Absorbent pad and method for manufacturing absorbent pad

Abstract

To provide an absorbent pad capable of easily absorbing a plurality of body fluids having different viscosities, and a method for manufacturing the same.SOLUTION: The absorbent pad 1 includes a liquid-permeable topsheet 11, a liquid-impermeable backsheet 10, and an absorber 12 disposed between the topsheet 11 and the backsheet 10. The absorber 12 includes, in the main surface direction of the absorbent pad 1, a polymer-rich absorption part 13 containing a water-absorbent polymer, and a pulp-rich absorption part 14 containing no water-absorbent polymer or containing a smaller amount of the water-absorbent polymer than the polymer-rich absorption part 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an absorbent pad for absorbing bodily fluids of a wearer and a method for manufacturing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Sanitary napkins that absorb high-viscosity liquids such as blood and loose stools are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article that contains a water-absorbent resin that has an absorption capacity of 40 g / g or more and a liquid retention capacity of 30 g / g or more for high-viscosity liquids of 20 to 30 cps. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-315783 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, pregnant women in the later stages of pregnancy may experience bleeding, "showing signs" in which high-viscosity vaginal secretions mixed with blood are discharged, or "rupture of membranes" in which low-viscosity amniotic fluid is discharged, and therefore there is a need for absorbent pads that can absorb bodily fluids of various different viscosities. Note that the above-mentioned problem is not limited to absorbent pads for pregnant women, but is similar to any situation in which bodily fluids of different viscosities, such as urine and blood, may be discharged.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an absorbent pad that can easily absorb body fluids of a plurality of different viscosities, and a method for manufacturing the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An absorbent pad according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The absorbent body includes, in the main surface direction of the absorbent pad, a first absorbent section containing a water-absorbent polymer and a second absorbent section that does not contain the water-absorbent polymer or that contains a lower amount of the water-absorbent polymer than the first absorbent section. By providing a section suitable for absorbing low-viscosity body fluids and a section suitable for absorbing high-viscosity body fluids on the same plane, a single article can easily absorb multiple body fluids of different viscosities.

[0007] Here, the first absorbent section and the second absorbent section may be arranged alternately along an arrangement direction parallel to the main surface. By arranging regions suitable for absorbing low-viscosity body fluids and regions suitable for absorbing high-viscosity body fluids alternately, it is possible to maintain a constant distance from the wearer's excretory opening for each region. Therefore, regardless of the viscosity of the excreted body fluid, the target body fluid can be easily captured, and leakage of the body fluid can be easily prevented. Furthermore, the alternating arrangement makes it easy to capture the target body fluid even if the position of the absorbent pad that abuts on the excretory opening shifts in the width direction, thereby reducing the impact of misalignment on leakage of body fluid.

[0008] The angle between the arrangement direction and the minor axis of the main surface may be greater than 0° and less than 90°. By alternately arranging regions suitable for absorbing viscous body fluids and regions suitable for absorbing highly viscous body fluids at an angle, the absorbent pad can easily capture the target body fluid even if the contact position with the excretory opening shifts in the front-to-rear direction in addition to the width direction. As a result, the impact of misalignment on body fluid leakage can be reduced.

[0009] The absorbent body may further include a marker portion in the direction of the main surface that is capable of detecting a specific body fluid, thereby allowing the wearer to understand their own health condition from the color of the marker portion.

[0010] Furthermore, the marker section may be disposed between the first absorbent section and the second absorbent section. In this case, the marker section may be a water-repellent nonwoven fabric impregnated with an indicator capable of detecting the specific body fluid. This allows the skin-facing end surface of the marker section to repel body fluid, thereby improving the visibility of the marker section.

