absorbent articles

Abstract

To suppress deformation of an absorber.SOLUTION: An absorbent article has a length in a longitudinal direction and a length in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article includes an absorber having an absorbent core for absorbing a discharged liquid generated by a wearer, a top sheet which is arranged on a skin surface side of the absorber and has a water permeable area, a water-impermeable back sheet which is arranged on a non-skin surface side of the absorber and is wider than the absorber, and a water-impermeable side sheet which is arranged on both side surfaces of the absorber and extends on the skin surface side. The back sheet is folded back at an end part in the width direction of the absorber and covers from the non-skin surface side of the absorber to the skin surface side through a side surface part of the absorber. The absorbent core and the back sheet are directly or indirectly bonded.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Diapers, which are absorbent articles, are known to include an absorbent body that absorbs excreted liquid (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-140067 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The absorbent body includes a thick absorbent core that absorbs exudate. However, the edges of the absorbent core are prone to losing their shape due to the expansion and contraction of the elastic members that keep the diaper in close contact with the wearer's skin, as well as friction with the wearer's skin. When the absorbent core loses its shape, there is a problem that its absorption function is reduced.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article in which the shape of the absorbent core is prevented from being lost and the functionality is less likely to be deteriorated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, in the present invention, a plurality of sheets are arranged at the end portions of the absorbent core.

[0007] Specifically, the present invention is an absorbent article having a length along the longitudinal direction and a length along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and comprising: an absorbent body having an absorbent core that absorbs excretory liquid generated by a wearer; a top sheet having a water-permeable region that is arranged on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body; a non-water-permeable back sheet that is wider than the absorbent body and is arranged on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body; and a pair of non-water-permeable side sheets that are arranged on both sides of the absorbent body in the width direction and extend toward the skin-facing side, wherein the back sheet is folded back at the widthwise ends of the absorbent body to cover from the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body through the side portions of the absorbent body to the skin-facing side, and the absorbent core and the back sheet are directly or indirectly bonded to each other.

[0008] The top sheet is laminated on the skin-facing side of the fold on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body and the back sheet, and has adhesive sections at both widthwise ends of the skin-facing side of the top sheet to adhere the pair of side sheets, and a pair of standing lines are formed widthwise inside the adhesive sections, and three-dimensional gathers are formed on the skin-facing sides of the pair of standing lines in the pair of side sheets, and the top sheet has a water-permeable region provided widthwise inside the pair of standing lines and a water-impermeable region provided outside the pair of standing lines, and the absorbent core may be overlapped near the longitudinal end, extending from the water-permeable region to the water-impermeable region.

[0009] A water-impermeable region extending in the longitudinal direction may be provided on the widthwise outer sides of the pair of upright lines between the fold on the skin-facing side of the backsheet and the topsheet.

[0010] At least one of the top sheet and the pair of side sheets is a nonwoven fabric sheet, and the back sheet is covered with the nonwoven fabric sheet at the side portions of the absorbent body. It's fine.

[0011] An elastic member may be provided on the outer side of the absorbent core in the width direction to bias the absorbent core outward in the width direction.

[0012] The absorbent core may be hourglass-shaped with a narrowed portion in the crotch region, and an elastic member may be provided on the widthwise outer side of the portion where the absorbent core widens from the crotch region toward the longitudinal end portion to urge the absorbent core widthwise outward.

[0013] The elastic members arranged on the widthwise outer side of the portion where the absorbent core widens from the crotch region toward the longitudinal end may be multiple linear elastic members, and all or more than half of the elastic members may have ends in the widthwise outer side of the portion where the absorbent core widens from the crotch region toward the longitudinal end.

[0014] The longitudinal ends of the absorbent core may overlap with the elastic members extending in the width direction, and the absorbent core and the elastic members extending in the width direction may be indirectly bonded to each other.

[0015] The absorbent body may include a plurality of adhesive portions that bond the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body to the back sheet, and the plurality of adhesive portions may be formed so as to be spaced apart from one another.

[0016] First high-rigidity portions may be intermittently provided on the widthwise outer sides of the pair of upright lines of the pair of side sheets.

[0017] The first high-rigidity portion may be provided by welding.

[0018] Second high-rigidity portions are intermittently provided in the lower region of the three-dimensional gathers, which is located widthwise inside of a pair of upright lines of the pair of side sheets and on the side of the absorbent core of the three-dimensional gathers, and the arrangement density of the first high-rigidity portions may be higher than the arrangement density of the second high-rigidity portions.

[0019] The absorbent core has an upper absorbent mat arranged on the skin-facing side and a lower absorbent mat arranged on the non-skin-facing side of the upper absorbent mat, and when the absorbent core is viewed in a plane, the lower absorbent mat may be contained within the upper absorbent mat in the width direction.

[0020] The absorbent body has a core wrap sheet that is adhered to the lower absorbent mat at least on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core and covers the absorbent core, and in most areas where the core wrap sheet and the non-skin-facing side of the upper absorbent mat directly face each other, the two do not need to be adhered together.

[0021] The absorbent body has a core wrap sheet that is adhered to the lower absorbent mat at least on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core and covers the absorbent core, and when a force is applied to separate the core wrap sheet and the absorbent core, the non-skin-facing side of the core wrap sheet and the upper absorbent mat may peel off more easily than the non-skin-facing side of the core wrap sheet and the lower absorbent mat.

[0022] The upper absorbent mat may have a narrowed shape in the width direction in the crotch region, the lower absorbent mat may be rectangular, and the width of the lower absorbent mat may be equal to or less than the width of the narrowed portion of the upper absorbent mat.

[0023] The water-permeable region of the top sheet is wider at the longitudinal end of the absorbent body than the widthwise end of the lower-layer absorbent mat and narrower than the widthwise end of the upper-layer absorbent mat. good.

[0024] The upper layer absorbent mat contains particles of SAP, a highly absorbent polymer, and the basis weight of the SAP particles contained in the lower layer absorbent mat may be lower than that of the upper layer absorbent mat, or the lower layer absorbent mat may be substantially free of SAP particles.

[0025] The present invention can also be a package of multiple absorbent articles including the above-mentioned absorbent articles, in which the shape and size of the absorbent body are substantially identical between a first package including a first absorbent article having a first size and a second package including a second absorbent article having a second size. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present invention, an absorbent article can be provided in which the absorbent core does not lose its shape and its functionality is not easily deteriorated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a diaper according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the diaper according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the diaper according to the embodiment in an unfolded and stretched state. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic cross-sectional structure of a diaper. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the structure of the side sheet. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the high-rigidity portion of the side sheet when incorporated into a diaper. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the diaper according to the second embodiment in an unfolded and stretched state. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the cross-sectional structure of the diaper according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a development view of the diaper according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view of the longitudinal end of the absorbent body as seen from the non-skin facing side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Diapers according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the configurations of the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the configurations of these embodiments.

[0029] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pants-type disposable diaper for adults (hereinafter simply referred to as "diaper") according to an embodiment. In the diaper, the direction connecting the front body portion, which is placed opposite the wearer's abdomen, and the back body portion, which is placed opposite the wearer's back, is defined as the longitudinal direction. Between the front body portion (one side in the longitudinal direction) and the back body portion (the other side in the longitudinal direction) (the center in the longitudinal direction), a crotch portion, which is placed between the wearer's crotch (placed opposite the crotch), is located. When the diaper is worn by a wearer, the side facing the wearer's skin is defined as the skin-facing side, and the side opposite the skin-facing side is defined as the non-skin-facing side. Furthermore, the direction connecting the skin-facing side and the non-skin-facing side is defined as the thickness direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and thickness directions is defined as the width direction. In addition, a view from the thickness direction is defined as a plan view. The diaper 1 has a length along the longitudinal direction and a width along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and is worn between the wearer's crotch. Furthermore, terms relating to directions used in the present application refer to directions that correspond to the front, back, left, and right of a wearer when the diaper 1 is worn by the wearer. For example, the left-right direction in the present application refers to the direction that corresponds to the left and right of a wearer when the diaper 1 is worn by the wearer.

[0030] In this embodiment, as an example of an absorbent article, a pants-type disposable diaper having a tubular structure having an opening for receiving the wearer's abdominal circumference and a pair of left and right openings through which the wearer's left and right lower limbs are inserted is exemplified. However, the "absorbent article" referred to in this application is not limited to pants-type disposable diapers for adults. The "absorbent article" referred to in this application also includes pants-type disposable diapers for children. It also includes various types of absorbent articles that can cover the abdominal circumference and crotch area, such as tape-type disposable diapers in which a tubular structure is formed by attaching a tape fixed near one end of a sheet-like member that covers the wearer's crotch area (genitals) from the front to the back, to the other end of the sheet-like member.

[0031] The diaper 1 has a crotch region 1B, which corresponds to the crotch region covering the wearer's pubic region (crotch area) when worn; a front body region 1F, which corresponds to the front body around the wearer's waist and covers the wearer's abdominal side; and a back body region 1R, which corresponds to the back body around the wearer's waist and covers the wearer's back side. The front body region 1F is located in front of the crotch region 1B, and the back body region 1R is located behind the crotch region 1B. Since the diaper 1 in this embodiment is a pants-type disposable diaper, the left edge of the front body region 1F is joined to the left edge of the rear body region 1R, and the right edge of the front body region 1F is joined to the right edge of the rear body region 1R. Thus, a waist opening 2T is formed in the diaper 1 by the upper edge of the front body region 1F and the upper edge of the back body region 1R. The diaper 1 also has a left leg opening 2L formed in a portion of the left side of the crotch region 1B where the above-mentioned joining is not performed, and a right leg opening 2R formed in a portion of the right side of the crotch region 1B. When the wearer's left leg is inserted through the left leg opening 2L, the wearer's right leg is inserted through the right leg opening 2R, and the wearer's torso is placed within the torso opening 2T, the diaper 1 is secured to the wearer's body with the front body region 1F positioned toward the wearer's abdomen and the back body region 1R positioned toward the wearer's back, and the left leg opening 2L and right leg opening 2R surrounding the wearer's thighs. Because the diaper 1 is secured to the wearer's body in this manner, the wearer can move freely while wearing the diaper 1.

