absorbent articles

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article which can improve wearing feeling.SOLUTION: An absorbent article having a length in a longitudinal direction and a width in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction includes an absorber having an absorbent core for absorbing a liquid and a skin surface side sheet arranged on a skin surface side of the absorber. At least one of both end parts in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core has a first part and a second part dented relative to the first part to a central side in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core. The first part and the second part are adjacent to each other in the width direction of the absorbent core.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Absorbent articles that absorb liquids such as urine and body fluids are known (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-97871 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The absorbent article has an absorbent body and a skin-facing sheet disposed on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body. When the end of the absorbent body contacts the wearer's skin via the skin-facing sheet, the absorbent article may feel uncomfortable against the skin when worn, which may impair comfort when worn.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that can improve wearing comfort. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is an absorbent article having a length along a longitudinal direction and a width along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, comprising an absorbent body having an absorbent core that absorbs liquid, and a skin-facing side sheet arranged on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body, wherein at least one of both longitudinal end portions of the absorbent core has a first portion and a second portion that is recessed more than the first portion toward the center of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction, and the first portion and the second portion are adjacent along the width direction of the absorbent core. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent article that can improve wearing comfort. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an absorbent pad according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the absorbent pad according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the absorbent pad according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(A) is a perspective view showing a part of the upper-layer absorbent mat, and FIG. 4(B) is a side view showing a part of the upper-layer absorbent mat. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view showing a portion of the absorbent pad. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a table showing the results of the sensory test. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a table showing the results of the sensory test. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a table showing the results of the evaluation test. [Figure 9] FIG. 9(A) is a perspective view showing a part of the upper-layer absorbent mat of the absorbent pad according to the first modification, and FIG. 9(B) is a side view showing a part of the upper-layer absorbent mat of the absorbent pad according to the first modification. [Figure 10] FIG. 10(A) is a perspective view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat of an absorbent pad according to Modification 2, and FIG. 10(B) is a side view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat of an absorbent pad according to Modification 2. [Figure 11] FIG. 11(A) is a perspective view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat of an absorbent pad according to Modification 3, and FIG. 11(B) is a side view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat of an absorbent pad according to Modification 3. [Figure 12] FIG. 12(A) is a perspective view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat of an absorbent pad according to Modification 4, and FIG. 12(B) is a side view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat of an absorbent pad according to Modification 4. [Figure 13]FIG. 13(A) is a perspective view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat of an absorbent pad according to Modification 5, and FIG. 13(B) is a side view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat of an absorbent pad according to Modification 5. [Figure 14] FIG. 14(A) is a perspective view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat of an absorbent pad according to Modification 6, and FIG. 14(B) is a side view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat of an absorbent pad according to Modification 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, absorbent articles according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the configurations of the following embodiments are examples, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments.

[0010] <Embodiment> In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of a replaceable absorbent pad (an example of an "absorbent article" in this application) is the direction connecting the front body portion, which is positioned opposite the wearer's abdomen, and the back body portion, which is positioned opposite the wearer's back. A crotch section, which is positioned between the front body portion (one side in the longitudinal direction) and the back body portion (the other side in the longitudinal direction) (at the center in the longitudinal direction) and is positioned under the wearer's crotch (facing the crotch), is located adjacent to the front body portion. Furthermore, when the absorbent pad is worn by a wearer (hereinafter abbreviated as "worn state"), the side facing the wearer's skin (the inner side when worn) is the skin-facing side, and the side opposite the skin-facing side (the outer side when worn) is the non-skin-facing side. Furthermore, the direction connecting the skin-facing side and the non-skin-facing side is the thickness direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the thickness direction is the width direction. Additionally, a view from the thickness direction is a planar view.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an absorbent pad according to this embodiment. The absorbent pad 1 includes a crotch region 1B, which corresponds to the crotch area covering the wearer's genitals when worn; a front region 1F, located on the abdominal side of the crotch region 1B and corresponding to the wearer's front and waist; and a back region 1R, located on the back side of the crotch region 1B and corresponding to the wearer's back and waist. An absorbent body is incorporated centered around the crotch region 1B. In the front and back regions 1F and 1R, in the absorbent body-free areas in the transverse and longitudinal directions of the absorbent pad, all sheets covering the absorbent body are bonded with a hot-melt adhesive or the like, preventing the inflow of bodily fluids from non-adhesive areas and regulating the position of the absorbent body. The absorbent pad 1 is worn between the underwear and the skin, providing close contact with the wearer's skin. Furthermore, if this absorbent pad 1 is placed inside a tape-type diaper or pants-type diaper, the absorbent pad 1 will absorb the discharged liquid, so even if the wearer discharges liquid, only the absorbent pad 1 needs to be replaced and the diaper itself can be reused.

