absorbent articles

Abstract

To provide an absorbent article that offers an improved fit to the buttocks and prevents any leakage along the same.SOLUTION: There is provided an absorbent article configured so that: compressed grooves that are recessed from a top sheet side toward a back sheet side are formed in at least a top sheet and an absorber; the compressed grooves include a pair of central compressed grooves extending along a longitudinal direction and a pair of first rear compressed grooves which is rearward of the pair of the central compressed grooves and which are spaced apart at a prescribed distance in the longitudinal direction from the pair of the central compressed grooves; the prescribed distance in the longitudinal direction is greater than a distance in a lateral direction between rear ends of the pair of the central compressed grooves and a distance in the lateral direction between front ends of the pair of the first rear compressed grooves; and on respective sides of a center line in the longitudinal direction, virtual lines that pass the rear ends of the pair of the central compressed grooves and the front ends of the pair of the first rear compressed grooves extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART In absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, a configuration in which the rear region of the main body is elongated is known in order to accommodate use over a long period of time or during sleep at night.

[0003] In absorbent articles with a long rear region such as those described above, compressed grooves (embossments) formed by squeezing from the top sheet side are often formed continuously in the longitudinal direction over a wide area from the area corresponding to the bodily fluid discharge outlet to the rear region (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-100846 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-223215 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with conventional configurations, when an absorbent article is used at night or for a long period of time, there is still a concern that bodily fluids may leak along the intergluteal cleft to the rear or rear-lateral side of the intergluteal cleft, depending on how the article is worn, the wearer's movements while wearing the article, etc. Therefore, there is a need to further improve the fit to the buttocks, particularly the fit to the intergluteal cleft, and prevent leakage along the cleft.

[0006] In view of the above, an object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that fits well around the buttocks and can prevent leakage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article having an elongated main body comprising a skin-side top sheet, a non-skin-side back sheet opposite the skin side, and an absorbent body arranged between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein at least the top sheet and the absorbent body have compressed grooves formed therein that are recessed from the top sheet side to the back sheet side, and the compressed grooves include a pair of central compressed grooves extending along the longitudinal direction, and a pair of rear compressed grooves behind the pair of central compressed grooves, spaced apart from the pair of central compressed grooves by a predetermined longitudinal distance, wherein the predetermined longitudinal distance is greater than the lateral distance between the rear ends of the pair of central compressed grooves and the lateral distance between the front ends of the pair of rear compressed grooves, and on each side of the longitudinal centerline, imaginary lines passing through the rear ends of the pair of central compressed grooves and the front ends of the pair of rear compressed grooves extend approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction.

[0008] In the first embodiment, when pressure is applied from both sides of the body, the portion between the rear ends of the pair of central compressed grooves and the portion between the front ends of the pair of rear compressed grooves (the first pair of rear compressed grooves described below) are likely to bulge toward the skin. Here, the rear ends of the central compressed grooves and the front ends of the rear compressed grooves are arranged so that imaginary lines passing through them on each side of the longitudinal centerline are approximately parallel in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the bulge between the rear ends of the pair of central compressed grooves and the bulge between the front ends of the rear compressed grooves are linked, and a bulge can be formed along the longitudinal direction in the region between the pair of central compressed grooves and the pair of rear compressed grooves. Furthermore, because the spacing between the pair of central compressed grooves and the pair of rear compressed grooves is greater than the lateral spacing between the lateral spacing between the rear ends of the pair of central compressed grooves and the pair of rear compressed grooves, a bulge that has a certain length along the longitudinal direction and is relatively narrow in the lateral direction can be formed. That is, it is possible to form ridges extending in the longitudinal direction, with the rear ends of the pair of central compressed grooves and the front ends of the pair of rear compressed grooves as base points, a total of four locations (two in the front and two in the rear). These ridges can then be inserted into the deep areas of the intergluteal cleft when the absorbent article is worn, allowing the absorbent article to fit snugly against the intergluteal cleft. Furthermore, even when the wearer moves, the formed ridges are unlikely to move away from the intergluteal cleft, maintaining a tight fit. This makes it possible to prevent leakage of bodily fluids that have trickled backward from the bodily fluid outlet (hereinafter also referred to as "trickle leakage").

