Stretchable sheet structure and disposable absorbent article

Abstract

To provide a stretchable sheet structure forming a gathering having aligned folds, and having proper rigidity.SOLUTION: A gathering sheet 32 including a stretchable sheet structure comprises: an inside sheet 331; an outside sheet 332; a first elastic member 3221, a second elastic member 3222, and a third elastic member 3223 being provided between the inside sheet 331 and the outside sheet 332, and extending in a stretchable direction. The inside sheet 331 and the outside sheet 332 are joined at a plurality of linear junction units 5 which is aligned in a stretchable direction. A junction width of the linear junction unit at a crossing position between each linear junction unit 5 and first to third elastic member 3221-3223, is greater than a junction width of the linear junction unit between the adjacent crossing positions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a stretchable sheet structure and a disposable absorbent article comprising the stretchable sheet structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, disposable absorbent articles that receive excrement from a wearer have gathers including stretchable sheet structures in various locations. For example, in the case of disposable diapers, gathers are provided in the locations that come into contact with the groin, legs, waist, etc. Additionally, gathers are also provided in auxiliary absorbent articles placed inside the diaper to prevent leakage.

[0003] One known gather of this type is one in which pleats are arranged in an orderly fashion. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for forming gathers in waist flaps by arranging stretchable elastic members between nonwoven fabric sheets on which hot melt adhesive is applied in linear stripes at regular intervals, so that the stretchable elastic members intersect the hot melt lines.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for fixing elastic members facing the stretching direction by welding when two sheets of sheet material are intermittently heat-sealed in the stretching direction and in a direction perpendicular to the stretching direction. Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for joining a pair of sheets by welding and holding multiple elastic members between the pair of sheets. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 4-71922 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-212405 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2018 / 070158 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when the elastic member is fixed with a hot melt adhesive applied in a line perpendicular to the elastic member, as in Patent Document 1, a large amount of hot melt adhesive is required to properly bond the elastic member. This increases the gathers' tendency to maintain their shape (hereinafter referred to as "rigidity"), making the gathers uncomfortable to the touch. When the sheet and elastic member are joined with uniformly shaped dots arranged intermittently in two dimensions, as in Patent Document 2, the dot width in the stretch direction must be increased to maintain the joining strength, which reduces the area of ​​the sheet surface available for pleats. In Patent Document 3, the elastic member is tightly clamped at the position where it is fixed during welding, but this may weaken the strength of the sheet at the position where the elastic member is fixed.

[0007] On the other hand, in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the pleats of the gathers are formed perpendicular to the direction in which the gathers are stretched, which increases the rigidity of the gathers to maintain their shape in the direction in which the pleats are stretched. As a result, for example, in the case of gathers that come into contact with the groin area, the gathers may come into contact with the groin area too tightly, or in the case of gathers around the waist, the gathers may catch too tightly on the skin surface when the diaper is worn.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a stretch sheet structure that has appropriate rigidity while forming gathers with neatly arranged pleats, and a disposable absorbent article that has such a stretch sheet structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A first aspect of the present invention is a stretchable sheet structure that stretches in a stretching direction when a stretching force is applied and contracts when the stretching force is released, the stretchable sheet structure comprising: a first sheet; a second sheet overlapping the first sheet; a linear first elastic member located between the first sheet and the second sheet and extending in the stretching direction; and a linear second elastic member located between the first sheet and the second sheet and extending in the stretching direction at a distance from the first elastic member. When the first sheet and the second sheet are stretched flat in the stretching direction, the first sheet and the second sheet are joined together by a plurality of linear joining units arranged in the stretching direction. and each linear joint unit intersects with the first elastic member and the second elastic member, the joint width of each linear joint unit at a first intersection position between each linear joint unit and the first elastic member and the joint width of each linear joint unit at a second intersection position between each linear joint unit and the second elastic member are larger than the joint width of each linear joint unit between the first intersection position and the second intersection position, and when the first elastic member and the second elastic member are contracted, the first sheet or the second sheet is raised between the plurality of linear joint units, thereby forming gathers.

[0010] A second aspect of the present invention is a stretchable sheet structure that stretches when a stretching force is applied in a stretching direction and contracts when the stretching force is released, the stretchable sheet structure comprising a first sheet, a second sheet overlapping the first sheet, a linear first elastic member positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet and extending in the stretching direction, and a linear second elastic member positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet and extending in the stretching direction at a distance from the first elastic member, wherein when the first sheet and the second sheet are stretched flat in the stretching direction, the first sheet and the second sheet are joined by a plurality of linear joining units arranged in the stretching direction, each of the plurality of linear joining units exists between the first elastic member and the second elastic member in a direction intersecting the stretching direction, and the intersecting direction is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the stretching direction, each linear joining unit intersects the first elastic member and the second elastic member, and when the first elastic member and the second elastic member are contracted, the first sheet or the second sheet is raised between the plurality of linear joining units, thereby forming gathers.

[0011] A third aspect of the present invention is the stretch sheet structure of the second aspect, wherein the joint width of each linear joint unit at the first intersection position between each linear joint unit and the first elastic member and the joint width of each linear joint unit at the second intersection position between each linear joint unit and the second elastic member are greater than the joint width of each linear joint unit between the first intersection position and the second intersection position.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a stretch sheet structure according to the first or second aspect (or any one of the first to third aspects), in which each of the plurality of linear bonding units is continuously present in a direction intersecting with the stretch direction between the first elastic member and the second elastic member.

[0013] Aspect 5 of the present invention is a stretch sheet structure according to aspect 1 or 2 (which may be any one of aspects 1 to 4), in which the first sheet and the second sheet are joined by welding in each linear joint unit.

[0014] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a stretch sheet structure according to the first or second aspect (which may be any one of the first to fifth aspects), in which the first sheet and the second sheet are a single sheet folded at a fold line, and when the first sheet and the second sheet are stretched flat in the stretching direction, the first elastic member is positioned close to and parallel to the fold line, and each linear joint unit does not overlap the fold line.

[0015] Aspect 7 of the present invention is a stretch sheet structure of aspect 1 or 2 (which may be any one of aspects 1 to 6), further comprising a linear third elastic member located between the first sheet and the second sheet, on the opposite side of the second elastic member from the first elastic member, spaced apart from the second elastic member and extending in the stretch direction, wherein each of the plurality of linear joint units is located between the second elastic member and the third elastic member in a direction intersecting the stretch direction, each linear joint unit intersects with the third elastic member, and when the first elastic member, the second elastic member, and the third elastic member are contracted, gathers are formed, and when the first sheet and the second sheet are stretched flat in the stretch direction, each linear joint unit is straight.

[0016] Aspect 8 of the present invention is a stretch sheet structure according to aspect 1 or 2 (or any one of aspects 1 to 6), further comprising a linear third elastic member located between the first sheet and the second sheet, on the opposite side of the second elastic member from the first elastic member, spaced apart from the second elastic member and extending in the stretch direction, wherein each of the plurality of linear joint units is located between the second elastic member and the third elastic member in a direction intersecting the stretch direction, each linear joint unit intersects with the third elastic member, and when the first elastic member, the second elastic member, and the third elastic member are contracted, gathers are formed, and when the first sheet and the second sheet are stretched flat in the stretch direction, each linear joint unit bends at the position of the second elastic member.

[0017] A ninth aspect of the present invention is the stretch sheet structure of the eighth aspect, wherein the angle direction in which each linear joint unit is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the stretch direction between the first elastic member and the second elastic member is opposite to the angle direction in which each linear joint unit is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the stretch direction between the second elastic member and the third elastic member.

[0018] Aspect 10 of the present invention is an elastic sheet structure of aspect 7, wherein when the first sheet and the second sheet are stretched flat in the stretching direction, the edges of the first sheet and the second sheet are located along the first elastic member near the first elastic member on the side opposite the second elastic member, and the distance between the first elastic member and the second elastic member is wider than the distance between the second elastic member and the third elastic member.

[0019] Aspect 11 of the present invention is a stretch sheet structure of aspect 8 (which may be aspect 8 or 9), in which, when the first sheet and the second sheet are stretched flat in the stretching direction, the edges of the first sheet and the second sheet are located along the first elastic member near the first elastic member on the side opposite the second elastic member, and the distance between the first elastic member and the second elastic member is wider than the distance between the second elastic member and the third elastic member.

[0020] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is a stretch sheet structure according to the first or second aspect (which may be any one of the first to eleventh aspects), wherein, when the first sheet and the second sheet are stretched flat in the stretch direction, the range of existence of each linear joint unit in the stretch direction partially overlaps with the range of existence of the linear joint unit adjacent to each linear joint unit in the stretch direction.

[0021] A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a disposable absorbent article for receiving excrement from a wearer, comprising the stretch sheet structure of either the first or second aspect (or any one of the first to twelfth aspects).

