absorbent articles

Abstract

To provide an absorbent pad by which the wearing of an absorbent article is difficult to be noticed from outside.SOLUTION: A gripping part 31 for gripping an absorbent article with a hand is provided on a front side of a front side part F2 and on a rear side of a rear side part B2 of the absorbent article. A thickness of an absorber 32 arranged in the gripping part 31 is thinner than a thickness of the absorber 32 arranged on a central side in a front-back direction with respect to the gripping part 31.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article having an absorbent core, and particularly to an absorbent article in which the thickness of the absorbent core is hardly felt. [Background technology]

[0002] In the following description, a disposable diaper will be taken as an example of an absorbent article, but the absorbent article is not limited to a disposable diaper and includes absorbent articles other than disposable diapers, such as sanitary napkins.

[0003] Wearers of tape-type or pants-type disposable diapers sometimes wear absorbent pads (also called "pad-type disposable diapers"; the same applies below) inside the diapers. The advantage of using such absorbent pads is that after urination, it is sufficient to simply change the absorbent pad, rather than the diaper.

[0004] Users of pants-type disposable diapers tend to have higher ADL (activities of daily living, i.e., the minimum daily activities required for daily living) than users of tape-type disposable diapers, go out more frequently, and tend to be more active. Users of such pants-type disposable diapers have expressed a desire for absorbent pads that are difficult for others to see when they are being worn. They have also expressed a desire for absorbent pads that do not restrict movement when worn.

[0005] One method to meet such consumer demands is to emboss and compress an absorbent body made of an aggregate of pulp fibers and highly absorbent polymer particles, thereby thinning the absorbent body, which is the thickest component of the absorbent pad, and thereby making the absorbent pad less noticeable from the outside. However, when the absorbent body is embossed and compressed, it becomes hard, which can cause discomfort to the wearer and reduce the fit to the wearer's skin, making it difficult to move.

[0006] Another possible method for meeting the aforementioned consumer demands is to use an absorbent material that does not contain pulp fibers (SAP sheet). This SAP sheet generally refers to a sheet (Super Absorbent Polymer Sheet) in which highly absorbent polymer particles are sandwiched and fixed between a lower nonwoven fabric and an upper nonwoven fabric (between the two nonwoven fabrics). However, such SAP sheets generally have a slow absorption rate of bodily fluids such as urine, which can lead to problems such as urine leakage.

[0007] An invention related to the present invention is disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. The absorbent structure and absorbent wearing article using the same disclosed in Patent Document 1 have a thick section located near the first edge, a thin section located near the second edge, and a thickness gradient section located between the thick and thin sections, the thickness of which gradually decreases from the first edge to the second edge. This absorbent structure can fully exhibit its absorption performance by having the thick sections located in the front waist region and crotch region where urine is excreted. At the same time, the thin sections located in the rear waist region improve the fit around the wearer's buttocks and enhance the absorption efficiency of the entire absorbent structure.

[0008] However, the absorbent structure and absorbent wearing article using the same disclosed in Patent Document 1 intentionally have thick portions, and therefore cannot solve the problem of making it impossible to tell from the outside that the absorbent structure is being worn. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-111419 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent pad that is difficult to notice from the outside that the pad is being worn. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The absorbent article that solves the above problems is as follows. <First aspect> An absorbent article having a crotch portion and a front portion and a rear portion extending on both the front and rear sides of the crotch portion, a liquid-permeable top sheet; A liquid-impermeable back sheet; an absorbent body interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, In a product state, the absorbent article is folded at a central portion in the front-to-rear direction with the top sheet inward, and the top sheet in the front portion and the top sheet in the rear portion face each other, a gripping portion for gripping the absorbent article by hand is provided on a front side of the front portion and a rear side of the rear portion of the absorbent article; An absorbent article, characterized in that the thickness of the absorber disposed in the gripping portion is thinner than the thickness of the absorber disposed closer to the center in the front-to-rear direction than the gripping portion.

[0012] (Action and effect) The absorbent article of this embodiment is configured such that, in a finished product state, the top sheet is folded inward at the center portion in the front-to-rear direction, so that the top sheet in the front portion and the top sheet in the rear portion face each other. The absorbent article has gripping portions on the front side of the front portion and the rear side of the rear portion. These gripping portions are used by a wearer of the absorbent article to grip the absorbent article with their hands when wearing it. Generally, the wearer grips the absorbent article by pinching both front-to-rear end portions of the absorbent article in the folded-in-place finished state between their thumb and other fingers. Therefore, the gripping portions are the front side of the front portion and the rear side of the rear portion of the absorbent article, which are likely to be gripped by the wearer when gripping the absorbent article. The wearer who grips the absorbent article in this manner then removes the absorbent article from the package, unfolds both front-to-rear end portions of the absorbent article to place it in an unfolded state, and then places and secures it on the inner surface of a disposable diaper or the like.

[0013] This embodiment is characterized in that the thickness of the absorbent body disposed in the gripping portion is thinner than the thickness of the absorbent body disposed closer to the center in the front-rear direction than the gripping portion. By making the thickness of the absorbent body in the gripping portion thinner than the thickness of the absorbent body in other portions, when the wearer grasps the absorbent article during the putting-on stage, the wearer is likely to feel as if the absorbent body of the entire absorbent article is thin. Therefore, even after putting on the absorbent article, the feeling of grasping the absorbent article remains, giving the wearer the feeling that the absorbent article is not hindering their movements. Furthermore, by making the thickness of the absorbent body in the gripping portion thin but not the thickness of the absorbent body in other portions, the absorbency of body fluids such as urine can be maintained without a significant decrease. Generally, the areas that absorb the most body fluids, such as urine, are often areas other than the gripping portion of this embodiment, so even if the absorbent body in the gripping portion is made thin, problems such as urine leakage are unlikely to occur.

[0014] Furthermore, when the absorbent article is worn, the portion of the absorbent article where the gripping portion is located comes into contact with the upper abdominal and upper dorsal surfaces of the wearer, and if the absorbent body in this gripping portion is thick, the upper abdominal or upper dorsal surface of the wearer will be in a bulging state, making it easy for outsiders to see that the absorbent article is being worn. Therefore, in this embodiment, the thickness of the absorbent body located in the gripping portion of the absorbent article is made thin, making it difficult for outsiders to see that the absorbent article is being worn. Note that in this embodiment, the thickness of the absorbent body in portions other than the gripping portion is not made thin, but because the portions other than the gripping portion come into contact with, for example, the wearer's crotch, even if they are thick to a certain extent, the problem of it being easy to see that the absorbent article is being worn is unlikely to occur.

[0015] <Second aspect> The absorbent body is a superabsorbent polymer sheet having a liquid-permeable first sheet provided on the front side, a second sheet provided on the back side, and superabsorbent polymer particles held between the first sheet and the second sheet; a collection of pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles; the superabsorbent polymer sheet extends from the gripping portion at the front of the absorbent article through the crotch area to the gripping portion at the rear, The absorbent article of the first aspect, wherein the collection body is arranged closer to the center in the front-rear direction than the gripping portion.

[0016] (Action and effect) In a second embodiment, the superabsorbent polymer sheet extends from the gripping portion at the front of the absorbent article, through the crotch area, to the gripping portion at the rear. By arranging the superabsorbent polymer sheet in this manner, a minimum level of bodily fluid absorption performance is ensured in all areas of the absorbent article in the front-to-rear direction, thereby preventing leakage of bodily fluids.

[0017] Furthermore, an aggregate of pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles is disposed closer to the center in the front-to-rear direction than the gripping portion, and this aggregate is laminated with a superabsorbent polymer sheet. Generally, the area closer to the center in the front-to-rear direction than the gripping portion is where body fluids such as urine are easily excreted, so by disposing the aggregate in this area, leakage of body fluids can be effectively prevented.

[0018] <Third aspect> A portion closer to the center in the front-rear direction than the gripping portion is a non-gripping portion that is not to be gripped by hand, the thickness of the absorbent body disposed in the gripping portion is thinner than the thickness of the absorbent body disposed in the non-gripping portion; An absorbent article of the first or second aspect, wherein the boundary portion between the gripping portion and the non-gripping portion bulges from both widthwise ends of the absorbent article toward the widthwise center and toward the front-to-back center.

