absorbent articles

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article capable of smoothly discharging steam between a wearer and an absorption member to an outer side.SOLUTION: An absorbent article 1 includes: an absorption member 10 which absorbs a body fluid of a wearer P; and an exterior sheet 20 which covers a non-skin surface of the absorption member 10 and where an end part 20a in a longitudinal direction L is stretchable in a width direction W. An inner surface sheet 40 to have contact with the wearer P and to cover an end part 10a of the absorption member 10 in the longitudinal direction L is arranged in the end part 20a of the exterior sheet 20 in the longitudinal direction L. An arrangement area where the inner surface sheet 40 is arranged on the exterior sheet 20 includes: an adhesion area 50 where the inner surface sheet 40 adheres to the exterior sheet 20; and non-adhesion areas 51 which have predetermined lengths in the longitudinal direction L and in the width direction W and where the inner surface sheet 40 does not adhere to the exterior sheet 20. In the inner surface sheet 40, at least two gaps 53 extending in the width direction W and aligned in the longitudinal direction L are formed at positions to overlap with the non-adhesion area 51.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a diaper (absorbent article) in which an outer sheet constituting a waist region surrounding the waist of a wearer is attached to both longitudinal ends of an absorbent member (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Here, the outer sheet is attached to the absorbent member via a plurality of joints arranged intermittently in the waist direction (width direction). The outer sheet is also stretchable in the waist direction (width direction). Therefore, when the outer sheet contracts, the non-jointed portions between the joints that do not join the absorbent member and the outer sheet bend. This forms a first air passage extending in the longitudinal direction between the absorbent member and the wearer, and a second air passage extending in the longitudinal direction between the absorbent member and the outer sheet. Steam inside the diaper is guided through the first air passage along the wearer's abdomen or back to the waist region, and steam from the waist region is discharged to the outside of the diaper via the second air passage.

[0003] Also known is a diaper (absorbent article) in which an absorbent member is disposed on the wearer's side of an outer sheet consisting of an outer sheet and an inner sheet, and the ends of the outer sheet are folded back to sandwich both longitudinal ends of the absorbent member (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Here, both longitudinal ends of the outer sheet are stretchable in the waist direction (width direction). At both longitudinal ends of the outer sheet, the outer sheet and the inner sheet are joined at a plurality of outer body joints that are intermittently arranged in both the longitudinal and waist directions. Furthermore, through-holes that penetrate the outer and inner sheets are formed in grooves located outward from the longitudinal ends of the absorbent member. Therefore, when the outer sheet contracts and the outer and inner sheets bend between the outer body joints, longitudinally extending grooves are formed at both longitudinal ends of the outer sheet, allowing steam inside the diaper to pass through the grooves and the through-holes to be discharged to the outside of the diaper. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-61127 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-99854 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In conventional absorbent articles, steam inside the diaper, i.e., steam between the wearer and the absorbent member, is discharged between the outer sheet and the absorbent member or through through-holes formed in the outer sheet. However, when the wearer is lying on their back, for example, the outer sheet may be covered by bedding or the like, which may hinder smooth discharge of steam.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide an absorbent article that can smoothly discharge vapor between the wearer and the absorbent member to the outside. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an absorbent article comprising an absorbent member that absorbs bodily fluids of a wearer, and an outer sheet that covers the non-skin side of the absorbent member and extends in a longitudinal direction from the abdominal side of the wearer via the crotch region to the dorsal side, the longitudinal ends of the outer sheet being stretchable in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and an inner sheet that contacts the wearer and covers the longitudinal ends of the absorbent member is provided at the longitudinal ends of the outer sheet. The arrangement area of ​​the outer sheet where the inner sheet is arranged is provided with an adhesive area that adhesives the inner sheet to the outer sheet and a non-adhesive area that has a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction and the width direction and where the inner sheet is not adhesive to the outer sheet, and the inner sheet has at least two slits that extend in the width direction and are aligned in the longitudinal direction at positions overlapping the non-adhesive areas. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This allows the absorbent article of the present invention to smoothly discharge steam between the wearer and the absorbent member to the outside. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the absorbent article of Example 1 when worn. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view showing the absorbent article of Example 1 in an unfolded state. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section taken along line BB in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing part C in FIG. [Figure 6] 1A is an explanatory diagram showing a first modified example of the slit, FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing a second modified example of the slit, and FIG. 1C is an explanatory diagram showing a third modified example of the slit. [Figure 7] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which part D in FIG. 2 is contracted. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a main part of an absorbent article according to a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a main part of an absorbent article according to a second modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a main part of an absorbent article according to a third modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of a main part of an absorbent article according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating an E-E cross section of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a main part of an absorbent article according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the absorbent article of the fifth modified example when unfolded and viewed from the outside. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention will be described based on Example 1 shown in the drawings. In this specification, the direction from the abdominal side of a wearer P wearing the absorbent article 1 through the crotch region to the back side is defined as the longitudinal direction L, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L is defined as the width direction W. In this specification, terms such as "up and down," "left and right," and "front and back" are used with reference to the wearer P. Furthermore, Figs. 2 and 3 show the absorbent article in a stretched state.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the absorbent article 1 of Example 1 is, for example, a disposable pants-type disposable diaper, and is used to absorb body fluids such as urine from a wearer P. The absorbent article 1 includes an absorbent member 10, an outer sheet 20, and an inner sheet 40 (see Fig. 2).