[0022] A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the disposable absorbent article of the thirteenth aspect, wherein the gathers contact the wearer's groin area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a stretchable sheet structure that has gathers with neatly arranged pleats and yet has appropriate rigidity, and a disposable absorbent article having the stretchable sheet structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the absorbent article. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing one of the absorbent articles in its free state. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the gathered sheet. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing the vicinity of the boundary between the central joining region and the end joining region. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a part of a gathered sheet. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a portion of the absorbent article. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a linear joint unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the inner and outer sheets raised. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a linear joint unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another example of a linear joint unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another example of a linear joint unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing yet another example of a linear joint unit. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of a standing gathered sheet. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing yet another example of a standing gathered sheet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of a disposable absorbent article 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "absorbent article 1") according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows the absorbent article 1 in a flat, unfolded state. The absorbent article 1 is an auxiliary absorbent device that is placed inside (i.e., on the wearer's side) of an outer article worn by a wearer and receives excrement from the wearer. The outer article may be a disposable diaper, a non-disposable diaper, a diaper-like cover, or the like. The absorbent article 1 is used, for example, by people receiving care in hospitals or nursing homes. In FIG. 1, the side of the absorbent article 1 that comes into contact with the wearer is drawn facing forward. In the following description, the up-down direction in FIG. 1 is referred to as the "vertical direction," and the left-right direction perpendicular to the vertical direction is referred to as the "width direction." The absorbent article 1 is symmetrical, and the center line facing the vertical direction in FIG. 1 is denoted by the reference numeral 11.

[0026] 2 is a perspective view showing one of the free states of the absorbent article 1. As will be described later, the absorbent article 1 includes elastic members, and the entire absorbent article 1 assumes a curved state due to contraction of the elastic members.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 1 taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at position III-III in Fig. 1. However, as shown in Fig. 2, gathers of a gathered sheet (described later) stand up due to the contractile force of the elastic member, and therefore Fig. 3 depicts the gathers in an upright state. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 1 taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at position IV-IV in Fig. 1.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the absorbent article 1 comprises 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 comprises a center sheet 31 and a pair of gathered sheets 32. The pair of gathered sheets 32 are fixed on both side portions of the center sheet 31 (i.e., at positions spaced apart on both sides in the width direction) and extend in the longitudinal direction. Each gathered sheet 32 ​​extends over the entire length of the center sheet 31 in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the longitudinal length of each gathered sheet 32 ​​is substantially the same as the longitudinal length of the absorbent article 1. Gathers 34, which are the inner portions of the pair of gathered sheets 32 in the width direction, stand up toward the wearer when the absorbent article 1 is worn.

[0029] The upper and lower regions of the absorbent article 1 in FIG. 1 are the front and rear regions that come into contact with the wearer's abdominal and dorsal skin, respectively. The region of the absorbent article 1 that continues from the front and rear regions and faces the wearer's crotch is the central region that faces the wearer's crotch. The boundaries between the front and central regions and the boundaries between the rear and central regions do not need to be clearly defined. In the absorbent article 1, the front, central, and rear regions are aligned in this order in the vertical direction. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent article 1 is substantially rectangular in plan view, and the widths of the front, central, and rear regions (i.e., the width in the left-right direction when worn, hereinafter also simply referred to as "width") are substantially the same. In other words, the width of the absorbent article 1 is substantially constant over the entire vertical length. The above-mentioned FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the absorbent article 1 at the central and front regions, respectively. The cross-section of the rear region of the absorbent article 1 is substantially similar to the cross-section of the front region shown in FIG. 4. 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.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1, 3, and 4, 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 joined together around the periphery of the absorbent core 22 using an adhesive. In Figure 1, the outline of the absorbent core 22 is drawn with a thin dashed line. In Figures 3 and 4, to make the drawings easier to understand, the absorbent article 1 is drawn larger than it actually is in the thickness direction (i.e., the vertical direction in Figures 3 and 4), and components of the absorbent article 1 that are actually in contact or joined together are drawn appropriately spaced apart in the thickness direction.

[0031] The center sheet 31 of the top sheet 21 quickly captures moisture from the wearer's bodily waste and transfers it to the absorbent core 22. The absorbent core 22 absorbs moisture that has permeated the center sheet 31 and quickly fixes it. The back sheet 23 mainly prevents moisture from bodily waste that has permeated the center sheet 31 and the absorbent core 22 and reached the back sheet 23 from seeping out of the absorbent article 1. In the example shown in FIG. 3 , the absorbent core 22 contacts the center sheet 31 and the back sheet 23, but a backing sheet (e.g., tissue paper) may be placed between the absorbent core 22 and the center sheet 31, or a backing sheet may be placed between the absorbent core 22 and the back sheet 23. The absorbent core 22 may be wrapped in another sheet, or the absorbent core 22 may be composed of multiple overlapping absorbent cores. In other words, various known structures may be adopted for the absorbent core 22 and its surrounding structure.

[0032] The length of the topsheet 21 and the backsheet 23 in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the absorbent core 22. The width of the topsheet 21 and the backsheet 23 in the width direction is greater than the width of the absorbent core 22. Both side edges of the topsheet 21 (i.e., both sides in the width direction) are joined to both side edges of the backsheet 23 over their entire lengths, either directly or indirectly via an intervening material. The width of the center sheet 31 may be smaller than the width of the backsheet 23, in which case the outer edges of the gathered sheet 32 ​​in the width direction may be joined to the backsheet 23. At the longitudinal edges of the absorbent article 1, the longitudinal edges of the topsheet 21 and the longitudinal edges of the backsheet 23 are joined directly or indirectly. The topsheet 21 and the backsheet 23 are joined around the entire periphery of the absorbent core 22, so that the entire absorbent core 22 is surrounded by the topsheet 21 and the backsheet 23. The topsheet 21 and the backsheet 23 are joined together using, for example, a hot melt adhesive. The topsheet 21 and the backsheet 23 may be joined together by various methods other than a hot melt adhesive.

[0033] For example, a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric (such as a point-bonded nonwoven fabric, an air-through nonwoven fabric, or a spun-bonded nonwoven fabric) made of hydrophobic fibers (such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, polyamide, or nylon) whose surfaces have been hydrophilically treated with a surfactant is used as the center sheet 31. Alternatively, a nonwoven fabric (such as a spunlace nonwoven fabric) made of hydrophilic fibers such as cellulose, rayon, or cotton may be used as the center sheet 31.

[0034] The backsheet 23 preferably has a laminated structure in which multiple sheets are laminated. For example, the backsheet 23 has a structure in which a nonwoven fabric is laminated on a liquid-repellent or liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric or a plastic film. When the backsheet 23 includes a plastic film, the plastic film is disposed opposite the absorbent core 22. The plastic film is preferably moisture-permeable (breathable). This improves the water resistance of the backsheet 23 and prevents the absorbent article 1 from becoming stuffy, improving comfort for the wearer. For example, a liquid-repellent or liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric is used as the nonwoven fabric laminated on the plastic film. This improves the feel of the backsheet 23, such as the touch and texture. The nonwoven fabric is, for example, a spunbonded nonwoven fabric, a meltblown nonwoven fabric, or an SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) nonwoven fabric made of hydrophobic fibers, and is treated with a liquid repellent coating as needed.

[0035] The absorbent core 22 is a generally sheet-like member whose thickness is smaller than its length and width. The absorbent core 22 is provided across the front, central, and rear portions of the absorbent article 1. That is, the absorbent core 22 is located on the wearer's abdominal side, crotch area, and back side. The shape of the absorbent core 22 in a plan view may be modified in various ways. For example, the width of the rear portion of the absorbent core 22 may be greater than the width of the front portion. Alternatively, the width of the central portion of the absorbent core 22 may be smaller than the widths of the front and rear portions.

[0036] The absorbent core 22 is, for example, a sheet-like fiber assembly in which a superabsorbent material is dispersed. The fiber assembly is, for example, an assembly 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 be a sheet-like fiber assembly that does not contain a superabsorbent material. Alternatively, the absorbent core 22 may be substantially free of fibers such as pulp fibers, and may be formed by fixing a superabsorbent material between two liquid-permeable sheet members (for example, nonwoven fabrics) with a hot-melt adhesive or the like.

[0037] As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, each gathered sheet 32 ​​includes a side sheet 321 and elastic members 3221 to 3223. In Figs. 1 and 3, only the right gathered sheet 32 ​​is denoted by the reference numerals 321, 3221 to 3223. The side sheet 321 is a substantially strip-shaped sheet member that is long in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, each of the left and right gathered sheets 32 is provided with three elastic members 3221 to 3223. Each of the elastic members 3221 to 3223 is linear and extends in the vertical direction, and is fixed to an inner region of the side sheet 321 in the width direction. When the absorbent article 1 is in the state shown in Fig. 1 where it is spread out flat, the elastic members 3221 to 3223 are stretched, and as the elastic members 3221 to 3223 contract, the gathered sheet 32 ​​contracts and the absorbent article 1 curves into a substantially cup shape, as shown in Fig. 2. As a result, the inner portion of the gathered sheet 32 ​​in the width direction stands up from the center sheet 31 as shown in FIG.

