absorbent articles

Abstract

To provide a pants-type disposable diaper capable of suppressing the odor of excrement such as urine and making the deodorizing function visually recognizable. [Solution] The disposable diaper 1 is a pants-type disposable diaper 1 having a waist opening and comprising a top sheet 8 and an absorbent body 7 arranged on the non-skin side of the top sheet 8. The disposable diaper 1 further comprises an activated carbon sheet 5 containing activated carbon, arranged on the absorbent body 7 or on the skin side of the absorbent body 7. The activated carbon sheet 5 has a gray colored portion. When the waist opening is expanded and the absorbent body 7 is observed from outside the waist opening, the colored portion is visible.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In hot and humid countries, such as Thailand, there are local dishes with strong aromas. Therefore, in Thailand, it is customary to use charcoal to deodorize various places in daily life, such as refrigerators, rooms, and cars. Therefore, when Thai people see gray, they associate it with activated charcoal, i.e., its deodorizing properties. These climate conditions and local cuisine intensify the odor of excrement, such as urine, in the elderly, resulting in a situation where many elderly people suffer from this odor.

[0003] Absorbent articles containing deodorizers for suppressing odors from excrement such as urine are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a functional material-containing sheet applicable to absorbent articles. The functional material-containing sheet includes a sheet member, a resin layer formed in a predetermined region on the surface of the sheet member, and functional material particles contained in the resin layer. At least a portion of the functional material particles protrude outward from the surface of the resin layer, and the resin layer is colored. The functional material-containing sheet may be, for example, at least a portion of the top sheet, intermediate sheet, side sheet, core wrap sheet, or reinforcing sheet of the absorbent article. If the functional material particles are activated carbon, the functional material-containing sheet may be colored black or gray to evoke activated carbon. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-104247 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, as described above, a functional material-containing sheet containing activated carbon and colored gray to resemble activated carbon can be used in an absorbent article. However, depending on the arrangement and method of using the functional material-containing sheet in an absorbent article, it may be difficult for the wearer to visually recognize the presence of the functional material-containing sheet. In this case, it may be difficult for the wearer to realize the deodorizing function.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a disposable diaper that can suppress the odor of excrement such as urine while making the deodorizing function visually recognizable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The pants-type disposable diaper of the present invention comprises a top sheet and an absorbent body arranged on the non-skin side of the top sheet, and has a longitudinal direction along the length of the absorbent body, a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and along the short side of the absorbent body, and a thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the width direction, and has a waist opening, and further comprises an activated carbon sheet containing activated carbon arranged on the absorbent body or on the skin side of the absorbent body, the activated carbon sheet having a colored portion colored gray, and is configured so that the colored portion is visible when the waist opening is expanded and the absorbent body is observed from outside the waist opening. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a disposable diaper that can suppress the odor of excrement such as urine while making the deodorizing function visually recognizable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of an absorbent article according to an embodiment in an unfolded state. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the longitudinal center line in FIG. 2. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the center line in the width direction in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of a visual test according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present embodiment relates to the following aspects.

[0011] [Aspect 1] a top sheet; and an absorbent body arranged on the non-skin side of the top sheet, the disposable diaper having a longitudinal direction along the length of the absorbent body, a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and along the short side of the absorbent body, and a thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the width direction, the disposable diaper further comprising an activated carbon sheet containing activated carbon arranged on the absorbent body or on the skin side of the absorbent body, the activated carbon sheet having a colored portion colored gray, and configured so that the colored portion is visible when the waist opening is expanded and the absorbent body is observed from outside the waist opening.

[0012] In this disposable diaper, an activated carbon sheet with a gray colored portion is disposed in the absorbent body or between the absorbent body and the top sheet. The disposable diaper 1 is configured so that the colored portion (activated carbon sheet) is visible when the wearer opens the waist opening and observes the absorbent body from outside the waist opening. The provision of the activated carbon sheet thus suppresses the odor of excrement such as urine, and the gray colored portion is visible when worn, reminding the wearer of activated carbon, i.e., a deodorizer. This allows the wearer to recognize the deodorizing function while actually suppressing the odor of excrement, thereby increasing confidence in the deodorizing effect even before use.

[0013] [Aspect 2] The disposable diaper according to aspect 1, wherein the disposable diaper has a longitudinal centerline passing through the longitudinal center and extending along the width direction, and a width centerline passing through the width center and extending along the longitudinal direction, and the activated carbon sheet is arranged so that, in a planar view, the colored portion is located in a region of the absorbent body that includes the intersection of the longitudinal centerline and the width centerline.

[0014] In this disposable diaper, the colored portion of the activated carbon sheet is located at the intersection of the longitudinal centerline and the widthwise centerline of the absorbent body, i.e., in a region including the center of the absorbent body. Therefore, when a wearer opens the waist opening and observes the absorbent body while wearing the diaper, the colored portion can be easily seen. In other words, the gray color of the colored portion can be clearly seen even before putting on the disposable diaper. This makes it easy to visually recognize the deodorizing function.

[0015] [Aspect 3] Aspect 3. The disposable diaper according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the length of the colored portion in the longitudinal direction is at least half the maximum length of the absorbent body.

[0016] In this disposable diaper, the length of the colored portion in the longitudinal direction is at least half the maximum length of the absorbent body, and therefore is long enough to be visible. Therefore, when a wearer opens the waist opening and observes the absorbent body while wearing the diaper, the colored portion can be more easily seen. In other words, the gray color of the colored portion can be more clearly seen even before putting on the disposable diaper. This makes it easy to visually recognize the deodorizing function.

[0017] [Aspect 4] Aspect 4. The disposable diaper according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the width of the colored portion in the width direction is at least half the maximum width of the absorbent body.

