Absorbent article

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article which is formed with a groove that extends along a longitudinal direction on the skin side, in which deformation along a shape of the body of a wearer is facilitated and fitness is increased.SOLUTION: There is provided an absorbent article which includes: a liquid permeable top sheet; a liquid impermeable back sheet; and an absorber that is provided between the top sheet and the back sheet, which has a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, which includes a central groove that is recessed from the top sheet toward the back sheet and extends along the longitudinal direction, in which a high compression part is formed in the central groove in the plan view, the high compression part includes a discontinuous first high compression part along a first virtual wavy line extending in the longitudinal direction, and a discontinuous second high compression part along a second virtual wavy line extending in the longitudinal direction intersecting the first virtual wavy line, and the first virtual wavy line and the second virtual wavy line are line-symmetric to each other with a longitudinal direction center line extending along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article as a symmetrical line.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to absorbent articles.

Background Art

[0002] As absorbent articles such as incontinence pads, sanitary napkins, and pad-type diapers, those having a groove formed along the longitudinal direction on the skin side of the main body are known for the purpose of quickly diffusing a large amount of body fluid discharged at one time in the front-rear direction (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes that a high-pressure squeezing portion is formed at the bottom of the concave groove, and the high-pressure squeezing portion extends in the groove transverse direction and inclines in the groove longitudinal direction in a unit section partitioning the concave groove in the longitudinal direction, and is formed across from one side end to the other side end of the concave groove, and is formed in a pattern in which the unit section is repeatedly reversed forward and backward in the groove longitudinal direction; and a first emboss composed of a second emboss formed on a side edge portion on the opposite side of a convex portion where the first emboss protrudes outward in the lateral direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the concave groove is reinforced by the high-pressure squeezing portion, and the concave groove is less likely to collapse. However, depending on the shape of the high-pressure squeezing portion, the squeezing strength during formation, etc., the absorbent body in the portion where the high-pressure squeezing portion is provided may become excessively hard, which may prevent the natural deformation of the absorbent body. Absorbent articles are usually used by being curved in the longitudinal direction so as to follow the roundness of the wearer's body in the front-rear direction. However, in the above-described conventional absorbent articles, it is difficult to obtain a curve along the shape of the body, and sufficient fit may not be obtained.

[0006] In view of the above points, one aspect of the present invention is to facilitate deformation along the shape of the wearer's body and enhance the fit in an absorbent article having a groove extending along the longitudinal direction formed on the skin side.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The first aspect of the present invention comprises a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet, and an absorber provided between the topsheet and the backsheet, and is an absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and has a central groove extending along the longitudinal direction and recessed from the topsheet toward the backsheet. A high-pressure squeezing portion is formed in the central groove in plan view, and the high-pressure squeezing portion includes a discontinuous first high-pressure squeezing portion along a first virtual wave line extending in the longitudinal direction and a discontinuous second high-pressure squeezing portion along a second virtual wave line extending in the longitudinal direction and intersecting the first virtual wave line. The first virtual wave line and the second virtual wave line are line-symmetric with a longitudinal center line extending along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article as a symmetry line.

[0008] In the above first aspect, the high-pressure squeezing portion for reinforcing the groove includes a first high-pressure squeezing portion along a first virtual wave line extending in the longitudinal direction and a second high-pressure squeezing portion along a second virtual wave line extending in the longitudinal direction and intersecting the first virtual wave line. In this way, since the high-pressure squeezing portion is formed along the virtual wave line extending in the longitudinal direction, when the central groove receives forces from both sides in the lateral direction, the forces are easily propagated in the longitudinal direction along the virtual wave line, and the central groove 11 is less likely to collapse.

[0009] In addition, since both the first high-pressure squeezing part and the second high-pressure squeezing part are discontinuously formed along the longitudinal direction, it is possible to prevent the part within the region of the central groove from becoming excessively hard continuously in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, bending in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article becomes easy, and the absorbent article can be naturally curved along the shape in the front-rear direction of the wearer's body (a shape that continues from near the pubis through the crotch to the buttocks). That is, while maintaining the effect of making the central groove difficult to collapse in the lateral direction, the fit of the absorbent article to the body can also be improved.

[0010] Furthermore, a first virtual wave line formed along the first high-pressure squeezing part and a second virtual wave line formed along the second high-pressure squeezing part are formed symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal center line as a symmetry line. Therefore, the arrangement of the high-pressure squeezing parts or the overall shape of the high-pressure squeezing parts is line-symmetrical between the first high-pressure squeezing part and the second high-pressure squeezing part. When forces are applied to the legs from both sides in the lateral direction of the absorbent article, the stress distribution in the longitudinal direction generated at the high-pressure squeezing parts can be made approximately symmetrical on both sides in the lateral direction, and distortion of the groove can be prevented.

[0011] In a second aspect of the present invention, the first high-pressure squeezing part is formed from a plurality of first high-pressure squeezing part sections spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, the second high-pressure squeezing part is formed from a plurality of second high-pressure squeezing part sections spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, and 2 to 5 first high-pressure squeezing part sections and second high-pressure squeezing part sections are respectively arranged between intersections of adjacent first virtual wave lines and second virtual wave lines.

[0012] According to the second aspect described above, by setting the number of discontinuous parts of the first high-pressure squeezing part and the second high-pressure squeezing part to an appropriate number along the longitudinal direction, the part where the groove is formed can be curved more smoothly in the longitudinal direction, and the fit of the absorbent article to the body can be enhanced.

[0013] In a third aspect of the present invention, no high-pressure squeezing part is arranged at the intersection.

[0014] According to the third aspect described above, it is possible to avoid the concentration of high-pressure squeezing parts and prevent the formation of an excessively hard part in the groove.

[0015] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, at least an edge of the first high-pressure squeezing section has sides parallel to a lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0016] In the above fourth aspect, since the edges of the high-pressure squeezing sections are parallel in the lateral direction, even if a force is applied to the central groove from the outside in the lateral direction, the orientation of the high-pressure squeezing section itself is unlikely to change. Therefore, the possibility that the region (low-pressure squeezing section) between the high-pressure squeezing sections is twisted or distorted can be reduced. As a result, the distortion of the entire central groove can be prevented, and thus the above effect of making the central groove difficult to collapse can be improved.

[0017] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, one edge of the first high-pressure squeezing section arranged in the lateral direction and one edge of the second high-pressure squeezing section are located on a common straight line along the lateral direction.