[0012] The absorbent member 10 has a top sheet 11, a back sheet (not shown), an absorbent core 13, and a gathered sheet 14, and absorbs bodily fluids of the wearer P. Here, the absorbent member 10 is laminated in the order of the back sheet, absorbent core 13, top sheet 11, and gathered sheet 14, with the top sheet 11 facing the wearer P when the absorbent article 1 is worn, and the back sheet facing the exterior sheet 20. The gathered sheets 14 are disposed on both widthwise sides of the top sheet 11, and face the wearer P when the absorbent article 1 is worn.

[0013] The top sheet 11 is made of a liquid-permeable sheet material that allows bodily fluids to pass through, and can be, for example, a perforated or non-perforated nonwoven fabric, a perforated plastic sheet, etc. The material fibers that make up the nonwoven fabric can be synthetic fibers such as olefin-based fibers such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyester-based fibers, and amide-based fibers, as well as regenerated fibers such as rayon and cupra, and natural fibers such as cotton.

[0014] The back sheet is made of a liquid-impermeable sheet material that does not allow body fluids to pass through, and for example, polyethylene film can be used. Note that, in order to prevent stuffiness, the back sheet may be made of a moisture-permeable sheet material without impairing its liquid-impermeability (water-blocking properties). Such liquid-impermeable and moisture-permeable sheet material can be, for example, a microporous sheet obtained by melt-kneading an inorganic filler into an olefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene to form a sheet, and then stretching the sheet in a uniaxial or biaxial direction.

[0015] The absorbent core 13 has a long, strip-like shape in plan view, with a narrow, constricted region in the middle in the longitudinal direction L. The absorbent core 13 is formed from materials capable of absorbing and retaining body fluids, including pulp fiber stacks, filament aggregates such as cellulose acetate, and nonwoven fabrics. The absorbent core 13 may be formed by mixing, fixing, or otherwise incorporating particulate or other superabsorbent polymers, as needed. The absorbent core 13 may also contain superabsorbent polymer fibers, polymer particles other than superabsorbent polymer particles, inorganic particles, or the like. The absorbent core 13 may be composed of a single layer or a laminate of multiple layers. The absorbent core 13 is preferably wrapped in a wrapping sheet such as a nonwoven fabric or crepe paper. An intermediate sheet may be interposed between the top sheet 11 and the absorbent core 13. The provision of the intermediate sheet can prevent backflow of body fluids absorbed by the absorbent core 13. Therefore, it is preferable to use a material with low water retention and high liquid permeability, such as various nonwoven fabrics and mesh films, as the intermediate sheet.

[0016] The gathered sheet 14 is made of a liquid-impermeable sheet material that does not allow bodily fluids to pass through, and for example, a plastic sheet or nonwoven fabric can be used. From the viewpoint of a good feel on the skin of the wearer P, the gathered sheet 14 is preferably made of nonwoven fabric that has been treated with a water-repellent agent such as silicone. Linear elastic members 14a extending in the longitudinal direction L are attached to the gathered sheet 14. The elastic members 14a are made of an elastic material in the form of thread, string, strip (tape), or the like. Examples of the elastic material include natural rubber or synthetic rubber, such as styrene rubber, olefin rubber, urethane rubber, ester rubber, polyurethane, polyethylene, polystyrene, styrene butadiene, silicone, and polyester.

[0017] The inner ends of the gathered sheet 14 in the width direction W rise due to the contractile force of the elastic members 14a, forming three-dimensional gathers that stand up toward the wearer P. The three-dimensional gathers are provided on both sides of the absorbent core 13 in the width direction W, and are wall-like portions that are stretchable along the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent member 10. The three-dimensional gathers fit along the groin area of ​​the wearer P when the absorbent article 1 is worn, preventing leakage of bodily fluids from between the wearer P and the absorbent article 1 (so-called side leakage).

[0018] 2, the exterior sheet 20 has an elongated, strip-like shape as a whole in a plan view of the unfolded absorbent article 1, and extends along the longitudinal direction L. The absorbent member 10 is placed in the center of the exterior sheet 20, and the entire surface of the back sheet is fixed to the exterior sheet 20 by adhesion.

[0019] The exterior sheet 20 has a front region 21 at one end 20a in the longitudinal direction L that faces the abdomen of the wearer P, and a rear region 22 at the other end 20b in the longitudinal direction L that faces the back of the wearer P. One end 10a in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent member 10 overlaps the front region 21 of the exterior sheet 20 in a plan view. The other end 10b in the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent member 10 overlaps the rear region 22 of the exterior sheet 20 in a plan view.