[0011] The method for manufacturing the absorbent pad may include the steps of forming a first absorbent layer containing the water-absorbent polymer, forming a second absorbent layer above the first absorbent layer that does not contain the water-absorbent polymer or has a lower water-absorbent polymer content than the first absorbent layer, thereby forming a laminate including at least the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer, and cutting the laminate in the stacking direction.The above manufacturing method makes it easy to manufacture an absorbent pad having multiple regions on the same plane. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The present disclosure provides an absorbent pad that can easily absorb body fluids of different viscosities, and a method for manufacturing the same. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of an absorbent pad according to a first embodiment, viewed from the skin contact surface side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent pad taken along the line AA' in accordance with the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an absorbent pad according to a first modified example, viewed from the skin contact surface side. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent pad taken along the line BB' in accordance with the first modified example. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an absorbent pad according to a second modified example, viewed from the skin contact surface side. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the absorbent pad according to the second embodiment, seen from the skin contact side. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent pad taken along the line CC' in accordance with the second embodiment. [Figure 8] 1A to 1C are diagrams showing the manufacturing process of an absorbent pad. [Figure 9] 1A to 1C are diagrams showing the manufacturing process of an absorbent pad. [Figure 10] 1A to 1C are diagrams showing the manufacturing process of an absorbent pad. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and for clarity of explanation, duplicate explanations will be omitted as necessary.

[0015] <Embodiment 1> First, a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. 1. Absorbent pad 1 This section describes the overall configuration of the absorbent pad 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a plan view of the absorbent pad 1 according to the first embodiment, seen from the skin-contacting surface side. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent pad 1 according to the first embodiment, taken along the line A-A'. The absorbent pad 1 is an absorbent article that is attached as a napkin to a wearer's underwear or other garment from which bodily fluids may be discharged. The wearer of the first embodiment is a pregnant woman who may discharge bodily fluids of different viscosities, such as menstrual period or amniotic fluid, but is not limited to this. The absorbent pad 1 may also be used as a sanitary napkin, panty liner, adult incontinence pad, or urine absorption pad. The absorbent pad 1 is, for example, a disposable napkin, but may also be reusable.

[0016] The absorbent pad 1 has a front-to-rear direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T. The front-to-rear direction L is the long axis direction of the absorbent pad 1, extending from the rear side (back) to the front side (belly) of the wearer. The width direction W is the short axis direction of the absorbent pad 1, and is a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction L. The thickness direction T is the direction extending from the non-skin-facing side to the skin-facing side of the wearer, and is a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction L and the width direction W. The skin-facing side corresponds to the side that faces the wearer's skin when worn. The non-skin-facing side corresponds to the side opposite the wearer's skin when worn, relative to the absorbent pad 1. The LW plane defined by the front-rear direction L and the width direction W may be referred to as the main surface of the absorbent pad 1. Also, the view of the main surface from the skin contact side may be referred to as a plan view.

[0017] 1 and 2, the absorbent pad 1 comprises a top sheet 11, a back sheet 10, an absorbent body 12, and an adhesive layer 15. The absorbent pad 1 may also have a second sheet disposed between the top sheet 11 and the absorbent body 12.

[0018] 1.1 Surface sheet 11 The topsheet 11 is a liquid-permeable sheet that is positioned closer to the wearer's skin than the absorbent body 12 and faces the wearer's skin. The topsheet 11 has the function of allowing bodily fluids excreted from the wearer's excretory opening (e.g., buttocks) to pass through to the absorbent body 12. In a plan view, the topsheet 11 has a longitudinal direction in the front-to-rear direction L and a generally rectangular shape that is symmetrical about a central axis D that is generally parallel to the front-to-rear direction L. As shown in FIG. 2 , the topsheet 11 covers the absorbent body 12 together with the backsheet 10 so that the absorbent body 12 is not directly exposed to the skin. For example, the topsheet 11 is a nonwoven fabric. More specifically, the topsheet 11 may be a spunlace nonwoven fabric, an air-through nonwoven fabric, a spunbond nonwoven fabric, an SMS nonwoven fabric, or the like. The topsheet 11 may be formed by laminating a plurality of such nonwoven fabrics in the thickness direction T.

[0019] 1.2 Back sheet 10 The backsheet 10 is a liquid-impermeable film that is positioned closer to the wearer's skin than the absorbent body 12 and faces the wearer's underwear. The backsheet 10 has the function of retaining body fluid that has passed through the absorbent body 12 without being absorbed, in the absorbent body 12 so as not to penetrate to the outside. The backsheet 10 has a generally elliptical shape symmetrical about the central axis D, with the longitudinal direction being the front-to-rear direction L in a plan view. The backsheet 10 may have a larger area than the topsheet 11 in a plan view. For example, the backsheet 10 may have a pair of wings formed to extend outward on both sides in the width direction W of the absorbent pad 1. The backsheet 10 is desirably breathable, and is, for example, a perforated plastic film sheet.

