or equal to the minimum length L0 described above. Similarly, the maximum length L1c along the width direction Y of the third non-joined region 83 is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 2 mm or more, even more preferably 3 mm or more, preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 9 mm or less, and even more preferably 8 mm or less, provided that it is less than or equal to the minimum length L0 described above.

[0063] The maximum length L1 (or maximum length L1a to L1c) along the width direction Y of each non-jointed region is determined as follows: As shown in Figure 2(b), if the formation pattern of the jointed region 7 is macroscopically only one, and the jointed region 7 is formed by a continuous curve such as a spiral, and there is a non-jointed region 8 within the jointed region, then the maximum length L1 is determined to be the maximum length of the non-jointed region 8 within the jointed region 7. On the other hand, if the formation pattern of the jointed region 7 is macroscopically composed of multiple continuous curves such as spirals, for example as shown in Figure 2(c), then the larger of the dimensions D1 and D2 in the same figure is taken as L1. Therefore, in the case of the jointed region shown in Figure 2(c), D1 is L1. When the formation pattern of the joint region 7 is macroscopically composed of multiple corrugated continuous curves, for example as shown in Figure 2(d), the maximum length L1 when the phases of each corrugated continuous curve coincide is the maximum length along the width direction Y between adjacent joint regions 7, 7. In contrast, as shown in Figure 2(e), when the phases of the joint region 7 composed of multiple corrugated continuous curves differ from each other, the maximum length L1 is the length between the closest positions in adjacent joint regions 7.

[0064] The embodiment of (2) described above will be explained below, but the configuration is not limited to the one described below. The absorbent body 4, which is a component of the absorbent article 1, preferably comprises an absorbent sheet as the absorbent core 41. By including an absorbent sheet, the absorbent article can be made thinner, improving handling and providing high liquid absorbency. The absorbent core 41 may consist only of an absorbent sheet, or, if necessary, may further comprise an absorbent sheet and a mixed condensed fiber of hydrophilic fibers and a water-absorbing polymer arranged on the skin-facing surface of the absorbent sheet.

[0065] Figure 4 shows one embodiment of the absorbent sheet 10. The absorbent sheet 10 shown in Figure 4 comprises two identical or different fiber sheets 11 and 12, and particles of a water-absorbing polymer 13 arranged between the two fiber sheets 11 and 12. Multiple particles of the water-absorbing polymer 13 shown in the figure are arranged in the direction of the sheet surface. In this embodiment, the water-absorbing polymer 13 is held to the fiber sheets, for example, by entanglement with the fibers constituting each fiber sheet 11 and 12, or by the adhesive properties that develop when the polymer 13 absorbs water.

[0066] In addition to these embodiments, the superabsorbent polymer 13 may also be held to the fiber sheets via an adhesive (not shown) provided on the surface of each fiber sheet 11, 12 facing the superabsorbent polymer 13. Although Figure 4 shows the fiber sheets 11 and 12 as different components for ease of explanation, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the same fiber sheets 11 and 12 may be used. Furthermore, the fibers constituting each fiber sheet 11 and 12 may be the same or different. Also, the fibers constituting each fiber sheet 11 and 12 may be composed of a single type or a blend of multiple types. Each fiber sheet 11 and 12 can independently be made of paper, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, etc. As an absorbent sheet, for example, the absorbent sheet described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-246395 can be used.

[0067] From the viewpoint of improving liquid absorption, the thickness of the absorbent sheet is preferably 0.3 mm or more, more preferably 0.6 mm or more. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving usability while making it easier to construct a thin absorbent sheet or absorbent article containing the sheet, the thickness of the absorbent sheet is preferably 4 mm or less, more preferably 3 mm or less, and even more preferably 2 mm or less. The above-mentioned thickness of the absorbent sheet is the total thickness of the absorbent sheet measured under a pressure of 1.7 kPa.

[0068] When the absorbent core 41 in the absorbent body 4 further includes an absorbent sheet 10, it is preferable that the non-bonding region 8 is formed between the fiber sheet constituting the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent sheet 10 and the skin-facing surface of the core wrap sheet 42 located opposite the fiber sheet. In this embodiment, the position where the non-bonding region 8 is formed corresponds to the position of the first non-bonding region 81, taking Figure 3 as an example. Even in this case, the non-bonding region 8 formed between the absorbent sheet 10 and the core wrap sheet 42 preferably satisfies an L1 / L0 ratio of 0.2 or more, and the above-described explanation regarding the first non-bonding region 81 applies as appropriate to points not specifically explained.