[0020] Furthermore, the exterior sheet 20 has a constricted region 23 in the middle in the longitudinal direction L, which is narrower than the front region 21 and the rear region 22. The exterior sheet 20 is folded at the middle in the longitudinal direction L, and both side portions 20c, 20d (both ends in the width direction W) of the front region 21 and the rear region 22 are joined together to form a waist portion that covers the waist of the wearer P.

[0021] Both end portions 20a, 20b of the exterior sheet 20 in the longitudinal direction L, i.e., the front region 21 and the rear region 22, stretch in the width direction W. That is, as shown in Fig. 3, the exterior sheet 20 of Example 1 has an outermost exterior sheet 24, a stretchable member 30, a first pressing sheet 33a, and a second pressing sheet 33b.

[0022] The outermost sheet 24 is made of a liquid-impermeable sheet material that does not allow body fluids to pass through, and can be made of the same material as the back sheet of the absorbent member 10. The outermost sheet 24 extends along the longitudinal direction L and forms the entire outer sheet 20. The non-skin side of the outermost sheet 24 (the surface that comes into contact with the clothes of the wearer P or the surface that faces the clothes) may be covered with a sheet material such as nonwoven fabric.

[0023] The elastic members 30 are provided at both end portions 20a, 20b of the outermost sheet 24 in the longitudinal direction L, and stretch the outer sheet 20 at least in the width direction W. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the elastic member 30 of Example 1 has a plurality of thread-like elastic members 31 and an elastic sheet 32.

[0024] The thread-like elastic members 31 are made of an elastic material such as a thread, string, or strip (tape) similar to the elastic members 14a of the gathered sheet 14, and are provided at the opening of the waistband formed by the outer covering sheet 20 (at both edges in the longitudinal direction L of the outer covering sheet 20). The thread-like elastic members 31 are arranged parallel to each other along the width direction W and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L (see FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 3, the thread-like elastic members 31 are fixed in a stretched state to a predetermined length by being sandwiched between a first pressing sheet 33a that presses the elastic sheet 32 ​​and a second pressing sheet 33b that is provided inside the opening of the waistband. In the first embodiment, the second pressing sheet 33b is a sheet material separate from the outermost sheet 24. However, for example, the outermost sheet 24 may have its longitudinal end folded inward in the longitudinal direction L to serve as the second pressing sheet 33b. In other words, the outermost outer sheet 24 and the second pressing sheet 33b may be integral with each other.

[0025] The elastic sheet 32 ​​is made of a sheet-like resin sheet that is stretchable in the width direction W, and is disposed in each of the front region 21 and the rear region 22. As shown in Fig. 3, the elastic sheet 32 ​​is sandwiched between the outermost sheet 24 and the first pressing sheet 33a in a state in which it is stretched to a predetermined length.

[0026] The first and second holding sheets 33a and 33b are both liquid-impermeable sheet materials that do not allow bodily fluids to pass through, and may be made of the same material as the outermost sheet 24. The first holding sheet 33a is adhered to the outermost sheet 24 in a spaced linear pattern, for example, or is fixed via a hot melt adhesive applied to an elastic member such as rubber thread. The second holding sheet 33b is adhered to the first holding sheet 33a in a spaced linear pattern, for example, or is fixed via a hot melt adhesive applied to an elastic thread member 31.

[0027] In Example 1, the longitudinal end of the outermost sheet 24 is covered with the first holding sheet 33a, and the thread-like elastic member 31 is sandwiched between the first holding sheet 33a and the second holding sheet 33b. However, this is not limiting. For example, the thread-like elastic member 31 may be directly disposed at the longitudinal end of the outermost sheet 24, and the outermost sheet 24 may be folded back to sandwich the thread-like elastic member 31. Alternatively, the thread-like elastic member 31 may be disposed at the longitudinal end of the outermost sheet 24, and a second holding sheet 33b formed separately from the outermost sheet 24 may be fixed to the outermost sheet 24, thereby sandwiching the thread-like elastic member 31 between the outermost sheet 24 and the second holding sheet 33b.

[0028] The thread-like elastic members 31 and the elastic sheet 32 ​​are sandwiched between the sheets in a state in which they are both stretched to a predetermined length along the width direction W. Therefore, the outermost sheet 24, the first holding sheet 33a, and the second holding sheet 33b contract integrally along the width direction W as the thread-like elastic members 31 and the elastic sheet 32 ​​contract to their natural state (unstretched state). As a result, a plurality of pleats H (see FIG. 4) aligned in the width direction W are formed at both end portions 20a, 20b in the longitudinal direction L of the exterior sheet 20.

[0029] 2, the inner sheet 40 is arranged at both end portions 20a, 20b in the longitudinal direction L of the outer sheet 20, i.e., at the front region 21 and the rear region 22 of the outer sheet 20. The inner sheet 40 covers both end portions 10a, 10b in the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent member 10, and comes into contact with the wearer P inside the waistband portion. The inner sheet 40 is adhered to the outer sheet 20, thereby sandwiching and fixing both end portions 10a, 10b of the absorbent member 10 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0030] The inner sheet 40 is, for example, a liquid-impermeable sheet material that does not allow bodily fluids to pass through, and prevents leakage of bodily fluids (so-called back leakage and abdominal leakage) from between the wearer P and the opening in the waistband portion. In other words, the inner sheet 40 is a back leakage (abdominal leakage) prevention sheet. The inner sheet 40 can be made of, for example, the same material as the outermost outer sheet 24. Furthermore, the inner sheet 40 contracts in the width direction W together with the outer sheet 20 due to the contractile force of the stretchable members 30 (thread-like elastic members 31 and elastic sheet 32).