[0019] (Action and effect) Because the thickness of the absorbent body differs between the gripping and non-gripping portions, a difference in rigidity occurs, making the absorbent article prone to bending at the boundary between the gripping and non-gripping portions. If the absorbent article (e.g., absorbent pad) bends between the gripping and non-gripping portions when worn, it becomes difficult to wear inside another absorbent article (e.g., pants-type disposable diaper) or outerwear (e.g., regular pants).

[0020] Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to prevent the above-mentioned problems caused by the difference in thickness of the absorbent core in the gripping portion and the absorbent core in the non-gripping portion at the boundary between the gripping portion and the non-gripping portion, the boundary between the gripping portion and the non-gripping portion is shaped to bulge from both widthwise ends of the absorbent article toward the widthwise center and toward the front-to-back center. That is, the shape of the boundary between the gripping portion and the non-gripping portion is characterized in that it does not extend in a straight line across the width of the absorbent article in a plan view. Specifically, for example, the boundary may gradually extend from the left widthwise end of the absorbent article to the right toward the crotch side (front-to-back center), and then change direction at the widthwise middle of the absorbent article to gradually extend outward in the front-to-back direction (in the direction opposite to the crotch side) toward the right widthwise end of the absorbent article. The shape of this boundary portion in a plan view is recessed toward the crotch side in the front-to-back direction and toward the center in the width direction, and can be, for example, approximately U-shaped (the boundary portion is curved) or approximately V-shaped (the boundary portion is straight).

[0021] In this way, rather than making the shape of the boundary portion straight across the width direction, the shape is made to bulge from both ends of the absorbent article in the width direction toward the center and toward the center in the front-to-back direction. This makes it difficult for the absorbent article to bend at the boundary between the gripping portion and the non-gripping portion, even if the thickness of the absorbent body in the gripping portion and the absorbent body in the non-gripping portion are different.

[0022] Furthermore, when a wearer grasps an absorbent article, they tend to imagine the state after grasping it and grasp it at a position where gravity is easily balanced. That is, a wearer is more likely to grasp the absorbent article at the widthwise middle portion than at the widthwise end portions. Therefore, at the widthwise middle portion of the absorbent article, it is necessary to actively prevent the thick absorbent body of the non-gripping portion from coming into contact with the tips of the wearer's hands, so it is necessary to lengthen the front-rear length from the front-rear end edges of the absorbent article to the non-gripping portion (specifically, the length from the rear front-rear end edge of the rear portion of the absorbent article to the non-gripping portion of the rear portion, and the length from the front front-rear end edge of the front portion of the absorbent article to the non-gripping portion of the front portion; the same applies below). Conversely, at the widthwise end portions of the absorbent article, it is unlikely that the wearer will grasp those end portions in the first place, so it is not necessary to actively prevent the thick absorbent body of the non-gripping portion from coming into contact with the tips of the wearer's hands, and therefore it is less likely to cause problems if the front-rear length from the front-rear end edges to the non-gripping portion is shortened. Therefore, it is preferable that the shape of the boundary portion be a shape that bulges from both widthwise ends of the absorbent article toward the widthwise center and toward the front-rear center. Conversely, it is not preferable that the shape of the boundary portion be a shape that bulges from both widthwise ends of the absorbent article toward the widthwise center and toward the front-rear outer sides (directions opposite the widthwise center).

[0023] <Fourth aspect> An absorbent article having a crotch portion and a front portion and a rear portion extending on both the front and rear sides of the crotch portion, a liquid-permeable top sheet; A liquid-impermeable back sheet; an absorbent body interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, In a product state, the absorbent article is folded at a central portion in the front-to-rear direction with the top sheet inward, and the top sheet in the front portion and the top sheet in the rear portion face each other, a gripping portion for gripping the absorbent article by hand is provided on a front side of the front portion and a rear side of the rear portion of the absorbent article; The absorbent article is characterized in that the absorber is not disposed in the gripping portion, but is disposed closer to the center in the front-rear direction than the gripping portion.

[0024] (Action and effect) The basic effects are the same as those of the first embodiment. However, in the fourth embodiment, since no absorbent body is disposed in the gripping portion, the wearer is likely to feel the thinness of the absorbent article when gripping it. Therefore, after putting on the absorbent article, the feeling of gripping it remains, and the wearer can be given a deeper sense that the absorbent article is not hindering their movements.

[0025] Furthermore, if the thickness of the gripping portion of the absorbent article is made even thinner than in the first embodiment, the thickness of the portion of the absorbent article that comes into contact with the upper ventral and upper dorsal sides of the wearer becomes even thinner than in the first embodiment, making it more difficult for outsiders to tell that the absorbent article is being worn.

[0026] <Fifth aspect> The center side of the gripping portion in the front-rear direction is a non-gripping portion that is not gripped by hand, the absorber is not disposed in the gripping portion but is disposed in the non-gripping portion, The absorbent article of the fourth aspect, wherein the boundary portions between the gripping portions and the non-gripping portions bulge from both widthwise ends of the absorbent article toward the widthwise center and toward the front-to-back center.

[0027] (Action and effect) The basic effects are the same as those of the third embodiment. However, in the fifth embodiment, the difference in thickness between the gripping portion and the non-gripping portion is greater than in the third embodiment. Therefore, the fifth embodiment is more prone to bending at the boundary than the third embodiment, and the presence of a bulging shape at the boundary to prevent this bending is more important. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent pad that is difficult to notice from the outside that it is being worn. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing the inner surface side of the pad-type disposable diaper according to the first embodiment in an unfolded state, in which the hatched areas indicate the fixed portions of the gathered sheet. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing only the main part of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along the line Y-Y. [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 3 is a plan view showing the positions of gripping portions and non-gripping portions relative to the plan view of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view (schematic view) showing the absorbent article in a finished state when held by hand. [Figure 7] 1 is a plan view (schematic view) showing the inner surface side of a pad-type disposable diaper according to the present invention in an unfolded state in Experimental Example 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a plan view (schematic view) showing the inner surface side of a pad-type disposable diaper according to a comparative example in Experimental Example 1 in an unfolded state. [Figure 9] 1 is a plan view (schematic view) showing the inner surface side of a pad-type disposable diaper according to the present invention in an unfolded state in Experimental Example 2. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a plan view (schematic view) showing the inner surface side of a pad-type disposable diaper according to Comparative Example 1 in Experimental Example 2 in an unfolded state. [Figure 11] 10 is a plan view (schematic view) showing the inner surface side of a pad-type disposable diaper according to Comparative Example 2 in an unfolded state in Experimental Example 2. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a plan view (schematic view) showing the inner surface side of a pad-type disposable diaper according to Comparative Example 3 in Experimental Example 2 in an unfolded state. [Figure 13] 10 is a plan view (schematic view) showing the inner surface side of a pad-type disposable diaper according to Comparative Example 4 in Experimental Example 2 in an unfolded state. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a VAS test in Experimental Example 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Examples of absorbent articles will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] (groin area, front part, back part) The term "crotch area" refers to the area that corresponds to the crotch of the body when in use. Depending on the product, this may mean the range from the center or vicinity of the center in the front-to-back direction LD of the article to a specified area on the front side, as in the illustrated embodiment, or a specified area in the center of the front-to-back direction LD of the article. If there is a narrow waisted area in the middle of the front-to-back direction LD of the article or in the middle of the front-to-back direction LD of the absorbent body 23, this refers to a specified range in the front-to-back direction with the narrowest area of ​​either or both waisted areas as the center in the front-to-back direction. Furthermore, "front portion (ventral portion)" refers to the area in front of the crotch area, and "rear portion (dorsal portion)" refers to the area behind the crotch area.

[0032] (Joining means) The joining means for joining the components can be, for example, adhesives, such as solid, bead, curtain, summit, or spiral application of hot melt adhesive, or pattern coating (transfer of hot melt adhesive using a relief printing method), or alternatively or in addition, the fixed portion of the elastic member can be formed by application to the outer surface of the elastic member using a comb gun or SureWrap application. Hot melt adhesives include, for example, EVA-based, adhesive rubber-based (elastomer-based), olefin-based, and polyester / polyamide-based types, but there is no particular limitation on the type that can be used. The joining means for joining the components can also be material welding methods such as heat sealing and ultrasonic sealing.