[0018] In this disposable diaper, the width of the colored portion in the width direction is at least half the maximum width of the absorbent body, and therefore is wide enough to be visible. Therefore, when a wearer opens the waist opening and observes the absorbent body while wearing the diaper, the colored portion can be more easily seen. In other words, the gray color of the colored portion can be more clearly seen even before putting on the disposable diaper. This makes it easier to visually recognize the deodorizing function.

[0019] [Aspect 5] A disposable diaper according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein when the waist opening is expanded to a predetermined area and the absorbent body is observed from outside the waist opening, the area of ​​the visible colored portion accounts for 50% or more of the visible area of ​​the absorbent body.

[0020] When a wearer opens the waist opening of this disposable diaper and observes the absorbent body, the area of ​​the colored portion occupies 50% or more of the absorbent body. Therefore, the wearer can easily see the gray color of the colored portion the moment the waist opening is opened. This makes it easier for the wearer to visually recognize the deodorizing function.

[0021] [Aspect 6] Aspect 6. The disposable diaper of any one of aspects 1 to 5, further comprising a deodorizing agent different from the activated carbon.

[0022] Since the present disposable diaper further comprises a deodorizing agent different from activated carbon, unpleasant odors from excrement can be further suppressed.

[0023] [Aspect 7] In a plan view, the region of the absorber has a portion having a color different from the gray of the colored portion, and * a * b * Aspect 7. The disposable diaper according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein a ΔE value, which is the color difference between the gray color of the colored portion and the different color in a color space, is 5.0 or greater.

[0024] In this disposable diaper, in a plan view, in addition to the colored portion, there is also a portion in the absorbent body that has a color different from the gray of the colored portion (ΔE value of 5.0 or more). Therefore, the contrast between the gray of the colored portion and the different color makes the gray of the colored portion stand out. Therefore, the wearer can easily see the gray of the colored portion the moment the waist opening is expanded. This makes it easier to visually recognize the deodorizing function.

[0025] [Aspect 8] 8. The disposable diaper of claim 7, wherein the different color is white.

[0026] In this disposable diaper, when viewed from above, the absorbent body has a white portion that is different from the gray of the colored portion. Therefore, the contrast between the gray and white of the colored portion makes the gray of the colored portion stand out, and the white portion makes the color of excrement (e.g., urine) stand out. This allows the wearer to more easily visually recognize the deodorizing function and easily check the amount of excrement. This allows the wearer to easily predict when to change the disposable diaper.

[0027] [Aspect 9] CIE L * a * b * The gray L of the colored part in the color space * Aspect 9. The disposable diaper of any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the value is greater than or equal to 15.0 and less than or equal to 85.0.

[0028] In this disposable diaper, the gray L colored part * The value is 15.0 or more and 85.0 or less. In other words, the colored portion has a charcoal (charcoal) hue. This allows the wearer to visually recognize the deodorizing function more easily. Furthermore, the color of excrement (e.g., urine) can be confirmed in the colored portion, making it easy to check the amount of excrement. This allows the wearer to easily predict when to change the disposable diaper.

[0029] [Aspect 10] 10. The disposable diaper according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the colored portion is not visible from the non-skin side of the disposable diaper.

[0030] In this disposable diaper, the colored portion is not visible from the non-skin side of the disposable diaper, and therefore is not visible from the outside. As a result, the presence of the deodorizer is not noticeable from the outside. This suppresses the odor of excrement and makes the deodorizing function visually recognizable, while also giving the wearer an impression of cleanliness from the outside.

[0031] The following describes a pants-type disposable diaper according to an embodiment of the present invention, taking a three-piece pants-type disposable diaper as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and example, and can be applied to various absorbent articles within the scope of the present invention, such as two-piece pants-type disposable diapers and shorts-type napkins.

[0032] 1 to 3 are diagrams showing a disposable diaper 1 according to the present embodiment. Fig. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the disposable diaper 1 according to the embodiment in an unfolded state. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along a longitudinal center line CL in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along a widthwise center line CW in Fig. 1.

[0033] However, the "unfolded state" of a disposable diaper refers to a state in which the pair of fastening portions that define the boundary between the front and rear waistbands of the disposable diaper (in a finished state) are released, the front and rear waistbands are separated, and the disposable diaper is unfolded on a flat surface until the non-stretchable material (e.g., nonwoven fabric) constituting the disposable diaper is wrinkle-free without tearing. If the disposable diaper includes elastic members, the elastic members are stretched until the non-stretchable material is wrinkle-free. The front waistband, rear waistband, pair of fastening portions, elastic members, non-stretchable material (e.g., nonwoven fabric), etc. will be described later.

[0034] In the unfolded state shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the disposable diaper 1 has a longitudinal direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T that are perpendicular to one another. The longitudinal direction L is the direction along the longitudinal axis of the absorbent body, which will be described later. The width direction W is the direction along the lateral axis of the absorbent body. The thickness direction is the direction along the thickness of the absorbent body. The disposable diaper 1 further has a longitudinal centerline CL that passes through the center of the width direction W and extends along the longitudinal direction L, and a widthwise centerline CW that passes through the center of the longitudinal direction L and extends along the width direction W. The directions and sides approaching the longitudinal centerline CL are respectively referred to as the inward and inner sides in the width direction W, and the directions and sides away from the longitudinal centerline CW are respectively referred to as the outward and outer sides in the width direction W. Meanwhile, the directions and sides approaching the widthwise centerline CW are respectively referred to as the inward and inner sides in the longitudinal direction L, and the directions and sides away from the widthwise centerline CW are respectively referred to as the outward and outer sides in the longitudinal direction L.

