Absorbent article

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article including antibacterial liquid containing an antibacterial agent and an organic solvent, and a superabsorbent polymer, the absorbent article capable of achieving both of antibacterial performance and absorption performance.SOLUTION: An absorbent article 1 includes an absorber 4 carrying a superabsorbent polymer, and further includes antibacterial liquid containing an antibacterial agent and an organic solvent. The antimicrobial liquid covers the superabsorbent polymer located in the central portion in the width direction, of the absorbent body 4. The antimicrobial liquid does not cover the superabsorbent polymer located on both outer sides of the central portion in the width direction, of the absorbent body 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to absorbent articles, and in particular to absorbent articles comprising antimicrobial liquids. [Background technology]

[0002] An absorbent article is known that includes an antibacterial liquid containing an antibacterial agent and an organic solvent, and a highly water-absorbent polymer. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a water-absorbent resin composition that includes an organic hydrophobic antibacterial agent, an organic solvent in which the organic hydrophobic antibacterial agent can be dissolved, and a water-absorbent resin, and an absorbent article that includes the water-absorbent resin composition. The organic hydrophobic antibacterial agent, the organic solvent, and an ionic compound that suppresses the evaporation of the organic hydrophobic antibacterial agent are present on the surface of the water-absorbent resin. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-38882 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the absorbent article of Patent Document 1, an antibacterial liquid (an organic hydrophobic antibacterial agent and an organic solvent) is attached to the surface of a superabsorbent polymer (water-absorbent resin). Therefore, in the absorbent article, the absorption rate of the superabsorbent polymer of the body fluid may be slowed down, and the absorption performance of the absorbent article may be reduced. If this happens, the absorption of the body fluid in the absorbent article may be delayed, and the body fluid may leak from the end of the absorbent article in the width direction, i.e., side leakage may occur. However, if the amount of the antibacterial liquid attached to the surface of the superabsorbent polymer is reduced, the antibacterial performance may be reduced.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that is capable of achieving both antibacterial performance and absorption performance (absorption speed, etc.) in an absorbent article that comprises an antibacterial liquid containing an antibacterial agent and an organic solvent, and a superabsorbent polymer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction and a thickness direction which are perpendicular to each other, and comprising an absorbent body carrying a superabsorbent polymer, and further comprising an antibacterial liquid containing an antibacterial agent and an organic solvent, wherein the antibacterial liquid coats a large amount of the superabsorbent polymer located in a central portion of the absorbent body in the width direction and coats a small amount of the superabsorbent polymer located on both outside sides of the central portion of the absorbent body in the width direction. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent article that has both antibacterial performance and absorption performance (absorption speed, etc.) and that includes an antibacterial liquid containing an antibacterial agent and an organic solvent and a superabsorbent polymer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a light incontinence pad according to an embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CW-CW in FIG. [Diagram 3] 3A to 3C are plan views showing examples of configurations of a first absorbent layer of an absorbent body of a light incontinence pad according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 3A to 3C are plan views showing examples of configurations of a second absorbent layer of an absorbent body of a light incontinence pad according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The present disclosure relates to the following aspects: [Aspect 1] An absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction and a thickness direction which are perpendicular to each other, and comprising an absorbent body carrying a superabsorbent polymer, further comprising an antibacterial liquid containing an antibacterial agent and an organic solvent, wherein the antibacterial liquid coats a large amount of the superabsorbent polymer located in a central portion of the absorbent body in the width direction, and coats a small amount of the superabsorbent polymer located on both outside sides of the central portion of the absorbent body in the width direction.

[0010] In the present absorbent article, the antibacterial liquid covers a large amount of the superabsorbent polymer located in the widthwise central portion of the absorbent body, and covers a small amount of the superabsorbent polymer located on both outer sides of the widthwise central portion of the absorbent body (preferably, the amount of coverage is zero (not covered)). Therefore, when body fluid is discharged into the widthwise central portion of the absorbent body and comes into contact with the antibacterial liquid covering the superabsorbent polymer, the antibacterial agent in the antibacterial liquid can exhibit antibacterial properties. In addition, since the superabsorbent polymer in the widthwise central portion of the absorbent body is covered with the antibacterial liquid, the absorption rate of body fluid in the superabsorbent polymer in the widthwise central portion can be slowed. This suppresses the absorption of body fluid by the superabsorbent polymer in the widthwise central portion, and makes it easier for the body fluid to diffuse to both outer sides in the width direction of the central portion. In other words, the diffusion of body fluid to both outer sides in the width direction can be improved. Then, the diffused body fluid can be easily absorbed by the superabsorbent polymer located on both outer sides in the width direction of the central portion that is not covered much with the antibacterial liquid. Therefore, the absorbent body can be widely used, and side leakage of bodily fluids from the ends in the width direction of the absorbent article can be suppressed. Therefore, in an absorbent article comprising an antibacterial liquid and a highly water-absorbent polymer, both antibacterial performance and absorption performance can be achieved.

[0011] [Aspect 2] The absorbent article of aspect 1, further comprising an upper-layer absorbent body including the absorbent body, and a lower-layer absorbent body located on the non-skin-facing side in the thickness direction relative to the upper-layer absorbent body.

[0012] The absorbent article further includes an upper absorbent body including the absorbent body described above, and a lower absorbent body. Therefore, when bodily fluid passes through the upper absorbent body, the body fluid comes into contact with the antibacterial liquid that covers the superabsorbent polymer, and the antibacterial agent in the antibacterial liquid can exhibit antibacterial properties. In addition, since the superabsorbent polymer in the center part of the upper absorbent body is covered with the antibacterial liquid, the absorption of bodily fluid by the superabsorbent polymer in the center part can be suppressed. Therefore, the body fluid can be easily transferred to the lower absorbent body. At that time, the antibacterial liquid transfers to the lower absorbent body little by little every time the body fluid transfers to the lower absorbent body, so that the amount of the antibacterial liquid in the lower absorbent body can be increased. That is, the antibacterial properties of the lower absorbent body can be increased according to the amount of bodily fluid. Furthermore, not only in the first absorption of bodily fluid, but also in the second or subsequent absorption, the absorption of bodily fluid by the superabsorbent polymer in the center part of the upper absorbent body is suppressed, so that the rewetability of the absorbent article can be improved. Furthermore, in the upper absorbent body, the superabsorbent polymer on both outer sides of the central portion that is not covered much with the antibacterial liquid generally maintains the original absorption performance of the superabsorbent polymer, so that the body fluid can be absorbed by the superabsorbent polymer, thereby further suppressing side leakage of the body fluid.

[0013] [Aspect 3] 3. The absorbent article of claim 2, wherein a portion of the antibacterial liquid is contained in the lower absorbent body, and the amount of the antibacterial liquid contained in the upper absorbent body is greater than the amount of the antibacterial liquid contained in the lower absorbent body.

[0014] In this absorbent article, a part of the antibacterial liquid is contained in the lower absorbent body, and the amount of antibacterial liquid in the upper absorbent body is greater than that of the lower absorbent body. The presence of a small amount of antibacterial liquid in the lower absorbent body allows the article to efficiently exhibit antibacterial properties from the first absorption of body fluids.

[0015] [Aspect 4] The absorbent article of aspect 2 or 3, wherein the upper absorbent body has, in a planar view, a superabsorbent polymer presence region where the superabsorbent polymer is present and a superabsorbent polymer non-presence region where the superabsorbent polymer is not present, and the superabsorbent polymer non-presence region has a compressed portion formed by compressing the upper absorbent body in the thickness direction.

[0016] In this absorbent article, the upper absorbent body has a region containing superabsorbent polymer and a region not containing superabsorbent polymer in a plan view, and the region not containing superabsorbent polymer has a compressed portion. Therefore, bodily fluids can be transferred from the upper absorbent body to the lower absorbent body via the compressed portion without being inhibited by the superabsorbent polymer, and the transfer of fluids from the upper absorbent body to the lower absorbent body can be improved. This makes it possible to further suppress side leakage of bodily fluids.

[0017] [Aspect 5] An absorbent article as described in any one of Aspects 2 to 4, wherein at least the lower absorbent of the upper absorbent and the lower absorbent contains pulp fibers, and the amount of the pulp fibers contained in the lower absorbent is greater than the amount of the pulp fibers contained in the upper absorbent.

[0018] In this absorbent article, the amount of pulp fiber contained in the lower absorbent is greater than the amount of pulp fiber contained in the upper absorbent. As a result, the upper absorbent has fewer pulp fibers that easily retain body fluids around the antibacterial agent (superabsorbent polymer), so the antibacterial effect of the antibacterial agent in the upper absorbent can be sustained. Meanwhile, the lower absorbent has more pulp fibers, so it can quickly absorb and easily retain body fluids. At that time, the lower absorbent is physically separated from the body and can retain body fluids, so skin rash can be prevented.

[0019] [Aspect 6] An absorbent article described in any one of aspects 2 to 5, wherein the antibacterial liquid covers a greater amount of the superabsorbent polymer located in the central part of the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body, and a smaller amount of the superabsorbent polymer located forward of the central part of the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body.

