Absorbent article

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article capable of suppressing leakage of bodily fluids to underwear and the like.SOLUTION: An absorbent article 10 includes a top sheet 2 that uses a woven or knitted fabric and comes into contact with a user's skin, and leak-prevention layers 4, 7 provided on a side of the top sheet 2 opposite to a side that comes into contact with the skin.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles used to absorb bodily fluids such as vaginal discharge, menstrual flow, sweat, and urine. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, panty liners are known as absorbent articles that absorb vaginal discharge, which is a woman's vaginal secretion.

[0003] In absorbent articles such as panty liners, the top sheet, which is the surface, comes into direct contact with the user's delicate areas when the absorbent article is in use, and therefore the feel of the top sheet against the skin is one of the important design elements of the absorbent article.

[0004] The top sheet may be made of woven fabric, knitted fabric, or nonwoven fabric, among which nonwoven fabric can be produced at low cost. Therefore, many absorbent articles, particularly disposable absorbent articles, use nonwoven fabric for the top sheet. However, from the viewpoint of improving the feel of the top sheet against the skin, it is preferable to use woven fabric or knitted fabric for the top sheet rather than nonwoven fabric. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-064685 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, the inventors of the present application conducted extensive research with the aim of improving the comfort of use of absorbent articles using woven or knitted fabrics as top sheets. They found that a woven or knitted fabric top sheet alone causes body fluids such as vaginal discharge to leak into the underwear of a user wearing the absorbent article. Therefore, in order to improve the comfort of use of absorbent articles using woven or knitted fabrics as top sheets, it is necessary to prevent body fluids from leaking into the underwear.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an absorbent article using a woven or knitted fabric as a top sheet that prevents body fluids from leaking into underwear, etc., thereby improving the feel of use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the absorbent article of the present disclosure encompasses as its subject the absorbent article described in item 1 below.

[0009] Item 1. An absorbent article used to absorb body fluids, a topsheet, which may be woven or knitted and which contacts the user's skin; a leak-proof layer provided on the top sheet on the side opposite to the side that comes into contact with the skin; An absorbent article comprising:

[0010] Furthermore, the absorbent article of the present disclosure encompasses the absorbent article described in the following item 2 as a preferred embodiment of the absorbent article described in item 1 above.

[0011] Item 2. The absorbent article according to Item 1, further comprising an absorbent body provided between the top sheet and the leakproof layer and integrated with the top sheet by adhesion or welding.

[0012] Furthermore, the absorbent article of the present disclosure encompasses the absorbent article described in the following item 3 as a preferred embodiment of the absorbent article described in item 1 above.

[0013] Item 3. The absorbent article according to Item 1, wherein the leak-proof layer is composed of an adhesive layer provided over the entire area of ​​a first surface of the top sheet that comes into contact with the skin and a second surface on the opposite side.

[0014] Furthermore, the absorbent article of the present disclosure encompasses the absorbent article described in the following item 4 as a preferred embodiment of the absorbent article described in item 2 above.

[0015] Item 4. The absorbent article according to Item 2, wherein the leakproof layer is an adhesive layer provided over the entire surface of the absorbent body opposite to the top sheet side.

[0016] Furthermore, the absorbent article of the present disclosure encompasses the absorbent article described in the following item 5 as a preferred embodiment of the absorbent article described in item 1 above.

[0017] Item 5. The absorbent article according to Item 1, wherein the leak-proof layer is composed of a liquid-impermeable back sheet that is integrated with the top sheet by adhesion or welding.

[0018] Furthermore, the absorbent article of the present disclosure encompasses the absorbent article described in the following item 6 as a preferred embodiment of the absorbent article described in item 2 above.

[0019] Item 6. The absorbent article according to Item 2, wherein the leak-proof layer is composed of a liquid-impermeable back sheet that is integrated with the absorbent body by adhesion or welding.

[0020] Furthermore, the absorbent article of the present disclosure encompasses the absorbent article described in the following item 7 as a preferred embodiment of the absorbent article described in any one of items 1 to 6 above.

[0021] Item 7. The absorbent article according to any one of Items 1 to 6, wherein the top sheet is made of a woven fabric made from natural fibers.

[0022] Furthermore, the absorbent article of the present disclosure encompasses the absorbent article described in the following item 8 as a preferred embodiment of the absorbent article described in item 7 above.

[0023] Item 8. The absorbent article according to Item 7, wherein the top sheet is made of a woven fabric made of cotton. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the absorbent article of the present disclosure, an absorbent article using a woven or knitted fabric as a top sheet can suppress leakage of bodily fluids into underwear and the like, thereby improving the comfort of use. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of an absorbent article according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X1-X1 in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] <Outline of absorbent products> Absorbent articles are worn on the user's clothing, such as underwear, or on the user's skin to absorb bodily fluids discharged from the user. Examples of bodily fluids include vaginal discharge, menstrual blood, sweat, and urine. Examples of absorbent articles include panty liners, sanitary napkins, diapers, incontinence pads, and underarm sweat pads.

