Absorbent article

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article in which body fluid is diffused through slits provided on an absorber in a worn state of the absorbent article so as to suppress leakage from occurring.SOLUTION: There is provided an absorbent article (10) having an absorbent core (32). The absorbent article comprises: at least a pair of slits (40) which extends in a longitudinal direction in the absorbent core (32). The pair of slits (40) comprises in the longitudinal direction: a front side end part region (40A); a rear side end part region (40B); and an intermediate region (40C). When a widthwise outermost portion of the front side end part region (40A) is defined to be a front side outermost end (40Ag), a widthwise outermost portion of the rear side end part region (40B) is defined to be a rear side outermost end (40Bg) and a widthwise outermost of the intermediate region (40C) is defined to be an intermediate outermost end (40Cg), the intermediate outermost end (40Cg) is positioned on a widthwise outer side relative to the front side outermost end (40Ag) and the rear side outermost end (40Bg).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to control the liquid diffusion of absorbed body fluids, etc., there is known an absorbent article having a slit in the crotch part of the absorbent body (see, for example, Patent Document 1).In addition, there is known an absorbent article having a thin absorbent body with grooves that are easily bent and deformed, thereby maintaining a good fit both before and after absorbing liquid (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6705103 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 4255196 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the absorbent article disclosed in Patent Document 1, the front part of the slit is curved toward the inside in the width direction, the center part extends along the longitudinal direction, and the rear part is curved toward the outside in the width direction. In the case of such a slit, when the wearer walks or closes his / her legs after wearing the product, a force is applied to the inside from both sides of the absorbent body, and the absorbent body located on the outside of the slit in the width direction moves toward the center, which may cause the center and rear parts of the slit to collapse and eliminate the physical space. This may reduce the diffusion of absorbed urine to the rear side, causing leakage.

[0005] In addition, in the absorbent article disclosed in Patent Document 2, a pair of curved grooves that curve inward in the width direction along the longitudinal direction are provided in the region corresponding to the wearer's groin. In the case of such grooves, there is a risk that the pair of grooves will be crushed because the wearer may apply a force to the inside from both sides of the absorbent body when walking or closing their legs after wearing the absorbent body. As a result, the absorbed body fluids may not be sufficiently dispersed, and the body fluids that have accumulated on the surface of the absorbent body may leak from the sides.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide an absorbent article in which bodily fluids are diffused through slits provided in the absorbent body while being worn, making leakage less likely to occur. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The main invention for achieving the above-mentioned object is an absorbent article having a liquid-absorbing absorbent core, and having front-to-rear, width and thickness directions which intersect with each other when unfolded and stretched, wherein in the crotch portion which is located under the crotch of a wearer when worn, the absorbent core is provided with at least a pair of slits extending in the front-to-rear direction, and the pair of slits have, in the front-to-rear direction, a front end region, a rear end region and a middle region sandwiched between the front end region and the rear end region, and when the portion of the front end region which is located most outward in the width direction is defined as the front outermost end, the portion of the rear end region which is located most outward in the width direction is defined as the rear outermost end, and the portion of the middle region which is located most outward in the width direction is defined as an intermediate outermost end, the intermediate outermost end is located outward in the width direction than the front outermost end and the rear outermost end. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent article in which body fluids are diffused through slits provided in the absorbent body while the article is being worn, making leakage less likely to occur. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article 10 in an unfolded and stretched state in this embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent pad 10 taken along line S1-S1 in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of an absorbent body 30 in an expanded and stretched state provided in the absorbent pad 10. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a disposable diaper 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an absorbent pad 10 attached to an unfolded disposable diaper 1. [Figure 6] Fig. 6A is a diagram illustrating a pair of slits 40 according to this embodiment and a slit 40' of a comparative example. Fig. 6B is a diagram illustrating the state of the pair of slits 40 of this embodiment and the state of the slit 40' of the comparative example when the absorbent pad 10 is attached and pulled up. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the absorbent core 32. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of the absorbent core 32. [Figure 9] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing modified examples of a pair of slits 40 according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] At least the following points will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. The absorbent article has a liquid-absorbing absorbent core having a front-to-rear direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction which intersect with each other when unfolded and stretched, and in a crotch portion which is located under the crotch of a wearer when worn, the absorbent core has at least a pair of slits extending in the front-to-rear direction, the pair of slits having, in the front-to-rear direction, a front end region, a rear end region, and a middle region sandwiched between the front end region and the rear end region, and when the portion of the front end region which is located most outward in the width direction is defined as the front outermost end, the portion of the rear end region which is located most outward in the width direction is defined as the rear outermost end, and the portion of the middle region which is located most outward in the width direction is defined as an intermediate outermost end, the intermediate outermost end is located outward in the width direction than the front outermost end and the rear outermost end.

[0011] According to such an absorbent article, since the intermediate outermost end portion is located on the outer side in the width direction than the front outermost end and the rear outermost end, when the absorbent article is pulled up during wearing, the intermediate outermost end portion receives force from the wearer's legs at an early stage. In addition, compared to when the slit is straight or curved inward in the width direction, the range in which the leg force is applied to the slit is narrower, and while the intermediate outermost end portion deforms toward the inner side in the width direction, a space is likely to remain on the center side in the width direction. Even if the intermediate outermost end portion is crushed by the force from the legs, the front and rear end regions of the slit are located inside the intermediate outermost end portion in the width direction, so they are less likely to receive force and the space in the slit is likely to be maintained. By maintaining the slit in the front and rear end regions without crushing the entire slit, the front and rear slits can serve as flow paths to diffuse body fluids such as urine, making it less likely to cause leakage.