[0018] According to the above fifth aspect, in the first high-pressure squeezing section and the second high-pressure squeezing section, the positions of the edges of the high-pressure squeezing sections are aligned when viewed in the longitudinal direction. That is, the positions of the non-continuous portions without the high-pressure squeezing sections are aligned when viewed in the longitudinal direction. For this reason, a bending axis along the lateral direction for bending the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction is easily formed, and the longitudinal bending becomes easy, so that the fitness of the absorbent article to the body can be further improved.

[0019] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, the position of the first high-pressure squeezing section and the position of the second high-pressure squeezing section are displaced.

[0020] According to the above sixth aspect, when forming the high-pressure squeezing section along the longitudinal direction during the manufacture of the absorbent article, the pressing force for squeezing is less likely to be dispersed in the lateral direction between the first high-pressure squeezing section and the second high-pressure squeezing section. Therefore, even without applying a high pressure, the first high-pressure squeezing section of the first high-pressure squeezing section and the second high-pressure squeezing section of the second high-pressure squeezing section can be reliably formed respectively.

[0021] In a seventh aspect of the present invention, a pair of diagonal grooves are further provided, which extend outward in the longitudinal direction from at least one end of the longitudinal direction of the central groove and are formed such that the distance between them increases as they move away from the central groove, and discontinuous high-pressure squeezing portions are formed in the pair of diagonal grooves.

[0022] According to the above seventh aspect, a Y-shaped configuration can be formed by the central groove and the pair of diagonal grooves. With this Y-shaped groove as the axis, it becomes easier to deform the absorbent article, enabling three-dimensional deformation along the shape of the wearer's body. For example, the central groove can be recessed on the non-skin side, the both side portions of the central groove can be in close contact with the body, and further, the region in front of the central groove can be brought into close contact with the front surface of the body, or the region behind the central groove can be brought into close contact with the rear surface of the body. Thereby, even when a large amount of body fluid is discharged at once, leakage to the outside in the longitudinal and lateral directions can be prevented.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, an absorbent article having a groove extending along the longitudinal direction formed on the skin side can be deformed easily along the shape of the wearer's body, enhancing the fit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, unless otherwise specified, the same or corresponding components may be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof may be omitted.

[0026] [First Embodiment] <Basic Structure of Absorbent Article> FIG. 1 shows a plan view of an absorbent article 1 according to the first embodiment. Further, FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I of FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the absorbent article 1 includes a liquid-permeable top sheet 3, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 2, and an absorber 4 disposed between the two sheets, and is generally flat as a whole in the state before wearing (FIG. 2). When the absorbent article 1 is worn, the top sheet 3 side becomes the side that touches the skin (skin side or front side), and the back sheet 2 side becomes the side that is fixed to the underwear (underwear side or back side). FIG. 1 is a view of the absorbent article 1 seen from the skin side.

[0027] The absorbent article 1 has an elongated shape in plan view, and has a longitudinal direction (front-rear direction) D1 and a lateral direction (width direction or left-right direction) D2 orthogonal to the longitudinal direction D1. When the absorbent article 1 is worn, the longitudinal direction D1 corresponds to the front-rear direction of the wearer's body, and the lateral direction D2 corresponds to the left-right direction of the wearer's body. In the form shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent article 1 has a shape that is substantially line-symmetric with respect to a center line (a center line that bisects the absorbent article 1 in the lateral direction D2, or a longitudinal center line) CL extending along the longitudinal direction D1 in plan view, but the shape does not have to be line-symmetric. Also, the configuration other than the shape of the absorbent article 1 (including the density, material of the absorber 4, and the size of the squeezing portion, etc.) may be substantially symmetric or asymmetric with the center line CL as the axis of symmetry.

[0028] The backsheet 2 may be a sheet having at least water-blocking properties, and may be, for example, a sheet made of an olefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Further, a laminated nonwoven fabric obtained by laminating a nonwoven fabric on a polyethylene sheet or the like, or a laminated sheet of a nonwoven fabric having substantially liquid-impermeability with a waterproof film interposed therebetween can be used. Further, it is more desirable to use a material having moisture permeability from the viewpoint of preventing stuffiness. As such a water-blocking and moisture-permeable sheet material, a microporous sheet obtained by melt-kneading an inorganic filler in an olefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene, forming a sheet, and then stretching it in a uniaxial or biaxial direction can be used.

[0029] The topsheet 3 can be a sheet permeable to body fluids such as urine, menstrual blood, and feces. As the topsheet 3, a porous or non-porous nonwoven fabric, a porous plastic sheet, or the like is preferably used. Examples of the material fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric include olefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, synthetic fibers such as polyester and polyamide, regenerated fibers such as rayon and cupra, and blended fibers thereof, and natural fibers such as cotton can be used alone or in combination of two or more. Further, examples of the processing method of the nonwoven fabric include the spunlace method, the spunbond method, the thermal bond method, the meltblown method, and the needle punch method. Among these processing methods, the spunlace method is preferable in that it can produce a nonwoven fabric rich in flexibility, and the spunbond method is preferable in that it can produce a nonwoven fabric rich in drapability. The thermal bond method is preferable in that it can produce a bulky and soft nonwoven fabric. Further, composite fibers such as core-sheath type fibers having a fiber with a high melting point as the core and a fiber with a low melting point as the sheath, side-by-side type fibers, and split type fibers can also be used.

[0030] The absorber 4 is not limited as long as it is a material that can absorb and hold body fluids, but preferably includes cotton-like pulp and a water-absorbing polymer. As the water-absorbing polymer, superabsorbent polymer granules (superabsorbent polymer (SAP)), superabsorbent polymer fibers (superabsorbent fiber (SAF)), and combinations thereof can be used. Examples of the pulp include those made of cellulose fibers such as chemical pulp obtained from wood, dissolving pulp, and artificial cellulose fibers such as rayon and acetate. As raw materials for chemical pulp, broad-leaved trees, coniferous trees, etc. are used, and coniferous trees are preferably used because of their long fiber length, etc.

[0031] Synthetic fibers may be mixed into the absorber 4. As the synthetic fibers, polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, polyamides such as nylon, and copolymers thereof can be used, and two of these can be mixed and used. Also, composite fibers such as core-sheath type fibers with a high-melting-point fiber as the core and a low-melting-point fiber as the sheath, side-by-side type fibers, and split fibers can be used. In addition, those obtained by surface-treating hydrophobic fibers with a hydrophilic agent to impart affinity for body fluids can also be used. The absorber 4 is preferably manufactured by a stacking or air-laid method.

