Absorbent article

Abstract

To suppress leakage of excretory fluid by suppressing twisting of an absorbent article when worn.SOLUTION: An absorbent article comprises an adhesive part on a non-skin side, where an absorber includes side sheets and a pair of elastic members fixed to the side sheets and stretching in a longitudinal direction. The side sheet has at least one of fused fibers, interlaced fibers and fibers bonded by a bonding material, both longitudinal ends of the side sheet are fixed to any part of the absorbent article by a pair of fixing parts, a part of the side sheet between the pair of fixing parts in the longitudinal direction can stand up on the skin side by contraction of the elastic member, and when the absorbent article is viewed in plan view in the thickness direction, the fixing part has a portion overlapping the adhesive part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a sanitary napkin that has gathered flaps on the back surface of the absorbent element, extending outward in the width direction from both side edges of the absorbent element and standing up toward the use surface to prevent side leakage of excrement. In this sanitary napkin, the standing gathered flaps also cause both sides of the absorbent element in the width direction to stand up. As a result, both sides of the absorbent element fit the wearer's body, preventing side leakage and improving the absorbency of the absorbent element. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-70343 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Absorbent articles such as the above-mentioned sanitary napkins and light incontinence pads are generally attached to underwear when used. Therefore, there has been a problem in that the parts of the absorbent article that are not fixed to the underwear move in accordance with the wearer's body movements, causing the absorbent article to twist (deform) compared to the parts of the absorbent article that are fixed to the underwear. When the absorbent article twists, the absorbent surface of the absorbent article becomes smaller, making it more susceptible to leakage of excrement.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to prevent twisting of an absorbent article when worn, thereby suppressing leakage of excrement. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The main invention to achieve the above object is: having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction, An absorbent article having an absorbent body with an absorbent core, the absorbent core comprises a superabsorbent polymer; An adhesive portion is provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent article, The absorbent body is Side sheets arranged at both ends of the absorbent body in the width direction; a pair of elastic members fixed to the side sheets at both ends in the width direction of the absorbent body, the elastic members stretching in the longitudinal direction; The side sheet has at least one of fused fibers, entangled fibers, and fibers bonded by a bonding material, Both end portions of the side sheet in the longitudinal direction are fixed to any part of the absorbent article by a pair of fixing portions, a portion of the side sheet between the pair of fixing portions in the longitudinal direction can stand up toward the skin side by contraction of the elastic member, an absorbent article, wherein the fixing portion has a portion overlapping with the adhesive portion when the absorbent article is viewed in a plan view in the thickness direction; is. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the absorbent article from twisting when worn, and to prevent leakage of excrement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of a light incontinence pad 1 in a stretched state, as viewed from the skin side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the pad 1 in a stretched state, viewed from the non-skin side. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pad 1 taken along line II in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 3 is an explanatory diagram of a joint portion 50 and a separation portion 60. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the joint 50 and the anti-slip portion 30 overlapping in the thickness direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an individual package 70 of the pad 1 in an unfolded state. [Figure 7] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an end portion of the pad 1 in the width direction. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pad 1 showing the separation portion 60 of the standing first absorbent body 10. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a first absorbent core 11 and first compressed sections 41. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are schematic cross-sectional views of the longitudinal center portion of a pad 70 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a longitudinal end portion of a pad 90 according to a third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic plan view of a pad 90 showing the arrangement of a slip prevention portion 30 and a fixing portion 91. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] At least the following matters will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. This absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction, and comprises a first absorbent body having a first absorbent core, and a second absorbent body having a second absorbent core and positioned closer to the skin than the first absorbent body in the thickness direction, with an adhesive portion provided on the non-skin side of the second absorbent body, and is characterized in that at least at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction, the absorbent article has a joint portion provided in the center of the width direction where the first absorbent body and the second absorbent body are joined, and a pair of separation portions provided at both ends in the width direction where the first absorbent body and the second absorbent body are spaced apart.

[0010] With this absorbent article, the separation portion of the first absorbent body can move freely relative to the second absorbent body fixed to the underwear in accordance with the movement of the wearer's legs, making the absorbent article less prone to wrinkling. As a result, the absorbent article can have a sufficient absorption surface and prevent leakage of excrement.

[0011] The absorbent article is characterized in that at least a part of the adhesive portion is disposed outward from the inner end of the spaced portion in the width direction.

[0012] In such an absorbent article, the separated portion of the second absorbent body is likely to return to its original position due to the restoring force of the underwear, and therefore the second absorbent body is likely to maintain its expanded state in the width direction and is less likely to twist.

[0013] The absorbent article is characterized in that, when the absorbent article is viewed in plan in the thickness direction, the adhesive portion has a portion that overlaps with the spaced portion.

[0014] In such an absorbent article, the separated portion of the second absorbent body is likely to return to its original position due to the restoring force of the underwear, and therefore the second absorbent body is likely to maintain its expanded state in the width direction and is less likely to twist.

[0015] Such an absorbent article is characterized in that the adhesive portion has a narrow portion in the center in the longitudinal direction, which has a predetermined length in the width direction, and has a pair of wide portions at both ends in the longitudinal direction, which have a longer length in the width direction than the narrow portion and have portions that extend outward in the width direction beyond the outer ends in the width direction of the narrow portion.

[0016] According to such an absorbent article, the absorbent article is not fixed to the vicinity of the edges of the underwear at the longitudinal center of the absorbent article that abuts against the crotch region of the wearer, making it easier for the wearer to close their legs. On the other hand, at both longitudinal ends of the absorbent article, the second absorbent body is fixed to the underwear over a wide area in the width direction, making it easier for the second absorbent body to maintain its widthwise expanded state and less likely to crease.

[0017] Such an absorbent article is characterized in that a pair of elastic members that stretch in the longitudinal direction are arranged at both ends of the first absorbent body in the width direction, and the end on one side of the longitudinal direction of the stretchable portion of the elastic member is located further outward in the longitudinal direction than the end on the central side of the longitudinal direction of the wide portion on one side of the longitudinal direction, and the end on the other side of the longitudinal direction of the stretchable portion of the elastic member is located further outward in the longitudinal direction than the end on the central side of the longitudinal direction of the wide portion on the other side of the longitudinal direction.

[0018] In such an absorbent article, the elastic members increase the rigidity of both widthwise ends of the first absorbent body, making it less likely to lose its shape or become twisted. Also, although the longitudinal center of the absorbent article is less likely to maintain its expanded state in the widthwise direction than the both ends, the elastic members are arranged over a long range in the longitudinal direction, allowing the separated portions of the first absorbent body to stand up, thereby suppressing leakage of excrement.

[0019] The absorbent article is characterized in that it has a folded portion when packaged along the width direction, and the folded portion is provided between the pair of wide portions in the longitudinal direction.

[0020] In such an absorbent article, the wide portion of the adhesive part does not crease, and therefore both longitudinal ends of the second absorbent body are firmly fixed to the underwear by the wide portion, so that the second absorbent body is more likely to maintain its expanded state in the width direction and is less likely to crease.

[0021] The absorbent article is characterized in that the first absorbent core has a lower basis weight of pulp fibers than the second absorbent core.

[0022] In such an absorbent article, the thickness of the first absorbent core is reduced, so that the first absorbent body is less likely to twist.

[0023] The absorbent article is characterized in that the first absorbent core does not contain the pulp fibers but contains a superabsorbent polymer.

[0024] In such an absorbent article, the thickness of the first absorbent core is reduced, so that the first absorbent body is less likely to twist.

[0025] The absorbent article is characterized in that the first absorbent body contains heat-fusible fibers and does not contain cellulosic fibers.

[0026] According to such an absorbent article, the first absorbent body is less likely to lose its shape and become twisted even after excretion.

[0027] Such an absorbent article is characterized in that nonwoven fabric is arranged at both ends of the first absorbent body in the width direction, and the first absorbent core is not arranged.

[0028] With such an absorbent article, even after excretion, both widthwise ends of the first absorbent body are not swelled by the absorbent core, so the first absorbent body is less likely to lose its shape or become distorted.In addition, the article feels soft when the wearer closes their legs.

[0029] Such an absorbent article is characterized in that in the areas at both ends of the width of the first absorbent body where the first absorbent core is not positioned, nonwoven fabrics are joined together.

[0030] In such an absorbent article, the joining of the nonwoven fabrics increases the rigidity of both widthwise ends of the first absorbent body, making the first absorbent body less likely to lose its shape or become twisted.

[0031] Such an absorbent article is characterized in that a pair of elastic members that stretch in the longitudinal direction are arranged at both ends of the first absorbent body in the width direction, where the nonwoven fabrics are joined together.

[0032] In such an absorbent article, the elastic members increase the rigidity of both widthwise ends of the first absorbent body, making the first absorbent body less likely to lose its shape or become twisted.

[0033] Such an absorbent article is characterized in that a pair of elastic members that stretch in the longitudinal direction are arranged in at least a portion of the longitudinal direction of the pair of spaced apart portions of the first absorbent body.

[0034] In this absorbent article, the elastic member improves the standing ability of the separated portion of the first absorbent body, thereby preventing side leakage of excrement. Furthermore, the slope of the standing separated portion allows excrement to be collected in the center in the width direction.

[0035] The absorbent article is characterized in that the surface of the spaced apart portion closest to the skin has a hydrophobic portion.

[0036] With such an absorbent article, excreted liquid is less likely to be absorbed by the spaced apart portions of the upright first absorbent body, and the excreted liquid is more likely to flow down the slopes of the upright spaced apart portions, and the excreted liquid is more likely to collect in the central portion in the width direction.

[0037] Such an absorbent article is characterized in that the joint has a second narrow portion in the center of the longitudinal direction, having a certain length in the width direction, and has a pair of second wide portions at both ends of the longitudinal direction, the second wide portions having a longer length in the width direction than the second narrow portions, and the second wide portions are positioned outside the stretchable portion of the elastic member in the longitudinal direction.

[0038] Such an absorbent article can prevent the rising of the separated portion in the longitudinal center of the absorbent article from being hindered by the wide portion (second wide portion) of the joint. Therefore, the separated portion of the first absorbent body is more likely to rise in the longitudinal center of the absorbent article, where the wearer's crotch region comes into contact and excreted liquid is excreted, thereby preventing leakage of excreted liquid.

[0039] Such an absorbent article is characterized in that, when the absorbent article is viewed in a plane in the thickness direction, the second absorbent core is not positioned in the portion of the second absorbent body that overlaps with the widthwise end of the second wide portion.

[0040] In such an absorbent article, the widthwise end of the second absorber, which is joined to the first absorber at a wide portion, has low rigidity, and this portion of the second absorber can bend due to contraction in the longitudinal direction of the elastic member, thereby preventing the second absorber from interfering with the standing of the separated portion of the first absorber, and suppressing leakage of excrement.

[0041] Such an absorbent article is characterized in that the first absorbent core is not positioned at the widthwise end of the separation portion, and hydrophobic nonwoven fabrics are joined together.