[0012] In such an absorbent article, it is desirable that the absorbent core has a constricted portion that is constricted on the inside in the width direction, at least in the crotch area, and that in the front-to-rear direction, both ends of the pair of slits are positioned at the positions of both ends of the constricted portion or further inward than the both ends of the constricted portion.

[0013] According to such an absorbent article, the constricted portion of the absorbent core is physically distant from both ends of the absorbent article in the width direction to the absorbent core, so that when worn, the force from the legs is less likely to be applied to the constricted portion. Even when force is applied from the legs, the constricted portion is likely to receive the force on a surface that follows the shape of the legs. The constricted portion in the crotch area is the part that first receives urine, and by arranging both ends of the slit in the front-rear direction within the range where such a constricted portion is provided, the shape of the pair of slits is easily maintained. This can improve the bodily fluid diffusion effect.

[0014] In such an absorbent article, it is desirable that the constriction portion has a front constriction region, a central constriction region, and a rear constriction region that divide the constriction portion into thirds in the front-to-rear direction, and that the front ends of the pair of slits in the front-to-rear direction are located in the front constriction region, and the rear ends of the pair of slits in the front-to-rear direction are located in the rear constriction region.

[0015] In such an absorbent article, the constricted portion is easily subjected to force from the legs, mainly around the central constricted region, but even if the slit in the central constricted region deforms, the front and rear ends of the slit extend to the front and rear constricted regions, making the front and rear end portions of the slit less likely to be crushed and allowing the liquid diffusion effect to be maintained.

[0016] In such an absorbent article, each of the pair of slits has an inner edge and an outer edge that are continuous in the front-to-rear direction at a predetermined interval in the width direction, and if the position on the inner edge along the width direction corresponding to the front outermost end is defined as the front inner end, and the position on the inner edge along the width direction corresponding to the rear outermost end is defined as the rear inner end, it is desirable that in the width direction, the length from the front outermost end to the outer end of the absorbent core is longer than the length from the center line of the width direction of the absorbent article to the front inner end, and the length from the rear outermost end to the outer end of the absorbent core is longer than the length from the center line of the width direction of the absorbent article to the rear inner end.

[0017] According to such an absorbent article, the width (length) of the absorbent core on the widthwise outer side of the slit is made wider in front and rear of the slit, so that the force from the legs acting on the slit from the widthwise outer side is interfered with by the absorbent body (absorbent core) on the widthwise outer side of the slit. This makes it easier to maintain the space between the pair of slits. The spaces in the front and rear end regions of the slits are less likely to collapse, making it easier to maintain the liquid diffusion effect.

[0018] In such an absorbent article, if the position on the inner edge along the width direction corresponding to the intermediate outermost end is defined as the intermediate inner end, it is desirable that the length in the width direction from the intermediate outermost end to the outer end of the absorbent core is shorter than the length from the center line of the absorbent article in the width direction to the intermediate inner end.

[0019] In such an absorbent article, since the absorbent core located on the widthwise inner side of the slit is the region that receives bodily fluids first at the position of the middle outermost end of the slit, if the region (i.e., the region defined by the length from the widthwise centerline of the absorbent article to the middle inner end of the slit) becomes narrow, it becomes difficult to ensure a sufficient absorption amount. By making the length of the absorbent core located on the widthwise outer side of the slit wider in the front and rear end regions of the slit while simultaneously maintaining the so-called inverse relationship, it is possible to achieve both resistance to crushing of the slit and ensuring absorbency in the early stage of urination.

[0020] In such an absorbent article, it is desirable that the pair of slits have straight portions along the front-to-rear direction in the front end region and the rear end region, and have curved portions curved outward in the width direction with the intermediate outermost end as a vertex.

[0021] In such an absorbent article, the curved portion extending outward in the width direction makes it easier to secure a space between the pair of slits, making it easier to receive urine. Even if the curved portion is deformed by the force from the legs, the absorbed body fluid can be diffused in the front-rear direction along the straight portions of the front and rear end regions of the slits.

[0022] In such an absorbent article, it is desirable that the length of the curved portion in the front-to-rear direction is longer than the sum of the lengths of the straight portions of the front end region and the rear end region in the front-to-rear direction.

[0023] In such an absorbent article, when the length of the curved portion is longer than the sum of the lengths of the straight portions of the front and rear end regions, a larger space can be secured between the slits in the curved portion which first receives urine, reducing the risk of leakage, compared to when the sum of the lengths of the straight portions of the front and rear end regions is longer than the length of the curved portion.

[0024] In such an absorbent article, each of the pair of slits has an inner edge and an outer edge that are continuous in the front-to-rear direction at a predetermined interval in the width direction, and when a position on the inner edge along the width direction corresponding to the intermediate outermost end is defined as an intermediate inner end, it is desirable that the inner edge has a curved portion that is curved outward in the width direction with the intermediate inner end as a vertex.

[0025] According to such an absorbent article, when the absorbent core on the widthwise outer side of the slits hits the absorbent core on the widthwise inner side of the slits due to the force from the legs when worn, the curved portion of the inner edge of the slits makes it easier for the space between the pair of slits to become convex toward the wearer, starting from the slits, and this makes it easier for the space in the curved portion that first absorbs urine to come into close contact with the skin.