[0012] Furthermore, the absorbent pad 1 is provided with elastic bodies 2L, 2R in areas surrounding the wearer's legs (thighs) to prevent the formation of gaps between the absorbent pad 1 and the wearer's skin that could serve as a liquid outflow path. The elastic bodies 2L, 2R extend in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent pad 1. Elastic bodies 3BL, 3BR are attached to the ends of side sheets 8L, 8R, which are a pair of side sheets extending more inward in the skin-facing width direction of the absorbent pad 1 than the elastic bodies 2L, 2R, on the central side in the width direction of the absorbent pad 1. When worn, the side sheets 8L, 8R stand up due to the force of the elastic bodies 3BL, 3BR, and become three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R. The absorbent pad 1 conforms to the wearer's body shape due to the force of the elastic bodies 2L, 2R, which function as leg gathers, and is in close contact with the wearer's skin due to the three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R that stand up due to the force of the elastic bodies 3BL, 3BR. Therefore, bodily fluids discharged from the wearer do not leak from the absorbent pad 1. The air is absorbed by the absorbent body of the absorbent pad 1. The elastic members constituting the elastic bodies 2L, 2R and the elastic bodies 3BL, 3BR may be selected appropriately from rubber threads, band-shaped rubber, etc. Furthermore, the elastic bodies 2L, 2R, 3BL, 3BR may be multiple rubber threads extending in parallel.

[0013] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the absorbent pad according to this embodiment. The absorbent pad 1 includes side sheets 8L, 8R forming three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R, a top sheet 7, a back sheet 5, an absorbent body 6, and a cover sheet 4 including elastic bodies 2L, 2R, which are layered in this order from the skin-facing side to the non-skin-facing side. The absorbent body 6 is absent at the front and back body ends of the absorbent pad 1, and all sheets are bonded together. The absorbent body 6 may be rectangular. The sheets may be bonded together using methods such as hot-melt adhesive or ultrasonic welding. The top sheet 7 is an example of a skin-facing sheet in the present disclosure, and the back sheet 5 is an example of a non-skin-facing sheet in the present disclosure.

[0014] The cover sheet 4 is a durable sheet that forms the exterior surface of the absorbent pad 1 and facilitates maintaining the overall shape of the absorbent pad 1. The cover sheet 4 is generally made of a nonwoven fabric composed of synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyethylene terephthalate. The cover sheet 4 may be liquid-permeable or liquid-impermeable. Alternatively, a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric may be perforated in multiple locations to provide breathability. While the cover sheet 4 is present in this embodiment, the back sheet 5, described below, may also have a shape-maintaining effect, and the cover sheet 4 may be omitted. The back sheet 5 is a liquid-impermeable sheet. For example, the back sheet 5 is a film sheet made of a thermoplastic liquid-impermeable resin such as polyethylene film to prevent leakage of excreted liquid. The back sheet 5 is moisture-permeable and gas-permeable, i.e., gas-permeable, to prevent stuffiness when worn.

[0015] The top sheet 7 is placed on the wearer's skin side so as to cover the water-absorbing surface of the absorbent body 6, and is made of a spunbond nonwoven fabric containing thermoplastic resin fibers, an air-through nonwoven fabric, or the like. This top sheet 7 is liquid permeable in part or in whole. Therefore, when the absorbent pad 1 is placed, bodily fluids excreted by the wearer pass through the top sheet 7, which may come into contact with the wearer's skin, into the absorbent body 6, and are absorbed therein. The top sheet 7 may also be hydrophilic. The longitudinal direction of the absorbent pad 1 is the same as the longitudinal directions of the absorbent body 6 and the top sheet 7.

[0016] The back sheet 5, absorbent body 6, and top sheet 7 all extend from the front body region 1F to the back body region 1R. Therefore, when the wearer's genitals are covered with the cover sheet 4, in which the back sheet 5, absorbent body 6, and top sheet 7 are laminated, the longitudinal ends of the back sheet 5, absorbent body 6, and top sheet 7 are located on the wearer's ventral and dorsal sides. In other words, the wearer's genitals are covered by the absorbent body 6 from the ventral to the dorsal sides. Therefore, whether the wearer is lying supine or prone, excreted fluid comes into contact with the absorbent body 6 via the top sheet 7.