[0042] In this absorbent article, the separated portion is more likely to stand up than when the first absorbent core is disposed up to the widthwise end of the separated portion. Furthermore, the separated portion is more likely to maintain its upright shape without swelling after excretion, thereby reducing leakage of excreted fluid. Furthermore, bonding the hydrophobic nonwoven fabrics together improves the hydrophobicity of the separated portion, making it easier for excreted fluid to collect in the widthwise center.

[0043] Such an absorbent article has a folded portion when packaged along the width direction, and when the absorbent article is viewed in a plane in the thickness direction, the stretchable portion of the elastic member and the folded portion overlap.

[0044] In such an absorbent article, the elastic member extends longitudinally to both longitudinal ends of the absorbent article that stand up due to the folds in the folded portions, making the elastic member more likely to contract, improving the stand-up ability of the separated portions of the first absorbent body and suppressing leakage of excretory fluid.

[0045] Such an absorbent article is characterized in that at least a portion of the absorbent article in the thickness direction is a groove portion recessed in the thickness direction, and the groove portion having a length in the longitudinal direction is located more inward in the width direction than the separation portion.

[0046] According to such an absorbent article, excreted liquid discharged in the widthwise central portion can be dispersed in the longitudinal direction along the grooves, thereby preventing excreted liquid from overflowing and leaking from the absorbent article.

[0047] Such an absorbent article is characterized in that the groove portion is a portion of the absorbent article that is recessed in the thickness direction from the skin side of the absorbent article, and the skin side of the groove portion is non-hydrophobic.

[0048] In such an absorbent article, excrement that flows into the grooves is absorbed into the interior of the absorbent article while being dispersed in the longitudinal direction, thereby preventing the excrement from overflowing and leaking from the absorbent article.

[0049] The absorbent article is characterized in that the groove portion is a compressed portion provided from the first absorbent body to the second absorbent body in the thickness direction.

[0050] In such an absorbent article, the compressed portion allows excrement to easily transfer from the first absorbent body to the second absorbent body, thereby preventing the first absorbent body from being unable to absorb all of the excrement, causing the excrement to overflow and leak from the absorbent article.

[0051] Such an absorbent article is characterized in that the groove portion is provided in the first absorbent core, the first absorbent core has a superabsorbent polymer, and in the first absorbent core, the groove portion has a lower basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer than the adjacent portion of the groove portion.

[0052] In such an absorbent article, excreted liquid can easily migrate from the grooves of the first absorbent core to the second absorbent body, thereby preventing the first absorbent body from being unable to absorb all of the excreted liquid and causing the excreted liquid to overflow and leak from the absorbent article.

[0053] The absorbent article is characterized in that the second absorbent body has a larger maximum absorption amount of excrement than the first absorbent body.

[0054] In such an absorbent article, excrement that has migrated from the first absorbent body to the second absorbent body is absorbed and retained by the second absorbent body, preventing the excrement from returning to the first absorbent body, thereby preventing the excrement from overflowing and leaking from the absorbent article due to the first absorbent body being unable to absorb all of the excrement.

[0055] The absorbent article is characterized in that the second absorbent core comprises pulp fibers and a superabsorbent polymer.

[0056] In this absorbent article, the pulp fibers allow excrement to be easily drawn into the second absorbent body, preventing it from overflowing and leaking from the absorbent article. The superabsorbent polymer also allows excrement to be absorbed and retained in the second absorbent body, preventing it from returning to the first absorbent body.

[0057] The absorbent article is characterized in that the second absorbent core contains pulp fibers and does not contain a superabsorbent polymer.

[0058] In this absorbent article, the pulp fibers facilitate the absorption of excreted liquid into the second absorbent body, preventing the excreted liquid from overflowing and leaking from the absorbent article. Furthermore, the absence of a superabsorbent polymer facilitates the excreted liquid to be diffused in the planar direction of the second absorbent core.

[0059] an absorbent article having an absorbent body with a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction, the absorbent body comprising an absorbent core, the absorbent body comprising a top sheet arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent core, side sheets arranged at both ends of the absorbent body in the width direction, and a pair of elastic members which stretch in the longitudinal direction and are fixed to the side sheets at both ends of the absorbent body in the width direction, the value obtained by dividing the mass of the superabsorbent polymer contained in the absorbent core by the mass of the absorbent core is greater than the value obtained by dividing the mass of the pulp fiber contained in the absorbent core by the mass of the absorbent core, the side sheets having at least one of fused fibers, entangled fibers, and fibers bonded by a bonding material, and the side sheets are folded inward in the width direction from the non-skin side of the absorbent core, covering both end edges of the absorbent core in the width direction, and positioned above both end ends of the skin side of the top sheet in the width direction.

[0060] In this absorbent article, the low mass ratio of pulp fiber makes the absorbent core less likely to lose its shape or twist. Meanwhile, the high mass ratio of superabsorbent polymer provides a fast absorption rate and is less likely to leak. Furthermore, the seamless side sheets cover both widthwise edges of the absorbent core, making it less likely for excrement to seep out. Furthermore, the elastic members make it easier for both widthwise ends of the absorbent core to stand up against the skin, thereby preventing side leakage. Furthermore, because the fibers that make up the side sheets have fusion points and are less likely to unravel, even when force is applied to the absorbent core due to the wearer's movements or when the absorbent core absorbs excrement, the side sheets help maintain the shape of the absorbent core, making it less likely to twist, and ensuring both widthwise ends of the absorbent core remain upright.

[0061] an absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction, and comprising an absorbent body having an absorbent core, wherein the absorbent core comprises a superabsorbent polymer and has an adhesive portion on the non-skin side of the absorbent article, the absorbent body comprising side sheets arranged at both widthwise ends of the absorbent body, and a pair of elastic members which stretch in the longitudinal direction and are fixed to the side sheets at both widthwise ends of the absorbent body, the side sheets comprising at least one of fused fibers, entangled fibers, and fibers joined by a bonding material, the both longitudinal ends of the side sheets being fixed to any part of the absorbent article by a pair of fixing portions, and the part of the side sheet between the pair of fixing portions in the longitudinal direction can stand up towards the skin side due to contraction of the elastic members, and the fixing portions have a portion which overlaps with the adhesive portion when the absorbent article is viewed in a plane in the thickness direction.

[0062] This absorbent article has a high absorption rate and is less susceptible to leakage thanks to the superabsorbent polymer. The elastic members allow the side sheets to stand up against the skin, thereby preventing side leakage. The adhesive portions secure the longitudinal standing points of the side sheets to the underwear, stabilizing the standing of the side sheets. The adhesive portions are positioned to overlap with the fixing portions and are located on the outer sides in the width direction, allowing the underwear's restoring force to easily maintain the wide shape of the absorbent article. Furthermore, because the fibers constituting the side sheets are fused together and therefore less likely to unravel, even when the absorbent core absorbs excrement and exerts force on the absorbent body due to the wearer's movements, the side sheets help maintain the shape of the absorbent body, making it less likely to twist, and helping the side sheets to remain standing.

[0063] The absorbent article is characterized in that nonwoven fabric is arranged at both ends of the absorbent body in the width direction, and the absorbent core is not arranged thereat.

[0064] With such an absorbent article, even after excretion, both widthwise ends of the absorber are prevented from swelling by the absorbent core, so the absorber is less likely to lose its shape or become distorted.In addition, the absorbent article feels softer when the wearer closes their legs.

[0065] The absorbent article is characterized in that the nonwoven fabrics are joined together in the portions where the absorbent core is not disposed at both ends of the absorbent body in the width direction.

[0066] In such an absorbent article, the rigidity of both widthwise ends of the absorbent body is increased by bonding the nonwoven fabrics together, making the absorbent body less likely to lose its shape or become twisted.

[0067] The absorbent article is characterized in that the elastic members are disposed at both end portions of the absorbent body in the width direction, at portions where the nonwoven fabrics are joined together.

[0068] In such an absorbent article, the elastic members increase the rigidity of both widthwise ends of the absorbent body, making the absorbent body less likely to lose its shape or become twisted.

[0069] The absorbent article is characterized in that it has a second absorbent core arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent core in the thickness direction.

[0070] Such an absorbent article has improved absorption performance and can suppress rewetting of excreted fluid.

[0071] Hereinafter, a light incontinence pad will be described as an example of the absorbent article according to this embodiment. However, the absorbent article is not limited to the light incontinence pad, and other absorbent articles include, for example, sanitary napkins and panty liners.

[0072] ===First Embodiment=== ===Basic components of the light incontinence pad 1=== FIG. 1 is a plan view of a light incontinence pad 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "pad") in a stretched state, as seen from the skin side. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the pad 1 in a stretched state, as seen from the non-skin side. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pad 1 taken along line II in FIG. 1. The stretched state of the pad 1 refers to a state in which the pad 1 is stretched without wrinkles. Specifically, this refers to a state in which the pad 1 is stretched until the dimensions of each material constituting the pad 1 match or are close to the dimensions of that material alone, without being affected by the elastic members of the pad 1.

[0073] The pad 1 has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction. In the thickness direction, the side that contacts the wearer's skin is the skin side, and the opposite side is the non-skin side. The pad 1 of this embodiment is configured symmetrically in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, one side of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction may be the wearer's ventral side or the wearer's dorsal side.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 3, the pad 1 has a first absorbent body 10 having a first absorbent core 11, and a second absorbent body 20 having a second absorbent core 21 and positioned closer to the skin than the first absorbent body 10 in the thickness direction.

[0075] The first absorbent body 10 has a first absorbent core 11, a first skin-side core wrap 12 covering the skin-side surface of the first absorbent core 11, a first non-skin-side core wrap 13 covering the non-skin-side surface of the first absorbent core 11, a topsheet 14 arranged closer to the skin than the first skin-side core wrap 12, an intermediate sheet 15 arranged between the topsheet 14 and the first skin-side core wrap 12, and a pair of first side sheets 16 arranged at both widthwise ends of the first absorbent body 10. Each material is joined with adhesives A1 to A7 such as hot melt.

[0076] The top sheet 14 and the intermediate sheet 15 are liquid-permeable sheets. The liquid-permeable sheets may be made of nonwoven fabric (for example, air-through nonwoven fabric or spunbond nonwoven fabric), synthetic resin film having through holes, or the like.

[0077] The first absorbent core 11 is made of a superabsorbent polymer (hereinafter also referred to as "SAP"). The first skin-side core wrap 12 and the first non-skin-side core wrap 13 are liquid-permeable sheets, and nonwoven fabrics or the like can be used. In the following description, the first absorbent core 11, the first skin-side core wrap 12, and the first non-skin-side core wrap 13 will collectively be referred to as the first core portions 11-13.