[0032] The diaper 1 has an absorbent body, capable of absorbing and retaining liquid, mainly located near the crotch region 1B. To prevent the formation of gaps between the diaper 1 and the wearer's skin that could serve as a liquid leakage path, the diaper 1 also has a three-dimensional gather 3BL at the left leg opening 2L surrounding the thigh of the wearer's left lower leg, a three-dimensional gather 3BR at the right leg opening 2R surrounding the thigh of the wearer's right lower leg, and a waist gather 3R around the wearer's abdominal circumference. Leg gathers 3LL and 3LR are also provided around the base of the wearer's legs. The three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR and the waist gather 3R adhere closely to the wearer's skin due to the elasticity of the elastic thread. The leg gathers 3LL and 3LR also prevent the formation of gaps between the diaper 1 and the base of the wearer's legs. Therefore, liquid excreted from the wearer's genitals is absorbed by the absorbent body of the diaper 1 with almost no leakage from the diaper 1.

[0033] The diaper 1 can be used in combination with an inner pad (not shown). The inner pad is a generally rectangular absorbent article with an absorbent body that absorbs exudates. When the diaper 1 and inner pad are used in combination, the inner pad is placed on the skin-facing side of the diaper 1 so that it abuts the wearer's exudate hole. The exudate is first absorbed by the inner pad, and only the exudate that cannot be absorbed by the inner pad reaches the absorbent body of the diaper 1 and is further absorbed. This prevents the exudate from leaking from the diaper 1 even when the amount of exudate is large. Furthermore, if the amount of exudate is small and can be absorbed entirely by the inner pad, only the inner pad needs to be replaced, reducing care costs. Furthermore, the diaper 1 can be used for a long period of time.

[0034] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the diaper 1 according to the embodiment. The diaper 1 includes a cover sheet 4 and The diaper 1 has an inner coversheet 5. The coversheet 4 and inner coversheet 5 are laminated together to form the outer surface of the diaper 1 and are roughly hourglass-shaped (gourd-shaped) sheets, and are identical in shape except for the end on the front body region 1F side and the end on the back body region 1R side. When worn by a wearer, the coversheet 4 is laminated on the side facing away from the wearer's skin, and the inner coversheet 5 is laminated on the side facing the wearer. Elastic threads are provided between the coversheet 4 and the inner coversheet 5 to form the waist gathers 3R and the leg gathers 3LL, 3LR. Note that elastic members such as strip-shaped elastics can be appropriately selected instead of the elastic threads.

[0035] The cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 can be made of a nonwoven fabric made of a liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resin, for example, to prevent leakage of excrement. Examples of liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resins include polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Hereinafter, the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5, on which the rubber threads are arranged, may be collectively referred to as an exterior body, as a concept corresponding to the absorbent body 8 and the combination of the absorbent body 8 with the back sheet 6, the top sheet 9, and the side sheets 10L and 10R.

[0036] The diaper 1 comprises a backsheet 6, an absorbent body 8, and a topsheet 9, which are layered in this order on the wearer-facing surfaces of the coversheet 4 and the inner coversheet 5. The backsheet 6 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped sheet that extends longitudinally from the front body of the wearer, passing through the crotch area and reaching the back body, and has a predetermined width in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The absorbent body 8 and the topsheet 9 are both sheet-like members with a roughly rectangular appearance, similar to the backsheet 6, and are layered in this order on the backsheet 6 with their longitudinal directions coinciding with the longitudinal direction of the backsheet 6. The backsheet 6 is a sheet made of a liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resin to prevent leakage of excrement. The topsheet 9 is a sheet-like member that is placed on the wearer's skin side so as to cover the absorbent surface of the absorbent body 8. The topsheet 9 is liquid-permeable in part or in whole. Therefore, when the diaper 1 is worn, liquid excreted by the wearer passes through the top sheet 9, which comes into contact with the wearer's skin, and penetrates into the absorbent body 8, where it is absorbed. Examples of liquid-permeable sheets include woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, and porous films. The top sheet 9 may also be hydrophilic.

[0037] The absorbent body 8 includes an absorbent core 8c and a core wrap sheet 7 encasing the absorbent core 8c. In this embodiment, the absorbent core 8c is roughly hourglass-shaped with a constricted portion in the crotch area. The absorbent core 8c is constructed by retaining granular absorbent resin (polymeric water-absorbing material) such as SAP (Super Absorbent Polymer), a hydrophilic polymer with a crosslinked structure that can absorb and retain water, in the gaps between staple fibers, such as cellulosic fibers like pulp, rayon, or cotton, or synthetic fibers like polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene terephthalate that have been hydrophilically treated. When the absorbent core 8c absorbs liquid excreted by the wearer, the absorbent resin retained in the gaps between the staple fibers swells, retaining the liquid within the staple fibers. The absorbent core 8c can be shaped as desired depending on the purpose. Examples of the shape of the absorbent core 8c include rectangular, elliptical, and various other shapes.

[0038] The core wrap sheet 7 is a thin, liquid-permeable sheet, and by wrapping the absorbent core 8c with the core wrap sheet 7, the SAP of the absorbent core 8c described above is less likely to get mixed into other structures. It also prevents the absorbent core 8c from losing its shape. The core wrap sheet can be made of pulp fiber, and tissue paper can be used as an example. The core wrap sheet 7 may be a single sheet, but may also be made up of two sheets: an upper sheet placed on the wearer's skin side, and a lower sheet placed on the wearer's non-skin side and wrapping around the sides and skin side of the absorbent core. When the core wrap sheet 7 is made up of two sheets, the upper sheet The widthwise ends may be configured to be wrapped in other sheets (for example, side sheets 10L, 10R, the back sheet 6, and the top sheet 9, which will be described later). Note that the absorbent body 8 is wrapped in the back sheet 6 and the top sheet 9, and these sheets can also prevent the absorbent body 8 from losing its shape, so the core wrap sheet 7 may not be provided.

[0039] The back sheet 6, absorbent body 8, and top sheet 9 all extend from the front body region 1F to the back body region 1R. Therefore, when the back sheet 6, absorbent body 8, and top sheet 9 are layered together to cover the wearer's genitals (below the crotch), both longitudinal ends of the back sheet 6, absorbent body 8, and top sheet 9 are located on the wearer's ventral and dorsal sides. In other words, the wearer's genitals are covered by the absorbent body 8 from the wearer's ventral to dorsal sides. Therefore, whether the wearer is in a ventral or dorsal position when excreting liquid, the excreted liquid will come into contact with the absorbent body 8 via the top sheet 9.

[0040] The diaper 1 also has elongated, strip-shaped side sheets 10L, 10R for forming the above-mentioned three-dimensional gathers 3BL, 3BR. The side sheets 10L, 10R are provided along the long sides of the top sheet 9. Elastic threads 10L1, 10R1 are adhered to the side sheets 10L, 10R along the longitudinal direction. Thus, when the cover sheet 4 is joined at its left edge 4F4 of the front body region 1F to its left edge 4R4 of the back body region 1R, and at its right edge 4F5 of the front body region 1F to its right edge 4R5 of the back body region 1R, the diaper 1 is completed as shown in FIG. 1. The contractile force of the elastic threads 10L1, 10R1 pulls the side sheets 10L, 10R in the longitudinal direction, causing them to rise from the top sheet 9 along the rising lines 10L2, 10R2. As a result, three-dimensional gathers 3BL, 3BR are formed to prevent liquid from leaking from the left lower leg opening 2L and the right lower leg opening 2R. The joining method for the edges 4F4 and 4R4, and the edges 4F5 and 4R5 is not particularly limited, and can be performed by, for example, heat sealing, high-frequency sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc.

[0041] The diaper 1 further comprises an end sheet 11F laminated on the wearer-facing surface of the cover sheet 4 in the front body region 1F, and an end sheet 11R laminated on the wearer-facing surface of the cover sheet 4 in the back body region 1R, sandwiching the back sheet 6, absorber 8, top sheet 9, and side sheets 10L, 10R. The end sheets 11F, 11R are strip-shaped sheets laminated on the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 at one end of the top sheet 9 in the longitudinal direction. The end sheets 11F, 11R are impermeable nonwoven fabrics, and mainly reinforce the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5 in the waist-contacting portions of the diaper 1. The end sheets 11F, 11R are coated with adhesive, which bonds them to the inner cover sheet 5. The end sheets 11F, 11R are arranged closer to the skin than the laminate formed by the back sheet 6, absorbent body 8, top sheet 9, and side sheets 10L, 10R, and prevent the ends of the laminate from directly touching the skin, causing discomfort to the wearer.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a diaper 1 according to an embodiment in an unfolded and stretched state. FIG. 3(A) shows the internal structure of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state as viewed from the left side. FIG. 3(B) shows a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state. Note that the side sheets 10L, 10R and end sheets 11F, 11R are not shown in FIG. 3(B). One end of the cover sheet 4 is folded back at the fold lines 4FF, 4RF shown in FIG. 2. The waist gather 3R is formed by adhering elastic threads (thread-like rubber) 4F1, 4F2 to the front body region of the cover sheet 4 and adhering elastic threads (thread-like rubber) 4R1, 4R2 to the back body region of the cover sheet 4. The elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 are provided in this order from the fold-back line 4FF side along the fold-back line 4FF, which will form the upper edge of the front body region 1F when folded back. Similar to the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2, the elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2 are also provided along the fold line 4RF, which will form the upper edge of the back body region 1R when folded back, in the order of the elastic thread 4R1 and the elastic thread 4R2 from the fold line 4RF side.