[0032] The absorber 4 may be one in which the main body portion of the absorber 4 is wrapped with a wrapping sheet made of crepe paper, non-woven fabric, or the like. By providing the absorber 4 with a wrapping sheet, sagging and cracking of the absorber 4 can be prevented, and the shape can be maintained. As the wrapping sheet, uncolored (i.e., white) crepe paper or non-woven fabric can be used, or those colored (for example, colored in the same color as the body fluid or the complementary color of the body fluid color) can also be used.

[0033] The absorber 4 may have an elongated shape with a substantially constant width as shown in FIG. 1 in plan view, but the width of the absorber 4 may vary along the longitudinal direction D1. As a whole, the absorber 4 may have a uniform thickness over the entire surface, but the thickness of the absorber 4 does not have to be uniform and may be locally thinner or thicker.

[0034] At both edge portions in the longitudinal direction D1 of the absorber 4, the edge portion of the backsheet 2 and the edge portion of the topsheet 3 may be joined by an adhesive, heat sealing, etc. (illustrated by hatching in FIG. 1). Also, on both side portions of the absorbent article 1, that is, on both sides in the lateral direction D2, a pair of side sheets 7, 7 may be arranged on the front side (topsheet 3 side) along the longitudinal direction D1.

[0035] The side sheet 7 may be constituted by using a nonwoven fabric material that has been subjected to an appropriate water-repellent treatment or hydrophilic treatment according to the purpose of preventing the penetration of body fluids or improving the touch feeling. The material of the side sheet 7 may be natural fiber, synthetic fiber, recycled fiber, etc. Also, when the side sheet 7 is water-repellent treated, a water-repellent agent such as a silicone-based or paraffin-based one can be used for the treatment. Note that the absorbent article may have a configuration in which the topsheet 3 extends to the end in the lateral direction D2 of the absorbent article 1 and is joined to the backsheet 2 without using the side sheet 7. Further, the side sheet 7 may be made into two layers on each side by folding back or adding a separate side sheet and overlapping them, and an elastic member such as a thread rubber is arranged so as to extend along the longitudinal direction in an extended state and intermittently fixed to form a rising gather portion. Then, for example, since the gather sheet 7 is fixed at the inner end or the outer end in the width direction D2, the rising gathers on both side portions can have the outer end or the inner end in the width direction D2 rise toward the skin side when the extension of the elastic member is relaxed.

[0036] The absorbent article 1 has an intermediate region M that mainly corresponds to the wearer's crotch during wear, a front region F that is adjacent to the intermediate region M in the front and extends to the front end of the absorbent article 1, and a rear region R that is adjacent to the intermediate region M in the rear and extends to the front end of the absorbent article 1. The intermediate region M includes a body fluid discharge port facing region Q. The body fluid discharge port facing region Q is a region that faces the body fluid discharge ports such as the wearer's urethral orifice and vaginal orifice during wear, and its center is on the longitudinal center line CL. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the body fluid discharge port facing region Q is depicted in an elliptical shape as a region corresponding to the urethral orifice, but the size and shape of the illustrated body fluid discharge port facing region Q are merely examples for explaining the absorbent article according to this embodiment.

[0037] Note that when the absorbent article is individually packaged, the front region F and the rear region R can be folded back toward the skin side in the longitudinal direction D1. In the example of FIG. 1, the folding of the front region F can be performed along a folding line along the boundary line between the front region F and the intermediate region M, and the folding of the rear region R can be performed along a folding line along the boundary line between the rear region R and the intermediate region M. Either the front region F or the rear region R can be folded first. By such folding, the absorbent article 1 can be folded into a three-fold or more fold.

[0038] The length (total length) of the absorbent article 1 in the overall longitudinal direction D1 is preferably 170 to 360 mm, and more preferably 200 to 270 mm. The length of the absorbent article 1 in the lateral direction D2 (the width of the main body excluding the wing portion when provided with wings) is preferably 50 to 150 mm, and more preferably 70 to 120 mm. Also, the width of the absorbent body 4 sandwiched between the top sheet 3 and the back sheet 2 can be 50 to 100 mm. Furthermore, the overall thickness of the absorbent article 1 is preferably 1 to 30 mm, and more preferably 2 to 15 mm.

[0039] Although the absorbent article 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 does not have wings, the absorbent article 1 may have a pair of wings that extend laterally from both side edges of the intermediate region M, respectively. The wings can be formed by joining the extended portions of the side sheet 7 and the extended portions of the back sheet 2.

[0040] Also, on the back sheet 2 side of the absorbent article 1, a displacement preventing portion for reliably fixing the absorbent article 1 to underwear during wearing to prevent displacement of the absorbent article 1 may be formed (not shown). The displacement preventing portion is preferably an adhesive displacement preventing portion. The adhesive displacement preventing portion is formed, for example, by applying an adhesive that is a fluid or by attaching a pre-formed layer of adhesive (such as an adhesive tape). As the adhesive used as the displacement preventing portion, a known adhesive, for example, a hot melt type adhesive can be used. Its main components include styrene-based polymers, tackifiers, and plasticizers, and combinations thereof.

[0041] On the skin side of the absorbent article 1, grooves that are recessed from the skin side to the non-skin side (that is, recessed from the top sheet 3 toward the back sheet 2) are provided. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the grooves include a central groove 11, a pair of diagonal grooves 12Lf, 12Rf formed in front of the central groove 11, and a pair of diagonal grooves 12Lr, 12Rr formed behind the central groove 11. However, the absorbent article 1 according to one embodiment may be an absorbent article that omits the diagonal grooves 12Lf, 12Rf, 12Lr, 12Rr.

[0042] The grooves are preferably compression grooves formed by compression. The compression grooves can be formed by passing at least a laminate in which the absorbent body 4 and the top sheet 3 are overlapped through a pair of pressure rolls. For example, a roll having convex portions corresponding to the shape of the desired compression grooves on its surface and a roll having a flat surface opposed to the roll are prepared, and the roll having the convex portions is arranged on the top sheet 3 side, and the laminate including the absorbent body 4 and the top sheet 3 can be passed between the rolls. The region where the compression grooves are not formed is shown as the non-compression portion 14.

