Absorbent sheets and absorbent articles

Abstract

To provide an absorbent sheet capable of improving diffusion property in a longitudinal direction and permeability in a thickness direction of body fluid such as urine.SOLUTION: In an absorbent sheet 25 in embodiments, an absorbent resin is arranged between a pair of absorbent resin existence regions 254. A center region 255 in a width direction between the pair of absorbent resin existence regions 254, is wider than each of the pair of absorbent resin existence regions 254. The center region 255 comprises: a pair of first seal region 283 where lower and upper layer sheets 252, 251 are joined by fusion; and a second seal region 284. The pair of seal regions 28 is separated from a center line 220 to both sides of the width direction and is adjacent to insides in the width direction of the pair of absorbent resin existence regions 254. The second seal region 284 is separated from the pair of first seal regions 283 to the width direction. Therefore, diffusion property in a longitudinal direction of body fluid such as urine, and permeability of the body fluid in the thickness direction on the absorbent sheet, can be improved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article that receives excrement from a wearer, and an absorbent sheet used in the absorbent article. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, absorbent articles such as absorbent pads for light incontinence have been used, which are attached to the inside of disposable diapers, etc. Such absorbent articles use, for example, an absorbent sheet in which an absorbent resin such as SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) is fixed between two layers of sheet members.

[0003] In the absorbent body used in the absorbent article of Patent Document 1, four rows of absorbent resin arranged in stripes extending in the longitudinal direction are fixed between two layers of sheet material. In this absorbent body, a sealed portion is formed by joining the two layers of sheet material in the region between the four rows of absorbent resin. This allows the absorbent resin to absorb urine and other contaminants and swell highly in the vertical direction on both sides of the absorbent body in the width direction, thereby suppressing lateral leakage of urine and other contaminants. Furthermore, in the center of the absorbent body in the width direction, urine and other contaminants are more likely to diffuse in the longitudinal direction along the sealed portion, improving the absorption performance of the absorbent body.

[0004] Furthermore, in the absorbent article of Patent Document 2, two strip-shaped first absorbers, each having an absorbent resin fixed between two layers of sheet material, are arranged spaced apart on the left and right sides of a second absorber made of pulp fiber or the like. As a result, urine and other contaminants received by the second absorbers are absorbed by the first absorbers on both the left and right sides, thereby suppressing lateral leakage of urine and other contaminants. Furthermore, a groove extending longitudinally between the two first absorbers is provided on the upper surface of the second absorber. As a result, urine and other contaminants are more likely to travel along the groove and diffuse longitudinally, improving the absorption performance of the absorber. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6320786 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 6310718 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the absorbent article as described above, there is a demand for improving the absorption performance and more suitably suppressing side leakage.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The absorbent sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention is an absorbent sheet used in an absorbent article for receiving excrement from a wearer, and comprises a liquid-permeable lower-layer sheet, a liquid-permeable upper-layer sheet laminated on the lower-layer sheet, and granular and / or fibrous absorbent resin fixed between the lower-layer sheet and the upper-layer sheet. The absorbent resin is arranged in a pair of absorbent resin-containing regions, each of which is a band-shaped region extending in the longitudinal direction, spaced apart from both sides of the center line in the width direction of the absorbent sheet in a plan view, an imaginary straight line extending in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the width direction at the center of the width direction of the absorbent sheet in a plan view. The region between the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions in the width direction is a band-shaped region extending in the longitudinal direction, wider than each of the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions, and includes a seal region where the lower-layer sheet and the upper-layer sheet are joined by fusion. The sealing area includes a pair of first sealing areas which are strip-shaped areas spaced apart on both sides of the center line in the width direction, adjacent to the widthwise inner sides of the pair of absorbent resin presence areas, and each extending in the longitudinal direction, and a second sealing area which is a strip-shaped area spaced apart in the width direction from the pair of first sealing areas and extending in the longitudinal direction between the width directions of the pair of first sealing areas.

[0009] In the absorbent sheet according to this embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the absorbent resin is not present in the region between the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions in the width direction.

[0010] In the absorbent sheet according to this embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the width of each of the pair of first sealed areas in the width direction is greater than the width of the second sealed area in the width direction.

[0011] In the absorbent sheet according to this embodiment of the present invention, the second sealed area is preferably located on the center line.

[0012] In the absorbent sheet according to this embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the pair of first sealing regions do not overlap the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions in a plan view.

[0013] In an absorbent sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the sealing area further includes a pair of third sealing areas, each of which is a strip-shaped area extending in the longitudinal direction and is arranged between one of the pair of first sealing areas and the second sealing area, and between the other of the pair of first sealing areas and the second sealing area, and is spaced apart in the width direction from the pair of first sealing areas and the second sealing area.

[0014] In the absorbent sheet according to this embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the width of each of the pair of first sealed regions in the width direction is greater than the width of each of the pair of third sealed regions in the width direction.

[0015] In the absorbent sheet according to this embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the width of each of the pair of third sealed areas in the width direction is equal to or greater than the width of the second sealed area in the width direction.

[0016] In the absorbent sheet according to this embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that each of the pair of first sealed regions and the pair of second sealed regions is provided with a plurality of fused portions that are arranged intermittently at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction.

[0017] In the absorbent sheet according to this embodiment of the present invention, the lower and upper sheets are preferably bonded together with an adhesive, and the amount of adhesive applied to the lower sheet is preferably greater than the amount of adhesive applied to the upper sheet in stripes extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0018] The absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention is an absorbent article for receiving excrement from a wearer, and comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-repellent and / or liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The absorbent body comprises the absorbent sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a bulky absorbent core that is thicker than the absorbent sheet and disposed between the absorbent sheet and the back sheet.

[0019] In an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the upper surface of the absorbent core is provided with a core groove portion that extends longitudinally in the widthwise center and overlaps in a planar view with the region between the pair of absorbent resin presence regions of the absorbent sheet in the widthwise direction.

[0020] In an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the absorbent core comprises a first absorbent core through which the core groove portion penetrates in the thickness direction at the center of the width direction, and a second absorbent core that is arranged between the first absorbent core and the back sheet and overlaps with the core groove portion in a planar view.

[0021] In the absorbent article according to this embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the second sealed region overlaps with the core groove portion in a plan view.

[0022] In the absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that, at the narrowest part of the absorbent article, the width of the absorbent sheet in the width direction is greater than the width of the absorbent core in the width direction, and that, at the narrowest part, the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions are located widthwise inward of both side edges of the absorbent core and do not overlap with the core groove portion in a plan view.

[0023] In the absorbent article according to this embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the difference in width between the absorbent sheet and the absorbent core in the width direction at the narrowest part is 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less.

[0024] In an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the narrowest portion, when viewed in a plane, it is preferable that the width of the gap between each of the pair of absorbent resin presence regions and the core groove portion is smaller than the width of the core groove portion.

[0025] In the absorbent article according to this embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that at least a portion of the upper surface of the absorbent sheet is joined to the top sheet directly or via another layer at the narrowest portion.

[0026] In the absorbent article according to this embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the width of the core groove portion in the width direction is the same as the width of each of the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions in the width direction.

[0027] In the absorbent article according to this embodiment of the present invention, the width of the absorbent core at the narrowest part of the absorbent article is preferably 100 mm or more and 130 mm or less.

[0028] The absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention preferably further comprises a pair of side sheets arranged on both sides of the absorbent core in the width direction and standing up toward the wearer when worn. In addition, it is preferable that the portions of the pair of side sheets fixed to the top sheet are located widthwise outward of the pair of absorbent resin regions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] The absorbent sheet according to the embodiment of the present invention can improve the diffusion of body fluids such as urine in the longitudinal direction and the permeability in the thickness direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article shown in FIG. 1 taken along line II-II. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article shown in FIG. 1 taken along the line III-III. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of an absorbent body. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of an absorbent sheet. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of an absorbent core. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of an absorbent sheet. [Figure 8] 8 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of the absorbent sheet shown in FIG. 7 in the longitudinal direction. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a plan view showing an absorbent sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the positional relationship between the absorbent sheet and a core groove portion of an absorbent core when the absorbent sheet is placed in an absorbent article. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an example of an absorbent article. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross section of the narrowest part of the absorbent article when worn. [Figure 12] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross section of the rear part of the absorbent article when worn. [Figure 13] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross section of the rear part of the absorbent article when worn. [Figure 14] 1 is a plan view showing an absorbent sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the positional relationship between the absorbent sheet and a core groove portion of an absorbent core when the absorbent sheet is placed in an absorbent article. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The configuration of an absorbent sheet and / or an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments shown in the drawings are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of an absorbent article incorporating an absorbent sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention. The absorbent article 1 in FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the absorbent article 1 unfolded before use. The absorbent article 1 is an auxiliary absorbent device that is attached to the inside (i.e., the wearer side) of an outer article such as a disposable diaper worn by a wearer and receives excrement from the wearer. The absorbent article 1 is, for example, an absorbent pad for light incontinence that receives urine and the like from the wearer. In FIG. 1, the absorbent article 1 is drawn in a stretched state when not worn, with the side that contacts the wearer when worn facing forward. The structure of the absorbent sheet will be described later. Furthermore, when describing each component of an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention, the side closest to the wearer when worn may be referred to as the skin-facing side, and the side opposite to the skin-facing side may be referred to as the non-skin-facing side. The numerical ranges of the dimensions of the components described in the embodiments are the numerical ranges when measured in a dry state before wearing.

[0032] In the following description, the vertical direction and horizontal direction in FIG. 1 are referred to as the "longitudinal direction" and "width direction," respectively. The direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1 is referred to as the "thickness direction." The longitudinal direction, width direction, and thickness direction are perpendicular to one another. The absorbent article 1 shown in FIG. 1 is in a state of being stretched in the longitudinal direction and width direction. In the following description, the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article 1 is also referred to as the "front-rear direction."

[0033] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 1 taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (i.e., the vertical direction in Fig. 1) at position II-II shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 1 taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction at position III-III shown in Fig. 1. In Figs. 2 and 3, the absorbent article 1 is drawn thicker than it actually is (i.e., the ratio of thickness to width is increased) to make the drawings easier to understand. Furthermore, in Figs. 2 and 3, some components of the absorbent article 1 that are actually in contact are drawn spaced apart in the thickness direction (i.e., the vertical direction in Figs. 2 and 3).

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the absorbent article 1 comprises a main body 2 and a pair of side sheets 3 that cover at least a portion of the main body 2 and are arranged on the skin-facing side. The pair of side sheets 3 are arranged on both widthwise sides of the main body 2 and extend in the longitudinal direction. Each side sheet 3 is provided over substantially the entire longitudinal length of the main body 2. When the absorbent article 1 is worn, a portion of each side sheet 3 is arranged to stand up toward the wearer.

[0035] The upper region 201 and the lower region 203 of the main body portion 2 in FIG. 1 are regions that come into contact with the wearer's abdominal and dorsal skin, respectively, and are referred to as the "front region 201" and the "rear region 203" in the following description. Furthermore, the region 202 that is continuous with the front region 201 and the rear region 203 and faces the wearer's crotch region between the front region 201 and the rear region 203 is referred to as the "crotch region 202." In the absorbent article 1, the front region 201, the crotch region 202, and the rear region 203 are arranged in this order in the longitudinal direction in the main body portion 2. In the following description, the upper and lower sides in FIG. 1 are also referred to as the "front side" and the "rear side," respectively.