[0020] 1.3 Adhesive layer 15 The adhesive layer 15 is provided on the non-skin surface of the backsheet 10 and serves to fix the absorbent pad 1 to the wearing article. The adhesive layer 15 is formed in the front-to-rear direction L in a portion overlapping with at least a portion of the absorber 12 in a plan view. The adhesive layer 15 may also be formed in a portion overlapping with at least a portion of a pair of wings of the backsheet 10 in a plan view.

[0021] 1.4 Absorbent 12 The absorbent body 12 is an absorbent body that absorbs and retains bodily fluids of the wearer. The absorbent body 12 is disposed between the top sheet 11 and the back sheet 10 in the thickness direction T. The absorbent body 12 has a longitudinal direction in the front-to-rear direction L in a plan view, and has a generally rectangular shape that is symmetrical about the central axis D. The absorbent body 12 contains at least one of a water-absorbent polymer and a water-absorbent fibrous material. The water-absorbent fibrous material is pulp, but tissue, hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, or any material conventionally used in absorbent articles that absorb bodily fluids can also be used. The absorbent body 12 includes a polymer-rich absorbent portion 13 and a pulp-rich absorbent portion 14 in the direction of the main surface of the absorbent pad, that is, in a plan view.

[0022] 1.4.1 Polymer-rich absorbent section 13 The polymer-rich absorbent section 13 is also referred to as the first absorbent section. In FIG. 1, the polymer-rich absorbent section 13 has a substantially rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction being the front-to-rear direction L. The polymer-rich absorbent section 13 is disposed on one side in the width direction W with respect to the central axis D, that is, on the left side in the example shown in FIG. 1. The polymer-rich absorbent section 13 is a region of the absorbent body 12 suitable for absorbing low-viscosity body fluids such as urine or amniotic fluid, and contains a water-absorbent polymer. Specifically, the polymer-rich absorbent section 13 contains pulp in addition to a water-absorbent polymer, but the weight of the water-absorbent polymer is greater than the weight of the pulp. From the standpoints of cost and water absorption, the weight ratio of the water-absorbent polymer to the pulp (water-absorbent polymer / pulp) is preferably 1 / 1 to 5 / 1. Examples of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, sodium polyacrylate and granular polymers of partially neutralized crosslinked sodium polyacrylates, polyacrylamide, polyacrylic acid, polyvinyl alcohol, modified starch-based SAPs, grafted superabsorbent polymers, potassium polyacrylate, mineral-based grafted SAPs, and cationic SAPs.

[0023] 1.4.2 Pulp-rich absorption section 14 The pulp-rich absorbent section 14 is also referred to as the second absorbent section. In FIG. 1, the pulp-rich absorbent section 14 has a substantially rectangular shape with the longitudinal direction being the front-to-rear direction L. The pulp-rich absorbent section 14 is disposed on the opposite side of the polymer-rich absorbent section 13 in the width direction W, relative to the central axis D, i.e., on the right side in the example shown in FIG. 1. Note that in FIG. 1, the pulp-rich absorbent section 14 is disposed adjacent to the polymer-rich absorbent section 13, but another layer may be interposed between the polymer-rich absorbent section 13 and the pulp-rich absorbent section 14. The pulp-rich absorbent section 14 is a region of the absorbent body 12 suitable for absorbing highly viscous body fluids such as blood or vaginal secretions, and contains pulp, which is a water-absorbent fibrous material. The pulp-rich absorbent section 14 contains a water-absorbent polymer in addition to pulp, but the content of the water-absorbent polymer per unit area is lower than that of the polymer-rich absorbent section 13. Specifically, in the pulp-rich absorbent section 14, the weight per unit area of ​​the water-absorbent polymer is lower than the weight of the pulp. From the viewpoint of absorbency for highly viscous body fluids, the weight ratio of the water-absorbent polymer to the pulp (water-absorbent polymer / pulp) is 1 / 20 to 1 / 1, and preferably 1 / 15 to 1 / 1.