[0043] <Central groove> The central groove 11 is a groove formed along the longitudinal direction D1 at the center of the absorbent article 1 in the lateral direction D2. Since the central groove 11 is a groove that is recessed from the topsheet 3 side toward the backsheet 2 side, when the absorbent article 1 receives forces from both sides in the lateral direction D2 during wearing, the central portion in the lateral direction D2 is likely to deform so as to protrude toward the backsheet 2 side (non-skin side). Body fluid can be at least temporarily stored in the depression on the skin side formed by the protrusion. Further, when the central groove 11 is formed by pressing, the density of the region of the central groove 11 is higher than that of the non-pressed regions around the central groove 11, so body fluid is likely to be retained in the central groove 11.

[0044] Since the central groove 11 extends along the longitudinal direction D1, it not only has the function of receiving and temporarily storing body fluid as described above, but also has the function of guiding body fluid in the longitudinal direction D1. In particular, when the central groove 11 is formed by pressing, since the density of the region where the central groove 11 is formed is greater than the density of the non-pressed regions on both sides in its lateral direction D2, it is easier to guide body fluid in the longitudinal direction D1 rather than in the lateral direction D2. By guiding body fluid across the longitudinal direction D1, leakage of body fluid in the lateral direction D2 can be prevented.

[0045] Further, the central groove 11 is preferably formed so as to overlap the body fluid discharge port facing region Q at the center in the lateral direction D2, and more preferably so as to overlap the longitudinal center line CL of the absorbent article 1. In the illustrated example, the center line extending along the longitudinal direction D1 of the central groove 11 (the line passing through the center of the width of the central groove 11) coincides with the longitudinal center line CL of the absorbent article 1.

[0046] The central groove 11 is preferably formed so as to include the intermediate region M of the absorbent article 1, and more preferably so as to include the body fluid discharge port facing region Q in the longitudinal direction D1. Further, the central groove 11 is preferably formed within the intermediate region M. Thereby, it becomes easier to fit the front region F and the rear region R of the absorbent article 1 along the roundness of the front and rear surfaces of the body.

[0047] The length of the longitudinal direction D1 of the central groove 11 is preferably 50 to 160 mm, and more preferably 55 to 80 mm. By setting the length within the above range, body fluid can be sufficiently induced in the longitudinal direction D1, and the formation of grooves near the center in the width direction D2 of the front region F and the rear region R can be avoided, making it easier to fit the front region F and the rear region R to the front and rear surfaces of the wearer's body.

[0048] The length (width) of the transverse direction D2 of the central groove 11 is preferably 3 to 15 mm, and more preferably 4 to 8 mm. By setting the length (width) within the above range, it becomes easier to store a large amount of body fluid in the central groove 11, and even if a strong force is applied from both sides in the transverse direction D2 and the central groove 11 is somewhat deformed, the shape and function of the central groove 11 as a groove can be maintained.

[0049] <High-pressure squeezing part> In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a high-pressure squeezing part 20 is formed in the central groove 11. The high-pressure squeezing part 20 is a part that is squeezed deeper than the bottom surface of the central groove 11. The high-pressure squeezing part 20 in this specification is shown in black in the drawings. However, in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, the illustration of the high-pressure squeezing part 20 is omitted. When the central groove 11 itself is formed by squeezing, the central groove 11 will have a high-pressure squeezing part 20 and a low-pressure squeezing part other than the high-pressure squeezing part 20. In the illustrated example, the part other than the high-pressure squeezing part 20 in the central groove 11 becomes the low-pressure squeezing part. The low-pressure squeezing part is a part that is recessed 1 to 10 mm, preferably 2 to 5 mm, more than the surrounding region without squeezing (in the illustrated example, the region of the main body other than the central groove 11 and the diagonal grooves 12Lf, 12Rf, 12Lr, 12Rr), and the high-pressure squeezing part 20 may be a part that is squeezed 0.2 to 1 mm deeper than the low-pressure squeezing part in the central groove 11.

[0050] When the high-pressure squeezing part 20 is formed in the central groove 11, the rigidity of the bottom and, in some cases, the side parts of the central groove 11 is enhanced, and even when the legs receive force from both sides during wearing, it is possible to prevent the central groove 11 from collapsing, that is, the width of the central groove 11 becoming smaller or, in some cases, closing. Also, since the high-pressure squeezing part 20 is not formed over the entire region of the central groove 11 but is partially and dispersedly formed within the region of the central groove 11, it is possible to avoid the bottom of the central groove 11 becoming overly hard and ensure the flexibility of the absorbent article 1.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 1, the high-pressure squeezing part 20 has a discontinuous first high-pressure squeezing part 21 along a first virtual wavy line WL1 extending in the longitudinal direction D1 and a discontinuous second high-pressure squeezing part 22 along a second virtual wavy line WL2. FIG. 3 shows a partially enlarged view of the high-pressure squeezing part 20 in FIG. 1. Also, FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of part II in FIG. 3.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, since the high-pressure squeezing part 20 (the first high-pressure squeezing part 21 and the second high-pressure squeezing part 22) is formed along the virtual wavy lines (the first virtual wavy line WL1 and the second virtual wavy line WL2), the force that the central groove 11 receives from both sides in the lateral direction D2 during wearing is easily propagated in the longitudinal direction D1 along the virtual wavy lines within the central groove 11. Therefore, even if a force is applied to a local location in the longitudinal direction D1 of the central groove 11, the force can be dispersed in the longitudinal direction D1, making the central groove 11 less likely to collapse.

[0053] Both of the virtual wavy lines (the first virtual wavy line WL1 and the second virtual wavy line WL2) have a shape with a radius of curvature at the ends in the width direction D2. In other words, the shape at the outermost position in the width direction D2 of the wave has a rounded shape. Thereby, even when a strong force is applied from the leg, excessive concentration of stress at a predetermined location can be suppressed, and it is possible to prevent the topsheet 3 from being wrinkled or torn.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, both the first high-pressure squeezing portion 21 along the first virtual wave line WL1 and the second high-pressure squeezing portion 22 along the second virtual wave line WL2 are discontinuous. More specifically, the first high-pressure squeezing portion 21 includes a plurality of first high-pressure squeezing portion segments 31A, 31B, 31C, 31D,... spaced apart in the longitudinal direction D1, and the second high-pressure squeezing portion 22 includes a plurality of second high-pressure squeezing portion segments 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D,... spaced apart in the longitudinal direction D1 (FIG. 4). In the first high-pressure squeezing portion 21, the portions (discontinuous portions) 41, 41,... between the first high-pressure squeezing portion segments 31A, 31B, 31C, 31D,... are low-pressure squeezing portions, and in the second high-pressure squeezing portion 22, the portions (discontinuous portions) 42, 42,... between the second high-pressure squeezing portion segments 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D,... are low-pressure squeezing portions.