[0043] Therefore, the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 are provided on the cover sheet 4 with their longitudinal stretch direction aligned with the left-right direction of the diaper 1. The elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2 are provided on the cover sheet 4 with their longitudinal stretch direction aligned with the left-right direction of the diaper 1. When the edges 4F4 and 4R4 are joined together and the edges 4F5 and 4R5 are joined together, the elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 and the elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2 form a substantially annular elastic member that runs along the waist opening 2T, thereby contracting the waist opening 2T in the waist-circumference direction. The elastic threads 4F1 and 4F2 and the elastic threads 4R1 and 4R2 exert a contractile force to fit the diaper 1 closely to the wearer and prevent a gap from forming between the diaper 1 and the wearer's abdominal circumference. The elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 overlap the absorbent core 8 in a portion of the crotch region 1B.

[0044] The elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 are arranged to extend laterally along the upper edges of the front and back body regions 1F and 1R shown in FIG. 1. The elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 are arranged parallel to each other at a predetermined distance. When the diaper 1 is worn, the elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 tightly tighten the wearer's abdominal circumference above the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2. The elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1 fit the diaper 1 closely to the wearer, preventing it from shifting and preventing leakage of excreted fluid from the abdomen or back. The elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 alleviate the pressure felt by the wearer due to the contractile force of the elastic threads 4F1 and 4R1. Furthermore, when an inner pad is used, the elastic threads 4F2 and 4R2 prevent the inner pad from shifting.

[0045] Furthermore, rubber threads 4F3 and 4R3 are adhered to the cover sheet 4. The rubber threads 4F3 and 4R3 are elastic members provided in an area of ​​the cover sheet 4 closer to the crotch region 1B than the rubber threads 4F2 and 4R2. However, unlike the other rubber threads that are adhered without bending from the left end to the right end of the cover sheet 4, the rubber threads 4F3 and 4R3 are arranged curved toward the crotch region 1B. Because the rubber threads 4F3 and 4R3 are arranged curved in this way, the areas where the rubber threads 4F3 and 4R3 are arranged function as leg gathers 3LL and 3LR that bring the peripheries of the left lower leg opening 2L and the right lower leg opening 2R into contact with the wearer's skin.

[0046] The rubber thread 4F3 in the front body region 1F traverses the extending region of the absorbent body 8 in the width direction and is continuous in the width direction. The part where the rubber thread 4F3 traverses the extending region of the absorbent body 8 in the width direction corresponds to the vicinity of the wearer's pubic bone. The wearer's urethral opening contacts the skin-facing side of the diaper 1, further towards the crotch than the part where the rubber thread 4F3 traverses the extending region of the absorbent body 8.

[0047] On the other hand, the rubber thread 4R3 in the rear body region 1R overlaps the outer widthwise portion of the absorbent core 8c at the constricted portion of the hourglass-shaped absorbent core, but does not cross the extending region of the absorber 8 in the widthwise direction and is separated therefrom. The region where the rubber thread 4R3 is disposed contacts the wearer's buttocks near the absorber 8. In the rear body region 1R, the diaper 1 is pressed more strongly by the pressure exerted on the wearer's buttocks than in the front body region 1F. For this reason, by not providing the rubber thread 4R3 in the widthwise center of the absorber 8 but instead biasing the widthwise ends of the absorber 8 apart, the diaper 1 contacts the wearer with an appropriate adhesive force.

[0048] The cover sheet 4 is folded back at the folding lines 4FF and 4RF and extends to the areas where the rubber threads 4F1 and 4R1 are disposed, and the folded back portions reinforce the areas where the rubber threads 4F1 and 4R1 are disposed. The end sheets 11F and 11R are provided in the areas where the rubber threads 4F2 and 4R2 are disposed, where the cover sheet 4 folded back at the folding lines 4FF and 4RF does not extend. This reinforces the areas where the rubber threads 4F2 and 4R2 are arranged.

[0049] In the present application, the term "overlapping of sheets" does not necessarily mean that the overlapping sheets are in full contact with each other, but rather includes a concept that includes a configuration in which only portions of the sheets overlap. For example, the end sheet 11F is overlapped such that a portion of one longitudinal end of the back sheet 6 touches a portion of the cover sheet 4. The diaper 1 is formed by stacking the back sheet 6 and top sheet 9 with the absorbent body 8 sandwiched therebetween, as well as the cover sheet 4, end sheets 11F and 11R, inner cover sheet 5, and side sheets 10L and 10R, and can therefore be said to have a laminate formed by stacking these multiple sheets.

[0050] When the diaper 1 is for an adult, the wearer's physique varies greatly compared to that of an infant. For this reason, the diaper 1 can be provided in multiple sizes to fit the wearer's physique. Diapers 1 of different sizes are realized mainly by changing the sizes of the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R of the outer body. The structure of the human crotch area and the positional relationship of the excretory opening do not change significantly depending on the wearer's physique. It is also known that the amount of excretion of elderly people, who are the consumers of adult diapers, does not correlate with their physique. For this reason, by adjusting the structure of the outer body as described below, it is possible to provide multiple sizes of diapers 1 equipped with substantially the same absorbent body 8.

[0051] For example, a package of diapers for adults with a long waist circumference (a first package containing a first absorbent article having a first size) and a package of diapers for adults with a short waist circumference (a second package containing a second absorbent article having a second size) may be affixed with the same brand logo and sold together as a package of multiple absorbent articles. It is also possible to increase the number of package types to suit different wearer sizes, and to sell packages of sizes suitable for three or more different sizes at the same time. Even in this case, since substantially the same absorbent core 8 can be used, it is possible to provide diapers 1 that fit the wearer's size while suppressing increases in manufacturing costs, thereby increasing the satisfaction of the wearer and their caregivers.

[0052] Such a package of multiple absorbent articles can be realized by changing the longitudinal length of the exterior body and by changing the width of the exterior body in the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R. Furthermore, by changing the length of the elastic thread according to the width of the exterior body, the contractile force per unit area can be made the same for exterior bodies of multiple waist sizes, and the wearing comfort can be made the same for diapers of different sizes.

[0053] When changing the longitudinal length of the outer casing, the spacing between the rubber threads 4F2, 4R2 may be standardized to the same spacing, and the number of threads may be changed depending on the longitudinal length of the outer casing. Standardizing the spacing between the rubber threads 4F2, 4R2 ensures that the contractile force per unit area of ​​the rubber threads overlapping with and near the absorbent body 8 is the same across diapers of multiple sizes. This allows for diapers 1 with a consistent wearing feel. Furthermore, by standardizing the area of ​​the overlapping region between the rubber threads 4F2, 4R2 and the absorbent body 8 across multiple sizes, the contractile force applied to the absorbent body 8 can be consistent. This allows diapers 1 with multiple sizes of outer casing to use absorbent bodies 8 of the same size without changing the wearing feel.

[0054] In addition, the distance between the longitudinal crotch side ends of the elastic threads 4F2, 4R2 and the right leg opening 2R and left leg opening 2L, which are leg holes through which the wearer's legs pass, may be the same for all sizes of outer bodies. Furthermore, at the narrowest point in the crotch region 1B, the distance between the widthwise end of the outer body and the widthwise end of the absorber 8 can be the same regardless of the size of the outer body. It is known that the structure of the groin and crotch area of ​​a human being is not affected by physique. For this reason, by making the distance between the elastic threads 4F2, 4R2 that make up the waist gather 3R and the leg openings the same for all sizes of diapers 1, the wearing comfort can be consistent across all sizes. We can provide a diaper that does this.

[0055] 4 is a diagram showing a schematic cross-sectional structure of a diaper. The absorbent body 8 includes a core wrap sheet 7 and an absorbent core 8c wrapped in the core wrap sheet 7. When viewed from above, the absorbent core 8c has a generally gourd or hourglass shape with a narrowed portion in the crotch region.

[0056] The crotch region is sandwiched between the wearer's legs, so it is subjected to compressive pressure inward in the width direction. On the other hand, in the front and back body regions, the wearer's weight exerts pressure on the absorbent core 8c in the thickness direction. For this reason, in the crotch region, the absorbent core 8c is constricted to prevent it from losing its shape. Furthermore, in the front and back body regions, the width of the absorbent core 8c is widened to increase the area on which the wearer's weight is applied, thereby preventing it from losing its shape in the thickness direction. For this reason, it is preferable that the absorbent core 8c be roughly gourd-shaped or hourglass-shaped.

[0057] The absorbent core 8c contains cellulosic staple fibers or hydrophilically treated resin staple fibers (hereinafter referred to as staple fibers), as well as granular absorbent resin (SAP particles) such as a hydrophilic superabsorbent polymer with a cross-linked structure that can absorb and retain water. When fluid is excreted from the wearer and penetrates the absorbent core 8c, the SAP particles absorb the water and gradually expand, immobilizing the excreted fluid and preventing it from flowing back to the skin side.

[0058] In this figure, the absorbent core 8c is wrapped in a water-permeable core wrap sheet 7. The core wrap sheet 7 is further divided into an upper-layer core wrap sheet 7f, which is positioned on the skin-facing side of the wearer when worn, and a lower-layer core wrap sheet 7b, which is positioned on the non-skin-facing side of the wearer when worn. The upper-layer core wrap sheet 7f is bonded to the skin-facing side of the absorbent core 8c with an adhesive HM such as hot melt. The lower-layer core wrap sheet 7b is bonded to the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core 8c with an adhesive HM such as hot melt.