[0020] In this absorbent article, the antibacterial liquid covers a large amount of the superabsorbent polymer located in the longitudinal center of the (upper) absorbent, and covers a small amount of the superabsorbent polymer located in front (ventral side) of the longitudinal center of the (upper) absorbent (preferably, the amount of coverage is zero (not covered)). This suppresses the absorption of bodily fluids by the superabsorbent polymer in the longitudinal center, making it easier for the superabsorbent polymer on the longitudinal ventral side of the central part, which is not covered much with the antibacterial liquid, to absorb bodily fluids. Furthermore, the antibacterial liquid is not present in the (upper) absorbent at the abdominal part (front part in the longitudinal direction) of the body, which is likely to come into direct or indirect surface contact with the (upper) absorbent. This suppresses contact between the antibacterial liquid and the body, and suppresses the antibacterial agent contained in the antibacterial liquid from irritating the skin.

[0021] [Aspect 7] An absorbent article as described in any one of aspects 2 to 6, wherein the upper absorbent body has a skin side portion located on the skin side in the thickness direction and a non-skin side portion located on the non-skin side of the skin side portion in the thickness direction, and the water retention rate of the skin side portion is lower than the water retention rate of the non-skin side portion.

[0022] In this absorbent article, the water retention rate of the skin side portion of the upper absorbent body is relatively low. Therefore, the skin side portion, which is the front side of the upper absorbent body, can be kept appropriately dry (smooth). On the other hand, the water retention rate of the non-skin side portion of the upper absorbent body is relatively high. Therefore, the superabsorbent polymer covered with the antibacterial agent can be sufficiently contacted with body fluids on the non-skin side portion, which is the back side of the upper absorbent body. This can enhance the antibacterial performance of the antibacterial agent.

[0023] [Aspect 8] An absorbent article as described in any one of aspects 2 to 7, wherein the lower absorbent body includes an absorbent core, a skin-side core wrap sheet covering the skin-side of the absorbent core in the thickness direction, and a non-skin-side core wrap sheet covering the non-skin-side of the absorbent core in the thickness direction, wherein the skin-side core wrap sheet and the non-skin-side core wrap sheet are made of crepe paper having unevenness, and the degree of unevenness of the skin-side core wrap sheet is smaller than the degree of unevenness of the non-skin-side core wrap sheet.

[0024] In the present absorbent article, the degree of unevenness of the skin-side core wrap sheet made of uneven crepe paper in the lower absorbent is relatively small. This improves the liquid diffusion in the planar direction of the skin-side core wrap sheet, and also increases the contact area between the upper absorbent and the skin-side core wrap sheet, and the contact area between the skin-side core wrap sheet and the absorbent core. This allows the body fluid discharged into the absorbent article and transferred from the upper absorbent to the skin-side core wrap sheet during use to be diffused in the planar direction of the skin-side core wrap sheet and then transferred to the absorbent core. On the other hand, by relatively increasing the degree of unevenness of the non-skin-side core wrap sheet made of crepe paper, the non-skin-side core wrap sheet can be easily deformed. This allows the non-skin-side core wrap sheet to follow the expansion and contraction and prevent breakage, even if the absorbent article expands and contracts due to the movement of the user's body during use. In this case, the unevenness of the non-skin side core wrap sheet absorbs the external force caused by body movements, reducing the external force acting on the skin side core wrap sheet and preventing breakage of the skin side core wrap sheet.

[0025] The absorbent article according to the embodiment will be described below by taking a light incontinence pad as an example. However, the type of absorbent article is not limited to this example, and other types of absorbent articles may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Examples of such absorbent articles include pants-type diapers, tape-type diapers, sanitary napkins, and panty liners.

[0026] 1 and 2 are diagrams showing a configuration example of a light incontinence pad 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration example of a light incontinence pad according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CW-CW in Fig. 1.

[0027] In the unfolded state shown in FIG. 1, the light incontinence pad 1 has a longitudinal direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T that are mutually perpendicular, and has a longitudinal center line CL that passes through the center of the width direction W and extends in the longitudinal direction L, and a width direction center line CW that passes through the center of the longitudinal direction L and extends in the width direction W. Here, the direction and side approaching the longitudinal center line CL are respectively referred to as the inward and inner sides of the width direction W, and the direction and side moving away from the longitudinal center line CL are respectively referred to as the outward and outer sides of the width direction W. Meanwhile, the direction and side approaching the width direction center line CW are respectively referred to as the inward and inner sides of the longitudinal direction L, and the direction and side moving away from the longitudinal center line CW are respectively referred to as the outward and outer sides of the longitudinal direction L. In addition, the side toward the edge (abdominal edge) of the light incontinence pad 1 corresponding to the wearer's abdomen in the longitudinal direction L is also referred to as the front side of the longitudinal direction L, and the side toward the edge (dorsal edge) of the light incontinence pad 1 corresponding to the wearer's back is also referred to as the rear side of the longitudinal direction L. In addition, "planar view" refers to viewing the light incontinence pad 1 from above in the thickness direction T in a state where it is unfolded on a plane including the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W, and "planar shape" refers to the shape as understood in plan view. "Planar direction" refers to any direction parallel to a plane including the width direction W and the longitudinal direction L. "Skin side" and "non-skin side" respectively refer to the side that is relatively closer to and farther from the skin surface of the wearer in the thickness direction T when the light incontinence pad 1 is worn by a wearer. A certain direction along the longitudinal direction L is not limited to being parallel to the longitudinal direction L, but also includes a range of ±30° with respect to the longitudinal direction L. A certain direction along the width direction W is not limited to being parallel to the width direction W, but also includes a range of ±30° with respect to the width direction W. These definitions are used not only for the light incontinence pad 1, but also for the absorbent body of the light incontinence pad 1 and each material arranged therein.

[0028] 1, the light incontinence pad 1 is, in a plan view, a rectangle having long sides extending in a longitudinal direction L and short sides extending in a width direction W, and both ends of the longitudinal direction L corresponding to the short sides are curved in an arc shape. However, in this embodiment, the shape of the light incontinence pad 1 is not limited to this example, and may be any shape as long as the length in the longitudinal direction L is longer than the length in the width direction W. Examples of such shapes include a rectangle, a rectangle with rounded corners, an ellipse, a gourd shape, and an hourglass shape.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 2, the light incontinence pad 1 includes a top sheet 2 located on the skin side and having liquid permeability, a back sheet 3 located on the non-skin side and having liquid impermeability, and an absorbent 4 located between the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 3 and absorbing and retaining liquid. Examples of materials for the top sheet 2 include liquid-permeable nonwoven fabrics or woven fabrics, synthetic resin films with liquid-permeable holes, and combinations of the same or different types of these. Examples of materials for the back sheet 3 include liquid-impermeable but breathable nonwoven fabrics, synthetic resin films with air holes, and combinations of the same or different types of these. Note that the pad may include a liquid-permeable diffusion sheet located between the top sheet 2 and the absorbent 4, which diffuses liquid in the planar direction.

[0030] The material of the absorbent body 4 includes a superabsorbent polymer (SAP), and may contain pulp fibers. The absorbent body 4 may contain a liquid-permeable core wrap sheet that encapsulates the superabsorbent polymer (and pulp fibers). As shown in FIG. 2, the absorbent body 4 may have a two-layer structure (upper absorbent body 11 and lower absorbent body 12 (described later)), a single-layer structure (e.g., upper absorbent body 11 or lower absorbent body 12), or a multi-layer structure of three or more layers. The relatively thin absorbent body 4 with a single-layer structure may be called an absorbent sheet, and particularly when the main material is a superabsorbent polymer, it may be called an SAP sheet.

[0031] In this embodiment, the non-skin side surface of the topsheet 2 and the skin side surface of the absorbent body 4 are bonded to each other, and the non-skin side surface of the absorbent body 4 and the skin side surface of the backsheet 3 are bonded to each other. The peripheral portions of the non-skin side surface of the topsheet 2 and the peripheral portions of the skin side surface of the backsheet 3 are bonded to each other.

[0032] The top sheet 2 may be, for example, a flat sheet without any irregularities. However, the top sheet 2 is not limited to this example, and is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as a top sheet of an absorbent article. The top sheet 2 may be, for example, a sheet extending in the longitudinal direction L and including a plurality of convex portions spaced apart in the width direction W and a plurality of concave portions provided between each of the plurality of convex portions, or a sheet having a plurality of convex portions that are substantially circular in plan view and arranged in a checkerboard pattern in plan view.

[0033] The type of nonwoven fabric in the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3 is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as a nonwoven fabric for absorbent articles, and examples include meltblown nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, airlaid nonwoven fabric, and air-through nonwoven fabric.