[0055] In this way, by forming both the first high-pressure squeezing portion 21 and the second high-pressure squeezing portion 22 discontinuously, it is possible to prevent the bottom of the central groove 11 from becoming continuously and excessively hard in the longitudinal direction D1. As a result, it becomes easier to bend the absorbent article 1 in the longitudinal direction D1, and when the absorbent article 1 is applied along the front-back direction of the wearer's body, for example, from near the pubic bone through the crotch to the buttocks, it can be made to conform to the roundness along the front-back direction of the body. Therefore, according to the configuration of the high-pressure squeezing portion of this embodiment, while making the central groove 11 difficult to collapse, the fitness of the absorbent article 1 in the front-back direction of the body during wearing can be improved.

[0056] The first virtual wave line WL1 and the second virtual wave line WL2 may each have a random waveform or a regular waveform, but if they have a shape in which a regular pattern is repeated in the longitudinal direction D1, the high-pressure squeezing portions formed along the virtual wave lines can also be formed in a regular pattern, and thereby the bendability of the longitudinal direction D1 of the central groove 11 becomes uniform along the longitudinal direction D1, which is preferable. Further, it is preferable that the first virtual wave line WL1 and the second virtual wave line WL2 each have a constant amplitude and a constant wavelength over the length of the central groove 11. The amplitudes and / or wavelengths of the first virtual wave line WL1 and the second virtual wave line WL2 may be the same as each other or different from each other. In FIG. 3, the wavelengths (or the pitches of the unevenness) of the first virtual wave line WL1 and the second virtual wave line WL2 are the same and are represented by P. P may be 15 to 35 mm.

[0057] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. No. 3, the first virtual wave line WL1 along which the first high-pressure squeezing portion 21 is formed and the second virtual wave line WL2 along which the second high-pressure squeezing portion 22 is formed are formed symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal center line CL as a symmetry line. Therefore, the first high-pressure squeezing portion 21 and the second high-pressure squeezing portion 22 can also be line-symmetrical as a whole shape. Therefore, when forces on the legs are applied from both sides in the lateral direction D2 of the absorbent article 1, the stress distribution in the longitudinal direction D1 generated at the high-pressure squeezing portion 20 is approximately symmetrical on the left and right, so that twisting or distortion of the groove can be avoided. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first virtual wave line WL1 and the second virtual wave line WL2 have the same amplitude and wavelength and are formed with a phase shift of 180°.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, there are a plurality of intersections IP, IP,... between the first virtual wave line WL1 and the second virtual wave line WL2. The high-pressure squeezing portion 20 is not arranged at the intersections IP, IP,.... Thereby, it is possible to prevent the high-pressure squeezing portions 20 from being concentrated and the bottom of the central groove 11 from becoming excessively hard.

[0059] Furthermore, the number of the first high-pressure squeezing section divisions included within the range of the longitudinal direction D1 between adjacent intersections IP, IP may be plural, and is preferably 2 to 5. Similarly, the number of the second high-pressure squeezing section divisions included within the range of the longitudinal direction D1 between adjacent intersections IP, IP may be plural, and is preferably 2 to 5. Thereby, the number of discontinuities 41, 41... and 42, 42,... can be increased, enabling a smoother and more natural curvature in the longitudinal direction D1, while preventing the high-pressure squeezing section divisions from being close to each other and impairing flexibility.

[0060] In addition, the area of one high-pressure squeezing section division (the first high-pressure squeezing section divisions 31A, 31B,... and the second high-pressure squeezing section divisions 32A, 32B,...) may be 1.0 to 2.2 mm 2 Thereby, while maintaining the function of the high-pressure squeezing section that reinforces the center groove 11, a configuration can be obtained that does not impede the curvature of the absorbent article 1 in the longitudinal direction D1.

[0061] The shape of the high-pressure squeezing section 20 (the first high-pressure squeezing section 21 and the second high-pressure squeezing section 22) included within the range from one intersection IP to the two adjacent intersections IP may be formed point-symmetrically with the intersection IP between both intersections IP, IP as the symmetry point. Also, the shape of the high-pressure squeezing section 20 within the range between two adjacent intersections IP, IP may be line-symmetric with a straight line drawn parallel to the width direction D2 at the midpoint between intersections IP, IP as the symmetry line.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, the first high-pressure squeezing part 21 may have a shape in which a waveform belt WB (illustrated by a dotted line) having a certain width is cut out by a virtual cutting line along the lateral direction D2. More specifically, it may have a shape in which portions between virtual cutting lines X1 and X2 and portions between virtual cutting lines X3 and X4 are removed from the waveform belt WB. In this case, the first virtual wavy line WL1 may be a center line passing through the center of the width of the waveform belt WB. By having the first high-pressure squeezing part 21 formed in a shape based on the waveform belt WB in this way, even if the first high-pressure squeezing part sections 31A, 31B, 31C,... are separated in the longitudinal direction D1, the relationship between the first high-pressure squeezing part sections is maintained to a certain extent in terms of mechanical behavior. Therefore, even if a force is applied to a part of the first high-pressure squeezing part 21, the force can be propagated in the longitudinal direction D1 along the waveform belt WB.

[0063] On the other hand, the second high-pressure squeezing part 22 may have a shape in which the second high-pressure squeezing part sections 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D,... each have an end in the longitudinal direction D1 converging to the second virtual wavy line WL2. In the examples shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second high-pressure squeezing part sections have a shape in which an almond shape or a leaf shape part is cut out by a virtual cutting line along the lateral direction D2, preferably a virtual cutting line parallel to the lateral direction D2. More specifically, it has a shape in which a portion between virtual cutting lines X1 and X2 is removed from an almond shape or a leaf shape part where both ends in the longitudinal direction D1 converge to the second virtual wavy line WL2. In this embodiment, since the area of the second high-pressure squeezing part 22 is smaller than the area of the first high-pressure squeezing part 21, the total area of the high-pressure squeezing parts in the region within the central groove 11 can be reduced. Therefore, even when squeezing is performed at a high pressure during the formation of the high-pressure squeezing parts, it is possible to prevent the rigidity of the region within the central groove 11 from increasing excessively, and to avoid hindering the bending of the absorbent article 1 during wearing. Also, the degree of freedom of the pattern drawn by the high-pressure squeezing parts increases, and the designability is also improved.