[0026] In such an absorbent article, it is desirable that in each of the pair of slits, the portion of the front end region that is located most inner in the width direction is defined as the front innermost end, and the portion of the rear end region that is located most inner in the width direction is defined as the rear innermost end, and when an imaginary line is drawn connecting the front innermost end to the rear innermost end, the widthwise length from the intermediate inner end to the imaginary line is longer than the widthwise length of the pair of slits at the position of the intermediate inner end.

[0027] In such an absorbent article, the width of the curved portion (i.e., the length from the middle inner end to the imaginary line) is larger than the width of the slit itself, so that the space between the pair of slits is more easily maintained. This makes it easier to receive urine securely, and the absorbed urine is dispersed by the slits, making it easier to reduce leakage.

[0028] In such an absorbent article, it is desirable that the intermediate inner end is located more inward in the width direction than the front outermost end and the rear outermost end.

[0029] In such an absorbent article, the further outward the intermediate inner end is located in the width direction than the outermost front end (outermost rear end), the greater the degree of curvature of the curved portion, making it difficult for the curved portion to receive force from the legs on its surface. By not curving the curved portion excessively, the curved portion receives force from the legs on its surface, making it easier to maintain the space between the slits.

[0030] The absorbent article has a liquid-absorbing absorbent core having front-to-rear, width and thickness directions which intersect with each other when unfolded and stretched, and in the crotch portion which is located under the crotch of a wearer when worn, the absorbent core is provided with at least a pair of slits extending in the front-to-rear direction, and the pair of slits have convex portions which protrude outward in the width direction in the crotch portion.

[0031] According to such an absorbent article, when the absorbent article is pulled up during wearing, the convex portion protruding outward in the width direction receives the force from the wearer's legs at an early stage. In addition, in this case, the range in which the force of the legs is applied to the slit is narrower than when the slit is straight or curved inward in the width direction, and while the convex portion deforms toward the inside in the width direction, a space is likely to remain on the center side in the width direction. This makes it easier to receive urine securely. In addition, even if the convex portion is crushed by the force from the legs, the portion of the slit that is located on the inside in the width direction from the convex portion is likely to maintain the space of the slit. Therefore, the portion of the slit where the space is maintained can become a flow path to diffuse body fluids such as urine, making it difficult for leakage to occur.

[0032] === Implementation form === Hereinafter, an embodiment of the absorbent article according to the present invention will be described by taking an absorbent pad to be attached to the inside of a disposable diaper as an example. However, the absorbent article according to the present invention is not limited to the above, and can also be applied to pants-type disposable diapers for adults and infants, tape-type disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, etc.

[0033] <Basic configuration of absorbent pad 10> Fig. 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article 10 (hereinafter, "absorbent pad 10") in an unfolded and stretched state in this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent pad 10 taken along line S1-S1 in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a plan view of an absorbent body 30 provided in the absorbent pad 10 in an unfolded and stretched state.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent pad 10 is a member that is elongated in plan view when unfolded and extended, and has a "front-rear direction," a "width direction," and a "thickness direction" that intersect with one another. In the following description, the "front-rear direction" refers to the longitudinal direction of the absorbent pad 10, the direction toward the wearer's ventral side when the absorbent pad 10 is worn is referred to as the "front side", and the direction toward the wearer's back is referred to as the "rear side". The "thickness direction" refers to the direction of the thickness of the absorbent pad 10, and the "width direction" refers to the short side direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and the thickness direction. In the "width direction", the center of the page is referred to as the inside, and both sides are referred to as the outside. The thickness direction has a "skin side" that is the side that comes into contact with the wearer's skin when the absorbent pad 10 is in use, and a "non-skin side" that is the opposite side.

[0035] The absorbent pad 10 as a product is folded in the approximate center in the front-to-rear direction so that the top sheet 20, which will be described later, is on the inside, and the above-mentioned "unfolded state" refers to the state in which the absorbent pad 10 is unfolded in the front-to-rear direction to unfold it on a plane. The "stretched state" refers to the state in which the elastic members (e.g., elastic members 52, 54, etc., which will be described later) of the absorbent pad 10 are stretched to stretch the members shown in the plan view without wrinkles, and the dimensions of each member constituting the absorbent pad 10 are stretched until they match or are close to the dimensions of the member alone. The non-stretched state in which each elastic member naturally contracts and wrinkles, etc., are generated in the members shown in the plan view is called the "natural state."

[0036] The absorbent pad 10 comprises a top sheet 20 , a back sheet 22 , and an absorbent body 30 . When the absorbent pad 10 is worn, the top sheet 20 faces the wearer's skin and covers the absorbent body 30. The top sheet 20 may be made of a liquid-permeable sheet. Furthermore, each of the materials constituting the absorbent pad 10, such as the top sheet 20 and the absorbent body 30, is bonded to adjacent members in the thickness direction with an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive.

[0037] The back sheet 22 faces the non-skin side in the thickness direction when the absorbent pad 10 is worn, and faces the disposable diaper (see FIG. 2). The back sheet 22 may be made of a liquid-impermeable sheet. For example, it may be a resin film of polyethylene or polypropylene. The back sheet 22 prevents urine and other body fluids absorbed by the absorbent body 30 from penetrating from the skin side to the non-skin side. In other words, when the absorbent pad 10 is used by overlapping it with the skin side of the disposable diaper, urine and the like absorbed by the absorbent pad 10 can be prevented from penetrating into the disposable diaper on the non-skin side. The back sheet 22 has a planar size in the width direction larger than the top sheet 20 and the absorbent body 30, and at both ends in the width direction, after the skin side of the back sheet 22 and the non-skin side of the top sheet 20 are joined, the both ends are folded back to the inside in the width direction and to the skin side in the thickness direction as shown in FIG. 2. Here, the end of the backsheet 22, which is larger than the planar size in the width direction of the topsheet 20, is joined to the skin side of the topsheet 20, but is not limited to this. The planar sizes in the width direction of the topsheet 20 and the backsheet 22 may be the same, and after the skin side of the backsheet 22 and the non-skin side of the topsheet 20 are joined, both sheets 20, 22 may be folded back at both ends in the width direction to the inside in the width direction and to the skin side in the thickness direction.