[0033] (Basic structure of pad-type disposable diapers) 1 to 4 show a pad-type disposable diaper 200 as an example of an absorbent article. This pad-type disposable diaper 200 has a crotch region C2 and a front region F2 and a rear region B2 extending on both the front and rear sides of the crotch region C2. The dimensions of each region can be determined appropriately. For example, the overall length (length in the front-to-rear direction) L of the article can be approximately 350 to 700 mm, and the overall width W1 can be approximately 130 to 400 mm (but not less than the width of the absorber 23). In this case, the length in the front-to-rear direction of the crotch region C2 can be approximately 10 to 150 mm, the length in the front-to-rear direction of the front region F2 can be approximately 50 to 350 mm, and the length in the front-to-rear direction of the rear region B2 can be approximately 50 to 350 mm. The width W3 of the crotch region C2 for adults can be 100 mm or more, particularly approximately 120 to 260 mm.

[0034] The pad-type disposable diaper 200 has a basic structure in which an absorbent body 23 is interposed between a liquid-permeable top sheet 22 and a liquid-impermeable outer sheet 21 .

[0035] (Outer sheet) An outer sheet 21 is provided on the back side of the absorbent body 23 so as to slightly extend beyond the periphery of the absorbent body 23. In addition to polyethylene film, etc., a sheet that is moisture-permeable without impairing water-blocking properties can also be used as the outer sheet 21 to prevent stuffiness. This water-blocking and moisture-permeable sheet can be a microporous sheet obtained by melt-kneading an inorganic filler into an olefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene to form a sheet, and then stretching the sheet in a uniaxial or biaxial direction.

[0036] (exterior sheet) The outer surface of the outer sheet 21 is covered with an exterior sheet 27 made of nonwoven fabric, which extends outward from the periphery of the outer sheet 21 by a predetermined extension width. Various types of nonwoven fabric can be used as the exterior sheet 27. The material fibers that make up the nonwoven fabric can include synthetic fibers such as olefins such as polyethylene or polypropylene, polyesters, and polyamides, as well as recycled fibers such as rayon or cupra, and natural fibers such as cotton. The exterior sheet 27 can also be omitted.

[0037] (back seat) The sheet located on the back side of the absorbent body 23 is called the back sheet 10, and this back sheet 10 includes the outer sheet 21 and the exterior sheet 27. In other words, the back sheet 10 is a generic term that encompasses the outer sheet 21 and the exterior sheet 27. The back sheet 10 does not include the packaging sheet 26.

[0038] (Top sheet) The front side of the absorbent body 23 is covered with a liquid-permeable top sheet 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the absorbent body 23 partially extends beyond the side edges of the top sheet 22, but the width of the top sheet 22 can be increased so that the side edges of the absorbent body 23 do not extend beyond the side edges. Various nonwoven fabrics can be used for the top sheet 22. The constituent fibers of the nonwoven fabric may be short fibers or long fibers (continuous fibers). Examples of such fibers include synthetic fibers (such as olefin-based fibers, polyester-based fibers, and amide-based fibers, such as polyethylene and polypropylene) (either single-component fibers or composite fibers with a core-sheath structure composed of multiple components), regenerated fibers (such as rayon and cupra), and natural fibers (such as cotton). The method for bonding the fibers of the nonwoven fabric is not particularly limited, and may be chemical, such as adhesives or solvents, or physical, such as mechanical entanglement or thermal bonding. One preferred nonwoven fabric for the top sheet is an air-through nonwoven fabric made by hot-air bonding thermoplastic synthetic fibers. Details of the top sheet 22 will be described later.

[0039] (middle seat) It is desirable to interpose an intermediate sheet 25 between the top sheet 22 and the absorbent body 23. This intermediate sheet 25 is provided to prevent backflow of urine absorbed by the absorbent body 23, and is preferably made of a material with low water retention and high liquid permeability, such as various nonwoven fabrics or mesh films. When the front end of the top sheet 22 is 0% and the rear end of the top sheet 22 is 100%, the front end of the intermediate sheet 25 is preferably located in the range of 0-11%, and the rear end of the intermediate sheet 25 is preferably located in the range of 92-100%. Furthermore, it is desirable that the width W4 of the intermediate sheet 25 is approximately 50-100% of the minimum width W5 of the constricted portion 23n of the absorbent body 23, which will be described later. The intermediate sheet 25 may be omitted.

[0040] (End flap, side flap, 3D gathers) At both ends of the pad-type disposable diaper 200 in the front-to-rear direction LD, the exterior sheet 27 and the top sheet 22 are bonded together, extending forward and rearward beyond the front and rear ends of the absorbent body 23, to form end flap portions EF where the absorbent body 23 is not present. At both sides of the pad-type disposable diaper 200, the exterior sheet 27 extends outward beyond the side edges of the absorbent body 23. The outer portions 24x of the gather sheet 24s forming the three-dimensional gathers 24 in the width direction WD are bonded to the inner surface of the portion from this extension to the side of the top sheet 22 over the entire front-to-rear direction LD, forming side flap portions SF where the upper-layer absorbent body 23A and the lower-layer absorbent body 23B are not present. These bonded portions can be formed using a hot-melt adhesive, heat sealing, or ultrasonic sealing. If the exterior sheet 27 is not provided, the outer sheet 21 can be extended to the side flap portions SF instead of the exterior sheet 27 to form the outer surfaces of the side flap portions SF.

[0041] The gathered sheet 24s may be made of a plastic sheet or meltblown nonwoven fabric, but in terms of feel to the skin, a nonwoven fabric that has been treated with a water-repellent material such as silicone is preferably used.

[0042] A widthwise central portion 24c of the gathered sheet 24s extends onto the top sheet 22, and elongated elastic members 24G are fixed to the end portions of the widthwise central portion in a stretched state along the front-to-rear direction with a hot melt adhesive or the like. These elongated elastic members 24G can be made of commonly used materials such as styrene rubber, olefin rubber, urethane rubber, ester rubber, polyurethane, polyethylene, polystyrene, styrene butadiene, silicone, polyester, etc., formed into thread, string, strip, etc.

[0043] Furthermore, the widthwise outer portions 24x of both gathered sheets 24s are bonded and fixed to the inner surface of the article (the surface of the top sheet 22 and the inner surface of the exterior sheet 27 in the illustrated embodiment) over the entire front-to-rear direction, while the widthwise central portion 24c is bonded and fixed to the inner surface of the article (the surface of the top sheet 22 in the illustrated embodiment) at both front-to-rear ends, but is not fixed to the inner surface of the article (the surface of the top sheet 22 in the illustrated embodiment) between the both front-to-rear ends. This unfixed portion serves as a leakage prevention wall that elastically stands up against the inner surface of the article (the surface of the top sheet 22 in the illustrated embodiment), and its standing base end 24b is located at the boundary between the widthwise outer fixed portion 24x of the gathered sheet 24s and its inner portion 24c.

[0044] (absorber) (Superabsorbent polymer sheet) The absorbent body 23 can be a superabsorbent polymer sheet having a liquid-permeable first sheet on the front side, a second sheet on the back side, and superabsorbent polymer particles held between the first and second sheets. Examples of the first sheet include nonwoven fabric and paper. Similarly, examples of the second sheet include nonwoven fabric and paper.

[0045] More specifically, the superabsorbent polymer sheet can be a laminate having, for example, a first nonwoven fabric layer (corresponding to the first sheet), a second nonwoven fabric layer (corresponding to the second sheet), and superabsorbent polymer particles held between the first and second nonwoven fabric layers. Adjacent layers in this laminate are preferably bonded to each other with a hot-melt adhesive or the like. While the first and second nonwoven fabric layers are not particularly limited, a bulky air-through nonwoven fabric is preferred because it prevents the feel of the superabsorbent polymer particles from being transmitted to the skin and ensures space for the superabsorbent polymer particles to swell. Furthermore, the fineness and basis weight of the fibers in the first and second nonwoven fabric layers are not particularly limited, but the fineness should be approximately 2.0 to 5.0 dtex and the basis weight should be 15 to 35 g / m. 2 The first nonwoven fabric layer 41 and the second nonwoven fabric layer 42 may be made of the same nonwoven fabric or different nonwoven fabrics.