[0064] Note that the second high-pressure squeezing part 22 may also have a shape based on a corrugated belt, similar to the first high-pressure squeezing part 21. FIG. 5 shows, as a modified example of this embodiment, a form in which the second high-pressure squeezing part 22 has the same shape as the first high-pressure squeezing part 21. In this example, the shape of the high-pressure squeezing part section can also be line-symmetrical with the longitudinal center line CL as the axis of symmetry, so from the perspective of improving the effect of avoiding the twisting or distortion of the groove when receiving forces from both sides in the width direction D2, it is preferable.

[0065] The length d1 (FIG. 4) in the longitudinal direction D1 between the virtual cutting lines X1 and X2 may be 1 to 2 mm, preferably 1.5 to 1.8 mm. The length d2 (FIG. 4) in the longitudinal direction D1 between the virtual cutting lines X3 and X4 formed at positions different from the virtual cutting lines X1 and X2 may also have the same length as the length d1. Further, by making the length in the longitudinal direction D1 of the portion cut out between the virtual cutting lines, that is, the length in the longitudinal direction D1 of the discontinuous parts 41, 41,... equal throughout the entire first high-pressure squeezing part 21, a bending axis of a plurality of longitudinal directions D1 is surely formed throughout the longitudinal direction D1 of the central groove 11, so that the longitudinal direction D1 of the absorbent article 1 can be easily and naturally curved.

[0066] Also, the length in the longitudinal direction D1 of one high-pressure squeezing part section in the central groove 11 (the length from the foremost edge to the rearmost edge of the high-pressure squeezing part section) may be uniform or may vary depending on the location, but it is preferably 1.2 to 1.9 mm.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 4, the first high-pressure squeezing part 21 and the second high-pressure squeezing part 22 may be cut out by common virtual cutting lines, for example, the virtual cutting lines X1, X2, and the virtual cutting lines X3, X4. That is, the positions of the discontinuous parts 41, 41,... in the first high-pressure squeezing part 21 and the discontinuous parts 42, 42,... in the second high-pressure squeezing part 22 may be aligned in the longitudinal direction D1. As a result, a relatively soft low-pressure squeezing part is arranged to cross from one end to the other end in the transverse direction D2 of the central groove 11 within the central groove 11. Therefore, a plurality of axes are surely formed over the width of the central groove 11 for bending in the longitudinal direction D1, and the bending in the longitudinal direction D1 along the shape in the front-rear direction of the body becomes easier.

[0068] <Shape of the high-pressure squeezing section> <At least in the first high-pressure squeezing section 21, at least one of the edges of the first high-pressure squeezing section divisions 31A, 31B, 31C, 31D,... in the longitudinal direction D1, preferably both edges, may have sides parallel to the width direction D2. In this specification, "parallel" includes not only strict parallelism but also directions deviating within 10°, preferably within 5° from parallel.>

[0069] <Regarding the above-described effects due to the predetermined shape of the first high-pressure squeezing section division, it will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 shows an enlarged view of the first high-pressure squeezing section divisions 31B, 31C (FIG. 4). When a force F is applied to the central groove 11 from the outside in the lateral direction D2 during the wearing of the absorbent article 1 (FIG. 6(a)), the force is likely to be applied to the highly rigid first high-pressure squeezing section divisions 31B, 31C within the central groove 11. However, since the edges 31Be, 31Ce of the first high-pressure squeezing section divisions 31B, 31C in the longitudinal direction D1 are along the lateral direction D2 (along the direction of the force F), even if the force F is large, the orientation of the first high-pressure squeezing section divisions 31B, 31C themselves is not likely to change. Therefore, deformation is less likely to occur in the region (low-pressure squeezing section) between the first high-pressure squeezing section division 31B and the first high-pressure squeezing section division 31C, and as the deformation of the central groove 11, the region between the first high-pressure squeezing section divisions 31B, 31C and the edge of the central groove 11 only contracts in the lateral direction D2 (FIG. 6(b)).>

[0070] <On the other hand, FIG. 7 shows an example in which the sides of the edges in the longitudinal direction D1 of the high-pressure squeezing section divisions 31B', 31C' (the edge 31Be' of the first high-pressure squeezing section division 31B' and the edge 31Ce' of the first high-pressure squeezing section division 31C') are not parallel to the lateral direction D2. When a force F is applied to such high-pressure squeezing section divisions 31B', 31C' from the outside in the lateral direction D2 (FIG. 7(a)), the force F is likely to be applied particularly to the protruding corners of the edge 31Be' of the first high-pressure squeezing section division 31B' in the illustrated example. Therefore, the central groove 11 can be deformed so that the orientation of the first high-pressure squeezing section division 31B changes. Then, the region (low-pressure squeezing section) between the first high-pressure squeezing section division 31B' and the first high-pressure squeezing section division 31C' is distorted (FIG. 7(b)), and this distortion can lead to the distortion of the entire central groove 11.>

[0071] In this way, by forming the shape of the edge of the longitudinal direction D1 of the high-pressure squeezing section along the transverse direction D2, preferably parallel to the transverse direction D2, the shape of the high-pressure squeezing section in the central groove 11 can be maintained, and thus the effect of making the central groove 11 less likely to collapse can be improved.

[0072] Note that the contour of the high-pressure squeezing section 20 and the contour of the central groove 11 may be in contact with or separated from each other. When they are separated, the separation distance in the transverse direction D2 may be 0.5 to 2 mm. Thereby, a low-pressure squeezing section is formed between the high-pressure squeezing section 20 and the non-squeezing section 14 without squeezing, and the thickness from the non-squeezing section 14 to the high-pressure squeezing section 20 can be gradually reduced, avoiding a large stress concentration in the contour of the central groove 11, and preventing breakage of the topsheet 3 and inconvenient deformation of the absorber 4.

[0073] <Oblique groove> In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a pair of oblique grooves 12Lf and 12Rf are formed, which extend outward in the longitudinal direction D1 from the front end portion 11f of the central groove 11 (toward the end of the longitudinal direction D1 of the absorbent article 101) and are formed such that the distance between them increases as they are farther from the central groove 11. A pair of oblique grooves 12Lr and 12Rr are formed, which extend outward in the longitudinal direction D1 from the rear end portion 11r of the central groove 11 (toward the end of the longitudinal direction D1 of the absorbent article 101) and are formed such that the distance between them increases as they are farther from the central groove 11. In FIG. 1, a pair of oblique grooves 12Lf and 12Rf and a pair of oblique grooves 12Lr and 12Rr are formed both in front of and behind the central groove 11, but only one pair of oblique grooves may be formed. The pair of oblique grooves are preferably formed by squeezing, similar to the central groove 11. Also, the pair of oblique grooves are preferably symmetric about the longitudinal center line CL as the symmetry line.