[0038] The absorbent body 30 is provided between the top sheet 20 and the back sheet 22. The absorbent body 30 is a member that absorbs and retains excreted liquid inside, and includes an absorbent core 32 made of an absorbent material. The absorbent material constituting the absorbent core 32 can be formed from, for example, liquid-absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers, cellulosic absorbent fibers, and liquid-absorbent granular materials such as superabsorbent polymers (so-called SAPs). The absorbent core 32 is covered with a liquid-permeable core wrap sheet 34, but the core wrap sheet 34 does not necessarily have to be provided. The core wrap sheet 34 can be made of, for example, a nonwoven fabric or a tissue sheet. In addition, the front and rear sides of the absorbent body 30 in the front-rear direction are provided with cutout portions 38 in which parts of the side edges in the width direction are cut out (FIG. 3).

[0039] The absorbent pad 10 may also have another liquid-permeable sheet member between the absorbent body 30 and the top sheet 20 in the thickness direction.

[0040] The absorbent pad 10 also has a fastening portion 25 for fastening to a disposable diaper on the non-skin side of the back sheet 22. The fastening portion 25 is shown perspectively in Fig. 1. When the absorbent pad 10 is attached to the disposable diaper, the fastening portion 25 makes it difficult for the absorbent pad 10 to slip off.

[0041] 1 and 2, the absorbent pad 10 of this embodiment further includes a side sheet 50 and elastic members 52, 54. The elastic member 54 extends in the front-rear direction and is provided on the non-skin-facing side of the back sheet 22. The side sheet 50 covers the elastic member 54 on the non-skin-facing side of the back sheet 22. The elastic member 54 is attached to the back sheet 22 in a stretched state in the front-rear direction, and the elastic member 54 causes the widthwise peripheral edge of the absorbent pad 10 to be contracted in the front-rear direction in a natural state.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 2, the side sheet 50 extends from the non-skin facing side of the back sheet 22, passing through the outer edge in the width direction of the absorbent pad 10, toward the top sheet 20. The end of the side sheet 50 in the width direction on the top sheet 20 side is folded inward to encase the elastic member 52. The elastic member 52 is attached to the side sheet 50 in a state stretched in the front-rear direction. The elastic member 52 is in a contracted state when no external force is applied (so-called natural state), whereby standing gathers are formed on the top sheet 20 side of the side sheet 50. These standing gathers can suppress lateral leakage of liquid.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent pad 10 has a crotch portion M located under the crotch of the wearer when worn. The absorbent core 32 of the absorber 30 has a pair of slits 40 extending in the front-rear direction at the crotch portion M. The pair of slits 40 is a region that does not substantially include the absorbent core 32. That is, the pair of slits 40 is a region where the basis weight of the absorbent core 32 is zero. Here, the region that does not substantially include the absorbent core 32 means a region that does not include the absorbent material constituting the absorbent core 32 by design. In other words, the region that does not substantially include the absorbent core 32 is a concept that includes a region where a small amount of absorbent material is mixed in during manufacturing. In this embodiment, a pair of slits 40 is provided as the slits, but it is sufficient to provide at least one pair, and the absorbent core 32 may further have a plurality of slits 40. The specific configuration of the slits 40 will be described later.

[0044] In order to increase the rigidity of the absorbent body 30, it is preferable that the absorbent body 30 is provided with a plurality of compressed parts 45 (see Figs. 2 and 3). In this embodiment, the compressed parts 45 are provided over the entire absorbent body 30, but may be provided only in a part of the absorbent body 30. In this embodiment, the compressed parts 45 are formed in a lattice shape from the non-skin side of the absorbent body 30. More specifically, the compressed parts 45 apply pressure to the absorbent body 30 from the non-skin side in the thickness direction, thereby reducing the thickness of the absorbent body 30 and making the density higher than the surrounding area. In addition, the lattice shape of the compressed parts 45 may be formed linearly along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the first direction and the second direction may be inclined with respect to the front-rear direction. The compressed parts 45 are not limited to the shape of this embodiment, and may be formed in a pattern that can increase the rigidity of the absorbent body 30. The compressed parts 45 not only impart rigidity to the entire product, but also allow the absorbent body 30 to easily deform in oblique directions other than the longitudinal and width directions in response to the wearer's movements, depending on the arrangement pattern of the compressed parts 45. The compressed parts 45 may be formed by applying pressure from the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 30. Furthermore, the compressed portions 45 may be formed not only by compressing the absorbent body 30, but also by compressing the absorbent body 30 and the top sheet 20.

[0045] <Basic components of disposable diaper 1> Next, a disposable diaper 1 will be described as an example of a diaper to which the absorbent pad 10 can be attached. Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the disposable diaper 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a plan view showing the absorbent pad 10 attached to the unfolded disposable diaper 1. Fig. 5 shows the disposable diaper 1 and the absorbent pad 10 in an extended state. The disposable diaper 1 is not limited to a pants-type as shown in Fig. 4, but may be a tape-type diaper, an adult diaper, an infant diaper, a shorts-type napkin, or the like.

