Absorbent article

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article capable of suppressing external leakage by enhancing drawing properties of a body fluid while diffusing the body fluid over a wide area and utilizing the absorption capacity.SOLUTION: An absorbent article (1) includes: a crotch region (S3); a front region (S1); a back region (S2); an absorbent body (30) disposed at least in the crotch region; a top sheet (10) disposed closer to a skin side than the absorbent body and in contact with the skin of a wearer; a top compressed region (R40) provided with a top compressed part (40) in which at least the top sheet is compressed in the thickness direction; and a top non-compressed region (R45) disposed more on the inner side in the width direction than the top compressed region and more on the inner side in the front-back direction than the top compressed region, which is not provided with the top compressed part. The top compressed region is disposed in a region overlapping the absorbent body. The top non-compressed region is provided in a central region (RC) located at the center in the front-back direction and the center in the width direction of the crotch region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article in which at least a top sheet is provided with a top compressed portion compressed in the thickness direction. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article in which recesses are provided as top compression portions in which at least the top sheet is compressed in the thickness direction. The recesses in Patent Document 1 are arranged in a lattice pattern and are distributed throughout the entire absorbent article. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-90661 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The recesses in Patent Document 1 are arranged throughout the entire absorbent article, diffusing bodily fluids in the planar direction in a uniform manner throughout the entire absorbent article. However, absorbent articles have areas through which bodily fluids are easily guided and areas through which they are difficult to guide. More specifically, the center of the crotch region in the front-to-back direction is likely to be located near the excretory opening, making it easy for bodily fluids to be guided. On the other hand, the ends of the absorbent article in the front-to-back direction are located away from the excretory opening, making it difficult for bodily fluids to be guided. When recesses are provided in areas through which bodily fluids are relatively easily guided, they can be diffused through the recesses to areas through which they are relatively difficult to guide. As a result, bodily fluids are absorbed throughout the entire absorbent article, making full use of the absorbent capacity. However, when a large amount of bodily fluid is guided, while the recesses can diffuse the bodily fluid in the planar direction, the bodily fluid may not be sufficiently absorbed and diffused, causing the bodily fluid to run along the surface of the absorbent article and potentially leak.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide an absorbent article that can prevent leakage by spreading body fluids over a wide area, utilizing absorption capacity while improving the ability to draw in body fluids. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An absorbent article according to one embodiment has a width direction, a front-to-back direction, and a thickness direction that are orthogonal to one another, a crotch region, a front region located forward of the crotch region, and a rear region located rearward of the crotch region, an absorbent disposed at least in the crotch region, a top sheet located closer to the skin than the absorbent and in contact with the wearer's skin, a top compressed region in which at least the top sheet is provided with a top compressed portion compressed in the thickness direction, and a top non-compressed region located inward of the top compressed region in the width direction and inward of the top compressed region in the front-to-back direction and not provided with the top compressed portion. The top compressed region is disposed in a region overlapping the absorbent. The top non-compressed region is disposed in a central region located at the center of the crotch region in the front-to-back direction and the width direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article according to a first embodiment, as viewed from the skin side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent article according to the first embodiment as seen from the non-skin side. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a polymer-disposed region and a sheet-compressed region in the absorbent article according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a top compressed region and a top non-compressed region in the absorbent article according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a plan view of the absorbent article according to the second embodiment as seen from the skin side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (1) Overview of the embodiment At least the following matters will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. The invention according to a first aspect is an absorbent article. The absorbent article has a width direction, a front-to-back direction, and a thickness direction that are perpendicular to one another; a crotch region; a front region located forward of the crotch region; and a rear region located rearward of the crotch region. The absorbent body is located at least in the crotch region. A top sheet is located closer to the skin than the absorbent body and contacts the wearer's skin. A top compressed region is provided in which at least the top sheet is compressed in the thickness direction and has a top compressed portion. A top non-compressed region is located inward in the width direction from the top compressed region and inward in the front-to-back direction from the top compressed region and does not have the top compressed portion. The top compressed region is located in a region that overlaps with the absorbent body. The top non-compressed region is located in a central region that is located at the center of the crotch region in the front-to-back direction and the center of the width direction. The central region is located at the center of the crotch region in the front-to-back direction and the width direction, and is easy to guide body fluids. A top non-compressed region is provided in the central region. The central region does not have a top compression section, and the top sheet is thicker and has a lower fiber density than the top compression region. In the central region, the thick top sheet draws body fluid toward the non-skin side, allowing the body fluid to be transferred to the absorbent body. The top compression region is located on both sides in the front-to-back direction and widthwise direction of the non-top compression region. That is, the non-top compression region is sandwiched between the top compression regions in the front-to-back direction and widthwise direction. The top compression region has a higher fiber density of the top sheet than the non-top compression region. Body fluid is more likely to be guided from lower density areas to higher density areas. Therefore, body fluid that is not drawn toward the non-skin side in the non-top compression region is guided toward the surrounding top compression region. Body fluid can be diffused in the planar direction, absorbing body fluid over a wide area and effectively utilizing absorption capacity. Furthermore, the top compression region is located in an area overlapping the absorbent body, allowing body fluid that has diffused to the periphery to be guided toward the absorbent body by the top compression region, which has a relatively high fiber density. That is, the absorbent capacity is utilized by spreading the body fluid over a wide area, while the central region and the top compressed portion each enhance the ability to draw in the body fluid, thereby preventing leakage.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Aspect 2 may have the following features in the invention according to Aspect 1. The top sheet and the absorbent body have main body compressed sections compressed in the thickness direction. The main body compressed sections are located on both sides of the central region in the front-to-back direction and on both sides of the width direction. In the region where the main body compressed sections are located, the top sheet has a high fiber density, and the absorbent body and the top sheet are in close contact. The main body compressed sections are located on both sides of the central region in the front-to-back direction and on both sides of the width direction. Therefore, body fluid that cannot be drawn in by the top sheet in the central region can be drawn into the absorbent body by the main body compressed sections located around the central region. The main body compressed sections also make it possible to draw body fluid toward the non-skin side while diffusing it from the central region to the periphery, further suppressing leakage.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Aspect 3 may have the following features in the invention according to Aspect 2. The main body compression section is provided in the top non-compressed region. According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a region where the main body compression section and the top compression section do not overlap. In this region, bodily fluids are less likely to concentrate locally compared to a region where the main body compression section and the top compression section overlap. Therefore, bodily fluids can be diffused and drawn in via the main body compression section and the top compression section respectively arranged around them, further improving the draw-in and diffusion properties of bodily fluids.

[0011] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 4 may be the invention according to either aspect 2 or aspect 3, and may have the following features. The main body compression sections include first main body compression sections that extend in the front-rear direction and are arranged on both sides of a width centerline that passes through the center of the absorbent in the width direction and extends in the front-rear direction, and second main body compression sections that extend in the width direction and are arranged on both sides of the front-rear centerline that passes through the center of the absorbent in the front-rear direction and extends in the width direction. In the front-rear direction, the second main body compression sections are located outboard of the first main body compression sections. According to this aspect, the body fluid is diffused in the front-rear direction by the first main body compression sections, and in the width direction by the second main body compression sections, so that the body fluid can be diffused in the planar direction, absorbing the body fluid over a wide area and effectively utilizing the absorption capacity. Furthermore, the body fluid diffused in the front-rear direction by the first main body compression sections can be further diffused in the width direction by the second main body compression sections that are located outboard in the front-rear direction. This prevents bodily fluids from flowing too far to the front and rear ends of the absorbent article, thereby preventing front and rear leakage.