[0059] The adhesive strength between the absorbent core 8c and the upper-layer core wrap sheet 7f is stronger than the adhesive strength between the absorbent core 8c and the lower-layer core wrap sheet 7b. Specifically, the width of the adhesive HM bonding the upper-layer core wrap sheet 7f and the absorbent core 8c may be wider than the width of the absorbent core 8c, and the width of the adhesive HM bonding the lower-layer core wrap sheet 7b and the absorbent core 8c may be narrower than the width of the absorbent core 8c. Furthermore, the amount of adhesive HM applied to bond the absorbent core 8c and the lower-layer core wrap sheet 7b may be reduced, or an adhesive HM with lower adhesive strength may be used. Alternatively, the application area of ​​the adhesive HM for this purpose may be limited. Therefore, when a force is applied to separate the absorbent core 8c and the core wrap sheet 7, the absorbent core 8c and the lower-layer core wrap sheet 7b are relatively easily separated.

[0060] The adhesive HM easily peels off and forms the flow channels 8s when a force is applied to separate the lower core wrap sheet 7b and the absorbent core 8c, such as when the absorbent core 8c absorbs water and expands, or when excreted liquid flows between the lower core wrap sheet 7b and the absorbent core 8c. If the flow channels 8s are formed even when the diaper 1 has not absorbed water and the flow channels 8s are not needed, the flow channels 8s could cause the absorbent core 8c to lose its shape. If the flow channels 8s are formed only when the absorbent core 8c absorbs water, the flow channels 8s can be formed only when needed.

[0061] The backsheet 6 is a water-impermeable film laminated on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body 8, and prevents discharged liquid that has penetrated the absorbent body 8 from leaking out to the cover sheet 4. The backsheet 6 is wider than the absorbent core 8c, enveloping the sides of the absorbent core 8c and reaching the skin-facing side.

[0062] The top sheet 9 is a water-permeable sheet that contacts the skin of the wearer. When liquid is excreted by the wearer, the excreted liquid passes through the top sheet 9 and penetrates into the absorbent core 8c, where it is absorbed. The top sheet 9 is also wider than the absorbent core 8c, and wraps around the sides of the absorbent core 8c, reaching the non-skin-facing side. On the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 8, the top sheet 9 is laminated closer to the skin than the back sheet 6.

[0063] The side sheets 10L, 10R are impermeable nonwoven fabric sheets arranged on both widthwise sides of the absorbent body 8, and constitute a pair of side sheets covering the widthwise sides of the absorbent body 8. The side sheets 10L, 10R are provided at the skin-facing end of the absorbent body 8, and rise toward the skin-facing side of the wearer due to the contractile force of elastic threads 10L1, 10R1 extending in the longitudinal direction, forming three-dimensional gathers 3BL, 3BR that prevent lateral leakage of excreted liquid in the front-to-back direction of the wearer. On the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 8, the side sheets 10L, 10R are layered closer to the skin than the top sheet 9.

[0064] FIG. 5 shows the structure of the side sheets. More specifically, it is a diagram of the side sheets 10L, 10R that constitute the diaper 1. Elastic threads 10L1, 10R1 are attached to the widthwise inner sides of the side sheets 10L, 10R. The elastic threads 10L1, 10R1 cause the side sheets 10L, 10R to rise toward the skin side across the rising lines 10L2, 10R2, forming the upright gathers 3BL, 3BR. The extending regions of the elastic threads 10L1, 10R1 of the upright gathers 3BL, 3BR come into contact with the wearer's skin and act as a leak-proof barrier. Meanwhile, the lower regions of the upright gathers 3BL, 3BR, located on the absorbent core 8c side of the upright gathers, i.e., the regions between the extending regions of the elastic threads 10L1, 10R1 and the rising lines 10L2, 10R2, serve as buffer regions that allow the upright gathers 3BL, 3BR to rise sufficiently due to the elastic threads 10L1, 10R1.

[0065] The widthwise outer regions of the side sheets 10L, 10R of the upright lines 10L2, 10R2 cover the sides and part of the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core 8c, and the side portions of the absorbent core 8c form absorbent core side regions. High-rigidity regions 10LW1, 10RW1 are intermittently provided in the absorbent core side regions. The high-rigidity regions 10LW1, 10RW1 are formed by ultrasonically welding the side sheets 10L, 10R together. The nonwoven fabric side sheets 10L, 10R become film-like in the high-rigidity regions 10LW1, 10RW1, making them more rigid than other regions. The high-rigidity regions 10LW1, 10RW1 are an example of a first high-rigidity region.

[0066] The high-rigidity portions 10LW1, 10RW1 may be formed by any suitable method other than ultrasonic welding, such as heat sealing or high-frequency sealing. Alternatively, they may be formed by intermittently applying an adhesive such as a hot melt. The high-rigidity portions 10LW1, 10RW1 may be formed before the side sheets 10L, 10R are attached to the diaper 1.

[0067] By providing the high-rigidity portions 10LW1, 10RW1, the rigidity of the side sheets 10L, 10R is increased, and deformation of the absorbent core 8c, the widthwise ends of which are covered by the side sheets 10L, 10R, can be effectively prevented. On the other hand, if the high-rigidity portions 10LW1, 10RW1 come into contact with the wearer's skin, they may cause discomfort. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the high-rigidity portions 10LW1, 10RW1 on the outer side in the widthwise direction of the upright lines 10L2, 10R2 of the side sheets 10L, 10R.

[0068] The side sheets 10L, 10R contact the wearer's skin as the three-dimensional gathers 3BL, 3BR, but the widthwise outer sides of the standing lines 10L2, 10R2 of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL, 3BR do not come into direct contact with the wearer's skin. Therefore, even if high-rigidity portions 10LW1, 10RW1 are provided on the widthwise outer sides of the standing lines 10L2, 10R2, it does not affect the wearing comfort. By reinforcing the side sheets 10L, 10R at the side portions of the absorbent core 8c with the high-rigidity portions 10LW1, 10RW1, the absorbent core 8c can more easily maintain its structure, and the shape on the widthwise outer sides is improved. Collapse can be suppressed.

[0069] In addition, another high-rigidity portion 10LW2, 10RW2 can be provided in the lower region of the three-dimensional gathers, which is the region located widthwise inside the standing lines 10L2, 10R2 of the side sheets 10L, 10R, between the arrangement area of ​​the elastic threads 10L1, 10R1 and the standing lines 10L2, 10R2. The size of the high-rigidity portions 10LW2, 10RW2 is smaller than that of the high-rigidity portions 10LW1, 10RW1. The arrangement density of the high-rigidity portions 10LW2, 10RW2 is also lower than that of the high-rigidity portions 10LW1, 10RW1. The high-rigidity portions 10LW2, 10RW2 are an example of a second high-rigidity portion.

[0070] The three-dimensional gathers 3BL, 3BR according to this embodiment rise from the standing lines 10L2, 10R2 toward the inside in the width direction at one end and bend toward the outside in the width direction just before the area where the rubber threads 10L1, 10R1 are disposed, so that the rubber threads 10L1, 10R1 abut against the wearer's skin facing outward in the width direction. Therefore, the area between the standing lines 10L2, 10R2 and the area where the rubber threads 10L1, 10R1 are disposed, that is, the lower area of ​​the three-dimensional gathers where the high-rigidity portions 10LW2, 10RW2 are disposed, does not abut against the wearer's skin very much.

[0071] Furthermore, even if the lower region of the upright gathers comes into contact with the wearer's skin, the high-rigidity portions 10LW2, 10RW2 are smaller and less densely arranged than the high-rigidity portions 10LW1, 10RW1. Therefore, the high-rigidity portions 10LW2, 10RW2 do not cause discomfort to the wearer. The high-rigidity portions 10LW2, 10RW2 reinforce the lower region of the upright gathers, making it easier for the upright gathers 3BL, 3BR to rise due to the biasing force of the elastic threads 10L1, 10R1. Therefore, the diaper 1 according to this embodiment can effectively reduce side leakage.

[0072] FIG. 6 shows the high-rigidity portion of a side sheet when incorporated into a diaper. While the side sheet 10L is used as an example in this diagram, the configuration and effects of the side sheet 10R are similar. A rubber thread 10L1 extends along the widthwise inner edge of the side sheet 10L. The area where the rubber thread 10L1 is located rises up and contacts the wearer's skin when worn, forming the upper region of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL. The side sheet 10L reinforces the absorbent core 8, including the absorbent core 8c, in the absorbent core side regions located on the sides of the absorbent core 8.

[0073] Large high-rigidity areas 10LW1 are intermittently arranged at high density in the absorbent core side regions of the side sheet 10L. The high-rigidity areas 10LW1 reinforce the side regions of the absorbent body 8 and prevent the absorbent body 8 from losing its shape. When worn, the absorbent core side regions are on the outside of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL, so they do not come into contact with the wearer's skin. Therefore, even if large high-rigidity areas 10LW2 shown in Figure 6 are arranged at high density, the wearer will feel almost no discomfort.

[0074] In the lower region of the three-dimensional gathers, high-rigidity portions 10LW2, which are smaller than the high-rigidity portions 10LW1, are intermittently provided at a lower density than the high-rigidity portions 10LW1. The high-rigidity portions 10LW2 reinforce the three-dimensional gathers 3BL in the lower region of the three-dimensional gathers. By providing the high-rigidity portions 10LW2, the biasing force of the elastic thread 10L1 is more easily transmitted to the entire three-dimensional gathers 3BL, making it easier for the three-dimensional gathers 3BL to stand up.

[0075] The three-dimensional gathers 3BL of the diaper 1 according to this embodiment are configured to rise from the rising line 10L2 inward in the width direction and then bend outward in the width direction just before the area where the elastic thread 10L1 is arranged. Therefore, the lower area of ​​the three-dimensional gathers where the high stiffness portion 10LW2 is arranged does not come into contact with the wearer's skin to a great extent. Furthermore, the high stiffness portion 10LW2 is sufficiently smaller than the high stiffness portion 10LW1, and is also arranged at a lower density. Therefore, the wearer feels the high stiffness portion 10LW2. I hardly feel any discomfort caused by LW1.