[0036] In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the width in the width direction of the front portion 201 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "width") is substantially constant except for the front end portion of the main body portion 2 (i.e., the end portion of the front portion 201 opposite the crotch portion 202). At the front end portion of the main body portion 2, the width of the front portion 201 decreases slightly as it approaches the front edge of the main body portion 2. Furthermore, the width of the rear portion 203 is substantially constant except for the rear end portion of the main body portion 2 (i.e., the end portion of the rear portion 203 opposite the crotch portion 202). At the rear end portion of the main body portion 2, the width of the rear portion 203 decreases slightly as it approaches the rear edge of the main body portion 2. The width of the rear portion 203 excluding the rear end portion is substantially the same as the width of the front portion 201 excluding the front end portion. FIG. 3 described above is a cross-sectional view of the rear portion 203, and the cross-section of the front portion 201 is substantially similar to the cross-section of the rear portion 203 shown in FIG. 3.

[0037] The width of the crotch portion 202 gradually decreases from the front portion 201 toward the rear, reaches a minimum midway between the front portion 201 and the rear portion 203, and then gradually increases toward the rear until it reaches the rear portion 203. In other words, the main body portion 2 has an hourglass shape in a plan view. In the following description, the portion of the crotch portion 202 where the width of the main body portion 2 is minimum is referred to as the "narrowest portion 204." The narrowest portion 204 is the narrowest portion of the absorbent article. FIG. 2 above is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 1 at the narrowest portion 204. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the narrowest portion 204 is a portion of the main body portion 2 corresponding to a single point in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the side edges of the main body portion 2 are arc-shaped in the crotch portion 202, concave inward in the width direction, and the narrowest portion 204 is preferably the innermost vertex of the arc-shaped side edges in the width direction. Note that the narrowest portion 204 may have a length in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the length of the narrowest part 204 is preferably greater than 0 mm and equal to or less than 5 mm, and more preferably equal to or less than 3 mm, in consideration of the fit around the legs.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the main body portion 2 comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet 21, a liquid-repellent and / or liquid-impermeable back sheet 23, and an absorbent body 22. The absorbent body 22 is a component disposed between the top sheet 21 and the back sheet 23. In FIG. 1, the outline of the absorbent body 22 is drawn with a thick dashed line to facilitate understanding of the figure. The overall length and width of the absorbent body 22 are smaller than the overall length and width of the main body portion 2 (i.e., the overall length and width of the back sheet 23). The back sheet 23 extends forward of the leading edge of the absorbent body 22 and rearward of the trailing edge of the absorbent body 22. The back sheet 23 also extends outward of both widthwise side edges (i.e., the left and right side edges) of the absorbent body 22.

[0039] The top sheet 21 quickly captures moisture from excrement such as urine from the wearer and transfers it to the absorbent body 22. The absorbent body 22 absorbs and quickly fixes the moisture that has permeated the top sheet 21. The back sheet 23 prevents moisture from excrement that has reached the back sheet 23 from seeping out of the main body portion 2.

[0040] The longitudinal length (hereinafter also simply referred to as "length") of the main body portion 2, including the top sheet 21, absorbent body 22, and back sheet 23, is approximately the same as the length of each side sheet 3. The side edges of the main body portion 2 and the side edges of each side sheet 3 overlap in the thickness direction over approximately the entire longitudinal length. In the example shown in Figures 1 to 3, the width of the top sheet 21, which is approximately rectangular in plan view, is smaller than the width of the back sheet 23. Furthermore, the width of the top sheet 21 is larger than the width of the absorbent body 22 in the crotch region 202, and smaller than the width of the absorbent body 22 in the front region 201 and the rear region 203.

[0041] The backsheet 23 extends outward in the width direction from both side edges of the topsheet 21 and both side edges of the absorbent body 22. In other words, both side edges of the backsheet 23 extend laterally from the topsheet 21 and the absorbent body 22 without being covered by them. The outer side edges of the pair of side sheets 3 in the width direction are joined to both side edges of the backsheet 23 in the width direction. The pair of side sheets 3 are also joined to both side edges of the topsheet 21 in the width direction. The topsheet 21 and each side sheet 3 are joined to the backsheet 23 at both longitudinal edge portions of the absorbent article 1. The topsheet 21, the backsheet 23, and each side sheet 3 may be joined by various methods (for example, adhesion with a hot melt adhesive, heat fusion, or ultrasonic fusion). 2 and 3, the side edges of the top sheet 21 are joined to each side sheet 3 via a substantially strip-shaped adhesive layer 41 that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. Note that adhesives other than the adhesive layer 41 are not shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0042] For example, a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric (such as a point-bonded nonwoven fabric, an air-through nonwoven fabric, or a spun-bonded nonwoven fabric) made of hydrophobic fibers (such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, polyamide, or nylon) whose surfaces have been hydrophilically treated with a surfactant is used as the top sheet 21. Alternatively, a nonwoven fabric (such as a spunlace nonwoven fabric) made of hydrophilic fibers such as cellulose, rayon, or cotton may be used as the top sheet 21.

[0043] For example, a liquid-repellent and / or liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric or plastic film, or a laminated sheet in which such a nonwoven fabric and a plastic film are laminated, is used as the backsheet 23. The nonwoven fabric used for the backsheet 23 is, for example, a spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, or SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) nonwoven fabric made of hydrophobic fibers, and is subjected to a liquid-repellent treatment as necessary. When a plastic film is used for the backsheet 23, it is preferable to use a moisture-permeable (breathable) plastic film from the viewpoint of preventing stuffiness in the absorbent article 1 and improving comfort for the wearer.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of an absorbent body. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the absorbent body 22 includes an absorbent sheet 25 and an absorbent core 26. The absorbent sheet 25 and the absorbent core 26 are laminated in the thickness direction between the top sheet 21 and the back sheet 23. The absorbent sheet 25 is disposed between the absorbent core 26 and the top sheet 21. The absorbent sheet 25 is a sheet-like member in which an absorbent resin is fixed between multiple sheet members. The absorbent core 26 is disposed between the absorbent sheet 25 and the back sheet 23. The absorbent core 26 is a bulky member formed mainly of an aggregate of bulky fibers such as fluff pulp. The thickness of the absorbent core 26 in the thickness direction (hereinafter simply referred to as "thickness") is thicker than that of the absorbent sheet 25. In the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the thickness of the absorbent sheet 25 is 0.5 mm to 3 mm, and the thickness of the absorbent core 26 is 2 mm to 10 mm. The absorbent core 26 may contain a water-absorbent resin.

[0045] 2 and 3, an upper backing 271 is sandwiched between the absorbent sheet 25 and the absorbent core 26. In other words, the absorbent sheet 25 is placed on the upper surface of the absorbent core 26 (i.e., the main surface that faces the skin when worn) via the upper backing 271. The upper backing 271 is, for example, tissue paper or nonwoven fabric. The upper backing 271 may be omitted.

[0046] The lower surface of the absorbent sheet 25 is bonded to the upper-layer backing 271 via a hot melt adhesive or the like. For example, a strip-shaped region extending in the longitudinal direction in the widthwise center of the lower surface of the absorbent sheet 25 is bonded to the upper-layer backing 271, and both widthwise ends of the lower surface of the absorbent sheet 25 are not bonded to the upper-layer backing 271. The lower surface of the upper-layer backing 271 is bonded to the upper surface of the absorbent core 26 via a hot melt adhesive or the like. The upper surface of the absorbent sheet 25 is bonded to the top sheet 21 via a hot melt adhesive or the like. It is sufficient that at least a portion of the upper surface of the absorbent sheet 25 is bonded to the top sheet 21, and another member may be interposed between the absorbent sheet 25 and the top sheet 21. At the narrowest portion 204 of the main body portion 2, at least a portion of the absorbent sheet 25 is preferably bonded to the top sheet 21 directly or via another layer.

[0047] The absorbent core 26 includes a first absorbent core 261 and a second absorbent core 262. The first absorbent core 261 and the second absorbent core 262 are each a bulky, cotton-like member formed mainly from an aggregate of bulky fibers such as fluff pulp. The first absorbent core 261 and the second absorbent core 262 are layered in the thickness direction between the absorbent sheet 25 and the back sheet 23. The first absorbent core 261 is disposed between the second absorbent core 262 and the absorbent sheet 25. The second absorbent core 262 is disposed between the first absorbent core 261 and the back sheet 23. The thickness of each of the first absorbent core 261 and the second absorbent core 262 is greater than the thickness of the absorbent sheet 25.

[0048] 2 and 3, an intermediate mount 272 is sandwiched between the first absorbent core 261 and the second absorbent core 262. In other words, the first absorbent core 261 is placed on the upper surface of the second absorbent core 262 via the intermediate mount 272. The lower surface of the first absorbent core 261 and the upper surface of the second absorbent core 262 are each bonded to the intermediate mount 272 via a hot melt adhesive or the like. The intermediate mount 272 is, for example, tissue paper or nonwoven fabric. The intermediate mount 272 may be omitted.

[0049] The first absorbent core 261 and the second absorbent core 262 may each contain an absorbent resin such as SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer) and / or SAF (Super Absorbent Fiber) in addition to the above-mentioned fiber aggregate. The first absorbent core 261 and the second absorbent core 262 are components in which SAP particles are mixed into a fiber aggregate formed from, for example, fluff pulp. The fiber aggregate may be wrapped in tissue paper, nonwoven fabric, or the like to prevent the SAP particles from falling off. In the first absorbent core 261, the basis weight of the absorbent resin is, for example, 50% or less of the basis weight of the fluff pulp that forms the fiber aggregate. Similarly, in the second absorbent core 262, the basis weight of the absorbent resin is, for example, 50% or less of the basis weight of the fluff pulp that forms the fiber aggregate. The fiber aggregates contained in the first absorbent core 261 and the second absorbent core 262 do not necessarily have to be made of fluff pulp, but may be, for example, aggregates of synthetic fibers, or aggregates of a mixture of fluff pulp and synthetic fibers.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an example of an absorbent sheet. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an example of an absorbent core. In FIGS. 4 to 6, a "center line 220," which is an imaginary straight line extending in the longitudinal direction at the center of the width direction of the absorbent body 22 in a plan view, is shown by a dashed line (the same applies to FIG. 1). The center line 220 is also an imaginary straight line extending in the longitudinal direction at the center of the width direction of the absorbent sheet 25. The center line 220 is also an imaginary straight line extending in the longitudinal direction at the center of the width direction of each of the absorbent core 26, the first absorbent core 261, and the second absorbent core 262. In other words, the center line 220 is also the center line of the absorbent sheet 25, the absorbent core 26, the first absorbent core 261, and the second absorbent core 262. The absorbent body 22, the absorbent sheet 25, the absorbent core 26, the first absorbent core 261, and the second absorbent core 262 each have a shape that is approximately symmetrical with respect to the center line 220 in a plan view.