[0017] The side sheets 8L, 8R are made of a moisture-permeable but water-impermeable nonwoven fabric. As mentioned above, the side sheets 8L, 8R adhere closely to the skin as three-dimensional gathers 3L, 3R. Therefore, exudates that come into contact with the side sheets 8L, 8R do not leak further in the width direction of the absorbent pad 1, and the moisture contained in the exudates is gradually absorbed by the absorbent body 6. The top sheet 7 is made of a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric that feels pleasant against the skin. It directly receives bodily fluids by coming into contact with the skin and gradually absorbs them into the absorbent body 6. It also prevents backflow of bodily fluids already absorbed by the absorbent body 6. The elastic bodies 2L, 2R are provided at the widthwise ends of the absorbent pad 1, and the contractile force of the elastic bodies 2L, 2R urges the absorbent pad 1 to conform to the wearer's body shape. In other words, the elastic bodies 2L, 2R function as side gathers.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment. Specifically, it is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent pad 1 of FIG. 1 taken along line AA. The absorbent pad 1 has an absorbent body 6 wrapped in a top sheet 7 provided on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 6, side sheets 8L and 8R provided on the lateral sides of the absorbent body 6, and a back sheet 5 provided on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body 6. The absorbent body 6 has an absorbent core 6C and a core wrap sheet 6W that wraps around the absorbent core 6C. The top sheet 7 and the side sheets 8L and 8R are joined at both skin-facing end portions of the top sheet 7, and the side sheets 8L and 8R and the back sheet 5 are joined on the non-skin-facing side. In this way, the sheets that wrap around the absorbent body 6 are joined together to form a bag-like space, so the absorbent body 6 does not escape from this bag-like space.

[0019] The absorbent body 6 has a structure in which granular absorbent resin such as SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer), a hydrophilic polymer with a cross-linked structure that can absorb and retain water, is held in the gaps between short fibers of cellulosic fibers such as pulp fibers, rayon fibers, or cotton fibers, or short fibers made by hydrophilizing synthetic fibers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene terephthalate. Therefore, in the absorbent body 6, the volumetric change of the absorbent resin before and after absorbing liquid basically occurs within the short fibers that hold the absorbent resin in the gaps. Therefore, when viewed from the perspective of the entire absorbent body 6, it can be said that the expansion rate of the thickness of the absorbent body 6 after absorbing liquid is not as large as the expansion rate of the absorbent resin itself.

[0020] In this disclosure, SAP particles refer to granular resin compositions containing SAP. The term "SAP-containing resin compositions" as used herein encompasses both compositions consisting solely of SAP and compositions containing SAP as the primary component, with other substances added to the extent that they do not adversely affect water absorption. Examples of "other substances" include additives (such as surface modifiers added to hydrophobize the particle surface) and unreacted monomers remaining during the synthesis of SAP.

[0021] The absorbent core 6C of the absorbent pad 1 according to this embodiment is formed by stacking multiple absorbent mats. Specifically, the absorbent core 6C includes an upper-layer absorbent mat 6a provided on the wearer's skin-facing side and a lower-layer absorbent mat 6b provided on the non-skin-facing side. The upper-layer absorbent mat 6a is an example of an upper-layer absorbent material in the present disclosure, and the lower-layer absorbent mat 6b is an example of a lower-layer absorbent material in the present disclosure. The upper-layer absorbent mat 6a may be formed by mixing pulp fibers and SAP particles. In this case, when exudate flows into the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a from the top sheet 7 side, the exudate is absorbed by the SAP particles contained in the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a and can fix the exudate. Alternatively, the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a may be formed of other fibers without containing pulp fibers. The lower-layer absorbent mat 6b may be formed by mixing pulp fibers and SAP particles. Alternatively, the lower-layer absorbent mat 6b may be designed so as not to include SAP particles. When the lower absorbent mat 6b does not contain SAP particles, it is formed by molding pulp fibers.

[0022] The lower-layer absorbent mat 6b has a width equal to or greater than that of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a across the entire longitudinal region of the absorbent body 6. For example, the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a may be hourglass-shaped, and the lower-layer absorbent mat 6b may be substantially rectangular. The central portion of the absorbent body 6 is the area into which the most discharged liquid flows. By providing the absorbent core 6C with a multi-layer structure in this area, discharged liquid can be absorbed efficiently.

[0023] The crotch region 1B is sandwiched between the legs of the wearer, and therefore compressive pressure is applied inward in the width direction. On the other hand, in the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R, pressure is applied in the thickness direction of the absorbent body 6 due to the weight of the wearer. The crotch region 1B of the storage mat 6a is provided with a constriction.

[0024] SAP particles can absorb and fix discharged liquid, but it takes a certain amount of time to absorb the discharged liquid. The lower-layer absorbent mat 6b temporarily retains and diffuses the discharged liquid that the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a was unable to absorb, allowing the discharged liquid to be absorbed over a wider area of ​​the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. When SAP particles absorb water and expand, a phenomenon known as core blocking can occur, blocking the flow path of the discharged liquid. However, the lower-layer absorbent mat 6b contains only a small amount of SAP particles, allowing the discharged liquid to move relatively easily within the lower-layer absorbent mat 6b. Therefore, the lower-layer absorbent mat 6b has higher liquid diffusibility than the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a and functions as a diffusion layer for the discharged liquid.