[0076] By providing the high-rigidity portions 10LW1 and 10LW2 in the side sheet 10L, the side sheet 10L can be reinforced. Furthermore, by reinforcing the side sheet 10L with the high-rigidity portions 10LW1 at the side portions of the absorbent core 8c, the absorbent core 8c can more easily maintain its structure and prevent deformation in the widthwise outer regions. Furthermore, by providing the high-rigidity portions 10LW2 in the lower region of the three-dimensional gathers, the lower region of the three-dimensional gathers becomes stiffer, improving the uprightness of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL. The high-rigidity portions 10LW1 do not come into contact with the wearer's skin. Due to the structure of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL, the high-rigidity portions 10LW2 are less likely to come into contact with the wearer's skin. Furthermore, the high-rigidity portions 10LW2 are arranged at a lower density than the high-rigidity portions 10LW1, and their size is also significantly smaller than the high-rigidity portions 10LW1. Therefore, providing the high-rigidity portions 10LW1 and 10LW2 has almost no effect on the wearing comfort.

[0077] Second Embodiment FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of a diaper 1 in a second embodiment in an unfolded and stretched state. In the second embodiment, like components in each figure are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted where appropriate. FIG. 7 shows the diaper 1 from the skin-facing side, and does not include the inner cover sheet 5, back sheet 6, and top sheet 9. The absorbent body 8 includes an absorbent core 8c and a core wrap sheet 7 covering the absorbent core 8c. The absorbent core 8c has, in the longitudinal direction, an abdominal region 81, a first widened region 82 narrower than the abdominal region 81 in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a crotch region 83 narrower than the first widened region 82 in the width direction, a second widened region 84 wider than the crotch region 83 in the width direction, and a back region 85 wider than the second widened region 84 in the width direction. The core wrap sheet 7 is wider than the absorbent core 8c in the width direction. In FIG. 7, the longitudinal direction is indicated by D1, and the width direction is indicated by D2.

[0078] The abdominal portion 81 and the back portion 85 are, for example, rectangular, and in this drawing, the abdominal portion 81 and the back portion 85 are the widest in the width direction among all the portions of the absorbent core 8c. The abdominal portion 81 may be wider in the width direction than the back portion 85, or the back portion 85 may be wider in the width direction than the abdominal portion 81. The abdominal portion 81 has an end portion located on the opposite side of the boundary between the abdominal portion 81 and the first widening portion 82 in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal length of the abdominal portion 81 is approximately 50 mm. For example, the abdominal portion 81 may extend from the end portion of the abdominal portion 81 in the absorbent core 8c to approximately 50 mm toward the center of the absorbent core 8c. The back portion 85 has an end portion located on the opposite side of the boundary between the back portion 85 and the second widening portion 84 in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal length of the back portion 85 is approximately 50 mm. For example, the back portion 85 may extend from the end portion of the back portion 85 in the absorbent core 8c to approximately 50 mm toward the center of the absorbent core 8c.

[0079] The crotch portion 83 is, for example, rectangular and is the narrowest in the width direction among all the portions of the absorbent core 8c. The longitudinal length of the crotch portion 83 is approximately 50 mm. For example, the crotch portion 83 may extend from the narrowest portion of the absorbent core 8c in the width direction to approximately 25 mm toward the abdominal portion 81, and from the narrowest portion of the absorbent core 8c in the width direction to approximately 25 mm toward the back portion 85. The first widened portion 82 widens from the crotch portion 83 toward the abdominal portion 81. The second widened portion 84 widens from the crotch portion 83 toward the back portion 85. The first widened portion 82 and the second widened portion 84 may be tapered so that their widthwise lengths gradually increase, or may be shaped so that their widthwise lengths increase in stages.

[0080] Since the width of the wearer's genitals is roughly the same regardless of the wearer's physique, the width of the crotch portion 83 can be designed based on the width of the wearer's genitals. When the diaper 1 is worn, the abdomen 81 and back 85 are not curved much and remain substantially flat, making them less likely to deform. On the other hand, the areas between the wearer's abdomen and genitals and the areas between the wearer's back and genitals vary greatly depending on the wearer's physique, gender, etc., so the first widening portion 82 and the second widening portion 84 are designed to accommodate these areas. Mutsu 1 is easily deformed when worn, so it is prone to losing its shape.

[0081] The diaper 1 includes a plurality of rubber threads (linear elastic members, which are an example of the "elastic member" of the present application) including rubber threads 4F1, 4F2, and 4F3, each of which is arranged in a stretched state. The number of rubber threads 4F1, 4F2, and 4F3 can be set arbitrarily and is not limited to the number shown in the drawings. The rubber threads 4F3 have opposite ends, and one of the opposite ends of at least one of the rubber threads 4F3 extends in the width direction and overlaps with the core wrap sheet 7 in the thickness direction of the absorbent body 8 outside the width direction of the first widened portion 82. For example, one of the opposite ends of all or more than half of the rubber threads 4F3 may extend in the width direction and overlap with the core wrap sheet 7 in the thickness direction of the absorbent body 8 outside the width direction of the first widened portion 82. The portion of the rubber thread 4F3 overlapping with the core wrap sheet 7 is adhered to at least one of the cover sheet 4 and the core wrap sheet 7. In the following description, when it is stated that the rubber thread 4F3 is overlapped with the core wrap sheet 7, it means that the rubber thread 4F3 is overlapped with the core wrap sheet 7 in the thickness direction of the absorbent body 8.

[0082] The rubber threads 4F3 are arranged in a stretched state, and one of the two end portions of at least one rubber thread 4F3 extends in the width direction and overlaps with the core wrap sheet 7 on the widthwise outer side of the first widened portion 82. By having all of the rubber threads 4F3, or more than half of the rubber threads 4F3, pull the first widened portion 82 outward in the width direction, it is possible to prevent the first widened portion 82 from shrinking more than necessary in the width direction, and to prevent the absorbent core 8c from losing its shape.

[0083] The rubber thread 4F3 does not overlap the absorbent core 8c in the thickness direction of the absorbent body 8. By preventing the multiple rubber threads 4F3 from overlapping the absorbent core 8c in the thickness direction of the absorbent body 8, the rubber threads 4F3 are prevented from shrinking the absorbent core 8c in the width direction. This prevents the absorbent core 8c from losing its shape due to shrinkage in the width direction, and makes it possible to more reliably expand the absorbent core 8c in the width direction.

[0084] A plurality of rubber threads (linear elastic members, which are an example of the "elastic member" of the present application) including rubber threads 4R1, 4R2, and a plurality of rubber threads 4R3 are arranged in a stretched state. The number of rubber threads 4R1, 4R2, and 4R3 can be set arbitrarily and is not limited to the number shown in each drawing. The rubber threads 4R3 have two ends, and one of the two ends of at least one of the rubber threads 4R3 extends in the width direction and overlaps with the core wrap sheet 7 in the thickness direction of the absorbent body 8 outside the width direction of the second widened portion 84. For example, one of the two ends of all or more of the rubber threads 4R3 may extend in the width direction and overlap with the core wrap sheet 7 in the thickness direction of the absorbent body 8 outside the width direction of the second widened portion 84. The portion of the rubber thread 4R3 overlapping with the core wrap sheet 7 is adhered to at least one of the cover sheet 4 and the core wrap sheet 7. In the following description, when it is stated that the rubber thread 4R3 is overlapped with the core wrap sheet 7, it means that the rubber thread 4R3 is overlapped with the core wrap sheet 7 in the thickness direction of the absorbent body 8.

[0085] The rubber threads 4R3 are arranged in a stretched state, and one of the two end portions of at least one rubber thread 4R3 extends in the width direction and overlaps with the core wrap sheet 7 on the widthwise outer side of the second widened portion 84. By having all of the rubber threads 4R3, or more than half of the rubber threads 4R3, pull the first widened portion 82 outward in the width direction, it is possible to prevent the second widened portion 84 from shrinking more than necessary in the width direction, and to prevent the absorbent core 8c from losing its shape.

[0086] The rubber thread 4R3 does not overlap the absorbent core 8c in the thickness direction of the absorbent body 8. By preventing the rubber thread 4R3 from overlapping the absorbent core 8c in the thickness direction of the absorbent body 8, the rubber thread 4R3 is prevented from shrinking the absorbent core 8c in the width direction. This prevents the absorbent core 8c from losing its shape due to shrinkage in the width direction, and This allows 8c to be more reliably spread in the width direction.

[0087] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of a diaper according to a second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the absorbent core 8c includes an upper absorbent mat 8a and a lower absorbent mat 8b. When viewed from the skin-facing side, the upper absorbent mat 8a has an hourglass shape with a constricted portion in the crotch region 1B. Near the longitudinal ends of the upper absorbent mat 8a, it extends to the widthwise ends of the absorber 8. In contrast, the lower absorbent mat 8b is the absorbent mat that faces away from the wearer's skin when worn, and is rectangular in plan view. The lower absorbent mat 8b extends only to a portion corresponding to the wearer's midline, and its overall width is equal to or smaller than the constricted portion of the upper absorbent mat 8a. In other words, the lower absorbent mat 8b is layered with the upper absorbent mat 8a so that it is completely hidden by the upper absorbent mat 8a in plan view. The lower absorbent mat 8b may have a multi-layer structure composed of multiple mats. The absorbent core 8c may also be made up of a single absorbent mat with a convex shape on the non-skin facing side.

[0088] The absorbent core 8c contains cellulosic staple fibers or hydrophilically treated resin staple fibers (hereinafter referred to as staple fibers) as well as granular absorbent resin (SAP particles), such as a hydrophilic superabsorbent polymer with a cross-linked structure that can absorb and retain water. When fluid is discharged from the wearer and penetrates the absorbent core 8c, the staple fibers temporarily retain the fluid while the SAP particles absorb water and gradually expand, immobilizing the fluid and preventing backflow to the skin-facing side. When the SAP particles absorb water and expand, they may block the fluid flow path (gel-blocking phenomenon). For this reason, the location of the SAP particles can be limited according to the design of the absorbent core 8c. When the absorbent core 8c is composed of multiple absorbent mats as shown in the figure, the absorbent mats to which the SAP particles are disposed may be limited, or the basis weight (amount of SAP particles per unit area) of the SAP particles may be varied for each absorbent mat.