[0074] The combination of the central groove 11 and the pair of diagonal grooves enables the formation of a Y-shaped groove. By deforming the absorbent article 1 with this Y-shaped groove as the axis, a three-dimensional deformation that conforms to the shape of the wearer's body becomes possible. For example, according to the Y-shaped groove formed by the combination of the central groove 11 and the pair of front diagonal grooves 12Lf and 12Rf, the area between the pair of diagonal grooves 12Lf and 12Rf can be fitted along the roundness of the front surface (the surface near the pubis) of the wearer's body, and in the area corresponding to the crotch, a depression that sinks non-skin side along the central groove 11 is formed, enabling good reception and diffusion of body fluids. Similarly, according to the Y-shaped groove formed by the combination of the central groove 11 and the pair of rear diagonal grooves 12Lr and 12Rr, it can be made to conform to the rear surface (the surface near the buttocks) of the wearer's body, and in the area corresponding to the crotch, body fluids can be well received and diffused. Therefore, the fit of the absorbent article 1 is improved, and the effect of preventing leakage of body fluids is enhanced.

[0075] Note that the pair of diagonal grooves (the pair of diagonal grooves 12Lf, 12Rf and / or the pair of diagonal grooves 12Lr, 12Rr) may or may not be continuous with the central groove 11. However, by being continuous, a clearer Y shape can be formed by the central groove 11 and the pair of diagonal grooves, so the above effect of enabling three-dimensional deformation that conforms to the shape of the wearer's body can be improved.

[0076] In each of the pair of diagonal grooves (the pair of diagonal grooves 12Lf, 12Rf and / or the pair of diagonal grooves 12Lr, 12Rr), a high-pressure squeezing portion 25(20) may be formed. The high-pressure squeezing portion 25 is formed discontinuously in the respective extending directions in each of the diagonal grooves 12Lf, 12Rf, 12Lr, 12Rr. By forming the high-pressure squeezing portion 25 also in the diagonal grooves 12Lf, 12Rf, 12Lr, 12Rr, appropriate rigidity can be imparted to the diagonal grooves 12Lf, 12Rf, 12Lr, 12Rr, and each groove is reinforced, so that the diagonal grooves are less likely to collapse even when the absorbent article 1 is deformed during wearing.

[0077] Thus, in this embodiment, both the high-pressure squeezing portions 21 and 22 formed in the central groove 11 and the high-pressure squeezing portions 25 formed in the diagonal grooves 12Lf, 12Rf, 12Lr, and 12Rr are discontinuous in the longitudinal direction D1. This configuration has the following advantages compared to the case where the high-pressure squeezing portions 21 and 22 in the central groove 11 or the high-pressure squeezing portions 25 in the diagonal grooves 12Lf, 12Rf, 12Lr, and 12Rr are continuous in the longitudinal direction D1. For example, when either of the high-pressure squeezing portions 21 and 22 in the central groove 11 is formed continuously in the longitudinal direction D1, depending on the pressure of squeezing, the bottom of the central groove 11 may be continuously and excessively hardened and pressed in the longitudinal direction D1. In that case, when a strong force is applied from the legs or the like during wearing, there is a possibility of damage at the boundary between the high-pressure squeezing portion and the low-pressure squeezing portion (for example, the possibility that the topsheet 3 or the absorber 4 may be cut). In order to reduce such a possibility, the pressure during squeezing may be reduced. However, when the pressure of squeezing is reduced, the non-continuous high-pressure squeezing portions may not be sufficiently formed and may not function as high-pressure squeezing portions. On the other hand, by forming both the high-pressure squeezing portions 21 and 22 in the central groove 11 and the high-pressure squeezing portions 25 in the diagonal grooves 12Lf, 12Rf, 12Lr, and 12Rr discontinuously in the longitudinal direction D1, it is possible to surely form the high-pressure squeezing portions while preventing damage to the absorbent article 1.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 1, it is preferable that the planar shape of each high-pressure squeezing portion section in the high-pressure squeezing portions 25 in the diagonal grooves 12Lf, 12Rf, 12Lr, and 12Rr is circular or elliptical. By making the planar shape of the high-pressure squeezing portion section a shape without corners, the rigidity of the high-pressure squeezing portion section itself becomes slightly smaller, so the flexibility of the diagonal grooves 12Lf, 12Rf, 12Lr, and 12Rr is improved. The front region F and the rear region R where the diagonal grooves 12Lf, 12Rf, 12Lr, and 12Rr are formed are more closely attached to the body than the intermediate region M. Therefore, due to the high flexibility of the diagonal grooves 12Lf, 12Rf, 12Lr, and 12Rr and their surroundings, the wearing comfort is improved.

[0079] Further, the planar view area of each high-pressure squeezing portion section in the high-pressure squeezing portion 25 within the diagonal grooves 12Lf, 12Rf, 12Lr, and 12Rr can be made the same as the interval between the high-pressure squeezing portion sections in the central groove 11. The interval d3 (FIG. 3) between each high-pressure squeezing portion section in the high-pressure squeezing portion 25 within the diagonal grooves 12Lf, 12Rf, 12Lr, and 12Rr (interval along the extending direction of the diagonal grooves) can also be made the same as the interval between the high-pressure squeezing portion sections in the central groove 11. This configuration contributes to reducing the depth difference of the high-pressure squeezing portions between the diagonal grooves and the central groove in the groove forming process.

[0080] [Second Embodiment] FIG. 8 shows the absorbent article 101 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1 and is a plan view seen from the skin side. Further, FIG. 9 shows a partial enlarged view of the central groove 11 in the absorbent article 101 shown in FIG. 8.

[0081] The basic configuration of the absorbent article 101 is the same as that of the absorbent article 1 (FIG. 1). As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, also in this embodiment, within the central groove 11, a discontinuous first high-pressure squeezing portion 121 along the first virtual wave line WL1 extending in the longitudinal direction D1 and a discontinuous second high-pressure squeezing portion 122 along the second virtual wave line WL2 extending in the longitudinal direction D1 that intersects the first virtual wave line are formed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the region of the central groove 11 from becoming continuously and excessively hard in the longitudinal direction D1. Thus, the absorbent article 101 can be easily bent in the longitudinal direction, and the absorbent article 101 can be naturally curved along the shape of the wearer's body in the front-back direction. Further, similar to the first embodiment, since the first virtual wave line WL1 and the second virtual wave line WL2 are formed line-symmetrically with the longitudinal center line CL as the symmetry line, the central groove 11 is less likely to collapse. Therefore, the fit of the absorbent article to the body can be improved while maintaining the effect of making the central groove 11 less likely to collapse in the lateral direction.