[0034] The material of the nonwoven fabric is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as a material for absorbent articles, and examples thereof include synthetic resin fibers and pulp fibers. The synthetic resin is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as a material for absorbent articles, and examples thereof include olefin resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyamide resins such as 6-nylon and 6,6-nylon, and polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate. The pulp fiber is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as a material for absorbent articles, and examples thereof include cellulosic fibers. Examples of cellulosic fibers include wood pulp, crosslinked pulp, non-wood pulp, regenerated cellulose, and semi-synthetic cellulose.

[0035] The type of synthetic resin film in the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 3 is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as a film for an absorbent article, and may be any known film material. The material of the synthetic resin film is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as a material for an absorbent article, and may be the synthetic resins described above.

[0036] The type of superabsorbent polymer in the absorbent body 4 is not particularly limited as long as it is a polymer that can absorb and retain water, and examples thereof include polyacrylate-based, polysulfonate-based, and maleic anhydride-based superabsorbent polymers. The types of pulp fibers are as described above. The proportion of pulp fibers in the absorbent body 4 may be, for example, in the range of 0 to 90% by mass of the superabsorbent polymer.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the light incontinence pad 1 further includes a pair of side sheets 7, linear elastic members 8a and 8b, an exterior sheet 9, and a fixing portion 10. The pair of side sheets 7 are arranged so as to cover both sides of the surface of the top sheet 2 in the width direction W. The pair of side sheets 7 form a pair of leakage barrier walls extending in the longitudinal direction L at their inner parts in the width direction W. The pair of leakage barrier walls are folded upright on both sides of the surface of the top sheet 2 in the width direction W, and the inner edges in the width direction W are free ends. The linear elastic member 8a is a linear elastic body extending along the longitudinal direction L near the free ends of the pair of leakage barrier walls. The linear elastic member 8a contracts the inner edges of the pair of leakage barrier walls in the width direction W to erect the leakage barrier walls and form a gather portion. The exterior sheet 9 is joined to the surface of the back sheet 3 on the non-skin side, and is joined to the pair of side sheets 7 at its periphery. The linear elastic members 8b are linear elastic bodies extending along the longitudinal direction L between the outer sheet 9 and the pair of side sheets 7 at both ends in the width direction W of the outer sheet 9 and the pair of side sheets 7. The linear elastic members 8b contract the outer edge of the light incontinence pad 1 in the width direction W to function as leg gathers. An example of the material of each linear elastic member is rubber thread. The fixing portion 10 is a long and narrow rectangular adhesive tape attached along the longitudinal direction L to the side of the outer sheet 9 opposite the back sheet 3. In this embodiment, six fixing portions 10 are provided aligned in the width direction W. The fixing portions 10 fix the light incontinence pad 1 to a packaging sheet (not shown) via a separator when the light incontinence pad 1 is individually packaged, and re-fix the light incontinence pad 1 to the wearer's underwear or the like when the light incontinence pad 1 is used.

[0038] The basis weights of the top sheet 2, the back sheet 3, and the absorbent body 4 are appropriately adjusted according to the absorption performance required for the light incontinence pad 1, but are not particularly limited as long as they can be used as sheets for the light incontinence pad 1. The basis weight of the top sheet 2 is, for example, 5 to 200 g / m 2 The basis weight of the back sheet 3 is, for example, 5 to 200 g / m 2 The basis weight of the absorbent body 4 is, for example, 10 to 2000 g / m 2Some examples include:

[0039] The light incontinence pad 1 further includes an antibacterial liquid containing an antibacterial agent and an organic solvent. The antibacterial liquid covers a large amount of the superabsorbent polymer located at the center of the width direction W of the absorbent 4. However, the antibacterial liquid covers a small amount of the superabsorbent polymer located on both sides of the center of the width direction W of the absorbent 4 (preferably, the amount of coverage is zero (not covered)). In other words, the antibacterial liquid covers only the superabsorbent polymer located at the approximately center of the width direction W of the superabsorbent polymer in the absorbent 4 in the width direction W, and hardly covers the outer parts. Note that at least a part of the antibacterial liquid is contained in the absorbent 4, and at least a part of the antibacterial liquid contained in the absorbent 4 covers a predetermined superabsorbent polymer. In other words, it is not necessary for the antibacterial agent to cover the superabsorbent polymer in its entirety.

[0040] Here, the central portion in the width direction W of the absorbent body 4 may, for example, be the central portion (one portion) excluding both ends (one portion each) when the absorbent body 4 is divided into thirds in the width direction W, the central portion (two portions) excluding both ends (one portion each) when the absorbent body 4 is divided into four equal portions in the width direction W, or the central portion (three or one portion) excluding both ends (one or two portions each) when the absorbent body 4 is divided into five equal portions in the width direction W. However, the boundaries may deviate slightly (by about ±20%).

[0041] Furthermore, the antibacterial liquid may cover a large amount of the superabsorbent polymer located in the central portion of the absorbent 4 in the longitudinal direction L, and may cover a small amount of the superabsorbent polymer located on both outside sides of the central portion of the absorbent 4 in the longitudinal direction L (preferably, the amount of coverage may be zero (no coverage)). In other words, the antibacterial liquid may cover only the superabsorbent polymer located approximately in the central portion of the longitudinal direction L, among the superabsorbent polymers in the absorbent 4, and may barely cover the outside portions. Here, examples of the central portion in the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent body 4 include, in a plan view, a central portion (one portion) excluding both ends (one portion each) when the absorbent body 4 is divided into thirds in the longitudinal direction L, a central portion (two portions) excluding both ends (one portion each) when the absorbent body 4 is divided into four equal portions in the longitudinal direction L, a central portion (three or one portion) excluding both ends (one or two portions each) when the absorbent body 4 is divided into five equal portions in the longitudinal direction L, and portions shifted forward in the longitudinal direction L by 10 to 30% from these. However, the boundary may be shifted slightly (by about ±20%).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, the central portion in the longitudinal direction L and the central portion in the width direction W of the absorbent 4 of the light incontinence pad 1 in plan view is also referred to as the central region TA (note that these definitions are similarly used for the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 3 which overlap the absorbent 4 in the thickness direction T). The central region TA is a portion which includes the excretory opening contact area in plan view, and the antibacterial liquid is present at least in the central region TA. In this embodiment, the central region TA is the central portion (two portions) of the absorbent 4 when it is divided into four equal parts in the longitudinal direction L and the central portion (one portion) when it is divided into three equal parts in the width direction W in plan view.

[0043] The method of coating the superabsorbent polymer with the antibacterial liquid is not particularly limited, and any method can be used. For example, (a) a method of applying the antibacterial liquid to the superabsorbent polymer, which is a material, using a spray device before forming the absorbent body is considered. In that case, the superabsorbent polymer to which the antibacterial liquid has been applied is placed in a predetermined area of ​​the absorbent body, thereby forming an absorbent body having the superabsorbent polymer to which the antibacterial liquid has been applied in a predetermined area. Alternatively, (b) a method of placing the superabsorbent polymer on a core wrap sheet, and applying the antibacterial liquid from above to the superabsorbent polymer in a predetermined area of ​​the placed superabsorbent polymer using a spray device is considered. In that case, the superabsorbent polymer to which the antibacterial liquid has been applied is wrapped in the core wrap sheet, thereby forming an absorbent body having the superabsorbent polymer to which the antibacterial liquid has been applied in a predetermined area. Alternatively, (c) a method of forming an absorbent body having a superabsorbent polymer wrapped in a core wrap sheet, and applying the antibacterial liquid to a predetermined area of ​​the core wrap sheet of the absorbent body using a spray device is considered. In this case, the antibacterial liquid migrates from the core wrap sheet to the superabsorbent polymer, forming an absorbent body having a superabsorbent polymer coated with the antibacterial liquid in a predetermined area. Alternatively, (d) a method of laminating a top sheet and an absorbent body and applying the antibacterial liquid to a predetermined area of ​​the top sheet in the laminate using a spray device is conceivable. In this case, the antibacterial liquid migrates from the top sheet to the superabsorbent polymer of the absorbent body, forming an absorbent body having a superabsorbent polymer coated with the antibacterial liquid in a predetermined area.

[0044] The antibacterial agent is not particularly limited as long as it can be used in sanitary products. In this embodiment, the antibacterial agent includes a hydrophilic antibacterial agent. The hydrophilic antibacterial agent refers to an antibacterial agent that dissolves at least 40 g in 100 g of water at 25° C. within 5 hours. The antibacterial agent is not particularly limited as long as it has hydrophilicity and antibacterial function, that is, the function of suppressing the growth of bacteria. Examples of the type of antibacterial agent include cationic antibacterial agents. Examples of the cationic antibacterial agent include guanidine antibacterial agents, biguanide antibacterial agents, and quaternary ammonium salts. Examples of the guanidine antibacterial agent include polyhexamethylene guanide (PHMG), and examples of the biguanide antibacterial agent include polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), also known as polyaminopropyl biguanide. Examples of the quaternary ammonium salt include benzalkonium chloride and benzethonium chloride. These antibacterial agents may be used alone or in combination.

