Pants-type absorbent article

Abstract

To provide an underpants type absorbent article which suppresses hardness and is comfortable to wear while relieving a user's anxiety about leakage by suppressing contraction of an absorbent core by a stretchable sheet and suppressing irregularity of an exterior body overlapping the absorbent core.SOLUTION: An underpants type absorbent article (1) has an absorbent core (12) and an exterior body (20), in which non-stretchable sheets (211, 221, 212, 222) and stretchable sheets (213, 223) provided for an exterior body (20) are intermittently bonded with a plurality of bonding parts (40), and at least either a shape or an area differs between a first bonding part (41) and a second bonding part (42) provided for the plurality of bonding parts (40). The exterior body (20) has a region where a first bonding part region where a plurality of first bonding parts (41) are disposed and a second bonding part region where the plurality of second bonding parts (42) are disposed overlap in a region overlapping the absorbent core (12) in a thickness direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pant-type absorbent article. [Background technology]

[0002] The pants-type absorbent article of Patent Document 1 has a stretchable structure in which an elastic film is laminated between a first sheet layer and a second sheet layer, and the first sheet layer and the second sheet layer are joined at point-like joints arranged at intervals. In addition, by increasing the area ratio of the point-like joints in the part of the stretchable structure that overlaps with the absorbent core (absorbent body), a non-stretchable region is formed by processing the non-stretchable region in a state in which no contraction force acts, and contraction of the absorbent core is suppressed. As a method for increasing the area ratio of the point-like joints in the non-stretchable region, a method of increasing the area of ​​each point-like joint or increasing the number of point-like joints per unit area has been disclosed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-140477 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the non-stretchable region of Patent Document 1, only one type of point joints having the same shape and area are arranged, so that the non-stretchable region of Patent Document 1 has multiple point joints with relatively large areas arranged, or has more point joints with relatively small areas arranged. If the area of ​​all the dot-like joints in the non-elastic region is large, the contraction force of the non-elastic region can be reliably suppressed, but the user is more likely to feel the stiffness of the dot-like joints. On the other hand, if the area of ​​all the dot-like joints in the non-elastic region is small, the user is less likely to feel the stiffness of the dot-like joints, but there is a risk that the contraction force of the non-elastic region cannot be fully suppressed. Furthermore, in a stretch structure in which a non-stretchable sheet (first sheet layer, second sheet layer) and a stretchable sheet (elastic film) are intermittently joined, the non-stretchable sheet flexes (unevenness) between the dot-like joints during contraction. If the non-stretchable sheet flexes significantly or there are many flexures, the unevenness of the non-stretchable sheet becomes noticeable in the area where it overlaps with the absorbent core. This makes it difficult for the user to confirm the size of the absorbent core, which may cause anxiety about leakage.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a pants-type absorbent article that has reduced stiffness while easing the user's concerns about leakage by suppressing the shrinkage of the absorbent core due to the elastic sheet and by suppressing the unevenness of the outer body that overlaps the absorbent core. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The main invention to achieve the above object is: It has an up-down direction, a left-right direction, and a front-rear direction, A pants-type absorbent article having an absorbent main body having an absorbent core and an outer body arranged on a side closer to the skin than the absorbent main body, The exterior body includes a non-elastic sheet and a stretchable sheet that stretches in the left-right direction, the non-elastic sheet and the elastic sheet are intermittently joined by a plurality of joints, The plurality of joints include a plurality of first joints having the same shape and area, and a plurality of second joints having the same shape and area, At least one of a shape and an area is different between the first and second bonding portions, The exterior body includes a first joint region in which a plurality of the first joints are arranged, and a second joint region in which a plurality of the second joints are arranged, When the pants-type absorbent article in an unfolded state is viewed in a plan view in the thickness direction, the exterior body has an area where the first joint area and the second joint area overlap in the area where the exterior body overlaps the absorbent core in the thickness direction. Has When the pants-type absorbent article in an unfolded state is viewed in a plan view in the thickness direction, At least a portion of the first bonding portion and the second bonding portion arranged in the overlapping region overlap each other in the thickness direction. The present invention is a pants-type absorbent article characterized by the above. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, by suppressing the shrinkage of the absorbent core due to the elastic sheet and by minimizing the unevenness of the outer body overlapping the absorbent core, it is possible to provide a pants-type absorbent article that has reduced stiffness while mitigating the user's concerns about leakage. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pants-type disposable diaper 1. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a diaper 1 in an open and extended state, as viewed from the skin side. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 1 is an explanatory diagram of a joint 40 arranged on a front body portion 21. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is an explanatory diagram of a joint 40 arranged on a rear body portion 22. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6A is an explanatory diagram of an overlapping region OR1 between the first bond region R1 and the second bond region R2, and FIG. 6B is an explanatory diagram of an overlapping region OR2 between the third bond region R3 and the second bond region R2. [Figure 7] 7A to 7C are explanatory diagrams of projections and recesses in exterior body 20. FIG. [Figure 8] 8A to 8C are diagrams showing modified examples of the arrangement of the first bonding portion 41 and the second bonding portion 42 in the overlapping region OR1. [Figure 9] 9A to 9F are explanatory diagrams of a joint 40 having a shape having a long axis direction. [Figure 10] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing modified examples of the joint 40 disposed on the diaper 1. FIG. [Figure 11]11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of the first overlap region OR1 in a group of diapers 1 of different sizes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] At least the following points will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. A pants-type absorbent article having an absorbent main body having an absorbent core in up-down, left-right, and front-rear directions, and an outer body arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body, wherein the outer body comprises a non-stretchable sheet and a stretchable sheet that stretches in the left-right direction, the non-stretchable sheet and the stretchable sheet are intermittently joined by a plurality of joints, the plurality of joints comprising a plurality of first joints having the same shape and area and a plurality of second joints having the same shape and area, the first joints and the second joints differing in at least one of shape and area, the outer body comprising a first joint region in which a plurality of the first joints are arranged and a second joint region in which a plurality of the second joints are arranged, and when the pants-type absorbent article in an unfolded state is viewed in a plane in its thickness direction, the outer body has an area where the first joint region and the second joint region overlap in the area overlapping with the absorbent core in the thickness direction.

[0010] According to such a pants-type absorbent article, in the region of the exterior body overlapping the absorbent core, the contraction force of the stretchable sheet can be more reliably and significantly reduced by the joints having a large area and dimensions. Therefore, the contraction of the absorbent core in the left-right direction can be suppressed. In addition, the joints having a small area and dimensions can reduce the deflection of the non-stretchable sheet between the joints without hardening the exterior body, so that the unevenness of the surface of the exterior body overlapping the absorbent core can be suppressed. Therefore, it becomes easier for the user to check the size of the absorbent core, and anxiety about leakage can be reduced. In addition, by reducing the deflection (height of the convex part) of the non-stretchable sheet between the joints, the angle of the non-stretchable sheet with respect to the contraction direction (left-right direction) of the stretchable sheet is reduced. This increases the resistance of the non-stretchable sheet to the contraction force of the stretchable sheet, and the contraction force of the stretchable sheet can be further reduced.