[0089] The core wrap sheet 7 enveloping the absorbent core 8c is water permeable. Furthermore, in this figure, the core wrap sheet 7 is divided into an upper-layer core wrap sheet 7f, which faces the wearer's skin when worn, and a lower-layer core wrap sheet 7b, which faces away from the wearer's skin when worn. The upper-layer core wrap sheet 7f is intermittently bonded to the upper-layer absorbent mat 8a with adhesive 33. The lower-layer core wrap sheet 7b is intermittently bonded to the lower-layer absorbent mat 8b with adhesive 34. However, the non-skin-facing side of the upper-layer absorbent mat 8a and the lower-layer core wrap sheet 7b are not bonded in most of the area where they directly face each other. Therefore, in the absorbent body 8, a flow path 8s is formed between the lower-layer core wrap sheet 7b and the upper-layer absorbent mat 8a, further outward from the widthwise end of the lower-layer absorbent mat 8b, where the upper-layer absorbent mat 8a extends.

[0090] Furthermore, when a force is applied to separate the lower core wrap sheet 7b and the absorbent core 8c, the non-skin-facing side of the lower core wrap sheet 7b and the upper absorbent mat 8a may peel more easily than the non-skin-facing side of the lower core wrap sheet 7b and the lower absorbent mat 8b. Specifically, the width of the adhesive bonding the lower core wrap sheet 7b and the lower absorbent mat 8b may be wider than the width of the lower absorbent mat 8b, so that only the edge of the adhesive is bonded to the non-skin-facing side of the upper absorbent mat 8a. Furthermore, an adhesive with low adhesive strength may be used to bond the non-skin-facing side of the upper absorbent mat 8a and the lower core wrap sheet 7b, and the amount of adhesive applied for this purpose may be small. The adhesive easily peels off when a force is applied to separate the lower core wrap sheet 7b and the absorbent core 8c, such as when the lower absorbent mat 8b absorbs water and expands, or when excreted liquid flows between the lower core wrap sheet 7b and the upper absorbent mat 8a, forming the flow channels 8s. If the flow channels 8s are formed even when the diaper 1 has not absorbed water and the flow channels 8s are not needed, the flow channels 8s could cause the absorbent core 8c to lose its shape. If the flow channels 8s are formed only when the absorbent core 8c absorbs water, the flow channels 8s can be formed only when needed.

[0091] The SAP particles contained in the lower absorbent mat 8b have a lower basis weight than those in the upper absorbent mat 8a, or the lower absorbent mat 8b is substantially free of SAP particles. That is, the lower absorbent mat 8b is primarily composed of short fibers and serves the function of temporarily storing the discharged liquid that has passed through the upper absorbent mat 8a and gradually returning it to the upper absorbent mat 8a. Therefore, the discharged liquid that reaches the lower absorbent mat 8b is gradually reabsorbed by the SAP particles in the upper absorbent mat 8a or flows into the flow path 8s. If additional water flows into the lower absorbent mat 8b after the SAP particles have already absorbed and expanded, the expanded SAP particles may impede the flow of water, potentially causing a phenomenon known as gel blocking. The lower absorbent mat 8b contains no or only a small amount of SAP particles, preventing gel blocking and enabling the discharged liquid to be guided to the appropriate absorption position while slowing down.

[0092] The flow channels 8s extend in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 8. The discharged liquid that flows into the flow channels 8s from the lower-layer absorbent mat 8b moves inside the flow channels 8s and is gradually absorbed by the upper-layer absorbent mat 8a. If the discharged liquid concentrates in a specific part of the absorbent core 8c and exceeds its absorption capacity, the discharged liquid flows through the flow channels 8s and can be absorbed in other parts with sufficient absorption capacity, so the discharged liquid can be absorbed throughout the entire absorbent core 8c. This prevents the discharged liquid from flowing back at points where absorption capacity is exceeded, causing discomfort to the wearer.

[0093] The flow channels 8s are covered by the flat upper absorbent mat 8a when viewed from the skin-facing side. Therefore, no unevenness caused by the flow channels 8s appears on the skin-facing side of the diaper 1, making it less likely for the wearer to feel uncomfortable. In addition, the upper absorbent mat 8a is located between the flow channels 8s and the top sheet 9, preventing discharged liquid flowing through the flow channels 8s from flowing back onto the wearer's skin.

[0094] The core wrap sheet 7 wraps the absorbent core 8c to prevent it from losing its shape. The core wrap sheet 7 is not essential, and its role may be fulfilled by covering the sides of the absorbent core 8c with the back sheet 6, top sheet 9, or side sheets 10L and 10R, which will be described later.

[0095] The backsheet 6 is a water-impermeable film arranged to cover the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core 8c, preventing excreted fluid that has penetrated the absorbent body 8 from leaking out toward the cover sheet 4. The backsheet 6 is wider than the absorbent core 8c and wraps around the sides of the absorbent core 8c, with part of it reaching the skin-facing side. When the core wrap sheet 7 is present, the backsheet 6 is indirectly bonded to the absorbent core 8c via the core wrap sheet 7. When the core wrap sheet 7 is not present, the backsheet 6 and the absorbent core 8c are directly bonded to the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core 8c.

[0096] The top sheet 9 is a sheet that covers the skin-facing side of the absorbent core 8c and is positioned so as to abut against the wearer's skin, with the widthwise center portion being water-permeable. When the wearer excretes liquid, the excreted liquid passes through the top sheet 9 and penetrates into the absorbent core 8c, where it is absorbed. The top sheet 9 is also wider than the absorbent core 8c, enveloping the sides of the absorbent core 8c and reaching the non-skin-facing side. On the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 8, the top sheet 9 is layered closer to the skin than the back sheet 6.

[0097] The side sheets 10L, 10R are non-permeable nonwoven fabric sheets arranged on both widthwise sides of the absorbent body 8, and constitute a pair of side sheets that cover the sides of the absorbent body 8. The side sheets 10L, 10R rise further toward the skin-facing side at the widthwise ends of the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 8, forming three-dimensional gathers 3BL, 3BR that prevent lateral leakage of excreted liquid. On the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 8, the side sheets 10L, 10R are layered closer to the skin-facing side than the top sheet 9.

[0098] In the present embodiment, the absorbent body 8 of the diaper 1 is provided on its side with a non-permeable film sheet. Further outside the back sheet 6, a top sheet 9 and side sheets 10L, 10R made of nonwoven fabric are laminated. The top sheet 9 and side sheets 10L, 10R on the side surfaces of the absorbent body 8 correspond to the nonwoven fabric sheets referred to in this application. By covering the side surfaces of the absorbent body 8 with multiple nonwoven fabric sheets in this manner, it is possible to prevent the back sheet 6, which is a water-impermeable film, from coming into direct contact with the wearer's skin on the side surfaces of the absorbent body 8, which would cause discomfort to the wearer. Furthermore, by covering the side surfaces of the absorbent body 8 with multiple sheets, it is reinforced, and deformation of the absorbent core 8c is suppressed.

[0099] At both widthwise ends of the skin-facing side of the top sheet 9, a water-impermeable hot melt adhesive is continuously applied in the longitudinal direction to form adhesive zones that bond the side sheets 10L, 10R. The widthwise inner sides of these adhesive zones form the upright lines of the three-dimensional gathers 3BL, 3BR, forming a pair of upright lines. Because the hot melt adhesive is hydrophobic, both widthwise ends of the top sheet 9 permeated with the hot melt adhesive are water-impermeable regions. As a result, exuded liquid does not migrate outward in the widthwise direction from the area where the hot melt adhesive is applied, preventing leakage from both widthwise ends. On the other hand, the widthwise inner side of the water-impermeable region is a water-permeable region, allowing exuded liquid to pass toward the absorbent core 8c. Alternatively, a top sheet 9 made of a material that is water-impermeable at both widthwise ends may be used. The hot melt adhesive itself is hydrophobic, and can impede the movement of exuded liquid toward the widthwise ends to an extent that it prevents leakage from the widthwise ends, but it does not completely prevent it. If a top sheet 9 made of a material that is water-impermeable at both widthwise ends is used, the movement of discharged liquid toward the widthwise ends can be more effectively prevented.

[0100] At least near its longitudinal ends, the absorbent core 8c overlaps and extends from the water-permeable region to the water-impermeable region of the top sheet 9. In other words, near the longitudinal ends of the absorbent core 8c, exuded liquid that passes through the water-permeable region of the top sheet 9 permeates and is absorbed by the absorbent core 8c that overlaps the water-permeable region.

[0101] Furthermore, when the absorbent core 8c is composed of multiple absorbent sheets, the water-permeable regions of the top sheet 9 are narrower than the upper-layer absorbent mat 8a and wider than the lower-layer absorbent mat 8b that constitute the absorbent core 8c at both longitudinal ends of the absorbent body 8. Therefore, exudate liquid that is not completely absorbed near the widthwise center of the top sheet 9 and spreads over the top sheet 9 and passes through the water-permeable regions at the longitudinal end sides passes through the upper-layer absorbent mat 8a and directly reaches the flow paths 8s.

[0102] The discharged liquid that reaches the flow paths 8s passes through the flow paths 8s and spreads over a wide area of ​​the absorbent core 8c, and is sequentially absorbed in areas where the absorbent core 8c can absorb it. This allows the wide area of ​​the absorbent core 8c to be used to efficiently absorb the discharged liquid, and prevents the amount of discharged liquid from exceeding the absorption capacity of the absorbent core locally and causing backflow, for example, when a large amount of discharged liquid is discharged at once.