[0035] "Planar view" refers to viewing the disposable diaper 1 placed on a plane from above in the thickness direction T. "Planar shape" refers to the shape as perceived in a planar view. "Planar direction" refers to any direction within a plane, including the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W. "Skin side" and "non-skin side" refer to the side that is relatively closer to the wearer's skin and the side that is relatively farther from the wearer's skin in the thickness direction T, respectively, when the disposable diaper 1 is worn. "Ventral side" or "front side" refers to the side that is relatively closer to the front waistband or the side that is relatively farther from the rear waistband in the longitudinal direction L. "Dorsal side" or "rear side" refers to the side that is relatively closer to the rear waistband or the side that is relatively farther from the front waistband in the longitudinal direction L. The above definitions, including the definitions of the directions and center line, are commonly used for the materials of the disposable diaper 1 in the unfolded state and the disposable diaper 1 and its materials in the finished state.

[0036] In the disposable diaper 1, the members, structure, shape, etc. (hereinafter simply referred to as "members, etc.") being along a predetermined direction (for example, the longitudinal direction L, width direction W, thickness direction T) includes not only the case where the members, etc. are parallel to the predetermined direction, but also the case where the members, etc. as a whole are directed in a direction within a range of ±30° from the predetermined direction. For curved or curved members, etc., evaluation is performed based on the direction of the tangent to each point on the curve or curved surface. The end of a certain direction of a certain member, etc. refers to the portion within 1 / 3, preferably 1 / 4, more preferably 1 / 5, and even more preferably 1 / 10 of the total length of the member, etc. in that direction from the edge of the member, etc. in that direction.

[0037] The disposable diaper 1 comprises a rear waistband portion 2 that covers the wearer's back, a front waistband portion 3 that covers the wearer's abdomen, and an absorbent main body 4 that covers the wearer's crotch and includes an absorber 7. The rear waistband portion 2 and the front waistband portion 3 are stretchable in the width direction W. In this embodiment, at least the rear and front portions of the absorbent main body 4 in the longitudinal direction L are joined to the approximate centers of the rear waistband portion 2 and the front waistband portion 3 in the longitudinal direction L and the centers of the width direction W, respectively, by, for example, an adhesive (e.g., hot melt adhesive; the same applies hereinafter). However, the arrangement of the absorbent main body 4 is not limited to this example, and for example, the rear and front ends in the longitudinal direction L may reach the outer ends of the rear waistband portion 2 and the front waistband portion 3 in the longitudinal direction L, respectively.

[0038] The disposable diaper 1 (in a finished product state) is formed by joining together a pair of rear fastening portions 2a located at both ends in the width direction W of the rear waist-surrounding portion 2 of the disposable diaper 1 in its unfolded state (FIG. 1) and a pair of front fastening portions 3a located at both ends in the width direction W of the front waist-surrounding portion 3. The pair of rear fastening portions 2a and the pair of front fastening portions 3a joined together are also referred to as a pair of fastening portions 11. In this case, in the disposable diaper 1, the rear waist-surrounding portion 2 and the front waist-surrounding portion 3 joined together by the pair of fastening portions 11 form a waist-surrounding portion that covers the waist of the wearer. The outer edges of the rear waist-surrounding portion 2 and the front waist-surrounding portion 3 in the longitudinal direction L define a waist opening through which the wearer's waist passes. The opposite edges of the absorbent main body 4 in the width direction W and the inner edges of the rear waist-surrounding portion 2 and the front waist-surrounding portion 3 in the longitudinal direction L define a pair of leg openings through which the wearer's legs pass.

[0039] In the unfolded state, the rear waistband portion 2 and the front waistband portion 3 each have a rectangular shape that is elongated in the width direction W, and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L. In this embodiment, the rear waistband portion 2 has a shape that combines a rectangular portion that is elongated in the width direction W with a substantially trapezoidal portion that is connected to the inside of the rectangular portion in the longitudinal direction L and has a lower base (long side) and an upper base (short side) that are respectively on the outside and inside of the longitudinal direction L. The absorbent main body 4 has a rectangular shape that is elongated in the longitudinal direction L, and one portion in the longitudinal direction L is connected to the rear waistband portion 2, and the other portion is connected to the front waistband portion 3. Note that the shape of the absorbent main body 4 is not limited to the above example as long as it is a shape that is elongated in the longitudinal direction L, and may be, for example, a rectangle with rounded corners or a rectangle with short sides that curve convexly outward.

[0040] The rear waistband 2, the absorbent main body 4, and the front waistband 3 are formed separately from one another (three-piece type). In another embodiment, at least two of the rear waistband 2, the absorbent main body 4, and the front waistband 3 may be formed integrally, or may be connected integrally by a separate outer sheet or the like. For example, the rear waistband 2 and the front waistband 3 may share at least one of the sheet members constituting the rear waistband 2 and the front waistband 3, and may be formed integrally from a continuous sheet member (two-piece type).

[0041] The waist-surrounding portions, i.e., the rear waist-surrounding portion 2 and the front waist-surrounding portion 3, each include one or more waist-surrounding nonwoven fabrics. In this embodiment, the rear waist-surrounding portion 2 includes, as the waist-surrounding nonwoven fabrics, at least an inner sheet 21 positioned on the skin side and an outer sheet 22 positioned away from the skin side. Similarly, the front waist-surrounding portion 3 includes, as the waist-surrounding nonwoven fabrics, at least an inner sheet 31 positioned on the skin side and an outer sheet 32 ​​positioned away from the skin side. The inner sheet 21 and the outer sheet 22 are laminated in the thickness direction T and joined with an adhesive. Similarly, the inner sheet 31 and the outer sheet 32 ​​are laminated in the thickness direction T and joined with an adhesive. In this embodiment, the adhesive used to join the inner sheet 21 and the outer sheet 22 and the adhesive used to join the inner sheet 31 and the outer sheet 32 ​​are the same as the adhesive used to join the waist-surrounding elastic members described below. The joining may be by heat sealing or ultrasonic sealing.