[0069] From the viewpoint of achieving high liquid absorption and liquid retention by the absorbent 4, while increasing the flexibility of the absorbent 4 itself in the planar direction to facilitate deformation and making it easier to achieve the deformation ratio described above, it is preferable that the absorbent core 41 in the absorbent 4 is composed of a fiber sheet containing non-fusible fibers and heat-fusible fibers. It is also preferable that such a sheet material be used as a component of the fiber sheet in the absorbent sheet 10 described above. The fiber sheet containing non-fusible fibers and heat-fusible fibers is a blend of multiple types of fibers. Such a fiber sheet may be used in only one of the fiber sheets in the absorbent sheet 10, or it may be used in both fiber sheets.

[0070] In addition to or instead of this, it is preferable that at least one of the surface sheet 2 and the outer casing 5 is composed of a fiber sheet containing non-fusible fibers and heat-fusible fibers. This facilitates the deformation of the constituent materials of the absorbent article 1, such as the surface sheet 2 and the outer casing 5, in the planar direction, making it easier to achieve the deformation ratio mentioned above, and further improving the texture of the absorbent article.

[0071] Non-fusible fibers refer to fibers that do not fuse together when heat is applied. Examples of such non-fusible fibers include natural fibers such as pulp and cotton, and cellulose fibers such as rayon, lyocell, and Tencel. These can be used individually or in combination of two or more types. These fibers can also be used as hydrophilic fibers that constitute the absorbent core 41.

[0072] Heat-fusible fibers refer to fibers whose constituent components partially melt when heat is applied, allowing them to bond to one another. Examples of heat-fusible fibers include fibers containing thermoplastic resins, specifically polyolefin fibers such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyester fibers, polyethylene-polypropylene composite fibers, and fibrous polyvinyl alcohol. Such fibers may take the form of a single thermoplastic resin, a fiber mixed with two or more thermoplastic resins, or a core-sheath fiber or side-by-side fiber composed of a high-melting-point resin and a low-melting-point resin, which can be appropriately selected.

[0073] As described above, when a fiber sheet containing non-fusible fibers and heat-fusible fibers is used as the absorbent core 41, from the viewpoint of maintaining the product shape while improving the amount of deformation in the planar direction, the proportion of non-fusible fibers in the fiber sheet is preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 25% by mass or more, even more preferably 40% by mass or more, preferably 70% by mass or less, more preferably 60% by mass or less, and even more preferably 50% by mass or less. On the other hand, when a fiber sheet containing non-fusible fibers and heat-fusible fibers is used as the surface sheet 2 and / or outer casing 5, from the viewpoint of maintaining the product shape while improving the amount of deformation in the planar direction, the proportion of non-fusible fibers in the fiber sheet is preferably 0.5% by mass or more, more preferably 1% by mass or more, even more preferably 2% by mass or more, preferably 10% by mass or less, more preferably 8% by mass or less, and even more preferably 5% by mass or less.

[0074] Although the present invention has been described above based on its preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, when viewing the absorbent article 1 from the skin-facing surface to the non-skin-facing surface along the thickness direction Z, the relationship of the maximum length L1 along the width direction Y is described as "first non-jointed region 81 > second non-jointed region 82 > third non-jointed region 83". However, as long as the effects of the present invention are achieved, the relationship of the maximum length L1 of each non-jointed region is not particularly limited.

[0075] For example, in one embodiment, the maximum length L1a of the first non-jointed region 81 may be the longest, the maximum length L1b of the second non-jointed region 82 may be the shortest, and the maximum length L1c of the third non-jointed region 83 may be an intermediate length between the maximum lengths L1a and L1b. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the maximum length L1b of the second non-jointed region 82 may be the longest, the maximum length L1a of the first non-jointed region 81 may be the shortest, and the maximum length L1c of the third non-jointed region 83 may be an intermediate length between the respective maximum lengths L1a and L1b. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the maximum length L1b of the second non-jointed region 82 may be the longest, the maximum length L1c of the third non-jointed region 83 may be the shortest, and the maximum length L1a of the first non-jointed region 81 may be an intermediate length between the respective maximum lengths L1b and L1c.

[0076] Furthermore, in another embodiment, for example, the maximum length L1c of the third non-jointed region 83 may be the longest, the maximum length L1b of the second non-jointed region 82 may be the shortest, and the maximum length L1a of the first non-jointed region 81 may be an intermediate length between the respective maximum lengths L1b and L1c. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the maximum length L1c of the third non-jointed region 83 may be the longest, the maximum length L1a of the first non-jointed region 81 may be the shortest, and the maximum length L1b of the second non-jointed region 82 may be an intermediate length between the respective maximum lengths L1a and L1c.