[0046] When the superabsorbent polymer sheet is placed in the upper layer, the superabsorbent polymer particles contained in the superabsorbent polymer sheet preferably have excellent liquid permeability, specifically, a water absorption speed of 20 to 35 seconds and an absorption amount of 50 to 70 g / g. On the other hand, when the superabsorbent polymer sheet is placed in the lower layer, the superabsorbent polymer particles preferably have a high absorption amount, specifically, a water absorption speed of 60 to 80 seconds and an absorption amount of 50 to 70 g / g. The basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer particles can be determined as appropriate, but is preferably 50 to 200 g / m. 2 It is preferable to set it to about this level.

[0047] As long as the superabsorbent polymer particles are held between the first and second nonwoven fabric layers, the superabsorbent polymer particles may be contained within at least one of the first and second nonwoven fabric layers. For example, all of the superabsorbent polymer particles may be held between the first and second nonwoven fabric layers, with some of the superabsorbent polymer particles being mixed within the first and second nonwoven fabric layers. Furthermore, although not shown, a nonwoven fabric layer holding the superabsorbent polymer particles may be interposed between the first and second nonwoven fabric layers.

[0048] In the above specific examples, the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer have been described, but this first nonwoven fabric layer (and the same applies to the second nonwoven fabric layer) may be a single layer or may be a multiple layer of two or more layers.

[0049] Furthermore, instead of the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer, a first paper layer and a second paper layer may be used. When the first sheet and the second sheet are changed from nonwoven fabric layers to paper layers, the details of the superabsorbent polymer particles (water absorption speed, absorption amount, basis weight, etc.) can be the same as those described above for the nonwoven fabric layer.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, this superabsorbent polymer sheet is preferably disposed over almost the entire area of ​​the absorbent article, extending from the rear portion of the absorbent article through the crotch area to the front portion. This superabsorbent polymer sheet tends to be thinner than other absorbents 23 (e.g., an aggregate of pulp fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles), and therefore has the advantage that even if it is disposed over the entire area of ​​the absorbent article, the wearer will not feel the thickness. Furthermore, by disposing the superabsorbent polymer sheet over almost the entire area of ​​the absorbent article, it becomes possible to absorb body fluids such as urine over almost the entire area of ​​the absorbent article, which has the advantage of reducing the risk of leakage of body fluids such as urine.

[0051] Furthermore, it is preferable to use an aggregate of fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles in combination with the aforementioned superabsorbent polymer sheet as the absorbent body 23. This aggregate of fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles is based on a pulp fiber stack, an aggregate of filaments such as cellulose acetate, or a nonwoven fabric, with particulate or other superabsorbent polymer particles mixed or fixed thereto as needed. While most absorbent polymer particles are generally mixed with fibers, there are also some that do not. Therefore, the term "aggregate of fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles" naturally includes fibers mixed with superabsorbent polymer particles, but also includes exceptionally fibers that do not contain superabsorbent polymer particles. While such aggregates have a higher absorption capacity than superabsorbent polymer sheets, they are thicker than superabsorbent polymer sheets. Therefore, it is preferable to provide them in the non-grip portion 32, i.e., a portion that the wearer's hands will not touch when gripping the absorbent article. Furthermore, by using an aggregate of fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles in combination with the superabsorbent polymer sheet in this way, the absorption capacity is increased, and leakage of body fluids such as urine can be further prevented.

[0052] In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the diaper has a two-layer structure consisting of a layer of the superabsorbent polymer sheet and a layer of an aggregate of fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles. The layer of superabsorbent polymer sheet is the upper layer 23A, and the layer of the aggregate of fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles is the lower layer 23B. By configuring the layer of superabsorbent polymer sheet as the upper layer 23A and the layer of the aggregate of fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles as the lower layer 23B, urine is more likely to pass through the layer of superabsorbent polymer sheet to the lower layer during urination. At the same time, after a few minutes have passed since urination, the superabsorbent polymer contained in the layer of superabsorbent polymer sheet absorbs urine and expands, and the expanded superabsorbent polymer prevents urine that has migrated to the lower layer from returning (this is called gel blocking).

[0053] However, the arrangement of the absorbent body 23 is not limited to the form shown in the figure, and a layer of a superabsorbent polymer sheet may be the lower layer 23B, and a layer of an aggregate of fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles may be the upper layer 23A. Furthermore, it is not limited to a two-layer structure. For example, it may have a structure of three or more layers, or a single layer. However, while there is no problem with the absorbent body 23 arranged in the non-gripping portion 32 being thick, it is preferable that the absorbent body 23 arranged in the gripping portion 31 be thin. This is because if the thickness of the absorbent body 23 arranged in the gripping portion 31 is thick, the wearer will likely feel the thickness when gripping the absorbent article.

[0054] The superabsorbent polymer particles used in this type of absorbent article can be used as they are for the absorbent body 23. In general, when the absorbent body is sieved (shaken for 5 minutes) using a 500 μm standard sieve (JIS Z8801-1:2006) and the particles that fall below the sieve are then sieved (shaken for 5 minutes) using a 180 μm standard sieve (JIS Z8801-1:2006), it is desirable that the proportion of particles remaining on the 500 μm standard sieve be 30% by weight or less and the proportion of particles remaining on the 180 μm standard sieve be 60% by weight or more.

[0055] The superabsorbent polymer particles are not particularly limited, but those with a water absorption speed of 20 to 50 seconds and a water absorption capacity of 50 to 80 g / g can be suitably used. Examples of superabsorbent polymer particles include starch-based, cellulose-based, and synthetic polymer-based particles, and those that can be used include starch-acrylic acid (salt) graft copolymers, saponified starch-acrylonitrile copolymers, crosslinked products of sodium carboxymethylcellulose, and acrylic acid (salt) polymers.

[0056] (aggregation) Furthermore, the absorbent body 23 can be wrapped, as needed, either integrally or individually in a wrapping sheet 26 that has liquid permeability and liquid retention, such as crepe paper, for the purpose of maintaining the shape and the superabsorbent polymer particles. However, although there is a great advantage to wrapping an assembly of fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles in the wrapping sheet 26, there is little advantage to intentionally wrapping it in the wrapping sheet 26, because the superabsorbent polymer particles are held in place by the first and second sheets and the shape is stable.

[0057] The absorber 23 extends from the front portion F2 through the crotch portion C2 to the rear portion B2. The shape of the absorber 23 can be determined as appropriate, and can be rectangular, but it is preferable that a predetermined portion in the middle in the front-to-rear direction, including the crotch portion C2, is formed as a narrow constricted portion 23n. The minimum width W5 of this constricted portion 23n is preferably approximately 50 to 65% of the width W2 of the non-constricted portions located before and after the constricted portion 23n.

[0058] When the crotch region C2 is located in the center of the front-to-rear direction LD as in the embodiments shown in Figures 7 to 13, when the front end of the article is 0% and the rear end of the article is 100%, the front end of the constricted portion 23n is preferably located in the range of 25 to 45%, the rear end of the constricted portion 23n is preferably located in the range of 55 to 75%, and the portion of the constricted portion 23n where the minimum width W5 is (minimum width portion) is preferably located in the range of 40 to 60%. On the other hand, when the crotch region C2 is located forward of the center in the front-to-back direction LD, as in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, when the front end of the article is 0% and the rear end of the article is 100%, the front end of the constricted portion 23n is preferably located in the range of 10 to 25%, the rear end of the constricted portion 23n is preferably located in the range of 40 to 65%, and the portion of the constricted portion 23n where the minimum width W5 is (minimum width portion) is preferably located in the range of 25 to 30%.

[0059] As described above, in the present invention, the crotch portion C2 may be located in the center in the front-to-back direction LD so that when the absorbent article is folded in half, there is no difference in shape between the front and back sides, i.e., the front and back are symmetrical, or the crotch portion C2 may be located forward of the center in the front-to-back direction LD so that when the absorbent article is folded in half, there is a difference in shape between the front and back sides, i.e., the front and back are asymmetrical. In short, the position of the crotch portion C2 of the absorbent article can be freely changed in the front-to-back direction depending on the design decision of how much the absorbent article will abut against the wearer's abdomen, crotch, and back side (i.e., how much of the wearer's abdomen, crotch, and back side will be covered by the absorbent article).

[0060] Although not shown, a slit of a predetermined width may be provided in the front-rear direction in a region of the absorber 23 corresponding to the crotch portion C2.