[0025] The absorbent core 6C has SAP layers 11L and 11R disposed between the upper and lower absorbent mats 6a and 6b. The SAP layers 11L and 11R are formed by a collection of SAP particles. As shown in FIG. 3, the SAP layer 11L is disposed on the left side of the absorbent core 6C, and the SAP layer 11R is disposed on the right side of the absorbent core 6C. The SAP layers 11L and 11R may be rectangular, elliptical, or other polygonal in plan view. By providing the SAP layers 11L and 11R between the upper and lower absorbent mats 6a and 6b, the absorbent core 6C can increase its overall absorption capacity of exudate. Alternatively, SAP particles may be dispersed in the widthwise center between the upper and lower absorbent mats 6a and 6b to form a SAP layer having the SAP layers 11L and 11R.

[0026] The SAP layers 11L, 11R are formed, for example, by scattering SAP particles on the lower absorbent mat 6b during the manufacturing process of the absorbent core 6C. The SAP layers 11L, 11R are sandwiched between the upper absorbent mat 6a and the lower absorbent mat 6b. This prevents the SAP particles contained in the SAP layers 11L, 11R from moving even when the absorbent pad 1 moves due to the wearer's movements. Alternatively, an adhesive may be applied to the surface of the lower absorbent mat 6b to adhere the SAP particles to the surface of the lower absorbent mat 6b.

[0027] The core wrap sheet 6W is a thin, liquid-permeable sheet. By wrapping the absorbent core 6C with the core wrap sheet 6W, the SAP of the absorbent core 6C described above is less likely to be mixed with other structures. It also prevents the absorbent core 6C from losing its shape. The core wrap sheet 6W can be formed from a nonwoven fabric or pulp fiber, and tissue paper is an example of pulp fiber. The absorbent body 6 is wrapped in a back sheet 5 and a top sheet 7, and these sheets also help prevent the absorbent body 6 from losing its shape. Therefore, a configuration without the core wrap sheet 6W is also possible. In the configuration shown in Figure 3, the core wrap sheet 6W is composed of two sheets: an upper-layer core wrap sheet 6Wa and a lower-layer core wrap sheet 6Wb. The upper-layer core wrap sheet 6Wa covers the top sheet 7 side, which is the skin-facing side of the absorbent core 6C, and the lower-layer core wrap sheet 6Wb covers the back sheet 5 side, which is the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core 6C, and the side surfaces of the absorbent core 6C. The upper-layer core wrap sheet 6Wa and the lower-layer core wrap sheet 6Wb are laminated and bonded to each other at both widthwise ends of the skin-facing side of the absorbent core 6C. Therefore, the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 6 is made up of the upper-layer core wrap sheet 6Wa, and the side and non-skin-facing sides of the absorbent body 6 are made up of the lower-layer core wrap sheet 6Wb.

[0028] The lower core wrap sheet 6Wb and the back sheet 5 are bonded together with a plurality of adhesives HM such as hot melt that are applied in a roughly linear pattern in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent pad 1, forming a bonded region. When viewed from the width direction, the adhesive HM is applied intermittently to form a plurality of bonded sections that are spaced apart from one another, and between the bonded sections, non-bonded sections that are non-bonded regions where no adhesive HM is applied are formed in a roughly linear pattern when viewed from the longitudinal direction. Discharged liquid that has entered between the lower core wrap sheet 6Wb and the back sheet 5 is retained in the non-bonded regions. The core wrap sheet When composed of two sheets, the upper core wrap sheet 6Wa and the lower core wrap sheet 6Wb may be made of the same material. The upper core wrap sheet 6Wa and the lower core wrap sheet 6Wb may be, for example, tissue paper. Alternatively, the upper core wrap sheet 6Wa and the lower core wrap sheet 6Wb may be made of different materials.

[0029] FIG. 4(A) is a perspective view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a, and FIG. 4(B) is a side view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) show one of the longitudinal end portions of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The configuration of the other of the longitudinal end portions of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a is the same as the configuration of one of the longitudinal end portions of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. Each of the longitudinal end portions of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a has a first portion 21, which is a pillar portion (thick portion), and a second portion 22, which is a recessed portion recessed further than the first portion 21 toward the longitudinal center of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. Either of the longitudinal end portions of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a may have the first portion 21 and the second portion 22, or both of the longitudinal end portions of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a may have the first portion 21 and the second portion 22. The second portion 22 is a thin portion that is thinner than the first portion 21. As shown in Figures 4(A) and (B), the second portion 22 has a gradient portion (gradient shape) that gradually becomes thinner toward the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The gradient surface of the second portion 22 may be a curved surface or an inclined surface. The gradient surface of the second portion 22 is continuous with the skin-facing surface of the end portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a and is also continuous with the side surface of the end portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a.