[0038] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the gathered sheet 32 ​​on the right side of FIG. 3. The gathered sheet 32 ​​on the left side has the same structure. As shown in FIG. 5, the side sheet 321 has a structure in which an inner sheet 331 and an outer sheet 332 overlap by folding back a single sheet. The folded-back position is the inner edge 333 of the gathered sheet 32 ​​in the width direction. Three elastic members 3221 to 3223 are disposed between the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332. Hereinafter, the three elastic members 3221 to 3223 will be referred to as the "first elastic member 3221," the "second elastic member 3222," and the "third elastic member 3223," respectively, from the inner side to the outer side in the width direction. The first elastic member 3221 is disposed near the edge 333 of the gathered sheet 32 ​​and along the edge. The second and third elastic members 3222 and 3223 are disposed spaced apart from the first elastic member 3221 on the outer side in the width direction.

[0039] A water-repellent or liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric (such as a spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, or SMS nonwoven fabric) made of hydrophobic fibers is used as the side sheet 321, and is subjected to a liquid-repellent treatment as necessary. For example, polyurethane thread, a strip-shaped polyurethane film, or thread-shaped or strip-shaped natural rubber is used as the elastic members 3221 to 3223.

[0040] The side sheets 321 are fixed onto the center sheet 31. In Figures 1, 3, and 4, the joint area between the center sheet 31 and the side sheets 321, i.e., the joint area between the center sheet 31 and the gathered sheet 32, is indicated by diagonal lines. In this embodiment, the center sheet 31 and the pair of gathered sheets 32 are joined by welding with pressure. Hereinafter, this joint area will be referred to as the "compression welding area 4." "Welding with pressure" refers to thermal welding, which involves applying pressure while applying heat, or ultrasonic welding, which involves applying pressure while applying ultrasonic vibrations, a process known as "embossing." Because compression is achieved by pressure, "welding with pressure" can also be considered "welding with compression." Note that the center sheet 31 and the gathered sheet 32 ​​may be joined in other joining directions, for example, by using a hot-melt adhesive.

[0041] The compression-bonding region 4 includes a central bonding region 41 located in the center in the longitudinal direction and end bonding regions 42 located in both end ranges in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 1, one absorbent article 1 has two central bonding regions 41 and four end bonding regions 42. Each central bonding region 41 is spaced outward in the width direction from the three elastic members 3221-3223. Each end bonding region 42 does not overlap with the three elastic members 3221-3223. As shown in FIG. 1, each central bonding region 41 is elongated in the longitudinal direction. Each end bonding region 42 includes three linear regions extending in the longitudinal direction. Hereinafter, the three linear regions will be referred to as the "first linear region 421," the "second linear region 422," and the "third linear region 423," respectively, from the inside to the outside in the width direction. In FIG. 1, only the upper right portions are labeled with the reference numerals 421-423. Furthermore, since the second linear region 422 and the third linear region 423 are located outside the second and third elastic members 3222, 3223 in the width direction, they are collectively referred to as the "outer bonding region 432", and the first linear region 421, which is located inside the second and third elastic members 3222, 3223 in the width direction, is also referred to as the "inner bonding region 431".

[0042] The inner bonding region 431 and the outer bonding region 432 are spaced apart in the width direction. The second and third elastic members 3222, 3223 are located between the inner bonding region 431 and the outer bonding region 432 in the width direction. The innermost first elastic member 3221 is located more inward in the width direction than the inner bonding region 431. In other words, the positions in the width direction where the three elastic members 3221 to 3223 are arranged do not overlap with the widthwise extent of either the inner bonding region 431 or the outer bonding region 432.

[0043] When the absorbent article 1 is manufactured, multiple absorbent cores 22 are sandwiched between a continuous top sheet 21 and a continuous back sheet 23 corresponding to multiple absorbent articles 1, and then individual absorbent articles 1 are cut from this continuous laminate. However, because the three elastic members 3221-3223 do not overlap with the end joining region 42, after cutting, the ends of the three elastic members 3221-3223 are freely contracted within the gathered sheet 32. Therefore, after cutting, the end joining region 42 is not subjected to force from any of the elastic members 3221-3223. As a result, the end joining region 42, which has become hardened by compression joining, is prevented from being strongly curved inward, i.e., toward the wearer, due to the force from the elastic members 3221-3223, thereby improving the wearing comfort of the absorbent article 1. Note that although the longitudinal extent of the end joining region 42 and the longitudinal extent of the elastic members 3221-3223 overlap in FIG. 1 , these extents do not have to overlap.

[0044] The second linear region 422 and the third linear region 423 are connected on the inside in the vertical direction. By dividing the outer joining region 432 into the second linear region 422 and the third linear region 423, the flexibility of the absorbent article 1 can be increased in the outer regions in the width direction of the front and rear portions of the absorbent article 1. As a result, the outer regions in the width direction of the front and rear portions can more easily conform to the inner surface of the diaper (including a diaper-like cover; the same applies hereinafter) and the wearer's body, improving wearing comfort. In addition, the breathability of the end joining region 42 is improved.

[0045] 6 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the boundary between the central bonding area 41 and the end bonding area 42 in the upper right of FIG. 1. Each of the numerous dots 40 in FIG. 6 is a piece of the compressed bonding area 4, i.e., a single dot-shaped embossment and a single recessed area. Hereinafter, the dots 40 will be referred to as "bonding elements 40." The compressed bonding area 4 is formed by a large number of bonding elements 40, but the spacing between the bonding elements 40 is small, so the compressed bonding area 4 will be considered to include the areas between the bonding elements 40.

[0046] As shown by the leader lines at the top of FIG. 6 , the outer widthwise edges of the end joining regions 42 (at widthwise position 443) are located more inward in the widthwise direction than the inner widthwise edge of the central joining region 41 (at widthwise position 442). By positioning the end joining regions 42 more inward in the widthwise direction than the central joining region 41, there are no hardened portions due to compression joining in the outer widthwise regions of the front and rear regions of the absorbent article 1, improving flexibility. As a result, the outer widthwise regions of the front and rear regions can more easily conform to the inner surface of the diaper and the wearer's body, improving wearing comfort. By positioning the central joining region 41 more outward in the widthwise direction than the end joining regions 42, it is possible to make the gathers 34 stand up significantly, thereby effectively preventing side leakage of body exudates. Also, preferably, the widthwise size of the end joining region 42, i.e., the distance between the position 443 of the outer edge of the end joining region 42 and the position 444 of the inner edge of the end joining region 42, is greater than the widthwise size of the central joining region 41, i.e., the distance between the position 441 of the outer edge of the central joining region 41 and the position 442 of the inner edge.

[0047] Here, the central bonding region 41 and the outer bonding regions 432 are continuous in the longitudinal direction. This prevents bodily waste received by the absorbent article 1 from leaking between the central bonding region 41 and the outer bonding regions 432. As described above, the spacing between the bonding elements 40 is narrow enough to prevent bodily waste from leaking. More preferably, the compressed bonding regions 4 extend over the entire longitudinal length of the topsheet 21. This allows the ultrasonic vibrations to continuously act on the protrusions of the roll (the so-called embossing roll) that forms the compressed bonding regions 4, when the compressed bonding regions 4 are formed using ultrasonic vibrations. As a result, the ultrasonic vibrations act stably on the protrusions of the embossing roll, reducing fluctuations in the strength of the welded bond. Furthermore, wear on the protrusions of the embossing roll is suppressed, thereby extending the life of the embossing roll. Even when the compressed bonding regions 4 are formed by thermal welding, fluctuations in the linear pressure generated between the pair of rolls sandwiching the sheet on which the compressed bonding regions 4 are formed are suppressed, reducing fluctuations in the strength of the welded bond. Furthermore, wear of the protrusions of the embossing roll is suppressed, thereby improving the life of the embossing roll.

[0048] More preferably, the maximum value of the total length of the compression-bonded portions in the width direction of the compression-bonded region 4 is 1.25 to 4 times the minimum value. Here, the "total length of compression-bonded portions" refers to the total length of the area actually compressed and bonded by the bonding elements 40, etc., on a line extending in the width direction (or the length of that area, if there is only one area). The maximum value of the total length of compression-bonded portions is more preferably 1.5 to 3 times the minimum value. This allows the ultrasonic vibrations to act stably on the protrusions of the embossing roll, reducing fluctuations in the strength of the welded bond. Furthermore, wear on the protrusions of the embossing roll is suppressed, thereby extending the life of the embossing roll. Even when the compression-bonded region 4 is formed by thermal welding, fluctuations in the linear pressure generated between a pair of rolls sandwiching the sheet on which the compression-bonded region 4 is formed are suppressed, reducing fluctuations in the strength of the welded bond. Furthermore, wear on the protrusions of the embossing roll is suppressed, thereby extending the life of the embossing roll.