[0051] The absorbent sheet 25 has a generally rectangular shape in plan view, with its length greater than its width. The absorbent sheet 25 extends from the front portion 201 of the main body portion 2 shown in FIG. 1 , through the crotch portion 202, to the rear portion 203. The width of the absorbent sheet 25 is generally constant over substantially the entire length in the longitudinal direction, and is smaller than the width of the main body portion 2 over substantially the entire length in the longitudinal direction. The length of the absorbent sheet 25 is shorter than the length of the absorbent article 1.

[0052] The absorbent core 26 extends from the front portion 201 of the main body portion 2 through the crotch portion 202 to the rear portion 203. The length of the absorbent core 26 is approximately the same as the length of the absorbent sheet 25, and both longitudinal edges of the absorbent core 26 approximately overlap both longitudinal edges of the absorbent sheet 25 in a plan view. The width of the absorbent core 26 is approximately constant in the front portion 201 and the rear portion 203. The width of the absorbent core 26 in the crotch portion 202 gradually decreases from the front portion 201 toward the rear, reaches a minimum midway between the front portion 201 and the rear portion 203, and then gradually increases further toward the rear. In other words, the shape of the absorbent core 26 in a plan view is a so-called hourglass shape. The width of the absorbent core 26 is smaller than the width of the main body portion 2 over approximately the entire longitudinal length.

[0053] The width of the absorbent core 26 in the front portion 201 is approximately constant except for the front end. At the front end of the main body portion 2, the width of the absorbent core 26 decreases slightly as it approaches the front edge of the main body portion 2. The width of the absorbent core 26 in the rear portion 203 is approximately constant except for the rear end. At the rear end of the main body portion 2, the width of the absorbent core 26 decreases slightly as it approaches the rear edge of the main body portion 2. The maximum width of the absorbent core 26 in the front portion 201 is approximately the same as the maximum width of the absorbent core 26 in the rear portion 203. The maximum widths of the absorbent core 26 in the front portion 201 and the rear portion 203 may be different.

[0054] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the portion of the absorbent core 26 where the width is smallest (i.e., the narrowest portion of the absorbent core 26) is a portion corresponding to one point in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core 26. In other words, it is preferable that the side edges of the absorbent core 26 are arc-shaped and concave inward in the width direction in the crotch portion 202 (see FIG. 1), and the narrowest portion of the absorbent core 26 is the innermost vertex in the width direction of the arc-shaped side edges. The narrowest portion of the absorbent core may have a length in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the length of the narrowest portion of the absorbent core is preferably greater than 0 mm and equal to or less than 5 mm, and more preferably equal to or less than 3 mm.

[0055] 1 and 4, the width of the absorbent core 26 is smaller than the width of the absorbent sheet 25 at the narrowest part 204 and in the vicinity of the narrowest part 204 of the main body portion 2. The width of the absorbent core 26 is larger than the width of the absorbent sheet 25 in the crotch portion 202, in the front portion 201, and in the rear portion 203, excluding the narrowest part 204 and in the vicinity of the narrowest part 204. In other words, the width of the absorbent sheet 25 is larger than the width of the absorbent core 26 only at the narrowest part 204 and in the vicinity of the narrowest part 204 of the main body portion 2. The longitudinal length of the part of the absorbent core 26 that is narrower than the absorbent sheet 25 is, for example, 20 mm to 50 mm, and the proportion of this length to the total length of the absorbent core 26 is, for example, 3% to 10%.

[0056] At the narrowest part 204 of the main body portion 2, the difference between the width of the absorbent sheet 25 and the width of the absorbent core 26 is preferably 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less. At the narrowest part 204 of the main body portion 2, the width of the absorbent core 26 is preferably 100 mm or more and 130 mm or less. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the longitudinal position of the narrowest part of the absorbent core 26 is substantially the same as the longitudinal position of the narrowest part 204 of the main body portion 2. Therefore, in the region where the width of the absorbent core 26 is smaller than the width of the absorbent sheet 25, the maximum difference between the width of the absorbent sheet 25 and the width of the absorbent core 26 is preferably 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less. At the narrowest part 204 of the main body portion 2, the difference between the width of the absorbent sheet 25 and the width of the absorbent core 26 is preferably 100 mm or more and 130 mm or less. The minimum width of the absorbent core 26 is, for example, about 35% to less than about 100% of the maximum width of the absorbent core 26 in the rear portion 203, and more preferably about 35% to about 75% of the maximum width.

[0057] In the example shown in FIG. 6, the shape of the first absorbent core 261 in plan view is substantially the same as the shape of the absorbent core 26 in plan view, except that it has through-holes corresponding to core groove portions 263, which will be described later. That is, the shape of the first absorbent core 261 in plan view is what is known as an hourglass shape. The shape of the second absorbent core 262 in plan view is substantially rectangular, with its length greater than its width. The width of the second absorbent core 262 is substantially constant over substantially the entire length in the longitudinal direction. The width of the second absorbent core 262 is smaller than the width of the first absorbent core 261 over substantially the entire length in the longitudinal direction. The length of the second absorbent core 262 is substantially equal to the length of the first absorbent core 261. Both longitudinal end edges of the first absorbent core 261 and both longitudinal end edges of the second absorbent core 262 substantially overlap in plan view. The second absorbent core 262 is covered over substantially the entire surface by the first absorbent core 261 except for the areas that overlap the through-holes of the first absorbent core 261 in plan view.

[0058] A core groove portion 263 extending in the longitudinal direction is provided on the upper surface of the absorbent core 26. The core groove portion 263 is a recess recessed downward from the upper surface of the absorbent core 26 (i.e., in the direction toward the backsheet 23). In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the core groove portion 263 does not penetrate the absorbent core 26 in the thickness direction. The core groove portion 263 is provided at approximately the center of the absorbent core 26 in the width direction. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the core groove portion 263 has a substantially strip-like shape in plan view, with its length greater than its width. The core groove portion 263 extends substantially linearly and substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction. Both ends of the core groove portion 263 in the longitudinal direction are substantially semicircular. At least a portion of the core groove portion 263 overlaps with the center line 220 in plan view. The center line 220 is located at the center of the core groove portion 263 in the width direction. In plan view, the core groove portion 263 has a shape that is substantially symmetrical with respect to the center line 220.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the core groove portion 263 extends from the front portion 201 of the main body portion 2 through the crotch portion 202 to the rear portion 203. The length of the core groove portion 263 is smaller than the length of the absorbent core 26. The front end of the core groove portion 263 is located closer to the crotch portion 202 than the front edge of the absorbent core 26, and the rear end of the core groove portion 263 is located closer to the crotch portion 202 than the rear edge of the absorbent core 26. The width of the core groove portion 263 is substantially constant over substantially the entire length in the longitudinal direction, except for both longitudinal end portions. The width of the core groove portion 263 is smaller than the width of the first absorbent core 261 and the width of the second absorbent core 262 over substantially the entire length in the longitudinal direction.

[0060] In the example shown in Fig. 2, a through-hole having substantially the same shape as the core groove 263 is provided in the widthwise center of the first absorbent core 261. The core groove 263 is formed by closing the through-hole from below (i.e., the side facing away from the skin when worn) with the intermediate mount 272 and the second absorbent core 262. In other words, the core groove 263 penetrates the first absorbent core 261 in the thickness direction at the widthwise center, and overlaps with the second absorbent core 262 in plan view. That is, the bottom surface of the core groove 263 is formed by the second absorbent core 262. Note that the absorbent core 26 may have a recess having substantially the same shape as the through-hole in plan view provided in the upper surface of the second absorbent core 262 (i.e., the main surface facing the skin when worn), and the core groove 263 is formed by the through-hole and the recess. Alternatively, the core groove portion 263 may penetrate the absorbent core 26 (ie, the first absorbent core 261 and the second absorbent core 262) in the thickness direction.

[0061] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the absorbent sheet 25 comprises an upper layer sheet 251, a lower layer sheet 252, and an absorbent resin 253. The upper layer sheet 251 and the lower layer sheet 252 are laminated in the thickness direction between the top sheet 21 and the absorbent core 26. The upper layer sheet 251 is disposed between the lower layer sheet 252 and the top sheet 21. The lower layer sheet 252 is disposed between the upper layer sheet 251 and the absorbent core 26. The absorbent resin 253 is fixed between the upper layer sheet 251 and the lower layer sheet 252 with a hot melt adhesive or the like. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, bulky fibers such as fluff pulp are substantially absent between the upper layer sheet 251 and the lower layer sheet 252. This achieves a thin absorbent sheet 25 with a high absorption capacity. In addition, in the absorbent sheet 25, even if a small amount of fluff pulp or the like that is unintentionally mixed in during manufacturing is present between the upper sheet 251 and the lower sheet 252, it is considered that there are substantially no bulky fibers between the upper sheet 251 and the lower sheet 252.

[0062] The upper layer sheet 251 and the lower layer sheet 252 are each a liquid-permeable sheet member. For example, a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric (such as a spunlace nonwoven fabric, an air-through nonwoven fabric, or a spunbond nonwoven fabric) is used as the upper layer sheet 251 and the lower layer sheet 252. The upper layer sheet 251 and the lower layer sheet 252 may be the same type of nonwoven fabric or different types of nonwoven fabric. Furthermore, the upper layer sheet 251 and the lower layer sheet 252 may each be a liquid-permeable sheet member other than a nonwoven fabric (for example, a perforated plastic film).

[0063] In the example shown in Figures 2 and 3, the absorbent resin 253 is a large number of granular SAP. In Figures 2 and 3, the particles of the absorbent resin 253 are drawn larger than they actually are. The absorbent resin 253 may also be a large number of fibrous SAF, or a mixture of a large number of SAPs and SAFs. In other words, the absorbent resin 253 is granular and / or fibrous. SAPs and SAFs are highly absorbent materials that have higher absorption capacity (i.e., can absorb and hold a larger amount of liquid) than the same amount of pulp fibers, etc. The absorbent resin 253 absorbs body fluids, such as urine, that have permeated the top sheet 21 and reached the absorbent sheet 25, and swells to hold the body fluid within the absorbent sheet 25.

[0064] For example, a polyacrylic acid-based absorbent resin such as sodium polyacrylate is used as the absorbent resin 253. Alternatively, a starch-based absorbent resin such as a starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymer, a starch-acrylic acid graft copolymer, or a starch-acrylamide graft copolymer may be used as the absorbent resin 253. Alternatively, a polyvinyl alcohol-based absorbent resin such as a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol may be used as the absorbent resin 253.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 5, the absorbent sheet 25 includes a pair of absorbent resin-containing regions 254, a central region 255, and a pair of side regions 256. In FIG. 5, the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions 254 are indicated by parallel diagonal lines to facilitate understanding of the drawing. An absorbent resin 253 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) is disposed in the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions 254 and fixed to the upper sheet 251 and the lower sheet 252 with a hot melt adhesive or the like. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the absorbent resin 253 is disposed only in the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions 254, and substantially no absorbent resin 253 is disposed in the central region 255 and the pair of side regions 256. That is, in the absorbent sheet 25, the central region 255 and the pair of side regions 256 are regions where no absorbent resin is present. In the central region 255 and the pair of side regions 256, the upper sheet 251 and the lower sheet 252 are joined to each other with a hot melt adhesive or the like.

[0066] It is preferable that the absorbent resin 253 is completely absent (i.e., strictly absent) in the central region 255 and the pair of side regions 256, but a small amount may be present so long as it can be said to be substantially absent. For example, a small amount of absorbent resin 253 that was unintentionally scattered during the manufacturing process of the absorbent sheet 25 may be present in the central region 255 and / or the pair of side regions 256.