[0077] With regard to the embodiments described above, the present invention further discloses the following absorbent articles. <1> An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable surface sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between the surface sheet and the back sheet, having a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-back direction passing through the wearer's crotch and a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and having an ventral region, a crotch region and a dorsal region along the longitudinal direction, With the absorbent article in its unfolded and fully extended state, and with the artificial leather in contact with the member constituting the non-skin-facing surface in the crotch area, the artificial leather is moved in the planar direction at a tensile speed of 50 mm / min under a load of 6.8 kPa, and the distance moved (mm) when the tensile load measured becomes 2.6 kPa is defined as the deformation in the planar direction. In the unfolded and fully extended state of the absorbent article, the compression speed is 0.1 cm / sec and the maximum compression load is 68 g / cm². 2 An absorbent article in which, when the crotch area of ​​the absorbent article is compressed in the thickness direction under the following conditions, the maximum deformation amount (mm) measured is defined as the deformation amount in the thickness direction, and the ratio of the deformation amount in the plane direction to the deformation amount in the thickness direction is 0.45 or more.

[0078] <2> The ratio of the deformation amount in the planar direction to the deformation amount in the thickness direction is 0.5 or more, preferably 0.5 or more and 0.8 or less, more preferably 0.55 or more and 0.8 or less. <1> Absorbent articles as described above. <3> 0.5 g / cm³ 2 The thickness of the crotch area under load is 8 mm or less. The amount of deformation in the thickness direction is 3.2 mm or more, <1> or <2> The absorbent article described in any one of the following. <4> The amount of deformation in the thickness direction is 3.2 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less, preferably 3.7 mm or more and 4.5 mm or less, more preferably 3.8 mm or more and 4.0 mm or less. <3> Absorbent articles as described above. <5> 0.5 g / cm³ 2 The thickness of the crotch area under load is 4 mm or more and 6 mm or less, preferably 4 mm or more and 5 mm or less. <3> or <4> Absorbent articles as described above. <6> The amount of deformation in the planar direction is 1.7 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, preferably 1.9 mm or more and 2.9 mm or less, more preferably 2.2 mm or more and 2.8 mm or less. <1> ~ <5> The absorbent article described in any one of the following.

[0079] <7> In the thickness direction of the absorbent article, two adjacent constituent members are joined together, and a plurality of joining regions extending in the longitudinal direction, and non-jointed regions located between adjacent joining regions in the width direction and extending in the longitudinal direction are formed in at least the crotch region. In the unfolded and fully extended state of the absorbent article, the non-jointed region has a ratio of the maximum length along the width direction to the minimum length along the width direction of the absorbent article of 0.2 or more. <1> ~ <6> The absorbent article described in any one of the following. <8> Between two adjacent constituent members in the thickness direction, three or more joining regions are formed, and two or more non-joining regions are formed. In the unfolded and fully extended state of the absorbent article, there are two non-jointed regions between the constituent members where the ratio of the maximum length along the width direction to the minimum length along the width direction of the absorbent article is 0.2 or more. <7> Absorbent articles as described above. <9> In the thickness direction, four or more of the joining regions are formed between two adjacent members, and three or more of the non-joining regions are formed between them. In the unfolded and fully extended state of the absorbent article, there are three or more non-jointed regions between the constituent members, where the ratio of the maximum length along the width direction to the minimum length along the width direction of the absorbent article is 0.2 or more. <7> Absorbent articles as described above. <10> In the unfolded and fully extended state of the absorbent article, the non-jointed region has a ratio of the maximum length along the width direction to the minimum length along the width direction of the absorbent article of 0.3 or more. <7> ~ <9> The absorbent article described in any one of the following. <11> In the unfolded and fully extended state of the absorbent article, there are two non-bonded regions in the thickness direction where the ratio of the maximum length along the width direction to the minimum length along the width direction of the absorbent article is 0.2 or more. Each of the aforementioned non-joined regions has a region that overlaps with the others in the thickness direction, <7> ~ <10> The absorbent article described in any one of the following.