[0049] The edge of the end joint region 42 on the longitudinal center side (in FIG. 6, the edge portion of the end joint region 42 is indicated by a solid line and the remaining portion by a dashed line) is a discontinuous line that terminates at the positions of the second and third elastic members 3222 and 3223, and the edge slopes toward the longitudinal center as it extends outward in the width direction. The edge is not limited to a straight line and may be curved. An additional joint region 401 exists outside the width direction of the region where the edge terminates (in FIG. 6, indicated by a reference numeral 446). This reduces fluctuations in the range of the embossing roll protrusions on which ultrasonic vibrations act during rotation of the embossing roll, thereby reducing fluctuations in the strength of the welded joint. Furthermore, wear on the protrusions of the embossing roll is suppressed, thereby extending the life of the embossing roll. Even when the compression joint region 4 is formed by thermal welding, fluctuations in the linear pressure generated between the pair of rolls are suppressed, thereby reducing fluctuations in the strength of the welded joint. Furthermore, wear of the protrusions of the embossing roll is suppressed, thereby improving the life of the embossing roll. The "added bonding area" can be understood as a distortion of the edge that should be linear from the surrounding shape in the end bonding area 42, or an isolated bonding area. The added bonding area 401 may be provided inside the range 446 where the edge is discontinued in the width direction.

[0050] Here, for convenience, the edge of the central bonding region 41 corresponding to the outer position 441 of the widthwise outermost bonding element 40 of the central bonding region 41 will be called the "outer edge 441," the edge of the central bonding region 41 corresponding to the inner position 442 of the widthwise innermost bonding element 40 will be called the "inner edge 442," the edge of the end bonding region 42 corresponding to the outer position 443 of the widthwise outermost bonding element 40 of the end bonding region 42 will be called the "outer edge 443," and the edge of the end bonding region 42 corresponding to the inner position 444 of the widthwise innermost bonding element 40 will be called the "inner edge 444." The proportion of bonding elements 40 between the outer edge 443 and inner edge 444 of the end bonding region 42 is smaller than the proportion of bonding elements 40 between the outer edge 441 and inner edge 442 of the central bonding region 41. Here, the "proportion of the bonding elements 40" refers to the proportion of the number of bonding elements 40 relative to the width of the compressed bonding region 4 when the compressed bonding region 4 is cut along a straight line extending in the width direction, or the proportion of the total length of the range in which the bonding elements 40 are present. Note that the "proportion of the bonding elements 40" may also refer to the proportion of the area of ​​the bonding elements 40 relative to the area of ​​the entire target region.

[0051] By making the proportion of the joining elements 40 in the end joining regions 42 smaller than the proportion of the joining elements 40 in the central joining region 41, the joining elements 40 are sparsely distributed in the end joining regions 42, and the flexibility of the absorbent article 1 can be increased in the front and rear regions of the absorbent article 1, particularly in the outer regions in the width direction of the front and rear regions. As a result, the wearing comfort can be improved in the front and rear regions. Meanwhile, in the central joining region 41, the gathered sheet 32 ​​can be firmly fixed to the center sheet 31, preventing side leakage of body exudates.

[0052] 6, the first elastic members 3221 positioned innermost in the width direction are positioned widthwise more inward than the inner bonding region 431 (first linear region 421). This prevents unnecessary force from being applied by the first elastic members 3221 to the inner side of the first linear region 421 in the width direction while forming pleats up to the inner edge 333 of the gathered sheet 32.

[0053] A region of the gathered sheet 32 ​​that is more inward in the width direction than the compressed bonding region 4 is not fixed to the center sheet 31. This region of the gathered sheet 32 ​​can be separated upward from the center sheet 31 (i.e., toward the wearer when the absorbent article 1 is worn). As shown in FIG. 5, a first elastic member 3221 is joined in a longitudinally stretched state near the inner edge 333 of each side sheet 321. The second and third elastic members 3222, 3223 are joined in a longitudinally stretched state, spaced apart from the first elastic member 3221 outward in the width direction. The second elastic member 3222 and the third elastic member 3223 are also spaced apart from each other in the width direction. When the absorbent article 1 is worn, the elastic members 3221 to 3223 of each gathered sheet 32 ​​contract, causing the region more inward in the width direction than the central bonding region 41 to separate upward from the center sheet 31 and rise toward the wearer, as shown in FIG. 3. Furthermore, due to the contraction of the elastic members 3221-3223, gathers 34 are formed in regions of the gathered sheet 32 ​​that are more inward in the width direction than the central joining region 41. This prevents leakage of urine and the like from around the legs in the absorbent article 1. The side sheet 321 and the elastic members 3221-3223 are joined together by welding using ultrasonic vibrations or heat, as described below, but may also be joined by an adhesive.

[0054] The absorbent article 1 may be modified in various ways. For example, the backsheet 23 is not limited to a single sheet. It may be a sheet in which multiple sheets are stacked, or in which multiple sheets are joined together in the lengthwise or widthwise direction. The backsheet 23 only needs to have the function of preventing liquid in the absorbent core 22 from leaking to the outside of the absorbent article 1. Typically, the backsheet 23 has a plastic film with countless fine holes formed therein and a nonwoven fabric bonded to the outer surface of the plastic film. The term "backsheet 23" refers to a sheet that covers the lower surface of the absorbent core 22, i.e., the surface facing away from the wearer.

[0055] The term "top sheet 21" refers to a sheet that covers the upper surface of the absorbent core 22, i.e., the surface facing the wearer. In the absorbent article 1, the top sheet 21 includes a center sheet 31 and a gathered sheet 32, but may also include sheets other than these. 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 also not limited to a single sheet, and may be a sheet in which multiple sheets are stacked together, or in which multiple sheets are joined together in the longitudinal or transverse direction.

[0056] The gathered sheet 32 ​​refers to a sheet having gathers 34 that rise toward the wearer's groin, and the structure and shape of the gathered sheet 32 ​​are not limited to those described above. The gathered sheet 32 ​​may be joined to the lower surface of the center sheet 31 by welding with pressure. In this case, for example, the gathered sheet 32 ​​may be joined to the lower surface of the center sheet 31 in the central joining region 41, and the portions of the gathered sheet 32 ​​folded upward at the edges of the center sheet 31 may be joined to the upper surface of the center sheet 31 in the end joining regions 42.

[0057] The side sheets 321 of the gathered sheet 32 ​​are not limited to being a single sheet folded over, but may be multiple sheets overlapped, or multiple sheets joined together in the lengthwise or widthwise direction. The gathered sheet 32 ​​prevents body waste from leaking outward in the widthwise direction, and at least the inside of the gathered sheet 32 ​​is hydrophobic. In FIG. 3, the gathered sheet 32 ​​rises from the outside to the inside in the widthwise direction, but it may also be folded outward in the widthwise direction at the central joining region 41 and then rise toward the wearer's groin.

[0058] The number of elastic members in the gathered sheet 32 ​​may be one, two, or four or more. That is, the gathered sheet 32 ​​is provided with at least one elastic member. The elastic member is preferably linear. The term "linear" includes "thin thread-like," "thread-like with a flat cross section," and "tape-like with a flat cross section." In any case, preferably, at least one elastic member does not overlap with the end joining region 42. More precisely, the widthwise position of the at least one elastic member does not overlap with the widthwise extent of the end joining region 42. This prevents the contractile force of the at least one elastic member from acting on the end joining region 42. Preferably, one elastic member is arranged near and along the inner edge 333 of the side sheet 321 in the widthwise direction.

[0059] When the number of elastic members is one, the outer joining region 432 is a region located outside the elastic members in the width direction. The inner joining region 431 is a region located inside the elastic members in the width direction. When the number of elastic members is two or more, the outer joining region 432 is a region located outside one of the elastic members in the width direction. The inner joining region 431 is a region located inside one of the elastic members in the width direction. More generally, the outer joining region 432 is a region located outside one of the at least one elastic members (the number of the elastic members may be one or more), and the inner joining region 431 is a region located inside one of the elastic members in the width direction. Since the end joining region 42 does not overlap any elastic member, the end joining region 42 is not subjected to direct force from the elastic members. This prevents the end joining region 42, which has hardened due to compression joining, from bending strongly inward (toward the wearer in FIG. 1 ), and improves the wearing comfort of the absorbent article 1. In other words, the discomfort felt when wearing the absorbent article 1 can be reduced compared to when the end joining regions 42 and the elastic members overlap.

[0060] By providing an inner bonding region 431 and an outer bonding region 432 and arranging one or more (preferably two as in the above embodiment) elastic members between these regions in the width direction, the portion of the gathered sheet 32 ​​where the gathers 34 are formed can be made to stand up easily. By providing at least one elastic member between the inner bonding region 431 and the outer bonding region 432, the overall shape of the gathers 34 can be stabilized. In the gathered sheet 32, in order to stably stand up the tips of the gathers 34, it is preferable that the elastic member located most inward in the width direction among the multiple elastic members is located more inward in the width direction than the inner bonding region 431. Furthermore, in order to position the inner bonding region 431 as far inward as possible, it is preferable that the elastic member located second most inward in the width direction among the multiple elastic members is located between the inner bonding region 431 and the outer bonding region 432 in the width direction. In other words, it is preferable that the number of elastic members located more inward in the width direction than the inner bonding region 431 is one.