[0061] (gripping part, non-gripping part) In the present invention, gripping portions 31 are provided at the front side of the front portion F2 and the rear side of the rear portion B2 of the absorbent article, at portions that the wearer's fingers will touch when gripping the absorbent article with their hands, and non-gripping portions 32 are provided at portions located closer to the center in the front-to-rear direction LD than the gripping portions 31. The thickness of the absorbent 23 arranged in the gripping portion 31 is made thinner than the thickness of the absorbent 23 arranged closer to the center in the front-rear direction than the gripping portion 31. In other words, the thickness of the absorbent 23 arranged in the gripping portion 31 is made thinner than the thickness of the absorbent 23 arranged in the non-gripping portion 32. Methods for making the thickness of the absorbent 23 arranged in the gripping portion 31 thinner than the thickness of the absorbent 23 arranged in the non-gripping portion 32 include, for example, (1) a method in which a superabsorbent polymer sheet is arranged in both the gripping portion 31 and the non-gripping portion 32, and an aggregate of fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles is arranged only in the non-gripping portion 32, (2) a method in which an aggregate of fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles is arranged in both the gripping portion 31 and the non-gripping portion 32, and a superabsorbent polymer sheet is arranged only in the non-gripping portion 32, and (3) a method in which a superabsorbent polymer sheet is arranged in both the gripping portion 31 and the non-gripping portion 32. (4) a method of providing an aggregate of fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles in both the gripping portion 31 and the non-gripping portion 32 and providing another aggregate of fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles only in the non-gripping portion 32, (5) a method of providing no absorbent body 23 in the gripping portion 31 and providing an aggregate of fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles in the non-gripping portion 32, and (6) a method of providing no absorbent body 23 in the gripping portion 31 and providing a superabsorbent polymer sheet in the non-gripping portion 32. All absorbent articles formed by the above methods (1) to (6) can be said to be absorbent articles in which the thickness of the absorbent body 23 located in the gripping portion 31 is thinner than the thickness of the absorbent body 23 located closer to the center in the front-rear direction than the gripping portion 31.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above-described methods (1) to (6), examples of the absorbent 23 are shown in which the gripping portion 31 is one layer and the non-gripping portion 32 is two layers, and in which the gripping portion 31 is zero layers (no absorbent) and the non-gripping portion 32 is one layer, but the absorbent is not limited to these layer structures. For example, the gripping portion 31 may be zero layers and the non-gripping portion 32 may be two or more layers, or the gripping portion 31 may be one layer and the non-gripping portion 32 may be three or more layers, or the gripping portion 31 may be two layers and the non-gripping portion 32 may be three or more layers. In other words, all cases in which the thickness of the absorbent 23 arranged in the gripping portion 31 is thinner than the thickness of the absorbent 23 arranged closer to the center in the front-rear direction than the gripping portion 31 are included. Note that the phrase "the thickness of the absorbent 23 arranged in the gripping portion 31" also includes cases in which the absorbent 23 arranged in the gripping portion 31 is zero layers. That is, a configuration in which the absorber 23 is not disposed in the grip portion 31 is also included.

[0063] The thickness of the absorber 23 placed in the gripping portion 31 of the front body piece F2 of the absorber 23 (if the absorber 23 in the gripping portion 31 is formed of multiple layers, not the thickness of each layer, but the thickness of the multiple layers) is preferably 15 mm or less, and more preferably 5 mm or less. This is because if the thickness of the absorber 23 is thicker than 15 mm, the wearer will easily feel the thickness when gripping the absorber 23. For the same reason, the thickness of the absorber 23 placed in the gripping portion 31 of the back body piece B2 of the absorber 23 (if the absorber 23 in the gripping portion 31 is formed of multiple layers, not the thickness of each layer, but the thickness of the multiple layers) is preferably 15 mm or less, and more preferably 5 mm or less.

[0064] The basis weight of the absorbent body 23 disposed in the grip portion 31 of the front body F2 of the absorbent body 23 is 150 g / m 2 It is preferable to set it to 100 g / m or less. 2 It is more preferable that the basis weight of the absorbent body 23 in the gripping portion 31 is 150 g / m 2 If the absorbent body 23 is heavier than 150 g / m, the wearer will feel that the absorbent body 23 is thick when moving. For the same reason, the basis weight of the absorbent body 23 disposed in the grip portion 31 of the rear body B2 of the absorbent body 23 is also 150 g / m 2 It is preferable to set it to 100 g / m or less.2 It is more preferable to do the following:

[0065] On the other hand, the thickness of the absorbent body 23 placed in the non-gripping portion 32 of the front body piece F2 of the absorbent body 23 (if the absorbent body 23 in the non-gripping portion 32 is formed of multiple layers, the thickness of the multiple layers, not the thickness of each layer) is preferably 30 mm or less, and more preferably 10 mm or less. This is because, although it is not expected that the wearer will grasp the non-gripping portion 32 when putting on the absorbent article, if the thickness of the absorbent body 23 is thicker than 30 mm, the wearer will be more likely to feel the thickness after putting on the absorbent body 23.

[0066] The basis weight of the absorbent body 23 disposed in the non-gripping portion 32 of the absorbent body 23 is 300 g / m 2 It is preferable to set it to 200 g / m or less. 2 It is more preferable that the basis weight of the absorbent body 23 in the non-gripping portion 32 is 300 g / m 2 If it is heavier than 100 mm, the absorbent body 23 tends to feel thick when the wearer moves.

[0067] Figure 6 shows the absorbent article in a finished state, folded in half at the center in the front-to-rear direction LD. The lower side of Figure 6 is the center side in the front-to-rear direction, and the upper side of Figure 6 is the rear side in the front-to-rear direction (and the front side in the front-to-rear direction). In Figure 6, the inner surfaces of the front portion F2 and the rear portion B2 of the absorbent article face each other. Figure 6 also shows a boundary line 34 between the range that the wearer's fingers can reach and the range that they cannot reach when the wearer grasps the absorbent article from the top side of Figure 6.

[0068] This boundary line 34 is used to determine the positions of the gripping portion 31 and the non-gripping portion 32. The location of this boundary line 34 in the front-to-back direction (LD) of the absorbent article varies depending on the length of the wearer's fingers, but it can be determined using a rough guide. For example, the "AIST Japanese Hand Measurement Data - List of Measurement Items" on the Artificial Intelligence Research Center's website (https: / / www.airc.aist.go.jp / dhrt / hand / data / list.html) lists the measurement of the ring finger (third finger length), the longest of the five fingers. According to this website, the third finger length is defined as "the linear distance from the crease at the base of the middle finger to the tip of the middle finger with the hand (fingers and palm) extended. If there are many creases at the base of the middle finger, measure from the most proximal crease (closest to the body)." It is estimated that 98% of Japanese men have a third finger length of 87.5 mm or less, and 98% of Japanese women have a third finger length of 81.3 mm or less. Therefore, for absorbent articles sold in Japan, it is considered sufficient to assume that the position of boundary line 34 is 90 mm, with a small margin (of about 2 to 3 mm). In other words, the boundary line 34 between the range that the wearer's fingers can reach and the range that they cannot reach should be 90 mm from the front edge (or rear edge) of the absorbent article in the front-to-rear direction toward the center in the front-to-rear direction. Note that this boundary line 34 is a line that extends directly across in a straight line along the width direction WD.

[0069] Then, for example, the positions of the gripping portion 31 and the non-gripping portion 32 can be determined based on the statistical data as described above. Specifically, at the rear of the absorbent article, the portion that is rearward of the boundary line 34 in the front-to-back direction LD can be the gripping portion 31, and the portion that is forward of the boundary line 34 in the front-to-back direction LD can be the non-gripping portion 32. Similarly, at the front of the absorbent article, the portion that is forward of the boundary line 34 in the front-to-back direction LD can be the gripping portion 31, and the portion that is forward of the boundary line 34 in the front-to-back direction LD can be the non-gripping portion 32.

[0070] Since the boundary line 34 determined as described above extends in a straight line across the body, the boundary 33 between the gripping portion 31 and the non-gripping portion 32 also forms a straight line. However, since the thickness of the absorbent body 23 differs between the gripping portion 31 and the non-gripping portion 32, the absorbent article tends to bend at the boundary 33. If the absorbent article is bent, it becomes difficult to put on.