[0078] Both widthwise ends of the first skin side core wrap 12 are folded back onto a part of the non-skin side of the first non-skin side core wrap 13 so as to wrap around both widthwise edges of the first absorbent core 11 and the first non-skin side core wrap 13. A fragrance 17 is disposed between the folded-back portions of the first skin side core wrap 12 and the first non-skin side core wrap 13. The fragrance 17 can mask the odor of excrement and alleviate any anxiety or depression the wearer may have about using the pad 1.

[0079] The first side sheet 16 is a liquid-impermeable sheet, and in this embodiment, it is a nonwoven fabric containing hydrophobic fibers (for example, an air-through nonwoven fabric or a spunbond nonwoven fabric). One end of the first side sheet 16 is fixed to both widthwise ends of the non-skin-side surface of the first core portions 11-13 with adhesive A6 (specifically, fixed to the folded-back portion of the first skin-side core wrap 12). From this fixed portion, the first side sheet 16 is folded back toward the skin-side surface of the topsheet 14, wrapping around both widthwise edges of the first core portions 11-13, the topsheet 14, and the intermediate sheet 15. The other end of the first side sheet 16 is fixed to both widthwise ends of the skin-side surface of the topsheet 14 with adhesive A7.

[0080] In addition, one rubber thread 18 (elastic member) that stretches in the longitudinal direction is disposed at the edge in the width direction of the first side sheet 16. That is, the rubber thread 18 is fixed to the first side sheet 16 in a state in which it is stretched in the longitudinal direction. Note that instead of the rubber thread 18 (thread-like elastic member), a sheet-like elastic member such as a stretchable film may be disposed. The number of rubber thread 18 is not limited to one, and may be multiple. In addition, the drawings show only the stretchable portion (18a-18b in FIG. 2) of the rubber thread 18 that exhibits stretchability.

[0081] The second absorbent body 20 has a second absorbent core 21, a second skin-side core wrap 22 covering the skin-side surface of the second absorbent core 21, a second non-skin-side core wrap 23 covering the non-skin-side surface of the second absorbent core 21, a back sheet 24 arranged on the non-skin side of the second non-skin-side core wrap 23, and a pair of second side sheets 25 extending outward in the width direction from both widthwise ends of the skin-side surface of the second skin-side core wrap 22. Each material is joined with adhesives A8 to A11 such as hot melt.

[0082] The second absorbent core 21 is formed from liquid-absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers or cellulosic absorbent fibers, molded into a predetermined shape. The liquid-absorbent fibers may or may not contain superabsorbent polymers (SAPs). The second skin-side core wrap 22 and the second non-skin-side core wrap 23 are liquid-permeable sheets, such as tissue or nonwoven fabric. Both widthwise ends of the second skin-side core wrap 22 are folded back to the positions of both widthwise ends of the non-skin-side surface of the second absorbent core 21 so as to enfold the second absorbent core 21. The second non-skin-side core wrap 23 is positioned so as to cover the non-skin-side surface of the second absorbent core 21 from the non-skin-side side of the folded-back portion of the second skin-side core wrap 22. In the following description, the second absorbent core 21, the second skin-side core wrap 22, and the second non-skin-side core wrap 23 are collectively referred to as second core portions 21-23.

[0083] The back sheet 24 is a liquid-impermeable sheet. Examples of the liquid-impermeable sheet include a synthetic resin film such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP), and a composite sheet of a synthetic resin film and a nonwoven fabric. The second side sheet 25, like the first side sheet 16, is a liquid-impermeable sheet, and may be a nonwoven fabric containing hydrophobic fibers. The back sheet 24 and the second side sheet 25 extend outward in the width direction beyond the first absorbent body 10 and the second core portions 21-23, and are joined to each other at the portions extending from the second core portions 21-23.

[0084] The first absorbent body 10 and the second absorbent body 20 are joined by an adhesive A12 arranged on the skin-facing side of the second side sheet 25 and an adhesive A8 arranged between the second side sheet 25 and the second core portions 21-23 in the thickness direction. Specifically, the first side sheet 16 and the second side sheet 25 are joined by the adhesive A12. Furthermore, between a pair of second side sheets 25 arranged with a gap in the width direction, the first core portions 11-13 and the second core portions 21-23 are joined by the adhesive A8.

[0085] 1, the first core portions 11 to 13 have a rectangular planar shape. The second core portions 21 to 23 have a substantially rectangular planar shape with both longitudinal end portions curved outwardly in the width direction. The first core portions 11 to 13 are slightly longer in the width direction and shorter in the longitudinal direction than the second core portions 21 to 23.

[0086] The non-skin side of the second absorbent body 20 (i.e., the non-skin side of the back sheet 24) is provided with a slip-prevention portion 30 (adhesive portion) applied with a hot melt adhesive or the like. The slip-prevention portion 30 is attached to the skin side of the wearer's underwear, and the pad 1 is used in a state where it is fixed to the underwear. As shown in Fig. 2, the slip-prevention portion 30 has a pair of central adhesive portions 31 spaced apart in the width direction, and four side adhesive portions 32 arranged outward in the width direction from the central adhesive portion 31.

[0087] The central adhesive portion 31 has a rectangular shape with long sides in the longitudinal direction, and is arranged continuously in the longitudinal direction from one end to the other end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction. The side adhesive portions 32 have a rectangular shape with long sides in the longitudinal direction, and are shorter in the longitudinal direction than the central adhesive portion 31. Of the four side adhesive portions 32, two side adhesive portions 32 are arranged at one end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction, and the other two side adhesive portions 32 are arranged at the other end of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction. In other words, on the outer side of the central adhesive portion 31 in the width direction, a pair of side adhesive portions 32 are arranged spaced apart in the longitudinal direction.

[0088] The pad 1 has compressed portions 40 that are recessed in the thickness direction of the pad 1. The compressed portions 40 of this embodiment are compressed in the thickness direction from the surface sheet 14 of the first absorbent body 10 to the second core portions 21-23 from the skin side.

[0089] In the compressed portion 40, the thickness of the pad 1 is thinner than the surrounding area, and the fiber density of the pad 1 is higher. These comparisons can be made by well-known methods. The thickness of the pad 1 can be compared by visual comparison, or by using a dial thickness gauge ID-C1012C manufactured by Mitutoyo Corporation or an equivalent device to measure the thickness of the target area at, for example, 3.0 gf / cm2 For example, the density of the pad 1 can be compared based on an image of a cross section of the pad 1 cut in the thickness direction, enlarged using an electron microscope or the like.

[0090] The compressed portions 40 have a pair of first compressed portions 41 extending in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart in the width direction, and a pair of second compressed portions 42 extending in the width direction between the pair of first compressed portions 41 and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. The first compressed portions 41 are curved convexly inward in the width direction at the longitudinal center of the pad 1 (i.e., in the region that abuts the wearer's crotch). The second compressed portions 42 are curved convexly outward in the longitudinal direction. However, the shape, number, and arrangement of the compressed portions 40 illustrated in FIG. 1 are merely examples and are not limited thereto. Furthermore, the linear compressed portions 40 (41, 42) extending in the longitudinal and width directions may be groove-shaped compressed portions in which the pad 1 is continuously recessed in each direction, or may be compressed portions in which multiple dot-like compressed portions are arranged in a line.

[0091] The basic configuration of the pad 1 has been described above, but the configuration of the pad 1 is an example and is not limited to this. For example, the planar shape of the pad 1 may be asymmetric in the longitudinal direction, or the pad 1 may not have the intermediate sheet 15 or the fragrance 17. Furthermore, the first absorbent core 11 and the second absorbent core 21 may each be wrapped in a single core wrap.

[0092] ===Regarding Pad 1 distortion control=== Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the joint 50 and the separation portion 60. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the joint 50 and the slip prevention portion 30 overlapping in the thickness direction. In Fig. 5, the outline of the joint 50 is shown by a thick line. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an individually wrapped body 70 of the pad 1 in an unfolded state. Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the end portion in the width direction of the pad 1. Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the pad 1 showing the separation portion 60 of the standing first absorbent body 10.

[0093] The pad 1 has a first absorbent body 10 and a second absorbent body 20, but both widthwise ends of the first absorbent body 10 are not joined to the second absorbent body 20. In other words, the pad 1 has a joining portion 50 at the center in the widthwise direction where the first absorbent body 10 and the second absorbent body 20 are joined, and a pair of separation portions 60 at both widthwise ends where the first absorbent body 10 and the second absorbent body 20 are separated.

[0094] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the first absorbent body 10 and the second absorbent body 20 are joined by an adhesive A12 between the first side sheet 16 and the second side sheet 25, and an adhesive A8 between the first core portions 11-13 and the second core portions 21-23. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 4, the region inside the outer edge of the adhesive A12 in the width direction is defined as a joint 50. The joint 50 does not necessarily have to be provided with adhesive over its entire area, and the adhesive may be provided intermittently depending on the adhesive application pattern.

[0095] Furthermore, the first absorbent body 10 has a shorter length in the width direction than the second absorbent body 20. Therefore, in the region where the first absorbent body 10 and the second absorbent body 20 overlap in the thickness direction, the region other than the joint portion 50 is defined as a separation portion 60.

[0096] An absorbent article that is attached to underwear by the anti-slip portion 30, such as the pad 1 of this embodiment, has a problem in that the absorbent article is prone to twisting (twisting or bending) due to a mismatch between the wearer's body movement and the underwear's movement. In other words, compared to the part of the absorbent article that is fixed to the underwear, the part of the absorbent article that is not fixed to the underwear moves and twists in response to the wearer's body movement. The thick absorbent core part is particularly prone to twisting.

[0097] However, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, a pair of separation portions 60 are provided at both widthwise ends, separating the first absorbent body 10 and the second absorbent body 20. Therefore, both widthwise ends of the first absorbent body 10 can move freely relative to the second absorbent body 20, which is fixed to the underwear. Therefore, both widthwise ends of the first absorbent body 10 can move in response to the opening and closing movements of the wearer's legs and the back and forth movements of the wearer, making the pad 1 less likely to sag. In other words, even if the skin-side first absorbent body 10 follows the wearer's movements and the non-skin-side second absorbent body 20 follows the movements of the underwear, the separation of the first absorbent body 10 and the second absorbent body 20 does not restrict their movements, making the pad 1 less likely to sag. By suppressing sagging of the pad 1 during wear in this way, the pad's absorbent surface size can be secured, thereby suppressing leakage of excrement. Furthermore, the fit and comfort of the pad 1 are improved.

[0098] The joining portion 50 and the separating portion 60 of the pad 1 may be arranged side by side in the width direction at least at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction. However, as in the pad 1 of this embodiment (FIG. 4), the separating portion 60 extends long in the longitudinal direction, so that both ends of the first absorbent body 10 in the width direction can move freely over a wide range in the longitudinal direction, making the pad 1 less likely to twist.