[0031] The region of the exterior sheet 20 where the inner sheet 40 is disposed has an adhesive region 50 and a non-adhesive region 51. The "region of the exterior sheet 20 where the inner sheet 40 is disposed" refers to the region where the exterior sheet 20 and the inner sheet 40 face each other. In Example 1, the front region 21 and the rear region 22 are the "region of the exterior sheet 20 where the inner sheet 40 is disposed."

[0032] The adhesive region 50 is a region where the inner sheet 40 is adhered to the outer sheet 20. That is, in the adhesive region 50, the inner sheet 40 is fixed to the outer sheet 20 via hot melt, adhesive, or the like. The adhesive region 50 is indicated by dots (shading) in Fig. 2.

[0033] The non-adhesive region 51 is a region where the inner sheet 40 is not adhered to the outer sheet 20, and has a predetermined width in the longitudinal direction L and width direction W. In Example 1, the non-adhesive region 51 is shown surrounded by a dashed line in Fig. 2 and has a rectangular shape in plan view. In Example 1, the non-adhesive region 51 is provided at a position where the inner sheet 40 and the first pressing sheet 33a face each other, and is surrounded by the adhesive region 50. Since the inner sheet 40 is not adhered to the non-adhesive region 51, a gap is formed between the inner sheet 40 and the outer sheet 20.

[0034] 2, in the front region 21, two non-adhesive regions 51 are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction L, and a plurality (seven in this case) of non-adhesive regions 51 are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval along the width direction W. In addition, in the rear region 22, a plurality (seven in this case) of non-adhesive regions 51 are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval along the width direction W, and form a single row in the longitudinal direction L. That is, in the front region 21, a plurality of non-adhesive regions 51 are arranged in rows in both the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W, while in the rear region 22, a plurality of non-adhesive regions 51 are arranged in a row only in the width direction W.

[0035] When the front region 21 and the rear region 22 contract due to the contractile force of the elastic member 30, and the inner sheet 40 is deformed into an accordion-like shape, as shown in Fig. 4 , the portions of the inner sheet 40 that overlap the non-adhesive regions 51 in a plan view rise from the outer sheet 20 to form ridges 52. In the front region 21, a plurality of non-adhesive regions 51 are provided in rows in both the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W, so that a plurality of ridges 52 are lined up in both the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W in the front region 21. In addition, in the rear region 22, a plurality of non-adhesive regions 51 are provided in rows only in the width direction W, so that a plurality of ridges 52 are lined up in only the width direction W in the rear region 22.

[0036] The lengths of the non-adhesive regions 51 in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W can be set arbitrarily. Furthermore, the fixing pitch K1 of the inner sheet 40, which is set by arranging the non-adhesive regions 51 at a predetermined interval along the width direction W, is set to be larger than the formation pitch K2 of the pleats H formed in the exterior sheet 20 along the width direction W, as shown in FIG. 4 . The "fixing pitch K1 of the inner sheet 40" refers to the interval in the width direction W between the positions at which the inner sheet 40 is intermittently fixed to the exterior sheet 20, and is also the spacing dimension in the width direction W of the bottoms of the valleys 25 that are formed between the peaks 52 that are formed when the inner sheet 40 is bent by the contractile force of the elastic member 30. The "forming pitch K2 of the pleats H" refers to the spacing dimension in the width direction W between the apexes of the pleats H that are formed when the exterior sheet 20 is bent by the contractile force of the elastic member 30.

[0037] Furthermore, slits 53 are formed in the inner sheet 40 at positions overlapping the non-adhesive regions 51 in a plan view. The slits 53 are elongated openings extending in the width direction W, and at least two slits 53 are formed side by side in the longitudinal direction L for each non-adhesive region 51. Here, as shown in Figure 5, the length α of the two slits 53 formed in each non-adhesive region 51 in the width direction W is set to be the same as the width direction length β of the non-adhesive region 51. Furthermore, each slit 53 is formed along the end edges 51a, 51b of the non-adhesive region 51 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0038] The length α of each slit 53 in the width direction W may be set to be longer than the width direction length β of the non-adhesive region 51, as in a first modified example shown in Fig. 6(a). Furthermore, each slit 53 may be positioned more inward than the edges 51a, 51b of the non-adhesive region 51 in the longitudinal direction L, as in a second modified example shown in Fig. 6(b). Furthermore, two or more slits 53 (three in a third modified example shown in Fig. 6(c)) may be formed along the longitudinal direction L at positions overlapping the non-adhesive region 51 of the inner sheet 40.