[0024] The pulp-rich absorbent portion 14 is mainly made of pulp and may not contain a water-absorbent polymer.

[0025] [effect] The absorbent pad 1 according to the first embodiment includes, in plan view, a polymer-rich absorbent section 13 suitable for absorbing low-viscosity body fluids and a pulp-rich absorbent section 14 suitable for absorbing high-viscosity body fluids. Therefore, the absorbent pad 1 can easily absorb multiple body fluids of different viscosities with a single item. In particular, pregnant women in the third trimester can wear the absorbent pad 1 according to the first embodiment to cope with both labor and water rupture, which are difficult to predict when they will occur. The absorbent pad 1 can also be used in situations other than the third trimester where multiple body fluids of different viscosities may be discharged.

[0026] <First Modification> Next, a first modification of the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the absorbent pad 1a according to the first modified example, seen from the skin contact surface side. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent pad 1a according to the first modified example, taken along the line B-B'. The absorbent pad 1a according to the first modified example differs from the absorbent pad 1 in that it has an absorbent body 12a instead of the absorbent body 12.

[0027] In the absorbent body 12a, the polymer-rich absorbent portions 13 and the pulp-rich absorbent portions 14 are alternately arranged along an arrangement direction parallel to the main surface of the absorbent pad 1. Specifically, each polymer-rich absorbent portion 13 and each pulp-rich absorbent portion 14 is formed in a strip shape with its longitudinal direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction, i.e., the stretching direction D'. The strip-shaped polymer-rich absorbent portions 13 and pulp-rich absorbent portions 14 are alternately arranged at regular intervals. For example, if the width of the polymer-rich absorbent portion 13 is w1 and the width of the pulp-rich absorbent portion 14 is w2, the arrangement interval is (w1 + w2) / 2. By alternately arranging regions suitable for absorbing low-viscosity body fluids and regions suitable for absorbing high-viscosity body fluids in this way, the distance from the excretory opening through which the wearer's body fluids are excreted can be maintained within a certain distance for both regions. Therefore, regardless of the viscosity of the excreted body fluid, it is easy to capture the target body fluid and easily prevent leakage of the body fluid.

[0028] Furthermore, the alternating arrangement makes it easier to capture the target bodily fluid even if the position of the absorbent pad 1 that abuts against the excretory opening shifts in the width direction W, thereby reducing the impact of positional shifts on bodily fluid leakage.

[0029] The width w1 of the polymer-rich absorbent section 13 may be 50 mm or less, preferably 30 mm or less, and more preferably 10 mm or less, to reduce the effects of leakage due to misalignment between the absorbent pad 1 and the excretory opening. The width w2 of the pulp-rich absorbent section 14 may be 50 mm or less, preferably 30 mm or less, and more preferably 10 mm or less, to reduce the effects of leakage due to misalignment between the absorbent pad 1 and the excretory opening. The widths w1 and w2 may be the same or different. For example, the width w1, which corresponds to the absorption of low-viscosity body fluids excreted in large amounts, may be set larger than the width w2.

[0030] In the absorbent pad 1a, each polymer-rich absorbent section 13 and each pulp-rich absorbent section 14 may extend toward one side in the front-rear direction L (e.g., the front side) as it extends toward one side in the width direction W (e.g., the right side). In other words, the stretching direction D' may be inclined at a predetermined angle (angle θ) with respect to the central axis D. The angle θ is the angle between the stretching direction D' and the central axis D. The angle θ can also be considered the angle between the alignment direction and the width direction W. The absolute value of the angle θ may be greater than 0° and less than 90°, preferably greater than 20° and less than 70°, and more preferably greater than 40° and less than 50°. This alternating arrangement of regions suitable for absorbing low-viscosity body fluids and regions suitable for absorbing high-viscosity body fluids at an angle makes it easier to capture the target body fluid even if the position of the absorbent pad 1 that abuts against the excretory opening shifts in the front-rear direction L in addition to the width direction W. As a result, the impact of misalignment on body fluid leakage can be reduced.