[0011] The pants-type absorbent article is characterized in that the first joint portion has a longer length in the up-down direction than the second joint portion.

[0012] According to such a pants-type absorbent article, the first joint portion that is long in the vertical direction can reduce the contractile force of the stretchable sheet over a wide range in the vertical direction.

[0013] The pants-type absorbent article is characterized in that the first joining portion has a larger area than the second joining portion.

[0014] In such a pants-type absorbent article, the elastic properties of the stretchable sheet can be more reliably eliminated by the large-area first joint portion, and the contractile force of the stretchable sheet can be reduced.

[0015] A pants-type absorbent article as described above, characterized in that at least a portion of the first joint portion and the second joint portion arranged in the overlapping area overlap with each other in at least a portion of the vertical direction.

[0016] In such a pants-type absorbent article, the deflection of the non-elastic sheet that occurs between the first joints aligned in the left-right direction can be directly suppressed by the second joints, thereby reducing the deflection and thus reducing the unevenness of the surface of the exterior body that overlaps the absorbent core.

[0017] A pants-type absorbent article as described above, characterized in that at least some of the first joints and the second joints arranged in the overlapping area do not overlap in position in the vertical direction.

[0018] In such a pants-type absorbent article, the first and second bonding parts are arranged offset in the vertical direction, so that the contractile force of the elastic sheet can be reduced over a wide range in the vertical direction, and the stiffness of the outer body due to the bonding parts can be distributed in the vertical direction while reducing the deflection of the non-elastic sheet between the bonding parts.

[0019] This pant-type absorbent article is characterized in that, when the pant-type absorbent article in an unfolded state is viewed in a plane in the thickness direction, at least a portion of the first joint portion and the second joint portion arranged in the overlapping area partially overlap each other in the thickness direction.

[0020] According to such a pants-type absorbent article, the elastic properties of the stretchable sheet can be more reliably eliminated (reduced) in areas where the joints overlap in the thickness direction, while the deflection of the non-stretchable sheet between the joints can be reduced in areas where the joints do not overlap in the thickness direction.

[0021] A pants-type absorbent article as described above, characterized in that in the overlapping region, one first joint, one second joint, and another first joint are arranged side by side in order from one side in the left-right direction, and in the left-right direction, the one first joint is arranged closer to the one second joint than the other first joint.

[0022] According to such a pants-type absorbent article, the deflection of the non-elastic sheet between the first and second joints arranged nearby can be reduced, and irregularities that are easily visible to the user on the surface of the exterior body overlapping the absorbent core can be reduced, making it easier for the user to check the size of the absorbent core.

[0023] A pants-type absorbent article as described above, characterized in that the multiple joints have a shape having a long axis direction, and the joints are arranged so that the long axis direction is inclined with respect to the vertical direction and the left-right direction.

[0024] In such a pants-type absorbent article, the longitudinal direction of the joint is not aligned along the vertical and horizontal directions, so that the vertical and horizontal rigidity of the outer body can be reduced. Therefore, the outer body is more likely to conform to the wearer's waist and vertical bulges (abdomen and buttocks), making it difficult for the user to feel the stiffness of the pants-type absorbent article.

[0025] This pants-type absorbent article is characterized in that the leg opening elastic members arranged in a portion of the outer body on at least one side in the front-to-rear direction are arranged in a pair of curved regions along a pair of leg openings of the pants-type absorbent article and in a central region along the left-right direction connecting the pair of curved regions, the multiple joints include multiple third joints having the same shape and area, the third joints differ from the first joints and the second joints in at least one of their shape and area, and the third joints satisfy at least one of the following: a longer length in the left-right direction, a longer length in the up-down direction, and a larger area than the first joints, the outer body includes a third joint region in which the multiple third joints are arranged, and when the pants-type absorbent article in an unfolded state is viewed in a plane in its thickness direction, the outer body has a region where the second joint region and the third joint region overlap in the region where the central region and the absorbent core overlap in the thickness direction.

[0026] According to such a pants-type absorbent article, the contractile force of the region of the exterior body where the leg-hole elastic members are arranged in addition to the stretchable sheet can be reliably and significantly reduced by the third joint portion which is large in size and area.

[0027] A pants-type absorbent article as described above, characterized in that when the pants-type absorbent article in an unfolded state is viewed in a plane in the thickness direction, the outer body has an end region that overlaps with the upper end of the absorbent core in the thickness direction, and the value obtained by dividing the total area of ​​the joints arranged in the end region by the area of ​​the end region is smaller than the value obtained by dividing the total area of ​​the joints arranged in the area where the first joint region and the second joint region overlap by the area of ​​the overlapping region.

[0028] Such a pants-type absorbent article can prevent a sudden change in the contractile force of the stretch sheet at the boundary between the overlapping area and non-overlapping area of ​​the absorbent core and the exterior body.

[0029] A pant-type absorbent article, wherein the pant-type absorbent article is a first size, and a value obtained by dividing the area of ​​the region where the first joint region and the second joint region overlap by the total area of ​​the outer body is different from the value obtained by dividing in another pant-type absorbent article having the same brand name and sub-brand name as the pant-type absorbent article and being a second size.

[0030] With such a pants-type absorbent article, the contraction force of the elastic sheet can be reduced to match the size of the absorbent core according to the size, thereby suppressing the contraction of the absorbent core and reducing the unevenness of the surface of the outer body overlapping the absorbent core.

[0031] The present invention also provides a pant-type absorbent article, comprising a first pant-type absorbent article of a first size and a second pant-type absorbent article of a second size, the first pant-type absorbent article and the second pant-type absorbent article being a group of pant-type absorbent articles having the same brand name and sub-brand name, the first pant-type absorbent article and the second pant-type absorbent article each having a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a front-rear direction, the first pant-type absorbent article and the second pant-type absorbent article each having an absorbent core and an exterior body arranged on a side closer to the skin than the absorbent body, the exterior body comprising a non-stretchable sheet and a stretchable sheet stretching in the horizontal direction, the non-stretchable sheet and the stretchable sheet being intermittently joined by a plurality of joining parts, the plurality of joining parts being a plurality of first joining parts having the same shape and the same area, and a plurality of second joints having the same shape and the same area, wherein the first joints and the second joints differ in at least one of their shape and area, the outer body has a first joint region in which the plurality of first joints are arranged and a second joint region in which the plurality of second joints are arranged, and when the pant-type absorbent article in an unfolded state is viewed in a plane in its thickness direction, the outer body has a region where the first joint region and the second joint region overlap in a region overlapping with the absorbent core in the thickness direction, and a value obtained by dividing the area of ​​the region where the first joint region and the second joint region overlap by the total area of ​​the outer body differs between the first pant-type absorbent article and the second pant-type absorbent article.