[0027] The shape and size of the absorbent article are not particularly limited, and are designed to fit the area of ​​the body to which they are to be applied. The thickness of the absorbent article is not particularly limited, and is designed to be thick enough that the user will not feel uncomfortable when touching the absorbent article during use.

[0028] The absorbent article has a multi-layer structure comprising a top sheet that contacts the user's skin during use and a leakproof layer provided on the side of the top sheet opposite the side that contacts the skin. The absorbent article preferably further comprises an absorbent body. The top sheet has the property of allowing bodily fluids excreted by the user to pass through it in the thickness direction (liquid permeability) and / or the property of absorbing bodily fluids excreted by the user (water absorbency). The absorbent body is provided below the top sheet and has the property of absorbing bodily fluids that have passed through the top sheet (water absorbency). The leakproof layer has the property of not allowing bodily fluids to pass through or the property of making it difficult for bodily fluids to pass through (liquid impermeability). The leakproof layer prevents bodily fluids from leaking from the top sheet or absorbent body and adhering to the user's clothing. The leakproof layer is composed of an adhesive layer or a liquid-impermeable back sheet, but is preferably composed of a back sheet.

[0029] When an absorbent article has a structure including a top sheet and a back sheet as a leakproof layer, the top sheet and the back sheet are integrated by adhesion or welding. When an absorbent article has a structure including a top sheet, an absorbent body, and a back sheet as a leakproof layer, the absorbent article has a structure in which the top sheet, absorbent body, and back sheet are laminated in this order from the surface side that comes into contact with the user's skin to the back side on the opposite side, and the top sheet, absorbent body, and back sheet are integrated by adhesion or welding.

[0030] In the case where an absorbent article has a structure including a top sheet and a back sheet as a leakproof layer, when the absorbent article is worn on a user's clothing, an adhesive layer for fixing the absorbent article to the user's clothing is provided on the back surface of the absorbent article, i.e., the back surface of the back sheet (the surface opposite to the top sheet side). Also, when the absorbent article is worn on a user's skin, an adhesive layer for fixing the absorbent article to the user's skin is provided on the surface of the absorbent article, i.e., the surface of the top sheet (the surface that comes into contact with the skin).

[0031] When the absorbent article has a structure including a top sheet and an adhesive layer as the leakproof layer, an adhesive layer is provided over the entire rear surface of the top sheet (the surface opposite to the side that comes into contact with the skin). When the absorbent article has a structure including a top sheet, an absorbent body, and an adhesive layer as the leakproof layer, an adhesive layer is provided over the entire rear surface of the absorbent body (the surface opposite to the top sheet). The adhesive layer as the leakproof layer also functions to secure the absorbent article to the user's clothing when the absorbent article is worn on the user's clothing. When the absorbent article is worn on the user's skin, an adhesive layer for securing the absorbent article to the user's skin is provided on the surface of the absorbent article, i.e., the surface of the top sheet (the surface that comes into contact with the skin), separately from the adhesive layer as the leakproof layer.

[0032] The absorbent article does not necessarily have to have the layer structure described above, and may include other layers, such as layers that have a liquid-permeable function, a diffusive function, a function of suppressing backflow of body fluids, or a cushioning function for flexibly supporting the top sheet.

[0033] Hereinafter, an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] 1 to 3 show an absorbent article 10 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the absorbent article 10 is a panty liner. The absorbent article 10 has a structure including a top sheet 2, an absorbent body 3, and a back sheet 4. An adhesive layer 5 (hereinafter referred to as the "first adhesive layer 5") is provided between the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 3 to integrate the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 3. An adhesive layer 6 (hereinafter referred to as the "second adhesive layer 6") is provided between the absorbent body 3 and the back sheet 4 to integrate the absorbent body 3 and the back sheet 4. An adhesive layer 7 (hereinafter referred to as the "third adhesive layer 7") is provided on the back surface of the back sheet 4 to secure the absorbent article 10 to the user's clothing, in this embodiment, underwear. In addition, compressed portions 8 are formed around the entire circumferential edge of the absorbent article 10.

[0035] The top sheet 2, absorbent body 3, and back sheet 4 are preferably all formed to the same shape and size. In this embodiment, since the absorbent article 10 is a panty liner, the absorbent article 10 is formed in a vertically elongated shape to fit the user's crotch area, and in a plan view, the vertical direction along the front-to-back direction of the user's body preferably extends longer than the horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction. Furthermore, when the absorbent article 10 is a panty liner, the thickness of the absorbent article 10 is preferably 1.0 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less.

[0036] Each of the components of the absorbent article 10 will be described in detail below.