[0031] <Second Modification> Next, a second modification of the first embodiment will be described. 5 is a plan view of the skin contact surface of an absorbent pad 1b according to the second modification. The absorbent pad 1b according to the second modification differs from the absorbent pad 1a in that it includes an absorber 12b instead of the absorber 12a.

[0032] The absorbent body 12b is similar to the absorbent body 12a in that the polymer-rich absorbent portions 13 and the pulp-rich absorbent portions 14 are alternately arranged along an arrangement direction horizontal to the main surface of the absorbent pad 1. However, in the absorbent body 12b, each polymer-rich absorbent portion 13 has a rectangular shape and is arranged so that each side is adjacent to a pulp-rich absorbent portion 14. Furthermore, each pulp-rich absorbent portion 14 has a rectangular shape and is arranged so that each side is adjacent to a polymer-rich absorbent portion 13.

[0033] The second variant also makes it easy to capture the target bodily fluids even if the position of the absorbent pad 1 that abuts against the excretory opening shifts in the front-to-back direction L in addition to the width direction W, thereby reducing the impact of positional shifts on leakage of bodily fluids.

[0034] The cross section of the absorbent pad 1b is substantially the same as the cross section of the absorbent pad 1a shown in FIG. 4, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0035] <Embodiment 2> Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. In the first embodiment, the absorbent bodies 12, 12a, and 12b are composed of a polymer-rich absorbent section 13 and a pulp-rich absorbent section 14. However, in the second embodiment, the absorbent bodies further include a marker section capable of detecting a specific bodily fluid of the wearer.

[0036] Fig. 6 is a plan view of the absorbent pad 1c according to embodiment 2, seen from the skin contact surface side, and Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC' of the absorbent pad 1c according to embodiment 2. The absorbent pad 1c includes an absorbent body 12c instead of the absorbent body 12a. The absorbent body 12c further includes, in the main surface direction of the absorbent pad 1, a labeling section 16 capable of detecting a specific body fluid, in addition to a polymer-rich absorbent section 13 and a pulp-rich absorbent section 14.

[0037] The label 16 is a nonwoven fabric impregnated with an indicator capable of detecting a specific body fluid. More specifically, the label 16 is a nonwoven fabric impregnated with a pH indicator that undergoes a color reaction depending on the pH value of the specific body fluid. The label 16 changes color depending on the pH as the target body fluid is absorbed. The wearer can understand their own health condition from the color displayed by the label 16. Examples of pH indicators include litmus solution, bromothymol blue solution (BTB solution), nitrazine yellow solution, phenolphthalein solution, methyl orange, purple cabbage juice, and a liquid mixture of multiple pH indicators.

[0038] Particularly for pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy, there is a need for immediate treatment by simple self-diagnosis of membrane rupture. This is because leaving membrane rupture unnoticed increases the risk of serious infection, premature birth, or miscarriage. When the indicator 16 is used to identify membrane rupture, it is preferable to use BTB solution or nitrazine yellow solution as the pH indicator, with nitrazine yellow solution being particularly preferable. While the pH of vaginal secretions is between 4.5 and 6.0 and that of amniotic fluid is between 7.0 and 8.5, the color change range of BTB solution is between 6.2 and 7.8. When amniotic fluid leaks due to membrane rupture, the indicator 16 using BTB solution turns blue. Furthermore, the color change range of nitrazine yellow solution is between 6.4 and 6.8, which is intermediate between the pH of vaginal secretions and that of amniotic fluid, allowing for more accurate diagnosis of membrane rupture than BTB solution. When amniotic fluid leaks due to membrane rupture, the indicator 16 using nitrazine yellow solution turns blue-green to light blue.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 6, the polymer-rich absorbent section 13, the pulp-rich absorbent section 14, and the labeled section 16 are formed in a strip shape with the stretching direction D' as the longitudinal direction. The labeled section 16 is arranged adjacent to the polymer-rich absorbent section 13 and the pulp-rich absorbent section 14 in the main surface direction of the absorbent pad 1. Specifically, unit sets of the polymer-rich absorbent section 13, the labeled section 16, the pulp-rich absorbent section 14, and the labeled section 16 are repeatedly arranged along an arrangement direction horizontal to the main surface of the absorbent pad 1. As shown in Fig. 7, the thickness of the labeled section 16 may be approximately the same as that of the polymer-rich absorbent section 13 and the pulp-rich absorbent section 14. Therefore, the end faces of the non-skin-facing side and the skin-facing side between the labeled section 16, the polymer-rich absorbent section 13, and the pulp-rich absorbent section 14 may be formed flat with almost no steps in the thickness direction T.