[0103] Here, the structure for preventing side leakage in the diaper according to this embodiment will be further described. The backsheet 6 has folded-back portions 6A that are folded back at the widthwise ends of the absorbent body 8 toward the skin-facing side and extend toward the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 8. The backsheet 6 is folded back toward the skin-facing side of the absorbent body 8 so that the folded-back portions 6A cover the widthwise ends of the absorbent body 8. A hot melt adhesive is applied between the folded-back portions 6A and the topsheet 9 so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. The hot melt adhesive bonds the folded-back portions 6A and the topsheet 9. In addition, first water-impermeable portions 30L, 30R are formed using a water-impermeable hot melt adhesive. The first water-impermeable portions 30L, 30R prevent discharged liquid that has permeated the topsheet 9 from leaking from the widthwise ends of the absorbent body 8 along the folded-back portions 6A of the backsheet 6. The first water-impermeable portions 30L, 30R are formed from the front body region to the rear body region so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. This allows the diaper 1 to suppress side leakage from any position on the widthwise ends of the absorbent core 8.

[0104] The side sheets 10L, 10R for forming the three-dimensional gathers 3BL, 3BR are positioned outboard of the widthwise center of the diaper 1 and closer to the skin than the top sheet 9. A hot melt adhesive is applied between the top sheet 9 and the side sheets 10L, 10R in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. The top sheet 9 and the side sheets 10L, 10R are bonded together by the hot melt adhesive. Second water-impermeable portions 31L, 31R are formed by the water-impermeable hot melt adhesive. The second water-impermeable portions 31L, 31R prevent exuded liquid from entering between the side sheets 10L, 10R and the top sheet 9, thereby preventing liquid from leaking from the widthwise edges of the diaper 1. The second water-impermeable portions 31L, 31R are formed from the front body region to the back body region in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. This allows the diaper 1 to prevent side leakage from any position at the widthwise ends.

[0105] The side sheets 10L, 10R also cover the widthwise ends of the top sheet 9 and the back sheet 6. This allows the diaper 1 to suppress side leakage even if liquid penetrates further toward the widthwise ends than the first water-impermeable portions 30L, 30R or the second water-impermeable portions 31L, 31R.

[0106] Furthermore, when the diaper 1 is viewed in plan, the first water impermeable portions 30L, 30R and the second water impermeable portions 31L, 31R are arranged overlapping each other. This is because the hot melt adhesive is applied to the skin-facing side of the top sheet 9, penetrates the top sheet 9, and hardens between the top sheet 9 and the folded-back portion 6A of the back sheet 6 to form the first water impermeable portions 30L, 30R, while the hot melt adhesive hardens between the top sheet 9 and the side sheets 10L, 10R to form the second water impermeable portions 31L, 31R. In this way, the first water impermeable portions 30L, 30R and the second water impermeable portions 31L, 31R are integrally formed by a single application of the hot melt adhesive. Furthermore, the hot melt adhesive has penetrated and hardened into the top sheet 9 between the first water impermeable portions 30L, 30R and the second water impermeable portions 31L, 31R, making the area between these portions water impermeable as well. Therefore, the diaper 1 prevents excreted liquid from penetrating the top sheet 9 and reaching the non-skin-facing side, and also prevents liquid from leaking from the non-skin-facing side.

[0107] The three-dimensional gathers 3BL, 3BR rise toward the skin-facing side across rising lines 10L2, 10R2 formed at positions overlapping the top sheet 9. The rising lines 10L2, 10R2 are formed along the widthwise inner edges of the second water-impermeable portions 31L, 31R. Therefore, the first water-impermeable portions 30L, 30R and the second water-impermeable portions 31L, 31R are located outward in the widthwise direction of the diaper 1 from the rising lines 10L2, 10R2. Because the first water-impermeable portions 30L, 30R and the second water-impermeable portions 31L, 31R are formed with a hot-melt adhesive, the areas where these water-impermeable portions are formed are harder than when no water-impermeable portions are provided. In the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the side sheets 10L, 10R are disposed closer to the skin-facing side than the first water-impermeable portions 30L, 30R and the second water-impermeable portions 31L, 31R. Therefore, these water-impermeable parts do not come into direct contact with the skin surface of the wearer, and it is possible to prevent the water-impermeable parts from coming into contact with the skin surface and causing discomfort to the wearer.

[0108] 8, the standing gathers 3BL, 3BR have base end side pieces 3BL1, 3BR1 extending from the standing lines 10L2, 10R2 inward in the width direction of the diaper 1, free end side pieces 3BL3, 3BR3 folded from the base end side pieces 3BL1, 3BR1 by folding portions 3BL2, 3BR2 extending in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 outward in the width direction of the diaper 1, and free end portions 3BL4, 3BR4 provided at the distal ends of the free end side pieces 3BL3, 3BR3. The standing gathers 3BL, 3BR extend from the folding portions 3BL2, 3BR2 to the free end portions 3BL4, 3BR4 along the wearer's skin and come into contact with the skin. Therefore, the diaper 1 has the standing gathers 3BL, The first water impermeable portions 30L, 30R and the second water impermeable portions 31L, 31R, which are located closer to the skin than the diaper 3BR, are prevented from contacting the wearer's skin, thereby preventing the diaper 1 from being uncomfortable to wear due to the first water impermeable portions 30L, 30R and the second water impermeable portions 31L, 31R contacting the wearer's skin.

[0109] The diaper 1 also has a plurality of adhesive regions 32 that bond the lower core wrap sheet 7b, which is the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body 8, to the backsheet 6. The adhesive regions 32 are formed so as to be spaced apart from one another.

[0110] Next, the first water impermeable portions 30L, 30R, the second water impermeable portions 31L, 31R, and the adhesive portions 32 of the diaper 1 according to the second embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the diaper 1 according to the embodiment in an unfolded and stretched state. As shown in FIG. 9, the first water impermeable portions 30L, 30R and the second water impermeable portions 31L, 31R are formed over the entire longitudinal area of ​​the back sheet 6 and the side sheets 10L, 10R. This allows the first water impermeable portions 30L, 30R and the second water impermeable portions 31L, 31R to prevent side leakage of discharged liquid from the areas where the back sheet 6 and the side sheets 10L, 10R are disposed. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the side portions of the absorbent core 8 are wrapped with the top sheet 9 and the back sheet 6. As a result, in the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the rigidity of the side flaps SF (see FIG. 9) located on the outer sides of the widthwise ends of the absorbent 8 in the crotch region is increased, making it easier for the side flaps SF to rise up toward the skin. Furthermore, the first water impermeable portions 30L, 30R and the second water impermeable portions 31L, 31R are arranged to pass through the side flaps SF in the crotch region. As a result, the first water impermeable portions 30L, 30R and the second water impermeable portions 31L, 31R contribute to increasing the rigidity of the side flaps SF.

[0111] The adhesive regions 32 are formed in stripes that extend linearly in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 and are parallel to one another. The adhesive regions 32 are arranged at equal intervals. By arranging the adhesive regions 32 in parallel at equal intervals, the texture of the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body 8 can be made generally uniform across the entire area. No hot melt adhesive is applied between the adhesive regions 32, and the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body 8 and the backsheet 6 are not adhered to each other in these areas. The absorbent body 8 and the backsheet 6 can move relative to each other in the non-adhesive regions, and this non-adhesive region can soften the stiffness caused by the formation of the adhesive regions 32. Furthermore, excreted liquids such as urine that reach the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body 8 penetrate into the non-adhesive regions and push the non-adhesive regions downward toward the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body 8, further than the adhesive regions 32. Therefore, when the diaper 1 is touched from the cover sheet 4 side, the non-adhesive areas come into contact with the diaper 1 rather than the adhesive areas 32, making the outer surface of the diaper 1 more pleasant to the touch. The adhesive areas may be formed so as to extend spirally in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1.

[0112] FIG. 10 is a view of the longitudinal end of the absorbent body as viewed from the non-skin-facing side. While FIG. 10 shows the longitudinal end of the front body region 1F of the diaper 1, the diaper 1 according to this embodiment has the same configuration in the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R. Therefore, the following description focuses on the front body region 1F, and the description of the back body region 1R is omitted. In this embodiment, the absorbent body 8 includes an hourglass-shaped absorbent core 8c. The cover sheet 4 and inner cover sheet 5, which constitute the outer body, are laminated on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body 8, and rubber thread is provided between the cover sheet 4 and the inner cover sheet 5. The absorbent body 8 is indirectly biased outward in the width direction via the inner cover sheet 5 by the rubber thread. Alternatively, rubber thread may be provided between the inner cover sheet 5 and the absorbent body 8. In this case, the absorbent body 8 is directly biased outward in the width direction by the rubber thread.

[0113] A part of the elastic threads 4F2, 4R2, the region of which constitutes the waist gather 3R, overlaps with the absorbent body 8, and a part of the elastic threads also overlaps with the absorbent core 8c. In the absorbent core 8c, the absorbent core 8c extends to the vicinity of the longitudinal ends of the absorber 8, and the vicinity of the longitudinal ends overlaps with the rubber threads 4F2 and 4R2.

[0114] The elastic thread 4F3 has its widthwise outer end located in the front body region 1F or the back body region 1R, directly below the crotch side of the elastic thread 4F2. The elastic thread 4F3 extends in the crotch direction along the constriction of the cover sheet 4. The area where the elastic thread 4F3 is located functions as the leg gathers 3LL, 3LR that fit the diaper 1 closely to the crotch area of ​​the wearer.

[0115] The widthwise inner end of the rubber thread 4F3 overlaps a part of the absorber 8 at the widened portion of the hourglass-shaped absorbent core 8c, at the intermediate portion between the crotch portion and the longitudinal end. Here, the widthwise inner end of the rubber thread 4F3 is adjacent to but does not overlap with the absorbent core 8c, and is provided around the absorbent core 8c. If the absorbent body 8 has a core wrap sheet 7, the rubber thread 4F3 overlaps the core wrap sheet.