[0012] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 5 may be the invention according to any one of aspects 2 to 4, and may have the following features: The main body compression portions are arranged only in the top non-compressed region. The main body compression portions include first main body compression portions that extend in the front-to-rear direction and are arranged on both sides of a width centerline that passes through the center of the absorbent in the width direction and extends in the front-to-rear direction, and second main body compression portions that extend in the width direction and are arranged on both sides of the front-to-rear centerline that passes through the center of the absorbent in the front-to-rear direction and extends in the width direction. The shortest distance between the first main body compression portions and the top compression portions on an imaginary line that extends radially from the center of the central region is longer than the shortest distance between the second main body compression portions and the top compression portions on the imaginary line. Body fluids diffuse radially from the center of the central region (the center of the crotch region in the front-to-back and width directions) and are guided toward the top compression region while passing through an area where neither a main compression section nor a top compression section is provided (the area between the main compression section and the top compression region). Because the shortest distance between the first main compression section and the top compression section is relatively long, the distance to reach the top compression region is long, and the body fluids can be guided away from the skin during this long distance. This makes it difficult for body fluids to be guided toward the outer edges of the absorbent body in the width direction, thereby preventing side leakage of body fluids.

[0013] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 6 may be the invention according to any one of aspects 2 to 5, and may have the following features. The main body compression sections include first main body compression sections that extend in the front-to-rear direction and are arranged on both sides of a width centerline that passes through the center of the absorbent in the width direction and extends in the front-to-rear direction, and second main body compression sections that extend in the width direction and are arranged on both sides of the front-to-rear centerline that passes through the center of the absorbent in the front-to-rear direction and extends in the width direction. The first main body compression sections and the second main body compression sections are spaced apart. According to this aspect, because the first main body compression sections and the second main body compression sections are spaced apart, the transmission of bodily fluids can be temporarily interrupted in the spaced-apart region. This improves the absorption ability within the region surrounded by the first main body compression sections and the second main body compression sections, allowing bodily fluid that could not be absorbed within the spaced apart region to be diffused to the surroundings. The top compressed area and the top non-compressed area allow body fluids to be diffused in the planar direction, while the main compressed area reduces the amount of body fluid that diffuses to the surrounding area, thereby preventing leakage.

[0014] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 7 may have the following feature in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 6: The water retention capacity of the absorbent body in the top non-compressed region is higher than the water retention capacity of the absorbent body in the top compressed region. According to this aspect, since the water retention capacity of the absorbent body in the top non-compressed region including the central region is high, it is easier to retain body fluid introduced into the absorbent body in the top non-compressed region, and even if a large amount of body fluid is excreted, the central region can continue to draw in body fluid.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 8 may be the invention according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, and have the following features. The absorbent body has an absorbent sheet in which the skin side and non-skin side of a superabsorbent polymer are covered with sheets. The absorbent sheet is arranged in the top non-compressed region. Because the absorption rate of superabsorbent polymer is slower than that of pulp, body fluid is easily absorbed by the superabsorbent polymer after being absorbed by the pulp in the absorbent core. In the top non-compressed region including the central region, body fluid can be diffused in the planar direction while being drawn in by the surrounding pulp, allowing body fluid to be continuously drawn in by the central region. Furthermore, the top sheet arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent sheet does not have a top compression section and is relatively thick, so it can maintain a distance between the body and the absorbent sheet and promote diffusion in the planar direction.

[0016] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 9 may have the following feature in the invention according to aspect 8: The absorbent sheet is arranged to straddle the top non-compressed region and the top compressed region in at least one of the front-to-rear direction and the width direction. According to this aspect, because the absorbent sheet straddles the top compressed region and the top non-compressed region, a step is unlikely to occur in the absorbent body at the boundary between the top non-compressed region and the top compressed region, and it is possible to prevent the diffusion of bodily fluids from being interrupted between the top non-compressed region and the top compressed region.

[0017] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 10 may have the following characteristics in relation to the invention according to aspect 9. The length in the front-to-rear direction of the region of the absorbent sheet that extends outward in the front-to-rear direction from the top non-compressed region and overlaps with the top compressed region is longer than the length in the width direction of the region of the absorbent sheet that extends outward in the width direction from the top non-compressed region and overlaps with the top compressed region. According to this aspect, the width direction length of the region of the absorbent sheet that extends into the top compressed region is short, making it possible to suppress side leakage due to the diffusion of body fluids by the top compressed portion and the absorbent sheet. Furthermore, the length in the front-to-rear direction of the region of the absorbent sheet that extends into the top compressed region is short, making it possible to guide body fluids over a wide range in the front-to-rear direction by the top compressed portion.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 11 may be the invention according to any one of embodiments 8 to 10, and have the following features: The absorbent sheet has a sheet compression region provided with a sheet compression section that compresses sheets arranged to sandwich the superabsorbent polymer in the thickness direction. The sheet compression region is provided at the end of the absorbent sheet in the front-to-rear direction. In the sheet compression region, the fiber density of the sheets constituting the absorbent sheet is high, and the liquid diffusion rate is reduced. By reducing the diffusion rate of body fluids at the end of the front-to-rear direction of the absorbent sheet, excessive diffusion of body fluids in the front-to-rear direction within the absorbent sheet can be suppressed, thereby suppressing leakage.

[0019] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 12 may be the invention according to any one of aspects 8 to 11, and have the following features: The top sheet and the absorbent body have a main body compressed section compressed in the thickness direction. The main body compressed section compresses the absorbent sheet and the top sheet. According to this aspect, body fluid can be diffused in the planar direction within the top non-compressed region, while the body fluid can be drawn into the absorbent sheet side via the main body compressed section.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 13 may be the invention according to any one of embodiments 8 to 12, and have the following characteristics: The main body compression parts are provided only in the area that overlaps with the absorbent sheet. According to this embodiment, the body fluid is drawn into the absorbent sheet side via the main body compression parts, and the drawn body fluid is retained by the superabsorbent polymer, thereby further suppressing leakage.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Aspect 14 may be the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13, and may have the following features. The top compression sections are arranged in a planar direction with a gap between them. The top compression sections include first top compression sections arranged along a first direction extending in the front-rear direction and the width direction, and second top compression sections arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction. When the top compression sections are arranged linearly, high fiber density sections are arranged continuously. On the other hand, when the top compression sections are arranged at intervals, high fiber density sections and low fiber density sections are arranged alternately, and this density gradient allows body fluid to be diffused in the first and second directions. Furthermore, the first top compression sections arranged along the direction extending in the front-rear direction and the width direction allow body fluid to be diffused in further different directions by the second direction intersecting the first direction. Therefore, body fluid can be diffused over a wide area, and the absorption capacity of the absorbent body can be effectively utilized.