[0032] With this group of pants-type absorbent articles, the contraction force of the elastic sheet can be reduced to match the size of the absorbent core according to the size, thereby suppressing the contraction of the absorbent core and reducing the unevenness of the surface of the outer body overlapping the absorbent core.

[0033] === Implementation form === Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described taking a pants-type disposable diaper for adults as an example of a pants-type absorbent article. However, the pants-type absorbent article according to the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied, for example, to disposable diapers and sanitary shorts for children.

[0034] <<Basic composition of diaper 1>> Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pants-type disposable diaper 1 (hereinafter, also referred to as diaper 1). Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in an open and stretched state, as viewed from the skin side. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line II in Fig. 2 (center in the left-right direction).

[0035] The unfolded state of the diaper 1 refers to a state in which the pair of side joints 24 provided on both sides of the pants-type diaper 1 are separated and the diaper 1 is opened and unfolded in a plane. The stretched state of the diaper 1 refers to a state in which the elastic members of the diaper 1 are stretched to an extent that wrinkles in the diaper 1 are no longer visible. Specifically, this refers to a state in which each member constituting the diaper 1 is stretched until the dimensions thereof match or are close to the dimensions of the member alone (i.e., the dimensions when the elastic properties of the elastic members are not expressed).

[0036] The diaper 1 has a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a front-to-rear direction that intersect with one another, and also has a thickness direction in which each material is layered, as shown in Fig. 3. In the vertical direction, the side that faces the wearer's torso is the upper side, and the side that faces the wearer's crotch is the lower side. In the front-to-rear direction, the side that faces the wearer's stomach is the front side, and the side that faces the wearer's back is the rear side. In the thickness direction, the side that contacts the wearer is the skin side, and the opposite side is the non-skin side.

[0037] The diaper 1 has an absorbent body 10 and an exterior body 20 arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10. The non-skin side of the absorbent body 10 is joined to the skin side of the exterior body 20 by an adhesive or the like. The exterior body 20 is composed of three members and has a front body section 21 corresponding to the wearer's abdomen, a back body section 22 corresponding to the wearer's back, and a crotch section 23 connecting them.

[0038] In the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the exterior body 20 is composed of three members (the front body section 21, the rear body section 22, and the crotch section 23), but this is not limited to this. For example, the front body section 21, the rear body section 22, and the crotch section 23 may be composed of a single continuous member. Also, the diaper 1 may not have the crotch section 23.

[0039] In the diaper 1 in the developed state shown in Fig. 2, the front body section 21 is located at one end of the absorbent body 10 in the longitudinal direction, and the rear body section 22 is located at the other end of the absorbent body 10 in the longitudinal direction. Both longitudinal ends of the absorbent body 10 are covered with the inner layer sheets 2, 3 from the skin side. In the diaper 1 in the developed state, the absorbent body 10 is folded in two at approximately the center in the longitudinal direction, and both lateral sides of the front body section 21 and both lateral sides of the rear body section 22 are joined by welding or the like to form a pair of side joints 24, thereby forming a pants-type diaper as shown in Fig. 1. That is, the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10 is aligned with the vertical direction of the diaper 1, the front body section 21 and the rear body section 22 are connected in a ring shape, and a waist opening 1a is formed at the upper end thereof, and a pair of leg openings 1b are formed on both lateral sides in the lateral direction.

[0040] The absorbent body 10 has a rectangular shape in a plan view, and as shown in Fig. 3, has an absorbent core 12, a liquid-permeable top sheet 11 located on the skin side of the absorbent core 12, and a back sheet 13 located on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11. The back sheet 13 in this embodiment has a two-layer structure of a liquid-impermeable sheet 13a and a hydrophobic liquid-permeable sheet (e.g., a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric) 13b arranged on the non-skin side.

[0041] The absorbent core 12 is a member that absorbs and retains excreted liquid such as urine, and can be, for example, a liquid-absorbent fiber such as pulp fiber mixed with superabsorbent polymer (SAP) molded into a predetermined shape. Although not shown, the outer peripheral surface of the absorbent core 12 may be covered with a liquid-permeable sheet such as tissue paper or nonwoven fabric.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the front body section 21 and the back body section 22 each have waist regions 21A, 22A that overlap with the side joint portion 24 in the vertical direction, and crotch regions 21B, 22B that are lower than the waist regions 21A, 22A.

[0043] The crotch side regions 21B, 22B are generally trapezoidal in shape, with the width (length in the left-right direction) narrowing toward the bottom. Also, the crotch side region 22B of the back body portion 22 is larger than that of the front body portion 21, so that it can cover the buttocks of the wearer.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 3, the front body part 21, the rear body part 22, and the crotch part 23 each have a non-skin side sheet 211, 221, 231, a skin side sheet 212, 222, 232, and an elastic sheet 213, 223, 233 located therebetween. In addition, thread-like waist elastic members 214, 224 that stretch in the left-right direction are arranged at the upper end portions of the front body part 21 and the rear body part 22. This allows the upper end portions of the diaper 1 along the waist opening 1a to fit the wearer, and prevents the diaper 1 from slipping down. In addition, thread-like leg elastic members 215, 225, 234 are arranged along the leg openings 1b at both left-right sides of the crotch side region 21B of the front body part 21, the crotch side region 22B of the rear body part 22, and the crotch part 23. This allows the diaper 1 to fit around the legs of the wearer and inhibit leakage of excrement. Meanwhile, the portions of the exterior body 20 where the stretchable sheets 213, 223, 233 are arranged can gently fit the wearer.

[0045] ===About Junction 40=== Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a joint 40 arranged on the front body part 21. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a joint 40 arranged on the back body part 22. Fig. 6A is an explanatory diagram of an overlapping region OR1 between the first joint region R1 and the second joint region R2, and Fig. 6B is an explanatory diagram of an overlapping region OR2 between the third joint region R3 and the second joint region R2. Figs. 7A to 7C are explanatory diagrams of irregularities in the exterior body 20.

[0046] The front body section 21 and the back body section 22 (outer body 20) include non-skin side sheets 211, 221, skin side sheets 212, 222, and stretchable sheets 213, 223 that stretch in the left-right direction. The non-skin side sheets 211, 221 and skin side sheets 212, 222 are non-stretchable sheets that have substantially no stretchability, and examples of such sheets include flexible nonwoven fabrics. In the following description, the non-skin side sheets 211, 221 and skin side sheets 212, 222 are collectively referred to as non-stretchable sheets.