[0080] <12> In the unfolded and fully extended state of the absorbent article, there are two non-bonded regions in the thickness direction where the ratio of the maximum length along the width direction to the minimum length along the width direction of the absorbent article is 0.2 or more. Each of the aforementioned non-joined regions does not overlap with each other in the thickness direction. <7> ~ <10> The absorbent article described in any one of the following. <13> In the unfolded and fully extended state of the absorbent article, it has a first non-jointed region and a second non-jointed region, each having a ratio of the maximum length along the width direction to the minimum length along the width direction of the absorbent article of 0.2 or more, and The absorbent article further comprises a third non-jointed region in which the ratio of the maximum length along the width direction to the minimum length along the width direction is 0.01 or more. The first non-jointed region and the second non-jointed region have overlapping regions in the thickness direction. The third non-bonded region is formed on the side of the absorbent article closest to the non-skin-facing surface, <7> ~ <11> The absorbent article described in any one of the following. <14> The maximum length along the width direction of the non-bonded region formed on the side of the absorbent article closest to the non-skin-facing surface is shorter than the maximum length along the width direction of the non-bonded region located on the skin-facing surface side of the non-bonded region and adjacent in the thickness direction. <7> ~ <13> The absorbent article described in any one of the following. <15> When the absorbent article is viewed along the thickness direction from the skin-facing surface toward the non-skin-facing surface, the first non-jointed region, the second non-jointed region, and the third non-jointed region are formed to be adjacent to each other in this order along the thickness direction. The third non-bonded region is formed on the side of the absorbent article closest to the non-skin-facing surface, The maximum length along the width direction of each non-jointed region is such that the first non-jointed region is the longest, the third non-jointed region is the shortest, and the second non-jointed region is of an intermediate length between the two regions. <7> ~ <14> The absorbent article described in any one of the following. <16> The absorbent body comprises an absorbent core and a core wrap sheet covering the outer surface of the absorbent core. The absorbent core comprises an absorbent sheet in which a water-absorbing polymer is placed between two sheets. In the unfolded and fully extended state of the absorbent article, the non-bonded region in which the ratio of the maximum length along the width direction to the minimum length along the width direction of the absorbent article is 0.2 or more is formed between the absorbent sheet and the core wrap sheet, <7> ~ <15> The absorbent article described in any one of the following.

[0081] <17> The absorbent body is composed of a fiber sheet containing non-fusible fibers and heat-fusible fibers, <1> ~ <16> The absorbent article described in any one of the following. <18> The aforementioned back sheet further comprises an outer casing disposed on the non-skin-facing side, The surface sheet or the exterior body is composed of a fiber sheet containing non-fusible fibers and heat-fusible fibers, <1> ~ <17> The absorbent article described in any one of the following. [Examples]

[0082] The present invention will be described in more detail below using examples. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0083] [Example 1] A disposable, unfoldable diaper for babies having the configuration shown in Figure 3 was manufactured and designated as Example 1. In the disposable diaper of Example 1, an adhesive was applied to the first bonding layer as shown in Figure 2(a) to form a first bonding region and a first non-bonding region. The first non-bonding region of the disposable diaper was formed to have the maximum length along the width direction of the non-bonding region as shown in Table 1. The first bonding region and the first non-bonding region were formed from the ventral region to the dorsal region, passing through the crotch region of the disposable diaper. Similarly, a second bonding region and a second non-bonding region were formed in the second bonding layer of the disposable diaper. Furthermore, a third bonding region and a third non-bonding region were formed in the third bonding layer of the disposable diaper. The second and third bonding layers were formed by applying an adhesive as shown in Figure 2(a). When the disposable diaper of Example 1 was unfolded and in its maximum extended state, the minimum length L0 along the width direction of the disposable diaper was 225 mm. The thickness T1 of the diaper in the crotch area was as shown in Table 1. In this embodiment, the second bonding layer 7B shown in Figure 3 had three or more second bonding regions 72 and two or more second non-bonding regions 82. Also, the third bonding layer 7C shown in the same figure had four or more third bonding regions 73 and three or more third non-bonding regions 83.