[0040] By interposing the labeled portion 16 between the polymer-rich absorbent portion 13 and the pulp-rich absorbent portion 14 in the main surface direction, the body fluid flows into the labeled portion 16 through the holes in the nonwoven fabric from inside the thickness direction T of the absorbent portion suitable for absorbing a specific body fluid, thereby making it easier to detect the body fluid.

[0041] Furthermore, since the marker portions 16 are repeatedly arranged in the main surface direction, detection errors due to misalignment in the width direction W can be prevented.

[0042] The width w3 of the marker portion 16 may be 50 mm or less, preferably 30 mm or less, and more preferably 10 mm or less, in order to further reduce the effect of detection failure due to misalignment between the absorbent pad 1 and the excretory opening.

[0043] Here, similarly to the first modified example of the first embodiment, the stretching direction D' may be inclined at a predetermined angle θ with respect to the central axis D. The absolute value of the angle θ may be greater than 0° and less than 90°, preferably greater than 20° and less than 70°, and more preferably greater than 40° and less than 50°. This makes it possible to prevent detection failures due to misalignment in the front-rear direction L in addition to the width direction W.

[0044] The nonwoven fabric used for the marker 16 may be water-repellent. For example, the marker 16 may be a nonwoven fabric impregnated with a water-repellent agent. Because body fluid excreted from the excretory opening spreads in the main surface direction at the skin-facing end face of the absorbent 12, there is a problem that if the excreted body fluid contains a dark-colored body fluid such as blood, the wearer may have difficulty recognizing the color change of the marker 16. However, if the marker 16 is water-repellent, the skin-facing end face of the marker 16 repels body fluid, thereby improving the visibility of the marker 16. Since the marker 16 is adjacent in the main surface direction to an absorbent section (polymer-rich absorbent section 13 or pulp-rich absorbent section 14) suitable for absorbing a specific body fluid, the marker 16 exhibits a color reaction depending on the pH when body fluid flows in from inside the absorbent section in the thickness direction T through the pores of the nonwoven fabric.

[0045] <Manufacturing method> Next, a method for manufacturing the absorbent pad will be described. 2.1 Overview of manufacturing method The absorbent pads 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c according to the first and second embodiments can be manufactured by the following manufacturing method. forming a first absorbent layer comprising a water-absorbing polymer; forming a second absorbent layer above the first absorbent layer, the second absorbent layer not containing a water-absorbing polymer or containing a water-absorbing polymer less than that of the first absorbent layer, to form a laminate including at least the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer; a step of cutting the laminate in the stacking direction; A manufacturing method comprising: Here, the first absorbent layer corresponds to the polymer-rich absorbent section 13 and is also called a polymer-rich layer. The second absorbent layer corresponds to the pulp-rich absorbent section 14 and is also called a pulp-rich layer. Note that forming the second absorbent layer above the first absorbent layer includes forming the second absorbent layer on the surface of the first absorbent layer and forming the second absorbent layer on the first absorbent layer via another layer.

[0046] 2.2 Manufacturing details Next, the manufacturing method will be described in detail. Below, a manufacturing method for the absorbent pad 1c will be described as an example. Figures 8 to 10 are diagrams showing the manufacturing process for the absorbent pad 1c.

[0047] 2.2.1 Preparation of laminate 2 First, a polymer-rich layer 23 is formed on a substrate 20 (Step 1). The polymer-rich layer 23 corresponds to the polymer-rich absorbent section 13 and contains a water-absorbent polymer. The substrate 20 is not particularly limited, but may be a resin film, a glass substrate, a silicon substrate, or the like. As an example, the polymer-rich layer 23 is a sheet containing a water-absorbent polymer and cotton-like pulp, and is placed on a substrate 20 having an adhesive applied to at least a portion of its surface, thereby forming the polymer-rich layer 23 on the substrate 20.