[0009] Furthermore, because the rear ends of the pair of central compressed grooves and the front ends of the pair of rear compressed grooves are spaced apart, the area between the pair of central compressed grooves and the pair of rear compressed grooves can be made flexible and can be flexibly deformed according to the situation. As a result, the above-mentioned ridges formed between the pair of central compressed grooves and the pair of rear compressed grooves can be flexibly deformed according to the wearer's body shape and how the garment is worn.

[0010] In a second aspect of the present invention, the pair of central compression grooves include a rear end and a portion that slopes toward the longitudinal center line as it extends rearward, and the pair of rear compression grooves include a front end and a portion that slopes toward the longitudinal center line as it extends forward.

[0011] According to the second aspect, the spacing between the rear end portions of the pair of central compressed grooves is narrower than the other portions, and the spacing between the front end portions of the pair of rear compressed grooves is narrower than the other portions, so that the ridges formed in the region between the pair of central compressed grooves and the pair of rear compressed grooves can be made narrower than the other portions of the compressed grooves, thereby forming ridges with a shape that is more suitable for entering the gluteal cleft.

[0012] In a third aspect of the present invention, the difference between the inclination angle of the rear end portion of the central compression groove relative to the longitudinal center line and the inclination angle of the front end portion of the rear compression groove relative to the longitudinal center line is 10° or less.

[0013] In the third aspect of the present invention, the inclination of the rear end portions of the central compressed grooves and the front end portions of the rear compressed grooves are the same or similar, so that even if a force that twists or turns the absorbent article is applied, the force is easily released in the direction connecting the central compressed groove on one side of the longitudinal centerline and the rear compressed groove on the other side, thereby reducing the possibility that the ridges formed between the pair of central compressed grooves and the pair of rear compressed grooves will be crushed by unnecessary stress.This makes it possible for the region facing the gluteal cleft to deform in accordance with the wearer's body, even when the wearer moves their legs significantly.

[0014] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the pair of rear compression grooves are connected to each other at the rear.

[0015] According to the fourth aspect, the bodily fluid that has diffused rearward between the rear compressed grooves can be blocked behind the rear compressed grooves, improving the effect of preventing leakage.

[0016] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, the lateral distance between the front ends of the pair of rear compression grooves is the same as or smaller than the lateral distance between the rear ends of the pair of central compression grooves.

[0017] According to the fifth aspect, the lateral length (width) of the ridges formed in the region between the pair of central compressed grooves and the pair of rear compressed grooves can be made the same in the longitudinal direction or can be made smaller toward the rear. Because the gluteal cleft gradually becomes shallower toward the rear, this configuration makes it easier to make the ridges conform to the shape of the gluteal cleft.

[0018] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, the compression groove further includes lateral compression grooves extending longitudinally, laterally outward from the pair of rear compression grooves, and the rear end portions of the lateral compression grooves are each curved toward the rear compression groove.