[0037] <Top sheet> The top sheet 2 functions as a layer that receives bodily fluids excreted by the user and transmits them to the underlying absorbent body 3. The top sheet 2 comes into direct contact with the user's delicate areas during use. Therefore, the feel of the top sheet 2 against the skin is an important design element for an absorbent article, and in this embodiment, a woven or knitted fabric is used for the top sheet 2 rather than a nonwoven fabric to improve the feel of the top sheet 2 against the skin. In particular, it is preferable to use a woven fabric for the top sheet 2 because it is more suitable for cutting and sewing than a knitted fabric.

[0038] Examples of the weave structure of the fabric used for the top sheet 2 include single weaves such as plain weave, twill weave (diagonal weave), and satin weave, as well as overlapping weaves, pile weaves, and leno weaves. Plain weave fabrics are particularly preferred for use in the top sheet 2 because they are strong and resistant to friction, and can be used to produce a thin and lightweight top sheet.

[0039] Examples of the knitted structure used for the top sheet 2 include knits classified as rib knit (elastic knit), jersey knit (plain knit), and double knit (pearl knit), as well as weft knits including tucks and welts, warp knits including Russell knit and tricot knit, and knits that are a combination of these.

[0040] Examples of fibers that can be used as the material for the top sheet 2 include natural fibers as well as chemical fibers such as synthetic fibers, regenerated fibers, semi-synthetic fibers, and composite fibers. Examples of natural fibers include cotton, silk, pulp, wool, and hemp. Examples of synthetic fibers include polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, acrylic, polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, and vinylon. Examples of regenerated fibers include rayon. Examples of semi-synthetic fibers include acetate. Examples of composite fibers include polyethylene / polyester and polyethylene / polypropylene.

[0041] From the perspective of improving the feel of the top sheet 2 against the skin, and in order to reduce irritation to the skin when the top sheet 2 comes into contact with the skin and prevent skin rashes, it is preferable to use natural fibers or regenerated fibers derived from natural materials such as rayon as the material for the top sheet 2 rather than chemical fibers.

[0042] Among natural fibers, cotton is a preferred material for the top sheet 2 because it has excellent moisture absorption properties, can retain moisture on the skin surface at an appropriate level, the fibers themselves absorb moisture and become soft, causing less friction with the skin, and generates very little static electricity.

[0043] The material for the top sheet 2 may be one of the exemplified fibers alone, or a mixture of two or more types. For example, a mixed fiber obtained by mixing cotton with a heat-fusible synthetic fiber such as a polyethylene / polyester composite fiber (hereinafter referred to as "heat-fusible fiber") can be used as the material for the top sheet 2. By including heat-fusible fiber in the top sheet 2, the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 3 containing the heat-fusible fiber can be integrated by welding when the absorbent article 10 is subjected to a heat-sealing process, which is one of the compression processes described below.

[0044] In order to incorporate heat-fusible fibers into the top sheet 2, the top sheet 2 may be a laminate of two or more layers rather than a single layer. For example, the top sheet 2 may be a laminate in which a layer made of natural fibers such as cotton and a layer made of heat-fusible fibers are laminated together, with the layer made of natural fibers such as cotton coming into contact with the user's skin.

[0045] On the other hand, from the perspective of improving the feel of the top sheet 2 against the skin, in order to provide a smooth contact with the skin when the top sheet 2 rubs against the skin and reduce irritation to the skin due to friction, it is preferable to use synthetic fibers rather than natural fibers as the material for the top sheet 2. However, as a result of extensive research, the inventors of the present application have found that even with a top sheet 2 made from natural fibers as in the present embodiment, a surface smoothness equivalent to that of a top sheet made from synthetic fibers can be achieved by raising the first surface 20, which comes into contact with the skin, or by forming the top sheet 2 with a twill or satin weave, so that the coefficient of dynamic friction on the first surface 20 of the top sheet 2 is 0.2 or more and 0.6 or less (it was found that raising the first surface 20 in particular resulted in an even smoother contact with the skin). As a result, even a top sheet 2 made from natural fibers is smooth and dry when rubbed against the skin, thereby reducing irritation to the skin.

[0046] Examples of raising processes for raising the first surface 20 of the top sheet 2 include conventionally known methods such as clothed cardboard processing, in which a dogleg metal needle is used to hook the horizontal threads of the fabric and pull out raised nap in loops, and emery processing, in which the fabric is fluffy using sandpaper, as well as cutting, in which loops pulled out by clothed cardboard processing are cut, emery processing of loop-shaped raised nap pulled out by clothed cardboard processing, and emery processing of raised nap after cutting. When the top sheet 2 is made of natural fibers such as cotton, it is preferable to raise the first surface 20 of the top sheet 2 using clothed cardboard processing or cutting processing.

[0047] The first surface 20 of the top sheet 2 is subjected to the above-mentioned nap raising process so that the coefficient of dynamic friction is 0.2 to 0.6, and preferably 0.4 to 0.5. The coefficient of dynamic friction is an index that indicates the smoothness of the first surface 20 of the top sheet 2, and the smaller the value, the less resistance the first surface 20 feels against the skin when it rubs against the skin, resulting in a more pleasant feel against the skin.