[0042] One of the outer ends in the longitudinal direction L of the skin-side inner sheet 21 and the non-skin-side outer sheet 22 in the rear waistband 2 may be folded back to overlap the other. Similarly, one of the outer ends in the longitudinal direction L of the skin-side inner sheet 31 and the non-skin-side outer sheet 32 ​​in the front waistband 3 may be folded back to overlap the other. Alternatively, none of the outer ends in the longitudinal direction L of the inner sheets 21, 31 and the outer sheets 22, 32 may be folded back.

[0043] The rear waistband 2 includes multiple waistband elastic members between the inner sheet 21 and the outer sheet 22, which are waistband nonwoven fabrics. In this embodiment, the rear waistband 2 includes multiple upper waistband elastic members 12a arranged in a substantially rectangular portion on the outer side in the longitudinal direction L, and multiple lower waistband elastic members 12b arranged in a substantially trapezoidal portion on the inner side in the longitudinal direction L. The multiple upper waistband elastic members 12a extend along the width direction W from one end to the other end of the rear waistband 2 in the width direction W, and are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L. The multiple lower waistband elastic members 12b extend along the inner end of the substantially trapezoidal portion in the longitudinal direction L from one end to the other end in the width direction W of the rear waistband 2, and are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L. The rear waistband 2 is stretchable in the width direction W due to these elastic members. The elastic members are bonded and held to the inner sheet 21 and the outer sheet 22 with an adhesive. The adhesive bonds the inner sheet 21 and the outer sheet 22 directly or indirectly via the upper waist-circumference elastic members 12a and the lower waist-circumference elastic members 12b.

[0044] The front waist portion 3 includes a plurality of waist elastic members between the inner sheet 31 and the outer sheet 32, which are waist nonwoven fabrics. In this embodiment, the front waist portion 3 includes a plurality of waist elastic members 13. The plurality of waist elastic members 13 extend along the width direction W from one end of the front waist portion 3 to the other end in the width direction W, and are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction L. The front waist portion 3 is stretchable in the width direction W due to these elastic members. The elastic members are bonded and held to the inner sheet 31 and the outer sheet 32 ​​with an adhesive. The adhesive bonds the inner sheet 31 and the outer sheet 32 ​​directly or indirectly via the waist elastic members 13.

[0045] The types of the upper waist elastic members 12a, the lower waist elastic members 12b, and the waist elastic members 13 are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include thread-like or sheet-like rubber, stretchable nonwoven fabric, and stretchable film. The elastic material of each elastic member is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include styrene butadiene rubber and urethane rubber. The properties of each elastic member, such as the cross-sectional size (wire diameter) and elongation ratio, are appropriately selected depending on the position of each elastic member within the rear waistband portion 2 and the front waistband portion 3 and the required level of tightening force.

[0046] Examples of the material for each of the above sheets include any liquid-impermeable sheet, such as a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric, a synthetic resin film, or a composite sheet of at least one of them. The type of nonwoven fabric is not particularly limited, and examples include meltblown nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, airlaid nonwoven fabric, and air-through nonwoven fabric. Examples of composite nonwoven fabric sheets include SB nonwoven fabric and SMS nonwoven fabric. The material for the nonwoven fabric and synthetic resin film is not particularly limited as long as it can be used for sanitary products, and examples include synthetic fibers. Examples of synthetic fibers include polyolefin resins such as polypropylene and polyethylene, polyamide resins such as 6-nylon and 6,6-nylon, and polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate. When each sheet is a nonwoven fabric, its basis weight is, for example, 5 to 100 g / m. 2 and preferably 10 to 50 g / m 2 The length (thickness) in the thickness direction T is, for example, 0.1 to 5 mm, and preferably 0.2 to 4 mm. The sheets constituting each of the front waistband portion 3 and the rear waistband portion 2 may be two sheets, the inner sheet and the outer sheet, or may be three or more sheets (not shown). When each sheet is a hydrophobic sheet, for example, when the sheet contains hydrophobic fibers as the main constituent fiber, the above-mentioned synthetic fibers can be selected as the constituent fiber material.

[0047] In this embodiment, the rear waistband portion 2 may include a cover sheet 10 arranged on its skin-side surface so as to cover the back-side end of the absorbent main body 4 in the longitudinal direction L from the skin side. Similarly, the front waistband portion 3 may include a cover sheet 10 arranged on its skin-side surface so as to cover the ventral-side end of the absorbent main body 4 in the longitudinal direction L from the skin side. The cover sheet 10 prevents the side and ventral-dorsal end of the absorbent main body 4 from coming into direct contact with the wearer's skin, thereby reducing chafing against the skin. Examples of materials for the cover sheet 10 include the same materials as those for the inner sheets 21, 31.

[0048] The absorbent body 4 includes a liquid-permeable top sheet 8, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 9, and an absorbent core 7 that is positioned between the top sheet 8 and the back sheet 9 and absorbs and retains liquid (for example, urine and menstrual blood). The absorbent body 4 further includes an activated carbon sheet 5 that contains activated carbon and is positioned on the absorbent core 7 or closer to the skin than the absorbent core 7.

[0049] Examples of the top sheet 8 include liquid-permeable nonwoven fabrics, synthetic resin films with liquid-permeable holes, and composite sheets of at least one of these. Examples of the back sheet 9 include liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabrics, synthetic resin films, and composite sheets of at least one of these. The type of nonwoven fabric is not particularly limited, and examples include meltblown nonwoven fabrics, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, airlaid nonwoven fabrics, and air-through nonwoven fabrics. Examples of composite nonwoven fabric sheets include SB nonwoven fabrics and SMS nonwoven fabrics. The type of synthetic resin film is not particularly limited, and known film materials can be used. The material for the nonwoven fabric and synthetic resin film is not particularly limited as long as it can be used for hygiene products, and examples include olefin-based resins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyamide-based resins such as 6-nylon and 6,6-nylon, and polyester-based resins such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate. Cellulose-based fibers may also be used as the nonwoven fabric material. To impart breathability, the synthetic resin film may contain inorganic particles such as calcium carbonate.