[0019] According to the sixth aspect, the rigidity of the region between the rear compressed groove and the side compressed groove formed laterally outward is slightly increased. This prevents unnecessary wrinkles and creases from forming in the region between the rear compressed groove and the side compressed groove, and allows this region to conform to the surface of the buttocks on both sides of the intergluteal cleft. This allows the absorbent article to fit more closely on both sides of the buttocks, improving the leakage prevention effect. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, an absorbent article can be provided that fits well around the buttocks and prevents leakage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the skin side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the function of the compression grooves. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 4 is a plan view of an absorbent article according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the skin side. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the function of the compression grooves. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a modified example of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, unless otherwise specified, the same or corresponding components will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0023] [First embodiment] <Basic structure of absorbent articles> First, the basic structure of an absorbent article will be described using an overnight or long-lasting sanitary napkin as an example. Fig. 1 shows a plan view of an absorbent article 1 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line II in Fig. 1.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the absorbent article 1 comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet 3 arranged on the side that faces the wearer's skin when worn, i.e., the skin side, and a liquid-impermeable back sheet 2 arranged on the non-skin side (underwear side) opposite the skin side. Furthermore, an absorbent body 4 is arranged between the back sheet 2 and the top sheet 3. The back sheet 2, absorbent body 4, and top sheet 3 are layered to form a main body (absorbent article main body) 8. The absorbent body 4 is arranged so as not to protrude from the back sheet 2 and top sheet 3 in a plan view. At both end edges in the longitudinal direction D1, the edges of the back sheet 2 and the top sheet 3 may be joined by adhesive, heat sealing, or the like.

[0025] As shown in the figure, the absorbent article 1 is in the shape of an elongated pad (a shape in which the thickness is smaller than the width and length). In this specification, the longitudinal direction (front-to-back direction) of the absorbent article 1 is designated D1, and the lateral direction (left-to-right or width direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1 is designated D2. The longitudinal direction D1 corresponds to the front-to-back direction of the wearer's body when the absorbent article 1 is worn, and the lateral direction D2 corresponds to the left-to-right direction of the body.

[0026] 1 and 2, the main body 8 has a shape in plan view that is approximately line-symmetrical with respect to a center line (longitudinal center line) CL extending in the longitudinal direction D1, but the shape of the main body 8 does not necessarily have to be line-symmetrical. Furthermore, configurations other than the shapes of the absorbent article 1 and the main body 8 (including the thickness and density of the absorbent body 4, the size and position of the compressed grooves, the shape and size of the flaps extending outward from the main body 8 in the lateral direction D2, etc.) may be approximately symmetrical or asymmetrical with respect to the center line CL as the axis of symmetry.

[0027] The backsheet 2 may be a sheet that is at least water-proof, for example, a sheet made of an olefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Alternatively, a laminated nonwoven fabric in which a nonwoven fabric is laminated on a polyethylene sheet or the like, or a laminated sheet of nonwoven fabric in which a waterproof film is interposed to ensure substantial liquid impermeability, may be used. Furthermore, it is more desirable to use a material that is moisture-permeable in order to prevent stuffiness. Examples of such water-proof and moisture-permeable sheet materials include microporous sheets obtained by melt-kneading an inorganic filler in an olefin resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene to form a sheet, and then stretching the sheet uniaxially or biaxially. The backsheet 2 may be a sheet having the same outer shape as the outer shape of the absorbent article 1.

[0028] The top sheet 3 can be a liquid-permeable sheet that allows bodily fluids such as menstrual blood, vaginal discharge, and urine to quickly pass through. Suitable top sheet 3 materials include perforated or non-perforated nonwoven fabrics and porous plastic sheets. Examples of material fibers constituting the nonwoven fabric include olefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, synthetic fibers such as polyester and polyamide, regenerated fibers such as rayon and cupra, and blends thereof, as well as natural fibers such as cotton, which can be used alone or in combination. Examples of processing methods for nonwoven fabrics include spunlace, spunbond, thermal bond, meltblown, and needlepunch. Of these processing methods, the spunlace method is preferred because it provides flexibility, the spunbond method is preferred because it can produce nonwoven fabrics with excellent drapeability, and the thermal bond method is preferred because it can produce bulky and soft nonwoven fabrics. Composite fibers, such as core-sheath fibers, side-by-side fibers, and splittable fibers, can also be used, each of which has a high-melting-point fiber as the core and a low-melting-point fiber as the sheath.