[0067] The pair of absorbent resin-containing regions 254 are disposed at positions spaced apart on both sides of the center line 220 in the width direction, and do not overlap with the center line 220 in a plan view. Each absorbent resin-containing region 254 is a band-shaped region extending approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction over approximately the entire length of the absorbent sheet 25. The shape of the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions 254 in a plan view is approximately line-symmetrical with respect to the center line 220. The shape of each absorbent resin-containing region 254 in a plan view is approximately rectangular with the length greater than the width, and the width of each absorbent resin-containing region 254 is approximately constant over approximately the entire length in the longitudinal direction. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the width of each absorbent resin-containing region 254 is 15 mm to 25 mm, which is 10% to 20% of the width of the absorbent sheet 25.

[0068] The central region 255 is a region between the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions 254 in the width direction and is continuous with the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions 254 in the width direction. The central region 255 is a band-shaped region extending approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction over approximately the entire length of the absorbent sheet 25. The central region 255 overlaps with the center line 220 in a plan view. The shape of the central region 255 in a plan view is approximately line-symmetrical with respect to the center line 220. The shape of the central region 255 in a plan view is approximately rectangular with its length greater than its width, and the width of the central region 255 is approximately constant over approximately the entire length in the longitudinal direction. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the width of the central region 255 is 30 mm to 60 mm, which is 25% to 45% of the width of the absorbent sheet 25. The central region 255 is wider than each of the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions 254. In other words, the width of the central region 255 is greater than the width of each of the absorbent resin-containing regions 254. The width of the central region 255 is, for example, two to three times the width of each absorbent resin-containing region 254. This allows the absorbent article in which the absorbent sheet 25 is arranged to fit the wearer's body more easily, and provides a structure that makes it easier to suppress side leakage.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 5, the pair of side regions 256 are regions on the outer side in the width direction of the pair of absorbent resin presence regions 254. Each side region 256 is continuous in the width direction with the adjacent absorbent resin presence region 254 on the inner side in the width direction. Each side region 256 is a band-shaped region extending approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction over approximately the entire length of the absorbent sheet 25. The shape of the pair of side regions 256 in a plan view is approximately symmetrical with respect to the center line 220. The shape of each side region 256 in a plan view is approximately rectangular with the length greater than the width, and the width of each side region 256 is approximately constant over approximately the entire length in the longitudinal direction. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the width of each side region 256 is approximately the same as the width of each absorbent resin presence region 254.

[0070] In the central region 255 and the pair of side regions 256 of the absorbent sheet 25, the upper sheet 251 and the lower sheet 252 are bonded together by a hot melt adhesive throughout the entire central region 255 and the pair of side regions 256. In addition, in some regions of the central region 255 and some regions of each side region 256, the upper sheet 251 and the lower sheet 252 are bonded together by fusion bonding using heat bonding, ultrasonic bonding, or the like.

[0071] Fig. 7 is a plan view showing an example of an absorbent sheet. In Fig. 7, in the central region 255 and the pair of side regions 256, the sealed regions where the upper sheet 251 and the lower sheet 252 are joined by fusion are marked with parallel diagonal lines that are different from the absorbent resin-containing regions 254. In the following description, the sealed region where the upper sheet 251 and the lower sheet 252 are fused in the central region 255 is also referred to as the "central sealed region 281." Furthermore, the sealed regions where the upper sheet 251 and the lower sheet 252 are fused in the pair of side regions 256 are also referred to as the "side sealed regions 282."

[0072] In the example shown in FIG. 7, each side region 256 includes one side seal region 282. The side seal region 282 is a strip-shaped region extending approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction over substantially the entire length of the absorbent sheet 25. The side seal region 282 has a generally rectangular shape in plan view, with its length greater than its width, and the width of the side seal region 282 is generally constant over substantially the entire length in the longitudinal direction. The side seal region 282 is continuous in the width direction with the absorbent resin presence region 254 adjacent in the width direction. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the width of the side seal region 282 is smaller than the width of the absorbent resin presence region 254.

[0073] In the side seal region 282 of each side region 256, the upper sheet 251 and the lower sheet 252 are fused together by heat sealing or the like and bonded together with a hot melt adhesive. In the region of the side region 256 excluding the side seal region 282, the upper sheet 251 and the lower sheet 252 are not fused together but are bonded together only with a hot melt adhesive.

[0074] 7, the central seal region 281 included in the central region 255 includes a pair of first seal regions 283, one second seal region 284, and a pair of third seal regions 285. Each of the first seal regions 283, second seal regions 284, and third seal regions 285 is a strip-shaped region extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction over substantially the entire length of the absorbent sheet 25. Each of the first seal regions 283, second seal regions 284, and third seal regions 285 has a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, with the length greater than the width. The width of each of the first seal regions 283, second seal regions 284, and third seal regions 285 is substantially constant over substantially the entire length in the longitudinal direction.

[0075] The second sealing region 284 is disposed between the pair of first sealing regions 283 in the width direction and is spaced apart in the width direction from the pair of first sealing regions 283. The pair of third sealing regions 285 is disposed between one of the pair of first sealing regions 283 and the second sealing region 284, and between the other of the pair of first sealing regions 283 and the second sealing region 284. The pair of third sealing regions 285 is spaced apart in the width direction from the pair of first sealing regions 283 and second sealing region 284.

[0076] In the central region 255, a striped central seal region 281 extending in the longitudinal direction is formed by a pair of first seal regions 283, a second seal region 284, and a pair of third seal regions 285. In the central seal region 281 of the central region 255, the upper sheet 251 and the lower sheet 252 are fused together by heat sealing or the like and bonded together with a hot melt adhesive. In the region of the central region 255 excluding the central seal region 281, the upper sheet 251 and the lower sheet 252 are not fused together but are bonded together only with a hot melt adhesive.

[0077] The pair of first sealing regions 283 are arranged at positions spaced apart on both sides of the center line 220 in the width direction, and do not overlap with the center line 220 in a plan view. The shape of the pair of first sealing regions 283 in a plan view is approximately symmetrical with respect to the center line 220. Each first sealing region 283 is located at an end of the central region 255 in the width direction, and is adjacent to the absorbent resin presence region 254 on the inside in the width direction. Each first sealing region 283 is continuous in the width direction with the absorbent resin presence region 254 adjacent to it on the outside in the width direction. Each first sealing region 283 does not overlap with the absorbent resin presence region 254 adjacent to it in the width direction in a plan view. Furthermore, even if absorbent resin 253 (see Figures 2 and 3) is present in the first sealing region 283 due to manufacturing errors, etc., if the area of ​​the region in the first sealing region 283 where absorbent resin 253 is not present is 90% or more of the entire area of ​​the first sealing region 283, the first sealing region 283 is considered to be non-overlapping with the absorbent resin presence region 254 in a planar view.

[0078] The second sealing area 284 is located on the center line 220 in a plan view. The shape of the second sealing area 284 in a plan view is approximately line-symmetrical with respect to the center line 220. The pair of third sealing areas 285 are arranged at positions spaced apart on both sides of the center line 220 in the width direction, and do not overlap with the center line 220 in a plan view. The shapes of the pair of third sealing areas 285 in a plan view are approximately line-symmetrical with respect to the center line 220.

[0079] The width of each of the pair of first sealing regions 283 is preferably larger than the width of the second sealing region 284. Furthermore, the width of each of the pair of first sealing regions 283 is preferably larger than the width of each of the pair of third sealing regions 285. The width of each of the pair of third sealing regions 285 is preferably equal to or larger than the width of the second sealing region 284. The width of each of the first sealing regions 283 is, for example, 150% to 300% of the width of the second sealing region 284. The width of each of the third sealing regions 285 is, for example, 100% to 130% of the width of the second sealing region 284. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the width of each of the first sealing regions 283 is 3 mm to 10 mm, the width of the second sealing region 284 is 2 mm to 5 mm, and the width of each of the third sealing regions 285 is 2 mm to 6.5 mm.

[0080] In the absorbent sheet 25, the upper sheet 251 and the lower sheet 252 are preferably bonded together by a hot melt adhesive applied to both the lower surface of the upper sheet 251 and the upper surface of the lower sheet 252. The hot melt adhesive is also used to fix the absorbent resin 253 (see Figures 2 and 3) in a pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254.

[0081] The method for applying the hot melt adhesive to the upper layer sheet 251 and the lower layer sheet 252 may be appropriately selected from known application methods. For example, the hot melt adhesive is applied to the lower surface of the upper layer sheet 251 in stripes extending in the longitudinal direction. For example, the hot melt adhesive is applied substantially evenly over substantially the entire upper surface of the lower layer sheet 252 by curtain spray coating, spiral coating, omega coating, or the like. The amount of hot melt adhesive applied to the lower layer sheet 252 is preferably greater than the amount of hot melt adhesive applied to the upper layer sheet 251. On the other hand, the basis weight of the hot melt adhesive applied to the lower layer sheet 252 is preferably less than the basis weight of the hot melt adhesive in the area of ​​the upper layer sheet 251 where the hot melt adhesive is applied. Note that the upper layer sheet 251 and the lower layer sheet 252 may be bonded together using an adhesive other than a hot melt adhesive.

[0082] In the absorbent sheet 25, the upper sheet 251 and the lower sheet 252 are preferably fused together in the central seal region 281 and each side seal region 282 by heat sealing. The heat sealing is performed, for example, by applying heat to one of the upper sheet 251 and the lower sheet 252 while pressing them toward the other using a substantially cylindrical anvil roll. The outer circumferential surface of the anvil roll is provided with, for example, a plurality of protrusions (hereinafter also referred to as "protrusion rows") arranged at substantially equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction. Seven protrusion rows corresponding to the pair of first seal regions 283, the second seal region 284, the pair of third seal regions 285, and the pair of side seal regions 282 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the anvil roll. Then, the seven rows of protrusions heat and pressurize the upper sheet 251 and the lower sheet 252 to heat-seal them in each of the areas that are intended to become a pair of first seal areas 283, a second seal area 284, a pair of third seal areas 285 and a pair of side seal areas 282.

[0083] Fig. 8 is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of the absorbent sheet 25 shown in Fig. 7 in the longitudinal direction. A plurality of fused portions 286 (i.e., a plurality of fused marks) corresponding to the rows of protrusions on the anvil roll are provided in each of the pair of first sealed regions 283, the second sealed region 284, the pair of third sealed regions 285, and the pair of side sealed regions 282. In each of the pair of first sealed regions 283, the second sealed region 284, the pair of third sealed regions 285, and the pair of side sealed regions 282, the plurality of fused portions 286 are arranged intermittently in the longitudinal direction at predetermined intervals.