[0045] The organic solvent is not particularly limited as long as it can be used in sanitary products and functions as a solvent for the antibacterial agent. In this embodiment, the organic solvent preferably contains a hydrophilic organic solvent, more preferably a non-volatile organic solvent. A hydrophilic organic solvent refers to an organic solvent that is miscible with water at any ratio. A non-volatile organic solvent refers to an organic solvent that has a vapor pressure of 50 Pa or less at 25°C. Examples of the organic solvent include glycols and alcohols. Examples of the glycols include propylene glycol (PG), dipropylene glycol (DPG), 1,3-butylene glycol (BG), and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG400). Examples of the alcohols include 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butanol. These organic solvents may be used alone or in combination.

[0046] The lower limit of the total ratio of the antibacterial agent and the organic solvent to the antibacterial liquid is, for example, 90% by mass, preferably 95% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of ensuring the antibacterial action. The antibacterial liquid may further contain other solvents, such as water, in addition to the antibacterial agent and the organic solvent. The amount of water is preferably less than the amount of the organic solvent, from the viewpoint of suppressing the volatility of the antibacterial liquid and suppressing rusting of the manufacturing equipment. In addition, the lower limit of the ratio of the antibacterial agent to the total of the antibacterial agent and the solvent (organic solvent + other solvent) is, for example, 1% by mass, preferably 2% by mass, from the viewpoint of ensuring the antibacterial action. The upper limit is, for example, 60% by mass, preferably 50% by mass, from the viewpoint of dissolving the antibacterial agent in the solvent. Note that the solvent of the antibacterial liquid can be identified and quantified using GC / MS (gas chromatography mass spectrometry), and the antibacterial agent of the antibacterial liquid can be identified and quantified using LC / MS (high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry).

[0047] In the light incontinence pad 1, a large amount of antibacterial liquid covers the superabsorbent polymer located in the central portion of the absorbent body 4 in the width direction W, and a small amount of antibacterial liquid covers the superabsorbent polymer located on both outer sides of the central portion of the absorbent body 4 in the width direction W (preferably, the amount of coverage is zero (no coverage)). Therefore, when bodily fluids are excreted in the central portion of the absorbent body 4 in the width direction W and come into contact with the antibacterial liquid covering the superabsorbent polymer, the antibacterial agent in the antibacterial liquid can exhibit antibacterial properties.

[0048] In addition, since the superabsorbent polymer in the center part in the width direction W of the absorbent body 4 is coated with the antibacterial liquid, the absorption speed of the body fluid in the superabsorbent polymer in the center part in the width direction W can be slowed down. This suppresses the absorption of body fluid in the superabsorbent polymer in the center part in the width direction W, and makes it easier for the body fluid to diffuse to both outsides in the width direction W of the center part. That is, the diffusibility of the body fluid to both outsides in the width direction W can be improved. Then, the diffused body fluid can be easily absorbed by the superabsorbent polymer located on both outsides in the width direction W of the center part that is not covered much with the antibacterial liquid. Therefore, the absorbent body 4 can be used widely, and side leakage of body fluid from the ends in the width direction W of the light incontinence pad 1 can be suppressed.

[0049] In this way, the light incontinence pad 1, which includes the antibacterial liquid and the highly absorbent polymer, can achieve both antibacterial performance and absorbent performance.

[0050] Furthermore, when the antibacterial liquid further coats the superabsorbent polymer located in the central part of the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent 4, but does not coat the superabsorbent polymer located on both outside sides of the central part in the longitudinal direction L, an effect similar to the effect in the width direction W when the antibacterial liquid coats the superabsorbent polymer located in the central part in the width direction W, but does not coat the superabsorbent polymer located on both outside sides of the central part in the width direction W, can be obtained in the longitudinal direction L.

[0051] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the absorbent body 4 has a two-layer structure. The absorbent body 4 having the two-layer structure will be specifically described below.

[0052] 3 and 4 are plan views showing examples of the configuration of the upper-layer absorbent body 11 and the lower-layer absorbent body 12 of the light incontinence pad 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 4, the light incontinence pad 1 further includes, as the absorbent body 4, an upper-layer absorbent body 11 and a lower-layer absorbent body 12 located on the non-skin-facing side of the upper-layer absorbent body 11 in the thickness direction T.

[0053] In this embodiment, the upper absorbent body 11 is a sheet-like absorbent layer having liquid absorption and liquid retention properties, and has a generally rectangular shape that is long in the longitudinal direction L in a plan view. The upper absorbent body 11 is located on the topsheet 2 side. The upper absorbent body 11 has an absorbent core 11a containing a highly absorbent polymer, and a skin-side core wrap sheet 11b1 and a non-skin-side core wrap sheet 11b2 that contain (sandwich) the absorbent core 11a.

[0054] The material of the absorbent core 11a is not particularly limited as long as it contains the above-mentioned superabsorbent polymer, and may contain, for example, pulp fiber in addition to the superabsorbent polymer. The content of the pulp fiber is within a range of 0 to 90% of the mass of the superabsorbent polymer. In this embodiment, the amount of the superabsorbent polymer contained in the upper-layer absorbent body 11 is greater than the amount of the superabsorbent polymer contained in the lower-layer absorbent body 12. In this embodiment, the absorbent core 11a is composed only of a superabsorbent polymer. An absorbent body having such an absorbent core with a superabsorbent polymer content of 90% by mass or more can also be called a SAP sheet.

[0055] The material of the skin side core wrap sheet 11b1 and the non-skin side core wrap sheet 11b2 is not particularly limited as long as it is a liquid-permeable sheet, and examples thereof include liquid-permeable nonwoven fabrics (including tissues) made of synthetic resin fibers or pulp fibers. The liquid-permeable nonwoven fabrics are as described above. The basis weight of the skin side core wrap sheet 11b1 and the non-skin side core wrap sheet 11b2 is, for example, 5 to 100 g / m 2 Some examples include:

[0056] The highly absorbent polymer (and pulp fibers) of the absorbent core 11a is preferably fixed to at least one of the skin side core wrap sheet 11b1 and the non-skin side core wrap sheet 11b2 with a hot melt adhesive or the like (not shown). However, the highly absorbent polymer may be simply wrapped between the skin side core wrap sheet 11b1 and the non-skin side core wrap sheet 11b2 without being fixed. The basis weight of the absorbent core 11a is, for example, 50 to 400 g / m 2 Examples include:

[0057] In this embodiment, the lower absorbent body 12 is an absorbent layer having liquid absorption and liquid retention properties, and is a substantially rectangular shape long in the longitudinal direction L in a plan view, with both end edges in the longitudinal direction L being arc-shaped, and with a central portion in the longitudinal direction L being narrowed in the width direction W. The lower absorbent body 12 is located on the back sheet 3 side. The lower absorbent body 12 has an absorbent core 12a containing a superabsorbent polymer and pulp fibers, and a skin-side core wrap sheet 12b1 and a non-skin-side core wrap sheet 12b2 that contain (sandwich) the absorbent core 12a.

[0058] The material of the absorbent core 12a is not particularly limited as long as it contains the above-mentioned pulp fiber and / or superabsorbent polymer. The content of the superabsorbent polymer is within the range of 0 to 90% of the mass of the pulp fiber. In this embodiment, the amount of pulp fiber contained in the lower absorbent body 12 is greater than the amount of pulp fiber contained in the upper absorbent body 11. In this embodiment, the absorbent core 12a contains the superabsorbent polymer at 30% of the mass of the pulp fiber.

[0059] The materials of the skin side core wrap sheet 12b1 and the non-skin side core wrap sheet 12b2 are the same as those of the skin side core wrap sheet 11b1 and the non-skin side core wrap sheet 11b2 of the upper absorbent body 11. The basis weight of the skin side core wrap sheet 12b1 and the non-skin side core wrap sheet 12b2 is, for example, 5 to 100 g / m 2 Some examples include:

[0060] The superabsorbent polymer and pulp fibers of the absorbent core 12a are preferably fixed to at least one of the skin side core wrap sheet 12b1 and the non-skin side core wrap sheet 12b2 with a hot melt adhesive or the like (not shown). However, the superabsorbent polymer and pulp fibers may be simply wrapped between the skin side core wrap sheet 12b1 and the non-skin side core wrap sheet 12b2 without being fixed. The basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer is, for example, 0 to 600 g / m 2 The basis weight of the pulp fiber is, for example, 50 to 700 g / m 2 Examples include:

[0061] The upper absorbent body 11 and the topsheet 2 are joined together with an adhesive. The upper absorbent body 11 and the lower absorbent body 12 are joined together with an adhesive. The lower absorbent body 12 and the backsheet 3 are joined together with an adhesive. The adhesive may be, for example, a hot melt adhesive.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light incontinence pad 1 further includes an upper absorbent body 11 and a lower absorbent body 12, as described above. In this case, at least in the upper absorbent body 11, the antibacterial liquid covers a large amount of the superabsorbent polymer located in the center portion in the width direction W. Furthermore, the antibacterial liquid covers a small amount of the superabsorbent polymer located on both outer sides of the center portion in the width direction W (preferably, the amount of coverage is zero (not covered)). In other words, the antibacterial liquid covers only the superabsorbent polymer located approximately in the center portion in the width direction W among the superabsorbent polymers in the upper absorbent body 11, and hardly covers the outer portions. The center portion in the width direction W is as described above. In the upper absorbent body 11, the method of covering the superabsorbent polymer with the antibacterial liquid is the above-mentioned methods (a) to (d) of covering the superabsorbent polymer with the antibacterial liquid.