[0029] The absorbent body 4 is not limited to any material that can absorb and retain body fluids, but preferably contains cotton-like pulp and a water-absorbent polymer. Examples of water-absorbent polymers that can be used include superabsorbent polymer (SAP), superabsorbent fiber (SAF), and combinations of these. Pulp includes chemical pulp obtained from wood, cellulose fibers such as dissolving pulp, and artificial cellulose fibers such as rayon and acetate. Hardwoods and softwoods are used as raw materials for chemical pulp, with softwoods being preferred due to their long fiber length.

[0030] Synthetic fibers may be blended into the absorbent body 4. Examples of synthetic fibers that can be used include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, polyamides such as nylon, and copolymers thereof. Two of these fibers can also be blended. Composite fibers, such as core-sheath fibers with a high-melting-point fiber as the core and a low-melting-point fiber as the sheath, side-by-side fibers, and splittable fibers, can also be used. Hydrophobic fibers can also be surface-treated with a hydrophilizing agent to impart affinity to body fluids. The absorbent body 4 is preferably manufactured by stacking or air-laid methods.

[0031] The absorbent body 4 does not need to have a uniform basis weight over its entire surface, and may have a portion with an increased basis weight, i.e., a high basis weight portion 4H, in a central region of the absorbent body in the lateral direction D2, for example, in an area corresponding to a bodily fluid outlet (blood outlet) when worn. The high basis weight portion 4H may bulge toward the skin. Therefore, the absorbent body 4 does not need to have a uniform thickness over its entire surface. The thickness of the absorbent body 4 (the length in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1 and the lateral direction D2) may be 0.5 to 25 mm, preferably 1.5 to 15 mm.

[0032] The absorbent body 4 may be wrapped in an envelope sheet made of colored or uncolored (white) crepe paper, nonwoven fabric, or the like to prevent twisting, cracking, or spillage of polymer particles.

[0033] Side sheets 7, 7 are arranged on both sides of the absorbent article 1, i.e., on the side in the lateral direction D2, along the longitudinal direction D1, facing the skin. The side sheets 7 may be made of a material that has been treated, entirely or partially, with an appropriate water-repellent or hydrophilic treatment, depending on the purpose, such as preventing penetration of bodily fluids or improving the feel against the skin. The side sheets 7 are preferably nonwoven fabrics containing natural fibers, synthetic fibers, recycled fibers, etc., or made from these fibers. When the side sheets 7 are nonwoven fabrics, they may be air-through nonwoven fabrics, spunlace nonwoven fabrics, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, meltblown nonwoven fabrics, etc., but air-through nonwoven fabrics are preferred because they are resistant to creases, wrinkles, and soft, improving the feel against the skin. The side sheets 7 may also be treated with a water-repellent agent, such as a silicone-based or paraffin-based water-repellent agent.

[0034] The side sheet 7 may be folded back on the inside in the lateral direction D2 to form a multi-layered band-like portion extending along the side of the main body 8. Gathers may be formed between the multiple layers by disposing an elastically stretchable member in a stretched state along the longitudinal direction D1. In this specification, the configuration of the folds and gathers of the side sheet 7 will not be described, and will not be shown in the drawings.

[0035] The absorbent article 1 may have a body fluid outlet-facing region C that faces the wearer's body fluid outlet (the vaginal opening in the illustrated example) when worn, a front region F that is adjacent to the front of the body fluid outlet-facing region C and extends to the front end of the absorbent article 1, a perineum-facing region (middle region) M that is adjacent to the rear of the body fluid outlet-facing region C and faces the vicinity of the wearer's perineum when worn, and a buttocks-facing region B that is adjacent to the rear of the perineum-facing region M and extends to the rear end of the absorbent article 1 and faces the wearer's buttocks when worn. Furthermore, the buttocks-facing region B includes a front buttocks-facing region B1 that is adjacent to the perineum-facing region, and a rear buttocks-facing region B2 that is adjacent to the rear of the front buttocks-facing region B1. The front buttocks-facing region B1 is a region that mainly faces the intergluteal cleft (gluteal groove) and faces the area including the anus. The rear buttock facing region B2 may be a region that can face the rear part of the intergluteal cleft or a region further rearward from near the rear end of the intergluteal cleft, in particular a region rearward of the intergluteal sulcus, which can be said to be the boundary between the buttocks and the legs (above when standing). Note that the above description of the facing relationship between the region of main body 8 and the wearer's body can be considered to be the approximate range when the wearer wears the absorbent article in a normal manner while lying down, but this is merely a guideline.