[0046] The disposable diaper 1 has a waist region that is applied to the waist of a wearer and a crotch region that is applied to the crotch of the wearer. The front waist end portions 4, 4 located on the outer sides in the width direction of the front waist portion that is located on the abdominal side of the wearer when worn are joined to the rear waist end portions 6, 6 located on the outer sides in the width direction of the rear waist portion that is located on the back side of the wearer when worn, thereby forming the disposable diaper 1 into a pants-like shape. The disposable diaper 1 has a pair of leg openings LH that surround the legs of the wearer when formed into a pants-like shape. The crotch region is the region between the pair of leg openings LH.

[0047] The disposable diaper 1 includes an absorbent body 1A. The absorbent body 1A may include a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent body 130 between the top sheet and the back sheet. The absorbent body 130 is provided at least in the crotch region. The absorbent body 130 may be formed of a mixed powder of pulp, highly absorbent polymer, etc.

[0048] The absorbent pad 10 described above is attached to the crotch region of the disposable diaper 1. After the wearer excretes, only the absorbent pad 10 can be replaced. By replacing only the absorbent pad 10 multiple times, the frequency of replacing the disposable diaper 1 itself can be reduced, and the disposable diaper 1 can last longer.

[0049] <Slit 40> As shown in Fig. 3, the pair of slits 40 of this embodiment have a front end region 40A, a rear end region 40B, and an intermediate region 40C sandwiched between the front end region 40A and the rear end region 40B in the front-rear direction. Here, the front end region 40A may be 1 / 10 of the front side region when the pair of slits 40 are divided into 10 equal parts in the front-rear direction, and the rear end region 40B may be 1 / 10 of the rear side region when the pair of slits 40 are divided into 10 equal parts in the front-rear direction. Alternatively, a slit generally has a portion having a constant width that continues in the front-rear direction (longitudinal direction) and a narrow portion whose width narrows toward the front end or rear end, and the narrow portion may be the above-mentioned front (rear) end region 40A (40B).

[0050] Conventionally, in absorbent pads that are attached to the inside of a diaper like the absorbent pad 10 of the present invention, or in other absorbent articles, slits or grooves that are straight in plan view or curved inward in the width direction may be provided in the crotch region of the absorbent core in order to ensure liquid diffusion and facilitate deformation. Fig. 6A is a diagram illustrating a pair of slits 40 according to this embodiment and a slit 40' of a comparative example, and Fig. 6B is a diagram illustrating the state of the pair of slits 40 of this embodiment and the state of the slit 40' of the comparative example when the absorbent pad 10 is attached and pulled up. In the comparative example, a case in which the slit 40' is straight in plan view is shown as an example.

[0051] First, an embodiment will be used to explain how force is applied to the diaper and absorbent pad when the absorbent pad is attached to a disposable diaper and then pulled up during wearing. When a disposable diaper to which an absorbent pad 10 is attached is pulled up, the absorbent pad 10 receives a force (lateral pressure) from the wearer's legs toward the inside in the width direction at the crotch portion M. When the absorbent pad 10 receives the force from the legs, the portion of the absorber 30 (absorbent core 32) that is on the outer side in the width direction of the pair of slits 40 moves toward the center in the width direction.

[0052] Similarly, in the comparative example, when the absorbent pad is attached to the diaper and pulled up, force from the wearer's legs is applied to the absorbent pad at the crotch area M. Since the pair of slits 40' are straight and parallel, they are likely to be crushed as a whole when subjected to force in the front-to-rear direction, and the physical space of each of the pair of slits 40' is difficult to maintain (see FIG. 6B, where the space of the slits 40' is indicated by dotted lines). As a result, body fluids such as urine are difficult to diffuse through the slits 40', and there is a risk that body fluids that have accumulated on the surface of the absorbent body will flow from the edges in the width direction, causing leakage.

[0053] In this regard, the slit 40 of this embodiment has a convex portion T (FIG. 6A) that protrudes outward in the width direction in the crotch portion M. Specifically, when the portion located most outward in the width direction of the front end region 40A is defined as the front outermost end 40Ag, the portion located most outward in the width direction of the rear end region 40B is defined as the rear outermost end 40Bg, and the portion located most outward in the width direction of the intermediate region 40C is defined as the middle outermost end 40Cg, the middle outermost end 40Cg is located more outward in the width direction than the front outermost end 40Ag and the rear outermost end 40Bg (see FIGS. 3 and 6A).

[0054] Of the pair of slits 40, the middle outermost end 40Cg is located outside the front outermost end 40Ag and the rear outermost end 40Bg in the width direction, so that when the absorbent pad 10 is pulled up during wearing, the middle outermost end 40Cg receives the force from the legs at an early stage, as shown in FIG. 6A. Looking at the comparative example in FIG. 6A, since the slit 40' is a straight line, the range X1 (shaded area) where the leg force is applied to the slit 40' is wider than the range X2 (shaded area) where the force is applied to the slit 40 of the present embodiment, that is, the area where the slit 40' begins to deform is wider. As the width of the crotch narrows due to pulling up, the slit 40' of the comparative example is almost crushed, and there is a possibility that the space of the slit 40' disappears (see the comparative example in FIG. 6B). As in this embodiment, the range (X2) where the force is applied to the slit 40 is narrowed, so that the space is likely to remain on the center side in the width direction while the middle outermost end 40Cg is deformed toward the inside in the width direction. Even if the middle outermost end 40Cg of the slit 40 is crushed, the front end region 40A and the rear end region 40B are located inward in the width direction from the middle outermost end 40Cg, so the space in the front end region 40A and the rear end region 40B is likely to be maintained (see FIG. 6B). Since the entire slit 40 does not collapse and the front part (front end region 40A) and the rear part (rear end region 40B) of the slit 40 are maintained, the front end region 40A and the rear end region 40B become flow paths to diffuse body fluids such as urine, making it difficult for leakage to occur.