[0050] In this embodiment, the absorbent body 7 includes an absorbent core 7a that absorbs and retains liquid, and a core wrap 7b that encases the absorbent core 7a. The absorbent core 7a is made of an absorbent material, such as at least one of cellulose-based fibers and superabsorbent polymers. Examples of cellulose-based fibers include natural cellulose fibers, such as pulp fibers (e.g., wood pulp fibers, crosslinked pulp fibers, and non-wood pulp fibers), regenerated cellulose fibers, and semi-synthetic cellulose fibers. Pulp fibers have an average fiber length of, for example, several tens of micrometers, preferably 20 to 40 micrometers, and an average fiber length of, for example, several millimeters, preferably 2 to 5 mm. Examples of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) include polyacrylate-based, polysulfonate-based, and maleic anhydride-based superabsorbent polymers. The size (when dry) of the superabsorbent polymer is, for example, an average particle size of several hundred micrometers, preferably 200 to 500 micrometers. The basis weight of the cellulosic fiber and the highly absorbent polymer is, for example, 100 to 400 g / m 2 Examples of materials for the core wrap 7b include liquid-permeable sheets such as nonwoven fabrics and tissues. The absorbent body 7 does not necessarily have to include the core wrap 7b.

[0051] In this embodiment, the activated carbon sheet 5 is a liquid-permeable sheet carrying activated carbon particles, and is disposed between the absorbent body 7 and the top sheet 8. The activated carbon sheet 5 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, and is disposed within a region that includes the center of the absorbent body 7 and is located between both edges in the longitudinal direction L and between both edges in the width direction W. However, the shape of the activated carbon sheet 5 in plan view is not limited to the above example as long as it is long in the longitudinal direction L, and may be, for example, a rectangle with rounded corners, a rectangle with outwardly convex short sides, an hourglass shape, or a gourd shape. In this embodiment, the activated carbon sheet 5 is disposed so as to include the intersection of the longitudinal centerline CL and the width centerline CW in plan view, and is preferably disposed symmetrically with respect to each of the longitudinal centerline CL and the width centerline CW.

[0052] The area of ​​the activated carbon sheet 5 is preferably 40% or more of the area of ​​the absorbent body 7 in a planar view, more preferably 50% or more, and even more preferably 60% or more. On the other hand, the area of ​​the activated carbon sheet 5 is preferably 90% or less of the area of ​​the absorbent body 7 in a planar view, more preferably 80% or less, and even more preferably 70% or less. When the area of ​​the activated carbon sheet 5 is 40% or more of the area of ​​the absorbent body 7 in a planar view, the activated carbon sheet 5 can exert a deodorizing effect on excrement. When the area of ​​the activated carbon sheet 5 is 90% or less of the area of ​​the absorbent body 7 in a planar view, the actual color of the excrement (urine) can be confirmed against the white color of the absorbent body 7 in the area of ​​the absorbent body 7 that does not overlap with the activated carbon sheet 5. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of deodorizing effect and ease of visibility, which will be described later, the length of the colored portion in the longitudinal direction L and / or width direction W is preferably at least half of the longest length and / or width of the absorbent body 7.

[0053] The liquid-permeable sheet carrying activated carbon particles is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include mixed paper made from natural fibers such as pulp or synthetic fibers such as polyethylene and activated carbon particles. The activated carbon is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include charcoal made from coconut shell, bamboo, wood, etc. (coconut shell charcoal, bamboo charcoal, charcoal, etc.). The activated carbon sheet 5 (or other components of the disposable diaper 1) may further contain, in addition to activated carbon, a known deodorizer such as zeolite, silica gel, alumina, or porous glass. The activated carbon sheet 5 may be provided within the absorber 7.

[0054] The liquid-permeable sheet carrying activated carbon particles may be prepared by printing a coating liquid containing activated carbon particles onto a sheet such as a nonwoven fabric. The coating liquid contains activated carbon particles and an organic solvent, and optionally further contains a resin for adhering the activated carbon particles to the sheet. Flexographic printing, for example, can be used for printing. The coating liquid is printed on a sheet member, and the organic solvent evaporates and solidifies, forming an activated carbon sheet. The sheet in this case may be a liquid-permeable sheet similar to the top sheet 8.

[0055] The thickness, basis weight, amount of activated carbon particles, etc. of the activated carbon sheet 5 are adjusted as appropriate, taking into consideration the deodorizing function required of the activated carbon sheet 5. In this embodiment, the thickness of the activated carbon sheet 5 is preferably 0.1 mm or more, more preferably 0.2 mm or more, from the viewpoint of retaining a sufficient amount of activated carbon particles. On the other hand, the thickness of the activated carbon sheet 5 is preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 5 mm or less, from the viewpoint of not hardening the absorbent body 4. Furthermore, the basis weight of the activated carbon sheet 5 is 1 g / m2, from the viewpoint of fully exerting the deodorizing function. 2 More than 10g / m is preferable. 2 On the other hand, the basis weight of the activated carbon sheet 5 is preferably 80 g / m from the viewpoint of not making the absorbent body 4 hard. 2 Less than 60 g / m 2 The amount (proportion) of activated carbon particles in the activated carbon sheet 5 is preferably 1% by mass or more, more preferably 2% by mass or more, and even more preferably 4% by mass or more, from the viewpoint of fully exerting the deodorizing function. On the other hand, the amount (proportion) of activated carbon particles in the activated carbon sheet 5 is preferably 40% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 10% by mass or less, from the viewpoint of suppressing the falling off of the activated carbon particles.