[0047] The stretchable sheets 213, 223 are provided in the entire area of ​​the front body section 21 and the back body section 22 below the waist elastic members 214, 224. Examples of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 include stretchable nonwoven fabrics and stretchable films. The stretchable sheets 213, 223 may be stretchable not only in the left-right direction but also in the up-down direction or other directions. The stretchable sheets 213, 223 are not limited to being covered by non-stretchable sheets from both the skin side and non-skin side, but may be covered only from one side (i.e., the exterior body 20 may have only one of the non-skin side sheets 211, 221 and the skin side sheets 212, 222). Alternatively, one non-stretchable sheet may be folded in the up-down direction and the stretchable sheets 213, 223 may be sandwiched between the non-stretchable sheets.

[0048] 4 and 5, in the front body portion 21 and the back body portion 22, the non-stretchable sheets 211, 221, 212, 222 and the stretchable sheets 213, 223 are intermittently joined by a plurality of joints 40. Examples of a joining method at the joints 40 include joining by welding (thermal welding, ultrasonic welding, etc.) and joining by adhesive. Although not shown, the crotch portion 23 may also have a joint 40, or the crotch portion 23 may not have a joint 40.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 7A, when the elastic sheets 213, 223 contract, the non-elastic sheets 211, 221, 212, 222 between the intermittently arranged joints 40 bend in the thickness direction (become convex). That is, a large number of small irregularities are formed on the surfaces of the front body section 21 and the back body section 22. This improves the feel of the diaper 1 and gives the impression that the diaper 1 is soft to the touch. In particular, when the elastic sheets 213, 223 are elastic nonwoven fabrics, the constituent fibers of the contracted elastic sheets 213, 223 expand in the thickness direction, and the fibers support the convex portions, making them less likely to be crushed, thereby enhancing the cushioning properties of the front body section 21 and the back body section 22.

[0050] The multiple joints 40 include multiple types of joints 40 that are different from each other in at least one of shape and area. Specifically, the multiple joints 40 include multiple first joints 41 that are the same shape and area (rectangles), multiple second joints 42 that are the same shape and area (circles), multiple third joints 43 that are the same shape and area (rectangles), and multiple fourth joints 44 that are the same shape and area (rectangles).

[0051] Even if the orientation of the joints 40 is different, if they overlap when rotated (they have the same shape), they are considered to have the same shape. Also, even if the shapes are the same type (for example, rectangles or triangles), they are considered to have different shapes if they are not similar (for example, the lengths or angles of the sides are different).

[0052] In the exterior body 20, the region in which the multiple first joints 41 are arranged is referred to as the first joint region R1, the region in which the multiple second joints 42 are arranged is referred to as the second joint region R2, the region in which the multiple third joints 43 are arranged is referred to as the third joint region R3, and the region in which the multiple fourth joints 44 are arranged is referred to as the fourth joint region R4.

[0053] The method for identifying the Nth junction area (N=1 to 4) is to identify the Nth junction point located on the outermost side (one outer side or both outer sides) for each direction inclined in a range of 0 degrees to 180 degrees relative to a specified direction (e.g., left and right direction), and the area connecting the identified points is determined as the area.

[0054] Specifically, the fourth joint region R4 is arranged in the rectangular region (region surrounded by points abcd between the waist elastic members 214, 224 and the leg elastic members 215, 225) above the absorbent core 12 in the front body portion 21 and the rear body portion 22. The second joint region R2 is arranged in the region below the fourth joint region R4 (region surrounded by points befghd). The first joint region R1 is arranged in a region overlapping with the center of the second joint region R2 in the left-right direction. The first joint region R1 overlaps with the second joint region R2 in its entirety and is included in the second joint region R2. The third joint region R3 is arranged only in the rear body portion 22, and is arranged in a region overlapping with the center of the second joint region R2 in the left-right direction, below the first joint region R1. The third joint region R3 is also entirely contained within the second joint region R2.

[0055] In each of the joint regions R1 to R4, the joints 40 are arranged in a staggered pattern. That is, the rows of the joints 40 spaced apart in the vertical direction are arranged in the horizontal direction with a half pitch shift in the vertical direction. In each of the joint regions R1 to R4, the arrangement intervals L0, W0 of the joints 40 in the vertical and horizontal directions are constant. Furthermore, the arrangement intervals L0, W0 of the joints 40 in all of the joint regions R1 to R4 are uniform.

[0056] The areas of the bonding portions 40 are largest in the order of the third bonding portion 43, the first bonding portion 41, the fourth bonding portion 44, and the second bonding portion 42. Therefore, the area ratios of the bonding portions 40 (total area of ​​the bonding portions 40 located in a unit area / unit area) are largest in the order of the third bonding portion region R3, the first bonding portion region R1, the fourth bonding portion region R4, and the second bonding portion region R2.

[0057] The larger the area ratio of the joints 40 in a region, the smaller the contractile force (elastic force) of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 in that region. This is because the elastic properties disappear (reduce) in the parts of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 where the joints 40 are arranged, and therefore the larger the area ratio of the joints 40, the smaller the area in the stretchable sheets 213, 223 where elastic force is exerted.

[0058] Therefore, by providing the fourth joint region R4, in which the area ratio of the joint 40 is relatively small, on the upper side of the absorbent core 12, the contractile force of the exterior body 20 (the front body section 21 and the back body section 22) on the upper side of the absorbent core 12 is kept appropriate. Therefore, the exterior body 20 fits the waist of the wearer.

[0059] In addition, by providing the second joint region R2 alone (both ends in the left and right direction) where the area ratio of the joint 40 is small in the region where the leg elastic members 215, 225 are arranged, it is possible to prevent the contractile force of the leg elastic members 215, 225 from being reduced by the joint 40, and the contractile force of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 is also kept at an appropriate level. Therefore, the exterior body 20 fits around the legs of the wearer.

[0060] On the other hand, in the overlapping region OR1 between the first joint region R1 and the second joint region R2 (hereinafter also referred to as the first overlapping region OR1), the first joint region 41 and the second joint region 42 are arranged as shown in Fig. 6A. Therefore, the area ratio of the joint 40 increases in the first overlapping region OR1, and the contractile force of the elastic sheets 213, 223 decreases. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the overlapping region OR1 between the first joint region R1 and the second joint region R2 in a region where the exterior body 20 (the front body section 21 and the rear body section 22) overlaps with the absorbent core 12 in the thickness direction when the diaper 1 in the unfolded state is viewed in a plane in the thickness direction.

[0061] By doing so, in the region of the exterior body 20 that overlaps with the absorbent core 12 in the thickness direction, the contractile force of the elastic sheets 213, 223 is reduced, and contraction of the absorbent core 12 in the left-right direction can be suppressed. As a result, the occurrence of gaps due to shrinkage wrinkles of the absorbent core 12 can be prevented, and the absorption area of ​​the absorbent core 12 can be maintained wide, thereby suppressing leakage of excrement. In addition, the user can realize the size of the absorbent core 12, which reduces the user's anxiety about leakage.