[0022] (2) Overall structure of the absorbent article An absorbent article 1 according to an embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of the absorbent article 1 according to the embodiment, as seen from the skin side T1. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the absorbent article 1 according to the embodiment, as seen from the non-skin side T2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1. In FIGS. 3 and 4, for ease of explanation, the components constituting the absorbent article are partially separated in the thickness direction, but in an actual product, the components are joined together in some areas. In the following descriptions of the drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by identical or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional ratios and the like may differ from those of the actual product. Therefore, specific dimensions and the like should be determined in light of the following explanation. Furthermore, the drawings may include parts in which the dimensional relationships and ratios differ from one another.

[0023] The absorbent article 1 may be an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, an incontinence pad, a fecal pad, or a disposable diaper. The absorbent article 1 may be an article that is used by being attached to a wearing article such as underwear, or an article that is used without being attached to a wearing article (for example, a disposable diaper or a shorts-type napkin). Examples of the absorbent article 1 include an absorbent article intended primarily to absorb urine, an absorbent article intended primarily to absorb menstrual blood such as a napkin, and an absorbent article intended primarily to absorb vaginal discharge such as a panty liner. The absorbent article 1 of this embodiment is a light incontinence pad intended primarily to absorb urine.

[0024] The absorbent article 1 has a front-to-rear direction L and a width direction W that are perpendicular to each other, and a thickness direction T that extends from the wearer's skin side T1 to the non-skin side T2. The skin side T1 corresponds to the side that faces the wearer's skin when in use. The non-skin side T2 corresponds to the side opposite the skin side T1, i.e., the side that faces away from the wearer's skin when in use. The absorbent article 1 has a crotch region S3, a front region S1, and a rear region S2. The crotch region S3 is a region that is positioned opposite the wearer's excretory opening, such as the urination opening. When the absorbent article 1 is worn in underwear, the crotch region S3 is positioned in the crotch area of ​​the underwear and is positioned between the wearer's legs. The crotch region S3 may be, for example, a central region among three equal regions obtained by dividing the absorbent article 1 in the front-to-rear direction L, or may be a region where a constricted portion is provided in an outer edge of the absorbent body or absorbent article. The front region S1 is located in front of the crotch region S3. The rear region S2 is located behind the crotch region S3. The absorbent article has a constricted portion where the outer edge of the absorbent article is constricted inward in the width direction. The constricted portion is located in a region that straddles the center of the absorbent article in the front-to-rear direction. The region where the constricted portion is located is the crotch region S3.

[0025] The absorbent article 1 has five regions obtained by dividing the crotch region S3 into equal parts in the width direction W, including a central width region S11 located at the center in the width direction W, side width regions S12 located at the outer sides of the central width region S11, and a middle width region S13 located between the central width region S11 and the side width regions S12. In an embodiment in which the length of the crotch region S3 in the width direction W varies, the central width region S11, side width regions S12, and middle width region S13 may be defined based on the length of the crotch region S3 in the width direction W at its longest position in the width direction W (in this embodiment, the outer edge of the crotch region S3). The absorbent article 1 also has five regions obtained by dividing the crotch region S3 into equal parts in the front-to-back direction L, including a front-to-rear central region S31 located at the center in the front-to-rear direction L, front-to-rear end regions S32 located at the outer edges of the central width region S31, and a front-to-rear middle region S33 located between the front-to-rear central region S31 and the front-to-rear end regions S32. In the crotch region S3, a central region RC located at the center in the front-to-back direction L and the center in the width direction of the crotch region S3 may be the region of the width central region S11 and the front-to-back central region S31.

[0026] In the present invention, the outer portion refers to a portion occupying a certain range in the width direction W, including the outer edge in the width direction W, and the outer edge refers to the outer edge in the width direction W. The outer edge of a component occupying a certain range in the front-to-rear direction is an edge connecting points located on the outside of the width direction W on the component, over the entire component. In the present invention, the inner portion refers to a portion occupying a certain range in the width direction W, including the inner edge in the width direction W, and the inner edge refers to the inner edge in the width direction W. The inner edge of a component occupying a certain range in the front-to-rear direction is an edge connecting points located on the inside of the width direction W on the component, over the entire component. In the present invention, the front end and rear end refer to portions occupying a certain range in the front-to-rear direction L, including edges in the front-to-rear direction L, and the front edge and rear edge are edges in the front-to-rear direction L. The outer end refers to the front end and rear end, and the outer edge refers to the front edge and rear edge. The inner side refers to a side that includes the inner edge and extends along the front-to-rear direction L. The outer side is a side that includes the outer edge and extends along the front-to-rear direction L. In this specification, the term "along the front-to-rear direction L" means a direction that has an angle of less than 45° with respect to the front-to-rear direction L, and the term "along the width direction W" means a direction that has an angle of less than 45° with respect to the width direction W.

[0027] The absorbent article 1 may have at least an absorbent body 30, a top sheet 10, and a back sheet 20. The top sheet 10 is positioned closer to the skin T1 than the absorbent body 30 and contacts the wearer. The top sheet 10 may have a center sheet 11 overlapping the absorbent body 30 in the widthwise center, and side sheets 12 positioned closer to the skin T1 than the center sheet 11 and overlapping outer portions of the center sheet 11 in the widthwise direction W. The side sheets 12 may be positioned closer to the skin T1 than the center sheet 11. In a modified example, the top sheet 10 may be formed from a single sheet without including the center sheet 11 and the side sheets 12. The center sheet 11 and the side sheets 12 may be formed from nonwoven fabrics, and at least the center sheet 11 may be liquid permeable, and the surface of the side sheets 12 may be hydrophobically treated.

[0028] The side sheets 12 may be folded back so as to cover the sides of the absorbent body from the region covering the outer portions of the center sheet 11 and to cover the non-skin side of the back sheet 20. The folds located on the outer edges of the side sheets 12 are located further outward in the width direction W than the outer edges of the absorbent body 30. The side sheets 12 overlap between the folds of the side sheets 12 and the outer edges of the absorbent body 30. Side elastic members 18 that are stretchable in the front-to-rear direction L are arranged between the overlapping side sheets 12. The side elastic members 18 extend along the front-to-rear direction L and are arranged two on each side with a gap in the width direction W. When the side elastic members 18 contract, the outer portions of the absorbent article 1 stand up on the skin side T1, thereby suppressing side leakage.

[0029] In this embodiment, the center sheet 11 is made of an air-through nonwoven fabric, and the side sheets 12 may be an SMS nonwoven fabric. The outer edges of the side sheets 12 are located at the outer edges of the absorbent article 1, and the inner edges of the side sheets 12 are located outward in the width direction W from the outer edges of the central width region S11, outward in the width direction W from the outer edges of the intermediate width region S13, and outward in the width direction W from the outer edges of the main body compression sections 80, and may overlap the outer parts of the absorbent body 30. The outer edges of the center sheet 11 may be located outward in the width direction W from the outer edges of the central width region S11, outward in the width direction W from the outer edges of the intermediate width region S13, and outward in the width direction W from the outer edges of the main body compression sections 80.

[0030] The center sheet 11 may be provided with convex portions (not shown) protruding toward the skin side and concave portions (not shown) located between the convex portions. The convex portions and concave portions may be formed by regions of different basis weight of the fibers constituting the top sheet 10, or may be formed by compressing the top sheet 10 in the thickness direction T. The convex portions and concave portions may be formed alternately adjacent in the front-to-rear direction L and alternately adjacent in the width direction W. The convex portions and concave portions can improve the diffusion of bodily fluids in the front-to-rear direction L.