[0063] Furthermore, at least in the upper absorbent body 11, the antibacterial liquid may cover a large amount of the superabsorbent polymer located in the central portion in the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, the antibacterial liquid may cover a small amount of the superabsorbent polymer located on both outside sides of the central portion in the longitudinal direction L. In other words, the antibacterial liquid may cover only the superabsorbent polymer located approximately in the central portion in the longitudinal direction L among the superabsorbent polymers in the upper absorbent body 11, and may barely cover the outer portions. The central portion in the longitudinal direction L is as described above.

[0064] In this way, the superabsorbent polymer in the center portion in the width direction W of the upper absorbent body 11 is coated with the antibacterial liquid. Therefore, when bodily fluid passes through the upper absorbent body 11, it comes into contact with the antibacterial liquid that coats the superabsorbent polymer, and the antibacterial agent in the antibacterial liquid can exhibit antibacterial properties.

[0065] In addition, since the superabsorbent polymer in the center portion of the upper absorbent body 11 is coated with the antibacterial liquid, it is possible to suppress the absorption of bodily fluids by the superabsorbent polymer in the center portion. This makes it easier for bodily fluids to transfer to the lower absorbent body 12. At that time, since the antibacterial liquid transfers to the lower absorbent body 12 little by little every time bodily fluids transfer to the lower absorbent body 12, it is possible to increase the amount of antibacterial liquid in the lower absorbent body 12. In other words, it is possible to increase the antibacterial property of the lower absorbent body 12 according to the amount of bodily fluid.

[0066] Furthermore, not only in the first absorption of body fluids but also in the second or subsequent absorptions, the upper absorbent body 11 suppresses absorption of body fluids by the highly absorbent polymer in the central portion, thereby improving the rewetting properties of the light incontinence pad 1.

[0067] Furthermore, in the upper absorbent body 11, the superabsorbent polymer on both outer sides of the central portion in the width direction W that is not covered much with the antibacterial liquid, for example, on both end portions in the width direction W, generally maintains the original absorption performance of the superabsorbent polymer. Therefore, the body fluid can be absorbed by the superabsorbent polymer on both end portions in the width direction W. This makes it possible to further suppress lateral leakage of the body fluid.

[0068] Furthermore, when the antibacterial liquid coats a large amount of the superabsorbent polymer located in the central portion of the longitudinal direction L of the upper absorbent body 11 and coats a small amount of the superabsorbent polymer located on both outside sides of the central portion in the longitudinal direction L, an effect similar to the effect in the width direction W when the antibacterial liquid coats a large amount of the superabsorbent polymer located in the central portion in the width direction W and coats a small amount of the superabsorbent polymer located on both outside sides of the central portion in the width direction W can be obtained in the longitudinal direction L.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the antibacterial liquid is contained in the lower absorbent body 12. However, the amount of antibacterial liquid contained in the upper absorbent body 11 is greater than the amount of antibacterial liquid contained in the lower absorbent body 12. The amount of antibacterial liquid in the lower absorbent body 12 may be 0 (zero).

[0070] However, the antibacterial liquid contained in the lower absorbent body 12 may be one that has been applied to the lower absorbent body 12 or one that has migrated from the upper absorbent body 11 .

[0071] The method of applying the antibacterial liquid to the lower absorbent body is not particularly limited, and any method can be used. For example, when the absorbent material of the lower absorbent body is pulp fiber and / or a superabsorbent polymer, the superabsorbent polymer may be pulp fiber and / or a superabsorbent polymer in the above-mentioned methods (a) to (c) of coating the superabsorbent polymer with the antibacterial liquid. Alternatively, (e) a method of laminating an upper absorbent body and a lower absorbent body, and applying the antibacterial liquid to a predetermined area of ​​the upper absorbent body in the laminate, or laminating an upper absorbent body with the antibacterial liquid applied to a predetermined area on the lower absorbent body, may be considered. In this case, the antibacterial liquid migrates from the upper absorbent body to the pulp fiber and / or the superabsorbent polymer of the lower absorbent body, thereby forming a lower absorbent body having pulp fiber and / or superabsorbent polymer with the antibacterial liquid applied to a predetermined area.

[0072] In this way, in the light incontinence pad 1, a portion of the antibacterial liquid is contained in the lower absorbent body 12, and the amount of antibacterial liquid in the upper absorbent body 11 is greater than the amount of antibacterial liquid in the lower absorbent body 12. As a result, a small amount of antibacterial liquid is also present in the lower absorbent body 12, allowing the antibacterial properties to be efficiently exhibited from the first absorption of body fluids.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, at least the lower absorbent body 12 of the upper absorbent body 11 and the lower absorbent body 12 contains pulp fibers. The amount of pulp fibers contained in the lower absorbent body 12 is greater than the amount of pulp fibers contained in the upper absorbent body 11. As a result, the upper absorbent body 11 has fewer pulp fibers that easily retain body fluids around the antibacterial agent (superabsorbent polymer), so that the antibacterial effect of the antibacterial agent in the upper absorbent body 11 can be sustained. On the other hand, the lower absorbent body 12 has more pulp fibers, so that it can quickly absorb and easily retain body fluids. At that time, the lower absorbent body 12, which is physically separated from the body, can retain body fluids, so that skin rash can be suppressed.

[0074] Next, the upper absorbent body 11 and the lower absorbent body 12 will be further described with reference to Fig. 2 and Figs. 3 to 4. In the upper absorbent body 11, as shown in Fig. 3, the region formed between the skin side core wrap sheet 11b1 and the non-skin side core wrap sheet 11b2 is divided into a plurality of arrangement regions PEA (21, 22) in a plan view by several joining regions NPA (31, 32, 32'). However, the joining region NPA is an area formed by joining a part of the skin side core wrap sheet 11b1 and a part of the opposing non-skin side core wrap sheet 11b2 by squeezing them in the thickness direction T (e.g., embossing) or pressing them with an adhesive (e.g., hot melt adhesive). The arrangement region PEA is an area formed by another part of the skin side core wrap sheet 11b1 and another part of the opposing non-skin side core wrap sheet 11b2. An absorbent material (at least a superabsorbent polymer among a superabsorbent polymer and pulp fiber) is arranged in the arrangement region PEA. Therefore, the arrangement region PEA (21, 22) can be said to be a region where a superabsorbent polymer is present, whereas the joining region NPA (31, 32, 32') can be said to be a region where a superabsorbent polymer is not present.

[0075] In this embodiment, the upper absorbent body 11 is divided into three arrangement areas PEA in the width direction W by a pair of bonding areas NPA, and the three arrangement areas PEA are sealed at the front and rear in the longitudinal direction L by other bonding areas NPA. However, the three arrangement areas and PEA are an arrangement area 21 located at the center of the width direction W and extending in the longitudinal direction L, and a pair of arrangement areas 22 located at both ends of the arrangement area 21 in the width direction W and extending in the longitudinal direction L. The pair of bonding areas NPA are strip-shaped bonding areas 31 extending in the longitudinal direction L and arranged at a predetermined interval on both sides of the longitudinal center line CL in the width direction W. The other bonding areas NPA are strip-shaped bonding areas 32 (front side) and 32' (rear side) extending in the width direction W and arranged at a predetermined interval on both sides of the longitudinal direction L in the width direction L with the width direction center line CW in between. The pattern of the pair of bonding regions 31 is, for example, a band-like pattern formed such that the distance between them is narrow near the center in the longitudinal direction L and widens toward both outsides in the longitudinal direction L. The pattern is formed along the pattern of the pair of compression parts 5 described later and is wider than that pattern.

[0076] Therefore, in this embodiment, the skin side core wrap sheet 11b1 and the non-skin side core wrap sheet 11b2, the pair of bonding regions 31, and the other bonding regions 32 (front side) and 32' (rear side) form the arrangement region 21 and the pair of arrangement regions 22. The arrangement region 21 is long in the longitudinal direction L and has a generally hourglass shape with the central portion in the longitudinal direction L narrowed in the width direction W. The arrangement region 22 has a generally rectangular shape long in the longitudinal direction L, with one side of the inner side in the width direction W being a convex curve with respect to the longitudinal center line CL. In this embodiment, the pair of bonding regions 31 and the other bonding regions 32 (front side) and 32' (rear side) are high-density parts having a higher fiber density than the surroundings due to compression. The shapes of the pair of bonding regions 31 and the other bonding regions 32 (front side) and 32' (rear side), i.e., the shapes of the arrangement region 21 and the pair of arrangement regions 22, are arbitrary.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the superabsorbent polymer located in the central portion in the width direction W may be the superabsorbent polymer located in the arrangement region 21, and the superabsorbent polymer located on both outer sides of the central portion in the width direction W may be the superabsorbent polymer located in the pair of arrangement regions 22. In this case, the antibacterial liquid covers a large amount of the superabsorbent polymer located in the arrangement region 21, but covers a small amount of the superabsorbent polymer located in the pair of arrangement regions 22 (preferably, the amount of coverage is zero (not covered)).