[0062] 6A are different in shape and area from the first bonding portion 41. More specifically, the first bonding portion 41 has a larger area than the second bonding portion 42. Furthermore, the length L1 of the first bonding portion 41 in the up-down direction of the diaper 1 is longer than the length d of the second bonding portion 42, and the length W1 of the first bonding portion 41 in the left-right direction of the diaper 1 is longer than the length d of the second bonding portion 42.

[0063] Here, let us assume that only the first joints 41 are arranged in the region of the exterior body 20 that overlaps with the absorbent core 12 in the thickness direction. By arranging many first joints 41 as shown in FIG. 7C, the area ratio of the joints 40 increases, and it is possible to suppress the contraction of the stretchable sheets 213, 223. Furthermore, the first joints 41 having a large area and dimensions can widely and reliably eliminate the elastic properties of the stretchable sheets 213, 223, and therefore the contractile force of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 can be significantly reduced. However, by arranging many first joints 41, the user is more likely to feel the stiffness of the joints 40, and the feel and comfort of the diaper 1 is reduced.

[0064] Conversely, suppose that only the second joint 42 is disposed in the region of the exterior body 20 that overlaps with the absorbent core 12 in the thickness direction. In this case, the user will be less likely to feel the hardness of the joint 40, but there is a risk that the elastic properties of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 may not be completely lost in the second joint 42 that has a small area and dimensions.

[0065] In addition, when the area ratio of the joints 40 is the same, the number of joints 40 is reduced when only the first joints 41 are arranged. If the number of joints 40 is reduced, the deflection (height of the convex portion) of the non-elastic sheets 211, 221, 212, 222 between the first joints 41 increases as shown in FIG. 7B. If the surface of the exterior body 20 overlapping the absorbent core 12 in the thickness direction has large irregularities, it becomes difficult to visually recognize the shape of the absorbent core 12 from the outside of the diaper 1. In that case, the user may not be able to confirm the size of the absorbent core 12, which may cause anxiety about leakage. However, if the number of first joints 41 is unnecessarily increased in order to reduce the deflection as shown in FIG. 7C, the user may easily feel the stiffness of the joints 40.

[0066] On the other hand, when only the second joints 42 are arranged, the number of joints 40 increases. This increases the number of bends (convex portions) of the non-elastic sheets 211, 221, 212, 222 between the second joints 42. If a large number of projections and recesses are formed on the surface of the exterior body 20 that overlaps with the absorbent core 12 in the thickness direction, it becomes difficult to visually recognize the shape of the absorbent core 12 from the outside of the diaper 1. This may cause the user to be unable to confirm the size of the absorbent core 12 and to feel anxious about leakage.

[0067] In contrast, in this embodiment, the first joint 41 and the second joint 42, which are different in at least one of shape and area, are arranged in a mixed manner in the region of the exterior body 20 overlapping with the absorbent core 12 in the thickness direction (FIG. 6A). Therefore, the first joint 41, which has a large area and size, can reliably suppress the contraction force of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 in the left-right direction, and the contraction of the absorbent core 12 in the left-right direction can be suppressed. In addition, the second joint 42, which has a small area and size, has a smaller effect of directly eliminating the elastic properties of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 compared to the first joint 41, but the second joint 42 can divide the elasticity generating region of the stretchable sheets 213, 223. The contraction force of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 can also be reduced by shortening the length of the elasticity generating region that continues in the left-right direction.

[0068] In addition, the second joints 42 can reduce the deflection (height of the convex parts) of the non-elastic sheets 211, 221, 212, 222 between the first joints 41, and the unevenness of the surface of the exterior body 20 overlapping the absorbent core 12 in the thickness direction is reduced. In addition, the number of joints 40 can be reduced by the first joints 41, and the number of unevenness of the surface of the exterior body 20 overlapping the absorbent core 12 in the thickness direction is reduced. This increases the visibility of the absorbent core 12 from the outside of the diaper 1, making it easier for the user to check the size of the absorbent core 12, and reducing anxiety about leakage. In addition, in order to reduce the deflection of the non-elastic sheets 211, 221, 212, 222, the first joints 41 are not unnecessarily arranged, and this prevents the diaper 1 from becoming stiff.

[0069] Furthermore, by reducing the bending (height of the convex portion) of the non-stretchable sheets 211, 221, 212, 222 between the joints 40, the angle of the non-stretchable sheets 211, 221, 212, 222 with respect to the contraction direction (left-right direction) of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 decreases. This increases the resistance of the non-stretchable sheets 211, 221, 212, 222 to the contraction force of the stretchable sheets 213, 223, and the contraction force of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 can be further reduced.

[0070] The first overlapping region OR1 may be provided in at least a portion of the exterior body 20 that overlaps with the absorbent core 12 in the thickness direction. For example, the first overlapping region OR1 may be provided in only one of the front body portion 21 and the back body portion 22, or the first overlapping region OR1 may be provided in the crotch portion 23. Furthermore, three or more types of joining portions 40 with different shapes and areas may be arranged in the first overlapping region OR1.

[0071] In addition, the joints 40 are not limited to those exemplified in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. For example, the joints 40 may have a shape other than a rectangle or a circle. In addition, the joints 40 do not have to be arranged at equal intervals in the vertical and horizontal directions (they may be arranged unequally), and they do not have to be arranged in a staggered pattern. In addition, the arrangement intervals of the joints 40 may differ depending on the joint regions R1 to R4.

[0072] The first bonding portion 41 and the second bonding portion 42 are different in at least one of the shape and area, and it is preferable that the first bonding portion 41 is longer in the vertical direction of the diaper 1 than the second bonding portion 42 (L1>d). In this way, the first bonding portion 41, which is longer in the vertical direction, can reduce the contractile force of the elastic sheets 213, 223 over a wide range in the vertical direction.

[0073] Moreover, it is preferable that the first bonding portion 41 has a larger area than the second bonding portion 42. In this way, the first bonding portion 41 having a larger area can more reliably eliminate the elastic properties of the stretchable sheets 213, 223, and the contractile force of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 can be reduced.

[0074] Furthermore, the first bonding portion 41 may be longer in the left-right direction of the diaper 1 than the second bonding portion 42 (W1>d). In this way, the first bonding portion 41, which is longer in the left-right direction, can shorten the left-right length of the elastic force exerting region in the stretchable sheets 213, 223, and reduce the contractile force of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 in the left-right direction.

[0075] However, if the vertical length of the first joint 41 is equal to or greater than the horizontal length, it is possible to arrange a large number of first joints 41 side by side in the horizontal direction. In this case, the elasticity generating region of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 can be divided finely in the horizontal direction, and the contractile force of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 can be reduced.