[0048] The dynamic friction coefficient on the first surface 20 of the top sheet 2 refers to the dynamic friction coefficient in a dry state before use of the absorbent article 10 (before absorbing bodily fluids). The dynamic friction coefficient can be measured using a multi-function static and dynamic friction measuring device TL201Tt (manufactured by Trinity Lab Co., Ltd.).

[0049] The top sheet 2 may be colored in a color other than white, or may have a pattern, in addition to the commonly used white. Alternatively, the top sheet 2 may be an off-white color that makes use of the natural color of the fabric. If the top sheet 2 has at least one of a color and a pattern, stains on the top sheet 2 are less noticeable when bodily fluids such as menstrual blood, urine, and vaginal discharge adhere to the top sheet 2. Furthermore, if the top sheet 2 is off-white, stains on the top sheet 2 are less noticeable because off-white is a color similar to urine and vaginal discharge. In addition, the off-white color has a natural texture that gives a sense of warmth and softness, and therefore gives a gentle impression when placed against the user's delicate areas.

[0050] <Absorbent> The absorbent body 3 functions as a layer that absorbs bodily fluids discharged from the user and that pass through the top sheet 2. The absorbent body 3 is not particularly limited as long as it has water-absorbing properties, and examples include sheet-like fiber structures such as woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, and pulp products, as well as known absorbents such as water-absorbent pulp and water-absorbent polymers such as superabsorbent polymers (SAP). It is preferable to use a sheet-like fiber structure for the absorbent body 3 because it is comfortable against the skin and has excellent water-absorbency, and among sheet-like fiber structures, it is preferable to use a nonwoven fabric.

[0051] When a nonwoven fabric is used for the absorbent body 3, the absorbent body 3 may contain a water-absorbing polymer such as a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) in order to improve water absorption.

[0052] The nonwoven fabric used in the absorbent body 3 can be manufactured by methods such as wet papermaking, dry papermaking, spunbonding, meltblowing, latex resin bonding, solvent bonding, stitchbonding, needlepunching, spunlace, thermal bonding, air-through bonding, and airlaid. In particular, nonwoven fabrics manufactured by methods such as the spunlace, thermal bonding, air-through bonding, airlaid, needlepunch, and spunbonding have a good texture and are manufactured without using adhesives or solvents, so using such nonwoven fabrics in the absorbent body 3 can improve the safety of the absorbent article 10 to the skin.

[0053] Furthermore, air-through nonwoven fabrics and air-laid nonwoven fabrics produced by the air-through method and air-laid method are fluffy and bulky, and therefore when used in the absorbent body 3, the absorbent body 3 exhibits good cushioning properties. Therefore, the cushioning properties of the absorbent body 3 can make the absorbent article 10 feel fluffy, soft, and gentle when worn. Therefore, it is preferable to use air-through nonwoven fabrics and air-laid nonwoven fabrics for the absorbent body 3.

[0054] Examples of fibers that can be used as the material for the absorbent body 3 include natural fibers as well as chemical fibers such as synthetic fibers, regenerated fibers, semi-synthetic fibers, and composite fibers. Examples of natural fibers include cotton, silk, pulp, wool, and hemp. Among natural fibers, cellulose-based fibers (not containing protein components) such as cotton and pulp are preferable as the material for the absorbent body 3 because they are less likely to cause contact dermatitis such as allergies, are less likely to cause rashes, and have excellent water absorbency. Examples of synthetic fibers include nylon, polyesters such as polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate, polyamide, acrylic, polyvinyl alcohol, polypropylene, ethylene vinyl acetate, and urethane. Examples of regenerated fibers include rayon and cupra. Examples of semi-synthetic fibers include acetate. Examples of composite fibers include polyethylene / polyester, polyethylene / polypropylene, and ethylene vinyl acetate / polypropylene.

[0055] The material for the absorbent body 3 may be one of the exemplified fibers alone or a mixture of two or more types. An example of a combination of two or more types is a combination of cellulosic fiber and composite fiber.

[0056] The absorbent body 3 is not limited to a single layer, but may also be a laminate of two or more layers. For example, by making the absorbent body 3 a two-layer structure consisting of a layer made of air-through nonwoven fabric or air-laid nonwoven fabric and a layer made of nonwoven fabric (SAP sheet) containing a water-absorbing polymer such as superabsorbent polymer (SAP), the absorbent body 3 can effectively absorb body fluids with the two layers, and the layer made of air-through nonwoven fabric or air-laid nonwoven fabric functions as a cushioning layer, making the absorbent article 10 feel soft, fluffy, and gentle when worn.