[0055] In the comparative example of Fig. 6A, the entire slit is linear, but it is considered that the same applies even if the slit is curved inward in the width direction in the central region in the front-rear direction of the slit. In other words, if the central region in the front-rear direction of the slit is curved inward in the width direction, the slit is more likely to be crushed when force is applied from the legs when the absorbent pad 10 is worn. Therefore, it is believed that in the case of such slits, it is difficult to diffuse body fluids through the slits.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 3, the absorbent core 32 has a constricted portion C that is constricted on the inside in the width direction at least in the crotch portion M. The front end position of the constricted portion C in the front-rear direction is the front end CF, and the rear end position of the constricted portion C is the rear end CB. In the front-rear direction, the front end 40Fe and the rear end 40Be, which are both ends of the pair of slits 40, are disposed inside the both ends (front end CF, rear end CB) of the constricted portion C. The positions of the front end 40Fe and the rear end 40Be of the pair of slits 40 are not limited thereto, and may be both ends (front end CF, rear end CB) of the constricted portion C in the front-rear direction. In the constricted portion C, the physical distance from both ends of the absorbent pad 10 in the width direction to the absorbent core 32 is large. Therefore, when worn, the force from the legs of the wearer is less likely to be applied to the constricted portion C. In addition, even when force is applied from the legs, the constricted portion C is likely to receive the force on a surface along the shape of the legs. As a result, the shape of the pair of slits 40 can be easily maintained in the central portion in the front-rear direction (crotch portion M) of the absorbent pad 10 that first receives urination, improving the diffusion of absorbed body fluids.

[0057] In addition, the length from the front end 40Fe (rear end 40Be) of the slit 40 to the front end (rear end) of the absorbent core 32 is preferably 50 mm or more. This makes it difficult for absorbed body fluid to reach the front and rear ends of the absorbent core 32 even if it diffuses through the slits 40, thereby preventing leakage.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a partially enlarged view of the absorbent core 32. In FIG. 7, the compressed portion 45 is omitted in order to make the pair of slits 40 easily visible. The constricted portion C of the absorbent core 32 has a front constricted region C1, a central constricted region C2, and a rear constricted region C3, which are obtained by dividing the constricted portion C into three equal parts in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the front ends 40Fe of the pair of slits 40 are located in the front constricted region C1, and the rear ends 40Be of the pair of slits 40 are located in the rear constricted region C3. When worn, the constricted portion C is likely to receive a force (side pressure) from the legs of the wearer, centered on the central constricted region C2. However, even if the pair of slits 40 in the central constricted region C2 are deformed by such side pressure, the front ends 40Fe and the rear ends 40Be of the pair of slits 40 extend to the front constricted region C1 or the rear constricted region C3, respectively, so that the portions near the front ends 40Fe and the rear ends Be of the slits 40 are less likely to be crushed. The liquid diffusion effect can be maintained by the portions near the front end 40Fe and the rear end 40Be which are not crushed and maintain a space, and absorbed body fluids can be diffused in the front-rear direction.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 7, each of the pair of slits 40 has an inner edge 40in and an outer edge 40out that are continuous in the front-rear direction at a predetermined interval in the width direction. If the position on the inner edge 40in along the width direction corresponding to the front outermost end 40Ag of the slit 40 is defined as the front inner end 40An, and the position on the inner edge 40in along the width direction corresponding to the rear outermost end 40Bg of the slit 40 is defined as the rear inner end 40Bn, the length W1 from the front outermost end Ag to the outer end of the absorbent core 32 in the width direction is longer than the length W2 from the center line CL of the absorbent pad 10 in the width direction to the front inner end 40An (W1>W2). Also, the length W3 from the rear outermost end Bg to the outer end of the absorbent core 32 is longer than the length W4 from the center line CL of the absorbent pad 10 in the width direction to the rear inner end 40Bn (W3>W4). In the front end region 40A and the rear end region 40B of the pair of slits 40, the width (length) of the absorbent core 32 on the widthwise outer side of the slits 40 is made wider (i.e., the lengths W1 and W3 are made wider), so that the force applied to the slits 40 from the widthwise outer side interferes with the part of the absorbent core 32 on the widthwise outer side of the slits 40. This makes it easier to maintain the space of the slits 40. The spaces in the front end region 40A and the rear end region 40B of the slits 40 are less likely to collapse, making it easier to maintain the liquid diffusion effect.

[0060] Further, in the present embodiment, when the position on the inner edge 40in along the width direction corresponding to 40Cg is defined as the intermediate inner end 40Cn at the intermediate outermost end of the slit 40, in the width direction, the length W5 from the intermediate outermost end 40Cg to the outer end of the absorbent core 32 is shorter than the length W6 from the center line CL in the width direction of the absorption pad 10 to the intermediate inner end 40Cn (W5 < W6). The portion near the intermediate outermost end 40Cg of the slit 40 is a region where the absorbent core 32 in the inner portion in the width direction from the slit 40 first receives body fluid. When this region (i.e., the region defined by the length W6 in FIG. 7) becomes narrow, it becomes difficult to ensure a sufficient absorption amount. By increasing the length W6 from the center line CL in the width direction of the absorption pad 10 to the intermediate inner end 40Cn, a wider interval in the width direction between the pair of slits 40 can be ensured, and sufficient absorption can be achieved. And as described above, in the front end region 40A and the rear end region 40B of the slit 40, by maintaining the reverse relationship (length W1 > length W2, and length W3 > W4), both the resistance to crushing of the slit 40 and the guarantee of initial absorbency can be achieved.