[0099] Furthermore, the portion of the pad 1 that contacts the wearer's crotch region is susceptible to the influence of the wearer's leg movement and is prone to sagging. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a separation portion 60 in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1 at the portion of the pad 1 that contacts the wearer's crotch region. In the case of a pad 1 that is symmetrical in the longitudinal direction, as in this embodiment, a portion including the longitudinal center 1C of the pad 1 (a position half the length of the pad 1) is expected to contact the wearer's crotch region, and therefore, it is preferable to provide the separation portion 60 in this portion. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide the separation portion 60 in a portion that extends forward to absorb more excrement excreted in the front direction and is biased rearward from the longitudinal center 1C of the pad 1 when it is expected that the wearer's crotch region will contact this portion. Conversely, it is preferable to provide the separation portion 60 in a portion that extends rearward to suppress rear leakage and is biased forward from the longitudinal center 1C of the pad 1 when it is expected that the wearer's crotch region will contact this portion when it is expected that the separation portion 60 will contact this portion.

[0100] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, the joint 50 of the pad 1 of this embodiment has a narrow portion 501 (second narrow portion) at the center in the longitudinal direction, which has a widthwise length W3, and a pair of wide portions 502 (second wide portions) at both ends in the longitudinal direction, which have a widthwise length W4 longer than that of the narrow portion 501.

[0101] Therefore, the width of the separation portion 60 is longer in the longitudinal center portion of the pad 1, which comes into contact with the wearer's crotch region and is susceptible to the movement of the wearer's legs. Therefore, in the longitudinal center portion of the pad 1, both ends of the first absorbent body 10 in the width direction are more likely to move in accordance with the movement of the wearer's legs, making the pad 1 less likely to crease. On the other hand, at both longitudinal ends of the pad 1, the first absorbent body 10 and the second absorbent body 20 are firmly joined, which prevents the first absorbent body 10 and the second absorbent body 20 from separating while the pad is being worn. Furthermore, at both longitudinal ends of the pad 1, the influence of the wearer's leg movement is smaller, so even if the width of the separation portion 60 is short, crease of the pad 1 can be suppressed.

[0102] As described above, the narrow width portion 501 of the joint 50 is preferably provided in a portion of the pad 1 that comes into contact with the crotch area of the wearer. Therefore, the central portion of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction where the narrow width portion 501 is provided may be a portion that includes the longitudinal center 1C, or a portion that is biased forward or rearward from the longitudinal center 1C, depending on the shape of the pad 1. However, it is not limited to the above, and the width of the joint 50 may be constant.

[0103] Furthermore, although the presence of the separation portions 60 makes the pad 1 less prone to twisting, the separation portions 60 are less rigid than the joint portions 50 and are therefore more susceptible to deformation. Furthermore, the separation portions 60 located at the widthwise ends are more susceptible to the force of the wearer's legs. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5, it is preferable to position at least a portion of the slip prevention portion 30 outward in the widthwise direction from the inner ends 60a of the separation portions 60. In this embodiment, the four side adhesive portions 32 are positioned outward in the widthwise direction from the inner ends 60a of the separation portions 60.

[0104] By doing so, the separation portion 60 of the second absorbent body 20, which is fixed to the underwear by the slip-preventing portion 30, can restore its original shape by utilizing the restoring force of the underwear. For example, even if the separation portion 60 of the second absorbent body 20 is compressed inward in the width direction together with the underwear by the wearer's legs, the underwear will restore its original shape after the compression force is released, and the separation portion 60 of the second absorbent body 20 will also return to its original position (near the edge of the underwear). Therefore, the second absorbent body 20 is likely to maintain its expanded state in the width direction and is less likely to wrinkle. Furthermore, since the size of the absorbent surface of the pad 1 that receives excrement is secured, excrement is less likely to leak.

[0105] In addition, in cases where the longitudinal length of the separation portion 60 is short, the portion of the anti-slip portion 30 that extends outward in the width direction from the separation portion 60 may be positioned, for example, outward in the longitudinal direction from the separation portion 60.

[0106] However, it is more preferable that, when the pad 1 is viewed in plan in the thickness direction, the slip prevention portion 30 has a portion that overlaps with the separation portion 60. In this embodiment, the portion of the side adhesive portion 32 on the longitudinal center side (portion 321 shown in FIG. 5) overlaps with the separation portion 60. By doing so, even if the separation portion 60 of the second absorbent body 20 is deformed, it is likely to return to its original position (near the edge of the underwear) due to the restoring force of the underwear, and the second absorbent body 20 is likely to maintain its expanded state in the width direction.

[0107] 2, the anti-slip portion 30 preferably has, at its longitudinal center, a narrow portion 301 having a predetermined widthwise length (W1), and, at both longitudinal ends, a pair of wide portions 302 each having a widthwise length (W2) longer than the narrow portion 301. The wide portions 302 preferably have a portion that extends outward in the widthwise direction beyond the outer widthwise ends 301a of the narrow portions 301.

[0108] Specifically, the narrow width portion 301 is defined as the region in the longitudinal center of the pad 1, from the anti-slip portion 30 located on the furthest side in the width direction to the anti-slip portion 30 located on the furthest side in the width direction. The wide width portion 302 is defined as the region in the longitudinal end of the pad 1, from the anti-slip portion 30 located on the furthest side in the width direction to the anti-slip portion 30 located on the furthest side in the width direction.

[0109] In this embodiment, the narrow width portion 301 is the region between the side adhesive portions 32 provided at both longitudinal ends of the pad 1, and is the region from the central adhesive portion 31 on one side in the width direction to the adhesive portion 31 on the other side in the width direction (the region surrounded by points a, b, c, and c). The wide width portion 302 is the region where the side adhesive portions 32 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1, and is the region from the side adhesive portion 32 on one side in the width direction to the side adhesive portion 31 on the other side in the width direction (the region surrounded by points e, f, and g). In the narrow width portion 301 and the wide width portion 302, the slip prevention portions 30 may be arranged intermittently in the width direction (adhesive may be applied) as in this embodiment, or the slip prevention portions 30 may be arranged over the entire region.

[0110] Because the slip prevention section 30 has the narrow width section 301, the second absorbent body 20 is not fixed to the vicinity of the edge of the underwear at the longitudinal center of the pad 1 that abuts against the wearer's crotch region. This makes it less likely for the wearer to feel a foreign body sensation when closing their legs, making it easier for the wearer to close their legs. On the other hand, at both longitudinal ends of the pad 1, the wide width section 302 fixes the second absorbent body 20 to the vicinity of the edge of the underwear over a wide range in the width direction of the underwear. This means that the second absorbent body 20 is more likely to maintain its widthwise expanded state due to the restoring force of the underwear, making it less likely to wrinkle.

[0111] As described above, it is preferable that narrow width portion 301 of slip prevention portion 30 be provided in a portion of pad 1 that comes into contact with the crotch area of the wearer. Therefore, the central portion in the longitudinal direction of pad 1 where narrow width portion 301 is provided may be a portion that includes center 1C in the longitudinal direction of pad 1, or a portion that is biased forward or rearward from center 1C in the longitudinal direction of pad 1, depending on the shape of pad 1.

[0112] However, the shape of the anti-slip portion 30 is not limited to the above. For example, the length of the anti-slip portion 30 in the width direction may be constant. Furthermore, the anti-slip portion 30 does not have to extend outward in the width direction beyond the inner end 60a of the separation portion 60. Even in this case, the anti-slip portion 30 has wide portions 302 at both ends in the longitudinal direction, which makes it easier for the second absorbent body 20 to maintain a widened state in the width direction.

[0113] Furthermore, the further the anti-slip portions 30 are positioned outward in the width direction of the pad 1, the more likely the second absorbent body 20 is to maintain an expanded state in the width direction. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8 , both width direction ends of the pad 1 are raised toward the skin by rubber threads 18 or the like, thereby suppressing lateral leakage of excrement. In this embodiment, the first absorbent body 10 and the second absorbent body 20 are spaced apart at their width direction ends, and the width direction end of the first absorbent body 10 stands up. Therefore, even if the anti-slip portions 30 are positioned outward in the width direction so as to overlap with the separating portions 60, the width direction end of the first absorbent body 10 can stand up. In other words, by including the separating portions 60 in the pad 1, the anti-slip portions 30 can be positioned outward in the width direction of the pad 1 while the width direction end of the first absorbent body 10 stands up.

[0114] Furthermore, the pair of central adhesive portions 31 are spaced apart in the width direction by a distance equal to or greater than the width of each central adhesive portion 31. In other words, no anti-slip portion 30 is located in the center of the width direction of the pad 1. This makes it difficult for the anti-slip portions 30 to adhere to each other, preventing the pad 1 from becoming distorted.

[0115] The pad 1 may be provided to the wearer in an individually wrapped state (not shown). An example of an individual package 70 for the pad 1 is one in which the pad 1 is placed on a packaging material 71, and the pad 1 is folded together with the packaging material 71 at two folds F1 and F2 along the width direction, and secured with fastening tape 72, as shown in FIG. 6. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pad 1 and the packaging material 71 may be folded separately, there may be three folds along the width direction, or the pad 1 may be folded at folds along the width direction and folds along the length direction. The pad 1 may also be secured to the packaging material 71 via a release paper (not shown).

[0116] When the slip prevention portion 30 has a pair of wide portions 302 at both ends in the longitudinal direction, it is preferable that folded portions F1, F2 are provided along the width direction between the pair of wide portions 302 in the longitudinal direction.

[0117] By doing so, the wide portion 302 and the folded portions F1, F2 do not overlap in the thickness direction of the pad 1, and therefore no creases are formed in the wide portion 302. As a result, both longitudinal ends of the second absorbent body 20 are firmly fixed to the underwear by the wide portion 302. Therefore, the second absorbent body 20 is likely to maintain its expanded state in the width direction due to the restoring force of the underwear, and is less likely to crease.

[0118] Since the pad 1 is thick, the folded portions F1 and F2 are regions with a width in the longitudinal direction. The positions of the vertices of the folded portions F1 and F2 are defined as the center lines of the folded portions F1 and F2. Specifically, when a weight (e.g., 200 g) is placed on the plane of the individual package 70 via a plate larger than the plane of the individual package 70 in the folded state, the position at which the individual package 70 protrudes most is defined as the center line of the folded portions F1 and F2. The maximum thickness of the individual package 70 (pad 1 + packaging material 71) at the folded portions F1 and F2 is defined as t. In this case, the folded portions F1 and F2 are defined as regions that are πt / 2 away from the center line of the folded portions F1 and F2 on both sides of the pad 1 in the longitudinal direction.

[0119] As described above, the second absorbent body 20 is prevented from twisting by the arrangement of the slippage prevention portion 30. On the other hand, the portion of the pad 1 where the thick absorbent core is arranged is prone to twisting. Therefore, the first absorbent body 10 is prevented from twisting by the absorbent core.

[0120] That is, the first absorbent core 11 has a pulp fiber basis weight (g / m 2 ) lower than that of the second absorbent core 21. 2 ) is preferably reduced. More preferably, the first absorbent core 11 does not contain pulp fibers but contains superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The first absorbent core 11 of this embodiment is composed only of SAP. By reducing the basis weight of pulp fibers in the first absorbent core 11 or making it zero, the thickness of the first absorbent core 11 becomes thinner. Therefore, the first absorbent body 10 becomes less prone to twisting. However, without being limited to the above, the first absorbent core 11 may have a greater basis weight of pulp fibers than the second absorbent core 21.