[0031] The back sheet 20 is arranged on the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent body 30. The back sheet 20 is arranged over the entire area of ​​the absorbent article 1 and is arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent article 1 in the thickness direction T. The back sheet 20 is liquid-impermeable and may be made of a film. The non-skin side of the back sheet 20 may be provided with fastening parts 60 for fastening the absorbent article 1 to a worn article. The fastening parts 60 may be provided at least in the area overlapping with the absorbent body 30. The fastening parts 60 may be provided with an adhesive or a mechanical hook. The fastening parts 60 in this embodiment extend in the front-to-rear direction L and are arranged at intervals in the width direction W, with three fastening parts arranged on each side of the center of the absorbent article in the width direction W. The outer edge of the fastening part 60 (the outer edge of the fastening part 60 located outermost in the width direction) is located further outward in the width direction W than the outer edge of the widthwise central region S11, and may be located further outward in the width direction W than the outer edge of the main body compression part 80, may be located further inward in the width direction W than the outer edge of the absorbent body 30, and may be located further inward in the width direction than the inner edge of the side sheet 12 and the outer edge of the center sheet 11. The fastening part 60 is removably covered with a release sheet 65 before use.

[0032] The absorbent article 1 may have main body compression sections 80 formed by compressing the top sheet 10 and the absorbent body 30 in the thickness direction. The main body compression sections 80 may be provided from the skin side T1 of the absorbent body 30 to straddle the absorbent body 30. The main body compression sections 80 may include first main body compression sections 81 that are arranged on both sides of a widthwise centerline 30CW that passes through the center of the width direction W of the absorbent body 30 and extends in the front-to-back direction L, and second main body compression sections 82 that are arranged on both sides of a front-to-back centerline 30CL that passes through the center of the front-to-back direction L of the absorbent body 30 and extends in the width direction W, and extend in the width direction W. The main body compression sections 80 may be a collection of dot-like compressed sections arranged at intervals in a plan view, or may be linear. The dot-like compressed sections may be arranged at intervals, and may have a circular or polygonal shape, or may have a pattern such as a heart pattern. The first main body compression portion 81 may extend in the front-to-rear direction across the front-to-rear centerline 30CL. The outer edge of the first main body compression portion 81 may be located in the crotch region S3, more specifically, in the front and rear end regions S32. The first main body compression portion 81 may be located in the intermediate width region S13 in the width direction. The second main body compression portion 82 may straddle the crotch region S3 and the front side region S1 (or the rear side region S2). The second main body compression portion 82 may be located in a region overlapping with a sheet compression region R36 (described later). The second main body compression portion 82 may be located across the intermediate width region S13 and the central width region S11 in the width direction W.

[0033] The absorbent body 30 is disposed between the top sheet 10 and the back sheet 20. The absorbent body 30 is required to be disposed in at least the crotch region S3, and may extend across at least one of the front region S1 and the back region S2. The absorbent body 30 includes an absorbent material for absorbing bodily fluids. Examples of the absorbent material include hydrophilic fibers, cellulosic fibers (e.g., pulp), and superabsorbent polymers (SAP). The absorbent body 30 of this embodiment may include an absorbent sheet 31 in which the skin-side T1 and non-skin-side T2 of a superabsorbent polymer 35 are covered with sheets 36. The absorbent sheet 31 may be a so-called SAP sheet, in which the superabsorbent polymer 35 is sandwiched between a single folded sheet, or, as in this embodiment, in which the superabsorbent polymer 35 is sandwiched between multiple sheets 36. The absorbent sheet 31 may contain only the superabsorbent polymer 35 between the sheets 36, or may contain the superabsorbent polymer 35 and cellulosic fibers together.

[0034] The "absorbent sheet" in the present invention refers to a sheet having only superabsorbent polymer 35 as an absorbent material, with the skin side T1 and non-skin side T2 of the superabsorbent polymer 35 sandwiched between sheets, or a sheet containing superabsorbent polymer and cellulosic fibers as an absorbent material, with (1) the weight ratio of the superabsorbent polymer in the absorbent material being 50% or more, preferably 70% or more, and (2) the basis weight of the cellulosic fibers being 100 g / m 2 (3) A sheet that satisfies all of (1) to (3) above, with a thickness of less than 1 mm (including 0 mm) excluding the sheet itself.

[0035] The absorbent article 1 has a sheet compression region R36 in the absorbent sheet 31, in which a sheet compression section is provided that compresses sheets 36 arranged to sandwich the superabsorbent polymer 35 in the thickness direction T. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the polymer arrangement region R35 in which the superabsorbent polymer 35 of the absorbent sheet 31 is arranged, and the sheet compression region R36 in which the sheet compression section is provided, in the plan view shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 5, the polymer arrangement region R35 and the sheet compression region R36 are hatched differently. The outer edge of the polymer arrangement region R35 may be located inside the outer edge of the absorbent sheet 31. The region between the outer edge of the polymer arrangement region R35 and the outer edge of the absorbent sheet 31 may be free of the superabsorbent polymer 35 and may contain only the sheet 36. The outer edge of the polymer arrangement region R35 may be located inside the second main body compression section 82 in the front-rear direction, or inside the sheet compression region R36 in the front-rear direction L. A plurality of polymer placement regions R35 may be provided at intervals in the width direction W. The polymer placement region R35 of this embodiment includes a first polymer placement region R351 arranged across the width centerline 30CW, and a second polymer placement region R352 arranged at an interval in the width direction W from the first polymer placement region R351 and positioned outward in the width direction from the first polymer placement region R351. The second polymer placement region R352 is arranged on both sides of the first polymer placement region R351. The polymer placement region R35 may be arranged in a region that does not overlap with the main body compression section 80. More specifically, the outer edge of the first polymer placement region R351 may be positioned inward in the width direction from the inner edge of the first main body compression section 81. The inner edge of the second polymer placement region R352 may be positioned outward in the width direction from the outer edge of the first main body compression section 81. The outer edge of the second polymer placement region R352 may reach the outer edge of the absorbent sheet.

[0036] The absorbent body 30 may have an absorbent core 32 containing cellulosic fibers as the main absorbent material. The absorbent core 32 may have a weight ratio of cellulosic fibers of 50% or more of the absorbent material. The absorbent core 32 is a laminate of absorbent materials such as cellulosic fibers, and its skin side T1 and non-skin side T2 may be covered by a core wrap sheet 37. The absorbent body 30 of this embodiment has an absorbent sheet 31 and an absorbent core 32 arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent sheet 31. In a modified example, the absorbent body 30 may have either the absorbent sheet 31 or the absorbent core 32, or the absorbent sheet 31 may be arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 32, or the core wrap sheet 37 may not be included.

[0037] 3 and 4, the front edge 32F of the absorbent core 32 may be located forward of the front edge 31F of the absorbent sheet 31, and the rear edge 32R of the absorbent core 32 may be located rearward of the rear edge 31R of the absorbent sheet 31. The outer edge 32E of the absorbent core 32 may be located outward of the outer edge 31E of the absorbent sheet 31 in the width direction W.