[0039] In the absorbent article 1 of Example 1, as shown in Fig. 5, the inner sheet 40 is embossed at positions that overlap both side edges 51c, 51d in the width direction W of the non-adhesive region 51 in a plan view, forming embossed portions 54. Here, the embossed portions 54 have a rectangular shape in a plan view. Furthermore, a plurality of embossed portions 54 are formed on each of both side edges 51c, 51d in the width direction W of the non-adhesive region 51, and are arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, no embossed portion 54 is formed on the inner sheet 40 at a position that faces the center of the non-adhesive region 51 in the width direction W in a plan view.

[0040] Here, the plurality of embossed portions 54 formed at a position overlapping one side portion 51c in the width direction W of the non-adhesive region 51 in a plan view and the plurality of embossed portions 54 formed at a position overlapping the other side portion 51d in the width direction W of the non-adhesive region 51 in a plan view are formed symmetrically with respect to the center portion in the width direction of the non-adhesive region 51. However, the embossed portions 54 formed at both side portions 51c, 51d in the width direction W of the non-adhesive region 51 may be asymmetric. Furthermore, it is sufficient that the embossed portions 54 are formed at positions overlapping at least one each of both side portions 51c, 51d.

[0041] Furthermore, in Example 1, the entire embossed portion 54 is formed in a position that overlaps the non-adhesive region 51 of the inner sheet 40 in plan view. However, the embossed portion 54 may be formed across the boundary between the adhesive region 50 and the non-adhesive region 51. In other words, it is sufficient that at least a portion of the embossed portion 54 overlaps both side portions 51c, 51d of the non-adhesive region 51 in the width direction W in plan view.

[0042] The function of the absorbent article 1 of Example 1 will be described below.

[0043] The absorbent article 1 of Example 1 is provided with an inner sheet 40 that contacts the skin surface of the wearer P at both end portions 20a, 20b in the longitudinal direction L of an outer sheet 20 that stretches in the width direction W and covers both end portions 10a, 10b in the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent member 10. Here, the arrangement regions (front region 21 and rear region 22) where the inner sheet 40 is arranged on the outer sheet 20 are provided with an adhesive region 50 and a non-adhesive region 51. The adhesive region 50 is a region where the inner sheet 40 is adhered to the outer sheet 20. The non-adhesive region 51 is a region where the inner sheet 40 is not adhered to the outer sheet 20, and has a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W. The inner sheet 40 has two slits 53 that extend along the width direction W and are aligned in the longitudinal direction L at positions that overlap the non-adhesive regions 51 in a plan view.

[0044] 7, when the inner sheet 40 bends integrally with the outer sheet 20 due to the contractile force of the elastic members 30, the portions of the inner sheet 40 that overlap the non-adhesive regions 51 rise from the outer sheet 20, forming ridges 52. At this time, each slit 53 opens, and openings 55 are formed on both sides of the ridges 52 in the longitudinal direction L. In other words, because the slits 53 are formed in the inner sheet 40, when the inner sheet 40 bends due to the contractile force of the elastic members 30, a tunnel structure 56 that is open on both sides in the longitudinal direction L is formed inside the waistband portion in the absorbent article 1 of Example 1.

[0045] Then, by forming the tunnel structure 56, the vapor between the absorbent member 10 and the wearer P flows into the tunnel structure 56 from one opening 55 in the longitudinal direction L, and flows out of the tunnel structure 56 from the other opening 55 in the longitudinal direction L. In other words, the absorbent article 1 of Example 1 generates air circulation that connects the inside of the absorbent article 1 with the outside air via the tunnel structure 56, and can smoothly discharge the vapor between the absorbent member 10 and the wearer P to the outside of the absorbent article 1.

[0046] Furthermore, since the tunnel structure 56 has openings 55 at both ends in the longitudinal direction L, steam that has flowed into the tunnel structure 56 passes between the openings in the waistband portion (both edges of the outer sheet 20 in the longitudinal direction L) and the wearer P, and is discharged to the outside of the absorbent article 1. For this reason, even if the wearer P is lying on his / her back and the outer sheet 20 is covered with bedding or the like, smooth discharge of steam is not impeded.

[0047] Moreover, in the absorbent article 1 of Example 1, the inner sheet 40 is bent by the contractile force of the elastic members 30, forming the ridges 52, which creates unevenness in the inner sheet 40. As a result, both sides of the ridges 52 in the width direction W (the adhesive regions 50 around the ridges 52) are less likely to adhere to the wearer P, reducing the adhesion of the inner sheet 40 to the wearer P and further suppressing stuffiness inside the absorbent article 1.

[0048] Furthermore, in the absorbent article 1 of Example 1, multiple pleats H aligned in the width direction W are formed at both end portions 10a, 10b of the outer sheet 20 in the longitudinal direction L by the contractile force of the elastic members 30. Meanwhile, multiple non-adhesive regions 51 are provided at predetermined intervals along the width direction W. Therefore, when the inner sheet 40 bends due to the contractile force of the elastic members 30, the portions of the inner sheet 40 that overlap the non-adhesive regions 51 rise, forming multiple ridges 52 aligned in the width direction W. The fixed pitch K1 of the inner sheet 40, which is set by arranging the non-adhesive regions 51 at predetermined intervals along the width direction W, is larger than the formation pitch K2 of adjacent pleats H formed in the outer sheet 20 in the width direction W.