[0056] The activated carbon sheet 5 is gray due to the activated carbon particles alone, but in this embodiment, it further contains a coloring agent. This is to make it easier for the wearer of the disposable diaper 1 to visually recognize that the disposable diaper 1 contains activated carbon (activated carbon sheet 5). An example of the coloring agent is a gray pigment that is reminiscent of activated carbon. In other words, the activated carbon sheet 5 has a gray colored portion. The colored portion (the gray color) is visible from the skin side of the absorbent main body 4 (the skin side of the top sheet 8) at least through the top sheet 8.

[0057] From the viewpoint of making the colored portion easily visible from the skin side of the absorbent body 4 through the top sheet 8, it is preferable that the colored portion occupies 60% or more of the area of ​​the activated carbon sheet 5, more preferably 80% or more, and even more preferably 90% or more of the area. In this embodiment, the colored portion occupies 100% of the area of ​​the activated carbon sheet 5, i.e., the area that is substantially the same as the area where activated carbon particles are arranged. Therefore, the activated carbon sheet 5 is substantially the colored portion.

[0058] Here, the gray is CIE L * a * b * In color space, L * The value of a is 15.0 to 85.0, preferably 30.0 to 80.0, and more preferably 45.0 to 77.0. * The value may be -9.0 to +9.0, preferably -5.0 to +5.0, and more preferably -2.0 to +2.0. * The value may be -9.0 to +9.0, preferably -5.0 to +5.0, and more preferably -2.0 to +2.0. * value, a * value, b * By setting the value to such a value, the color of the activated carbon sheet 5 can be prevented from being too close to white and from being biased toward red, green, yellow, or blue. This prevents the color of the activated carbon sheet 5 from being mistaken for an absorbent, and the activated carbon sheet 5 can be visually recognized as a gray color reminiscent of activated carbon. Furthermore, L * value, a * value, b *By setting these values, the color of the activated carbon sheet 5 can be prevented from being too close to black and from leaning toward red, green, yellow, or blue. This prevents the color of the activated carbon sheet 5 from being mistaken for a simple shadow, and it can be visually recognized as a gray color reminiscent of activated carbon. * a * b * In color space, L * value, a * value, b * The value can be measured, for example, using a spectrophotometer (X-Rite eXact Standard manufactured by X-Rite). At that time, measurements are taken at five different locations and the average is calculated. The gray color of the activated carbon sheet 5 remains almost unchanged even when the top sheet 8 is placed in between.

[0059] In the absorbent body 4, the top sheet 8, activated carbon sheet 5, absorbent body 7 and back sheet 9 are each bonded with an adhesive, and the top sheet 8 and back sheet 9 are bonded with an adhesive at their peripheral edges.

[0060] In this embodiment, the absorbent main body 4 further includes a pair of leakage-preventing cuffs 6. The pair of leakage-preventing cuffs 6 are located on both sides of the absorbent main body 4 or absorber 7 in the width direction W and extend along the longitudinal direction L. Each leakage-preventing cuff 6 is formed by folding back a single leakage-preventing sheet 6a, forming an outer leakage-preventing sheet 6a and an inner leakage-preventing sheet 6a. Each leakage-preventing cuff 6 is sandwiched between the outer leakage-preventing sheet 6a and the inner leakage-preventing sheet 6a, extends along the longitudinal direction L, and includes a plurality of leakage-preventing cuff elastic members 6b (non-skin side) and 6c (skin side) arranged at intervals in the width direction W. The outer (or skin side) leakage-preventing sheets 6a of the pair of leakage-preventing cuffs 6 are joined together on the non-skin side of the backsheet 9 to form an integrated unit. However, the configuration of the leakage-preventing cuffs 6 is not limited to this example. There are no particular limitations on the leak-barrier sheet 6a, and it may be the same as the above-mentioned inner sheets 21, 31. There are no particular limitations on the individual leak-barrier cuff elastic members 6b, 6c, and they may be the same as the above-mentioned waist elastic members 12, 13.

[0061] The absorbent main body 4 may have a pair of leg gathers on the outer sides in the width direction W. Each of the pair of leg gathers extends along the longitudinal direction L and is formed by sandwiching a plurality of leg gather elastic members, spaced apart in the width direction W, between a leg gather sheet on the skin side and a leg gather sheet on the non-skin side. The plurality of leg gather elastic members stretch each leg gather (leg gather) in the longitudinal direction L.

[0062] The disposable diaper 1 of this embodiment is configured so that when the waist opening of the disposable diaper 1 is opened and the absorbent body 7 is observed from outside the waist opening, the colored portion, i.e., the activated carbon sheet 5, is visible. The absorbent body 7 can be observed by a predetermined visual inspection test, such as the visual inspection test described below. The disposable diaper 1 is preferably configured so that, in the visual inspection test, the area of ​​the colored portion visible within the predetermined visual inspection region accounts for 50% or more of the area of ​​the absorbent body. More preferably, the disposable diaper 1 is configured so that, in the visual inspection test, the area of ​​the colored portion visible within the predetermined visual inspection region accounts for 60% or more of the area of ​​the absorbent body. The predetermined visual inspection region is a region that is assumed to be recognizable at a glance when a wearer opens the waist opening of the disposable diaper 1 and looks into the waist opening.

[0063] <Visual Test> A visual test for determining the area of ​​the visually recognized colored portion relative to the area of ​​the visually recognized absorbent body is carried out by the following method. Here, Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the method of the visual test according to this embodiment, Fig. 4(a) is a diagram for explaining the device used in the visual test, and Fig. 4(b) is a diagram for explaining the method for calculating the area ratio in the visual test.