[0061] The at least one elastic member may be provided in various ways in the gathered sheet 32, but in any case, the range in which the elastic member is present in the longitudinal direction and the range in which the end joining region 42 is present in the longitudinal direction may or may not overlap.

[0062] In the above embodiment, the compressed and bonded region 4 is formed of numerous dot-like bonding elements 40, but it may also be formed of numerous linear bonding elements or a mesh-like bonding shape. Of course, the center sheet 31 and the gathered sheet 32 ​​may be welded together without any gaps throughout the entire compressed and bonded region 4. In either case, the maximum total length of the compressed and bonded regions 4 in the width direction is preferably 1.25 to 4 times the minimum length. More preferably, the maximum total length is 1.5 to 3 times the minimum length.

[0063] Preferably, the compressed-bonding region 4 is continuous from the front end-bonding region 42 to the rear end-bonding region 42. More preferably, the compressed-bonding region 4 is continuous over the entire length of the topsheet 21 in the longitudinal direction. Here, "continuously existing" the compressed-bonding region 4 includes the case where the bonding elements 40 are spaced apart to the extent that bodily exudates do not leak. Furthermore, the compressed-bonding region 4 does not necessarily have to be continuous; the center sheet 31 and the gathered sheet 32 ​​may be joined using an adhesive at a position where no compressed-bonding region 4 is present. In the above embodiment, the end-bonding region 42 is divided into an inner bonding region 431 and an outer bonding region 432, but the inner bonding region 431 can be omitted. In this case, the outer bonding region 432 and the end-bonding region 42 coincide with each other, and preferably, the outer bonding region 432 and the central bonding region 41 are continuous in the longitudinal direction, so that the entire compressed-bonding region 4 is continuous in the longitudinal direction.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the outer edges 443 of the end joining regions 42 in the width direction are located more inward in the width direction than the inner edge 442 of the central joining region 41 in the width direction. However, the outer edges 443 of the end joining regions 42 in the width direction may simply be located more inward in the width direction than the outer edge 441 of the central joining region 41 in the width direction. In this case, the flexibility of the outer regions in the width direction of the front and / or rear regions of the absorbent article 1 can be improved. Note that the compressed joining region 4 may be a collection of dot-shaped joining elements 40, and therefore, as described above, the edges 441 to 444 refer to lines tangent to the outer or inner sides of the compressed joining region 4. When the edges 441 to 444 are curved, the expression "located inward in the width direction" of one edge relative to the other edge generally means that the entire one edge is located inward in the width direction relative to the entire other edge. However, this also includes cases where an extremely small portion of one edge or an extremely small portion of the other edge does not satisfy the above definition.

[0065] In the above embodiment, the outer bonding region 432 is composed of the second linear region 422 and the third linear region 423 extending in the vertical direction, but it may 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 may be considered to be the outer bonding region 432. By making the end bonding region 42 a collection of linear regions, it is possible to improve the flexibility and breathability of the end bonding region 42. It is preferable that at least the portion of the end bonding region 42 on the end side in the vertical direction is a collection of multiple linear regions extending in the vertical direction.

[0066] Preferably, the center sheet 31 and the pair of gathered sheets 32 are joined only in the compression joining region 4. That is, they are joined only by welding, and no adhesive is used between them. Of course, adhesive may be used as an auxiliary means to join the center sheet 31 and the pair of gathered sheets 32, if necessary.

[0067] The absorbent article 1 described above is merely an example, and the welding of the center sheet 31 and the gathered sheet 32 ​​described in the above embodiment can be used in pants-type disposable diapers, open-type disposable diapers that are secured around the waist with tape, auxiliary absorbents placed inside diapers or diaper-like covers, urine absorption pads, and other various absorbent articles that receive excrement from the wearer.

[0068] Next, the structure of the gathered sheet 32 ​​will be described. Fig. 7 is a plan view showing a portion of the right-side gathered sheet 32 ​​in the front portion of the absorbent article 1 in Fig. 1. Fig. 7 also shows the structure of the gathered sheet 32 ​​that was omitted in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 shows the structure of Fig. 7 in the same portion of the absorbent article 1 as Fig. 6. Fig. 7 shows a portion of the portion where gathers 34 of the gathered sheet 32 ​​are formed and a portion of the end portion where gathers 34 are not formed. The gathers 34 of the gathered sheet 32 ​​include a stretchable sheet structure that stretches in the stretching direction when a stretching force is applied, and contracts when the stretching force is released.

[0069] In Figure 7, the blackened areas and the thick lines connecting the blackened areas indicate the areas where the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332 (see Figure 5) are joined by welding with pressure. The dashed line 334 indicates the outer edge of the inner sheet 331 in the width direction. The area joined by welding is a so-called embossed area. "Welding with pressure" refers to thermal welding, which involves applying pressure while applying heat, or ultrasonic welding, which involves applying pressure while applying ultrasonic vibrations, and is known as "embossing." Because compression occurs due to pressure, "welding with pressure" can also be considered "welding with compression." Note that the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332 may be joined in other joining directions, for example, by using a hot melt adhesive.

[0070] The inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332 are generally referred to as the "first sheet" and the "second sheet," respectively, and as shown in FIG. 5, the second sheet overlaps the first sheet. The first elastic member 3221 is a linear elastic member located between the first sheet and the second sheet and extending in the stretching direction. The second elastic member 3222 is also located between the first sheet and the second sheet and is a linear elastic member spaced apart from the first elastic member 3221 and extending in the stretching direction. Furthermore, the third elastic member 3223 is also located between the first sheet and the second sheet and is a linear elastic member spaced apart from the second elastic member 3222 and extending in the stretching direction on the opposite side of the second elastic member 3222 from the first elastic member 3221.

[0071] In Figure 7, the vertical direction is the stretching direction of the gathered sheet 32. When the gathered sheet 32 ​​is stretched flat in the stretching direction, i.e., when the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332 are stretched flat in the stretching direction, in the region of the gathers 34, the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332 are joined at a plurality of linear joining units 5 arranged in the stretching direction. This allows the formation of beautiful gathers 34 with neatly arranged pleats.

[0072] In the example of Figure 7, the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332 are joined by welding in each linear joint unit 5 shown as a blackened area. Welding makes it easier to reduce the joint width of the linear joint unit 5, particularly the joint width between the intersections of a pair of elastic members, compared to when an adhesive is used, and allows for the formation of more beautiful gathers 34. When joining is performed by welding, it is preferable not to use an adhesive in combination. In other words, it is preferable that joining is performed only by welding.

[0073] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of three linear joint units 5. In FIG. 9, one linear joint unit 5 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. When the first elastic member 3221, the second elastic member 3222, and the third elastic member 3223 are contracted, the inner sheet 331 or the outer sheet 332 is raised between the linear joint units 5, thereby forming gathers 34. Of course, the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332 may be raised between the linear joint units 5 to form the gathers 34. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the raised inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332. A cross section of the gathers 34 cut along a plane perpendicular to the width direction is indicated by a dashed line. As shown in FIG. 10, the gathers 34, in which pleats are arranged in an orderly manner, are formed in the gathered sheet 32.

[0074] 9, each of the plurality of linear joint units 5 exists continuously in a direction intersecting with the stretching direction between the first elastic member 3221 and the second elastic member 3222. Also, each of the plurality of linear joint units 5 exists continuously in a direction intersecting with the stretching direction between the second elastic member 3222 and the third elastic member 3223. The continuous existence of the linear joint units 5 allows the formation of beautiful gathers 34.

[0075] In the example shown in Fig. 7, the direction in which the linear joint units 5 extend between the first elastic member 3221 and the second elastic member 3222 (i.e., the above-mentioned "intersecting direction" between the first elastic member 3221 and the second elastic member 3222) is the same as the direction in which the linear joint units 5 extend between the second elastic member 3222 and the third elastic member 3223 (i.e., the above-mentioned "intersecting direction" between the second elastic member 3222 and the third elastic member 3223). In other words, when the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332 are stretched flat in the extension direction, each linear joint unit 5 is linear. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned intersecting direction in which the linear joint units 5 exist continuously between the first elastic member 3221 and the third elastic member 3223 will be referred to as the "linear joint direction." Since the linear joint units 5 are linear, the pleats extending from the first elastic members 3221 to the third elastic members 3223 can be linear, and the gathers 34 can be beautifully formed.

[0076] The linear joining direction is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction. The linear joining direction of all linear joint units 5 is the same. By setting the linear joining direction in this direction, the force with which the gathers 34 contact the skin can be weakened. In particular, the force at the moment when the gathers 34 contact the skin can be weakened, improving the feel when worn.