[0049] 4, the absorbent article 1 of Example 1 can make the shape of the inner sheet 40 deformed by the contractile force of the elastic members 30 different from the shape of the outer sheet 20 deformed by the contractile force of the elastic members 30. As a result, the tunnel structures 56 formed by the inner sheet 40 do not overlap with the pleats H formed in the outer sheet 20. Therefore, the absorbent article 1 can increase the gap formed between the inner sheet 40 and the outer sheet 20, and can more smoothly discharge steam between the absorbent member 10 and the wearer P to the outside of the absorbent article 1.

[0050] Furthermore, in the absorbent article 1 of Example 1, the length α of the slit 53 in the width direction W is set to be the same length as the width direction length β of the non-adhesive region 51. This allows the absorbent article 1 to open both sides of the peaks 52 in the longitudinal direction L over the entire length of the non-adhesive region 51 in the width direction W. Therefore, the absorbent article 1 of Example 1 can enlarge the openings 55 to form semi-cylindrical tunnel structures 56, further improving breathability.

[0051] Furthermore, even when the length α of the width direction W of the slit 53 is set to be longer than the width direction length β of the non-adhesive region 51, as in the first modified example shown in Figure 6(a), the absorbent article 1 of Example 1 can enlarge the opening 55 and improve breathability.

[0052] Furthermore, the absorbent article 1 of Example 1 has embossed sections 54 formed at positions overlapping both side edges 51c, 51d in the width direction W of the non-adhesive region 51 of the inner sheet 40 in a planar view. This increases the rigidity of the portions of the inner sheet 40 overlapping both side edges 51c, 51d in the width direction W of the non-adhesive region 51 in a planar view compared to the central portion. When the inner sheet 40 is bent by the contractile force of the elastic member 30, deformation of the portions where the embossed sections 54 are formed is suppressed. This makes it easier for the inner sheet 40 to bend in the portions overlapping the central portion in the width direction W of the non-adhesive region 51, making it less likely for the tunnel structure 56 to collapse. As a result, the breathability of the absorbent article 1 of Example 1 can be further improved.

[0053] The absorbent article 1 of the present invention has been described above based on Example 1, but the specific configuration is not limited to Example 1, and design changes and additions are permitted as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the invention according to each claim.

[0054] In the absorbent article 1 of Example 1, the multiple non-adhesive regions 51 formed in the front region 21 are arranged in pairs at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction L, and the widthwise positions of two non-adhesive regions 51 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction L are aligned. However, the arrangement positions of the non-adhesive regions 51 are not limited to this. For example, as in the absorbent article 1A of a first modified example shown in Fig. 8, two non-adhesive regions 51 adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction L may be arranged with their positions shifted in the widthwise direction W. In other words, the multiple non-adhesive regions 51 arranged at an interval in the widthwise direction W may be arranged alternately in a plan view.

[0055] Therefore, the absorbent article 1A of the first modified example can form a tunnel structure 56 with almost no gaps along the width direction W when viewed along the body of the wearer P, thereby further improving breathability.

[0056] In the first embodiment and the first modified example, examples have been shown in which two or one row of non-adhesive regions 51 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the width direction W along the longitudinal direction L, but the formation state of the non-adhesive regions 51 is not limited to this. The non-adhesive regions 51 may be arranged in a row at a predetermined interval in the width direction W, and three or more rows of non-adhesive regions 51 may be formed along the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, a large number of non-adhesive regions 51 may be arranged randomly within the adhesive region 50 without forming a row in the width direction W or the longitudinal direction L.

[0057] Furthermore, in the absorbent article 1 of Example 1, an example has been shown in which the distance between two adjacent non-adhesive regions 51 in the width direction W is constant, but the distance between the non-adhesive regions 51 does not have to be constant. That is, when a plurality of non-adhesive regions 51 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the width direction W, as in the absorbent article 1B of the second modified example shown in Fig. 9, the distance K3 between two adjacent non-adhesive regions 51 in the width direction W may be set to any dimension depending on the positions at which the non-adhesive regions 51 are provided.

[0058] This makes it possible to control the arrangement of the tunnel structures 56 in the absorbent article 1B of the second modified example. That is, in the absorbent article 1B of the second modified example, the tunnel structures 56 can be densely packed in parts of the waist area where the body pressure of the wearer P is likely to act, for example, and the ventilation effect in parts where body pressure is likely to act can be improved.

[0059] Furthermore, in the absorbent article 1 of Example 1, an example was shown in which the length α of the slits 53 in the width direction W was constant, but the length α does not have to be constant. That is, as in an absorbent article 1C of a third modified example shown in Fig. 10, the length α of each slit 53 in the width direction W may be set to any length depending on the position of the non-adhesive region 51 where each slit 53 overlaps in a planar view.