[0038] The absorbent article 1 may have a second sheet 15. The second sheet 15 is disposed on the skin side T1 of the absorber 30 and on the non-skin side T2 of the top sheet 10, and guides bodily fluids to the absorber 30. The outer edge of the second sheet 15 may reach the outer edge of the absorbent article 1. The outer edge of the second sheet 15 may be located more inward in the width direction W than the outer edge of the absorber 30, more inward in the width direction W than the outer edge of the center sheet 11 and the outer edges of the side sheets 12, or more inward in the width direction W than the main body compression section 80. The second sheet 15 may be made of nonwoven fabric, and preferably made of air-through nonwoven fabric. The absorbent article 1 does not necessarily have to have the second sheet 15.

[0039] The absorbent article 1 has a top compressed section 40 where at least the top sheet 10 is compressed in the thickness direction T. The top compressed section 40 may be a section where only the top sheet 10 is compressed in the thickness direction T, or a section where both the top sheet 10 and the second sheet 15 are compressed. The top compressed section 40 may compress members arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent body 30, and does not compress the absorbent body 30. The top compressed section 40 of this embodiment is a section where the top sheet 10 and the second sheet 15 are compressed. The top compressed section 40 is a section where the top sheet 10 formed into a sheet shape is compressed, and does not include fused fiber sections formed during the sheet forming process. The fused fiber sections are formed throughout the entire top sheet 10, but the top compressed section 40 is formed in a partial area of ​​the top sheet 10.

[0040] The absorbent article 1 has a top compression region R40 in which a top compression section 40 is provided. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the absorbent article 1 shown in Fig. 1, showing only the top compression section 40 and omitting other sections such as the main body compression section 80. The top compression region R40 includes not only the portion in which the top compression section 40 is provided but also the region surrounded by the top compression sections 40. In this embodiment, a plurality of top compression sections 40 are arranged at intervals. The plurality of top compression sections 40 are arranged in a lattice pattern. The region in which the lattice-shaped top compression sections 40 are arranged constitutes the top compression region R40.

[0041] The top compression units 40 may be linear, but preferably multiple top compression units 40 may be arranged at intervals in the planar direction. When the top compression units 40 are arranged linearly, high fiber density sections are arranged continuously. On the other hand, when the top compression units are arranged at intervals, high fiber density sections and low fiber density sections are arranged alternately, and this density gradient can diffuse body fluids in the planar direction. The top compression units 40 may have first top compression units arranged at intervals along a first direction D1 extending in the front-rear direction and width direction, and second top compression units arranged at intervals along a second direction D2 intersecting the first direction. The first direction D1 extends in the front-rear direction L and also in the width direction, and the second direction D2 may be a direction intersecting the first direction. The second direction may also extend in the front-rear direction L and also in the width direction. A plurality of top compression sections 40 are arranged at intervals on an imaginary line extending along the first direction D1, and a plurality of top compression sections 40 are arranged at intervals on an imaginary line extending in the second direction D2. A plurality of top compression sections 40 are arranged along the first direction and a plurality of top compression sections 40 are arranged along the second direction, and the top compression sections are arranged in a lattice pattern. According to this embodiment, the first top compression sections extending in the front-rear direction and width direction diffuse body fluid in the front-rear direction and width direction, and can also diffuse in different directions by the second direction intersecting the first direction. This allows body fluid to be diffused over a wide area, and the absorption capacity can be effectively utilized. The lattice-like arrangement of the top compression sections 40 allows body fluid to diffuse in a lattice pattern through the top compression sections 40, making it easier for the body fluid to diffuse throughout the entire absorbent article 1. Furthermore, the length of each diamond-shaped portion of the lattice pattern in the front-rear direction L is longer than the length in the width direction W. Therefore, the diffusion of bodily fluids in the front-rear direction L of the absorbent article 1 can be improved, while the diffusion in the width direction W can be suppressed, thereby improving the diffusion of bodily fluids in the planar direction while suppressing side leakage.

[0042] The absorbent article has a top non-compressed region R45 that is located widthwise inward of the top compressed region R40 and front-to-back inward of the top compressed region R40 and does not have a top compressed section. Figure 6 shows the boundary BL between the top compressed region R40 and the top non-compressed region R45. The top compressed region R40 is located in an area overlapping the absorbent body 30. It is sufficient that at least a portion of the top compressed region is located overlapping the absorbent body 30. The top compressed region R40 of this embodiment is located on the outer side and outer edge of the absorbent body 30. More specifically, the top compressed region R40 is located in the entire area of ​​the absorbent body 30 where the absorbent sheet 31 is not located and in a portion of the area overlapping the absorbent sheet 31. Furthermore, the top compressed region R40 is located in the entire area extending outward from the absorbent body 30 (the area between the outer edge of the absorbent body and the outer edge of the absorbent article).

[0043] The top non-compressed region R45 is provided in the central region RC, which is located at the center of the crotch region S3 in the front-to-back direction L and the width direction W. The central region RC is located at the center of the crotch region S3 in the front-to-back direction L and the width direction W, and is therefore easily guided to body fluids. The top non-compressed region R45 is provided in the central region RC. The top compressed portion 40 is not provided in the central region RC, and the top sheet 10 is thicker and has a lower fiber density than the top compressed region R40. In the central region RC, the thick top sheet 10 draws body fluids toward the non-skin side, allowing the drawn body fluid to migrate toward the absorbent body 30. The top compressed regions R40 are located on both sides of the top non-compressed region R45 in the front-to-back direction L and the width direction W. In other words, the top non-compressed region R45 is sandwiched between the top compressed regions R40 in the front-to-back direction L and the width direction W. The top compressed region R40 has a higher fiber density of the top sheet 10 than the top non-compressed region R45. Body fluid is more easily guided from lower-density areas to higher-density areas. Therefore, body fluid that is not drawn to the non-skin side T2 in the top non-compressed region R45 is guided toward the surrounding top compressed region R40. Body fluid can be diffused in the planar direction, absorbing body fluid over a wide area and effectively utilizing the absorption capacity. Furthermore, the top compressed region R40 is positioned in an area overlapping the absorbent body 30, allowing the top compressed section 40, which has a relatively high fiber density, to guide body fluid that has diffused to the surrounding area toward the absorbent body 30. In other words, body fluid can be diffused over a wide area to utilize the absorption capacity, while the central region RC and the top compressed section 40 each enhance the absorption of body fluid and suppress leakage. Furthermore, because the top non-compressed region R45, which is relatively thick in the top sheet 10, is surrounded by the relatively thin top compressed region R40, the central region RC appears puffy. By visually checking the expanded central region RC, the user can have the impression that bodily fluids are being absorbed in a region where they are more likely to be guided, and can feel reassured about the absorbency.

[0044] The top non-compressed region R45 may be provided in at least a portion of the central region RC, but may preferably be provided throughout the entire central region RC. As shown in FIG. 6, the front edge of the top non-compressed region R45 may be located in the front region S1, and the rear edge of the top non-compressed region R45 may be located in the rear region S2. Along the widthwise centerline 30CW, the top non-compressed region R45 may span the entire crotch region S3, a portion of the front region S1, and a portion of the rear region S3. The outer edges of the top non-compressed region R45 may be located in the widthwise side regions S12. Along the front-to-rear centerline 30CL, the top non-compressed region R45 may span the entire widthwise central region S11, the entire widthwise intermediate region S13, and a portion of the widthwise side regions S12.