[0057] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of obtaining a good fluffy feel, it is preferable that the calculated value of "To-Tm" (the value obtained by subtracting Tm from To) of the absorbent article 10 using To and Tm obtained from the test below is 0.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or less, and more preferably 0.75 mm or more and 2.5 mm or less. <Test> Using a handy compression tester (KES-G5 manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Ltd.), the contact area between the top sheet 2 of the absorbent article 10 and the compression element was measured to determine whether the contact area was 2 cm 2 When the displacement speed of the compressing tool is 1 mm / s, the maximum compressive load is 30 gf / cm 2 The absorbent article 10 is compressed until the compressive load reaches 0.5 gf / cm2, and the thickness To of the absorbent article 10 when the compressive load reaches 0.5 gf / cm2 and the thickness Tm of the absorbent article 10 when the compressive load reaches 30 gf / cm2 are measured.

[0058] <Back seat> The back sheet 4 functions as a leak-proof layer that prevents body fluids absorbed in the absorbent body 3 from leaking out from the back surface side of the absorbent article 10. The back sheet 4 is not particularly limited as long as it is liquid-impermeable, and examples thereof include a liquid-impermeable film, a laminated sheet of a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric such as SMS, and a laminated sheet in which a liquid-impermeable film is laminated onto a spun-bonded nonwoven fabric or a point-bonded nonwoven fabric.

[0059] Examples of liquid-impermeable films include films made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, nylon, polyvinyl alcohol, cellophane, vinyl chloride, etc., and multilayer films made by laminating two or more of the above-mentioned films.

[0060] <First adhesive layer and second adhesive layer> The top sheet 2 and absorbent body 3 are bonded together by a first adhesive layer 5, and the absorbent body 3 and back sheet 4 are bonded together by a second adhesive layer 6. The first adhesive layer 5 and second adhesive layer 6 are formed using an adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, double-sided tape, or the like. Examples of adhesives and pressure-sensitive adhesives include water-soluble adhesives such as acrylic water-soluble adhesives, and water-insoluble adhesives such as rubber-based hot-melt adhesives and olefin-based hot-melt adhesives. In particular, rubber-based hot-melt adhesives are preferably used as adhesives and pressure-sensitive adhesives because of their excellent adhesive strength.

[0061] The first adhesive layer 5 may be provided between the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 3 so as to adhere the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 3 to each other over the entire area, or may be provided so as to adhere them to each other only in part. Furthermore, the second adhesive layer 6 may be provided between the absorbent body 3 and the back sheet 4 so as to adhere the absorbent body 3 and the back sheet 4 to each other over the entire area, or may be provided so as to adhere them to each other only in part.

[0062] As described above, in this embodiment, the top sheet 2, absorbent body 3, and back sheet 4 that constitute the absorbent article 10 are integrated by adhesion. Note that in this disclosure, "adhesion" also includes "sticking." This allows the absorbent article 10 to be manufactured easily and at low cost. In conventional absorbent articles that use woven or knitted fabric for the top sheet 2, the layers of the absorbent article 10 are generally integrated by sewing. Therefore, it takes time and cost to manufacture an absorbent article that uses woven or knitted fabric for the top sheet 2.

[0063] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the top sheet 2, absorbent body 3, and back sheet 4 are integrated by bonding, and therefore the absorbent article 10 can be mass-produced without much effort on a factory production line, similar to the many types of absorbent articles that use nonwoven fabric for the top sheet 2. Therefore, the absorbent article 10 can be manufactured easily and at low cost. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the top sheet 2, absorbent body 3, and back sheet 4 are not integrated by sewing, and therefore there are no sewing seams in the absorbent article 10, and the feel of the absorbent article 10 can be made pleasant.

[0064] <Third adhesive layer> The absorbent article 10 is attached to the user's clothing or skin by the third adhesive layer 7. The third adhesive layer 7 is formed using an adhesive, a pressure-sensitive adhesive, double-sided tape, or the like. Examples of adhesives and pressure-sensitive adhesives include water-soluble adhesives such as acrylic-based water-soluble adhesives, and water-insoluble adhesives such as rubber-based hot-melt adhesives and olefin-based hot-melt adhesives. Water-insoluble adhesives are particularly preferred for use as adhesives and pressure-sensitive adhesives because they have excellent adhesive strength to the user's clothing, etc. Rubber-based hot-melt adhesives are particularly preferred for use as adhesives and pressure-sensitive adhesives because they not only adhere well to clothing, but also leave little adhesive residue on the clothing when removed from the clothing, and are highly safe.

[0065] In this embodiment, the third adhesive layer 7 is provided on the back surface of the back sheet 4. The third adhesive layer 7 may be provided over the entire back surface of the back sheet 4, or may be provided only on a portion of the back surface of the back sheet 4, for example in a striped pattern. When the third adhesive layer 7 is provided only on a portion of the back surface of the back sheet 4, the used absorbent article 10 can be easily removed from the user's clothing or skin. On the other hand, when the third adhesive layer 7 is provided over the entire back surface of the back sheet 4, the absorbent article 10 can be firmly fixed to the user's clothing or skin during use, and the third adhesive layer 7 functions as a leak-proof layer together with the back sheet 4, thereby effectively preventing body fluids from leaking out of the absorbent article 10.