[0077] 9, two independent bonding regions 501, 502 are present on the opposite side of the third elastic member 3223 from the first elastic member 3221. These bonding regions 501, 502 may or may not be included in the linear bonding unit 5. When the bonding regions 501, 502 are included in the linear bonding unit 5, the linear bonding unit 5 is present discontinuously on the opposite side of the third elastic member 3223 from the first elastic member 3221.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 5, the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332 are a single sheet folded at an edge 333. Because the edge 333 is a fold line of the single sheet, hereinafter the edge 333 will also be referred to as the "fold line 333." As shown in FIG. 7, when the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332 are stretched flat in the stretch direction, the first elastic members 3221 are located close to and parallel to the fold line 333. Meanwhile, each linear joint unit 5 does not overlap the fold line 333. That is, each linear joint unit 5 exists only up to the fold line (edge) 333. In other words, each linear joint unit 5 is spaced apart from the fold line 333. This prevents the gathered sheet 32 ​​from becoming stiff at the fold line (edge) 333 due to welding, and improves the feel of the gathers 34 against the skin. In particular, it is possible to improve the feel when the tip of the gather 34 touches the groin area. The distance between the folding line 333 and the first elastic member 3221 is preferably 5 mm or less, and more preferably 3 mm or less.

[0079] Each linear joint unit 5 intersects with a first elastic member 3221, a second elastic member 3222, and a third elastic member 3223. Here, with reference to Fig. 9, the intersection position of each linear joint unit 5 and the first elastic member 3221 is referred to as a "first intersection position 511," the intersection position of each linear joint unit 5 and the second elastic member 3222 is referred to as a "second intersection position 512," and the intersection position of each linear joint unit 5 and the third elastic member 3223 is referred to as a "third intersection position 513." The joint width of the linear joint unit 5 at the first intersection position 511 is larger than the joint width of the linear joint unit 5 between the first intersection position 511 and the second intersection position 512. The joint width of the linear joint unit 5 at the second intersection position 512 is larger than the joint width of the linear joint unit 5 between the first intersection position 511 and the second intersection position 512, and is larger than the joint width of the linear joint unit 5 between the second intersection position 512 and the third intersection position 513. The joint width of the linear joint unit 5 at the third intersection position 513 is larger than the joint width of the linear joint unit 5 between the second intersection position 512 and the third intersection position 513.

[0080] The "joint width" may be defined in various ways as long as it approximately defines the width of the linear joint unit 5. For example, the joint width may be defined as the width (length) of the linear joint unit 5 cut along a line parallel to the stretching direction. Alternatively, the joint width may be defined as the width (length) of the linear joint unit 5 cut along a line perpendicular to the linear joint direction. The joint width between two adjacent intersections is smaller than the joint width at the intersection. In other words, the joint width of the linear joint unit 5 at the intersection is relatively large.

[0081] By making the joining width at areas other than the intersecting positions relatively small, regular large pleats can be formed in the gathers 34 (compared to when the entire linear joining unit 5 is made thicker). On the other hand, at the intersecting positions, the first elastic member 3221, the second elastic member 3222, and the third elastic member 3223 can be firmly fixed to the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332.

[0082] Strictly speaking, at the intersecting positions, the elastic members are fixed to the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332 without being cut by heat. To achieve this fixation, the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332 are welded to each other on both sides of the width of the elastic members, and the inner sheet 331 and the elastic members and the outer sheet 332 and the elastic members are only slightly welded to each other. To achieve this welding, grooves that avoid the elastic members are formed in the protrusions of the embossing roll used for welding. As a result, for example, the inner sheet 331 and the elastic members are slightly welded to each other on both sides of the width of the elastic members, or the outer sheet 332 and the elastic members are slightly welded to each other. Alternatively, heat is applied with the elastic members sandwiched between the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332 under weak pressure, welding the elastic members to at least one of the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332.

[0083] In the gathers 34, the linear joining units 5 are inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction between the first elastic member 3221 and the second elastic member 3222 and between the second elastic member 3222 and the third elastic member 3223, which facilitates the gathers 34 to bend when they come into contact with the skin, thereby improving the wearing comfort of the absorbent article 1.

[0084] 7, when the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332 are stretched flat in the extension direction, the edges 333 of the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332 are located along the first elastic members 3221 near the first elastic members 3221 on the side opposite the second elastic members 3222. That is, the edge 333 of the gathered sheet 32, the first elastic members 3221, the second elastic members 3222, and the third elastic members 3223 are located outward in this order in the width direction. The distance between the first elastic members 3221 and the second elastic members 3222 is wider than the distance between the second elastic members 3222 and the third elastic members 3223. This makes the gathers 34 more flexible at the tip end, i.e., on the first elastic member 3221 side, improving the wearing comfort, while increasing the rigidity at the base end, i.e., on the third elastic member 3223 side, allowing the gathers 34 to stand up stably (the same applies to Figures 11 to 14 and other modified examples described below).

[0085] As shown by the reference numeral 52 in FIG. 9 , when the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332 are stretched flat in the stretch direction, the area 52 of each linear joint unit 5 in the stretch direction partially overlaps the area 52 of the linear joint unit 5 adjacent to that linear joint unit 5 in the stretch direction (the same applies to FIGS. 11 to 14 and other modified examples described below). Note that even when the linear joint units 5 are considered to exist only between the first elastic member 3221 and the third elastic member 3223, the areas of adjacent linear joint units 5 overlap. This suppresses fluctuations in the linear pressure acting on the embossing roll when welding is performed using the embossing roll, thereby reducing fluctuations in the strength of the welded joint and the occurrence of holes during welding. Furthermore, wear on the protrusions of the embossing roll is suppressed, thereby extending the life of the embossing roll.

[0086] FIG. 11 shows another example of the linear joint unit 5, and like FIG. 9, shows three linear joint units 5. The linear joint unit 5 in FIG. 11 is discontinuous between the first elastic member 3221 and the second elastic member 3222, and also discontinuous between the second elastic member 3222 and the third elastic member 3223. In this way, the linear joint unit 5 does not have to be continuous between the elastic members. The other structure of the linear joint unit 5 in FIG. 11 is the same as that in FIG. 9. That is, the joint width of the linear joint unit 5 at the first intersection position 511 is larger than the joint width of the linear joint unit 5 between the first intersection position 511 and the second intersection position 512. The joint width of the linear joint unit 5 at the second intersection position 512 is larger than the joint width of the linear joint unit 5 between the first intersection position 511 and the second intersection position 512, and is larger than the joint width of the linear joint unit 5 between the second intersection position 512 and the third intersection position 513. The joint width of the linear joint unit 5 at the third intersection position 513 is larger than the joint width of the linear joint unit 5 between the second intersection position 512 and the third intersection position 513. The same applies to Figures 13 and 14 described below.

[0087] Furthermore, the linear joint units 5 are linear, and in the gathers 34, each linear joint unit 5 is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction between the first elastic member 3221 and the second elastic member 3222, and between the second elastic member 3222 and the third elastic member 3223. The description of the linear joint units 5 in FIG. 9 also applies to the example in FIG. 11, except that the linear joint units 5 are continuous between the first elastic member 3221 and the third elastic member 3223.

[0088] FIG. 12 shows another example of the linear joint unit 5, and like FIG. 9 , shows three linear joint units 5. In the linear joint unit 5 of FIG. 12 , the joint width is constant between the first elastic member 3221 and the third elastic member 3223. That is, the joint widths at the first intersecting position 511, the second intersecting position 512, and the third intersecting position 513 are the same as the joint width between the first intersecting position 511 and the second intersecting position 512, and also the joint width between the second intersecting position 512 and the third intersecting position 513. The joint widths of the linear joint units 5 may be constant as long as the intervals between the linear joint units 5 are wide enough to form pleats of sufficient size. The description of the linear joint unit 5 of FIG. 9 also applies to the example of FIG. 12 , except that the joint widths of the linear joint units 5 are constant.

[0089] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing yet another example of the linear joint unit 5, and similarly to Fig. 9, shows three linear joint units 5. Each linear joint unit 5 in Fig. 13 is bent at the position of the second elastic member 3222, i.e., the second intersecting position 512, when the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332 are stretched flat in the stretching direction. Other structures of the linear joint unit 5 in Fig. 13 are similar to those of the linear joint unit 5 in Fig. 9, and the description of the linear joint unit 5 in Fig. 9 also applies to the example in Fig. 13, except that the linear joint unit 5 is bent.

[0090] 13 exists in a first intersecting direction intersecting with the stretching direction between the first elastic member 3221 and the second elastic member 3222, and in a second intersecting direction intersecting with the stretching direction between the second elastic member 3222 and the third elastic member 3223. The difference between the first intersecting direction and the second intersecting direction causes the linear joint units 5 to bend. Each linear joint unit 5 intersects with the first elastic member 3221, the second elastic member 3222, and the third elastic member 3223 at a first intersecting position 511, a second intersecting position 512, and a third intersecting position 513, respectively. When the first elastic member 3221, the second elastic member 3222, and the third elastic member 3223 are contracted, folded pleats are formed between each pair of adjacent linear joint units 5, and the gathers 34 are formed as a collection of these pleats.

[0091] The folding of the pleats can reduce the rigidity of the gathers 34. In other words, when the gathered sheet 32 ​​is contracted and the edge 333 (see FIG. 5) is placed against the body, the gathers 34 are more likely to bend at the second crossing position 512. This allows the gathers 34 to come into smooth contact with the body, improving the wearing comfort of the absorbent article 1. Furthermore, the folding of the gathers 34 can ensure a large space inside the gathers 34, allowing a large amount of body waste to be accommodated at one time.