[0084] [Example 2] In Example 1, the maximum length along the width direction of the first non-jointed region formed in the first jointed region of the disposable diaper was changed as shown in Table 1. Furthermore, the maximum length along the width direction of the second non-jointed region formed in the second jointed region was changed as shown in Table 1. Except for these changes, a disposable diaper was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0085] [Example 3] In the disposable diaper of Example 1, the maximum length along the width direction of the first non-jointed region formed in the first jointed region was changed as shown in Table 1. Otherwise, a disposable diaper was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0086] [Example 4] In the disposable diaper of Example 1, the maximum length along the width direction of the first non-jointed region formed in the first jointed region was changed as shown in Table 1. Furthermore, the maximum length along the width direction of the third non-jointed region formed in the third jointed region was changed as shown in Table 1. Otherwise, a disposable diaper was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0087] [Example 5] In Example 1, the maximum length along the width direction of the first non-jointed area formed in the first jointed area of ​​the disposable diaper was changed as shown in Table 1. Similarly, the maximum length along the width direction of the second non-jointed area formed in the second jointed area was changed as shown in Table 1. Furthermore, the thickness of the diaper in the crotch area was changed as shown in Table 1. Aside from these changes, a disposable diaper was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1.

[0088] [Comparative Example 1] A commercially available disposable diaper (manufactured by Kao Corporation, product name "Merries® Sarasa Air Through", tape type) was prepared and designated as Comparative Example 1.

[0089] [Comparative Example 2] In Comparative Example 1, the thickness of the diaper was increased by increasing the amount of absorbent core made of a mixed pulp and superabsorbent polymer, as shown in Table 1. Otherwise, a usable diaper was obtained in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1.

[0090] [Measurement of planar deformation amount Dp] The planar deformation amount Dp was measured for the disposable diapers obtained in Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 according to the method described above. The planar deformation amounts Dp are shown in Table 1.

[0091] [Measurement of thickness direction deformation amount Dt] The thickness deformation amount Dt was measured for the disposable diapers obtained in Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 according to the method described above. The thickness deformation amount Dt is shown in Table 1.

[0092] [Evaluation of the comfort of wearing disposable diapers] For the disposable diapers obtained in Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the thickness T1 in the crotch area was measured according to the method described above, and the comfort of wearing the disposable diapers was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0093] [Evaluation criteria for the comfort of wearing disposable diapers] ○: The thickness T1 is 8mm or less, resulting in a superior fit. ×: The thickness T1 is over 8mm, resulting in poor fit.

[0094] [Evaluation of the flexibility and texture of disposable diapers] Ten expert panelists each touched the non-skin-facing side of the backing sheet in the crotch area of ​​the disposable diapers obtained in Examples 1 to 5 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, and evaluated the flexibility and texture of the disposable diapers according to the following criteria. A higher arithmetic mean score indicates better flexibility and texture of the disposable diaper. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0095] [Evaluation points for the flexibility and texture of disposable diapers] 4 points: Surprisingly soft. 3 points: The softness is immediately noticeable when you touch it, making it different from the disposable diaper in Comparative Example 1. 2 points: It's very soft to the touch. Point 1: The softness is noticeable when you touch it, making it different from the disposable diaper in Comparative Example 1. 0 points: Softness equivalent to the disposable diaper in Comparative Example 1.

[0096] [Table 1]

[0097] As is clear from the results shown in Table 1, the disposable diapers obtained in Examples 1 to 5 have a larger ratio of deformation in the planar direction to deformation in the thickness direction compared to the disposable diapers obtained in Comparative Examples 1 and 2. Furthermore, the disposable diapers obtained in Examples 1 to 5 are superior in flexibility and texture compared to the disposable diapers obtained in Comparative Examples 1 and 2. In addition, the disposable diapers obtained in Examples 1 to 5 have a thinner thickness T1 in the crotch area and a superior fit compared to the disposable diaper obtained in Comparative Example 2. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0098] 1. Absorbent articles 10 absorbent sheets 2. Surface sheet 3. Back sheet 4 Absorbent 41 Absorbent core 42 Core Wrap Sheets 5. Exterior 7 Joint area 8 Non-bonded area X Longitudinal direction Y width direction Z-axis thickness direction

Claims

1. An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, the absorbent article having a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-rear direction passing through the crotch area of ​​a wearer and a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and having a ventral region, a crotch region, and a dorsal region along the longitudinal direction, The absorbent article is placed in an unfolded and maximum stretched state, and the member constituting the non-skin-facing surface in the crotch region is brought into contact with the artificial leather. The artificial leather is then moved in the plane direction under a load of 6.8 kPa at a tensile speed of 50 mm / min, and the measured tensile load is 2.6 kPa. The distance (mm) of movement is defined as the amount of deformation in the plane direction. In the unfolded and maximum stretched state of the absorbent article, the compression speed is 0.1 cm / sec and the maximum compression load is 68 g / cm ２ When the crotch region of the absorbent article is compressed in the thickness direction under the condition that the maximum deformation (mm) measured is defined as the thickness direction deformation, the ratio of the planar deformation to the thickness direction deformation is 0.45 or more.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein a ratio of the amount of deformation in the planar direction to the amount of deformation in the thickness direction is 0.50 or more.