[0048] Next, a marking layer 26 is formed on the polymer-rich layer 23, i.e., on the surface of the polymer-rich layer 23 opposite the substrate 20 (step 2). The marking layer 26 is a nonwoven fabric impregnated with a pH indicator, and corresponds to the marking portion 16. The marking layer 26 may be a nonwoven fabric impregnated with a pH indicator, further impregnated with a water repellent. As an example, the marking layer 26 is disposed on a surface of the polymer-rich layer 23, at least a portion of which has been coated with an adhesive, thereby forming the marking layer 26 on the polymer-rich layer 23. The bonding method is a method of applying a hot melt adhesive, but is not limited to this, and any known bonding method can be used.

[0049] Next, a pulp-rich layer 24 is formed on the marking layer 26, i.e., on the surface of the marking layer 26 opposite the substrate 20 (step 3). The pulp-rich layer 24 corresponds to the pulp-rich absorbent section 14. In other words, the pulp-rich layer 24 is a layer that does not contain a water-absorbent polymer or has a lower water-absorbent polymer content than the polymer-rich layer 23. As an example, the pulp-rich layer 24 is a sheet that mainly contains cotton-like pulp, and is placed on the surface of the marking layer 26, at least a portion of which has an adhesive applied to that surface, thereby forming the pulp-rich layer 24 on the marking layer 26. The adhesion method is a method of applying a hot melt adhesive, but is not limited to this and any known adhesion method can be used.

[0050] Then, the tagged layer 26 is formed on the pulp-rich layer 24, and the polymer-rich layer 23 is formed on the tagged layer 26 (step 4). This results in a laminate 2 composed of the polymer-rich layer 23, tagged layer 26, pulp-rich layer 24, and tagged layer 26. Note that by repeating steps 2 to 4, a laminate 2 including the polymer-rich layer 23, tagged layer 26, pulp-rich layer 24, and tagged layer 26 as repeating units may be obtained, as shown in FIG. 8.

[0051] 2.2.2 Cutting the laminate 2 Next, the laminate 2 is cut in the stacking direction. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the cut surface E is a plane perpendicular to the main surface direction of the base material 20, and is formed at a position a predetermined distance from the end face of the laminate 2. The portion cut off from the laminate 2 by the cutting step is used as a laminate piece 3 in the subsequent step.

[0052] The substrate 20 may also be cut in the cutting step, but this is not essential. The laminate piece 3 is then used in the subsequent step in a state where it is in close contact with the substrate 20 or in a state where it has been peeled off from the substrate 20.

[0053] 2.2.3 Cutting out from laminate piece 3 The laminate piece 3 is a sheet-like material consisting of a polymer-rich layer 23, a tagged layer 26, a pulp-rich layer 24, and a tagged layer 26 in the main surface direction, or a sheet-like material containing these layers as repeating units. In this cutting step, the laminate piece 3 is cut into a predetermined shape along the cutting line F shown in Figure 10. This produces the absorbent body 12c. The shape of the cutting line F is the shape of the absorbent body 12c in the main surface direction. In manufacturing the absorbent pad 1c, the cutting line F is arranged so that the angle between the stacking direction of the polymer-rich layer 23, the tagged layer 26, and the pulp-rich layer 24 and the minor axis direction of the cutting line F is θ.

[0054] 2.2.4 Formation of absorbent pad 1c Next, the obtained absorbent body 12c is adhered onto the back sheet 10. Then, the back sheet 10 and the top sheet 11 are adhered together so as to encase the absorbent body 12c. Finally, an adhesive is applied to the back sheet 10 to form an adhesive layer 15, thereby obtaining the absorbent pad 1c.