[0030] The first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are adjacent to each other along the width direction of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. In FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), the first portions 21 and the second portions 22 are arranged alternately adjacent to each other along the width direction of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. Therefore, the first portions 21 are arranged intermittently along the width direction of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a, and the second portions 22 are arranged intermittently along the width direction of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. One first portion 21 and one second portion 22 may be arranged adjacent to each other along the width direction of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. For example, an upper-layer absorbent mat 6a in which the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 are integrally formed can be manufactured by layering fibers on a forming drum having molds corresponding to the shapes of the first portion 21 and the second portion 22 on its outer periphery.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a side view showing a portion of the absorbent pad 1. FIG. 5 shows a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a, a portion of the lower-layer absorbent mat 6b, a portion of the upper-layer core wrap sheet 6Wa, a portion of the lower-layer core wrap sheet 6Wb, and a portion of the top sheet 7. The lower-layer absorbent mat 6b is disposed on the side opposite the skin-facing side of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. In the thickness direction of the absorbent body 6, the end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a and the lower-layer absorbent mat 6b overlap. Therefore, the first portion 21 and the lower-layer absorbent mat 6b overlap in the thickness direction of the absorbent body 6, and the second portion 22 and the lower-layer absorbent mat 6b overlap in the thickness direction of the absorbent body 6. Because the second portion 22 is recessed toward the center in the longitudinal direction of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a, a space is formed between the top sheet 7 and the second portion 22. In other words, a space is formed below the top sheet 7.

[0032] When the end of the absorbent body 6 abuts against the top sheet 7, the absorbent pad 1 feels uncomfortable against the skin when worn, which may result in a poor wearing comfort. The skin-facing side of the end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a is recessed, and a space is formed between the top sheet 7 and the second portion 22. As a result, a part of the end of the absorbent body 6 abuts against the top sheet 7, while another part of the end of the absorbent body 6 does not abut against the top sheet 7. This makes the absorbent pad 1 feel soft against the skin when worn, improving wearing comfort.

[0033] When the absorbent pad 1 is worn, body pressure is exerted on the first portion 21, but since a space is formed between the top sheet 7 and the second portion 22, body pressure is less likely to be exerted on the second portion 22. When no body pressure is applied to the second portion 22 or when the body pressure applied to the second portion 22 is low, excreted liquid that reaches the longitudinal end of the upper absorbent mat 6a moves from the second portion 22 to the lower absorbent mat 6b without entering the space between the top sheet 7 and the second portion 22. This makes it easier for the excreted liquid to move from the upper absorbent mat 6a to the lower absorbent mat 6b, and also prevents the excreted liquid from flowing back into the top sheet 7 or the upper absorbent mat 6a.

[0034] The second portion 22 has a gradient portion that gradually becomes thinner toward the longitudinal end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The second portion 22 is adjacent to the first portion 21 and functions as a support portion that supports the first portion 21. This prevents the first portion 21 from folding or collapsing when body pressure is applied to the first portion 21 while the absorbent pad 1 is being worn.

[0035] A sensory test was conducted on the absorbent pad 1. In the absorbent pad 1 used in this sensory test, at least one of both longitudinal ends of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a has a first portion 21 and a second portion 22. In the sensory test, 30 adult subjects were used, and the feel of each absorbent pad 1 on the skin was evaluated when each subject wore each absorbent pad 1 without wearing any clothes. Figures 6 and 7 are tables showing the results of the sensory test.

[0036] The "Absorbent Pad No." column in the table of FIG. 6 indicates the number of each absorbent pad, and the "Pulp Basis Weight" column in the table of FIG. 6 indicates the pulp basis weight of the first portion 21. In the table of FIG. 6, if 16 or more subjects out of 30 subjects felt that the absorbent pad was soft against the skin, it is marked with "Good," and if 16 or more subjects out of 30 subjects felt that the absorbent pad was not soft against the skin, it is marked with "Poor." In addition, in the table of FIG. 6, if the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a was not crushed, it is marked with "Good," and if the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a was crushed, it is marked with "Poor." From the results of FIG. 6, the pulp basis weight of the first portion 21 was 110 g / m 2 More than 270g / m 2 It is preferable that:

[0037] The "Absorbent Pad No." column in the table of FIG. 7 indicates the number of each absorbent pad, and the "Length" column in the table of FIG. 7 indicates the length (W1) of the first portion 21 in the width direction of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. In the table of FIG. 7, if 16 or more of the 30 subjects felt that the absorbent pad was soft against the skin, it is marked with "Good," and if 16 or more of the 30 subjects felt that the absorbent pad was not soft against the skin, it is marked with "Poor." In addition, in the table of FIG. 7, if the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a was not crushed, it is marked with "Good," and if the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a was crushed, it is marked with "Poor." From the results of FIG. 7, it is preferable that the length of the first portion 21 in the width direction of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a be 4 mm or more and 11 mm or less.