[0076] It should be noted that when comparing the dimensions and areas of the joints 40 as described above, or when comparing the positional relationship and area of ​​the regions of the joints 40 as described below, the comparisons are made with the diaper 1 stretched.

[0077] 6A, the second joint 42 is located at the center of the first joints 41 lined up in the vertical direction, and the second joint 42 is located at the center of the first joints 41 lined up in the left-right direction. The vertical positions of some of the first joints 41 and the vertical positions of the second joints 42 overlap, forming a row in which the first joints 41 and the second joints 42 are lined up in the left-right direction.

[0078] In this way, it is preferable that at least a portion of the first joints 41 and the second joints 42 arranged in the first overlapping region OR1 overlap each other in at least a portion of the vertical positions. In this way, the second joints 42 can directly suppress the deflection of the non-elastic sheets 211, 221, 212, 222 that occurs between the first joints 41 arranged in the left-right direction, and the deflection can be reduced. Therefore, the unevenness of the surface of the exterior body 20 that overlaps with the absorbent core 21 in the thickness direction can be reduced, making it easier for the user to check the size of the absorbent core 12. In particular, as shown in FIG. 6A, by arranging the second joints 42 in the center of the first joints 41 arranged in the left-right direction, the deflection on both sides of the second joints 42 in the left-right direction can be reduced evenly.

[0079] 8A to 8C are diagrams showing modified examples of the arrangement of the first bonding portions 41 and the second bonding portions 42 in the first overlapping region OR1. Unlike Fig. 6A, as shown in Fig. 8A, at least some of the first bonding portions 41 and the second bonding portions 42 arranged in the first overlapping region OR1 may not overlap in the vertical positions.

[0080] In this way, the first bonding portion 41 and the second bonding portion 42, which are arranged offset in the vertical direction, can suppress the contractile force of the elastic sheets 213, 223 over a wide range in the vertical direction. Also, in the case of Fig. 8A, the deflection of the non-elastic sheets 211, 221, 212, 222 that occurs between the first bonding portion 41 can be reduced by the second bonding portion 42. Also, in Fig. 8A, the first bonding portion 41 and the second bonding portion 42 are not aligned in the left-right direction, so that it is possible to suppress a local decrease in the contractile force or hardening of the elastic sheets 213, 223 at a specific position in the vertical direction.

[0081] Furthermore, when the diaper 1 in an unfolded state is viewed in a plane in the thickness direction, at least some of the first joints 41 and second joints 42 arranged in the first overlapping region OR1 may partially overlap each other in the thickness direction, as shown in Figure 8B.

[0082] In this case, the elastic properties of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 can be more reliably eliminated by the areas where the first bonding portion 41 and the second bonding portion 42 overlap, thereby reducing the contractile force of the stretchable sheets 213, 223. On the other hand, the bending of the non-stretchable sheets 211, 221, 212, 222 can be suppressed by the areas where the first bonding portion 41 and the second bonding portion 42 do not overlap, thereby reducing the bending.

[0083] 8C, the joints 40 arranged in the first overlapping region OR1 from one side in the left-right direction are a first joint 41a, a second joint 42a, and another first joint 41b. In this case, the first joint 41a may be arranged closer to the second joint 42a than the other first joint 41b in the left-right direction. In other words, the center-to-center distance W3 between the first joint 41a and the second joint 42a is set shorter than the center-to-center distance W4 between the second joint 42a and the other first joint 41b.

[0084] By doing so, the deflection of the non-elastic sheets 211, 221, 212, 222 between the nearby first joint portion 41a and second joint portion 42a becomes smaller, and the deflection becomes less noticeable to the user. Therefore, the number of irregularities that are easily noticeable to the user can be reduced on the surface of the exterior body 20 where the absorbent cores 12 overlap in the thickness direction, making it easier for the user to check the size of the absorbent core 12.

[0085] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, when leg opening elastic members 225 are arranged in a pair of curved regions 20C along a pair of leg openings 1b of the diaper 1 and a central region 20D along the left-right direction connecting the pair of curved regions 20C in at least one side of the outer casing 20 in the front-to-rear direction (in this embodiment, in the rear body portion 22), it is preferable that:

[0086] 5, when the diaper 1 in an unfolded state is viewed in a plan view in the thickness direction, the exterior body 20 may have a region OR2 (hereinafter also referred to as a second overlapping region OR2) where the second joint region R2 and the third joint region R3 overlap in the thickness direction of the central region 20D and the absorbent core 12. The third joint 43 may satisfy at least one of the following conditions compared to the first joint 41: it is longer in the left-right direction (W2>W1), it is longer in the up-down direction (L2>L1), and it has a larger area (the third joint 43 in this embodiment satisfies all of these conditions).

[0087] This makes it possible to increase the area ratio of the joints 40 in a region (central region 20D) of the exterior body 20 in which, in addition to the stretchable sheets 213, 223, the leg-hole elastic members 225 that cross the absorbent core 12 in the left-right direction are arranged. In other words, the third joints 43, which have a larger dimension and area than the first joints 41, can more reliably reduce the contractile force of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 and the leg-hole elastic members 225. In detail, the third joints 43 can finely divide the leg-hole elastic members 225 in the left-right direction, thereby reducing the contractile force of the leg-hole elastic members 225. This makes it possible to suppress contraction of the absorbent core 12.

[0088] It is also possible for multiple types of joints 40 not to be arranged in areas of the exterior body 20 other than the central region 20D, in which case the third joint 43 of this embodiment corresponds to the first joint of the present invention.

[0089] Similarly to the first overlapping region OR1, the central region 20D may also have the first bonding portion 41 and the second bonding portion 42. In that case, it is preferable to increase the number of bonding portions 40 per unit area, which can more reliably reduce the contractile force of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 and the leg elastic members 225.

[0090] 4, the leg elastic members 215 arranged in the front body portion 21 are only provided in the curved region along the leg openings 1b of the exterior body 20, and do not cross the absorbent core 12 in the left-right direction. This suppresses left-right contraction of the absorbent core 12. Although the leg elastic members 215 are arranged from the side joints 24 toward the lower end of the front body portion 21, it is preferable that the lower end of the leg elastic members 215 does not exhibit elastic properties or that the leg elastic members 215 do not reach the lower end of the front body portion 21. This can suppress the lower end of the front body portion 21 from turning up, etc.

[0091] When the diaper 1 in an unfolded state is viewed in a plan view in the thickness direction, the region of the exterior body 20 overlapping the upper end portion 12A of the absorbent core 12 in the thickness direction is defined as the end region 20E. It is preferable that the first overlapping region OR1, where the first joint region R1 and the second joint region R2 overlap, is not arranged in the end region 20E. The area ratio of the joints 40 in the end region 20E is preferably smaller than the area ratio of the joints 40 in the first overlapping region OR1. In other words, the value obtained by dividing the total area of ​​the joints 40 arranged in the end region 20E by the area of ​​the end region 20E is preferably smaller than the value obtained by dividing the total area of ​​the joints 40 arranged in the first overlapping region OR1 by the area of ​​the first overlapping region OR1.