[0064] (1) Prepare a visual recognition test device 100. As shown in Fig. 4(a), the device 100 has a vertical direction V, a first horizontal direction P, and a second horizontal direction H that are perpendicular to each other, and includes a camera 101, a shielding plate 102, and a jig 103. The device 100 is arranged so that the camera 101, the shielding plate 102, and the jig 103 are lined up in this order from top to bottom in the vertical direction V during imaging. The camera 101 photographs a predetermined visual recognition area. There are no particular limitations on the camera 101 as long as it can photograph the absorbent body (including the colored portion) of the disposable diaper. The shielding plate 102 is, for example, a plate made of synthetic resin (for example, an acrylic plate), and has a rectangular viewing window 102a that defines a predetermined viewing area in the center in the first horizontal direction P and the second horizontal direction H. The viewing window 102a has a length D1 in the first horizontal direction P: 4 cm × a length D2 in the second horizontal direction H: 3 cm. The jig 103 is, for example, a frame made of synthetic resin (e.g., an acrylic frame), and fixes the waist opening of the disposable diaper, which has been expanded into a rectangular shape of a predetermined area, at that predetermined area. Alternatively, the jig 103 may be a jig that fixes the waist opening, which has been expanded into a rectangular shape of a predetermined area, by pulling outward at the points corresponding to the four corners of the rectangle. The jig 103 fixes the waist opening to a size, for example, of length d1 in the first horizontal direction P: 10 cm × length d2 in the second horizontal direction H: 9 cm. In this case, the predetermined area is d1 × d2 = 90 cm 2 is.

[0065] (2) The waist opening of the disposable diaper is expanded, and the expanded waist opening is fixed to the jig 103 with tape or the like. At this time, the direction from one of the rear waist-circumference portion and the front waist-circumference portion to the other at the waist opening (the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L) is made parallel to the second horizontal direction H. Furthermore, the outer edge of the waist opening is made to overlap with the upper edge of the jig 103 in the vertical direction V. (3) The jig 103 is fixed at a distance D4 below the shielding plate 102 in the vertical direction V. The distance D4 is 5 cm. Then, the central portion of the absorbent main body is gently pulled downward in the vertical direction V to stretch it so that the disposable diaper does not remain folded. The jig 103 is fixed so that the surface formed by the jig 103 and the surface formed by the shielding plate 102 are parallel to each other, and so that the center of the absorbent main body (absorbent body) is located vertically below the center of the viewing window 102a of the shielding plate 102. (4) The camera 101 is fixed at a distance D3 above the shielding plate 102 in the vertical direction V. The distance D3 is 15 cm. Then, an image of the area of ​​the absorbent body (including the absorbent body and activated carbon sheet) visible through the viewing window 102a is captured. However, there are no particular restrictions on the capturing conditions as long as the colored portion of the absorbent body of the disposable diaper can be captured while distinguishing between the colored portion and the other portions. (5) From the captured image, the area of ​​the absorber and the area of ​​the colored region within the viewing window 102a are calculated and defined as the area of ​​the visible absorber and the area of ​​the visible colored region (S5), respectively. (6) Using the values ​​obtained in (5) above, calculate the ratio of the area of ​​the visible colored portion to the area of ​​the visible absorbent body. Determine this ratio for five identical disposable diapers and take the average.

[0066] It is preferable that the viewing window 102a is set so that nothing other than the absorber is visible during the photographing in (4) above. In this case, the area Sa (= D1 × D2) of the viewing window 102a can be used as the area of ​​the visible absorber. In this case, the ratio of the area of ​​the visible colored portion to the area of ​​the visible absorber is S5 / Sa.

[0067] As described above, the disposable diaper 1 includes the activated carbon sheet 5, which has a gray colored portion and is disposed between the absorbent body 7 or the absorbent body 7 and the top sheet 8. For example, when a wearer opens the waist opening and observes the absorbent body 7 from outside the waist opening, the colored portion (activated carbon sheet 5) is visible. Therefore, the activated carbon sheet 5 can suppress odors from excrement such as urine, and the gray colored portion is visible when the diaper is worn, reminding the wearer of activated carbon, i.e., a deodorizer. This allows the wearer to recognize the deodorizing function while actually suppressing the odor of excrement, thereby increasing their sense of security regarding the deodorizing effect even before use. To improve deodorizing function, the activated carbon sheet may also be disposed between the inner sheet 21 and / or 31 and the outer sheet 22 and / or 32.

[0068] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, as described above, the activated carbon sheet 5 in the disposable diaper 1 is arranged so that, in a plan view, the colored portion is located in a region including the intersection of the longitudinal centerline CL and the widthwise centerline CW of the absorbent body 7. Therefore, when the wearer opens the waist opening and observes the absorbent body 7 while wearing the diaper, the colored portion can be easily seen. In other words, the gray color of the colored portion can be clearly seen even before putting on the disposable diaper 1. This allows the deodorizing function to be easily visually recognized.

[0069] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the length of the colored portion in the longitudinal direction L is at least half the longest length of the absorbent body 7. Therefore, the colored portion has a length sufficient to be visible. Therefore, when a wearer opens the waist opening and observes the absorbent body 7 while wearing the diaper, the colored portion can be more easily seen. In other words, the gray color of the colored portion can be more clearly seen even before putting on the disposable diaper 1. This allows the deodorizing function to be easily visually recognized.

[0070] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the width of the colored portion in the width direction W is at least half the maximum width of the absorbent body 7. Therefore, the colored portion has a width sufficient to be visible. Therefore, when a wearer opens the waist opening and observes the absorbent body 7 while wearing the diaper, the colored portion can be more easily seen. In other words, the gray color of the colored portion can be more clearly seen even before putting on the disposable diaper 1. This makes it easier to visually recognize the deodorizing function.

[0071] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, when the waist opening is expanded to a predetermined area and the absorbent body 7 is observed from outside the waist opening, as in a predetermined visual inspection test, the area of ​​the visually observed colored portion accounts for 50% or more of the area of ​​the visually observed absorbent body 7. In the disposable diaper 1 of this embodiment, in the above-mentioned visual inspection test, for example, the ratio of the area of ​​the visually observed colored portion to the area of ​​the visually observed absorbent body 7 is 65 to 67%. In this way, when this ratio is the above value, the wearer can very easily visually recognize the gray color of the colored portion the moment the waist opening is expanded. This makes it easier to visually recognize the deodorizing function.