[0066] The third adhesive layer 7 is covered with a release sheet before the absorbent article 10 is used. The release sheet is formed by applying a release agent to, for example, a plastic film, a fiber sheet, a paper sheet, etc. The release sheet is attached to the back sheet 4 with the release agent side facing the third adhesive layer 7.

[0067] <Compression section> The outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article 10 has a compressed section 8 formed thereon, which is at least partially crushed in the thickness direction around the entire circumferential direction. In the illustrated example, the compressed section 8 is formed along the entire peripheral length of the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article 10. The compressed section 8 is formed by applying pressure to the absorbent article 10 in the thickness direction along the outer peripheral edge. In the compressed section 8, the top sheet 2, absorber 3, and back sheet 4 are each crushed in the thickness direction, and the thickness of the compressed section 8 in the absorbent article 10 is thinner than the thickness of parts other than the compressed section 8. The compressed section 8 is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article 10, starting from the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article 10 and having a predetermined width inside the outer peripheral edge. The width of the compressed section 8 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 1.0 mm or more and 5.0 mm or less.

[0068] By forming compressed sections 8 on the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article 10, compressed sections 8 are also formed on the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 2. The compressed sections 8 solidify the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 2 in the thickness direction, making it stronger. This makes the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 2 less likely to fray. In other words, if a woven or knitted fabric is used for the top sheet 2, the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 2, which forms the edge, is prone to fraying, and particularly when it comes into contact with and rubs against the user's skin during use, the outer peripheral edge easily frays, causing lint. In contrast, by compressing and strengthening the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 2, the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 2 is less likely to fray, even when a woven or knitted fabric is used for the top sheet 2, and this makes it possible to suppress lint from being produced at the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 2. As a result, the usability of the absorbent article 10 can be improved.

[0069] When compressing the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article 10, it is preferable to use heat compression in which heat is applied in addition to pressure, as this makes it easier to harden the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 2 through compression.

[0070] Furthermore, if the top sheet 2 contains heat-sealable fibers, or if the absorbent body 3 or back sheet 4 underlying the top sheet 2 contains heat-sealable fibers or a heat-sealable film even if the top sheet 2 does not contain heat-sealable fibers, the heat-sealable fibers or film will melt and then solidify due to thermal compression, thereby more firmly and securely solidifying the peripheral edge of the top sheet 2. This effectively prevents fraying of the peripheral edge of the top sheet 2. This effect is similarly achieved when the absorbent article 10 has a structure including only the top sheet 2, when the absorbent article 10 has a structure including the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 3 without the back sheet 4, and when the absorbent article 10 has a structure including the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 4 without the absorbent body 3.

[0071] Furthermore, when the top sheet 2, absorbent body 3, and back sheet 4 contain heat-fusible fibers or heat-fusible films, heat sealing processing by thermal compression is performed on the peripheral edges of the absorbent article 10, and the top sheet 2, absorbent body 3, and back sheet 4 are fused to one another by melting and solidifying the heat-fusible fibers or heat-fusible films in the compressed section 8. This allows the top sheet 2, absorbent body 3, and back sheet 4 to be integrated without necessarily using the first adhesive section 6 and the second adhesive section 7. Note that even when the absorbent article 10 has a structure comprising the top sheet 2 and absorbent body 3 but not the back sheet 4, or when the absorbent article 10 has a structure comprising the top sheet 2 and back sheet 4 but not the absorbent body 3, the top sheet 2 and absorbent body 3, or the top sheet 2 and back sheet 4, can be integrated without necessarily using the first adhesive section 6 or the second adhesive section 7.

[0072] In this embodiment, the compressed portion 8 is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 2 by compressing the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article 10 in a state in which the top sheet 2, absorbent body 3, and back sheet 4 are laminated together. Alternatively, the compressed portion 8 may be formed on the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 2 by compressing only the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 2, and then the top sheet 2 may be laminated with the absorbent body 3 and back sheet 4.

[0073] As shown in the example, the compressed sections 8 are preferably formed over the entire circumferential portion of the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 2, but may be formed over only a portion of the circumferential portion. Formed over a portion of the circumferential portion does not mean that one or more compressed sections 8 are formed in a concentrated manner over a portion of the circumferential portion, but rather that multiple compressed sections 8 are formed over the entire periphery of the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 2 at appropriate intervals along the circumferential direction. The interval is, for example, 10 mm or less, preferably 3 mm or less. One method for forming compressed sections 8 over the entire periphery of the outer peripheral edge of such a top sheet in the circumferential direction is, for example, embossing.

[0074] <Absorbent article functions and effects> As described above, in the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, the top sheet 2 that comes into contact with the user's skin is made of a woven or knitted fabric, and a liquid-impermeable back sheet 4 is provided as a leakage-proof layer on the side of the top sheet 2 opposite the side that comes into contact with the skin.

[0075] According to the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, a woven fabric or a knitted fabric is used for the top sheet 2, so that the absorbent article 10 feels good against the skin when in use.