[0092] This makes it possible to suppress a sudden change in the contractile force of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 at the boundary between the region of the exterior body 20 that overlaps with the absorbent core 12 and the region of the exterior body 20 that does not overlap with the absorbent core 12 in the thickness direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress twisting of the exterior body 20 at the above-mentioned boundary.

[0093] 9A to 9F are explanatory diagrams of a joint 40 having a shape with a long axis direction. The multiple joints 40 arranged in the exterior body 20 preferably have a shape with a long axis direction. In this embodiment, the first, third and fourth joints 41, 43 and 44 are rectangular and have a shape with a long axis direction.

[0094] Examples of shapes having a long axis direction include a rectangle (FIG. 9A), an approximate rectangle (for example, a rectangle with curved sides as shown in FIG. 9B, or a rectangle with rounded corners as shown in FIG. 9C), a parallelogram (FIG. 9D), an ellipse (FIG. 9E), and a diamond (FIG. 9F). As shown in the figures, the long axis direction of the rectangle, approximate rectangle, parallelogram, and ellipse is the straight line connecting the centers of the opposing short sides (curves). For the diamond, the long axis direction is the direction along the longer diagonal.

[0095] When the joint 40 has a shape having a long axis direction as described above, it is preferable that the long axis direction of the joint 40 is inclined with respect to the up-down and left-right directions. For example, the first joint 41 in this embodiment is inclined with respect to the up-down and left-right directions by 45 degrees.

[0096] In this way, the long axis direction of the highly rigid joint 40 does not align with the longitudinal and width directions, thereby reducing the vertical and lateral rigidity of the exterior body 20. As a result, the exterior body 20 becomes more likely to deform around the wearer's waist and vertical bulges (abdomen and buttocks), making it difficult for the wearer to feel the stiffness of the diaper 1.

[0097] In addition, when the long axis direction of the joint 40 arranged in the region of the exterior body 20 overlapping with the absorbent core 12 is inclined, the length of the joint 40 in the vertical direction becomes longer than when the long axis direction is along the left-right direction. Therefore, the contraction force of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 can be reduced over a wide range in the vertical direction by the joint 40. In addition, since the length of the joint 40 in the left-right direction is appropriately shortened, many joints 40 can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Therefore, the elasticity generating region of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 can be finely divided in the left-right direction, and the contraction force of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 can be reduced. On the other hand, since the length of the joint 40 in the left-right direction becomes longer than when the long axis direction is along the up-down direction, the length of the elasticity generating region of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 in the left-right direction can be shortened, and the contraction force of the stretchable sheets 213, 223 can be reduced. By inclining the long axis direction of the joint 40 in this manner, the effects of both a joint 40 that is long in the vertical direction and a joint that is long in the horizontal direction can be obtained while the area of ​​the joint 40 can be reduced, thereby preventing the diaper 1 from becoming stiff.

[0098] It is also advisable to mix and arrange joints with different inclinations in the longitudinal direction. In Figures 4 and 5, joints 40 with symmetrical inclinations are arranged between joints 40 lined up along the longitudinal direction. This allows the distribution of contractile force of the stretchable sheet 213 to be symmetrical, improving the appearance of the diaper 1 and improving the balance of the tightening force.

[0099] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the joint 40 arranged in the diaper 1. A fifth joint region R5 having a higher area ratio of the joint 40 than the second joint region R2 may be arranged in a region of the exterior body 20 aligned in the left-right direction with the first overlap region OR1 and the second overlap region OR2. In the fifth joint region R5 illustrated in Fig. 10, the number of second joints 42 arranged per unit area is increased compared to the second joint region R2, thereby increasing the area ratio of the joint 40. However, this is not limited thereto, and multiple types of joints 40 may be arranged in the fifth joint region R5.

[0100] In Fig. 10, the contraction of the regions of the exterior body 20 on both left and right outer sides of the absorbent core 12 is also suppressed, so that the exterior body 20 spreads out in the left and right directions, and the buttocks and the front crotch part can be covered by the exterior body 20. In addition, the appearance of a diaper 1 is reduced. However, the area ratio of the joint 40 is made lower in the fifth joint region R5 than in the first overlap region OR1 and the second overlap region OR2. This maintains an appropriate contraction force of the exterior body 20, and allows the exterior body 20 to fit the buttocks and the like of the wearer.

[0101] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of the first overlapping region OR1 in a group of diapers 1 of different sizes. The diapers 1 may be distributed to the market as a group of diapers 1 of multiple sizes (e.g., size S, size M, size L, etc.). This allows the wearer to wear the diaper 1 according to their body size. In this case, the group of diapers 1 of multiple sizes may be distributed to the market with the same brand name and sub-brand name. This allows the user to select the diaper 1 they want.

[0102] The same brand name is information (e.g., "Lifree") that indicates the brand of a product group (incontinence care products) that includes the diaper 1. The same sub-brand name is information (e.g., "Sukkiri Style Pants") that indicates the names of different products (pants-type diapers, pads, etc.) within the same brand.

[0103] 11A, the total area of ​​the exterior body 20 is different between the diaper 1 of a first size (e.g., M size diaper 1, first pants-type absorbent article) and the diaper 1 of a second size (e.g., L size diaper 1, second pants-type absorbent article), but the area of ​​the first overlapping region OR1 is the same (or almost the same). Therefore, the area ratio of the first overlapping region OR1 in the exterior body 20 (the value obtained by dividing the area of ​​the first overlapping region OR1 by the total area of ​​the exterior body 20) is different between the diapers 1 of different sizes, and the area ratio is smaller for the larger size (L size).

[0104] By doing so, even if the exterior body 20 is larger in the large size, when the size of the absorbent core 12 is the same (or approximately the same), the first overlapping region OR1 does not become unnecessarily large with respect to the absorbent core 12. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the contraction force of the elastic sheets 213, 223 from being reduced too much. Conversely, even if the exterior body 20 is smaller, when the size of the absorbent core 12 is the same (or approximately the same), the first overlapping region OR1 does not become unnecessarily small with respect to the absorbent core 12. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the contraction force of the elastic sheets 213, 223 that overlap with the absorbent core 12. In other words, it is possible to reduce the contraction force of the area of ​​the exterior body 20 that corresponds to the size of the absorbent core 12 regardless of the area of ​​the exterior body 20, and also to reduce the unevenness of the surface of the exterior body 20 that overlaps with the absorbent core 12.