[0072] In another embodiment, the disposable diaper 1 may further include a deodorizing agent other than activated carbon. Examples of such deodorizing agents include known deodorizing agents such as the above-mentioned zeolite, silica gel, alumina, and porous glass, as well as antibacterial agents that suppress the growth of odor-producing bacteria. The deodorizing agent may be disposed, for example, in the activated carbon sheet 5 or another component of the disposable diaper 1. The deodorizing agent can further suppress unpleasant odors from excrement.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in plan view, the absorber 7 has a region having a color different from the gray of the colored portion. * a * b *The ΔE value, which is the color difference between the gray of the colored portion and a different color in color space, is 5.0 or more. The method for measuring the color difference ΔE value will be described later. The portion of the absorbent body 7 that has a color different from the gray of the colored portion includes, for example, a portion of the absorbent body 7 where the activated carbon sheet 5 is not laminated (e.g., white). In the disposable diaper 1 of this embodiment, the color difference ΔE value obtained is, for example, 24.0 to 25.0, using the measurement method described later.

[0074] <Method for measuring color difference ΔE value> CIE L * a * b * The color difference ΔE value in color space is measured as follows: (1) Prepare a spectrophotometer (X-Rite eXact Standard, manufactured by X-Rite; measurement diameter: 1.5 mm). (2) CIE L of the part to be measured in the sample * a * b * The coordinates are measured at 10 or more points at different positions, and the average value ([L1 * ,a1 * ,b1 * ]) is calculated. (3) L of the part to be compared in the sample * a * b * The coordinates are measured at 10 or more points at different positions, and the average value ([L2 * ,a2 * ,b2 * ]) is calculated. (4) The color difference ΔE is calculated using the following formula (Equation 1).

number

[0075] As described above, in the disposable diaper 1, in a plan view, in addition to the colored portion, there is a portion in the absorbent body 7 that has a color different from the gray of the colored portion (ΔE value of 5 or more). Therefore, the contrast between the gray of the colored portion and the different color makes the gray of the colored portion stand out. Therefore, the wearer can very easily see the gray of the colored portion the moment the waist opening is opened. This makes it easier to visually recognize the deodorizing function.

[0076] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the color different from the gray of the colored portion is white. Specifically, this is the color of the portion of the absorbent body 7 where the activated carbon sheet 5 is not laminated, as viewed from the skin side (the top sheet 8 side). Therefore, the contrast between the gray and white of the colored portion makes the gray of the colored portion stand out, and the white portion makes the color of the excrement (e.g., urine) stand out. This allows the wearer to more easily visually recognize the deodorizing function and easily check the amount of excrement. This allows the wearer to easily predict when to change the disposable diaper.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, CIE L * a * b * Gray L of the colored part in color space * The value is 15.0 or more and 85.0 or less. That is, the colored portion has a charcoal (wood charcoal) hue. Therefore, the wearer can visually recognize the deodorizing function more easily. Furthermore, the color of excrement (e.g., urine) can be confirmed from the colored portion, and the amount of excrement can be easily confirmed. This allows the wearer to easily predict when to change the disposable diaper. In the disposable diaper 1 of this embodiment, in the above-mentioned measurement method, the gray L * For example, values ​​of 70.0 to 76.0 are obtained. * Values ​​and are -0.1 to -0.3, b * The values ​​obtained are +1.0 to +1.1.

[0078] In a preferred aspect of this embodiment, the colored portion is not visible from the non-skin side of the disposable diaper, i.e., from the outside. This makes the presence of the deodorizer invisible from the outside. This suppresses the odor of excrement and visually recognizes the deodorizing function, while also giving the wearer an impression of cleanliness from the outside.

[0079] The disposable diaper of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately combined or modified with known techniques, etc., within the scope of the purpose and intent of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1. Disposable diapers 5 Activated carbon sheets 7. Absorbent 8 Topsheet

Claims

1. A pants-type disposable diaper having a waist opening, comprising a top sheet and an absorbent body arranged on the non-skin side of the top sheet, a longitudinal direction along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body, a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and along the short side of the absorbent body, and a thickness direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the width direction, The absorbent body or an activated carbon sheet disposed closer to the skin than the absorbent body and containing activated carbon is further provided. the activated carbon sheet has a colored portion that is colored gray; The colored portion is configured to be visible when the waist opening is expanded and the absorbent body is observed from outside the waist opening. Disposable diapers.

2. The disposable diaper has a longitudinal centerline passing through a center in the longitudinal direction and extending along the width direction, and a width centerline passing through a center in the width direction and extending along the longitudinal direction, the activated carbon sheet is arranged so that the colored portion is located in a region including an intersection of the longitudinal center line and the widthwise center line of the absorbent body in a plan view; The disposable diaper according to claim 1.

3. In the longitudinal direction, the length of the colored portion is equal to or greater than half of the longest length of the absorbent body. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In the width direction, the width of the colored portion is equal to or greater than half of the longest width of the absorbent body. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2.

5. When the waist opening is expanded to a predetermined area and the absorbent body is observed from outside the waist opening, the visible area of ​​the colored portion occupies 50% or more of the visible area of ​​the absorbent body. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2.

6. Further comprising a deodorizer different from the activated carbon. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2.

7. In a plan view, a region of the absorber has a portion having a color different from the gray of the colored portion, CIE L ＊ a ＊ b ＊ a ΔE value, which is a color difference between the gray color of the colored portion and the different color in a color space, is 5.0 or more; The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2.

8. the different color is white; The disposable diaper according to claim 7.

9. CIE L ＊ a ＊ b ＊ The gray L of the colored portion in color space ＊ The value is 15.0 or more and 85.0 or less. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The colored portion is not visible from the non-skin side of the disposable diaper. The disposable diaper according to claim 1 or 2.

Images