[0092] Preferably, the first intersecting direction and the second intersecting direction are opposite directions to the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction. In other words, the angle at which each linear joint unit 5 is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction between the first elastic member 3221 and the second elastic member 3222 is opposite to the angle at which each linear joint unit 5 is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction between the second elastic member 3222 and the third elastic member 3223. In other words, each linear joint unit 5 is substantially V-shaped. This allows each pleat to bend like a spring, improving the feel of the gathers 34 against the skin.

[0093] In order to make the gathers 34 stand up more appropriately, the second intersecting direction, which is the direction in which the linear joint units 5 extend, may be perpendicular to the stretching direction between the second elastic member 3222 and the third elastic member 3223.

[0094] FIG. 14 shows another example of the linear joint unit 5, and like FIG. 13 , it shows three linear joint units 5. Each linear joint unit 5 in FIG. 14 is bent at the position of the second elastic member 3222, i.e., the second intersection position 512, when the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332 are stretched flat in the stretching direction. The linear joint unit 5 in FIG. 14 is discontinuous between the first elastic member 3221 and the second elastic member 3222, and also discontinuous between the second elastic member 3222 and the third elastic member 3223. Other structures of the linear joint unit 5 in FIG. 14 are similar to those in FIG. 13 . The description of the linear joint unit 5 in FIG. 13 and the description of the linear joint unit 5 in FIG. 9 applied to FIG. 13 also apply to the example in FIG. 14 , except that the linear joint unit 5 is discontinuous between the first elastic member 3221 and the third elastic member 3223.

[0095] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 showing another example of an upstanding gathered sheet 32. In FIG. 15, the same components as in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The gathered sheet 32 ​​in FIG. 15 rises from the inside in the width direction of the central joint region 41 toward the outside in the width direction, passes through the third elastic member 3223 and the second elastic member 3222, and then heads toward the inside in the width direction. The first elastic member 3221 is disposed near the tip of the gathered sheet 32 ​​on the inside in the width direction. In this way, the gathers 34 may rise so that they first head toward the outside in the width direction and then head toward the inside. This makes it possible to increase the space inside the gathers 34.

[0096] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 showing another example of a raised gathered sheet 32. In FIG. 16, the same components as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The gathered sheet 32 ​​in FIG. 16 rises from the inside of the central bonding region 41 in the width direction toward the inside of the width direction, then rises toward the outside, passes through the third elastic member 3223 and the second elastic member 3222, and then rises toward the inside of the width direction. The first elastic member 3221 is disposed near the tip of the gathered sheet 32 ​​on the inside of the width direction. In this manner, the gathers 34 may rise toward the inside of the width direction, then toward the outside, and then further toward the inside. This increases the space inside the gathers 34. In the gathered sheets 32 in FIGS. 15 and 16, the gathers 34 are bent in cross section, so it is preferable to use bent linear bonding units 5 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0097] The structure and uses of the gathered sheet 32 ​​can be varied in various ways. The stretchable sheet structure of the gathered sheet 32 ​​may be used in various locations in the absorbent article 1 other than the gathers 34 that come into contact with a person's groin. In the above description, the stretchable sheet structure is a structure formed by the inner sheet 331, the outer sheet 332, the elastic members, and the linear joint units 5, and is a structure that stretches in the stretching direction when a stretching force is applied and contracts when the stretching force is released. The gathers 34 may be considered to be the stretchable sheet structure itself, or may be considered to be included in the stretchable sheet structure. An object that includes a stretchable sheet structure can be referred to as a "stretchable sheet structure." The gathers 34 and the gathered sheet 32 ​​in the above description are also stretchable sheet structures.

[0098] Absorbent articles having the stretchable sheet structure are not limited to auxiliary absorbents, but may also be various other absorbent articles that receive excrement from the wearer, such as pants-type disposable diapers, open-type disposable diapers secured around the waist with tape, auxiliary absorbents placed inside diapers or diaper-like covers, urine absorption pads, and other absorbent articles. The stretchable sheet structure can be used, for example, to form gathers around the waist or legs of disposable diapers. The inner sheet 331 and outer sheet 332 sandwiching the elastic members may be sheets for other purposes, and these sheets sandwiching the elastic members in the stretchable sheet structure may be generally referred to as the "first sheet" and the "second sheet." The number of elastic members is not limited to three, but may be at least two and may be four or more. That is, the stretch sheet structure includes at least a first sheet, a second sheet overlapping the first sheet, a linear first elastic member located between the first sheet and the second sheet and extending in the stretch direction, and a linear second elastic member located between the first sheet and the second sheet and extending in the stretch direction, spaced apart from the first elastic member.

[0099] The first and second sheets do not have to be a single sheet folded, but may be separate sheets. The first and second sheets may be made of the same material or different materials. The first and second sheets are not limited to nonwoven fabrics, but may be plastic films or sheets of other materials, and may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic.

[0100] When the first sheet and the second sheet are stretched flat in the stretching direction, the first sheet and the second sheet are joined together by a plurality of linear joint units arranged in the stretching direction. The shape of the plurality of linear joint units may be straight or bent, as shown in the linear joint units 5 in Figures 9, 11 to 14, etc. Each linear joint unit may be bent at two or more points or may be curved. For example, each linear joint unit may be substantially C-shaped or substantially S-shaped. The shapes of the plurality of linear joint units do not need to be completely identical. For example, the shapes of the plurality of linear joint units may gradually change along the stretching direction. In this way, between the first elastic member and the second elastic member, each of the plurality of linear joint units exists in a direction intersecting the stretching direction, but the intersecting direction does not need to be constant as long as it is not parallel to the stretching direction.

[0101] Preferably, the intersecting direction is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction, as shown in Figures 9, 11 to 14. This allows for the formation of gathers with neatly arranged pleats while providing a stretch sheet structure with appropriate rigidity. The intersecting direction, i.e., the stretching direction of the linear joint units, is preferably inclined at an angle of 3° to 25°, more preferably 5° to 20°, relative to the width direction. Furthermore, when the intersecting direction changes in the width direction, the stretching direction of the linear joint units may include a portion parallel to the width direction. When the linear joint units bend as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the inclination angle of the stretching direction of the linear joint units between the first and second elastic members at the tip end with respect to the width direction is preferably larger than the inclination angle of the stretching direction of the linear joint units between the second and third elastic members (not at the tip end) with respect to the width direction, in order to facilitate bending at the tip end of the gathers. In this case, the inclination direction relative to the width direction in the direction in which the linear joint unit between the first elastic member and the second elastic member extends may be on the same side as or different from the inclination direction relative to the width direction in the direction in which the linear joint unit between the second elastic member and the third elastic member extends.

[0102] The "state in which the first sheet and the second sheet are stretched flat in the stretch direction" refers to a state in which the stretch sheet structure is stretched until the gathers disappear. In this state, each elastic member is in a stretched state.

[0103] As mentioned above, the stretch sheet structure includes at least two elastic members. Therefore, when focusing on two elastic members, generally referred to as the "first elastic member" and the "second elastic member" (these elastic members are, of course, not limited to the first elastic member 3221 and the second elastic member 3222 shown in FIG. 3 ), gathers are formed by the first sheet or the second sheet being raised between the linear joining units when the first elastic member and the second elastic member are contracted. "Raised" refers to a rise to form pleats, for example, when a portion of the first sheet or a portion of the second sheet is separated from the surface including the linear joining units. The first sheet and the second sheet may be raised between the linear joining units. It is not necessary for at least one of the first sheet and the second sheet to be "completely" raised between the linear joining units; it is sufficient for the sheet to be substantially raised between the linear joining units.

[0104] With respect to the first elastic member and the second elastic member, as described above, the joint width of each linear joint unit at the first intersection of the linear joint unit with the first elastic member and the joint width of the linear joint unit at the second intersection of the linear joint unit with the second elastic member are preferably larger than the joint width of the linear joint unit between the first and second intersections. As described above, the "joint width" may be defined in various ways as long as it approximately defines the width of the linear joint unit. By increasing the joint width at the intersections, the joints between the first and second sheets and the first and second elastic members can be strengthened while maintaining the flexibility of the gathers. By increasing the joint width only at the intersections, the gathers can be prevented from becoming too rigid, providing cushioning and a pleasant feel against the skin. As a result, a stretch sheet structure can be provided that has gathers with neatly arranged pleats and has appropriate rigidity.

[0105] Preferably, the joining width at the first and second intersecting positions is 5 to 12 times, more preferably 7 to 10 times, the joining width between the first intersecting position and the second intersecting position, which allows pleats of sufficient size to be easily formed.

[0106] The technique of inclining the linear joint units relative to the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction in order to ensure flexibility of the gathers and the technique of increasing the joint width of the linear joint units at the intersections of the linear joint units and the elastic members are mutually independent techniques, and both techniques do not necessarily need to be applied to a stretch sheet structure.