[0045] The main body compression sections 80 may be arranged on both sides of the central region RC in the front-to-back direction L and on both sides of the width direction W. In the region where the main body compression sections 80 are provided, the fiber density of the top sheet 10 is high, and the absorbent body 30 and the top sheet 10 are in close contact with each other. Therefore, body fluid that cannot be drawn in by the top sheet 10 in the central region RC can be drawn into the absorbent body 30 by the main body compression sections 80 arranged around it. The main body compression sections 80 can also draw body fluid from the central region RC to the non-skin side T2 while diffusing it to the surrounding area, further suppressing leakage. Note that it is sufficient that at least a portion of the main body compression sections 80 is arranged on both sides of the central region RC in the front-to-back direction L and on both sides of the width direction W. However, the main body compression sections 80 may be arranged in a region that does not overlap with the central region RC.

[0046] The main body compression section 80 may be provided in the top non-compressed region R45. A region where the main body compression section 80 and the top compression section 40 do not overlap can be provided. In this region, bodily fluids are less likely to concentrate locally than in a region where the main body compression section 80 and the top compression section 40 overlap. Therefore, bodily fluids can be diffused and drawn in via the main body compression section 80 and the top compression section 40 arranged around them, further improving the draw-in and diffusion of bodily fluids.

[0047] The main body compression section 80 may have a first main body compression section 81 and a second main body compression section 82. The main body compression section 80 can not only draw body fluid to the non-skin side T2 but also diffuse the body fluid. This improves the diffusibility of body fluid in the planar direction. Therefore, the first main body compression section 81 can draw body fluid that travels from the central region RC outward in the width direction W to the non-skin side while diffusing it in the front-to-back direction L. Furthermore, the second main body compression section can draw body fluid that travels from the central region outward in the front-to-back direction to the non-skin side T2 while diffusing it in the width direction.

[0048] The second main body compression sections 82 may be located outboard of the first main body compression sections 81 in the front-to-rear direction L. That is, the outer edge of the second main body compression sections 82 may be located outboard of the outer edge of the first main body compression sections 81 in the front-to-rear direction L. With this configuration, the body fluid diffused in the front-to-rear direction L by the first main body compression sections 81 can be further diffused in the width direction by the second main body compression sections 82 located on the outside in the front-to-rear direction. This prevents the body fluid from advancing too far to the ends of the absorbent article 1 in the front-to-rear direction L, thereby preventing front leakage and rear leakage.

[0049] The first body compression section 81 and the second body compression section 82 may be spaced apart. The body compression section 80 not only draws body fluid to the non-skin side T2 but also diffuses the body fluid. This improves the diffusibility of body fluid in the planar direction. Therefore, the first body compression section 81 can draw body fluid that travels from the central region RC outward in the width direction W to the non-skin side T2 while diffusing it in the front-to-back direction L. Furthermore, the second body compression section 82 can draw body fluid that travels from the central region RC outward in the front-to-back direction L to the non-skin side T2 while diffusing it in the width direction W. At this time, because the first body compression section 81 and the second body compression section 82 are spaced apart, the transmission of body fluid can be temporarily interrupted in the spaced apart region. This improves the drawability within the region surrounded by the first body compression section 81 and the second body compression section 82, allowing body fluid that could not be absorbed within the surrounded region to be diffused to the surroundings. The top compressed region R40 and the top non-compressed region R45 allow the body fluid to be diffused in the planar direction while reducing the amount of body fluid that diffuses to the surroundings, thereby suppressing leakage.

[0050] The main body compression section 80 may be disposed only within the top non-compression region R45. That is, the entire main body compression section 80 may be provided in the top non-compression region R45. This configuration can improve the diffusion and absorption of bodily fluids via both the main body compression section 80 and the top compression section 40. In a modified example, the main body compression section 80 may be disposed in both the top compression region R40 and the top non-compression region R45. This modified example allows for diffusion and absorption of bodily fluids via the main body compression section 80 and the top compression section 40 in the region where the main body compression section 80 and the top compression section 40 do not overlap, and allows for smooth transfer of bodily fluids from the main body compression section 80 to the top compression section 40 in the region where the main body compression section 80 and the top compression section 40 overlap.

[0051] In a configuration in which the main body compression units 80 are disposed only in the top non-compressed region R45, the shortest distance G81 between the first main body compression unit 81 and the top compression unit 40 on an imaginary line EL extending radially from the center of the central region RC may be longer than the shortest distance G82 between the second main body compression unit 82 and the top compression unit 40 on the imaginary line EL. Body fluids are discharged into the central region RC and diffuse from the central region RC to the surrounding area. This diffusion path approximates the imaginary line EL extending radially from the center of the central region RC (the center in the front-to-back and width directions of the crotch region). Therefore, the body fluids diffuse radially from the center of the central region RC (the center in the front-to-back and width directions of the crotch region) and are guided toward the non-skin side T2 and the top compression region R40 via a region where neither the main body compression units 80 nor the top compression units 40 are provided (the region between the main body compression units and the top compression region). At this time, because the shortest distance G81 between the first main body compression section 81 and the top compression section 40 is long, the distance to reach the top compression region R40 is long, and the body fluid can be guided to the non-skin side T2 during this long distance. Therefore, the body fluid is less likely to be guided to the outer edges in the width direction of the absorbent body 30, and side leakage of the body fluid can be suppressed.

[0052] The shortest distance G81 between the first main body compressing section 81 and the top compressing section 40 need only be longer than the shortest distance G82 between the second main body compressing section 82 and the top compressing section 40, but is preferably 1.1 times or more, and more preferably 1.5 times or more, of the shortest distance G82. The shortest distance G81 between the first main body compressing section 81 and the top compressing section 40 may be 4 mm or more and 30 mm or less. The shortest distance G82 between the second main body compressing section 82 and the top compressing section 40 may be 5 mm or more and 30 mm or less. In this embodiment, G81 is 10.64 mm, G82 is 5.77 mm, and G81 / G82 is 1.84 times. In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7, G81 is 6.27 mm, G82 is 5.62 mm, and G81 / G82 is 1.15 times.

[0053] Furthermore, the distance between the first body compression portion 81 and the top compression portion 40 on some of the multiple imaginary lines EL may be longer than the distance between the first body compression portion 81 and the center of the central region RC on the same imaginary line EL. That is, on some of the imaginary lines, the first body compression portion 81 may be closer to the center of the central region RC than the top compression portion 40. Body fluid diffusing outward in the width direction from the center of the central region RC is drawn in by the first body compression portion 81, and the remaining body fluid is drawn in over a wide area by the top non-compressed region R45, reaching the top compression portion. On the other hand, on any of the imaginary lines, the distance between the second body compression portion 82 and the top compression portion 40 may be shorter than the distance between the second body compression portion 82 and the center of the central region on the same imaginary line EL. That is, on any of the imaginary lines, the second body compression portion 82 may be closer to the top compression portion 40 than the center of the central region RC. Furthermore, if the maximum length in the front-to-rear direction of the top non-compressed region is 100, the length connecting the outer edges of the main body compressing portion 80 in the front-to-rear direction L may be 90 or more.