[0121] Furthermore, whether the first absorbent core 11 contains SAP but not pulp fibers can be confirmed by well-known methods, such as by visually inspecting the surface or cross section of the first absorbent core 11 or by checking based on an image projected by an optical microscope.

[0122] Furthermore, if the basis weight of the pulp fiber of the first absorbent core 11 or the second absorbent core 21 varies depending on the planar position, the average basis weight may be compared, or the maximum or minimum basis weight may be compared. The basis weight of the pulp fiber of the first absorbent core 11 and the second absorbent core 21 can be compared by a known method. Specifically, if the first absorbent core 11 or the second absorbent core 21 does not have SAP and is composed only of pulp fiber, it is advisable to measure the mass and planar area of the entire absorbent cores 11, 21, or to measure the mass of a sample cut out of a predetermined area from the absorbent cores 11, 21. Then, the mass of the sample cut out of 1 m 2 The basis weight of the pulp fiber can be obtained by converting the basis weight into the mass of pulp fiber per unit area.

[0123] Furthermore, when the first absorbent core 11 or the second absorbent core 21 contains both SAP and pulp fibers, the basis weight of the pulp fibers can be obtained, for example, by the following method. First, an arbitrary mass of SAP is taken out from the absorbent core 11, 21 to be measured, and neutralization titration is carried out using 1 mol / L hydrochloric acid to prepare a calibration curve, and the polymer coefficient of the SAP is calculated. Next, a sample is cut out from the absorbent core, and the planar area of the sample and the mass of the sample (SAP+pulp fibers) are measured. Next, place the sample in ion-exchanged water with an appropriate amount of sodium chloride dissolved in it, and inject 1 ml of 1 mol / L hydrochloric acid at a time. Read the amount of hydrochloric acid injected at the point when the pH meter reading, which measures the pH of the ion-exchanged water, changes significantly. Multiplying this reading by the polymer coefficient above gives the mass of SAP contained in the sample. By subtracting the mass of the SAP from the mass of the sample, we can obtain the mass of the pulp fiber contained in the sample. Based on this mass and the planar area of the sample, we can obtain the basis weight of the pulp fiber.

[0124] Furthermore, the first absorbent body 10 is in direct contact with the wearer's body and is easily affected by the wearer's movements, so it is prone to losing its shape. In particular, after absorbing excrement, the first absorbent body 10 swells and becomes prone to losing its shape. Therefore, it is preferable that the first absorbent body 10 contains heat-fusible fibers but does not contain cellulosic fibers. That is, the top sheet 14, intermediate sheet 15, first skin-side core wrap 12, first non-skin-side core wrap 13, and first side sheet 16 are preferably sheets such as nonwoven fabrics containing heat-fusible fibers. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first absorbent core 11 is made of SAP, without containing pulp fibers, which are cellulosic fibers. Note that examples of heat-fusible fibers include fibers made from thermoplastic resins. Examples of thermoplastic resins include olefin-based resins such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyester-based resins such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polylactic acid (PLA), and polyamide-based resins such as 6-nylon. When the above-mentioned fibers are used in the top sheet 14, intermediate sheet, core wraps 12, 13, etc., it is advisable to subject them to hydrophilic treatment using a hydrophilic oil or the like.

[0125] Materials containing cellulose-based fibers (such as tissues and pulp fibers) have many hydrogen bonds, and when they absorb moisture, water molecules exist between the bonds, making them prone to collapse. On the other hand, heat-fusible fibers are bonded together by heat fusion, and do not collapse even when they absorb moisture. Therefore, the first absorbent body 10 is less likely to lose its shape or become wrinkled after excretion. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and the first absorbent body 10 may or may not contain cellulose-based fibers.

[0126] Whether the first absorbent body 10 contains heat-fusible fibers and does not contain cellulosic fibers can be confirmed by a known method. For example, using an identifying dye (Kayastain Q manufactured by Shikisen Co., Ltd.) that colors heat-fusible fibers, it can be confirmed visually or based on an image projected by an optical microscope whether the fibers constituting the first absorbent body 10 are colored.

[0127] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first absorbent core 11 is made of SAP, while the second absorbent core 21 contains pulp fibers. This allows the excreted liquid excreted in the first absorbent body 10 to easily transfer to the second absorbent body 20. This prevents the first absorbent body 10 from swelling, losing its shape, and becoming easily twisted.

[0128] 3 and 7, in the first absorbent body 10 of this embodiment, the first side sheets 16, which are hydrophobic nonwoven fabrics, are arranged so that their widthwise outer edges surround both widthwise edges of the first core portions 11-13, the topsheet 14, and the intermediate sheet 15. This allows the first side sheets 16 to prevent excrement absorbed by the first core portions 11-13 from seeping out. The pair of first side sheets 16 is also arranged with a gap between them in the width direction. This allows excrement to migrate from the first core portions 11-13 to the second core portions 21-23.

[0129] Furthermore, the outer widthwise edges of the first side sheet 16 extend outward in the widthwise direction beyond both widthwise edges of the first core portions 11-13, the topsheet 14, and the intermediate sheet 15. Specifically, at the outer widthwise edges of the first side sheet 16, the portion of the first side sheet 16 extending from the non-skin-facing side of the first core portions 11-13 and the portion of the first side sheet 16 folded back from the extended portion toward the skin-facing side of the topsheet 14 overlap with each other via the rubber thread 18. Thus, it is preferable that nonwoven fabric (first side sheet 16) is disposed at both widthwise edges of the first absorbent body 10, and that the first absorbent core 11 is not disposed thereat. This prevents the first absorbent core 11 from swelling the widthwise edges of the first absorbent body 10 after excretion. Therefore, the first absorbent body 10 is less likely to lose its shape or become distorted after excretion.

[0130] Furthermore, since the thick first absorbent core 11 is not disposed between the first side sheets 16 at the widthwise ends of the first absorbent body 10, the wearer is less likely to feel a foreign body when closing their legs. This improves the comfort of the pad 1. The first side sheets 16 may be any liquid-impermeable sheet, such as a synthetic resin film. However, since the first side sheets 16 are hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, they feel softer when the wearer closes their legs, improving the comfort of the pad 1.

[0131] Furthermore, in the portions of the first side sheets 16 extending from the first core portions 11-13, i.e., in the portions of the first absorbent core 11 not disposed at both widthwise ends of the first absorbent body 10, the two layers of the first side sheets 16 made of nonwoven fabric are preferably bonded together with adhesives A6 and A7. This increases the rigidity of both widthwise ends of the first absorbent body 10, making the first absorbent body 10 less likely to lose its shape or become warped.

[0132] Note that two layers of first side sheets 16 (nonwoven fabrics) joined together may refer to a configuration in which a single first side sheet 16 is folded back and the folded portion is joined to the overlapping non-folded portion, as in the present embodiment, or a configuration in which the first side sheet extending from the skin-facing side of the top sheet 14 and the first side sheet extending from the non-skin-facing side of the first core portions 11-13 are separate and the two first side sheets are joined together. However, using a single first side sheet 16 folded back, as in the present embodiment, eliminates seams in the nonwoven fabric and can further suppress seepage of excreted fluid. Furthermore, two layers of first side sheets 16 may be joined via rubber thread 18, the top sheet 14, or the intermediate sheet 15. Furthermore, joining nonwoven fabrics together may refer to joining three or more layers of first side sheets 16 together.

[0133] Furthermore, it is preferable that a pair of rubber threads 18 that stretch in the longitudinal direction be arranged at both widthwise ends of the first absorbent body 10, where the first side sheets 16 are joined together. This increases the rigidity of both widthwise ends of the first absorbent body 10, making the first absorbent body 10 less likely to lose its shape and less likely to wrinkle. In particular, in this embodiment, since the rubber threads 18 are arranged at the widthwise ends of the first absorbent body 10, the first absorbent body 10 is less likely to lose its shape. However, this is not limited to the above, and the first absorbent core 11 may be arranged up to the widthwise ends of the first side sheet 16, or the first side sheet 16 may not have rubber threads 18 arranged thereon.

[0134] Furthermore, the pad 1 preferably has a compressed portion 40 that is compressed in the thickness direction, as shown in Fig. 3. The fiber density of the pad 1 is higher at the compressed portion 40 than at the surrounding area. Therefore, by providing the compressed portion 40 in the pad 1, the pad 1 is less likely to lose its shape and become less likely to wrinkle.

[0135] Furthermore, the compressed sections 40 of this embodiment are compressed from the skin side from the topsheet 14 to the second core sections 21-23. In this way, it is preferable that the compressed sections 40 extending in the thickness direction from the first absorbent body 10 to the second absorbent body 20 are provided at the joining section 50 of the pad 1. By doing so, parts of the first absorbent body 10 and the second absorbent body 20 are joined and integrated by the compressed sections 40, making the first absorbent body 10 and the second absorbent body 20 less likely to lose their shape and become less likely to wrinkle.

[0136] Furthermore, the high fiber density in the compressed portions 40 makes it easier for excreted liquid to be drawn in. Therefore, the compressed portions 40, which extend from the first absorbent body 10 to the second absorbent body 20, make it easier for excreted liquid to transfer from the first absorbent body 10 to the second absorbent body 20. By quickly transferring excreted liquid to the second absorbent body 20, the first absorbent body 10 is less likely to swell and lose its shape or become warped. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent excreted liquid from overflowing and leaking from the pad 1 due to the first absorbent body 10 not being able to absorb all of the excreted liquid.

[0137] However, without being limited to the above, the compression sections 40 may be those that individually compress the first absorbent body 10 and the second absorbent body 20. Furthermore, the pad 1 may be provided with both compression sections that individually compress the first absorbent body 10 and the second absorbent body 20, and compression sections that span from the first absorbent body 10 to the second absorbent body 20. Furthermore, the pad 1 does not have to have compression sections 40.

[0138] ===Leak suppression for Pad 1=== As described above, in the pad 1, at least at a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction, a joining portion 50 where the first absorbent body 10 and the second absorbent body 20 are joined is provided in the center of the width direction, and a pair of separation portions 60 where the first absorbent body 10 and the second absorbent body 20 are separated are provided at both ends in the width direction.

[0139] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 8, a pair of spaced portions 60 (both widthwise ends) of the first absorbent body 10 can stand up on the skin side relative to the second absorbent body 20. Specifically, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 7, the portion of the first absorbent body 10 that is on the outer side in the width direction of the adhesive A12 that joins the first side sheet 16 and the second side sheet 25 can stand up on the skin side.

[0140] In the pad 1 of this embodiment, a pair of rubber threads 18 that expand and contract in the longitudinal direction are arranged at both widthwise ends (a pair of spaced portions 60) of the first absorbent body 10. Contraction of the rubber threads 18 improves the uprightness of the spaced portions 60 of the first absorbent body 10. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the cross section of the pad 1 has a saucer shape.