[0055] The manufacturing method for absorbent pad 1c has been described above. The above-described manufacturing method makes it possible to easily manufacture an absorbent pad having multiple regions on the same plane. When manufacturing absorbent pads 1, 1a, and 1b using a similar method, the step of forming the marking layer 26 is omitted. That is, the manufacturing process for the laminate 2 corresponding to absorbent pad 1 includes a first step of forming a polymer-rich layer 23 on the substrate 20, and a second step of forming a pulp-rich layer 24 on the polymer-rich layer 23. The manufacturing process for the laminate 2 corresponding to absorbent pad 1a includes, in addition to the manufacturing process for the absorbent pad 1, a third step of forming a polymer-rich layer 23 on the pulp-rich layer 24, and a fourth step of repeating the second and third steps.

[0056] In addition, in the cutting process of the laminate 2 corresponding to the absorbent pad 1, the cutting line F is arranged so that the lamination direction of the polymer-rich layer 23 and the pulp-rich layer 24 and the minor axis direction of the cutting line F are approximately parallel.

[0057] In addition to the process for producing the laminate 2 corresponding to the absorbent pad 1b, the process for producing the laminate 2 corresponding to the absorbent pad 1a further includes a step of producing a lattice-patterned laminate by stacking a plurality of laminate pieces 3 cut out at the cutting plane E. In the step of producing the lattice-patterned laminate, the laminate pieces 3 are repeatedly stacked in the thickness direction of the laminate pieces 3, shifted by a predetermined interval in the direction of their main surfaces. Thereafter, the lattice-patterned laminate is cut in the stacking direction, and the cut laminate pieces are cut out along the cutting line F. This produces the absorbent 12b.

[0058] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the invention.

[0059] For example, in the second embodiment, the marker 16 is included in the absorbent body 12c and is disposed adjacent to the polymer-rich absorbent body 13 and the pulp-rich absorbent body 14 in the main surface direction. However, this configuration is not essential, and the marker 16 does not have to be included in the absorbent body 12c. Instead, the marker 16 may be formed in a position overlapping at least a portion of the absorbent body 12c in the main surface direction, and closer to the skin than the absorbent body 12c. Even with this configuration, it is possible to detect a specific bodily fluid of the wearer.

[0060] Each of the absorbent pads 1, 1a, and 1b may also have a marking portion 16. In this case, the marking portion 16 may be disposed adjacent to and between the polymer-rich absorbent portion 13 and the pulp-rich absorbent portion 14. Alternatively, the marking portion 16 may be formed at a position overlapping with at least a portion of the absorbent body 12, 12a, and 12b in the main surface direction, and closer to the skin than the absorbent body 12, 12a, and 12b. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1,1a,1b,1c Absorbent pads 2. Laminate 3 Laminated pieces 10 Back sheet 11 Surface sheet 12, 12a, 12b, 12c absorber 13 Polymer-rich absorbent section 14 Pulp Rich Absorption Section 15 Adhesive layer 16 Sign section 20 Base material 23 Polymer-rich layer 24 Pulp Rich Layer 26 Sign layer

Claims

1. a liquid-permeable surface sheet; A liquid-impermeable back sheet; an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet; An absorbent pad comprising: The absorbent body has, in the main surface direction of the absorbent pad, a first absorbent section containing a water-absorbent polymer; a second absorbent section that does not contain the water-absorbent polymer or that contains a lower amount of the water-absorbent polymer than the first absorbent section; Absorbent pad.

2. The first absorbent sections and the second absorbent sections are alternately arranged along an arrangement direction parallel to the main surface. The absorbent pad of claim 1.

3. The angle between the arrangement direction and the minor axis of the main surface is greater than 0° and less than 90°. The absorbent pad of claim 2.

4. The absorbent body further includes a marker portion capable of detecting a specific body fluid in the direction of the main surface. The absorbent pad of claim 1.

5. The marker portion is disposed between the first absorbent portion and the second absorbent portion. The absorbent pad according to claim 4.

6. The marker is a water-repellent nonwoven fabric impregnated with an indicator capable of detecting the specific body fluid. The absorbent pad according to claim 5.

7. A method for manufacturing an absorbent pad according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: forming a first absorbent layer comprising the water-absorbing polymer; forming a second absorbent layer above the first absorbent layer, the second absorbent layer not containing the water-absorbing polymer or containing a lower amount of the water-absorbing polymer than the first absorbent layer, to form a laminate including at least the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer; cutting the laminate in the stacking direction; A manufacturing method comprising:

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