[0071] Therefore, in the present invention, it is preferable to modify the shape of the boundary portion 33 between the gripping portion 31 and the non-gripping portion 32. In reality, when a wearer grasps an absorbent article, they instinctively often grasp the middle portion of the absorbent article in the width direction WD, and rarely grasp the left or right end portion of the absorbent article in the width direction WD. Therefore, it is preferable to make the length in the front-to-rear direction LD from the rear edge (or front edge) of the absorbent article to the boundary portion 33 longer in the middle portion in the width direction WD and shorter at both ends in the width direction WD. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the shape of the boundary portion 33 can be U-shaped (curved) from both ends of the absorbent article in the width direction WD toward the center of the width direction WD and toward the center of the front-to-rear direction LD. Note that the shape is not limited to a U-shape and may be V-shaped (linear). In this way, by intentionally making the shape of the boundary portion 33 meander rather than extending linearly in the width direction, it is possible to impart resistance to bending to the absorbent article. 6, the length in the front-to-rear direction LD from the rear edge (or front edge) of the absorbent article to the boundary 33 at the middle in the width direction WD is longer than the boundary line 34, which has the advantage of making it more difficult for the wearer's fingers to touch the non-grip portions 32. Conversely, at both ends in the width direction WD, the length in the front-to-rear direction LD from the rear edge (or front edge) of the absorbent article to the boundary 33 is shorter than the boundary line 34, which may seem to make it easier for the wearer's fingers to touch the non-grip portions 32. However, as mentioned above, a small margin (2 to 3 mm) is provided when defining the boundary line 34, so even if the boundary line 34 is slightly shorter, this does not cause any significant inconvenience. Furthermore, since it is expected that very few wearers will grip both ends in the width direction WD, the possibility of such an inconvenience occurring is low.

[0072] (Experimental Example 1) As an experiment to confirm the effect of the present invention, the following Experimental Example 1 was carried out. First, an absorbent article (pad-type disposable diaper) shown in FIG. 7 (Sample A) and an absorbent article (pad-type disposable diaper) shown in FIG. 8 (Sample B) were prepared.

[0073] Sample A is an assumed absorbent article according to the present invention, and has an absorbent body 23 with a two-layer structure, with a superabsorbent polymer sheet (referring to a superabsorbent polymer sheet having a liquid-permeable first sheet on the front side, a second sheet on the back side, and superabsorbent polymer particles held between the first and second sheets; the same applies to Sample B below) arranged in the upper layer, and an aggregate (referring to an aggregate of fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles; the same applies to Sample B below) arranged in the lower layer. However, the superabsorbent polymer sheet extends from the rear part of the absorbent article through the crotch area to the front part, and is arranged in almost all areas of the absorbent article, but the aggregate is arranged only in an area that the wearer cannot reach when grasping the absorbent article (specifically, the crotch area, the central part in the front-rear direction of the rear part, and the central part in the front-rear direction of the front part of the absorbent article), as shown in FIG. 6. That is, in the portions marked with symbols (A) and (C) in Figure 7, only a superabsorbent polymer sheet is arranged, and the absorbent body 23 has a single-layer structure, while in the portion marked with symbol (B) in Figure 7, a superabsorbent polymer sheet and an aggregate are arranged, and the absorbent body 23 has a two-layer structure, with the superabsorbent polymer sheet in the upper layer and the aggregate in the lower layer. Also, in Figure 7, the combined area of ​​region (A) and region (C) is the same as the area of ​​region (B).

[0074] On the other hand, Sample B is a comparative product, and has a two-layer absorbent body 23 with a superabsorbent polymer sheet disposed in the upper layer and an assembly disposed in the lower layer. As with Sample A, the superabsorbent polymer sheet extends from the rear portion of the absorbent article through the crotch area to the front portion, and is disposed in almost all areas of the absorbent article. However, unlike Sample A, the assembly is disposed only within the range that the wearer can reach when grasping the absorbent article (specifically, the rear side of the rear portion of the absorbent article in the front-to-back direction and the front side of the front portion in the front-to-back direction). That is, the portions marked with (A) and (C) in Figure 8 have a superabsorbent polymer sheet and an assembly disposed therein, and the absorbent body 23 has a two-layer structure with the superabsorbent polymer sheet disposed in the upper layer and the assembly disposed in the lower layer, whereas the portion marked with (B) in Figure 8 has only a superabsorbent polymer sheet disposed therein. Also in Figure 8, the combined area of ​​region (A) and region (C) is the same as the area of ​​region (B). Furthermore, the total amount of aggregates placed in sample A shown in Figure 7 is the same as the total amount of aggregates placed in sample B shown in Figure 8.

[0075] The experiment involved a total of 10 evaluators, both male and female (5 men (1 in their 20s, 4 in their 30s) and 5 women (2 in their 20s, 2 in their 30s, 1 in their 40s), all Japanese), who were asked to carry out the following sensory evaluations.

[0076] First, the subject was asked to sit on a standard office chair that had been prepared. While seated, the subject placed their feet into a product sold by Daio Paper Corporation (product name: Attends Thin, Smooth Pants), then pulled the product up to below the knees in preparation for inserting Sample A.

[0077] Next, put sample A into a storage bag (Ziploc). (registered trademark) When taking out Sample A, the thickness felt when holding Sample A is evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5 (Evaluation 1).

[0078] Then, insert sample A into the product that has been pulled up to below the knee and fix it inside the product.Then, pull up the product to complete wearing it.

[0079] Then, the subjects were asked to move around freely in the room for five minutes, and to rate the sensations they experienced while moving on a seven-point scale (rating 2). For rating 2, strictly speaking, the subjects were asked to fill out the rating sheet after using both Sample A and Sample B (for rating 1, the subjects were asked to fill out the rating sheet immediately after grasping Sample A, and similarly, immediately after grasping Sample B).

[0080] After evaluating sample A, the same procedure was repeated to evaluate sample B.

[0081] (Rating 1) In Evaluation 1, the question was, "When you took the sample out of the bag, please rate the thickness of the sample you felt when you held it in your hand on a scale of 1 to 5." The five options available were "thin," "slightly thin," "neither thick nor thin," "slightly thick," and "thick."

[0082] The results are shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0083] When grasping the absorbent article, all the evaluators inserted the front and rear ends of the folded absorbent article in its finished state between the bases of their thumbs and index fingers, as shown in Figure 6, and grasped the absorbent article by pinching it from both sides in the thickness direction.

[0084] For sample A, 9 out of 10 people answered that it was "thin" or "slightly thin," indicating that by not placing an accumulation body on the front side of the front part of the absorbent article and on the back side of the back part of the absorbent article, the wearer can feel that it is thin.

[0085] On the other hand, for Sample B, 3 out of 10 people answered "thin" or "slightly thin," 3 out of 10 people answered "can't say," and 4 out of 10 people answered "slightly thick," resulting in a divided evaluation. However, it was found that at least when the aggregate is arranged as in Sample B, it is difficult to make a large number of wearers feel that it is thin.

[0086] (Rating 2) In evaluation 2, the question was, "When comparing the two samples, which one did you feel was easier to move in (less restrictive to movement)? Please rate on a 7-point scale." The seven options available were, "Sample A definitely feels easier to move in," "Sample A feels easier to move in," "Sample A feels slightly easier to move in," "Can't say either way," "Sample B feels slightly easier to move in," "Sample B feels easier to move in," and "Sample B definitely feels easier to move in."

[0087] The results are shown in Table 2 below. [Table 2]

[0088] Three out of ten people answered that "Sample B is slightly easier to move in" or "Sample B is easier to move in," but twice as many people, six out of ten people, answered that "Sample A is easier to move in" or "Sample A is slightly easier to move in." From the above, it was found that by not placing an accumulation body on the front side of the front part of the front section and on the back side of the back section of the absorbent article, many wearers can feel that they are able to move easily. This is because the thin feeling they felt when gripping the absorbent article while wearing it remains in their minds, and so it can be seen that even after actually wearing the absorbent article, they feel that it is easier to move in, i.e., they are less likely to feel uncomfortable.

[0089] (Experimental Example 3) Further investigation was carried out, and evaluation was carried out to see how the thickness of the absorbent body 23 felt when worn by changing the type of absorbent body 23 placed in the absorbent article and the placement location of the absorbent body 23.