[0141] Furthermore, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, the compression sections 40 are arranged widthwise inward of the pair of separation sections 60. In the compression sections 40, the first absorbent body 10 is compressed in the thickness direction from the topsheet 14. As the topsheet 14 is depressed in the thickness direction in the compression sections 40, the widthwise ends of the topsheet 14 are pulled inward in the width direction. As a result, the standing ability of the separation sections 60 of the first absorbent body 10 is improved, and the cross-sectional shape of the pad 1 becomes saucer-shaped.

[0142] When the cross section of the pad 1 is saucer-shaped, even when a relatively large amount of excrement is excreted into the first absorbent body 10, the upstanding separation portions 60 of the first absorbent body 10 can block the excrement, thereby preventing lateral leakage of the excrement. Furthermore, the slopes of the upstanding separation portions 60 can collect the excrement in the widthwise center of the first absorbent body 10. In other words, the excrement is collected in the widthwise center of the pad 1 where the first absorbent core 11 and the second absorbent core 21 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "absorbent cores 11, 21") are arranged, making it easier for the excrement to be absorbed and retained inside the pad 1. This makes it possible to prevent excrement from leaking from the pad 1.

[0143] 4, the joining portion 50 of this embodiment has a narrow portion 501 in the longitudinal center and wide portions 502 at both longitudinal ends. Therefore, the width of the separation portion 60 is wide at the longitudinal center of the pad 1, where the wearer's crotch region comes into contact and excreted liquid is excreted, and the separation portion 60 of the first absorbent body 10 can stand up high. This makes it possible to suppress leakage of excreted liquid.

[0144] 4, the wide portion 502 of the joint 50 is preferably positioned outward of the stretchable portions 18a and 18b of the rubber thread 18 in the longitudinal direction. In other words, it is preferable that the stretchable portions of the rubber thread 18 do not extend in the longitudinal direction to the portions where the first absorbent body 10 and the second absorbent body 20 are joined together in a wide manner at both longitudinal ends of the pad 1. This prevents the joint 50 (wide portion 502) from interfering with the standing of the separation portion 60 in the longitudinal center of the pad 1. Therefore, the separation portion 60 of the first absorbent body 10 can stand up in the portion of the pad 1 where excreted liquid is excreted, thereby suppressing leakage of excreted liquid.

[0145] The rubber thread 18 may be arranged over the entire longitudinal length of the separation section 60, which is provided long in the longitudinal direction, or, as in this embodiment, the rubber thread 18 may be arranged over only a portion of the longitudinal length of the separation section 60.

[0146] 7, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, the first side sheet 16, which is a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, is disposed on most of the skin-side surface of the separation portion 60. In this manner, it is preferable that the skin-side surface of the separation portion 60 has a hydrophobic portion 80.

[0147] By doing so, in the separation portion 60 of the upright first absorbent body 10, excreted liquid is less likely to be drawn into the inside of the first absorbent body 10, and the excreted liquid is more likely to migrate to the center portion in the width direction of the first absorbent body 10. This makes it possible to suppress side leakage of excreted liquid. In addition, since excreted liquid collects in the center portion in the width direction of the pad 1 where the absorbent cores 11, 21 are arranged, the excreted liquid is more likely to be absorbed and retained inside the pad 1. This makes it possible to suppress overflow and leakage of excreted liquid from the pad 1.

[0148] The hydrophobic portion 80 is a portion that has the property that when a liquid is dropped onto its surface, the liquid does not spread easily. Specifically, it is a portion that has the property that the dropped liquid has a contact angle of greater than 90°. The hydrophobic fibers contained in the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric (first side sheet 16) can be any hydrophobic fiber used in the art, and for example, olefin fibers such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. can be used alone or in combination.

[0149] 7, in the pad 1 of this embodiment, the outer widthwise ends of the first side sheets 16 extend outward in the widthwise direction beyond the widthwise edges of the first core portions 11-13, and the two-layer first side sheets 16 are joined together with adhesives A6 and A7. In this way, it is preferable that the first absorbent core 11 is not disposed at the widthwise end of the separation portion 60, which is the widthwise end of the first absorbent body 10, and that the first side sheets 16, which are hydrophobic nonwoven fabrics, are joined together.

[0150] This improves the standing ability of the separated portion 60 and reduces leakage of excrement compared to when the first absorbent core 11 is disposed up to the widthwise end of the separated portion 60. Furthermore, the widthwise end of the separated portion 60 is less likely to swell after excretion and is more likely to maintain its shape, so the standing separated portion 60 can reduce leakage of excrement. Furthermore, since the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric (first side sheet 16) is two-layered, the hydrophobicity of the separated portion 60 is improved, and excrement flows more easily to the center of the pad 1 in the widthwise direction.

[0151] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, when the pad 1 is viewed in a plane in the thickness direction, it is preferable that the second absorbent core 21 is not positioned in the portion (201) of the second absorbent body 20 that overlaps with the widthwise end of the wide portion 502 of the joint 50.

[0152] This reduces the rigidity of the widthwise end portion (201) of the second absorbent body 20 that is joined to the first absorbent body 10 over a wide area. The portion (201) of the second absorbent body 20 with low rigidity can bend due to contraction in the longitudinal direction of the rubber thread 18. This prevents the second absorbent body 20 from hindering the standing of the separation portion 60 of the first absorbent body 10, thereby preventing leakage of excreted fluid.

[0153] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, when the pad 1 has folded portions F1 and F2 along the width direction at the time of packaging, it is preferable that the stretchable portions (18a to 18b) of the rubber thread 18 overlap (intersect) with the folded portions F1 and F2 when the pad 1 is viewed in a plane in the thickness direction.

[0154] From a hygienic perspective, absorbent articles such as the pad 1 are folded with the skin-side surface of the pad 1 facing inward. Therefore, when the pad 1 is in its natural state after being removed from the individual package 70, the folds of the folds F1 and F2 tend to cause both longitudinal ends of the pad 1 to rise toward the skin relative to the longitudinal center. Therefore, since the rubber thread 18 extends to both longitudinal ends of the pad 1 that rise due to the folds of the folds F1 and F2, the rubber thread 18 tends to contract in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the standing ability of the separation portion 60 of the first absorbent body 10 is improved, and leakage of excrement can be suppressed.

[0155] Furthermore, when at least a portion of the pad 1 in the thickness direction has a groove portion recessed in the thickness direction, the groove portion may have a length in the longitudinal direction and be provided inside the separation portion 60 in the width direction. The pad 1 (FIG. 1) of this embodiment is provided with a pair of compression portions 40 (first compression portions 41) extending in the longitudinal direction as the groove portion.

[0156] By providing the pad 1 with grooves, excreted liquid excreted in the widthwise central portion of the pad 1 or excreted liquid that has flowed to the widthwise central portion of the pad 1 due to the slope of the upstanding separating portion 60 can be dispersed in the longitudinal direction of the pad 1 along the grooves. Specifically, in the case of grooves recessed from the skin-side surface of the pad 1, excreted liquid on the skin-side surface of the pad 1 can be dispersed in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, in the case of grooves provided inside the pad 1, excreted liquid absorbed within the pad 1 can be dispersed in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, even when a relatively large amount of excreted liquid is excreted, it is possible to prevent the excreted liquid from overflowing and leaking from the pad 1.

[0157] Furthermore, the grooves (first compressed portions 41) extending in the longitudinal direction are areas where the pad 1 is recessed in the thickness direction from the skin-side surface of the pad 1, and it is preferable that the skin-side surface of the grooves is non-hydrophobic. As shown in FIG. 3, the first compressed portions 41 in this embodiment are areas compressed from the topsheet 14, which is a liquid-permeable sheet (non-hydrophobic sheet), towards the non-skin side. In this case, excreted fluid that flows into the grooves (first compressed portions 41) is absorbed into the pad 1 while being diffused in the longitudinal direction. This prevents excreted fluid from overflowing and leaking from the pad 1.

[0158] Non-hydrophobicity refers to the property that a liquid spreads easily when dropped on a surface, specifically, the property that the dropped liquid has a contact angle of 90° or less.

[0159] Furthermore, like the first compressed sections 41 of this embodiment, groove sections extending in the longitudinal direction are preferably compressed sections that are provided in the thickness direction from the first absorbent body 10 to the second absorbent body 20. The compressed sections 40 have a high fiber density, so excreted liquid is easily drawn in. Therefore, the compressed sections 40 that extend from the first absorbent body 10 to the second absorbent body 20 make it easier for excreted liquid to transfer from the first absorbent body 10 to the second absorbent body 20. This prevents the first absorbent body 10 from being able to absorb all the excreted liquid, and prevents the excreted liquid from overflowing and leaking from the pad 1.

[0160] However, the grooves extending in the longitudinal direction are not limited to those recessed from the skin-facing side of the pad 1 or to the compressed portions 40. For example, the grooves (compressed portions 40) may be provided only in the first absorbent body 10, or only in the second absorbent body 20. The grooves may also be portions of the absorbent cores 11, 21 where the basis weight is lower than the surrounding areas, or portions (slits) where part of the absorbent cores 11, 21 is removed. The pad 1 does not necessarily have to have grooves.

[0161] In this embodiment, longitudinally extending grooves (first compressed sections 41) are provided in the first absorbent core 11, and the first absorbent core 11 contains a superabsorbent polymer (SAP). In this case, it is preferable that the SAP in the grooves (first compressed sections 41) has a lower basis weight than that in the areas adjacent to the grooves in the first absorbent core 11. It is more preferable that no SAP is disposed in the grooves.

[0162] 9 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the first absorbent core 11 and the first compressed sections 41. As shown in the figure, in the first core sections 11 to 13 of this embodiment, SAP is not arranged in the area where the first compressed sections 41 are provided. This makes it easier for excrement to transfer from the first absorbent body 10 to the second absorbent body, and the excrement is more easily absorbed into the pad 1. This prevents the first absorbent body 10 from being unable to absorb all the excrement, causing the excrement to overflow and leak from the pad 1.

[0163] The basis weight of the SAP in the grooved portion and the adjacent portion can be compared by known methods. For example, this can be done visually or based on images taken with an electron microscope. Alternatively, samples can be cut out from the grooved portion and the adjacent portion, and the amount of SAP per specified area can be obtained to calculate the basis weight. If the first absorbent core 11 is composed only of SAP, the mass of the sample is the mass of the SAP. If the first absorbent core 11 contains pulp fibers and SAP, the mass of SAP in the sample (first absorbent core 11) can be obtained by the method described above.