[0036] The length in the longitudinal direction D1 of the bodily fluid outlet-facing region C may be 50 to 120 mm, and the length in the longitudinal direction D1 of the buttocks-facing region B may be 90 to 230 mm. Furthermore, the configuration of this embodiment is suitable for, for example, absorbent articles with a long rear, in which the total length of the perineum-facing region M and the buttocks-facing region B, preferably the length in the longitudinal direction D1 of the buttocks-facing region B, is longer than the length in the longitudinal direction D1 where the wing flaps WF are provided. Furthermore, the length in the longitudinal direction D1 of the front buttocks-facing region (gluteal cleft-facing region) B1 may be 40 to 100 mm, and the length in the longitudinal direction D1 of the rear buttocks-facing region B2 may be 40 to 120 mm. Furthermore, the total length in the longitudinal direction D1 of the absorbent article 1 may be 250 to 450 mm.

[0037] The absorbent article 1 may include a pair of wing flaps WF, WF extending outward in the lateral direction D2 from both sides of the region C facing the bodily fluid discharge opening. Anti-slip materials (not shown) may be provided on the non-skin sides of the wing flaps WF, WF, and this anti-slip material allows the wing flaps WF, WF to be folded back to the non-skin sides and attached to the underwear so that the underwear is sandwiched between the wing flaps WF, WF and the main body 8 when worn. This allows the absorbent article 1 to be securely fixed to the underwear. The wing flaps WF, WF are formed by joining the outward extending portions of the side sheets 7, 7 in the lateral direction D2 and the outward extending portion of the back sheet 2 in the lateral direction D2.

[0038] In addition, a pair of hip hold flaps HF, HF may be formed extending outward in the lateral direction D2 from the sides of the main body 8 from the perineum-facing region M to the buttocks-facing region B. The hip hold flaps HF, HF prevent leakage of bodily fluids at the rear of the absorbent article 1 and, by increasing the contact area with the buttocks, make it less likely that the entire absorbent article 1 will shift relative to the underwear, particularly in the lateral direction D2, thereby stabilizing the wearing position of the absorbent article 1. The hip hold flaps HF, HF may also be formed by joining the outward extensions in the lateral direction D2 of the side sheets 7, 7 and the outward extensions in the lateral direction D2 of the back sheet 2.

[0039] <Compression groove> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the main body 8 of the absorbent article 1 of this embodiment has a plurality of compressed grooves (embossments) formed therein (in the example of Figure 1, these are indicated by the reference numerals 10, 11, 12, and 13). The compressed grooves may be formed in a line symmetry with respect to the longitudinal centerline CL of the absorbent article 1 in a plan view, but are not necessarily line symmetric. The compressed grooves are formed as grooves recessed from the top sheet 3 side to the back sheet 2 side. The compressed grooves can be formed, for example, by passing a laminate formed by laminating at least the top sheet 3 and the absorbent body 4 between a pair of pressure rolls. In this case, the laminate can be pressed by sandwiching the roll with a convex shape on the top sheet 3 side and a flat roll on the absorbent body 4 side. The compressed grooves may include a low-compression section and a high-compression section that is compressed at a higher pressure within the low-compression section. In the drawings, the high-compression sections are shown in black.

[0040] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 extend along the longitudinal direction D1, primarily from the bodily fluid outlet-facing region C to the perineum-facing region M. The pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 are formed spaced apart from each other on both sides of the longitudinal centerline CL. The pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 are positioned so as not to overlap with the high basis weight portion 4H. The distance between the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 in the lateral direction D2 may be constant or may vary. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the distance may be small near the boundary between the bodily fluid outlet-facing region C and the perineum-facing region M, large again behind that, and gradually small toward the rear end.