[0060] As a result, in the absorbent article 1C of the third modified example, the length α of the slit 53 in the width direction W can be adjusted to match the difference in the contractile force of the stretchable member 30 due to the difference in the position of the non-adhesive region 51. Therefore, the absorbent article 1C of the third modified example can maintain the shape of the tunnel structure 56 regardless of the contractile force of the stretchable member 30.

[0061] 10 shows an example in which the shape of the non-adhesive region 51 is changed depending on the length α of the slit 53 in the width direction W. However, the non-adhesive regions 51 may all be set to the same size, and only the lengths of the slits 53 may be made different.

[0062] Furthermore, in the absorbent article 1 of Example 1, an example was shown in which the entire surface of the back sheet of the absorbent member 10 was adhesively fixed to the exterior sheet 20. However, the fixing state of the absorbent member 10 to the exterior sheet 20 is not limited to this. For example, an absorbent article 1D of a fourth modified example shown in Fig. 11 has a region R1 in which the end 10a of the absorbent member 10 in the longitudinal direction L is sandwiched between the exterior sheet 20 and the inner sheet 40, and multiple bonded regions 60 and non-bonded regions 61 are provided alternately along the width direction W. Here, the bonded regions 60 are regions in which the exterior sheet 20 is fixed to the absorbent member 10, and are indicated by diagonal lines slanting upward to the right in Fig. 11. The non-bonded regions 61 are regions in which the exterior sheet 20 is not fixed to the absorbent member 10, and are indicated by diagonal lines slanting upward to the left in Fig. 11. The bonded regions 60 are rectangular in plan view, having a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W. Therefore, the non-bonded region 61 has a rectangular shape extending in the longitudinal direction L in a plan view.

[0063] Furthermore, in region R1, a plurality of bonded regions 50 that bond the inner sheet 40 to the absorbent member 10 and a plurality of non-bonded regions 51 that do not bond the inner sheet 40 to the absorbent member 10 are alternately arranged along the width direction W. Here, the non-bonded regions 51 have a rectangular shape in plan view, with a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W. Furthermore, the non-bonded regions 51 are provided so as to straddle the edge of the absorbent member 10 in the longitudinal direction L, and a portion of them extends toward the edge of the exterior sheet 20 beyond region R1. In addition, one of the slits 53 provided in the inner sheet 40 at a position overlapping each non-bonded region 51 in plan view is located at a position overlapping region R1, i.e., a position overlapping the absorbent member 10. In addition, one of the slits 53 provided in the inner sheet 40 at a position overlapping each non-bonded region 51 in plan view is located at a position not overlapping region R1, i.e., a position not overlapping the absorbent member 10.

[0064] In region R1, the non-adhesive regions 51, which do not adhere the inner sheet 40 to the absorbent member 10, overlap in plan view with the non-adhesive regions 61, which do not fix the outer sheet 20 to the absorbent member 10. In region R1, the widthwise dimension W1 of the non-adhesive regions 51 is set to be larger than the widthwise dimension W2 of the non-adhesive regions 61. In other words, in plan view, the non-adhesive regions 51 encompass the non-adhesive regions 61 in the widthwise direction W.

[0065] In other words, in region R1, the adhesive regions 50 that adhere the inner sheet 40 to the absorbent member 10 at least partially overlap in a plan view with the bonding regions 60 that secure the outer sheet 20 to the absorbent member 10. In region R1, the width direction dimension of the adhesive regions 50 that adhere the inner sheet 40 to the absorbent member 10 is smaller than the width direction dimension of the bonding regions 60 that secure the outer sheet 20 to the absorbent member 10.

[0066] 12 and 13, when the absorbent member 10 is deflected by the contractile force of the elastic member 30, the non-bonded regions 61 rise from the exterior sheet 20, and the absorbent member 10 forms a plurality of second ridges 62 aligned in the width direction W. The second ridges 62 at least partially overlap the ridges 52 formed by the inner sheet 40 in a plan view. Therefore, in the absorbent article 1D of the fourth modified example, the second ridges 62 can be arranged inside the tunnel structure 56 formed by the ridges 52. This makes it possible to form a ventilation tunnel that leads to the interior of the absorbent article 1D, and allows vapor between the absorbent member 10 and the wearer P to be smoothly discharged to the outside of the absorbent article 1D.

[0067] Furthermore, in Example 1, an example was shown in which no through holes were formed in the exterior sheet 20, but a plurality of through holes 70 may be formed in the exterior sheet 20, as in the absorbent article 1E of the fifth modified example shown in Fig. 14. Here, the through holes 70 are provided in areas that overlap with both end portions 10a, 10b of the absorbent member 10 in the longitudinal direction L in a plan view.

[0068] This makes it possible to ensure an air passage that passes through the exterior sheet 20 and connects the space between the absorbent member 10 and the wearer P with the outside air. Therefore, the absorbent article 1E of the fifth modified example can more smoothly discharge the vapor between the absorbent member 10 and the wearer P to the outside of the absorbent article 1.