[0164] Furthermore, it is preferable that the second absorbent body 20 has a larger maximum absorption capacity of excrement than the first absorbent body 10. By doing so, the excrement that has migrated from the first absorbent body 10 to the second absorbent body 20 can be absorbed and retained by the second absorbent body 20, thereby suppressing the excrement from returning (rewetting) to the first absorbent body 10. This prevents the excrement from overflowing and leaking from the pad 1 due to the first absorbent body 10 not being able to absorb all of the excrement. This also improves the comfort of wearing the pad 1. However, without being limited to the above, the first absorbent body 10 may have a larger maximum absorption capacity of excrement than the second absorbent body 20.

[0165] The maximum excrement absorption capacity of the first absorbent body 10 and the second absorbent body 20 can be measured, for example, according to the JIS K7223 (1996) water absorption test method for superabsorbent polymers. Briefly, a sample (e.g., 0.20 g or 1.00 g) is cut out from the first and second absorbent cores 11 and 21 of the first and second absorbent bodies 10 and 20 to be measured. The mass of the sample is defined as a (g). The sample is then placed in a tea bag made from a 250-mesh nylon net. The tea bag is then immersed in the test liquid (deionized water or 0.9% by mass saline) for one hour. The tea bag is then hung (for example, for 10 minutes) to drain, and the weight of the tea bag after draining is recorded as b (g). Similarly, an empty tea bag is immersed in the test liquid and its weight c (g) is measured after draining. The above procedure can be performed multiple times (for example, five times) to obtain average values a to c (g) of the measured values. The absorption capacity W (g / g) per 1 g of sample is calculated using the formula "W = (bca) / a". The absorption capacity W (g / g) of each sample is multiplied by the mass (g) of the first absorbent core 11 and the mass (g) of the second absorbent core 21. These calculated values can be used as the maximum absorption capacity (saturated absorption capacity) of the first absorbent body 10 and the second absorbent body 20, and compared. Note that if the basis weight or the like differs depending on the planar position of the absorbent core, it is advisable to sample the entire absorbent core, for example.

[0166] Furthermore, the second absorbent core 21 of this embodiment contains pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymer (SAP). Therefore, the pulp fibers, which easily absorb excreted liquid, allow the excreted liquid to quickly transfer from the first absorbent body 10 to the second absorbent body 20. This prevents the excreted liquid from overflowing and leaking from the pad 1. In addition, the SAP can absorb and retain the excreted liquid that has transferred to the second absorbent body 20, preventing the excreted liquid from returning to the first absorbent body 10.

[0167] However, without being limited to the above, the second absorbent core 21 may contain pulp fibers and not superabsorbent polymer (SAP). In this case, excrement can be quickly transferred from the first absorbent body 10 to the second absorbent body 20, and overflow and leakage of excrement from the pad 1 can be suppressed. Furthermore, because the SAP does not inhibit the diffusion of excrement, the excrement is diffused widely in the planar direction of the second absorbent core 21. Therefore, the absorption performance of the second absorbent core 21 is effectively utilized.

[0168] Whether the second absorbent core 21 contains pulp fibers or contains or does not contain SAP can be confirmed by well-known methods, such as by visually checking the surface or cross section of the second absorbent core 21 or by checking based on images projected by an optical microscope.

[0169] 2, the slip prevention portion 30 of the pad 1 of this embodiment has a narrow portion 301 in the longitudinal center of the pad 1 and a pair of wide portions 302 at both longitudinal ends of the pad 1. Therefore, at both longitudinal ends of the pad 1, the second absorbent body 20 is more likely to maintain a state in which it is widened in the width direction due to the restoring force of the underwear, and is less likely to crease. As a result, leakage of excreted fluid can be suppressed. Meanwhile, at the longitudinal center of the pad 1, the wearer can easily close their legs, but it is more difficult for the widened state to be maintained there than at both longitudinal ends of the pad 1.

[0170] Therefore, it is preferable that the stretchable portion of the rubber thread 18 extends further outward in the longitudinal direction than the narrow portion 301 of the slip prevention portion 30. Specifically, it is preferable that the end 18a on one longitudinal side of the stretchable portion of the rubber thread 18 is located further outward in the longitudinal direction than the end 302a on the longitudinal center side of the wide portion 302 on one longitudinal side. It is also preferable that the end 18b on the other longitudinal side of the stretchable portion of the rubber thread 18 is located further outward in the longitudinal direction than the end 302b on the longitudinal center side of the wide portion on the other longitudinal side.

[0171] By doing so, the width of the slip prevention portion 30 is narrow in the longitudinal center of the pad 1, but the stretchable portion of the rubber thread 18 is present over the entire longitudinal area, and the separation portion 60 of the first absorbent body 10 stands up. Therefore, in the longitudinal center of the pad 1, the standing separation portion 60 of the first absorbent body 10 can suppress leakage of excrement. However, this is not limited to the above, and the rubber thread 18 does not have to be arranged to extend to the wide portion 302.

[0172] === Second Embodiment === 10A and 10B are schematic cross-sectional views of the longitudinal center portion of a pad 70 of the second embodiment. The pad 70 of the second embodiment has an absorbent body 80, but it may have a plurality of absorbent cores (absorbent bodies) stacked in the thickness direction as in the pad 1 of the first embodiment, or it may have a single layer of absorbent core (absorbent body).

[0173] The pad 70 shown in FIG. 10A has a single-layer absorbent body 80. The single-layer absorbent body 80 makes the pad 70 less stiff and more comfortable to wear. The absorbent body 80 includes an absorbent core 81, a skin-side core wrap 82, a non-skin-side core wrap 83, a topsheet 84 positioned closer to the skin than the skin-side core wrap 82 (absorbent core 81), an intermediate sheet 85 positioned between the topsheet 84 and the skin-side core wrap 82, a pair of side sheets 86 positioned at both widthwise ends of the absorbent body 80, and a pair of longitudinally stretchable rubber threads 87 (elastic members) fixed to the side sheets 86 at both widthwise ends of the absorbent body 80. The pad 70 also includes a liquid-impermeable backsheet 71 positioned closer to the skin than the absorbent body 80, and a pair of second side sheets 72 positioned at both widthwise ends of the skin-side of the backsheet 71. These components are bonded together with adhesives A1 to A7, A11, and A12, such as hot melt adhesives.

[0174] Furthermore, the absorbent core 81 contains a superabsorbent polymer (SAP), and the mass ratio of the superabsorbent polymer in the absorbent core 81 is higher than the mass ratio of the pulp fiber. In other words, the value obtained by dividing the mass of the superabsorbent polymer contained in the absorbent core 81 by the mass of the absorbent core 81 is greater than the value obtained by dividing the mass of the pulp fiber contained in the absorbent core 81 by the mass of the absorbent core 81. As a result, the thickness of the absorbent core 81 is reduced, and the absorbent body 80 is less likely to twist. The fact that there is little or no pulp fiber means that the pulp fiber that was formed does not collapse due to the wearer's movement or absorption of excrement, and the absorbent body 80 is less likely to twist. On the other hand, by increasing the mass ratio of the superabsorbent polymer, the absorption rate of excrement increases and excrement leakage is less likely. Furthermore, even if the mass ratio of the pulp fiber is reduced, the absorption performance of the absorbent core 81 is maintained.

[0175] The mass ratio of pulp fiber to superabsorbent polymer is measured by a known method. When the absorbent core 81 contains both superabsorbent polymer and pulp fiber, examples of the method for obtaining the basis weight of the pulp fiber described in the first embodiment include the method of measuring the mass of SAP contained in the sample (the method described in JP 2018-47189 A) and the method described in JP 2018-542962 A.

[0176] The side sheets 86 are folded inward in the width direction from the non-skin side of the absorbent core 81, covering both widthwise edges of the absorbent core 81 and positioned on both widthwise ends of the skin-side surface of the topsheet 84. The side sheets 86 in FIG. 10A are folded inward in the width direction from between the skin-side core wrap 82 folded back toward the non-skin side and the second side sheet 72, so as to be positioned on the skin-side surface of the topsheet 84. As a result, both widthwise edges of the absorbent core 81 are covered by the seamless side sheets 86. This makes it difficult for excreted liquid to seep out of the side sheets 86. To further suppress the seepage of excreted liquid, the side sheets 86 are preferably hydrophobic sheets. The side sheets 86 positioned on both widthwise ends of the absorbent body 80 may be two sheets as shown in FIG. 10A or a single sheet as shown in FIG. 10B.

[0177] Additionally, rubber threads 87 that stretch in the longitudinal direction are fixed to the side sheets 86. As a result, both widthwise ends of the absorbent core 81 wrapped in the side sheets 86 are caused to stand up toward the skin by the rubber threads 87, and the cross section of the absorber 80 has a saucer shape. This prevents side leakage of excrement. In the case of FIG. 10A , an end 88 of the absorber 80 that is on the widthwise outer side of the adhesive A12 that joins the side sheets 86 and the second side sheet 72 stands up toward the skin. However, this is not limiting. For example, the side sheets 86 may be bonded to the second side sheet 72 up to their widthwise ends, and the second side sheet 72 and the back sheet 71 may also stand up toward the skin together with the side sheets 86.

[0178] The side sheet 86 is a sheet having at least one of fused fibers, entangled fibers, and fibers bonded by a bonding material. A sheet having fused fibers is a sheet in which fibers are bonded together by melting a portion of a fiber web with heat, and examples thereof include air-through nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, and point-bond nonwoven fabric. A sheet having entangled fibers is a sheet in which fibers are entangled together by a high-pressure water flow, and examples thereof include spunlace nonwoven fabric. A sheet having fibers bonded together by a bonding material is a sheet in which fibers are bonded together with a bonding material (adhesive) by wetting a fiber web in an adhesive solution, and examples thereof include air-laid nonwoven fabric.

[0179] With the side sheets 86 described above, the constituent fibers are less likely to come undone, and the fusion points and bonding materials increase rigidity. Therefore, even if the absorbent body 80 is subjected to force due to the wearer's movements or the absorbent core 81 absorbs excrement, the side sheets 86 make it easier for the absorbent body 80 to maintain its shape and make it less likely to twist. Therefore, the end portions 88 of the absorbent body 80 in the width direction are also more likely to remain standing.

[0180] Similarly to the pad 1 of the first embodiment, the side sheets 86 are preferably made of nonwoven fabric and extend outward in the width direction beyond both widthwise edges of the absorbent core 81. In other words, it is preferable that nonwoven fabric (side sheets 86) is disposed at both widthwise ends of the absorbent body 80, and that the absorbent core 81 is not disposed thereat. This prevents both widthwise ends of the absorbent body 80 from swelling due to the absorbent core 81 after excretion. Therefore, even after excretion, the absorbent body 80 is less likely to lose its shape or become warped, and the widthwise ends 88 of the absorbent body 80 are more likely to remain upright. Furthermore, since a thick absorbent core 81 is not disposed at the widthwise ends of the absorbent body 80, the wearer is less likely to feel a foreign body sensation when closing their legs.