[0061] FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial view of the absorbent core 32. Also in FIG. 8, the squeezing portion 45 is omitted in order to make the pair of slits 40 more visible. As shown in the figure, the pair of slits 40 of the present embodiment each have a straight portion ST along the front-rear direction in the front end region 40A and the rear end region 40B. And the slit 40 has a curved portion CV curved outward in the width direction with the intermediate outermost end 40Cg as the vertex. Among the absorbent core 32, the portion inside the width direction from the curved portion CV is the portion that first receives urination. By having the curved portion CV in the portion that receives such urination, it becomes easier to secure the space between the pair of slits 40. Also, even when the curved portion CV is deformed by the force from the wearer's leg during wearing, the absorbed body fluid can be diffused in the front-rear direction along the straight portion ST of the front end region 40A and the rear end region 40B of the slit 40.

[0062] In addition, if the length of the curved portion CV of the slit 40 in the front-rear direction is L1, the length of the straight portion ST in the front end region 40A is L2, and the length of the straight portion ST in the rear end region 40B is L3, the length L1 is longer than the sum of the length L2 and the length L3 in the front-rear direction of the straight portion ST (L1>L2+L3). Compared with the case where the sum (L2+L3) of the lengths of the straight portions ST in the front end region 40A and the rear end region 40B is longer than the length L1 of the curved portion CV, the length L1 of the curved portion CV is longer than the sum (L2+L3) of the lengths of the straight portions ST in the front and rear end regions 40A and 40B, the space of the curved portion CV that first receives urination (the space sandwiched by a pair of curved portions CV, CV) can be secured to be wider. This can reduce the risk of leakage.

[0063] In addition, when the position on the inner edge 40in along the width direction corresponding to the middle outermost end 40Cg of the slit 40 is defined as the middle inner end 40Cn, the inner edge 40in also preferably has a curved portion CV' curved outward in the width direction with the middle inner end 40Cn as the apex. When the absorbent pad 10 is worn, when the absorbent core 32 on the outer side of the slit 40 in the width direction hits the absorbent core 32 on the inner side of the slit 40 in the width direction due to the force from the wearer's legs, the absorbent core 32 between the pair of slits 40 tends to become convex toward the wearer's side with the slit 40 as the starting point. As a result, the space of the curved portion CV (CV') that first absorbs urine (the space sandwiched by the pair of curved portions CV and CV) tends to come into close contact with the skin. The part that first absorbs urine comes into close contact with the skin, so that urine is absorbed more firmly and the occurrence of leakage can be reduced.

[0064] 8, as in FIG. 7, the position on the inner edge 40in along the width direction corresponding to the front outermost end 40Ag of the slit 40 is the front inner end 40An, and the position on the inner edge 40in along the width direction corresponding to the rear outermost end 40Bg of the slit 40 is the rear inner end 40Bn. In this embodiment, the part located on the innermost side in the width direction of the front end region 40A of the slit 40 is the front inner end 40An, and the part located on the innermost side in the width direction of the rear end region 40B is the rear inner end 40Bn. When a virtual line Vr is drawn connecting the front inner end 40An to the rear inner end 40Bn, it is preferable that the width direction length W7 from the intermediate inner end 40Cn to the virtual line Vr is longer than the width direction length W8 of the slit 40 at the position of the intermediate inner end 40Cn (see the partially enlarged view in FIG. 8). Compared to a case where the width (here, length W7) of the curved portion CV' is smaller than the width (length W8) of the slit 40, the larger width (W7) of the curved portion CV' makes it easier to maintain the space between the pair of slits 40. By ensuring the space between the pair of slits 40, urine is firmly absorbed and diffused, making it easier to reduce the risk of leakage.

[0065] In this embodiment, the intermediate inner end 40Cn of the slit 40 is located more inward in the width direction than the front outermost end 40Ag and the rear outermost end 40Bg. The more the intermediate inner end 40Cn of the slit 40 is located more outward in the width direction than the front outermost end 40Ag (rear outermost end 40Bg), the greater the degree of curvature of the curved portion CV (CV'), making it difficult for the curved portion CV to receive force from the leg on its surface. Since the curved portion CV (CV') is not excessively curved, the curved portion CV can receive force on its surface even after the absorbent pad 10 is pulled up, making it easier to ensure a space for the pair of slits 40.

[0066] 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of the pair of slits 40 according to the present embodiment. In this modified example, the same components as those in the present embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted. The pair of slits 40 in this embodiment are convex outward in the width direction at approximately the center in the front-rear direction of the intermediate region 40C, but are not limited thereto. For example, as in the modified example shown in FIG. 9, the portion of the slit 40 that curves outward in the width direction may be forward of the center in the front-rear direction. In each of the modified pair of slits 40, the part located on the innermost side in the width direction of the front end region 40A is the front innermost end 40Ap, and the part located on the innermost side in the width direction of the rear end region 40B is the rear innermost end 40Bp. When a virtual line Vr is drawn connecting the front innermost end 40Ap to the rear innermost end 40Bp, it is preferable that the width direction length W7 from the intermediate inner end 40Cn of the slit 40 to the virtual line Vr is longer than the width direction length W8 of the pair of slits 40 at the position of the intermediate inner end 40Cn. Compared to a case where the width (W7) of the curved portion CV is smaller than the width (W8) of the slit 40, the larger width (W7) of the curved portion CV makes it easier to maintain the space between the pair of slits 40 after wearing the absorbent pad 10. As a result, after the body fluid is firmly absorbed, the fluid is diffused along the slits 40, making it easier to reduce the occurrence of leakage. ===Other embodiments===