[0076] Furthermore, according to the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, the back sheet 4 can prevent bodily fluids from leaking out and adhering to the user's clothing.

[0077] Furthermore, the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment further includes an absorbent core 3 provided between the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 4, in addition to the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 4. Therefore, according to the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, the absorbent core 3 can improve the body fluid absorption performance. Furthermore, in the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, the top sheet 2, absorbent core 3, and back sheet 4 are integrated by bonding or welding. Therefore, according to the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, the absorbent article 10 can be mass-produced without much effort on a factory production line, and the absorbent article 10 can be produced easily and at low cost. Furthermore, because the top sheet 2, absorbent core 3, and back sheet 4 are not integrated by sewing, there are no sewing seams in the absorbent article 10, and the feel of the absorbent article 10 can be improved.

[0078] Furthermore, in the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, compressed sections 8 are formed around the entire circumferential edge of the top sheet 2, which are crushed in the thickness direction. Therefore, according to the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 2 is strengthened by the compressed sections 8, so that even if a woven fabric is used for the top sheet 2, the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 2 is less likely to fray. This makes it possible to prevent lint from coming off the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 2 when the absorbent article 10 is in use, thereby improving the comfort of using the absorbent article 10.

[0079] Furthermore, in the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, the compressed section 8 is formed by heat sealing, and the top sheet 2, absorbent body 3, and back sheet 4 are integrated by heat welding accompanying the formation of the compressed section 8. Therefore, according to the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, the top sheet 2, absorbent body 3, and back sheet 4 can be integrated into the compressed section 8 without necessarily using the first adhesive layer 5 and the second adhesive layer 6. Therefore, the absorbent article 10 can be manufactured without using adhesives or the like, which reduces irritation to the user's skin when using the absorbent article 10.

[0080] Furthermore, in the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, an absorbent body 3 is provided below the top sheet 2, and the absorbent body 3 functions as a cushion layer that flexibly supports the top sheet 2. Therefore, the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment can provide a soft, gentle feel when worn.

[0081] Furthermore, in the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, the top sheet 2 is made of natural fibers. Therefore, according to the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, irritation to the skin when the top sheet 2 comes into contact with the skin is reduced, and skin rashes can be suppressed. This makes it possible to further improve the feel of the absorbent article 10 against the skin when in use.

[0082] On the other hand, top sheets 2 made from natural fibers have an issue with smoothness when the top sheet 2 rubs against the skin, but in the absorbent article 10 of the present embodiment, by raising the first surface 20 of the top sheet 2 that comes into contact with the skin or by forming the top sheet 2 with a twill or satin weave, the dynamic friction coefficient on the first surface 20 of the top sheet 2 is set to 0.2 or more and 0.6 or less, making it possible to make the first surface 20 of the top sheet 2 feel smooth against the skin (particularly by using a method of raising the first surface 20, it is possible to make it feel even smoother against the skin). Therefore, according to the absorbent article 10 of the present embodiment, even though the top sheet 2 is made from natural fibers, it feels smooth and not rough when rubbed against the skin, reducing irritation to the skin and making the absorbent article 10 feel even better against the skin when in use.

[0083] Furthermore, in the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, the top sheet 2 is made of a woven fabric made of cotton. Cotton has excellent moisture absorption properties, allowing it to retain an appropriate amount of moisture on the skin surface, and the fibers themselves absorb moisture and become soft, resulting in low friction with the skin and extremely low generation of static electricity. Therefore, the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment can further improve the feel of the absorbent article 10 against the skin when in use.

[0084] <Modification> Although one embodiment of the absorbent article of the present disclosure has been described above, the absorbent article of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the following modifications are possible. Note that the gist of the following modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0085] In the above-described embodiment, the absorbent article 10 includes, in addition to the top sheet 2, an absorbent body 3 and a back sheet 4. In one variation, as shown in Figure 4, the absorbent article 11 may include the back sheet 4 but not the absorbent body 3, or as shown in Figure 5, the absorbent article 12 may include the absorbent body 3 but not the back sheet 4, or as shown in Figure 6, the absorbent article 13 may not include both the absorbent body 3 and the back sheet 4.

[0086] In the absorbent article 11 of Fig. 4, the top sheet 2 functions as a layer that absorbs bodily fluids excreted by the user. In the absorbent article 11 of Fig. 4, the back sheet 4 functions as a leakproof layer, similar to the absorbent article 10 of the above-described embodiment. Therefore, the third adhesive layer 7 for fastening the absorbent article 11 to the user's clothing or the like may be provided over the entire rear surface of the back sheet 4, or may be provided over only a portion of the rear surface of the back sheet 4.

[0087] In the absorbent article 11 of Fig. 4, as shown in Fig. 4(B), a cushion layer 1 may be provided between the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 4. Examples of the cushion layer 1 include air-through nonwoven fabric, air-laid nonwoven fabric, nonwoven fabric containing a water-absorbent polymer such as superabsorbent polymer (SAP) (SAP sheet), woven fabric, knitted fabric, urethane foam, silicone, etc. This makes the absorbent article 11 feel soft and gentle when worn.