[0181] Furthermore, in the portions of the side sheets 86 that extend outward in the width direction beyond the absorbent core 81, i.e., in the portions of the absorbent core 81 not disposed at both widthwise ends of the absorber 80, the folded two-layer nonwoven fabric (the side sheets 86) are preferably bonded together with adhesives A6 and A7. This increases the rigidity of both widthwise ends of the absorber 80, making the absorber 80 less likely to lose its shape or twist, and making it easier to maintain the upright state of the widthwise end 88 of the absorber 80. The folded two-layer side sheets 86 may be bonded via a top sheet 84 or an intermediate sheet 85 (another nonwoven fabric).

[0182] Furthermore, it is preferable that rubber threads 87 are arranged at both ends of the absorbent body 80 in the width direction, at the portions where the side sheets 86 are joined together. By doing so, the rigidity of both ends of the absorbent body 80 in the width direction is further increased, making the absorbent body 80 less likely to lose its shape or twist, and making it easier to maintain the standing of the end portions 88 of the absorbent body 80 in the width direction.

[0183] 10B, the pad 70 may have a second absorbent core 89 disposed closer to the skin than the absorbent core 81 in the thickness direction. This improves the absorption performance of the pad 70. Furthermore, excreted liquid that has migrated to the second absorbent core 89 is less likely to return to the skin-side surface of the pad 70, improving the comfort of the pad 70.

[0184] When multiple absorbent cores are stacked in the thickness direction, as in the pad 1 of the first embodiment, the side sheets 16 may be folded over to cover both widthwise edges of the skin-side (or non-skin-side) absorbent core 11, and the side sheets may not cover both widthwise edges of the non-skin-side (or skin-side) absorbent core 21. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10B , the side sheets 86 may be folded over to cover both widthwise edges of the absorbent cores 81, 89 stacked in the thickness direction. Alternatively, although not shown, the side sheets may be configured to individually cover both widthwise edges of the skin-side absorbent core and the non-skin-side absorbent core. The same applies when three or more layers of absorbent cores are stacked, as long as the side sheets are folded over to cover both widthwise edges of at least one absorbent core.

[0185] ===Third Embodiment=== Fig. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a longitudinal end of a pad 90 of the third embodiment. Fig. 12 is a schematic plan view of the pad 90 showing the arrangement of the slippage prevention portion 30 and the fixing portion 91. Like the pad 70 of the second embodiment, the pad 90 of the third embodiment also has an absorbent body 80, and may have a plurality of absorbent cores (absorbent bodies) stacked in the thickness direction, or may have a single layer of absorbent core (absorbent body).

[0186] The pad 90 shown in Fig. 11 has the same configuration as the pad 70 of the second embodiment shown in Fig. 10A (Fig. 11 and Fig. 10A are cross-sectional views taken at different longitudinal positions). That is, the absorber 80 of the pad 90 includes side sheets 86 arranged at both widthwise ends of the absorber 80, and a pair of rubber threads 87 (elastic members) that are fixed to the side sheets 86 at both widthwise ends of the absorber 80 and stretch in the longitudinal direction. As a result, both widthwise ends of the absorber 80 stand up toward the skin due to the rubber threads 87, and the cross-sectional shape of the absorber 80 is saucer-shaped. This makes it possible to prevent side leakage of excrement.

[0187] Specifically, both longitudinal ends of the side sheet 86 are fixed to a location on the pad 90 by a pair of fixing portions 91. In FIG. 11, the portion of the side sheet 86 that is folded back toward the away from the skin side of the absorbent core 81 is fixed to the second side sheet 72 by the fixing portions 91 (adhesive A12). As shown in FIG. 12, the fixing portions 91 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, and the portion of the side sheet 86 between the pair of fixing portions 91 in the longitudinal direction can rise toward the skin side due to contraction of the rubber thread 87. For example, both widthwise end portions 88 of the absorber 80 described in FIG. 10A (areas wrapped by the side sheet 86) rise. Furthermore, both widthwise end portions 88 of the absorber 80 rise from the inner ends 91a of the fixing portions 91 in the longitudinal direction as starting points.

[0188] However, in the pad 90 of the third embodiment, the side sheets 86 do not have to be folded inward in the width direction so as to wrap around both widthwise edge portions of the absorbent core 81. Even in this case, both longitudinal end portions of the side sheets 86 are fixed to some portion of the pad 90 (for example, the topsheet 84) by a pair of fixing portions 91. Also, the configuration may be such that pocket-shaped three-dimensional gathers are formed by the portions of the side sheets 86 that stand up toward the skin, opening the inner portions of the side sheets 86 in the width direction.

[0189] Furthermore, like the pad 1 of the first embodiment, the pad 90 of the third embodiment is provided with anti-slip portions 30 (adhesive portions) on the non-skin side. When the pad 90 is viewed in plan in the thickness direction, as shown in Fig. 12, the fixing portions 91 have portions that overlap with the anti-slip portions 30 (side adhesive portions 32). This allows both widthwise end portions 88 of the absorber 80 to stand up toward the skin side from the portions fixed to the underwear by the anti-slip portions 30 as starting points. This stabilises the standing of both widthwise end portions 88 of the absorber 80, enabling more reliable retention of excretory fluid.

[0190] Furthermore, providing the anti-slip portion 30 at a position overlapping the fixing portion 91 in the thickness direction means that the anti-slip portion 30 is provided on the non-skin side of the pad 90, even in the outermost portion in the width direction. Therefore, even if the pad 90 is compressed inward in the width direction together with the underwear by the wearer's legs, the underwear will return to its original shape after the compression force is released, and the pad 90 will also return to its original shape. Therefore, the pad 90 is likely to maintain its expanded state in the width direction and is less likely to crease. Furthermore, since the size of the absorbent surface of the pad 90 that receives excrement is secured, excrement is less likely to leak.

[0191] The absorbent core 81 also contains a superabsorbent polymer (SAP). This increases the rate at which excreted liquid is absorbed and reduces leakage of excreted liquid. Furthermore, by reducing the mass of pulp fiber contained in the absorbent core 81, the absorbent core 81 is less likely to twist, while ensuring the absorption performance of the absorbent core 81. Preferably, the mass ratio of the superabsorbent polymer in the absorbent core 81 is higher than the mass ratio of the pulp fiber, but the mass ratio of the pulp fiber may be equal to or greater than the mass ratio of the superabsorbent polymer.

[0192] Furthermore, similar to the pad 70 of the second embodiment, the side sheets 86 are sheets having at least one of fused fibers, entangled fibers, and fibers bonded with a bonding material. This makes it difficult for the constituent fibers to unravel, and the fused points and bonding material increase rigidity. Therefore, even when force is applied to the absorbent body 80 due to the wearer's movements or when the absorbent core 81 absorbs excrement, the side sheets 86 help the absorbent body 80 maintain its shape and make it less likely to twist. This also helps keep the widthwise end portions 88 of the absorbent body 80 upright.

[0193] Furthermore, similar to the pad 70 of the second embodiment, the side sheets 86 are made of nonwoven fabric, and it is preferable that the nonwoven fabric (side sheets 86) is arranged at both widthwise ends of the absorbent body 80, and that the absorbent core 81 is not arranged. This can prevent both widthwise ends of the absorbent body 80 from swelling due to the absorbent core 81 after excretion. Therefore, even after excretion, the absorbent body 80 is less likely to lose its shape or become twisted, and the widthwise ends 88 of the absorbent body 80 tend to maintain their standing state.

[0194] Furthermore, in the portions of both widthwise ends of the absorbent body 80 where the absorbent core 81 is not disposed, the folded two-layer nonwoven fabric (the side sheets 86) is preferably bonded together with adhesives A6 and A7. Also, it is preferable that rubber thread 87 is disposed in the portions of both widthwise ends of the absorbent body 80 where the side sheets 86 are bonded together. This increases the rigidity of both widthwise ends of the absorbent body 80, making the absorbent body 80 less likely to lose its shape or twist, and making it easier to maintain the standing of the widthwise end portions 88 of the absorbent body 80.

[0195] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, 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]

[0196] 1. (Light incontinence) pads (absorbent articles), 10 first absorbent body, 11 first absorbent core, 12 first skin-side core wrap, 13 first non-skin side core wrap, 14 surface sheet, 15 intermediate sheet, 16 First side sheet (nonwoven fabric, hydrophobic nonwoven fabric), 17 Fragrance, 18 Rubber thread (elastic material), 20 second absorbent body, 21 second absorbent core, 22 first skin-side core wrap, 23 second non-skin side core wrap, 24 back sheet, 25 2nd side seat, 30 anti-slip portion (adhesive portion), 301 wide portion, 302 narrow portion, 31 central adhesive part, 32 side adhesive part, 40 compression section, 41 first compression section (groove section), 42 second compression section, 50 joints, 501 wide part (second wide part), 502 narrow part (second narrow part), 60 Separation part, 70 Pad (absorbent article), 71 Back sheet, 72 Second side sheet, 80 absorbent body, 81 absorbent core, 82 skin side core wrap, 83 non-skin side core wrap, 84 surface sheet, 85 middle sheet, 86 side sheet (nonwoven fabric), 87 thread rubber (elastic member), 88 end portion, 89 second absorbent core, 90 Pad (absorbent article), 91 Fixing part, F1, F2 folding section

Claims

1. having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction, An absorbent article having an absorbent body with an absorbent core, the absorbent core comprises a superabsorbent polymer; An adhesive portion is provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent article, The absorbent body is Side sheets arranged at both ends of the absorbent body in the width direction; a pair of elastic members fixed to the side sheets at both ends in the width direction of the absorbent body, the elastic members stretching in the longitudinal direction; the side sheet has at least one of fused fibers, entangled fibers, and fibers bonded by a bonding material; Both end portions of the side sheet in the longitudinal direction are fixed to any part of the absorbent article by a pair of fixing portions, a portion of the side sheet between the pair of fixing portions in the longitudinal direction can stand up toward the skin side by contraction of the elastic member, An absorbent article, characterized in that, when the absorbent article is viewed in plan in the thickness direction, the fixing portion has a portion that overlaps with the adhesive portion.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, An absorbent article, characterized in that the absorbent core is not disposed at both ends of the absorbent body in the width direction.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 2, An absorbent article, characterized in that the side sheets are joined together in portions where the absorbent core is not disposed at both ends of the absorbent body in the width direction.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 3, An absorbent article, characterized in that the elastic members are disposed at both end portions of the absorbent body in the width direction, at portions where the side sheets are joined to each other.

5. An absorbent article according to claim 1, The absorbent core is not disposed at both end portions in the width direction of the absorbent body, When the portions of the side sheets that are closer to the skin than the portions that cover both end edges of the absorbent core in the width direction are defined as non-skin-side portions, and the portions that are closer to the skin than the portions that cover both end edges of the absorbent core in the width direction are defined as skin-side portions, At the center in the longitudinal direction, An absorbent article characterized in that an adhesive is provided in the portions of the absorbent body at both ends in the width direction where the absorbent core is not positioned, joining the non-skin side portion and the skin side portion.

6. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, An absorbent article characterized by having a second absorbent core arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent core in the thickness direction.

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