[0038] The inclusion of pulp in the lower-layer absorbent mat 6b allows the lower-layer absorbent mat 6b to rapidly absorb discharged liquid, and makes it easier for discharged liquid to move from the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a to the lower-layer absorbent mat 6b. An evaluation test of the absorbent pad 1 was conducted. In this evaluation test, at least one of the longitudinal ends of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a in the absorbent pad 1 has a first portion 21 and a second portion 22, and the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a and the lower-layer absorbent mat 6b overlap. Figure 8 is a table showing the results of the evaluation test. The "Absorbent Pad No." column in the table of Figure 8 indicates the number of each absorbent pad, and the "Pulp Basis Weight" column in the table of Figure 8 indicates the pulp basis weight of the lower-layer absorbent mat 6b. In the table of Fig. 8, the case where the lower absorbent mat 6b was able to quickly absorb the discharged liquid, was able to sufficiently retain the discharged liquid, and was comfortable to wear is marked with "Good", and the case where the lower absorbent mat 6b was not able to quickly absorb the discharged liquid, was not able to sufficiently retain the discharged liquid, or was uncomfortable to wear is marked with "Poor". From the results of Fig. 8, it can be seen that the pulp basis weight of the lower absorbent mat 6b was 100 g / m 2 More than 300g / m 2 It is preferable that:

[0039] <Variation 1> An absorbent pad 1 according to Modification 1 of this embodiment will now be described. Fig. 9(A) is a perspective view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a of the absorbent pad 1 according to Modification 1, and Fig. 9(B) is a side view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a of the absorbent pad 1 according to Modification 1. Figs. 9(A) and 9(B) show one of both longitudinal end portions of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The configuration of the other longitudinal end portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a is the same as the configuration of one of both longitudinal end portions of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a.

[0040] The second portion 22 is a thin portion thinner than the first portion 21. As shown in FIGS. 9(A) and 9(B), the second portion 22 has a sloped portion that gradually becomes thinner toward the longitudinal end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The sloped surface of the second portion 22 may be a curved surface or an inclined surface. The sloped surface of the second portion 22 is continuous with the skin-facing surface of the end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a and also with the non-skin-facing surface of the end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The sloped portion of the second portion 22 functions as a support portion that supports the first portion 21, preventing the first portion 21 from folding or collapsing when body pressure is applied to the first portion 21 while the absorbent pad 1 is being worn.

[0041] <Variation 2> The upper-layer absorbent mat 6a of the absorbent pad 1 according to Modification 2 of this embodiment will now be described. Fig. 10(A) is a perspective view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a of the absorbent pad 1 according to Modification 2, and Fig. 10(B) is a side view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a according to Modification 2. Figs. 10(A) and 10(B) show one of both longitudinal end portions of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The configuration of the other longitudinal end portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a is the same as the configuration of one of both longitudinal end portions of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a.

[0042] The second portion 22 is a thin portion thinner than the first portion 21. As shown in FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B), the second portion 22 has a flat portion 22a and a sloped portion 22b that gradually becomes thinner toward the longitudinal end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The flat surface of the flat portion 22a is continuous with the sloped surface of the sloped portion 22b and with the side of the end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The sloped surface of the sloped portion 22b is continuous with the skin-facing surface of the end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a and with the flat surface of the flat portion 22a. Therefore, the flat portion 22a is located at the longitudinal end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a, and the sloped portion 22b is located toward the longitudinal center of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The sloped surface of the sloped portion 22b may be curved or inclined. The sloped portion 22b functions as a support portion that supports the first portion 21, and prevents the first portion 21 from bending or collapsing when body pressure is applied to the first portion 21 while the absorbent pad 1 is being worn.

[0043] <Variation 3> The upper-layer absorbent mat 6a of the absorbent pad 1 according to Modification 3 of this embodiment will now be described. Fig. 11(A) is a perspective view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a of the absorbent pad 1 according to Modification 3, and Fig. 11(B) is a side view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a of the absorbent pad 1 according to Modification 3. Figs. 11(A) and 11(B) show one of both longitudinal end portions of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The configuration of the other longitudinal end portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a is the same as the configuration of one of both longitudinal end portions of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a.

[0044] The second portion 22 is a thin portion thinner than the first portion 21. As shown in Figures 11(A) and (B), the second portion 22 has a flat portion 22c and a wall portion 22d extending perpendicular to the flat portion 22c. The perpendicular direction to the flat portion 22c coincides with the thickness direction of the absorbent body 6. The flat surface of the flat portion 22c is continuous with the side surface of the end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a and is also continuous with the surface of the wall portion 22d. The surface of the wall portion 22d is also continuous with the flat surface of the flat portion 22c and is also continuous with the skin-facing surface of the end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. Therefore, the flat portion 22c is located at the end of the upper absorbent mat 6a in the longitudinal direction, and the wall 22d is located at the center of the upper absorbent mat 6a in the longitudinal direction.

[0045] <Variation 4> The upper-layer absorbent mat 6a of the absorbent pad 1 according to Modification 4 of this embodiment will now be described. Fig. 12(A) is a perspective view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a of the absorbent pad 1 according to Modification 4, and Fig. 12(B) is a side view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a of the absorbent pad 1 according to Modification 4. Figs. 12(A) and 12(B) show one of both longitudinal end portions of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The configuration of the other longitudinal end portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a is the same as the configuration of one of both longitudinal end portions of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a.

