Absorbent article

Abstract

To improve a soft and gentle feeling when touching the skin during use in an absorbent article in which a woven or knitted fabric is used as a top sheet, thereby improving wearing comfort and also improving skin feel.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 a cushion layer 1 that is provided on a side of the top sheet 2 opposite to a side that comes into contact with the skin and is integrated with the top sheet 2 by bonding or welding.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] Woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, or nonwoven fabrics are generally used for top sheets, and among these, nonwoven fabrics can be produced at low cost. Therefore, many absorbent articles, particularly disposable absorbent articles, use nonwoven fabrics for the top sheets. However, from the viewpoint of improving the feel of the top sheet against the skin, it is preferable to use woven fabrics or knitted fabrics rather than nonwoven fabrics for the top sheet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-116457 A 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 wearing comfort of absorbent articles using woven or knitted fabrics as top sheets. They found that when an absorbent article is composed solely of a woven or knitted fabric top sheet, there are limitations to the fluffy, gentle feel that can be achieved when used. Therefore, in order to improve the wearing comfort of absorbent articles using woven or knitted fabrics as top sheets, it is necessary to improve the fluffy, gentle feel when they come into contact with the skin. Furthermore, in conventional absorbent articles using woven or knitted fabrics as top sheets, the various layers of the absorbent article have typically been integrated by sewing. Therefore, conventional absorbent articles using woven or knitted fabrics as top sheets are labor-intensive and costly to manufacture, and the presence of sewing seams in the absorbent article causes the absorbent article to feel uncomfortable against the skin.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to improve the soft and gentle feeling that an absorbent article using a woven or knitted fabric as a top sheet feels when in contact with the skin during use, thereby improving comfort and texture. [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 cushion layer provided on the side opposite to the skin contact side of the top sheet and integrated with the top sheet by adhesion or welding; 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, wherein the cushion layer is made of a nonwoven fabric.

[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 2 above.

[0013] Item 3. The absorbent article according to Item 2, wherein the cushion layer is made of at least one of an air-through nonwoven fabric and an air-laid nonwoven fabric.

[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 nonwoven fabric contains a water-absorbing polymer.

[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, further comprising a leakage-proof layer provided over the entire surface of the cushion layer opposite to the surface on which the top sheet is provided.

[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 5 above.

[0019] Item 6. The absorbent article according to Item 5, wherein the leakproof layer is an adhesive layer.

[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 item 5 above.

[0021] Item 7. The absorbent article according to Item 5, wherein the leak-proof layer is composed of a liquid-impermeable back sheet that is integrated with the cushion layer by adhesion or welding.

[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 any one of items 1 to 7 above.

[0023] Item 8. The absorbent article according to any one of Items 1 to 7, wherein the top sheet is made of a woven fabric made from natural fibers.

[0024] Furthermore, the absorbent article of the present disclosure encompasses the absorbent article described in the following item 9 as a preferred embodiment of the absorbent article described in item 8 above.

[0025] Item 9. The absorbent article according to Item 8, wherein the top sheet is made of a woven fabric made of cotton. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the absorbent article of the present disclosure, an absorbent article using a woven or knitted fabric as a top sheet can improve the soft and gentle feeling when it touches the skin during use, making it comfortable to wear during use and providing a pleasant feel against the skin. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [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. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] <Summary 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.

[0029] The shape and size of the absorbent article are not particularly limited, and are designed to fit the area of ​​the body to which the absorbent article is to be applied. The thickness of the absorbent article is not particularly limited, and is designed to be thick enough that the user who touches the absorbent article during use does not feel uncomfortable.

[0030] The absorbent article has a multi-layer structure including a top sheet that comes into contact with the user's skin during use and a cushion layer that is provided on the side of the top sheet opposite the side that comes into contact with the skin. The absorbent article preferably further includes a back sheet. The top sheet has the property of absorbing bodily fluids excreted by the user (water absorbency). The cushion layer is provided below the top sheet and has the property of flexibly supporting the top sheet 2 during use of the absorbent article 10. The back sheet 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 back sheet functions as a leak-proof layer that prevents bodily fluids from leaking from the top sheet and cushion layer and adhering to the user's clothing.