[0107] Each linear joining unit intersects with the first elastic member and the second elastic member at a first intersecting position and a second intersecting position, respectively. As described above, the first sheet and the second sheet are not completely joined at the overlapping positions with the elastic members due to the presence of the intervening elastic members. In other words, when a linear joining unit and an elastic member "intersect," this refers to the conceptual intersection of the linear joining unit and the elastic member, but does not mean that the joining area between the first sheet and the second sheet overlaps with the elastic member. As described above, the linear joining unit may be continuous or discontinuous in the intersecting direction. To impart a certain degree of rigidity to the gathers, it is preferable that the linear joining unit be continuous between the elastic members. This prevents leakage of excrement, such as urine, when the gathers contact the groin area, for example. The linear joint unit refers to a joint area that contributes to the formation of pleats, and in the examples of Figures 9, 11 to 14, it mainly refers to the joint area between the first elastic member 3221 and the third elastic member 3223 among the joint areas between the inner sheet 331 and the outer sheet 332, but may also include areas 501 and 502. At least the joint area between adjacent elastic members is understood to be a linear joint unit.

[0108] The first sheet and the second sheet in the linear joining unit are preferably joined by welding. However, they may be joined using an adhesive, or may be joined by welding and an adhesive. When joined by welding, the first sheet and the second sheet are preferably water-repellent or liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabrics made of hydrophobic fibers. For example, the first sheet and the second sheet are made of the same or different materials selected from spunbond nonwoven fabrics, meltblown nonwoven fabrics, SMS nonwoven fabrics, etc. By using welding, pleats can be reliably formed, and beautiful gathers with pleats uniformly arranged in the stretch direction can be stably formed. Furthermore, because pleats can be stably formed, contact of the elastic members and the linear joining unit (i.e., the welded areas) with the skin is suppressed, improving the feel against the skin.

[0109] When the number of elastic members is three, as in the examples of Figures 9, 11 to 14, these are generally referred to as the "first elastic member," "second elastic member," and "third elastic member" (these elastic members are, of course, not limited to the first elastic member 3221, the second elastic member 3222, and the third elastic member 3223 shown in Figure 3), and the above description focusing on the first elastic member and the second elastic member can also be applied to the description of the second elastic member and the third elastic member. That is, each of the multiple linear joint units exists between the second elastic member and the third elastic member in a direction intersecting the stretch direction, and each linear joint unit intersects with the second elastic member and the third elastic member. Then, when the first elastic member, the second elastic member, and the third elastic member are contracted, pleats are formed between adjacent linear joint units, thereby forming gathers.

[0110] Preferably, the joint width of each linear joint unit at the second intersection position between the linear joint unit and the second elastic member and the joint width of each linear joint unit at the third intersection position between the linear joint unit and the third elastic member are greater than the joint width of the linear joint unit between the second intersection position and the third intersection position. The above other descriptions focusing on the first elastic member and the second elastic member can also be applied to the description regarding the second elastic member and the third elastic member.

[0111] The stretch sheet structure may be used in products other than absorbent articles, and can be employed in a variety of products where it is desired to form regularly arranged gathers.

[0112] The configurations in the above-described embodiment and each modification may be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1. Absorbent articles 5 Linear joint units 34 Gather 331 Inner seat (first seat) 332 Outer seat (second seat) 333 Edge (fold line) 511 First Intersection 512 Second Intersection 3221 First elastic member 3222 Second elastic member 3223 Third elastic member

Claims

1. A stretchable sheet structure that stretches in a stretching direction when a stretching force is applied and contracts when the stretching force is released, The first sheet, a second sheet overlying the first sheet; a linear first elastic member positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet and extending in the stretching direction; a linear second elastic member positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet and extending in the stretching direction and spaced apart from the first elastic member; Equipped with When the first sheet and the second sheet are stretched flat in the stretching direction, the first sheet and the second sheet are joined together at a plurality of linear joining units arranged in the stretching direction, Each linear joint unit intersects the first elastic member and the second elastic member, a joining width of each linear joining unit at a first intersection position between each linear joining unit and the first elastic member and a joining width of each linear joining unit at a second intersection position between each linear joining unit and the second elastic member are larger than a joining width of each linear joining unit between the first intersection position and the second intersection position, A stretchable sheet structure characterized in that, when the first elastic member and the second elastic member are contracted, gathers are formed by the first sheet or the second sheet being raised between the multiple linear joint units.

2. A stretchable sheet structure that stretches when a stretching force is applied in the stretching direction and contracts when the stretching force is released, The first sheet, a second sheet overlying the first sheet; a linear first elastic member positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet and extending in the stretching direction; a linear second elastic member positioned between the first sheet and the second sheet and extending in the stretching direction and spaced apart from the first elastic member; Equipped with When the first sheet and the second sheet are stretched flat in the stretching direction, the first sheet and the second sheet are joined together at a plurality of linear joining units arranged in the stretching direction, Each of the plurality of linear joining units exists between the first elastic member and the second elastic member in a direction intersecting the stretching direction, and the intersecting direction is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the stretching direction, Each linear joint unit intersects the first elastic member and the second elastic member, A stretchable sheet structure characterized in that, when the first elastic member and the second elastic member are contracted, gathers are formed by the first sheet or the second sheet being raised between the multiple linear joint units.

3. The stretch sheet structure according to claim 2, a joint width of each linear joint unit at a first intersection position between each linear joint unit and the first elastic member, and a joint width of each linear joint unit at a second intersection position between each linear joint unit and the second elastic member, the joint width being larger than a joint width of each linear joint unit between the first intersection position and the second intersection position.

4. 3. The stretch sheet structure according to claim 1 or 2, A stretch sheet structure, characterized in that each of the plurality of linear joint units exists continuously between the first elastic member and the second elastic member in a direction intersecting the stretch direction.

5. 3. The stretch sheet structure according to claim 1 or 2, A stretchable sheet structure, characterized in that the first sheet and the second sheet are joined by welding in each of the linear joint units.

6. 3. The stretch sheet structure according to claim 1 or 2, the first sheet and the second sheet are a single sheet folded along a folding line, When the first sheet and the second sheet are stretched flat in the stretching direction, the first elastic member is positioned close to and parallel to the fold line, A stretchable sheet structure, characterized in that each of the linear joint units does not overlap with the folding line.

7. 3. The stretch sheet structure according to claim 1 or 2, a linear third elastic member located between the first sheet and the second sheet, on the opposite side of the second elastic member from the first elastic member, the linear third elastic member being spaced apart from the second elastic member and extending in the stretching direction; each of the plurality of linear joining units is present between the second elastic member and the third elastic member in a direction intersecting with the stretching direction; Each of the linear joining units intersects with the third elastic member, The gathers are formed when the first elastic member, the second elastic member, and the third elastic member are contracted, A stretchable sheet structure, characterized in that, when the first sheet and the second sheet are stretched flat in the stretching direction, each of the linear joint units is linear.

8. 3. The stretch sheet structure according to claim 1 or 2, a linear third elastic member located between the first sheet and the second sheet, on the opposite side of the second elastic member from the first elastic member, the linear third elastic member being spaced apart from the second elastic member and extending in the stretching direction; each of the plurality of linear joining units is present between the second elastic member and the third elastic member in a direction intersecting with the stretching direction; Each of the linear joining units intersects with the third elastic member, The gathers are formed when the first elastic member, the second elastic member, and the third elastic member are contracted, A stretchable sheet structure characterized in that, when the first sheet and the second sheet are stretched flat in the stretching direction, each of the linear joint units bends at the position of the second elastic member.

9. 9. The stretch sheet structure according to claim 8, A stretchable sheet structure, characterized in that the angle direction in which each of the linear joint units is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction between the first elastic member and the second elastic member is opposite to the angle direction in which each of the linear joint units is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the stretching direction between the second elastic member and the third elastic member.

10. The stretch sheet structure according to claim 7, When the first sheet and the second sheet are stretched flat in the stretching direction, edges of the first sheet and the second sheet are located along the first elastic member in the vicinity of the first elastic member on the side opposite to the second elastic member, A stretchable sheet structure, characterized in that the distance between the first elastic member and the second elastic member is wider than the distance between the second elastic member and the third elastic member.

11. 9. The stretch sheet structure according to claim 8, When the first sheet and the second sheet are stretched flat in the stretching direction, edges of the first sheet and the second sheet are located along the first elastic member in the vicinity of the first elastic member on the side opposite to the second elastic member, A stretchable sheet structure, characterized in that the distance between the first elastic member and the second elastic member is wider than the distance between the second elastic member and the third elastic member.

12. 3. The stretch sheet structure according to claim 1 or 2, A stretchable sheet structure characterized in that, when the first sheet and the second sheet are stretched flat in the stretch direction, the range of existence of each linear joint unit in the stretch direction partially overlaps the range of existence of a linear joint unit adjacent to each linear joint unit in the stretch direction.

13. A disposable absorbent article for receiving exudates from a wearer, comprising: A disposable absorbent article comprising the stretchable sheet structure according to claim 1 or 2.

14. 14. The disposable absorbent article of claim 13, A disposable absorbent article characterized in that the gathers contact the wearer's groin area.

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