[0105] The total area of ​​the exterior body 20 refers to the planar area of ​​the exterior body 20 when the diaper 1 is in an unfolded and stretched state as shown in Fig. 2. In addition, when the diaper 1 is provided with a plurality of first overlapping regions OR1, such as when the front body portion 21 and the rear body portion 22 each have a first overlapping region OR1, the area ratio is based on the total area of ​​the first overlapping regions OR1.

[0106] 11B, the area of ​​the first overlapping region OR1 may be varied depending on the size of the diaper 1, for example, the area of ​​the first overlapping region OR1 may be increased in proportion to the size of the diaper 1. In this way, even if the size of the absorbent core 12 varies depending on the size of the diaper 1, it is possible to reduce the contraction force of the region of the exterior body 20 corresponding to the size of the absorbent core 12. It is also possible to prevent unnecessary reduction in the contraction of the exterior body 20 in a small-sized diaper 1.

[0107] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment is intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 Diaper (pants-type absorbent article), 2, 3 Inner layer sheet, 10 Absorbent body, 11 top sheet, 12 absorbent core, 13 back sheet, 20 outer casing, 20C curved region, 20D central region, 21 front body part, 22 back body part, 23 crotch part, 211 Non-skin side sheet (non-elastic sheet), 212 Skin side sheet (non-elastic sheet), 213 Elastic sheet, 214 waist elastic member, 215 leg elastic member, 221 Non-skin side sheet (non-elastic sheet), 222 Skin side sheet (non-elastic sheet), 223 Elastic sheet, 224 waist elastic member, 225 leg elastic member, 24 Side joint, 40 joints, 41 first joint, 42 second joint, 43 3rd joint (1st joint), 44 4th joint, R1 first joint area, R2 second joint area, R3 third joint area (first joint area), R4 fourth joint area,

Claims

1. It has an up-down direction, a left-right direction, and a front-rear direction, A pants-type absorbent article having an absorbent main body having an absorbent core and an outer body arranged on a side closer to the skin than the absorbent main body, The exterior body includes a non-elastic sheet and a stretchable sheet that stretches in the left-right direction, the non-elastic sheet and the elastic sheet are intermittently joined by a plurality of joints, The plurality of joints include a plurality of first joints having the same shape and area, and a plurality of second joints having the same shape and area, At least one of a shape and an area is different between the first joint portion and the second joint portion, The exterior body includes a first joint region in which a plurality of the first joints are arranged, and a second joint region in which a plurality of the second joints are arranged, When the pants-type absorbent article in an unfolded state is viewed in a plan view in a thickness direction, the exterior body has a region where the first joint region and the second joint region overlap in a region where the exterior body overlaps with the absorbent core in the thickness direction, When the pants-type absorbent article in an unfolded state is viewed in a plan view in the thickness direction, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that at least a portion of the first joint portion and the second joint portion arranged in the overlapping region overlap each other in the thickness direction.

2. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 1, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that the first joint portion has a longer length in the up-down direction than the second joint portion.

3. The pants-type absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, A pants-type absorbent article, wherein the first joint portion has a larger area than the second joint portion.

4. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that at least a portion of the first joint portion and the second joint portion arranged in the overlapping area overlap with each other in at least a portion of the vertical direction.

5. The pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that at least a portion of the first joint portion and the second joint portion arranged in the overlapping region do not overlap in position in the up-down direction.

6. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, In the overlapping region, one first joint portion, one second joint portion, and another first joint portion are arranged side by side in this order from one side in the left-right direction, A pants-type absorbent article, characterized in that, in the left-right direction, one of the first joint portions is arranged closer to one of the second joint portions than the other of the first joint portions.

7. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The plurality of joints include joints having a shape having a long axis direction, The joint portion is disposed so that the longitudinal direction is inclined with respect to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

8. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the leg-hole elastic members arranged in a portion of the exterior body on at least one side in the front-rear direction are arranged in a pair of curved regions along a pair of leg-hole openings of the pants-type absorbent article, and in a central region along the left-right direction connecting the pair of curved regions, The plurality of joints include a plurality of third joints having the same shape and area, The third bonding portion is different from the first bonding portion and the second bonding portion in at least one of a shape and an area, The third joint portion satisfies at least one of the following: a length in the left-right direction is longer than that of the first joint portion; a length in the up-down direction is longer than that of the first joint portion; and an area is larger than that of the first joint portion. The exterior body includes a third joint region in which a plurality of the third joints are arranged, A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that, when the pants-type absorbent article is in an unfolded state and viewed in a plane in the thickness direction, the outer body has a region where the second joint region and the third joint region overlap in the region where the central region and the absorbent core overlap in the thickness direction.

9. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, When the pants-type absorbent article in an unfolded state is viewed in a plan view in a thickness direction, the exterior body has an end region that overlaps with an upper end portion of the absorbent core in the thickness direction, A pants-type absorbent article characterized in that the value obtained by dividing the total area of ​​the joints arranged in the end region by the area of ​​the end region is smaller than the value obtained by dividing the total area of ​​the joints arranged in the overlapping region of the first joint region and the second joint region by the area of ​​the overlapping region.

10. A pants-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the pant-type absorbent article is a first size; A pant-type absorbent article, characterized in that the value obtained by dividing the area of ​​the region where the first joint region and the second joint region overlap by the total area of ​​the outer body is different from the value obtained by dividing in another pant-type absorbent article that has the same brand name and sub-brand name as the pant-type absorbent article and is a second size.

11. a first pant-type absorbent article having a first size; a second pant-type absorbent article having a second size; the first pant-type absorbent article and the second pant-type absorbent article are a group of pant-type absorbent articles having the same brand name and sub-brand name; The first pant-type absorbent article and the second pant-type absorbent article each include It has an up-down direction, a left-right direction, and a front-rear direction, An absorbent body having an absorbent core and an exterior body disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent body, The exterior body includes a non-elastic sheet and a stretchable sheet that stretches in the left-right direction, the non-elastic sheet and the elastic sheet are intermittently joined by a plurality of joints, The plurality of joints include a plurality of first joints having the same shape and area, and a plurality of second joints having the same shape and area, At least one of a shape and an area is different between the first joint portion and the second joint portion, The exterior body includes a first joint region in which a plurality of the first joints are arranged, and a second joint region in which a plurality of the second joints are arranged, When the pants-type absorbent article in an unfolded state is viewed in a plan view in a thickness direction, the exterior body has a region where the first joint region and the second joint region overlap in a region where the exterior body overlaps with the absorbent core in the thickness direction, When the pants-type absorbent article in an unfolded state is viewed in a plan view in the thickness direction, At least a portion of the first joint portion and the second joint portion arranged in the overlapping region overlap each other in the thickness direction, A group of pant-type absorbent articles, characterized in that the value obtained by dividing the area of ​​the overlapping region between the first joint region and the second joint region by the total area of ​​the outer body is different between the first pant-type absorbent article and the second pant-type absorbent article.

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