[0088] In the absorbent article 12 of Fig. 5, the third adhesive layer 7 for fastening the absorbent article 12 to the user's clothing or the like functions as a leakproof layer. Therefore, the third adhesive layer 7 is provided over the entire rear surface of the absorbent body 3. In this way, the third adhesive layer 7 functions as a leakproof layer in place of the back sheet 4, thereby preventing bodily fluids from leaking out of the absorbent article 12.

[0089] In the absorbent article 13 of Figure 6, the third adhesive layer 7 for fastening the absorbent article 13 to the user's clothing or the like functions as a leakproof layer. Therefore, the third adhesive layer 7 is provided over the entire second surface 21 (rear surface) opposite the first surface 20 of the top sheet 2. In this way, the third adhesive layer 7 functions as a leakproof layer in place of the back sheet 4, thereby preventing bodily fluids from leaking out of the absorbent article 13.

[0090] In the absorbent article 13 of Fig. 6, as shown in Fig. 6(B), a cushion layer 1 may be provided below the top sheet 2. This makes the absorbent article 13 feel soft and gentle when worn. In the absorbent article 13 of Fig. 6(B), the third adhesive layer 7 is provided over the entire back surface of the cushion layer 1.

[0091] In the above-described embodiment, the first surface 20 of the top sheet 2 is raised. As a modification, the first surface 20 of the top sheet 2 may not be raised. The same applies to the absorbent articles 11-13 in Figures 4, 5, and 6.

[0092] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, compressed sections 8 are formed on the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 2. As a modification, compressed sections 8 may not be formed on the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 2. The same applies to the absorbent articles 11-13 in Figures 4, 5, and 6. [Example]

[0093] The effects of the absorbent article of the present disclosure will be described below based on examples, but the absorbent article of the present disclosure is not limited to the following examples.

[0094] To assess the effectiveness of the absorbent article of the present disclosure, a test was conducted on the leakage of bodily fluids. Example 1 is a panty liner having a structure including a top sheet and a polyethylene back sheet as a leakage barrier layer. Example 2 is a panty liner having a structure including a top sheet and an adhesive layer provided over the entire back surface (second surface) of the top sheet as a leakage barrier layer. Comparative Example 1 is a panty liner having a structure including a top sheet and an adhesive layer provided over a portion of the back surface (second surface) of the top sheet. Comparative Example 2 is a panty liner having a structure including only a top sheet. In all examples, a cotton woven fabric was used for the top sheet. The adhesive layer was formed from a rubber-based hot melt adhesive, and in Comparative Example 2, the adhesive layer was provided in a striped pattern on the back surface (second surface) of the top sheet.

[0095] Sixty women were asked to use each panty liner and evaluate it for leakage of bodily fluids. The evaluation was carried out as follows: if 15 or fewer women experienced leakage of bodily fluids, it was given an "S", if 15 to 20 women experienced leakage, it was given an "A", if 20 to 25 women experienced leakage, it was given a "B", and if more than 25 women experienced leakage, it was given a "C". The evaluation results are shown in Table 1.

[0096] [Table 1]

[0097] Comparing the Examples and Comparative Examples, it was confirmed that the inclusion of a leakage-barrier layer in an absorbent article can suppress leakage of bodily fluids into underwear and the like, thereby improving the comfort of use. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1. Cushion layer 2 Topsheet 3. Absorbent 4 Back sheet (leak-proof layer) 5 First adhesive layer 6 Second adhesive layer 7 Third adhesive layer (leakproof layer) 8 Compression section 10-13 Absorbent articles 20 First surface (surface) of top sheet 21 Second side (back side) of top sheet

Claims

1. 1. An absorbent article used to absorb body fluids, comprising: a topsheet constructed of a woven or knitted fabric and in contact with the user's skin; a leak-proof layer provided on the top sheet on the side opposite to the side that comes into contact with the skin; An absorbent article comprising:

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, further comprising an absorbent body provided between the top sheet and the leakproof layer and integrated with the top sheet by adhesion or welding.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein the leak-proof layer is an adhesive layer provided over the entire area of ​​a second surface of the top sheet opposite to a first surface that comes into contact with the skin.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 2 , wherein the leakproof layer is an adhesive layer provided over the entire surface of the absorbent body opposite to the top sheet side.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein the leak-proof layer is composed of a liquid-impermeable back sheet that is integrated with the top sheet by adhesion or welding.

6. The absorbent article according to claim 2 , wherein the leak-proof layer is formed of a liquid-impermeable back sheet that is integrated with the absorbent body by adhesion or welding.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein the top sheet is made of a woven fabric made from natural fibers.

8. The absorbent article of claim 7 , wherein the topsheet is made of a woven cotton fabric.

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