[0054] The water retention capacity of the absorbent 30 in the top non-compressed region R45 may be higher than the water retention capacity of the absorbent 30 in the top compressed region R40. According to this embodiment, the water retention capacity of the absorbent 30 in the top non-compressed region R45 including the central region RC is high, so that the top non-compressed region R45 can easily retain body fluid guided to the absorbent 30 side, and even when a large amount of body fluid is excreted, the central region RC can continue to draw in the body fluid.

[0055] The water retention capacity of the absorbent body 30 can be measured by the following method. First, the absorbent body to be measured is cut out from the absorbent article 1. More specifically, the absorbent body in the top non-compressed region and the absorbent body in the top compressed region are each cut out. Next, the weight of the sample is measured (E), and the entire sample is immersed in saline (0.9% NaCl solution) poured into a plate-shaped container for 30 minutes. Next, after 30 minutes, the sample is left hanging with clips attached to the ends of the sample for 10 minutes. Finally, the sample is placed in a spin dryer (150 G) and dehydrated for 90 seconds, after which its weight (F) is measured. The water retention capacity of the absorbent body is calculated using the formula F(g) - E(g). For absorbent bodies without an absorbent core or superabsorbent polymer, the water retention capacity is the water retention capacity of the sheets (core wrap sheet or sheets sandwiching the superabsorbent polymer).

[0056] The absorbent sheet 31 may be disposed in the top non-compressed region R45. Because the absorption rate of the superabsorbent polymer 35 is slower than that of the pulp, body fluid is easily absorbed by the superabsorbent polymer 35 after being absorbed by the pulp of the absorbent core 32. In the top non-compressed region R45, which includes the central region RC, body fluid can be diffused in the planar direction while being drawn in by the surrounding pulp, allowing the central region RC to continue drawing in body fluid. Furthermore, the top sheet 10, which is disposed closer to the skin side T1 than the absorbent sheet 31, does not have a top compressed portion 40 and is relatively thick, so it can maintain a distance between the body and the absorbent sheet 31 and promote diffusion in the planar direction.

[0057] The absorbent sheet 31 only needs to be disposed in the top non-compressed region R45. However, preferably, the absorbent sheet 31 may be disposed so as to straddle the top non-compressed region R45 and the top compressed region R40 in at least one of the front-to-rear direction L and the width direction W. Because the absorbent sheet 31 straddles the top compressed region R40 and the top non-compressed region R45, a step is unlikely to occur at the boundary BL between the top non-compressed region R45 and the top compressed region R40, preventing the diffusion of bodily fluids from being interrupted between the top non-compressed region R45 and the top compressed region R40. The absorbent sheet 31 of this embodiment straddles the top non-compressed region R45 and the top compressed region R40 in the front-to-rear direction L, and also straddles the top non-compressed region R45 and the top compressed region R40 in the width direction W. The outer edge of the top non-compressed region R45 is located more inward in the width direction W than the outer edge of the absorbent sheet 31. The outer edges (front and rear edges) of the top non-compressed region R45 are located further outward in the front-to-back direction L than the outer edges of the absorbent sheet 31, but the distance between the outer edges of the top non-compressed region and the absorbent sheet is 10 mm or less, and the absorbent sheet 31 is arranged over almost the entire area of ​​the top non-compressed region R45.

[0058] The front-to-back length L31 of the region where the absorbent sheet 31 extends outward in the front-to-back direction L from the top non-compressed region R45 and overlaps with the top compressed region R40 may be longer than the widthwise length W31 of the region where the absorbent sheet 31 extends outward in the widthwise direction W from the top non-compressed region R45 and overlaps with the top compressed region R40. L31 is the front-to-back length, along the widthwise centerline 30CW, of the region where the absorbent sheet 31 extends outward in the front-to-back direction L from the top non-compressed region R45 and is located in the top compressed region R40, and W31 is the widthwise length, along the front-to-back centerline 30CL, of the region where the absorbent sheet 31 extends outward in the widthwise direction W from the top non-compressed region R45 and is located in the top compressed region R40. In the region of the top compression region R40 where the absorbent sheet 31 is disposed, the top compression sections 40 diffuse the body fluid in the planar direction, draw the body fluid toward the non-skin side T2, and diffuse the body fluid in the planar direction by the absorbent sheet 31. Generally, the length in the width direction W of the absorber 30 is shorter than the length in the front-to-back direction L of the absorber 30. Therefore, it is necessary to guide the absorber 30 over a wide range in the front-to-back direction L to utilize its absorption capacity, and to prevent side leakage by not directing the absorber 30 over an excessively wide range in the width direction W. Because the width direction length of the region where the absorbent sheet 31 extends into the top compression region R40 is short, side leakage due to diffusion of body fluid by the top compression sections 40 and the absorbent sheet 31 can be prevented. Furthermore, because the length in the front-to-back direction L of the region where the absorbent sheet 31 extends into the top compression region R40 is short, the top compression sections 40 can guide the body fluid over a wide range in the front-to-back direction L.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5 , the sheet compression region R36 may be provided at an end of the absorbent sheet 31 in the front-to-rear direction L. In the sheet compression region R36, the fiber density of the sheet 36 constituting the absorbent sheet 31 is high, and the diffusion rate of fluid is reduced. By reducing the diffusion rate of bodily fluid at the end of the absorbent sheet 31 in the front-to-rear direction L, excessive diffusion of bodily fluid in the front-to-rear direction L within the absorbent sheet 31 is suppressed, thereby suppressing leakage. In this embodiment, the sheet compression region R36 is provided over the entire width direction W of the absorbent sheet 31 from the front edge toward the rear of the absorbent sheet 31, and is also provided over the entire width direction W of the absorbent sheet 31 from the rear edge toward the front of the absorbent sheet 31. The sheet compression region R36 at the front end of the absorbent sheet 31 and the sheet compression region R36 at the rear end of the absorbent sheet 31 are spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction L. The sheet compression region R36 is located in an area that does not overlap with the polymer placement region R35. That is, the sheet compressing section compresses only the sheet 36 and does not compress the superabsorbent polymer 35 .

[0060] The main body compression sections 80 may compress the absorbent sheet 31 and the top sheet 10. According to this embodiment, body fluid can be diffused in the planar direction within the top non-compressed region R45 while being drawn into the absorbent sheet 31 side via the main body compression sections 80. The main body compression sections 80 may be provided at least on the absorbent sheet 31, and may also be provided on the absorbent core 32. The main body compression sections 80 may be provided only in areas that overlap with the absorbent sheet 31. According to this embodiment, the body fluid is drawn into the absorbent sheet 31 side via the main body compression sections 80, and the drawn body fluid is retained by the superabsorbent polymer 35, thereby further suppressing leakage. The main body compression sections 80 may be provided in areas of the absorbent sheet 31 that do not overlap with the superabsorbent polymer 35. In other words, the main body compression sections 80 may be located in areas of the absorbent sheet 31 other than the polymer placement region R35.

[0061] The top compressed sections 40 may be arranged at intervals in the front-to-rear direction L in areas that overlap the protruding sections of the top sheet 10. The protruding sections will have areas where the top compressed sections 40 are provided and areas where the top compressed sections 40 are not provided. The protruding sections can have areas of high and low fiber density, improving the diffusion of bodily fluids.