[0078] In this case, body fluid is excreted near the arrangement region 21, and comes into contact with the antibacterial liquid that covers the superabsorbent polymer, so that the antibacterial agent in the antibacterial liquid can exhibit antibacterial properties. In addition, since the superabsorbent polymer in the arrangement region 21 is covered with the antibacterial liquid, the absorption rate of body fluid in the superabsorbent polymer in the arrangement region 21 can be slowed down. This suppresses the absorption of body fluid in the superabsorbent polymer in the arrangement region 21, and makes it easier for the body fluid to diffuse to both outsides in the width direction W of the central portion. That is, the diffusion of body fluid to both outsides in the width direction W can be improved. Then, the diffused body fluid can be easily absorbed by the superabsorbent polymer located in the pair of arrangement regions 22 and not covered much with the antibacterial liquid. Therefore, the upper absorbent body 11 can be used widely, and side leakage of body fluid from the ends of the light incontinence pad 1 in the width direction W can be suppressed.

[0079] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the lower absorbent body 12 has a space formed between the skin-side core wrap sheet 12b1 and the non-skin-side core wrap sheet 12b2 filled with the absorbent polymer and pulp fibers of the absorbent core 12a. The lower absorbent body 12 has a thick region 12m having a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners at the center in the width direction W and the longitudinal direction L, a medium-thickness region having a generally annular shape surrounding the thick region 12m, and a generally annular thin region having the outer shape of the lower absorbent body 12 surrounding the medium-thickness region. The thickness of the thick region 12m in the thickness direction T is the thickest, the thickness of the thin region in the thickness direction T is the thinnest, and the thickness of the medium region in the thickness direction T is between the thin region and the thick region 12m. Therefore, the lower absorbent body 12 has a centrally-high structure (e.g., the central part is high). In this embodiment, the thick region 12m is generally a region corresponding to the central region TA in a plan view.

[0080] In this embodiment, the light incontinence pad 1 includes a pair of compressed parts 5 extending in the longitudinal direction L and arranged at a predetermined interval in the width direction W. The compressed parts 5 are formed by compressing (e.g., embossing) the top sheet 2 and the upper absorbent body 11 and the lower absorbent body 12 in the thickness direction T. The compressed parts 5 penetrate the top sheet 2 through the upper absorbent body 11 and extend into the lower absorbent body 12 in the thickness direction T. A high density part having a higher fiber density than the surrounding area is formed by compression in the lower part (non-skin side part) of the bottom of the compressed parts 5. The compressed parts 5 may extend from the surface of the top sheet 2 to the skin side surface of the back sheet 3 in the thickness direction T. The width of the compressed parts 5 is, for example, 1 to 5 mm. The pattern of the pair of compressed parts 5 is not particularly limited, and any known pattern used in absorbent articles may be adopted. In this embodiment, the distance between a pair of compressed parts 5 is small (narrow) near the center in the longitudinal direction L, becomes larger (wider) toward both outer sides in the longitudinal direction L, and becomes smaller (narrower) again toward both ends of the lower absorbent body 12. This pattern makes it easier to diffuse excrement moving in the longitudinal direction L along the pair of compressed parts 5 in both the width direction W and the longitudinal direction L.

[0081] In this embodiment, the light incontinence pad 1 further includes compression parts 6 extending in the width direction W on the front and rear sides in the longitudinal direction L and arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction L. The structure of the compression parts 6 is the same as that of the compression parts 5. The compression parts 6 are arranged between the pair of compression parts 5 in the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction L of the pair of compression parts 5, in the shape of an outwardly convex arc.

[0082] One and the other of the pair of compressed portions 5 are located within one and the other of the pair of joining regions 31, respectively, in the width direction W. Furthermore, one and the other of the pair of compressed portions 5 are separated from the central arrangement region 21 and the pair of arrangement regions 22 in the width direction W.

[0083] Thus, in the light incontinence pad 1, the upper absorbent body 11 has a superabsorbent polymer-containing region, i.e., the arrangement region PEA (21, 22), and a superabsorbent polymer-free region, i.e., the joining region NPA (31, 32, 32'), in plan view. The superabsorbent polymer-free region (joint region NPA) has a compressed portion 5. Therefore, bodily fluids can be transferred from the upper absorbent body 11 to the lower absorbent body 12 via the compressed portion 5 without being inhibited by the superabsorbent polymer in the arrangement region PEA (21, 22), and the transfer of fluids from the upper absorbent body 11 to the lower absorbent body 12 can be improved. This makes it possible to further suppress lateral leakage of bodily fluids.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the antibacterial liquid covers a large amount of the superabsorbent polymer located in the center of the longitudinal direction L of the upper absorbent body 11 (absorbent body 4). However, the antibacterial liquid covers a small amount of the superabsorbent polymer located in front (ventral side) of the center of the longitudinal direction L of the upper absorbent body 11 (absorbent body 4). In other words, the antibacterial liquid covers only the superabsorbent polymer located in the approximately central part of the superabsorbent polymer in the upper absorbent body 11 (absorbent body 4) in the longitudinal direction L, or the superabsorbent polymer located in the central part and the rear side (back side), and hardly covers the outer part. Note that at least a part of the antibacterial liquid is contained in the upper absorbent body 11, and at least a part of the antibacterial liquid contained in the upper absorbent body 11 may cover a predetermined superabsorbent polymer. In other words, the antibacterial agent does not need to cover the superabsorbent polymer in its entirety.

[0085] Thus, in the light incontinence pad 1, the antibacterial liquid covers a large amount of the superabsorbent polymer located in the central portion of the longitudinal direction L of the upper absorbent body 11 (absorbent body 4), and covers a small amount of the superabsorbent polymer located in front (ventral side) of the central portion of the longitudinal direction L of the upper absorbent body 11 (absorbent body 4) (preferably, the amount of coverage is zero (not covered)). This makes it possible to suppress the absorption of bodily fluids by the superabsorbent polymer in the central portion of the longitudinal direction L, and to facilitate the absorption of bodily fluids by the superabsorbent polymer on the ventral side of the central portion of the longitudinal direction L, which is not covered much with the antibacterial liquid and therefore has a relatively slow absorption speed.

[0086] Furthermore, since the antibacterial liquid is not present in the upper absorbent body 11 (absorbent body 4) in the abdominal area (front part in the longitudinal direction) of the body where the upper absorbent body 11 (absorbent body 4) is likely to come into direct or indirect surface contact, contact between the antibacterial liquid and the body can be suppressed. This makes it possible to suppress the antibacterial agent contained in the antibacterial liquid from irritating the skin.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the upper absorbent body 11 has a skin side portion 51 located on the skin side in the thickness direction T, and a non-skin side portion 52 located on the non-skin side of the skin side portion in the thickness direction T. The water retention rate of the skin side portion 51 is smaller than the water retention rate of the non-skin side portion 52.

[0088] Here, examples of methods for reducing the water retention rate of the skin side portion 51 of the upper absorbent body 11 include a method of applying antibacterial liquid with a spray device from the skin side of the upper absorbent body 11. Alternatively, examples of methods include a method of applying antibacterial liquid to a laminate of the topsheet 2 and absorbent body 4 from the side of the topsheet 2 with a spray device, and transferring the antibacterial liquid to the skin side of the upper absorbent body 11 via the topsheet 2. As a result, more antibacterial liquid is applied to the superabsorbent polymer of the skin side portion 51 than to the non-skin side portion 52, and the water retention rate of the superabsorbent polymer of the skin side portion 51 decreases.

[0089] Thus, in the light incontinence pad 1, the skin side portion 51 of the upper absorbent body 11 has a relatively low water retention rate. Therefore, the skin side portion 51, which is the front side of the upper absorbent body 11, can be kept appropriately dry (smooth). On the other hand, the non-skin side portion 52 of the upper absorbent body 11 has a relatively high water retention rate. Therefore, the non-skin side portion 52, which is the back side of the upper absorbent body 11, can sufficiently come into contact with the superabsorbent polymer covered with the antibacterial agent and body fluids. This can enhance the antibacterial performance of the antibacterial agent.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, the skin side core wrap sheet 12b1 and the non-skin side core wrap sheet 12b2 of the lower absorbent body 12 are made of crepe paper. However, the crepe paper is a nonwoven fabric (including paper) made of synthetic resin fibers, pulp fibers, etc. that has been creped, and has an uneven structure with concave and convex parts composed of a plurality of wrinkles. The unevenness degree of the skin side core wrap sheet 12b1 is smaller than the unevenness degree of the non-skin side core wrap sheet 12b2. Here, the unevenness degree refers to the number of concaves and convex parts (wrinkles) per unit length in a direction (e.g., width direction W) perpendicular to the direction in which the concaves and convex parts (wrinkles) extend (e.g., longitudinal direction L). The size of the concaves and convex parts refers to the height of the concaves and convex parts and / or the width of the concaves and convex parts. However, the height of the concaves and convex parts refers to the height from the bottom of the concaves and convex parts (parts between adjacent convex parts) to the top of the convex parts. The width of the unevenness refers to the distance between the tops of adjacent convex parts or the distance between the bottoms of adjacent concave parts. A small degree of unevenness refers to a small number of unevennesses, a small height of unevenness, and / or a large width of unevenness, and does not include a case where there are no unevennesses. This is to maintain a certain degree of ease of deformation on the skin side of the absorbent body 4.