[0090] The absorbent article shown in Fig. 9 is an assumed absorbent article according to the present invention. The absorbent body 23 has a two-layer structure, with a superabsorbent polymer sheet (a superabsorbent polymer sheet having a liquid-permeable first sheet on the front side, a second sheet on the back side, and superabsorbent polymer particles held between the first and second sheets; the same applies hereinafter in Example 3) disposed in the upper layer, and an aggregate (an aggregate of fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles; the same applies hereinafter in Example 3) disposed in the lower layer. However, the superabsorbent polymer sheet extends from the rear portion of the absorbent article through the crotch region to the front portion, and is disposed in almost all areas of the absorbent article, but the aggregate is disposed only in an area that the wearer cannot reach when grasping the absorbent article (specifically, the crotch region, the central portion of the rear portion, and the central portion of the front portion). That is, in the rear portion B2 and the front portion F2 of Fig. 9, only the superabsorbent polymer sheet is disposed, and the absorbent body 23 has a single-layer structure. On the other hand, in the crotch portion C2 of Fig. 9, the superabsorbent polymer sheet and the assembly are disposed, and the absorbent body 23 has a two-layer structure, with the superabsorbent polymer sheet disposed in the upper layer and the assembly in the lower layer.

[0091] On the other hand, the absorbent article shown in Fig. 10 is Comparative Example 1, which is based on a conventional absorbent article. This absorbent article has a two-layer structure of absorber 23, with the upper and lower layers being the same aggregate, and both the upper and lower aggregates extend from the rear part of the absorbent article through the crotch area to the front part, and are arranged in almost all areas of the absorbent article.

[0092] The absorbent article shown in Fig. 11 is Comparative Example 2, and differs from the absorbent article according to the present invention shown in Fig. 9 in the location of the aggregate. That is, absorber 23 has a two-layer structure, with a superabsorbent polymer sheet in the upper layer and an aggregate in the lower layer, and the upper superabsorbent polymer sheet extends from the rear part of the absorbent article through the crotch part to the front part, and is arranged in almost all areas of the absorbent article, as in Fig. 9. However, the position of the aggregate arranged in the lower layer is not only in the crotch part of the absorbent article, but also on the crotch side of the front part and the crotch side of the rear part, so that when a wearer grips the absorbent article as shown in Fig. 6, the wearer's fingertips can reach the part where the aggregate is arranged.

[0093] The absorbent article shown in Fig. 12 is Comparative Example 3, in which the absorbent body 23 has a single-layer structure, and the superabsorbent polymer sheet extends from the rear part of the absorbent article through the crotch area to the front part, covering almost the entire area of ​​the absorbent article. No accumulation body is disposed anywhere.

[0094] The absorbent article shown in FIG. 13 is Comparative Example 4, in which the absorbent body 23 (highly absorbent polymer sheet or assembly) is not disposed anywhere.

[0095] The experiment involved a total of 10 male and female evaluators (5 males (5 in their 20s), 5 females (2 in their 20s, 3 in their 30s), all Japanese) who were asked to carry out the following sensory evaluation.

[0096] First, the subject was asked to sit on a prepared ordinary office chair, and while seated, they put their feet into a product sold by Daio Paper Corporation (product name: Attends Thin Dry Pants), and then pulled the product up to below their knees. Then, preparations were made to insert the absorbent article of Comparative Example 4 (the absorbent article shown in FIG. 13), which serves as a reference for VAS evaluation.

[0097] Next, the absorbent article shown in FIG. 13 is placed in a storage bag (Ziploc). (registered trademark)After removing the absorbent article from the product, the absorbent article is inserted into the product that has been pulled up to below the knees and fixed inside the product.The product is then pulled up to complete putting on the garment.

[0098] The subjects were then asked to move freely around the room for five minutes, and the sensations felt when moving were evaluated. After the evaluation of the absorbent article shown in Fig. 13 was completed, the absorbent article of Comparative Example 1 (the absorbent article shown in Fig. 10), which served as another standard, was evaluated in the VAS evaluation.

[0099] After completing the evaluation of the two absorbent articles, the absorbent article according to the present invention (the absorbent article shown in FIG. 9), the absorbent article of Comparative Example 2 (the absorbent article shown in FIG. 11), and the absorbent article of Comparative Example 3 (the absorbent article shown in FIG. 12) were evaluated in sequence.

[0100] This evaluation is an evaluation of how thick the absorbent article feels after wearing it. A VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) test was used to evaluate the thickness when worn. This VAS test is a method in which the evaluator represents on a straight line the sensation of the thickness of the absorbent article felt at the time of the test when wearing the absorbent article. Specifically, as shown in Figure 14 (14A), the left end of a line (100 mm long) is assumed to be 0 points and the right end is assumed to be 100 points, and the sensation of the thickness of the absorbent article felt at the time of the test is represented on the straight line.

[0101] In the VAS test of Experimental Example 3, when wearing the absorbent article of Comparative Example 4 (the absorbent article shown in FIG. 13), the thickness of the absorbent article felt by the wearer was assigned a score of 0, and it was assumed that the sensation at that time was at the reference point at the left end of the line. Also, when wearing the absorbent article of Comparative Example 1 (the absorbent article shown in FIG. 10), the thickness of the absorbent article felt by the wearer was assigned a score of 100, and it was assumed that the sensation at that time was at the reference point at the right end of the line.

[0102] Then, the evaluators were asked to mark an x ​​on the line shown in (14A) of Fig. 14 to indicate how thick the absorbent article according to the present invention, the absorbent article according to Comparative Example 2, and the absorbent article according to Comparative Example 3 felt when worn in comparison with the two reference absorbent articles mentioned above (the absorbent article according to Comparative Example 1 and the absorbent article according to Comparative Example 4). For example, as shown in the example of (14A) of Fig. 14, if the x marked by the evaluator was located 30 mm from the left end, the evaluator was given an evaluation of 30 points.

[0103] When the evaluators were asked to complete their evaluations, they were provided with a document with the following notes: "(1) The thickness you normally feel does not necessarily correspond to the midpoint of the line. Please refer solely to the sensations indicated at both ends of the line. (2) The evaluation should be absolute, not relative. Do not evaluate by comparison with other samples. Do not evaluate by saying, 'It's about the same thickness as usual,' or 'It's a little thicker, but thinner than last time.' Instead, express your evaluation on the line by comparing it to the thickness indicated at both ends of the line. (3) Do not refer to the results of other people's evaluations. Answer without considering other people's evaluations, such as 'Mr. A feels this thickness.' (4) The recorded mark will be measured how many millimeters from the left end of the line, and this value will be used as data. Therefore, when recording, please make sure to accurately indicate the position of the mark on the line, such as by marking it with an X." The document also included the diagram shown in Figure 14 (14B) to supplement the content of note (4).

[0104] The results are shown in Table 3 below. The values ​​shown in Table 3 are the average values ​​of the 10 evaluators. [Table 3]

[0105] It can be seen that the numerical values ​​for the article of the present invention in Fig. 9 are close to those for the absorbent article of Comparative Example 2. This shows that if the accumulation body is placed only in the crotch area (placed only in areas that the wearer's hands do not touch when wearing the article) as in the article of the present invention shown in Fig. 9, the wearer will feel the same sensation of thickness as in the absorbent article shown in Fig. 12 where no accumulation body is provided.

[0106] From this, it can be seen that even if absorber 23 is provided in a portion that the wearer's fingers do not touch when wearing the absorbent article, the wearer will be unlikely to notice this fact. Therefore, by arranging absorber 23 in a portion that the wearer's fingers do not touch when wearing the absorbent article, the absorbent performance of the absorbent article can be improved while preventing the wearer from feeling the thickness of the absorbent article and feeling restricted movement or discomfort. In particular, since the portions that the wearer's fingers do not touch when wearing the absorbent article are the crotch area, the crotch side of the front portion, and the crotch side of the rear portion, which absorb a large amount of urine, etc., it is beneficial to arrange more absorber 23 in these portions to improve absorption capacity.