3. 0.5 g / cm ２ The thickness of the crotch region under load is 8 mm or less, The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness direction deformation amount is 3.2 mm or more.

4. a plurality of joined regions in which two adjacent components in the thickness direction of the absorbent article are joined together and which extend in the longitudinal direction, and a non-joined region located between the joined regions adjacent in the width direction and which extends in the longitudinal direction, are formed at least in the crotch region; 3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the non-bonded regions have a ratio of a maximum length along the width direction to a minimum length along the width direction of 0.2 or more when the absorbent article is in an unfolded and maximum stretched state.

5. Three or more of the bonded regions are formed between two of the constituent members adjacent to each other in the thickness direction, and two or more of the non-bonded regions are formed between the two constituent members adjacent to each other in the thickness direction, 5. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the absorbent article has two non-bonded regions between the constituent members, the ratio of the maximum length along the width direction to the minimum length along the width direction being 0.2 or more when the absorbent article is in an unfolded and maximum stretched state.

6. Four or more of the bonded regions are formed between two of the constituent members adjacent to each other in the thickness direction, and three or more of the non-bonded regions are formed between the two constituent members adjacent to each other in the thickness direction, 5. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the absorbent article has three or more non-bonded regions between the constituent members, the ratio of the maximum length along the width direction to the minimum length along the width direction being 0.2 or more when the absorbent article is in an unfolded and maximum stretched state.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the non-bonded region has a ratio of a maximum length along the width direction to a minimum length along the width direction of 0.3 or more when the absorbent article is in an unfolded and maximum stretched state.

8. the absorbent article has two non-bonded regions in a thickness direction, each having a ratio of a maximum length along the width direction to a minimum length along the width direction of 0.2 or more when the absorbent article is in an unfolded state and in a maximum stretched state; The absorbent article according to claim 4 , wherein the non-bonded regions have regions that overlap each other in the thickness direction.

9. the absorbent article has two non-bonded regions in a thickness direction, each having a ratio of a maximum length along the width direction to a minimum length along the width direction of 0.2 or more when the absorbent article is in an unfolded state and in a maximum stretched state; The absorbent article according to claim 4 , wherein the non-bonded regions do not overlap each other in the thickness direction.

10. The absorbent article has a first non-bonded region and a second non-bonded region, each of which has a ratio of a maximum length along the width direction to a minimum length along the width direction of 0.2 or more when the absorbent article is in an unfolded state and in a maximum stretched state; and The third non-bonded region has a ratio of a maximum length along the width direction to a minimum length along the width direction of 0.01 or more, the first non-bonding region and the second non-bonding region have a region where they overlap each other in a thickness direction, The absorbent article according to claim 4 , wherein the third non-bonded region is formed on a side of the absorbent article closest to the non-skin-facing surface.

11. 5. The absorbent article of claim 4, wherein the maximum length along the width direction of the non-bonded region formed closest to the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent article is shorter than the maximum length along the width direction of the non-bonded region located closer to the skin-facing surface than the non-bonded region and adjacent in the thickness direction.

12. when the absorbent article is viewed in a thickness direction from the skin-facing surface to the non-skin-facing surface, the first non-bonded region, the second non-bonded region, and the third non-bonded region are formed so as to be adjacent to each other in this order in the thickness direction, the third non-bonded region is formed on a side of the absorbent article closest to the non-skin-facing surface, 5. The absorbent article of claim 4, wherein the maximum length along the width direction of each of the non-bonded regions is the longest for the first non-bonded region, the shortest for the third non-bonded region, and the intermediate length for the second non-bonded region.

13. The absorbent body includes an absorbent core and a core wrap sheet that covers the outer surface of the absorbent core, The absorbent core comprises an absorbent sheet having a water-absorbing polymer disposed between two sheets; An absorbent article as described in claim 4, wherein, when the absorbent article is in an unfolded and maximum extended state, the non-bonded area has a ratio of its maximum length along the width direction to its minimum length along the width direction of 0.2 or more, and is formed between the absorbent sheet and the core wrap sheet.

14. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent body comprises a fiber sheet containing non-fusible fibers and heat-fusible fibers.

15. Further provided is an exterior body arranged on the non-skin facing side of the back sheet, The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the topsheet or the outer cover comprises a fiber sheet containing non-fusible fibers and heat-fusible fibers.

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