[0084] The shape of each fused portion 286 in plan view is, for example, at least one shape selected from a dot shape, a line shape, and a polygonal shape (i.e., a triangle, a rectangle, a pentagon, etc.). In the example shown in FIG. 8, the shape of each fused portion 286 in plan view is approximately a rhombus. The area of ​​each fused portion 286 in plan view is, for example, 1 mm 2 ~10mm 2The minimum length in the longitudinal direction of the non-fused portion between two longitudinally adjacent fused portions 286 is, for example, 1 mm to 3 mm. Note that, in the central region 255 of the absorbent sheet 25, the pair of third sealed regions 285 may be omitted.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 4, the central region 255 of the absorbent sheet 25 overlaps with the core groove portion 263 of the absorbent core 26 in a planar view. In the absorber 22, at least a portion of the core groove portion 263 overlaps with the central region 255 of the absorbent sheet 25 in a planar view. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the length and width of the core groove portion 263 are smaller than the length and width of the central region 255 of the absorber 22, respectively, and the entire core groove portion 263 overlaps with the central region 255 in a planar view. The width of the core groove portion 263 is, for example, approximately the same as the width of each absorbent resin-existing region 254. Note that if an unintentional difference occurs between the width of the core groove portion 263 and the width of each absorbent resin-existing region 254 due to manufacturing errors or the like, the width of the core groove portion 263 is considered to be approximately the same as the width of each absorbent resin-existing region 254 as long as the difference is 5 mm or less.

[0086] FIG. 9 is a plan view illustrating the absorbent sheet 25 shown in FIG. 7 and the core groove portion 263 of the absorbent core 26 to show the positional relationship between the absorbent sheet and the core groove portion of the absorbent core when the absorbent sheet is placed in an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 9, the core groove portion 263 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. As shown in FIG. 9, in the central region 255 of the absorbent sheet 25, the second sealed region 284 and a pair of third sealed regions 285 overlap with the core groove portion 263 in a planar view. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the widths of the second sealed region 284 and each of the third sealed regions 285 are smaller than the width of the core groove portion 263, and the lengths of the second sealed region 284 and each of the third sealed regions 285 are greater than the length of the core groove portion 263. In addition, the pair of first sealed regions 283 and 285 are spaced outward in the width direction from the core groove portion 263 and do not overlap with the core groove portion 263 in a planar view.

[0087] The pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254 are located widthwise outside the pair of first seal regions 283, and are therefore spaced widthwise outside from the core groove portion 263, and do not overlap with the core groove portion 263 in plan view. As shown in Fig. 4, the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254 are located widthwise inside both side edges of the absorbent core 26. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254 are located widthwise inside both side edges of the absorbent core 26 over substantially the entire length in the longitudinal direction, and do not overlap with the core groove portion 263 in plan view.

[0088] In a plan view, the width of the gap between each absorbent resin presence region 254 and the core groove portion 263 (i.e., the distance in the width direction between the inner side edge in the width direction of each absorbent resin presence region 254 and the side edge of the core groove portion 263) is approximately constant over approximately the entire length. In the example shown in Fig. 4, in a plan view, the width of the gap is smaller than the width of the core groove portion 263 over approximately the entire length in the longitudinal direction.

[0089] It is preferable that the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254 are located widthwise inward of both side edges of the absorbent core 26 at least in the narrowest part 204 of the main body part 2, and do not overlap with the core groove part 263 in a plan view. It is also preferable that the width of the gap between each absorbent resin-existing region 254 and the core groove part 263 is smaller than the width of the core groove part 263 in a plan view, at least in the narrowest part 204 of the main body part 2.

[0090] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the pair of side sheets 3 are arranged on both widthwise sides of the absorbent body 22 and extend in the longitudinal direction. Each side sheet 3 comprises a side sheet main body 31 and an elastic member 32. The side sheet main body 31 is a substantially strip-shaped sheet member arranged on both widthwise sides of the absorbent body 22 and extending in the longitudinal direction. The side sheet main body 31 is provided over substantially the entire length of the main body portion 2 in the longitudinal direction. The side sheet main body 31 is fixed to the side portion of the top sheet 21 via the above-mentioned adhesive layer 41. The adhesive layer 41 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction over substantially the entire length of the side sheet 3.

[0091] In the stretched absorbent article 1, the side sheet main body 31 extends widthwise inward from the portion in contact with the adhesive layer 41 and is folded back widthwise outward and upward (i.e., toward the skin-facing side when worn) at a fold line 39 that extends longitudinally and widthwise inward of the adhesive layer 41. In the example shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the fold line 39 overlaps the absorbent resin-containing region 254 of the absorbent sheet 25 in a planar view. In the following description, a portion of the side sheet main body 31 on one side of the fold line 39 that is fixed to the main body portion 2 by the adhesive layer 41 or the like is also referred to as a "first portion 33." Furthermore, a portion of the side sheet main body 31 on the other side of the fold line 39 that is not directly fixed to the main body portion 2 is also referred to as a "second portion 34." The first portion 33 and the second portion 34 are continuous at the fold line 39.

[0092] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of an absorbent article, and similar to FIG. 1, it shows the absorbent article 1 in an unfolded state. In each side sheet 3, the portion of the first region 33 of the side sheet main body 31 that extends widthwise outward from the side edge of the top sheet 21 (i.e., the portion widthwise outward from the portion that contacts the adhesive layer 41 (see FIGS. 2 and 3)) is joined to the side of the back sheet 23 at the narrowest portion 204, and is joined to the side of the absorbent core 26 and the side of the back sheet 23 at portions other than the narrowest portion 204. In the following description, the widthwise inner edge of the portion of the first region 33 that contacts the adhesive layer 41 is referred to as the "fixed region inner edge 332." The first region 33 is fixed to the main body portion 2 only widthwise outward from the fixed region inner edge 332.

[0093] 2 and 3, the fixed region inner edge 332 is located widthwise outside of the absorbent resin-existing region 254 that is closer to the first portion 33. Therefore, the first portion 33 is fixed to the main body portion 2 widthwise outside of the absorbent resin-existing region 254, and is not fixed to the main body portion 2 on the absorbent resin-existing region 254 or on the widthwise inside of the absorbent resin-existing region 254.

[0094] In FIG. 10 , a fixed region 331, which is a region of the first region 33 that is fixed to the main body portion 2, is indicated by parallel diagonal lines. The first region 33 and the main body portion 2 are fixed together by, for example, a hot melt adhesive. In the example shown in FIG. 10 , the entire region of the first region 33 that is widthwise outer than the fixed region inner edge 332 is the fixed region 331 that is fixed to the main body portion 2. Note that even if there are regions of the first region 33 that are widthwise outer than the fixed region inner edge 332 that cannot be coated with hot melt adhesive due to manufacturing limitations, such as near the side edges of the top sheet 21, the entire region is considered to be the fixed region 331 as long as hot melt adhesive is applied to the entire region other than these regions. The hot melt adhesive is applied to the fixed region 331 by, for example, curtain spray coating, stripe coating, spiral coating, omega coating, or the like.

[0095] As described above, the second region 34 extends from the fold line 39 upward above the first region 33. The second region 34 is overlapped on the first region 33 at both longitudinal ends and fixed to the upper surface of the first region 33 (i.e., the main surface that faces the skin when worn) with a hot melt adhesive or the like. In the following description, the portions of the second region 34 that are fixed to the upper surface of the first region 33 at both longitudinal ends are also referred to as "end fixing portions 341." In FIG. 10, the end fixing portions 341 are indicated by hatched lines that are different from the fixed region 331. The length of the end fixing portions 341 is, for example, 5% to 20% of the length of the main body portion 2, and preferably 10% to 17%.

[0096] As shown in Figures 2 and 10, when the second region 34 is spread outward in the width direction from the fold line 39, the widthwise outer edge of the second region 34 at the narrowest part 204 of the main body portion 2 (i.e., the free end edge of the second region 34) is positioned widthwise outer than the widthwise outer edge of the absorbent core 26 at the narrowest part 204.

[0097] The elastic members 32 extending in the longitudinal direction are joined in a stretched state to the free end portions of the second portions 34 with an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive. In the state shown in Fig. 2 (i.e., the state in which the second portions 34 are spread outward in the width direction from the folding line 39), the elastic members 32 are located outward in the width direction of the absorbent resin-existing region 254 of the absorbent sheet 25 that is closer to the elastic member 32, of the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254, and do not overlap with the absorbent resin-existing region 254 in a plan view.

[0098] When the absorbent article 1 is worn, the elastic members 32 in each side sheet 3 contract, causing the second region 34 to rise from the main body 2 toward the wearer in the longitudinal center of each side sheet 3. When the second region 34 rises, the region of the first region 33 between the fold line 39 and the adhesive layer 41 also rises toward the wearer together with the second region 34. That is, in each side sheet 3, the region of the side sheet main body 31 excluding the fixing region 331 rises toward the wearer from the fixing region inner edge 332, which is the inner edge of the fixing region 331, to form a pair of three-dimensional gathers that come into contact with the wearer's skin. This prevents side leakage of body fluids such as urine (i.e., leakage to the sides from the absorbent article 1).

[0099] The side sheet main body 31 is made of a liquid-repellent and / or liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric (e.g., spunbond nonwoven fabric, meltblown nonwoven fabric, SMS nonwoven fabric, etc.) made of hydrophobic fibers. The elastic members 32 are made of, for example, polyurethane threads, strip-shaped polyurethane films, thread-shaped or strip-shaped natural rubber, etc. In the example shown in FIG. 2, polyurethane threads are used as the elastic members 32.

[0100] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the narrowest portion 204 of the absorbent article 1 when worn. At the narrowest portion 204 of the absorbent article 1, both widthwise side portions of the absorber 22 are pushed inward in the widthwise direction by the wearer's thighs. This causes the absorber 22 to bend at the widthwise center (i.e., the center line 220 shown in FIG. 4) so ​​as to convex downward, deforming into a V-shape or a U-shape. The central region 255 of the absorbent sheet 25 and the core groove portion 263 of the absorbent core 26 are provided in the widthwise center of the absorber 22, making it easy for the absorber 22 to deform into a V-shape or a U-shape. Therefore, the portion of the main body portion 2 near the narrowest portion 204 is relatively far away downward from the wearer's skin, forming a relatively large space between the portion of the main body portion 2 near the narrowest portion 204 and the wearer's skin. As a result, bodily fluids such as urine are temporarily held in the space until they are absorbed by or pass through the absorber 22, thereby suppressing side leakage from the absorbent article 1.

[0101] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the rear portion 203 of the absorbent article 1 when worn. A portion of the wearer is also depicted in FIG. 12. In the rear portion 203 of the absorbent article 1, the intergluteal cleft 92 of the buttocks 91 of the wearer faces the central region 255 of the absorbent sheet 25 in the thickness direction, and a pair of convex portions on both sides of the intergluteal cleft 92 of the buttocks 91 contacts the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions 254 of the absorbent sheet 25. As a result, body fluids such as urine are blocked by the pair of convex portions of the buttocks 91 and the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions 254, and are prevented from migrating outward in the width direction beyond the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions 254. As a result, side leakage from the absorbent article 1 is suppressed. Furthermore, body fluids that migrate outward in the width direction beyond the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions 254 are blocked by the pair of three-dimensional gathers 35, further suppressing side leakage from the absorbent article 1.

[0102] In the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254, when the absorbent resin 253 absorbs body fluids such as urine, it swells in the thickness direction as shown in Fig. 13. This brings the pair of convex portions of the buttocks 91 and the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254 into closer contact. This causes body fluids such as urine to be blocked by the pair of convex portions of the buttocks 91 and the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254, further inhibiting them from moving outward in the width direction beyond the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254. As a result, side leakage from the absorbent article 1 is further inhibited.