[0091] The unevenness of the crepe paper can be adjusted by the crepe processing conditions, the application of liquid to the crepe paper, etc. For example, when a liquid (e.g., an antibacterial liquid) is applied to the crepe paper, the applied portion becomes soft as it is soaked in the liquid, and the unevenness is easily reduced. This makes it possible to reduce the unevenness. In this case, from the viewpoint of easily maintaining the affinity with body fluids and the unevenness, it is preferable that the liquid applied to the crepe paper is hydrophilic and non-volatile.

[0092] In this embodiment, the degree of unevenness does not need to be smaller across the entire surface of the skin side core wrap sheet 12b1 than that of the non-skin side core wrap sheet 12b2. Examples of portions with a smaller degree of unevenness include, in a plan view, a central portion (one portion) excluding both ends (one portion each) when the skin side core wrap sheet 12b1 is divided into three equal portions in the width direction W, a central portion (two portions) excluding both ends (one portion each) when the skin side core wrap sheet 12b1 is divided into four equal portions in the width direction W, and a central portion (three or one portion) excluding both ends (one or two portions each) when the skin side core wrap sheet 12b1 is divided into five equal portions in the width direction W. And / or, the above-mentioned portion with a small degree of unevenness may be, for example, the central portion (one portion) excluding both ends (one portion each) when the skin side core wrap sheet 12b1 is divided into three equal portions in the longitudinal direction L, the central portion (two portions) excluding both ends (one portion each) when the skin side core wrap sheet 12b1 is divided into four equal portions in the longitudinal direction L, the central portion (three or one portion) excluding both ends (one or two portions each) when the skin side core wrap sheet 12b1 is divided into five equal portions in the longitudinal direction L, and portions shifted forward by 10 to 30% in the longitudinal direction L. However, the boundaries between these portions may be shifted slightly (by about ±20%). In any of the above cases, the portion with a small degree of unevenness preferably includes the excretion opening contact area in a plan view, and is preferably a region overlapping with the absorbent core 12a.

[0093] In this embodiment, the skin side core wrap sheet 12b1 and the non-skin side core wrap sheet 12b2 encase the absorbent core 12a so that the unevenness and wrinkles of the crepe paper extend along the longitudinal direction L. However, each of the skin side core wrap sheet 12b1 and the non-skin side core wrap sheet 12b2 does not need to have unevenness or wrinkles on its entire surface. It is sufficient that 90% or more of the entire surface of each of the skin side core wrap sheets 12b1 and the non-skin side core wrap sheets 12b2, including the excretion opening contact area, preferably 95% or more, more preferably 98% or more of the entire surface of the skin side core wrap sheet 12b1 and the non-skin side core wrap sheet 12b2 have unevenness and wrinkles. This makes it easier to suppress breakage due to external force in each of the skin side core wrap sheets 12b1 and the non-skin side core wrap sheets 12b2.

[0094] In this embodiment, in the skin side core wrap sheet 12b1, the number (average) of irregularities (wrinkles) extending along the longitudinal direction L per unit length of 1 cm in the width direction W is, for example, 1 to 50. In the skin side core wrap sheet 12b1, the height (average) of the irregularities, which is the size of the irregularities (wrinkles), is, for example, 0.1 to 1 mm. In addition, the width (average) of the irregularities, which is the size of the irregularities, is, for example, 0.2 to 10 mm. On the other hand, in the non-skin side core wrap sheet 12b2, the number (average) of irregularities (wrinkles) extending along the longitudinal direction L per unit length of 1 cm in the width direction W is, for example, 2 to 100. In the non-skin side core wrap sheet 12b2, the height (average) of the irregularities, which is the size of the irregularities (wrinkles), is, for example, 0.2 to 2 mm. In addition, the width (average) of the irregularities, which is the size of the irregularities, is, for example, 0.1 to 5 mm.

[0095] In this way, in the light incontinence pad 1, the degree of unevenness of the skin-side core wrap sheet 12b1 made of uneven crepe paper is relatively small in the lower absorbent body 12. This can improve the liquid diffusibility in the planar direction of the skin-side core wrap sheet 12b1.

[0096] At the same time, the contact area between the upper absorbent body 11 and the skin-side core wrap sheet 12b1 can be increased, and the contact area between the skin-side core wrap sheet 12b1 and the absorbent core 12a can be increased. As a result, during use, bodily fluid released into the light incontinence pad 1 and transferred from the upper absorbent body 11 to the skin-side core wrap sheet 12b1 can be diffused in the planar direction of the skin-side core wrap sheet 12b1 and then transferred to the absorbent core.

[0097] On the other hand, by relatively increasing the unevenness of the non-skin-side core wrap sheet 12b2 made of crepe paper, the non-skin-side core wrap sheet 12b2 can be easily deformed. As a result, even if the light incontinence pad 1 expands and contracts due to the user's body movements during use, the non-skin-side core wrap sheet 12b2 can follow the expansion and contraction and is prevented from breaking. At that time, the unevenness of the non-skin-side core wrap sheet 12b2 absorbs the external force caused by the body movements, so the external force acting on the skin-side core wrap sheet 12b1 is reduced and the breakage of the skin-side core wrap sheet 12b1 can also be prevented.

[0098] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the topsheet 2 contains a hydrophilizing agent, and the viscosity of the antibacterial liquid is higher than the viscosity of the hydrophilizing agent.

[0099] However, the top sheet 2 is formed, for example, by treating the material constituting the top sheet 2 with a hydrophilizing agent known in the art (e.g., by coating the hydrophilizing agent or kneading the hydrophilizing agent). There are no particular limitations on the hydrophilizing agent as long as it is used in absorbent articles, and examples of the hydrophilizing agent include alkyl phosphate ester salts and alkyl phosphate metal salts. Alternatively, examples of the hydrophilizing agent include a mixture of an alkyl phosphate ester salt having 10 to 30 carbon atoms and a betaine compound, sulfate ester salt or sulfonate salt having 10 to 30 carbon atoms, a mixture of an alkyl phosphate ester salt and a polyether-modified silicone, and the like.

[0100] Thus, in the light incontinence pad 1, the viscosity of the antibacterial liquid in the absorbent 4 is higher than the viscosity of the hydrophilizing agent in the topsheet 2. Therefore, compared with the hydrophilizing agent which is easily washed away by body fluids, the antibacterial liquid is less likely to be washed away by body fluids, so that even if body fluids are excreted multiple times into the light incontinence pad 1, the antibacterial liquid can easily maintain a state in which it coats the superabsorbent polymer, thereby enhancing the durability of the effect of the antibacterial agent.

[0101] <Method of measuring the degree of unevenness of core wrap> The degree of unevenness of the core wrap is measured as follows. (1) The absorbent article is divided into three equal parts in the width direction and length direction to prepare nine samples. (2) After freezing each sample using liquid nitrogen, cut it in the thickness direction with a sharp cutter knife so that the parts where you want to measure the degree of unevenness (e.g., the center part in the longitudinal direction and the width direction, and the part in the longitudinal direction in the front-back direction) can be seen in cross section, without deforming the degree of unevenness. The size of the cut may be 1 cm x 1 cm. (3) Prepare a microscope or optical microscope (e.g., VHX-7000 manufactured by Keyence Corporation) and take an image of the cross section of the core wrap sheet at a magnification of 10 to 100 times. (4) In the photographed image of each sample, the number of irregularities (wrinkles) per unit length and / or the height and / or width of the irregularities are measured for each of the concave and convex portions. (5) The final number of irregularities (wrinkles) per unit length and / or the height and / or width of the irregularities are determined by calculating the average of the measurement values ​​for nine samples (however, if there is a large difference in location (±30% or more), at least three nearby samples).

[0102] <Measuring method for the area where antibacterial liquid (containing antibacterial agent) has been applied> The amount of antibacterial liquid (containing an antibacterial agent) in the area where the antibacterial liquid is applied is measured as follows. (1) To check whether or not an antibacterial liquid has been applied, cut out a portion of the absorbent article of a specified size (e.g., 1 cm x 1 cm) and use it as a sample. (2) The antibacterial agents in the samples will be identified and quantified using LC / MS (high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry). (3) The above steps (1) and (2) are carried out for three samples, and the average value is calculated to determine the presence or absence and amount of antibacterial solution in that area. (4) The above steps (1) to (3) are carried out on a plurality of portions of the absorbent article, and the areas to which the antibacterial solution has been applied and the amount of the antibacterial solution in those areas are determined.