[0082] This embodiment is different from the first embodiment (absorbent article 1) in that the high-pressure squeezing portion 20 formed in the groove is different. More specifically, the first high-pressure squeezing portion sections 131A, 131B,... included in the first high-pressure squeezing portion 121 and the second high-pressure squeezing portion sections 132A, 132B,... included in the second high-pressure squeezing portion 122 are each circular in plan view. Thus, in the embodiments of the present invention, the shape of the high-pressure squeezing portion section (the first high-pressure squeezing portion and / or the second high-pressure squeezing portion) is not limited to a shape having corners (Figs. 3 to 5), and may be circular, elliptical, or the like. When the plan view shape of the high-pressure squeezing portion section is a shape without corners such as a circle, the flexibility is increased compared to a high-pressure squeezing portion including a high-pressure squeezing portion section having a cornered plan view shape, and thus it is preferable from the viewpoint of improving the wearing feeling.

[0083] In the illustrated example, the first high-pressure squeezing portion sections 131A, 131B,... included in the first high-pressure squeezing portion 121 and the second high-pressure squeezing portion sections 132A, 132B,... included in the second high-pressure squeezing portion 122 are arranged offset in the longitudinal direction D1. In this specification, that the position of the first high-pressure squeezing portion section and the position of the second high-pressure squeezing portion section are offset in the longitudinal direction D1 means that the positions of the front end and / or the rear end are not aligned in the longitudinal direction D1 between the first high-pressure squeezing portion section and the second high-pressure squeezing portion section, and / or the positions at the center in the longitudinal direction D1 are not aligned in the longitudinal direction D1. In the examples shown in Figs. 8 and 9, neither the positions of the both end edges in the longitudinal direction D1 nor the positions at the center in the longitudinal direction D1 are aligned in the longitudinal direction D1 between the first high-pressure squeezing portion sections 131A, 131B,... and the second high-pressure squeezing portion sections 132A, 132B,... included in the second high-pressure squeezing portion 122.

[0084] The arrangement of the first high-pressure squeezing section divisions 131A, 131B, ... and the second high-pressure squeezing section divisions 132A, 132B, ... included in the second high-pressure squeezing section 122 as described above is advantageous when forming the high-pressure squeezing section during manufacturing. The high-pressure squeezing section can be formed, for example, by passing the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction D1 between a pair of rolls having an axis along the lateral direction D2. In that case, both the first high-pressure squeezing section 121 and the second high-pressure squeezing section 122 can be formed in one pass. At that time, if the positions of the first high-pressure squeezing section division and the second high-pressure squeezing section division in the longitudinal direction D1 are shifted, either one of the high-pressure squeezing section divisions will be mainly squeezed, or only one of the high-pressure squeezing section divisions will be squeezed. Thus, without the pressure of the rolls being dispersed, one high-pressure squeezing section division can be formed more reliably with a clear contour.

[0085] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first high-pressure squeezing section divisions 131A, 131B, ... included in the first high-pressure squeezing section 121 and the second high-pressure squeezing section divisions 132A, 132B, ... included in the second high-pressure squeezing section 122 are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction D1.

[0086] As described above, the present invention has been explained based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. Also, within the scope described in the claims, various changes, modifications, substitutions, additions, deletions, combinations, etc. are possible, and these also belong to the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, one feature described in this specification can also be combined with another feature. For example, the configuration of the central groove 211 in the second embodiment can be applied in place of the central groove 11 of the absorbent article 1 shown in FIG. 1.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0087] 1, 101 Absorbent article 2 Backsheet 3 Topsheet 4 Absorbent body 7 Sidesheet 11 Central groove 14 Non-squeezing section 20 High-pressure squeezing section 21, 121 First high-pressure squeezing section 31A, 31B, 31C, 31D, …, 131A, 131B, … First high-pressure squeezing section 22, 122 Second high-pressure squeezing section 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D…, 132A, 133B, … Second high-pressure squeezing section 12Lf, 12Rf, 12Lr, 12Rr Diagonal grooves CL Longitudinal center line D1 Longitudinal direction D2 Transverse direction F Front region IP Intersection of virtual wave lines M Intermediate region R Rear region Q Region facing the body fluid discharge port WL1 First virtual wave line WL2 Second virtual wave line

Claims

1. An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet, and an absorber provided between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent article having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, comprising a central groove that is recessed from the topsheet toward the backsheet and extends along the longitudinal direction, wherein a high-pressure squeezing portion is formed in the central groove in a plan view, the high-pressure squeezing portion including a discontinuous first high-pressure squeezing portion along a first virtual wave line extending in the longitudinal direction and a discontinuous second high-pressure squeezing portion along a second virtual wave line extending in the longitudinal direction and intersecting the first virtual wave line, the first virtual wave line and the second virtual wave line being line-symmetric with a longitudinal center line extending along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article as a symmetry line, the first high-pressure squeezing portion being formed from a plurality of first high-pressure squeezing portion segments spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, the second high-pressure squeezing portion being formed from a plurality of second high-pressure squeezing portion segments spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, an absorbent article in which, when viewed in the longitudinal direction, the positions of the first high-pressure squeezing portion segments and the positions of the second high-pressure squeezing portion segments are shifted.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein 2 to 5 first high-pressure squeezing portion segments and 2 to 5 second high-pressure squeezing portion segments are respectively arranged between adjacent intersections of the first virtual wave line and the second virtual wave line.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein no high-pressure squeezing portion is arranged at the intersection.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least an edge of the first high-pressure squeezing portion segment has a side parallel to a lateral direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein one edge of the first high-pressure squeezing portion segment arranged in the lateral direction and one edge of the second high-pressure squeezing portion segment are located on a common straight line along the lateral direction.

6. further comprising a pair of diagonal grooves that extend outward in the longitudinal direction from at least one end of the central groove in the longitudinal direction and are formed such that the distance between them increases as they are farther from the central groove, the absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a discontinuous high-pressure squeezing portion is formed in the pair of diagonal grooves.

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