[0046] The second portion 22 is a thin portion thinner than the first portion 21. As shown in FIGS. 12(A) and 12(B), the second portion 22 has a plurality of flat portions 22e and a plurality of wall portions 22f extending perpendicular to each flat portion 22e. The direction perpendicular to the flat portions 22e coincides with the thickness direction of the absorbent body 6. The flat portions 22e and the wall portions 22f are arranged alternately adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The heights of the flat portions 22e are different, and the heights of the flat portions 22e decrease toward the longitudinal end portions of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. In other words, the heights of the flat portions 22e increase toward the longitudinal center of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. Thus, the thickness of the second portion 22 is thinner than the thickness of the first portion 21 and gradually decreases toward the longitudinal end portions of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. That is, the second portion 22 has a stepped portion (stepped shape) that becomes lower toward the longitudinal end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The stepped portion of the second portion 22 functions as a support portion that supports the first portion 21, and prevents the first portion 21 from folding or collapsing when body pressure is applied to the first portion 21 while the absorbent pad 1 is being worn.

[0047] <Variation 5> The upper-layer absorbent mat 6a of the absorbent pad 1 according to Modification 5 of this embodiment will now be described. Fig. 13(A) is a perspective view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a of the absorbent pad 1 according to Modification 5, and Fig. 13(B) is a side view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a of the absorbent pad 1 according to Modification 5. Figs. 13(A) and 13(B) show one of both longitudinal end portions of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The configuration of the other longitudinal end portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a is the same as the configuration of one of both longitudinal end portions of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a.

[0048] As shown in Figures 13(A) and 13(B), the second portion 22 has an opening 22g penetrating the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a from the skin-facing side of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a toward the side opposite the skin-facing side (non-skin-facing side) of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a, and a thin portion 22h thinner than the first portion 21. The opening 22g and the thin portion 22h are adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The opening 22g is located at the longitudinal end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a, and the thin portion 22h is located toward the longitudinal center of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. As shown in Figures 13(A) and 13(B), the thickness of the thin portion 22h gradually decreases toward the longitudinal end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. In other words, the thin portion 22h has a gradient that gradually decreases toward the longitudinal end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The inclined surface of the thin portion 22h may be a curved surface or an inclined surface. The inclined surface of the thin portion 22h is continuous with the skin-facing surface of the end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a and is also continuous with the non-skin-facing surface of the end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The thickness of the thin portion 22h may be gradually reduced toward the longitudinal end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. That is, the thin portion 22h may have a stepped portion (step-like shape) in which the step becomes lower toward the longitudinal end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The thin portion 22h functions as a support portion for supporting the first portion 21, and prevents the first portion 21 from being bent or crushed when body pressure is applied to the first portion 21 while wearing the absorbent pad 1.

[0049] <Variation 6> The upper-layer absorbent mat 6a of the absorbent pad 1 according to Modification 6 of this embodiment will now be described. Fig. 14(A) is a perspective view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a of the absorbent pad 1 according to Modification 6, and Fig. 14(B) is a side view showing a portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a of the absorbent pad 1 according to Modification 6. Figs. 14(A) and (B) show one of both longitudinal end portions of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The configuration of the other longitudinal end portion of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a is the same as the configuration of one of both longitudinal end portions of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a.

[0050] As shown in Figures 14(A) and 14(B), the second portion 22 has an opening 22j that penetrates the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a from the skin-facing side of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a to the side opposite the skin-facing side (non-skin-facing side) of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a, and a wall portion 22k that extends perpendicular to the opening 22j. The perpendicular direction to the opening 22j coincides with the thickness direction of the absorbent body 6. The opening 22j and the wall portion 22k are adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a. The opening 22j is located at the end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a in the longitudinal direction, and the wall portion 22k is located at the center of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a in the longitudinal direction. The surface of the wall portion 22k is continuous with the skin-facing side of the end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a and is also continuous with the non-skin-facing side of the end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a.

[0051] In Modifications 1 to 6, the second portion 22 is recessed toward the longitudinal center of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a, thereby forming a space between the top sheet 7 and the second portion 22. According to Modifications 1 to 6, similar to the embodiment, when no body pressure is applied to the second portion 22 or when the body pressure applied to the second portion 22 is low, excreted liquid that reaches the longitudinal end of the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a moves from the second portion 22 to the lower-layer absorbent mat 6b without entering the space between the top sheet 7 and the second portion 22. This makes it easier for excreted liquid to move from the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a to the lower-layer absorbent mat 6b, and prevents excreted liquid from flowing back into the top sheet 7 or the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a.