[0103] As described above, the absorbent sheet 25 is used in the absorbent article 1 that receives excrement from the wearer. The absorbent sheet 25 comprises a liquid-permeable lower-layer sheet 252, a liquid-permeable upper-layer sheet 251, and an absorbent resin 253. The upper-layer sheet 251 is laminated with the lower-layer sheet 252. The absorbent resin 253 is a granular and / or fibrous resin fixed between the lower-layer sheet 252 and the upper-layer sheet 251. The absorbent resin 253 is arranged in a pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254. Each of the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254 is a band-shaped region extending in the longitudinal direction. The pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254 are spaced apart on both sides in the width direction from the center line 220, which is an imaginary straight line that extends in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the width direction at the center of the width direction of the absorbent sheet 25 in a plan view.

[0104] The region between the pair of absorbent resin presence regions 254 in the width direction (i.e., the central region 255) is a band-shaped region extending in the longitudinal direction. The central region 255 is wider than each of the pair of absorbent resin presence regions 254. The central region 255 includes a sealed region (i.e., a central sealed region 281) where the lower-layer sheet 252 and the upper-layer sheet 251 are joined by fusion. The central sealed region 281 includes a pair of first sealed regions 283 and a second sealed region 284. Each of the pair of first sealed regions 283 is a band-shaped region extending in the longitudinal direction. The pair of first sealed regions 283 are spaced apart on both sides of the center line 220 in the width direction and adjacent to the pair of absorbent resin presence regions 254 on the inner side in the width direction. The second sealed region 284 is a band-shaped region extending in the longitudinal direction. The second sealing region 284 is located between the pair of first sealing regions 283 in the width direction and is spaced apart from the pair of first sealing regions 283 in the width direction.

[0105] In this way, the absorbent sheet 25 has a pair of first sealed regions 283 and second sealed regions 284 extending in stripes in the longitudinal direction provided in the central region 255. This allows body fluids such as urine excreted in the central region 255 to move quickly in the longitudinal direction along the pair of first sealed regions 283 and second sealed regions 284. Furthermore, body fluids such as urine excreted in the central region 255 can be quickly permeated downward (i.e., away from the wearer's skin surface) from the region between the pair of first sealed regions 283 and second sealed regions 284. As a result, the diffusion of body fluids in the longitudinal direction and the permeability in the thickness direction in the central region 255 can be improved. Furthermore, by using this absorbent sheet 25 in an absorbent article 1, the absorption performance of the absorbent article 1 can be improved.

[0106] Furthermore, in the absorbent sheet 25, a pair of absorbent resin-containing regions 254 are spaced apart from the center line 220 in the width direction, and a central region 255 overlaps the center line 220. The central region 255 has lower rigidity and is more easily deformed than the absorbent resin-containing regions 254. Therefore, in the crotch portion 202 of the absorbent article 1 worn by a wearer, the absorbent sheet 25 and the absorbent article 1 are likely to bend near the center line 220 so as to be convex downward, and are likely to deform into a V-shape or a U-shape. This forms a relatively large space between the absorbent article 1 and the wearer's skin in the crotch portion 202. This space can temporarily hold bodily fluids such as urine until the bodily fluids are absorbed by the absorbent resin 253 or permeate downward through the absorbent sheet 25. As a result, side leakage from the absorbent article 1 can be suppressed.

[0107] As described above, in the absorbent sheet 25, the central region 255 is wider than each of the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions 254. This further improves the longitudinal diffusion of bodily fluids in the central region 255. Furthermore, in the crotch region 202, the absorbent sheet 25 and the absorbent article 1 are more likely to deform into a V-shape or a U-shape, thereby increasing the space capable of temporarily retaining bodily fluids. As a result, the absorption performance of the absorbent article 1 can be further improved, and side leakage from the absorbent article 1 can be further suppressed.

[0108] Furthermore, in the absorbent sheet 25, a pair of first sealed regions 283 are adjacent to the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254 on the widthwise inner side, and the upper sheet 251 and the lower sheet 252 are firmly joined in each of the first sealed regions 283. This prevents the absorbent resin 253, which has absorbed bodily fluid and swelled, from breaking the bond between the upper sheet 251 and the lower sheet 252 and leaking from the absorbent resin-existing regions 254 to the central region 255. This causes the absorbent resin 253 to swell relatively highly in the thickness direction in the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254, forming relatively high convex portions on both widthwise sides of the central region 255. As a result, side leakage from the absorbent article 1 in which the absorbent sheet 25 is used can be further suppressed.

[0109] As described above, it is preferable that the absorbent resin 253 is absent in the region (i.e., the central region 255) between the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254 in the width direction. This allows the rigidity of the central region 255 to be lower than when the absorbent resin 253 is present in the central region 255. As a result, the absorbent sheet 25 and the absorbent article 1 are more likely to deform into a V-shape or U-shape in the crotch portion 202, thereby further suppressing side leakage from the absorbent article 1.

[0110] As described above, it is preferable that the width in the width direction of each of the pair of first sealed regions 283 is greater than the width in the width direction of the second sealed region 284. This can further prevent the absorbent resin 253 that has absorbed body fluid and swelled from leaking from the absorbent resin-existing region 254 to the central region 255. As a result, in the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254, the swollen absorbent resin 253 forms relatively high convex portions, making it possible to suitably prevent side leakage from the absorbent article 1 in which the absorbent sheet 25 is used.

[0111] As described above, the second sealing region 284 is preferably located on the centerline 220. In this way, by arranging the second sealing region 284, which promotes longitudinal diffusion of bodily fluids, on the centerline 220, which is likely to face an excretion opening such as the urethral opening of the wearer, the longitudinal diffusion of bodily fluids in the central region 255 can be further improved.

[0112] As described above, it is preferable that the pair of first sealed regions 283 do not overlap the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254 in a plan view. This makes it possible to prevent the swelling of the absorbent resin 253 in each absorbent resin-existing region 254 from being inhibited by the first sealed regions 283. As a result, it is possible to maintain high absorption performance of the absorbent sheet 25.

[0113] As described above, the central sealed region 281 preferably further includes a pair of third sealed regions 285. Each of the pair of third sealed regions 285 is a strip-shaped region extending in the longitudinal direction. The pair of third sealed regions 285 is disposed between one of the pair of first sealed regions 283 and the second sealed region 284, and between the other of the pair of first sealed regions 283 and the second sealed region 284. The pair of third sealed regions 285 are spaced apart in the width direction from the pair of first sealed regions 283 and the pair of second sealed regions 284. This allows bodily fluids such as urine excreted in the central region 255 to move quickly in the longitudinal direction along the pair of third sealed regions 285. As a result, the longitudinal diffusion of bodily fluids in the central region 255 can be further improved.

[0114] As described above, it is preferable that the width in the width direction of each of the pair of first sealed regions 283 is greater than the width in the width direction of each of the pair of third sealed regions 285. This can further prevent the absorbent resin 253 that has absorbed body fluid and swelled from leaking from the absorbent resin-existing regions 254 to the central region 255. As a result, in the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254, the swollen absorbent resin 253 forms relatively high convex portions, making it possible to suitably prevent side leakage from the absorbent article 1 in which the absorbent sheet 25 is used.

[0115] As described above, it is preferable that the width in the width direction of each of the pair of third sealed areas 285 is equal to or greater than the width in the width direction of the second sealed area 284. In this way, by increasing the width of the third sealed area 285 to a certain extent or more, the longitudinal diffusion of bodily fluids can be ensured, while by increasing the width of the non-fused area between the second sealed area 284 and the third sealed area 285 to a certain extent or more, the permeability of bodily fluids can be improved.

[0116] As described above, it is preferable that each of the pair of first and second sealed regions 283, 284 has a plurality of fused regions 286 arranged intermittently in the longitudinal direction at a predetermined interval. This allows the plurality of fused regions 286 in each of the first and second sealed regions 283, 284 to improve the longitudinal diffusibility of bodily fluids, while also improving the thickness-wise permeability of bodily fluids in areas other than the plurality of fused regions 286. As a result, it is possible to favorably achieve both longitudinal diffusibility of bodily fluids and thickness-wise permeability in the central region 255. It is also preferable that each of the pair of third sealed regions 285 has a plurality of fused regions 286 arranged intermittently in the longitudinal direction at a predetermined interval. This allows even more favorably achieving both longitudinal diffusibility of bodily fluids and thickness-wise permeability in the central region 255.

[0117] As described above, the lower layer sheet 252 and the upper layer sheet 251 are preferably bonded together with an adhesive, and the amount of adhesive applied to the lower layer sheet 252 is greater than the amount of adhesive applied to the upper layer sheet 251 in stripes extending in the longitudinal direction. By applying the adhesive in stripes in the upper layer sheet 251 in this way, it is possible to improve the longitudinal diffusion of bodily fluids and the permeability in the thickness direction. Furthermore, by applying a greater amount of adhesive to the lower layer sheet 252 than to the upper layer sheet 251, it is possible to firmly bond the lower layer sheet 252 and the upper layer sheet 251 together.

[0118] The absorbent article 1 described above comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet 21, a liquid-repellent and / or liquid-impermeable back sheet 23, and an absorbent body 22 disposed between the top sheet 21 and the back sheet 23. The absorbent body 22 comprises the absorbent sheet 25 described above and an absorbent core 26. The absorbent core 26 is disposed between the absorbent sheet 25 and the back sheet 23. The absorbent core 26 is a bulky member that is thicker than the absorbent sheet 25. As described above, the absorbent sheet 25 has improved longitudinal diffusion of body fluids and improved permeability in the thickness direction, which prevents body fluids discharged from the wearer from accumulating on the upper surface of the absorbent sheet 25 and enables the body fluids to be dispersed and absorbed over a wide area of ​​the absorbent sheet 25 and the absorbent core 26. As a result, side leakage and liquid backflow from the absorbent article 1 (i.e., the phenomenon in which body fluids pass through the top sheet 21 to the skin-facing side) can be suppressed.

[0119] As described above, the upper surface of the absorbent core 26 is preferably provided with a core groove 263 extending in the longitudinal direction in the central portion in the width direction. The core groove 263 preferably overlaps, in a plan view, the region between the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions 254 of the absorbent sheet 25 in the width direction (i.e., the central region 255). This allows body fluids such as urine that have passed through the absorbent sheet 25 and reached the absorbent core 26 to move quickly in the longitudinal direction within the core groove 263. As a result, the diffusion of body fluids in the longitudinal direction in the absorbent article 1 can be improved.

[0120] Furthermore, the portion of the absorbent core 26 where the core groove portion 263 is provided has lower rigidity than other portions of the absorbent core 26. In the absorbent article 1, the core groove portion 263, which is a low-rigidity portion of the absorbent core 26, overlaps with the central region 255, which is a low-rigidity portion of the absorbent sheet 25. Therefore, when the absorbent article 1 is worn by a wearer, the absorbent article 1 is likely to deform into a V-shape or a U-shape that is convex downward in the crotch portion 202. This makes it possible to increase the space in the crotch portion 202 that can temporarily hold bodily fluids such as urine. As a result, side leakage from the absorbent article 1 can be further suppressed.