[0067] The above-mentioned embodiment is for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1. Disposable diapers 1A Absorbent body 4 Front girth end 6 Rear waist end 10 Absorbent pads (absorbent articles) 20 Top Sheet 22 Back Seat 25 Locking part 30 Absorbent 32 Absorbent Core 34 Core wrap sheet 40 Slit 40A front end area, 40Ag front outermost edge 40An front inner end, 40Ap Front innermost end 40B rear end area, 40Bg rear outermost edge 40Bn rear inner end 40Bp Rear innermost end 40C middle area, 40Cg middle outermost edge 40Cn Middle inner end 40Fe front end, 40Be rear end, 40in inner edge, 40out outer edge 45 Pressing section 50 Side seat 52, 54 Elastic member 130 Absorbent C Narrowed part, CF Front end, CB rear end, CV bend C1 anterior constriction area, C2 central constriction area, C3 posterior constriction area M Inseam LH leg opening ST Straight section Vr Virtual Line

Claims

1. In the deployed and extended state, the bag has a front-rear direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction which intersect with each other, 1. An absorbent article having a liquid-absorbing absorbent core, In a crotch portion located under the crotch of a wearer when worn, the absorbent core is provided with at least a pair of slits extending in the front-rear direction, The pair of slits has, in the front-rear direction, a front end region, a rear end region, and an intermediate region sandwiched between the front end region and the rear end region, When a portion of the front end region located outermost in the width direction is defined as a front outermost end, a portion of the rear end region located outermost in the width direction is defined as a rear outermost end, and a portion of the middle region located outermost in the width direction is defined as a middle outermost end, The intermediate outermost end is located outboard of the front outermost end and the rear outermost end in the width direction. An absorbent article characterized by:

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, The absorbent core has a constricted portion constricted on the inside in the width direction at least in the crotch portion, In the front-rear direction, both ends of the pair of slits are disposed at both ends of the narrowed portion or on the inner side of the both ends of the narrowed portion. An absorbent article characterized by:

3. The absorbent article according to claim 2, The constricted portion has a front constricted region, a central constricted region, and a rear constricted region that are obtained by dividing the constricted portion into three equal parts in the front-rear direction, The front ends of the pair of slits in the front-rear direction are located in the front constricted region, The rear ends of the pair of slits in the front-rear direction are located in the rear narrowed region. An absorbent article characterized by:

4. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, Each of the pair of slits has an inner edge and an outer edge that are continuous in the front-rear direction at a predetermined interval in the width direction, A position on the inner edge along the width direction corresponding to the front outermost end is defined as a front inner end, and a position on the inner edge along the width direction corresponding to the rear outermost end is defined as a rear inner end. In the width direction, a length from the front outermost end to an outer end of the absorbent core is longer than a length from a center line in the width direction of the absorbent article to the front inner end, The length from the outermost end of the rear side to the outer end of the absorbent core is longer than the length from the center line of the absorbent article in the width direction to the inner end of the rear side. An absorbent article characterized by:

5. The absorbent article according to claim 4, When a position on the inner edge along the width direction corresponding to the intermediate outermost end is defined as an intermediate inner end, the length from the intermediate outermost end to the outer end of the absorbent core in the width direction is shorter than the length from the center line of the absorbent article in the width direction to the intermediate inner end. An absorbent article characterized by:

6. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The pair of slits are The front end region and the rear end region have straight line portions along the front-rear direction, The outermost intermediate end has a curved portion that is curved outward in the width direction. An absorbent article characterized by:

7. 7. The absorbent article according to claim 6, The length of the curved portion in the front-to-rear direction is greater than the sum of the lengths of the straight portions of the front end region and the rear end region in the front-to-rear direction. An absorbent article characterized by:

8. The absorbent article according to claim 6 or 7, Each of the pair of slits has an inner edge and an outer edge that are continuous in the front-rear direction at a predetermined interval in the width direction, When a position on the inner edge along the width direction corresponding to the intermediate outermost end is defined as an intermediate inner end, The inner edge has a curved portion that is curved outward in the width direction with the intermediate inner end as an apex. An absorbent article characterized by:

9. 9. The absorbent article of claim 8, In each of the pair of slits, a portion of the front end region located most inward in the width direction is defined as a front innermost end, a portion of the rear end region located most inward in the width direction is defined as a rear innermost end, and when a virtual line is drawn connecting the front innermost end and the rear innermost end, The length in the width direction from the intermediate inner end to the virtual line is longer than the length in the width direction of the pair of slits at the position of the intermediate inner end. An absorbent article characterized by:

10. The absorbent article according to claim 8 or 9, The intermediate inner end is located more inward in the width direction than the front outermost end and the rear outermost end. An absorbent article characterized by:

11. In the deployed and extended state, the bag has a front-rear direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction which intersect with each other, 1. An absorbent article having a liquid-absorbing absorbent core, In a crotch portion located under the crotch of a wearer when worn, the absorbent core is provided with at least a pair of slits extending in the front-rear direction, The pair of slits have protrusions protruding outward in the width direction at the crotch portion. An absorbent article characterized by:

Images