[0116] When a wearer puts on the diaper 1, the absorbent core 8c is biased outward in the width direction by a portion of the elastic thread 4F2, the region of which constitutes the waist gather 3R, and the elastic thread 4F3, the region of which constitutes the leg gathers 3LL, 3LR. These elastic threads are an example of the elastic members that bias the absorbent core 8 outward from the widthwise end in a plan view, as referred to herein. As a result, the absorbent body 8 is biased in the width direction and conforms to the wearer's skin. By biasing the absorbent body 8 outward in this way, it is possible to prevent the absorbent body 8 from shrinking and losing its shape.

[0117] Near the widthwise inner ends of the leg gathers 3LL, 3LR, the absorbent body 8 may lose its shape due to pressure from both legs in the crotch region 1B. By providing elastic threads 4F3, 4R3 near the absorbent core 8c and pulling it outward in the widthwise direction, the absorbent core 8c in the crotch region 1B is prevented from losing its shape. Furthermore, by biasing the absorbent core 8c outward in the widthwise direction in the crotch region 1B, which is the longitudinal center of the absorbent body 8, the biasing force is transmitted to other parts of the absorbent body 8, making it possible to prevent the absorbent body 8 from losing its shape over a wide area.

[0118] Portions of the elastic threads 4F2 forming the waist gathers 3R overlap both longitudinal ends of the absorbent core 8c, but are indirectly bonded to them in order to sandwich the inner cover sheet 5 and the back sheet 6 therebetween. At the widthwise ends of the absorbent body 8, three-dimensional gathers 3BL, 3BR having elastic threads 10R1, 10L1 are provided parallel to the longitudinal direction. In particular, at the longitudinal ends where the three-dimensional gathers 3BL, 3BR are bonded to the absorbent body 8, a biasing force due to the elastic threads 10L1, 10R1 acts to curl the absorbent body 8 inward in the widthwise direction. If the wearer's weight is further applied to the absorbent body 8 in this state, the absorbent body 8 may lose its shape.

[0119] When a wearer puts on the diaper 1, the rubber threads 4F2 bias the absorber 8 outward in the width direction at both longitudinal ends of the absorber 8. The biasing force of the rubber threads 4F2 prevents the absorber 8 from bending inward in the width direction at both longitudinal ends, thereby preventing the absorber 8 from losing its shape.

[0120] In addition, when the absorbent core 8c is composed of multiple absorbent mats, for example, the upper-layer absorbent mat 8a may be bonded to the upper core wrap sheet 7f and the lower-layer absorbent mat 8b may be bonded to the lower core wrap sheet 7b, and the absorbent mats may not be bonded to each other. In this way, the biasing force of the elastic thread 4F3 acts in a direction that separates the mats that make up the absorbent core 8c, making it easier to form flow paths 8s. Furthermore, gaps are more likely to form between the sheets, making it easier for exudate to move on the non-skin-facing side of the upper-layer absorbent mat 8a.

[0121] Furthermore, when the wearer's body position changes and pressure is applied to the absorbent core 8c from another direction, a gap may be formed between the upper absorbent mat 8a and the lower absorbent mat 8b. Because it functions as a flow path, it is possible to efficiently guide the discharged liquid to a portion of the absorbent core 8c that has more absorption capacity, and to absorb it quickly.

[0122] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, rubber thread is used to apply a biasing force to the diaper 1 to make it adhere closely to the wearer's skin, but elastic resin fibers may also be used.

[0123] The embodiments and application examples disclosed above can be combined with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1. Diapers 1F: Front body area 1B...Inseam area 1R: Back area 2R・Right lower limb opening 2L·Left lower limb opening 3BL, 3BR: 3D gathers 3R Waist Gather 3LL, 3LR Leg Gathers 4. Cover sheet 4F1, 4F2, 4F3, 4R1, 4R2, 4R3... Elastic thread 4F4,4R4,4F5,4R5...edge 4FF, 4RF... Folded line 5. Inner cover sheet 6. Back seat 7. Core wrap sheet 7f··Upper layer core wrap sheet 7b Lower core wrap sheet 8. Absorber 8a··Upper layer absorbent mat 8b Lower layer absorbent mat 8c absorbent core 8s··Flow path 81...Abdomen 82 First widening section 83. Crotch 84 Second widening section 85...back 9. Top sheet 10L, 10R side seats 10L1, 10R1... Rubber thread 10LB,10RB·Adhesive area 10LW1,10RW1,10LW2,10RW2...High rigidity part 10L2,10R2...Rise line 11F, 11R End seat 30L, 30R · 1st non-permeable part 31L, 31R · 2nd non-permeable part 32,33,34...Adhesive part SF··Side flap section

Claims

1. An absorbent article having a length along a longitudinal direction and a length along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, an absorbent body having an absorbent core for absorbing exudates generated by a wearer; a top sheet having a water-permeable region and disposed on the skin-facing side of the absorbent body; a back sheet that is wider than the absorbent body and is impermeable to water, and is disposed on the non-skin facing side of the absorbent body; a pair of water-impermeable side sheets disposed on both sides of the absorbent body in the width direction and extending to the skin-facing side; With The back sheet is folded back at the end portions in the width direction of the absorbent body, and covers the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body through the side portions of the absorbent body to the skin-facing side, and the absorbent core and the back sheet are directly or indirectly bonded to each other, the top sheet is laminated on the absorbent body and on the skin-facing side of the folded-over portion of the skin-facing side of the back sheet, Adhesive sections for adhering the pair of side sheets are provided at both widthwise ends of the skin-facing side of the top sheet, a pair of standing lines are formed on the widthwise inner sides of the adhesive sections, and three-dimensional gathers are formed on the skin-facing sides of the pair of standing lines in the pair of side sheets. The top sheet has a water-permeable region provided on the inner side of the pair of standing lines in the width direction and a water-impermeable region provided on the outer side of the pair of standing lines, The absorbent core extends from the water-permeable region to the water-impermeable region and overlaps with the water-impermeable region in the vicinity of the longitudinal end portion, First high-rigidity portions are intermittently provided on widthwise outer sides of the pair of upright lines of the pair of side sheets. Absorbent articles.

2. On the outer side in the width direction of the pair of upright lines, Between the fold on the skin-facing side of the back sheet and the top sheet, A water-impermeable region extending in the longitudinal direction is provided. The absorbent article of claim 1.

3. At least one of the top sheet and the pair of side sheets is a nonwoven fabric sheet, The back sheet is covered with the nonwoven fabric sheet at the side portions of the absorbent body. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

4. An elastic member is provided on the outer side of the absorbent core in the width direction to bias the absorbent core outward in the width direction. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The absorbent core is hourglass-shaped with a constricted crotch region, An elastic member for biasing the absorbent core outward in the width direction is provided on the widthwise outer side of a portion where the absorbent core widens from the crotch region toward the longitudinal end portion. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the elastic members provided on the outer sides in the width direction of the portion where the absorbent core widens from the crotch region toward the longitudinal end portions are a plurality of linear elastic members; All or more than half of the elastic members have ends in a widthwise outer region of a portion where the absorbent core widens from the crotch region toward the longitudinal end portions. The absorbent article of claim 5.

7. The longitudinal end portions of the absorbent core overlap with the elastic members extending in the width direction, The absorbent core and the elastic member extending in the width direction are indirectly bonded to each other. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

8. a plurality of adhesive portions for adhering the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent body to the back sheet; The plurality of adhesive portions are formed spaced apart from one another. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the first high-rigidity portion is provided by welding; The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

10. a second high-rigidity portion is intermittently provided in a lower region of the standing gather located on the widthwise inner side of the pair of standing lines of the pair of side sheets and on the side of the absorbent core of the standing gather; an arrangement density of the first high-rigidity portions is higher than an arrangement density of the second high-rigidity portions; The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The absorbent core has an upper-layer absorbent mat disposed on the skin-facing side and a lower-layer absorbent mat disposed on the non-skin-facing side of the upper-layer absorbent mat, When the absorbent core is viewed from above, the lower absorbent mat is fitted into the upper absorbent mat in the width direction. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2.

12. The absorbent body has a core wrap sheet that is adhered to the lower absorbent mat at least on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core and covers the absorbent core, The core wrap sheet and the non-skin-facing side of the upper-layer absorbent mat are not bonded in the area where they directly face each other, forming a flow path. The absorbent article of claim 11.

13. The absorbent body has a core wrap sheet that is adhered to the lower absorbent mat at least on the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core and covers the absorbent core, When a force is applied to separate the core wrap sheet from the absorbent core, the non-skin-facing side of the core wrap sheet and the upper-layer absorbent mat is more easily separated from each other than the non-skin-facing side of the core wrap sheet and the lower-layer absorbent mat. The absorbent article of claim 11.

14. The upper-layer absorbent mat has a narrowed shape in the width direction of the crotch region, The lower absorbent mat is rectangular, The width of the lower absorbent mat is equal to or less than the width of the constricted portion of the upper absorbent mat. The absorbent article of claim 11.

15. The water-permeable region of the top sheet is wider at the longitudinal end of the absorbent body than the widthwise end of the lower-layer absorbent mat and narrower than the widthwise end of the upper-layer absorbent mat. The absorbent article of claim 11.

16. The upper absorbent mat contains particles of SAP, which is a superabsorbent polymer; the basis weight of the SAP particles contained in the lower-layer absorbent mat is lower than that of the upper-layer absorbent mat, or the lower-layer absorbent mat is substantially free of SAP particles; The absorbent article of claim 11.

17. A package of multiple absorbent articles comprising the absorbent articles of claim 1 or 2, The shape and size of the absorbent body are substantially the same between a first package containing a first absorbent article having a first size and a second package containing a second absorbent article having a second size. A package of multiple absorbent articles.

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