[0031] When the absorbent article has a structure including a top sheet and a cushion, the top sheet and the cushion layer are integrated by adhesion or welding. When the absorbent article has a structure including a top sheet, a cushion layer, and a back sheet, the top sheet, the cushion layer, and the back sheet are integrated by adhesion or welding.

[0032] The top sheet has the property of absorbing bodily fluids discharged from the user (water absorbency). The cushion layer is provided below the top sheet and has the property of flexibly supporting the top sheet 2 when the absorbent article 10 is in use. The back sheet has the property of not allowing bodily fluids to pass through or making it difficult for bodily fluids to pass through (liquid impermeability). The back sheet functions as a leak-proof layer that prevents bodily fluids from leaking from the top sheet and cushion layer and adhering to the user's clothing.

[0033] 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., on the back surface of the cushion layer (the surface opposite to the top sheet side) if the absorbent article has a structure including a top sheet and a cushion layer, or on the back surface of the back sheet (the surface opposite to the cushion layer side) if the absorbent article has a structure including a top sheet, cushion layer, and back sheet. Also, when the absorbent article is worn on the 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., on the surface of the top sheet (the surface that comes into contact with the skin).

[0034] 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, or a function of preventing backflow of body fluids.

[0035] Hereinafter, an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] 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, a cushion layer 1, 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 cushion layer 1 to integrate the top sheet 2 and the cushion layer 1. An adhesive layer 6 (hereinafter referred to as the "second adhesive layer 6") is provided between the cushion layer 1 and the back sheet 4 to integrate the cushion layer 1 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, a compressed portion 8 is formed around the entire circumferential edge of the absorbent article 10.

[0037] The top sheet 2, cushion layer 1, 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 it is preferable that, in a plan view, the vertical direction along the front-to-back direction of the user's body 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.

[0038] Each of the components of the absorbent article 10 will be described in detail below.

[0039] <Top sheet> The top sheet 2 functions as a layer that absorbs bodily fluids excreted by the user. 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 one of the important design elements of 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The material for the top sheet 2 may be one of the exemplified fibers, or a mixture of two or more types. For example, a mixed fiber obtained by mixing cotton with a heat-fusible synthetic fiber (hereinafter referred to as "heat-fusible fiber") such as a polyethylene / polyester bicomponent fiber can be used for the material for the top sheet 2. By including heat-fusible fiber in the top sheet 2, the top sheet 2 and the cushion layer 1 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.).

[0051] 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.

[0052] <Cushion layer> The cushion layer 1 functions as a layer that flexibly supports the top sheet 2 from below. The cushioning properties of the cushion layer 1 make the absorbent article 10 feel fluffy, soft, and gentle when worn.

[0053] The cushion layer 1 is not particularly limited as long as it is flexible, and examples thereof include sheet-like fiber structures such as woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, and pulp products, as well as urethane foam and silicone. In particular, sheet-like fiber structures such as woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, and pulp products have the property of absorbing body fluids. Therefore, by using a sheet-like fiber structure for the cushion layer 1, the cushion layer 1 also functions as a layer that absorbs body fluids that have passed through the top sheet 2. This improves the water absorption of the absorbent article 10. Of the sheet-like fiber structures, it is preferable to use a nonwoven fabric for the cushion layer 1.

[0054] When a nonwoven fabric is used for the cushion layer 1, the cushion layer 1 may contain a water-absorbing polymer such as a superabsorbent resin (SAP) in order to improve water absorption.

[0055] The nonwoven fabric used in the cushion layer 1 can be produced 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 produced by methods such as the spunlace, thermal bonding, air-through bonding, airlaid, needlepunch, and spunbonding have a good texture and are produced without using adhesives or solvents, so using such nonwoven fabrics in the cushion layer 1 can improve the safety of the absorbent article 10 to the skin.

[0056] 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 cushion layer 1, the cushion layer 1 exhibits good cushioning properties. This effectively makes the absorbent article 10 feel fluffy, soft, and gentle to the touch. Therefore, it is preferable to use air-through nonwoven fabrics and air-laid nonwoven fabrics in the cushion layer 1.