[0052] <Other embodiments> Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, an absorbent pad has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can also be applied to absorbent articles such as tape-type disposable diapers and pants-type disposable diapers. In the above embodiment, the absorbent core 6C includes an upper-layer absorbent mat 6a and a lower-layer absorbent mat 6b. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and the absorbent core 6C may include the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a but not the lower-layer absorbent mat 6b. In this case, SAP layers 11L and 11R are disposed between the upper-layer absorbent mat 6a and the lower-layer core wrap sheet 6Wb.

[0053] The features included in the embodiments and modifications disclosed above can be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0054] 1. Absorbent pad 1B...Inseam area 1F: Front body area 1R: Back body area 2L, 2R... Elastic body 3BL, 3BR... Elastic body 3L, 3R: 3D gathers 4. Cover sheet 5. Back seat 6. Absorber 6C··Absorbent Core 6a··Upper layer absorbent mat 6b Lower layer absorbent mat 6W Core Wrap Sheet 6Wa··Upper layer core wrap sheet 6Wb Lower core wrap sheet 7. Top sheet 8L, 8R side seats HM Hot Melt 11L,11R··SAP layer 21...Part 1 22...Second part 22a, 22c, 22e...Flat area 22b Gradient section 22d,22f,22k...Wall part 22g,22j·opening 22h Thin section

Claims

1. An absorbent article having a length along a longitudinal direction and a width along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, an absorbent body having an absorbent core for absorbing liquid; a skin-facing sheet disposed on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body; With At least one of both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core has a first portion and a second portion recessed more toward the center of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction than the first portion, the first portion and the second portion are adjacent to each other along the width direction of the absorbent core, the second portion has a thin portion that is thinner than the thickness of the first portion, The thickness of the thin portion gradually decreases toward the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body. Absorbent articles.

2. An absorbent article having a length along a longitudinal direction and a width along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, an absorbent body having an absorbent core for absorbing liquid; a skin-facing sheet disposed on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body; With At least one of both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core has a first portion and a second portion recessed more toward the center of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction than the first portion, the first portion and the second portion are adjacent to each other along the width direction of the absorbent core, the second portion has an opening penetrating the absorbent core from the skin side of the absorbent body toward the opposite side of the skin side of the absorbent body, and a thin portion having a thickness thinner than that of the first portion, The thickness of the thin portion gradually decreases toward the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body. Absorbent articles.

3. An absorbent article having a length along a longitudinal direction and a width along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, an absorbent body having an absorbent core for absorbing liquid; a skin-facing sheet disposed on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body; With At least one of both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core has a first portion and a second portion recessed more toward the center of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction than the first portion, the first portion and the second portion are adjacent to each other along the width direction of the absorbent core, the second portion has a thin portion that is thinner than the thickness of the first portion, The thickness of the thin portion is gradually reduced toward the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body.

4. An absorbent article having a length along a longitudinal direction and a width along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, an absorbent body having an absorbent core for absorbing liquid; a skin-facing sheet disposed on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body; With At least one of both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core has a first portion and a second portion recessed more toward the center of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction than the first portion, the first portion and the second portion are adjacent to each other along the width direction of the absorbent core, the second portion has an opening penetrating the absorbent core from the skin side of the absorbent body toward the opposite side of the skin side of the absorbent body, and a thin portion having a thickness thinner than that of the first portion, The thickness of the thin portion is gradually reduced toward the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body.

5. The pulp basis weight of the first portion is 110 g / m ２ More than 270g / m ２ Below is the The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The length of the first portion in the width direction of the absorbent core is 4 mm or more and 11 mm or less. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. An absorbent article having a length along a longitudinal direction and a width along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, an absorbent body having an absorbent core for absorbing liquid; a skin-facing sheet disposed on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body; With At least one of both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent core has a first portion and a second portion recessed more toward the center of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction than the first portion, the first portion and the second portion are adjacent to each other along the width direction of the absorbent core, the absorbent core has the first portion and the second portion formed therein, and includes an upper-layer absorbent material provided on a side facing the skin of the wearer, and a lower-layer absorbent material provided on a side not facing the skin of the wearer, the first portion and the lower-layer absorbent material overlap in the thickness direction of the absorbent body, and the second portion and the lower-layer absorbent material overlap in the thickness direction of the absorbent body, The second portion has an opening that penetrates the upper absorbent material from the skin side of the absorbent body toward the opposite side of the skin side of the absorbent body, and a thin portion that is thinner than the thickness of the first portion. Absorbent articles.

8. The thickness of the thin portion gradually decreases toward the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body. The absorbent article of claim 7.

9. The thickness of the thin portion is gradually reduced toward the end portion in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body. The absorbent article of claim 7.

10. The lower absorbent material contains pulp. The absorbent article of claim 7.

11. The pulp basis weight of the lower layer absorbent material is 100 g / m ２ More than 300g / m ２ Below is the The absorbent article of claim 10.

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