[0062] Next, an absorbent article 1X according to a second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 7. In the absorbent article according to the second embodiment, the same components as those in the absorbent article according to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the absorbent article 1X according to the second embodiment as viewed from the skin side T1. The absorbent body 30 according to the second embodiment includes an absorbent sheet 31 and a lower absorbent layer 34, but does not include an absorbent core 32. The lower absorbent layer 34 is located closer to the non-skin side T2 than the absorbent sheet 31 and is made of tissue. That is, the lower absorbent layer 34 does not include pulp or a superabsorbent polymer. As in the first embodiment, the absorbent sheet 31 is a so-called SAP sheet including a superabsorbent polymer 35 and a sheet 36 covering the superabsorbent polymer 35, and is provided with a sheet compression region R36. The polymer distribution regions R35 according to the second embodiment are rectangular (diamond-shaped) and are spaced apart in the width direction and the front-to-back direction. The polymer placement regions R35 are arranged at regular intervals across the entire absorbent sheet.

[0063] In the second embodiment, the main body compressing section 80 has a first main body compressing section 81 and a second main body compressing section 82 that are connected without any space between them. In a configuration in which the first main body compressing section 81 and the second main body compressing section 82 are connected, the portion inclined at 45 degrees or less with respect to the front-to-rear direction constitutes the first main body compressing section 81, and the portion inclined at less than 45 degrees with respect to the front-to-rear direction constitutes the second main body compressing section 82. The main body compressing section 80 in the first embodiment is arranged in a region that does not overlap with the polymer placement region R35, but the main body compressing section 80 in the second embodiment is arranged in a region that overlaps with the polymer placement region R35.

[0064] In the absorbent article of the second embodiment, the top compressed region R40 is also located in the region overlapping with the absorbent body 30, and the top non-compressed region R45 is provided in the central region RC. Therefore, in the central region, the thick top sheet draws body fluid to the non-skin side and transfers the drawn body fluid to the absorbent body side. Furthermore, body fluid that is not drawn to the non-skin side in the top non-compressed region is guided to the surrounding top compressed region, allowing the body fluid to be spread in the planar direction, absorbing the body fluid over a wide area and effectively utilizing the absorption capacity. Furthermore, the body fluid that has spread to the periphery can be guided to the absorbent body side by the top compressed section, which has a relatively high fiber density. In other words, the body fluid is spread over a wide area, utilizing the absorption capacity, while the central region and top compressed section each enhance the body fluid draw-in and suppress leakage.

[0065] Although the present invention has been described in detail using the above-described embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present invention can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description in this specification is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1. 1X: Absorbent articles 10: Top sheet 30: Absorbent 30CL: Front and rear center line 30CW: Width center line 31: Absorbent sheet 35: Highly absorbent polymer 36: Sheet 40: Top pressing section 80: Main body compression part 81: First main body compression section 82: Second main body compression section D1: 1st direction D2 :Second direction L: Front and back direction R36: Sheet compression area R40: Top compression area R45: Top uncompressed area RC: Central area S1: Anterior area S2: Posterior area S3: Inseam area T: Thickness direction T1: Skin side T2: Non-skin side W: Width direction

Claims

1. a width direction, a front-rear direction, and a thickness direction which are orthogonal to each other; a crotch region, a front region located forward of the crotch region, and a rear region located rearward of the crotch region; an absorbent body disposed at least in the crotch region; a top sheet that is disposed closer to the skin than the absorbent body and that contacts the wearer's skin; a top compression region provided with a top compression portion in which at least the top sheet is compressed in the thickness direction; a top non-compressed region that is located more inward in the width direction than the top compressed region and more inward in the front-to-rear direction than the top compressed region, and in which the top compressed portion is not provided, The top compression region is disposed in a region overlapping with the absorbent body, The absorbent article, wherein the top non-compressed region is provided in a central region located at the center in the front-to-back direction and the center in the width direction of the crotch region.

2. The top sheet and the absorbent body have a main body compressed portion compressed in the thickness direction, The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein the main body compression portions are disposed on both sides of the central region in the front-rear direction and on both sides of the width direction.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 2 , wherein the main body compressed portion is provided in the top non-compressed region.

4. The main body compression portions include first main body compression portions that extend in the front-rear direction and pass through the center of the absorbent body in the width direction, and are arranged on both sides of a width center line that extends in the front-rear direction, and second main body compression portions that extend in the width direction and pass through the center of the absorbent body in the front-rear direction and are arranged on both sides of the front-rear center line that extends in the width direction, The absorbent article according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second main body compression portion is positioned further outward than the first main body compression portion in the front-rear direction.

5. The main body compression section is disposed only within the top non-compression region, The main body compression portions include first main body compression portions that extend in the front-rear direction and pass through the center of the absorbent body in the width direction, and are arranged on both sides of a width center line that extends in the front-rear direction, and second main body compression portions that extend in the width direction and pass through the center of the absorbent body in the front-rear direction and are arranged on both sides of the front-rear center line that extends in the width direction, 4. The absorbent article of claim 2, wherein the shortest distance between the first main body compression portion and the top compression portion on a virtual line extending radially from the center of the central region is longer than the shortest distance between the second main body compression portion and the top compression portion on the virtual line.

6. The main body compression portions include first main body compression portions that extend in the front-rear direction and pass through the center of the absorbent body in the width direction, and are arranged on both sides of a width center line that extends in the front-rear direction, and second main body compression portions that extend in the width direction and pass through the center of the absorbent body in the front-rear direction and are arranged on both sides of the front-rear center line that extends in the width direction, The absorbent article according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first main body compression portion and the second main body compression portion are spaced apart from each other.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein the absorbent body has a water retention capacity higher in the top non-compressed region than in the top compressed region.

8. The absorbent body has an absorbent sheet in which the skin side and non-skin side of a superabsorbent polymer are covered with a sheet, The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein the absorbent sheet is disposed in the top non-compressed region.

9. The absorbent article according to claim 8 , wherein the absorbent sheet is disposed across the top non-compressed region and the top compressed region in at least one of the front-rear direction and the width direction.

10. 10. The absorbent article of claim 9, wherein the length in the front-to-back direction of a region of the absorbent sheet that extends outward in the front-to-back direction from the top non-compressed region and overlaps with the top compressed region is longer than the length in the width direction of a region of the absorbent sheet that extends outward in the width direction from the top non-compressed region and overlaps with the top compressed region.

11. The absorbent sheet has a sheet compression region provided with a sheet compression section that compresses sheets arranged to sandwich the superabsorbent polymer in the thickness direction, The absorbent article according to claim 8 , wherein the sheet compression regions are provided at the ends of the absorbent sheet in the front-rear direction.

12. The top sheet and the absorbent body have a main body compressed portion compressed in the thickness direction, The absorbent article according to claim 8 , wherein the main body compressing portion compresses the absorbent sheet and the top sheet.

13. The absorbent article according to claim 12, wherein the main body compression portion is provided only in an area overlapping the absorbent sheet.

14. The top compression unit is arranged in a plurality of positions spaced apart in a planar direction, 4. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the top compression portion has a first top compression portion arranged along a first direction extending in the front-to-rear direction and the width direction, and a second top compression portion arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction.

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