[0057] Examples of fibers that can be used as the material for the cushion layer 1 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, cellulosic fibers (not containing protein components) such as cotton and pulp are preferred as the material for the cushion layer 1 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.

[0058] The material for the cushion layer 1 may be one of the exemplified fibers alone or a mixture of two or more of them. An example of a combination of two or more of them is a combination of cellulosic fiber and composite fiber.

[0059] The cushion layer 1 is not limited to a single layer, but may also be a laminate of two or more layers. For example, by making the cushion layer 1 a two-layer structure consisting of a layer made of an air-through nonwoven fabric or an air-laid nonwoven fabric and a layer made of a nonwoven fabric (SAP sheet) containing a water-absorbent polymer such as superabsorbent polymer (SAP), the two layers of the cushion layer 1 can effectively absorb body fluids, and the layer made of the air-through nonwoven fabric or the air-laid nonwoven fabric can function as a cushion layer, making the absorbent article 10 feel soft, fluffy, and gentle when worn.

[0060] 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.

[0061] <Back seat> The back sheet 4 functions as a leak-proof layer that prevents body fluids absorbed in the top sheet 2 and cushion layer 1 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 spunbonded nonwoven fabric or a point-bonded nonwoven fabric.

[0062] 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.

[0063] <First adhesive layer and second adhesive layer> The top sheet 2 and cushion layer 1 are bonded together by a first adhesive layer 5, and the cushion layer 1 and back sheet 4 are bonded together by a second adhesive layer 6. The first adhesive layer 5 and the 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.

[0064] The first adhesive layer 5 may be provided between the top sheet 2 and the cushion layer 1 so as to adhere the top sheet 2 and the cushion layer 1 to each other over the entire area or to adhere them to each other only in part. The second adhesive layer 6 may be provided between the cushion layer 1 and the back sheet 4 so as to adhere the cushion layer 1 and the back sheet 4 to each other over the entire area or to adhere them to each other only in part.

[0065] As described above, in this embodiment, the top sheet 2, cushion layer 1, 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 has been time-consuming and costly to manufacture absorbent articles that use woven or knitted fabric for the top sheet 2.

[0066] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the top sheet 2, cushion layer 1, 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, cushion layer 1, 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 good.

[0067] <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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] <Compression section> The absorbent article 10 has a compressed section 8 formed at the outer peripheral edge thereof, 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, cushion layer 1, 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 at 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] Furthermore, if the top sheet 2 contains heat-fusible fibers, or if the cushion layer 1 below the top sheet 2 contains heat-fusible fibers even if the top sheet 2 does not contain heat-fusible fibers, the heat-fusible fibers 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 that includes a top sheet 2 and cushion layer 1 but does not include a back sheet 4.

[0074] Furthermore, when the top sheet 2, cushion layer 1, 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, cushion layer 1, 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, cushion layer 1, and back sheet 4 to be integrated without necessarily using the first adhesive section 6 and the second adhesive section 7. Note that even in a structure in which the absorbent article 10 has a top sheet 2 and cushion layer 1 but not a back sheet 4, the top sheet 2 and cushion layer 1 can be integrated without necessarily using the first adhesive section 6.

[0075] In this embodiment, the outer peripheral edge of the absorbent article 10, in which the top sheet 2, cushion layer 1, and back sheet 4 are laminated together, is compressed to form compressed parts 8 on the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 2. Alternatively, the compressed parts 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 cushion layer 1 and back sheet 4.

[0076] As shown in the example, the compressed sections 8 are preferably formed over the entire circumferential area of ​​the outer peripheral edge of the top sheet 2, but may be formed over only a portion of the circumferential area. Formed over a portion of the circumferential area does not mean that one or more compressed sections 8 are formed in a concentrated manner over a portion of the circumferential area, 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.

[0077] <Absorbent article functions and effects> As described above, the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment includes the top sheet 2 that comes into contact with the user's skin, and the cushion layer 1 that is provided on the side of the top sheet 2 opposite to the side that comes into contact with the skin.

[0078] According to the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, a woven or knitted fabric is used for the top sheet 2, so that the absorbent article 10 feels good against the skin when in use.