[0121] As described above, the absorbent core 26 preferably comprises a first absorbent core 261 and a second absorbent core 262. The first absorbent core 261 has a core groove 263 penetrating it in the thickness direction at its widthwise central portion. The second absorbent core 262 is disposed between the first absorbent core 261 and the backsheet 23. The second absorbent core 262 overlaps with the core groove 263 in a plan view. This allows the second absorbent core 262 to compensate to some extent for the liquid retention capacity of the absorbent core 26 at its widthwise central portion, which is reduced by the provision of the core groove 263. As a result, body fluids are prevented from reaching the backsheet 23 and from seeping out from the backsheet 23.

[0122] As described above, it is preferable that the second sealed region 284 overlaps the core groove portion 263 in plan view. This can further improve the longitudinal diffusion of bodily fluids at the widthwise central portion of the absorbent body 22.

[0123] As described above, preferably, the width of the absorbent sheet 25 in the width direction is greater than the width of the absorbent core 26 in the narrowest portion 204 of the absorbent article 1. Also, preferably, in the narrowest portion 204, the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions 254 are located more inward in the width direction than the both side edges of the absorbent core 26 and do not overlap with the core groove portion 263 in a plan view. In this way, because both side portions of the absorbent sheet 25 protrude laterally from both side edges of the absorbent core 26 in the narrowest portion 204, when the absorbent article 1 is worn, the both side portions of the absorbent sheet 25, which are more easily deformed than the absorbent core 26, are first pushed inward in the width direction by the wearer's thighs, and the absorbent sheet 25 deforms into a V- or U-shape that convex downward.

[0124] Next, both side edges of the absorbent core 26 are pushed inward in the width direction by the wearer's thighs, and the absorbent core 26 is also folded at the core groove portion 263, easily deforming into a V-shape or a U-shape to follow the absorbent sheet 25. At this time, because the core groove portion 263 does not overlap with the absorbent resin-existing region 254, the deformation of the absorbent core 26 at the core groove portion 263 can be prevented from being hindered by the absorbent resin-existing region 254. Therefore, the absorbent core 26 can be deformed into a V-shape or a U-shape even more easily. As a result, the space capable of temporarily holding body fluids such as urine can be increased in the crotch portion 202 of the absorbent article 1, and side leakage from the absorbent article 1 can be further suppressed.

[0125] More preferably, the difference between the width of the absorbent sheet 25 and the width of the absorbent core 26 in the narrowest part 204 is 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less. By making this width difference 5 mm or more, the absorbent sheet 25 and the absorbent core 26 can be more easily deformed into a V-shape or a U-shape. Furthermore, by making this width difference 15 mm or less, the width of the absorbent core 26 in the narrowest part 204 is prevented from becoming excessively small, thereby ensuring the amount of bodily fluid absorbed by the absorbent core 26. As a result, side leakage from the absorbent article 1 can be further suppressed.

[0126] Preferably, in a plan view, in the narrowest portion 204, the width of the gap between each of the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254 and the core groove portion 263 in the width direction is smaller than the width of the core groove portion 263. By making the width of the core groove portion 263 relatively large in the region that overlaps with the central region 255 of the absorbent sheet 25 in this way, it is possible to promote permeation of body fluids in the central region 255. As a result, it is possible to prevent body fluids from accumulating on the skin-facing side of the central region 255, and to suitably prevent side leakage and backflow of fluid from the absorbent article 1.

[0127] Preferably, at least a portion of the upper surface (i.e., the main surface facing the skin) of the absorbent sheet 25 in the narrowest part 204 is joined to the top sheet 21 directly or via another layer, thereby preventing the absorbent sheet 25 in the absorbent article 1 from shifting or twisting.

[0128] As described above, it is preferable that the width in the width direction of the core groove portion 263 is the same as the width in the width direction of each of the pair of absorbent resin existing regions 254. This can promote permeation of body fluids through the absorbent sheet 25 in the crotch portion 202 of the absorbent article 1, and can also suppress side leakage from the absorbent article 1 by suppressing the body fluids from moving outward in the width direction of the absorbent resin existing regions 254.

[0129] As described above, the width of the absorbent core 26 at the narrowest part 204 of the absorbent article 1 is preferably 100 mm or more and 130 mm or less. By making the width 100 mm or more, it is possible to prevent the width of the absorbent core 26 at the narrowest part 204 from becoming excessively small, thereby ensuring the amount of bodily fluids absorbed by the absorbent core 26. Furthermore, by making the width 130 mm or less, it is possible to prevent the absorbent core 26 from compressing the inner thighs of the wearer. As a result, it is possible to improve the wearing comfort of the absorbent article 1.

[0130] As described above, it is preferable that the absorbent article 1 further comprises a pair of side sheets 3 that are arranged on both sides of the absorbent body 22 in the width direction and that stand up toward the wearer when worn. This can further suppress side leakage from the absorbent article 1. In addition, it is preferable that the portions of the pair of side sheets 3 that are fixed to the top sheet 21 are located outward in the width direction from the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254. This can suppress the side sheets 3 from being hindered from standing up by the absorbent resin 253 that has absorbed bodily fluids and swelled.

[0131] As described above, each of the pair of side sheets 3 preferably includes a first region 33 and a second region 34. The first region 33 is a region on one side of a fold line 39 extending in the longitudinal direction and is fixed to the main body portion 2. The second region 34 is a region on the other side of the fold line 39 and extends widthwise outward from the fold line 39 and above the first region 33. The second region 34 stands up toward the wearer when the elastic members 32, which are joined in a stretched state in the longitudinal direction, contract. Preferably, in each of the pair of side sheets 3, the first region 33 is fixed to the main body portion 2 on the widthwise outer side of one of the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions 254 that is closest to the first region 33, and is not fixed to the main body portion 2 above or inward in the widthwise direction of that one absorbent resin-containing region 254. This, as described above, can prevent the side sheet 3 from being prevented from standing up by the absorbent resin 253 that has absorbed and swelled with bodily fluids.

[0132] As described above, preferably, the entire region of the first region 33 that is widthwise outer than the fixed region inner edge 332 located widthwise outer of the one absorbent resin existing region 254 is fixed to the main body portion 2. This makes it possible to suppress twisting of the side sheet 3 on the main body portion 2.

[0133] As described above, in the narrowest portion 204 of the absorbent article 1, when the second region 34 is spread widthwise outward from the fold line 39, the outer widthwise edge of the second region 34 is located widthwise outward of the outer widthwise edge of the absorbent core 26. This makes it possible to increase the height of the side sheets 3 in the narrowest portion 204 when the side sheets 3 are in an upright state. As a result, it is possible to suitably suppress side leakage from the absorbent article 1. Furthermore, by reducing the width of the absorbent core 26 in the narrowest portion 204, it is possible to reduce stiffness in the crotch portion 202 of the absorbent article 1 and improve the wearing comfort of the absorbent article 1.

[0134] As described above, in each of the pair of side sheets 3, both longitudinal end portions of the second region 34 are end fixing portions 341 joined to the upper surface of the first region 33. Preferably, the longitudinal length of the end fixing portions 341 is 5% or more and 20% or less of the longitudinal length of the main body portion 2. This makes it possible to prevent the side sheets 3 from rising obliquely inward. This makes it possible to prevent the elastic members 32 from being pressed against the wearer's skin by the absorbent resin 253 that has absorbed and swelled bodily fluids. As a result, it is possible to reduce irritation to the skin and suppress side leakage from the absorbent article 1.

[0135] As described above, in each of the pair of side sheets 3, when the second region 34 is spread outward in the width direction from the fold line 39, the elastic member 32 is preferably positioned outward in the width direction from one of the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254 that is closer to the elastic member 32. This makes it possible to prevent the elastic member 32 in the upright side sheet 3 from being pressed against the wearer's skin by the absorbent resin 253 that has absorbed and swelled with bodily fluids. As a result, irritation to the skin can be reduced, improving the comfort of wearing the absorbent article 1.

[0136] The absorbent article 1 and absorbent sheet 25 described above can be modified in various ways.

[0137] The length, width, and thickness of each portion of the absorbent article 1 are not limited to the above examples and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the width of the absorbent core 26 at the narrowest portion 204 of the absorbent article 1 may be less than 100 mm or greater than 130 mm. Furthermore, the difference between the width of the absorbent sheet 25 and the width of the absorbent core 26 at the narrowest portion 204 may be less than 5 mm or greater than 15 mm.

[0138] The width of the core groove portion 263 of the absorbent core 26 does not necessarily have to be the same as the width of each absorbent resin-containing region 254 of the absorbent sheet 25 , and may be larger or smaller than the width of the absorbent resin-containing region 254 .

[0139] At the narrowest portion 204 of the absorbent article 1, the upper surface of the absorbent sheet 25 (ie, the main surface facing the skin) does not need to be joined to the top sheet .

[0140] In the narrowest portion 204 of the absorbent article 1, the width of the gap between each absorbent resin presence region 254 and the core groove portion 263 does not necessarily have to be smaller than the width of the core groove portion 263, and may be greater than or equal to the width of the core groove portion 263.

[0141] In the narrowest portion 204 of the absorbent article 1, the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254 may overlap both side edges of the absorbent core 26 in a plan view, or may be located outward in the width direction from both side edges of the absorbent core 26. Furthermore, the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254 may overlap with the core groove portion 263 in a plan view. Note that the core groove portion 263 may be omitted from the absorbent core 26.

[0142] At the narrowest portion 204 of the absorbent article 1, the width of the absorbent sheet 25 does not necessarily have to be greater than the width of the absorbent core , and may be equal to or less than the width of the absorbent core .

[0143] The absorbent core 26 does not necessarily have to be formed by stacking the first absorbent core 261 and the second absorbent core 262, but may be formed, for example, by a single fiber aggregate. Alternatively, the absorbent core 26 may be formed by three or more fiber aggregates. As described above, the fiber aggregate is a bulky, cotton-like member formed mainly by an aggregate of bulky fibers such as fluff pulp, and may contain SAP and / or SAF.

[0144] In the absorbent sheet 25, the method of applying adhesive to the upper sheet 251 and the lower sheet 252 may be changed in various ways. In addition, the amount of adhesive applied to the lower sheet 252 may be equal to or less than the amount of adhesive applied to the upper sheet 251.

[0145] 7, one side seal area 282 is provided at the inner edge of each side area 256 in the width direction of the absorbent sheet 25, but the shape and number of the side seal areas 282 may be changed in various ways. For example, two or more side seal areas 282 spaced apart in the width direction may be arranged in each side area 256. Alternatively, the upper-layer sheet 251 and the lower-layer sheet 252 may be fused together by heat fusion or the like over substantially the entirety of each side area 256, so that substantially the entirety of each side area 256 is formed as a side seal area 282.

[0146] 7, only one second seal area 284 is provided between a pair of first seal areas 283 in the central region 255 of the absorbent sheet 25, but the number of second seal areas 284 may be two or more. Also, in the central region 255, the third seal area 285 may be omitted as described above.

[0147] For example, as shown in FIG. 14, two second sealing regions 284 may be provided between a pair of first sealing regions 283, spaced apart from the pair of first sealing regions 283 on the inside in the width direction. The two second sealing regions 284 are arranged at positions spaced apart on both sides of the center line 220 in the width direction and do not overlap with the center line 220 in a plan view. In the example shown in FIG. 14, the two second sealing regions 284 do not overlap with the core groove portion 263 in a plan view. The shape of each second sealing region 284 in a plan view is substantially the same as the second sealing region 284 shown in FIG. 7. Each second sealing region 284 is a strip-shaped region extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction over substantially the entire length of the absorbent sheet 25. The shapes of the two second sealing regions 284 in a plan view are substantially symmetrical with respect to the center line 220. In the two second sealing regions 284 as well, a plurality of fused portions 286 shown in FIG. 8 are arranged intermittently at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction.