[0103] <Method of measuring viscosity of antibacterial liquid and hydrophilizing agent> When a sufficient amount of antibacterial liquid or hydrophilizing agent is to be measured, the viscosity of the antibacterial liquid or hydrophilizing agent is measured as follows. (1) Prepare the following equipment: Thermo Fisher Scientific Co., Ltd. HAAKE RheoStress 1 (sensor: Cone φ60mm, 1° angle C60 / 1) (2) Put 38 ml of the antibacterial liquid or hydrophilizing agent to be measured into the container provided with the device and immerse the measuring element in the antibacterial liquid. (3) Viscosity measurements are performed under the following conditions: Temperature 25℃, humidity 50%, shear rate: 10.0 (l / s).

[0104] <Method for measuring water retention of superabsorbent polymer> The water retention rate of the highly absorbent polymer in the upper absorbent body was measured as follows. (1) In the upper absorbent body of an absorbent article, the skin side core wrap sheet having a superabsorbent polymer adhered thereto and the non-skin side core wrap sheet having a superabsorbent polymer adhered thereto are peeled away from each other to separate the skin side and non-skin side portions of the upper absorbent body. (2) Other sheets and adhesives adhered to the skin side core wrap sheet are removed with an organic solvent that is not absorbed by the superabsorbent polymer, and other sheets and adhesives adhered to the non-skin side core wrap sheet are removed with an organic solvent that is not absorbed by the superabsorbent polymer, and the superabsorbent polymers on the skin side and non-skin side are each removed separately. (3) Accurately weigh 1,000 g of the superabsorbent polymer from each of the skin-side and non-skin-side portions using an electronic balance (sensitivity 0.001 g). If the amount of superabsorbent polymer is insufficient, superabsorbent polymer is removed from multiple upper absorbents in multiple absorbent articles in the same package, or from multiple upper absorbents in multiple absorbent articles packed in the same cardboard box. (4) The measured amounts of superabsorbent polymer from the skin side and non-skin side are placed in separate nylon net bags, and the nylon net bags are heat sealed. The nylon net bags are 10 cm square bags made of nylon net (250 mesh nylon net (N-NO. 250HD: manufactured by NBC Meshtec Co., Ltd.)). The following steps are carried out for each bag. (5)(4) Measure the mass of the bag containing the sample using an electronic balance. The measured value is called mass A. (6) Put 1000 ml of saline into a 2 L beaker. The saline is a 0.9% aqueous solution of sodium chloride. (7) Immerse the bag in the 2 L beaker (6) so that it touches the bottom. (8) Fix one side of the top of the bag to the open edge of a 2L beaker with clothespins and leave it for one hour, taking care not to allow the superabsorbent polymer and the nylon net to come into close contact with each other. (9) After leaving it, pull the bag out and clamp the center of the short side of the bag (5 mm from the top and 50 mm from both ends) with clothespins to drain the water for 15 minutes. (10) After draining the water, measure the mass of the bag using an electronic balance. The measured value is called mass B. (11) After draining, the bags are dehydrated in a centrifuge (Model H130: manufactured by Kokusan Centrifuge Co., Ltd.) under the following conditions: rotation speed 850 rpm (150 G), time: 90 seconds after reaching a constant speed of 850 rpm. (12) After dehydration, measure the mass of the bag using an electronic balance. The measured value is called mass C. (13) Calculate the water retention rate using the following formula: Water retention rate = C / B (g / g) The water absorption rate is calculated by the following formula: Water absorption rate = B / A (g / g) (14) The number of tests shall be 5, and the average shall be the final water retention capacity of each superabsorbent polymer. EXAMPLES

[0105] The present invention will be described below based on examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0106] (1) Sample (a) Example 1 A sample was prepared in which the superabsorbent polymer in the center section in the width direction of the upper absorbent body (the absorbent body is divided into three parts at both outer sections in the width direction and the center section in the width direction) of the Lifree Refreshing Pad 20cc manufactured by Unicharm Corporation (which has the same basic structure as the above-mentioned light incontinence pad 1) was replaced with antibacterial coating SAP1. However, antibacterial coating SAP1 was formed by dissolving the superabsorbent polymer in 0.3 ml of 1,3-butylene glycol (BG) containing 2 mass% of the antibacterial agent polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), and air-drying it for 24 hours. (b) Example 2 A sample was prepared in which the superabsorbent polymer in the widthwise center portion of the upper absorbent body of a Lifree Refreshing Pad 20cc was replaced with antibacterial coating SAP2. The antibacterial coating SAP2 was prepared by dissolving the superabsorbent polymer in 0.3 ml of propylene glycol (PG) containing 2% by mass of the antibacterial agent benzalkonium chloride, and then air-drying for 24 hours. (c) Comparative example A sample was prepared in which the superabsorbent polymer in the widthwise center and both widthwise outer portions of the upper absorbent body of the Lifree Refreshing Pad 20cc was replaced with antibacterial coating SAP2.

[0107] (2) Evaluation (i) Each of the samples of Example 1, Example 2, and Comparative Example was stretched out to an extent that there were no wrinkles, and the periphery of each was attached to a glass plate with tape. (ii) Each sample was maintained with the glass plate tilted widthwise at 30 degrees relative to the horizontal. (iii) 10 ml of artificial urine was added to each sample at the center of the length and width directions three times every minute using a burette. The artificial urine was prepared by dissolving 200 g of urea, 80 g of sodium chloride (salt), 8 g of magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, 3 g of calcium chloride dihydrate, and 1 g of dye: Blue No. 1 components [Blue No. 1 65% / sodium chloride 35%] in 10 L of ion-exchanged water, and coloring. (iv) For each sample, it was confirmed whether or not artificial urine leaked to the end (lower side) in the width direction (whether or not side leakage occurred).

[0108] (3) Results No side leakage occurred in the samples of Example 1 and Example 2. However, side leakage occurred in the sample of the comparative example. These results show that it is possible to achieve both antibacterial properties and resistance to side leakage by using a highly absorbent polymer coated with an antibacterial agent only in the central portion in the width direction.

[0109] The light incontinence pad of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate or publicly known technologies can be applied within the scope that does not deviate from the object and spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1. Absorbent articles 4. Absorber

Claims

1. An absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction perpendicular to each other, and including an absorbent body carrying a highly absorbent polymer, The antibacterial liquid further includes an antibacterial agent and an organic solvent. The antibacterial liquid is The amount of the superabsorbent polymer coated on the absorbent body is large, the superabsorbent polymer being located in the central portion in the width direction of the absorbent body. The amount of the superabsorbent polymer coated on both outer sides of the central portion in the width direction of the absorbent body is small. Absorbent articles.

2. An upper absorbent body including the absorbent body; a lower-layer absorbent body located on the non-skin-facing side of the upper-layer absorbent body in the thickness direction; Further comprising: The absorbent article of claim 1.

3. A portion of the antibacterial liquid is contained in the lower absorbent body, the amount of the antibacterial liquid contained in the upper absorbent body is greater than the amount of the antibacterial liquid contained in the lower absorbent body; The absorbent article of claim 2.

4. The upper absorbent body, in a plan view, A superabsorbent polymer presence region in which the superabsorbent polymer is present; A superabsorbent polymer-free region in which the superabsorbent polymer is not present; having the superabsorbent polymer-free region has a compressed portion obtained by compressing the upper absorbent body in the thickness direction; The absorbent article according to claim 2 or 3.

5. At least the lower absorbent body of the upper absorbent body and the lower absorbent body contains pulp fibers, The amount of the pulp fibers contained in the lower absorbent body is greater than the amount of the pulp fibers contained in the upper absorbent body. The absorbent article according to claim 2 or 3.

6. The antibacterial liquid is The amount of the superabsorbent polymer that is coated on the absorbent body at the central portion in the longitudinal direction is large, The amount of the superabsorbent polymer coated on the front side of the central portion in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body is small. The absorbent article according to claim 2 or 3.

7. The upper absorbent body is A skin side portion located on the skin side in the thickness direction; a non-skin side portion located on the non-skin side of the skin side portion in the thickness direction; having The moisture retention rate of the skin side portion is lower than the moisture retention rate of the non-skin side portion. The absorbent article according to claim 2 or 3.

8. The lower absorbent body is an absorbent core; A skin-side core wrap sheet covering the skin side of the absorbent core in the thickness direction; A non-skin side core wrap sheet covering the non-skin side of the absorbent core in the thickness direction; Including, The skin side core wrap sheet and the non-skin side core wrap sheet are made of crepe paper having irregularities, The unevenness of the skin side core wrap sheet is smaller than the unevenness of the non-skin side core wrap sheet. The absorbent article according to claim 2 or 3.

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