[0107] <Explanation of terms used in the specification> When used in this specification, the following terms have the following meanings unless otherwise specified in the specification. "Anterior-posterior (longitudinal) direction" refers to the direction connecting the ventral side (front) and dorsal side (rear), and "width direction" refers to the direction perpendicular to the antero-posterior direction (left-right direction). The "MD direction (machine direction or line direction)" and "CD direction (transverse direction perpendicular to the MD direction)" in the manufacturing process refer to the "MD direction" and "CD direction" of the processing equipment for the convex portions 31, one of which corresponds to the front-to-rear direction and the other to the width direction. The MD direction in the product refers to the fiber orientation direction of the nonwoven fabric. Fiber orientation refers to the direction in which the fibers of the nonwoven fabric run. For example, this can be determined using a measurement method based on the TAPPI Standard Method T481 fiber orientation test method using zero-distance tensile strength, or a simplified measurement method that determines the fiber orientation direction from the ratio of the tensile strengths in the front-to-rear direction and the width direction. In the illustrated configuration, the front-to-rear direction corresponds to the MD direction and the width direction corresponds to the CD direction, as in most disposable diaper products. "Unfolded state" means a flat, unfolded state without contraction or sagging. The "thickness" of the top sheet refers to the "apparent thickness" and is measured using the following method. Specifically, when measuring, a measurement piece measuring 30 mm long x 30 mm wide is cut out. At this time, a cut surface passing through the measurement area is created. For example, when measuring the apparent thickness of a portion of the top sheet excluding the peripheral areas of the through holes, a cut surface is created that is parallel to the MD direction and does not pass through the through holes or their peripheral areas. An enlarged photograph of this cut surface is then taken using a digital microscope such as Keyence VHX-1000, and the apparent thickness of the target portion of the top sheet is measured based on this enlarged photograph. When determining the maximum and minimum values, measurements are taken at 10 or more points, and the maximum and minimum values ​​are determined. The "thickness" of the absorber is measured using a thickness measuring device (Peacock, large dial thickness gauge, model JB (measurement range 0-35 mm) or model K-4 (measurement range 0-50 mm)) manufactured by Ozaki Seisakusho Co., Ltd., with the sample and thickness measuring device positioned horizontally. *The "thickness" other than the above was measured using an automatic thickness measuring device (KES-G5 handy compression measurement program) with a load of 0.098 N / cm 2 , and pressure area: 2cm 2 Automatic measurement is performed under the following conditions. The water absorption capacity is measured according to JIS K7223-1996 "Test method for water absorption capacity of superabsorbent resins." The water absorption rate is the "time to the end point" when 2g of superabsorbent polymer and 50g of physiological saline are used and the test is carried out in accordance with JIS K7224-1996 "Test method for water absorption rate of superabsorbent polymers." Unless otherwise specified, the dimensions of each part refer to the dimensions in the unfolded state, not in the natural length state. [Industrial Applicability]

[0108] The present invention can be used for a variety of types of disposable diapers, including not only pad-type disposable diapers such as those in the above example, but also tape-type disposable diapers, pants-type disposable diapers, etc., and can also be used for absorbent articles other than disposable diapers, such as sanitary napkins. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 200...Pad-type disposable diaper, 10...Back sheet, 21...Outer sheet, 22...Top sheet, 23...Absorbent body, 23A...Upper absorbent body, 23B...Lower absorbent body, 23n...Constricted portion of absorbent body, 24...Three-dimensional gather, 24b...Upstanding base end, 24c...Central portion in width direction of gathered sheet, 24G...Elongated elastic member, 24s...Gathered sheet, 24x...Outer portion in width direction of gathered sheet, 25...Intermediate sheet, 26...Packaging sheet, 27...External sheet , 31...gripping portion, 32...non-gripping portion, 33...boundary (line) portion (between gripping portion and non-gripping portion), 34...boundary line between area that can be reached and area that cannot be reached by fingers, 35...(wearer's) hand, B2...back portion, C2...crotch portion, F2...front portion, L...total length of article, LD...front-to-back direction, TW...thickness direction, WD...width direction, W1...total width of article, W2...width of non-constricted portion, W3...width of crotch portion, W4...width of intermediate sheet, W5...minimum width of constricted portion, EF...end flap portion, SF...side flap portion

Claims

1. An absorbent article having a crotch portion and a front portion and a rear portion extending on both the front and rear sides of the crotch portion, a liquid-permeable top sheet; A liquid-impermeable back sheet; an absorbent body interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, the absorbent body has a superabsorbent polymer sheet and an aggregate of fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles; The superabsorbent polymer sheet has a liquid-permeable first sheet provided on the front side, a second sheet provided on the back side, and superabsorbent polymer particles held between the first sheet and the second sheet, In a product state, the absorbent article is folded inward at a central portion in the front-to-rear direction, and is folded in half so that the top sheet in the front portion and the top sheet in the rear portion face each other; a gripping portion for gripping the absorbent article by hand is provided on a front side of the front portion and a rear side of the rear portion of the absorbent article; When removing the absorbent article folded in half as a product from the package, the gripping portion of the front portion of the absorbent article and the gripping portion of the rear portion of the absorbent article are pinched and grasped by hand from both end sides of the absorbent article in the front-to-rear direction, A portion closer to the center in the front-rear direction than the gripping portion is a non-gripping portion that is not to be gripped by hand, the superabsorbent polymer sheet extends from the gripping portion at the front of the absorbent article through the non-gripping portion to the gripping portion at the rear, the stack is disposed only in the non-gripping portion, and the front edge and the rear edge of the stack form the boundary between the gripping portion and the non-gripping portion, so that the thickness of the absorbent disposed in the gripping portion is thinner than the thickness of the absorbent disposed in the non-gripping portion; the front boundary portion and the rear boundary portion each have a curved or V-shaped shape that bulges out toward the center in the front-rear direction as it extends from both side edges of the absorbent article toward the center in the width direction, When the boundary lines are lines along the width direction that pass through positions 90 mm toward the center in the front-to-rear direction from the front edge of the front portion and the rear edge of the rear portion at the center in the width direction of the absorbent article, the front boundary portion has widthwise end portions located forward of the front boundary line and a widthwise intermediate portion located toward the center in the front-rear direction from the front boundary line, the rear boundary portion has widthwise opposite end portions located rearward of the rear boundary line and a widthwise intermediate portion located toward the center in the front-rear direction of the rear boundary line, An absorbent article characterized in that there are no grooves or embossments at the boundary between the gripping portion and the non-gripping portion.

2. An absorbent article as described in claim 1, wherein the absorbent body has a two-layer structure, with the superabsorbent polymer sheet being arranged in the upper layer on the side of the top sheet, and the aggregate being arranged in the lower layer on the side of the back sheet.

3. An absorbent article having a crotch portion and a front portion and a rear portion extending on both the front and rear sides of the crotch portion, a liquid-permeable top sheet; A liquid-impermeable back sheet; an absorbent body interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, In a product state, the absorbent article is folded inward at a central portion in the front-to-rear direction, and is folded in half so that the top sheet in the front portion and the top sheet in the rear portion face each other; a gripping portion for gripping the absorbent article by hand is provided on a front side of the front portion and a rear side of the rear portion of the absorbent article; When removing the absorbent article folded in half as a product from the package, the gripping portion of the front portion of the absorbent article and the gripping portion of the rear portion of the absorbent article are pinched and grasped by hand from both end sides of the absorbent article in the front-to-rear direction, A portion closer to the center in the front-rear direction than the gripping portion is a non-gripping portion that is not to be gripped by hand, the absorbent body is not disposed in the gripping portion but is disposed in the non-gripping portion, and a front edge and a rear edge of the absorbent body form a boundary portion between the gripping portion and the non-gripping portion, the front boundary portion and the rear boundary portion each have a curved or V-shaped shape that bulges out toward the center in the front-rear direction as it extends from both side edges of the absorbent article toward the center in the width direction, When the boundary lines are lines along the width direction that pass through positions 90 mm toward the center in the front-to-rear direction from the front edge of the front portion and the rear edge of the rear portion at the center in the width direction of the absorbent article, the front boundary portion has widthwise end portions located forward of the front boundary line and a widthwise intermediate portion located toward the center in the front-rear direction from the front boundary line, the rear boundary portion has widthwise opposite end portions located rearward of the rear boundary line and a widthwise intermediate portion located toward the center in the front-rear direction of the rear boundary line, There are no grooves or embossments at the boundary between the gripping portion and the non-gripping portion. An absorbent article characterized by:

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