[0148] The shapes of the multiple fused portions 286 may be changed in various ways in the first sealing region 283, the second sealing region 284, and the third sealing region 285. Furthermore, in the first sealing region 283, the second sealing region 284, and the third sealing region 285, instead of or in addition to the multiple fused portions 286, a single band-shaped fused portion extending in the longitudinal direction may be provided.

[0149] In the absorbent sheet 25, the width of each third sealed region 285 may be less than the width of the second sealed region 284. Furthermore, the width of each first sealed region 283 may be equal to or less than the width of each third sealed region 285, or may be equal to or less than the width of the second sealed region 284.

[0150] The pair of first sealing regions 283 do not necessarily need to be non-overlapping with the pair of absorbent resin existing regions 254, and may, for example, partially overlap with the pair of absorbent resin existing regions 254 in a plan view.

[0151] In the absorbent sheet 25, the absorbent resin 253 may be present in the central region 255. However, the basis weight of the absorbent resin 253 in the central region 255 is less than the basis weight of the absorbent resin 253 in the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254, and preferably is 50% or less of the basis weight of the absorbent resin 253 in the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254.

[0152] It is preferable that bulky fibers such as fluff pulp are substantially absent in each absorbent resin-existing region 254, but they may be present to some extent. For example, when absorbent resin 253 and fluff pulp are arranged in each absorbent resin-existing region 254, the ratio of the mass of absorbent resin 253 to the total mass of absorbent resin 253 and fluff pulp is preferably 70% or more, more preferably 90% or more.

[0153] In each side sheet 3, when the second region 34 is spread outward in the width direction from the fold-back line 39, the elastic member 32 does not necessarily have to be located outward in the width direction from the absorbent resin-existing region 254, but may be located on the absorbent resin-existing region 254 or more inward in the width direction than the absorbent resin-existing region 254. Furthermore, when the second region 34 is spread outward in the width direction from the fold-back line 39, the outer edge in the width direction of the second region 34 may overlap the outer edge in the width direction of the absorbent core 26 in a plan view, or may be located more inward in the width direction than the outer edge of the absorbent core 26.

[0154] In each side sheet 3, it is not necessary for the entire portion of the first portion 33 that is widthwise outer than the inner edge 332 of the fixed area to be fixed to the main body portion 2; it is sufficient that at least a portion of that portion is fixed to the main body portion 2.

[0155] In each side sheet 3, the length of the end fixing portion 341 of the second region 34 may be less than 5% of the length of the main body portion 2, and may be greater than 20%.

[0156] The portions of the pair of side sheets 3 that are fixed to the top sheet 21 do not necessarily have to be located widthwise outward of the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254, but may be located on the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254 or widthwise inward of the pair of absorbent resin-existing regions 254. Furthermore, the pair of side sheets 3 do not necessarily have to be provided and may be omitted.

[0157] The absorbent sheet 25 does not necessarily have to be used in the absorbent article 1 described above, but may be used in various absorbent articles 1 having other structures.

[0158] The absorbent article 1 is not necessarily limited to an auxiliary absorbent pad, but may be various absorbent articles other than an auxiliary absorbent pad (for example, a disposable diaper).

[0159] The configurations in the above-described embodiment and each modification may be combined as appropriate as long as they are not mutually contradictory. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 1. Absorbent articles 2 Main body 3 Side seats 21 Topsheet 22 Absorbent 23 Back Seat 25 Absorbent Sheet 26 Absorption Core 31 Side seat body 32 Elastic member 33 Part 1 34 Part 2 39 Turning Line 204 Narrowest part 220 center line 251 Upper Seat 252 Lower Sheet 253 Absorbent Resin 254 Absorbent resin presence region 255 Central area 261 First Absorption Core 262 Second absorption core 263 Core groove 281 Central seal area 283 First seal area 284 Second seal area 285 Third Seal Area 286 Fusion part 331 Fixed area 332 Fixed area inner edge 341 End fixing part

Claims

1. An absorbent sheet used in an absorbent article that receives excrement from a wearer, comprising: a liquid-permeable lower layer sheet; a liquid-permeable upper layer sheet laminated on the lower layer sheet; a granular and / or fibrous absorbent resin fixed between the lower sheet and the upper sheet; Equipped with The absorbent resin is arranged in a pair of absorbent resin-existing regions, each of which is a band-shaped region extending in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from the center line of an imaginary straight line that extends in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the width direction at the center of the width direction of the absorbent sheet in a plan view, and the region between the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions in the width direction is a band-shaped region extending in the longitudinal direction, which is wider than each of the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions, and includes a seal region where the lower-layer sheet and the upper-layer sheet are joined by fusion; The sealing area is a pair of first seal regions, each of which is a strip-shaped region extending in the longitudinal direction, spaced apart from the center line on both sides in the width direction and adjacent to the inner side of the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions in the width direction; a second sealing region that is a strip-shaped region that is located between the pair of first sealing regions in the width direction, is spaced apart from the pair of first sealing regions in the width direction, and extends in the longitudinal direction; Including, a width in a width direction of each of the pair of first sealing regions is larger than a width in a width direction of the second sealing region; An absorbent sheet characterized in that the absorbent resin is not present in the region between the pair of absorbent resin-present regions in the width direction.

2. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1, The absorbent sheet is characterized in that the second seal area is located on the centerline.

3. 3. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1 or 2, An absorbent sheet, characterized in that the pair of first seal regions do not overlap the pair of absorbent resin existing regions in a plan view.

4. 4. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1, The sealing area is an absorbent sheet further comprising a pair of third seal areas, each of which is a strip-shaped area extending in the longitudinal direction, and which are arranged between one of the pair of first seal areas and the second seal area, and between the other of the pair of first seal areas and the second seal area, and which are spaced apart in the width direction from the pair of first seal areas and the pair of second seal areas.

5. The absorbent sheet according to claim 4, An absorbent sheet, wherein the width of each of the pair of first seal regions is greater than the width of each of the pair of third seal regions.

6. 6. The absorbent sheet according to claim 4 or 5, An absorbent sheet, wherein the width of each of the pair of third seal areas is equal to or greater than the width of the second seal area.

7. 7. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1, An absorbent sheet, characterized in that a plurality of fused portions are provided in each of the pair of first sealed regions and the pair of second sealed regions, the fused portions being arranged intermittently at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction.

8. 8. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1, The lower layer sheet and the upper layer sheet are bonded together with an adhesive, An absorbent sheet characterized in that the amount of adhesive applied to the lower layer sheet is greater than the amount of adhesive applied to the upper layer sheet in stripes extending in the longitudinal direction.

9. An absorbent article for receiving excrement from a wearer, comprising: a liquid-permeable top sheet; a liquid-repellent and / or liquid-impermeable back sheet; an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet; Equipped with The absorbent body is An absorbent sheet according to any one of claims 1 to 8; a bulky absorbent core that is disposed between the absorbent sheet and the back sheet and is thicker than the absorbent sheet; An absorbent article comprising:

10. The absorbent article according to claim 9, An absorbent article characterized in that a core groove portion is provided on the upper surface of the absorbent core, extending longitudinally in the center of the width direction and overlapping in a planar view with the region between the pair of absorbent resin presence regions of the absorbent sheet in the width direction.

11. The absorbent article of claim 10, The absorbent core comprises: a first absorbent core having the core groove portion penetrating in the thickness direction at a central portion in the width direction; a second absorbent core disposed between the first absorbent core and the back sheet and overlapping the core groove portion in a plan view; An absorbent article comprising:

12. The absorbent article according to claim 10 or 11, The absorbent article is characterized in that the second seal area overlaps with the core groove portion in a plan view.

13. An absorbent article for receiving excrement from a wearer, comprising: a liquid-permeable top sheet; a liquid-repellent and / or liquid-impermeable back sheet; an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet; Equipped with The absorbent body is An absorbent sheet; a bulky absorbent core that is disposed between the absorbent sheet and the back sheet and is thicker than the absorbent sheet; Equipped with The absorbent sheet is a liquid-permeable lower layer sheet; a liquid-permeable upper layer sheet laminated on the lower layer sheet; a granular and / or fibrous absorbent resin fixed between the lower sheet and the upper sheet; Equipped with The absorbent resin is arranged in a pair of absorbent resin-existing regions, each of which is a band-shaped region extending in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from the center line of an imaginary straight line that extends in a longitudinal direction perpendicular to the width direction at the center of the width direction of the absorbent sheet in a plan view, and the region between the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions in the width direction is a band-shaped region extending in the longitudinal direction, which is wider than each of the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions, and includes a seal region where the lower-layer sheet and the upper-layer sheet are joined by fusion; The sealing area is a pair of first seal regions, each of which is a strip-shaped region extending in the longitudinal direction, spaced apart from the center line on both sides in the width direction and adjacent to the inner side of the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions in the width direction; a second sealing region that is a strip-shaped region that is located between the pair of first sealing regions in the width direction, is spaced apart from the pair of first sealing regions in the width direction, and extends in the longitudinal direction; Including, a core groove portion extending in the longitudinal direction at a central portion in the width direction on the upper surface of the absorbent core and overlapping in a plan view with a region between the pair of absorbent resin existing regions of the absorbent sheet in the width direction; At the narrowest part of the absorbent article, the width of the absorbent sheet in the width direction is larger than the width of the absorbent core in the width direction, An absorbent article characterized in that, in the narrowest portion, the pair of absorbent resin-containing regions are located widthwise inward of both side edges of the absorbent core and do not overlap with the core groove portion in a plan view.

14. 14. The absorbent article of claim 13, An absorbent article characterized in that, at the narrowest part, the difference between the width of the absorbent sheet in the width direction and the width of the absorbent core in the width direction is 5 mm or more and 15 mm or less.

15. The absorbent article according to claim 13 or 14, An absorbent article characterized in that, in the narrowest portion, when viewed in a plane, the width of the gap between each of the pair of absorbent resin presence regions and the core groove portion is smaller than the width of the core groove portion.

16. 16. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 13 to 15, An absorbent article characterized in that at least a portion of the upper surface of the absorbent sheet at the narrowest portion is joined to the top sheet directly or via another layer.

17. 17. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 13 to 16, An absorbent article, characterized in that the width of each of the pair of first seal areas is greater than the width of the second seal area.

18. 18. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 10 to 17, An absorbent article characterized in that the width of the core groove portion in the width direction is the same as the width of each of the pair of absorbent resin existing regions in the width direction.

19. 19. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 9 to 18, An absorbent article, wherein the width of the absorbent core at the narrowest part of the absorbent article is 100 mm or more and 130 mm or less.

20. 20. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 9 to 19, The absorbent body further includes a pair of side sheets that are arranged on both sides in the width direction of the absorbent body and stand up toward the wearer when worn, An absorbent article characterized in that the portions of the pair of side sheets fixed to the top sheet are located outward in the width direction from the pair of absorbent resin existing regions.

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