[0079] Furthermore, according to the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, a cushion layer 1 that flexibly supports the top sheet 2 is provided below the top sheet 2. Therefore, according to the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to achieve a soft, gentle feeling when worn.

[0080] Furthermore, according to the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, the top sheet 2, cushion layer 1, and back sheet 4 are integrated by bonding or welding, not by sewing. This allows the absorbent article 10 to be mass-produced without much effort on a factory production line, making it possible to manufacture the absorbent article 10 easily and at low cost. Furthermore, because the top sheet 2, cushion layer 1, and back sheet 4 are not integrated by sewing, there are no sewing seams in the absorbent article 10, making it possible to make the absorbent article 10 feel good against the skin.

[0081] Furthermore, in the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, the cushion layer 1 is made of a nonwoven fabric. Therefore, according to the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, the cushion layer 1 also functions as an absorbent layer for body fluids, and the cushion layer 1 can improve the absorption performance of body fluids.

[0082] Furthermore, in the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, the cushion layer 1 is made of at least one of an air-through nonwoven fabric and an air-laid nonwoven fabric. Therefore, according to the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, the cushion layer 1 exhibits good cushioning properties. Therefore, the good cushioning properties of the cushion layer 1 can make the absorbent article 10 feel even softer, more fluffy, and gentler when worn.

[0083] Furthermore, the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment further includes a liquid-impermeable back sheet 4 in addition to the top sheet 2 and the cushion layer 1. Therefore, according to the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, the back sheet 4 can prevent bodily fluids from leaking to the outside and adhering to the user's clothing.

[0084] 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.

[0085] Furthermore, in the absorbent article 10 of this embodiment, the compressed section 8 is formed by heat sealing, and the top sheet 2, cushion layer 1, 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, cushion layer 1, 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 the absorbent article 10 is used.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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, the first surface 20 of the top sheet 2 that comes into contact with the skin is raised, or the top sheet 2 is formed using a twill or satin weave, thereby setting the dynamic friction coefficient on the first surface 20 of the top sheet 2 to 0.2 or more and 0.6 or less, thereby making it possible to make the first surface 20 of the top sheet 2 feel smooth against the skin (in particular, the method of raising the first surface 20 made it 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, thereby reducing irritation to the skin and making the absorbent article 10 feel even better against the skin when in use.

[0088] 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.

[0089] <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.

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, the absorbent article 10 includes a backsheet 4 in addition to the topsheet 2 and the cushion layer 1. In one variation, the absorbent article 11 may not include the backsheet 4, as shown in FIG.

[0091] 4, a third adhesive layer 7 for fixing the absorbent article 11 to the user's clothing or the like is preferably provided over the entire rear surface of the cushion layer 1. This allows the third adhesive layer 7 to function as a leak-proof layer in place of the back sheet 4, thereby preventing body fluids from leaking out of the absorbent article 11. Note that the third adhesive layer 7 does not necessarily have to be provided over the entire rear surface of the cushion layer 1, and may be provided over only a portion of the rear surface of the cushion layer 1.

[0092] 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 article 11 in Figure 4.

[0093] 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 article 11 in Figure 4. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1. Cushion layer 2 Topsheet 4 Back sheet (leak-proof layer) 5 First adhesive layer 6 Second adhesive layer 7 Third adhesive layer (leakproof layer) 8 Compression section 10-11 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, which may be woven or knitted and which contacts the user's skin; a cushion layer provided on the side opposite to the skin contact side of the top sheet and integrated with the top sheet by adhesion or welding; An absorbent article comprising:

2. The absorbent article of claim 1 , wherein the cushioning layer is made of a nonwoven fabric.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 2 , wherein the cushion layer is made of at least one of an air-through nonwoven fabric and an air-laid nonwoven fabric.

4. The absorbent article of claim 2 , wherein the nonwoven fabric contains a water-absorbing polymer.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 1 , further comprising a leakage-proof layer provided over the entire surface of the cushion layer opposite to the surface on which the top sheet is provided.

6. The absorbent article according to claim 5 , wherein the leak-proof layer is an adhesive layer.

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

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

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

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