[0069] Furthermore, the absorbent article 1 of Example 1 is an example in which the stretchable member 30 includes a plurality of thread-like elastic members 31 arranged at the opening of the waistband portion, and a net-like elastic sheet 32 ​​arranged in each of the front region 21 and the rear region 22. However, since it is sufficient for the stretchable member 30 to stretch the ends 10a, 10b in the longitudinal direction L of the outer covering sheet 20 in the width direction W, it may also be composed of, for example, only a large number of thread-like elastic members 31.

[0070] Furthermore, the absorbent article 1 of Example 1 is an example in which the inner sheet 40 is provided at both end portions 20a, 20b of the outer sheet 20 in the longitudinal direction L, and multiple tunnel structures 56 are formed in both the front region 21 and the rear region 22. However, it is sufficient that the tunnel structure 56 is formed in at least one of the front region 21 or the rear region 22. Furthermore, it is not necessary to form multiple tunnel structures 56, as long as at least one is formed.

[0071] Furthermore, the absorbent article 1 of Example 1 is an example in which the inner sheet 40 is arranged to cover the entire front region 21 and the rear region 22 of the outer sheet 20. However, the inner sheet 40 does not necessarily have to cover the entire front region 21 or the rear region 22. It is sufficient that the inner sheet 40 covers at least the end portions of the absorbent member 10 in the longitudinal direction L and is provided in an area of ​​the outer sheet 20 that stretches in the width direction W.

[0072] Although the absorbent article 1 of Example 1 is an example of a disposable pants-type disposable diaper, the absorbent article of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the absorbent article of the present invention may be a tape-fastened disposable diaper. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1. Absorbent articles 10 Absorbing member 10a, 10b end 20 Exterior sheet 20a, 20b ends 21 Anterior area 22 Posterior area 24 Outermost seat 25 Valley 30 Elastic member 31 Thread-like elastic member 32 Elastic sheet 40 Inner sheet 50 adhesive area 51 Non-adhesive area 52 Yamabe 53 Break 54 Embossed section 55 Opening 56 Tunnel Structure H pleats L Longitudinal direction W width direction

Claims

1. An absorbent article comprising: an absorbent member that absorbs bodily fluids of a wearer; and an exterior sheet that covers a non-skin side of the absorbent member and extends in a longitudinal direction from the wearer's abdominal side through a crotch region to the wearer's back side, wherein the longitudinal end portions of the exterior sheet are stretchable in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, an inner sheet is provided at the longitudinal end of the outer sheet, the inner sheet being in contact with the wearer and covering the longitudinal end of the absorbent member; The arrangement area of ​​the outer sheet where the inner sheet is arranged is provided with an adhesive area where the inner sheet is adhered to the outer sheet, and a non-adhesive area having a predetermined length in the longitudinal direction and the width direction and where the inner sheet is not adhered to the outer sheet, The inner sheet has at least two slits formed in positions overlapping the non-adhesive regions, the slits extending in the width direction and aligned in the longitudinal direction. An absorbent article characterized by:

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, The exterior sheet has a plurality of pleats formed at the end in the longitudinal direction and aligned in the width direction, The non-adhesive regions are provided at predetermined intervals along the width direction, The non-adhesive regions are provided at predetermined intervals along the width direction, and the fixing pitch at which the inner sheet is fixed to the outer sheet is set is larger than the pitch at which the pleats are formed along the width direction. An absorbent article characterized by:

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, The length of the slit in the width direction is set to be the same as or longer than the length of the non-adhesive region in the width direction. An absorbent article characterized by:

4. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The non-adhesive regions are provided at predetermined intervals along both the longitudinal direction and the width direction, The two non-adhesive regions adjacent in the longitudinal direction are arranged at positions shifted in the width direction. An absorbent article characterized by:

5. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The non-adhesive regions are provided at predetermined intervals along the width direction, The interval between the adjacent non-adhesive regions in the width direction is set depending on the positions where the non-adhesive regions are formed. An absorbent article characterized by:

6. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The non-adhesive regions are provided at predetermined intervals along the width direction, The length of the slit in the width direction is set depending on the position where the non-adhesive region is to be formed. An absorbent article characterized by:

7. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, In the region where the absorbent member is sandwiched between the exterior sheet and the inner sheet, bonded regions that fix the exterior sheet to the absorbent member and non-bonded regions that do not fix the exterior sheet to the absorbent member are alternately provided along the width direction, Adhesive regions that adhere the inner sheet to the absorbent member and non-adhesive regions that do not adhere the inner sheet to the absorbent member are alternately provided along the width direction, At least a portion of the non-adhesive region overlaps the non-bonded region in a plan view, The non-adhesive region is provided across the longitudinal edge of the absorbent member, and at least one of the slits provided in the inner sheet at a position overlapping the non-adhesive region is positioned at a position overlapping the absorbent member, and at least one of the slits is positioned at a position not overlapping the absorbent member. An absorbent article characterized by:

8. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The exterior sheet has through holes formed in the area overlapping the absorbent member. An absorbent article characterized by:

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