[0041] Furthermore, a pair of first rear compressed grooves (a pair of rear compressed grooves) 11, 11 are formed behind the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and spaced apart from the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10. The pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 are formed in the gluteal cleft-facing region B1 and are preferably located within the buttocks-facing region B. In the illustrated example, the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 are spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction D2.

[0042] A second rear compressed groove 12 is formed behind the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 and spaced apart from the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11. The second rear compressed groove 12 is a groove that extends along the lateral direction D2 and has a rearwardly convex shape. In addition, a front compressed groove 13 is formed in front of the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10. The front compressed groove 13 has a closed shape formed by combining compressed grooves that are curved forwardly and convexly with different radii of curvature.

[0043] Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of the portion from the rear portion of the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 to the second rear compressed groove 12. As shown in Figure 3, the rear ends 10bt, 10bt of the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 are spaced apart from each other. The front ends 11ft, 11ft of the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 are also spaced apart from each other. On each side of the longitudinal centerline CL, the rear end 10bt of the central compressed groove 10 and the front end 11ft of the first rear compressed groove 11 are aligned in the longitudinal direction D1. More specifically, when an imaginary line X1 is drawn on the left side of the longitudinal centerline CL, passing through the rear end 10bt of the left groove of the pair of central compressed grooves 10 and the front end 11ft of the left groove of the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, the imaginary line X1 is approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, when an imaginary line X1' is drawn on the right side of the longitudinal centerline CL, passing through the rear end 10bt of the right groove of the pair of central compressed grooves 10 and the front end 11ft of the right groove of the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, the imaginary line X1' is approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction. In this specification, a direction that is approximately parallel to a predetermined direction not only means a direction that is completely parallel to the predetermined direction, but also includes a direction that extends at an angle of preferably ±10°, more preferably ±5°, relative to the predetermined direction.

[0044] When the absorbent article 1 is worn, the body fluid outlet-facing region C and the perineum-facing region M are subjected to leg force from the outside in the lateral direction D2, and as a result, a force is also applied to the intergluteal cleft-facing region B1 from the outside in the lateral direction D2 toward the longitudinal centerline CL. Furthermore, when wearing the absorbent article 1, the wearer may push on both sides of the main body 8 of the absorbent article 1, causing the center of the intergluteal cleft-facing region B1 in the lateral direction D2 to deform so that it is aligned with the intergluteal cleft. When such forces P, P (Figure 3) are applied from the outside in the lateral direction D2, the area between the pair of spaced-apart central compressed grooves 10, 10 rises toward the skin, and the area between the pair of spaced-apart first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 also rises toward the skin. Here, although the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction D1, as described above, the rear ends 10bt, 10bt of the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the front ends 11ft, 11ft of the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 are aligned in the longitudinal direction D1 on each side of the longitudinal centerline CL, so there is continuity in the behavior of the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the behavior of the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11. In other words, the bulge between the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the bulge between the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 are linked in the longitudinal direction D1, and a bulge toward the skin is formed in the area between the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11.

[0045] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the distance L in the longitudinal direction D1 between the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 is set to be equal to the distance d in the lateral direction D2 between the rear ends 10bt, 10bt of the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10. 10 The lateral distance D2 between the front ends 11 ft, 11 ft of the pair of first rear compression grooves 11, 11 is greater than 11 greater than (L>d 10 , and L>d 11). Therefore, the above-mentioned bulges have a certain length along the longitudinal direction D1 and are relatively narrow in the transverse direction D2. In other words, bulges can be formed that bulge toward the skin side and extend along the longitudinal direction D1 from four points: the rear ends 10bt, 10bt of the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the front ends 11ft, 11ft of the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11. In Figure 3, bulge-forming regions 20 that can bulge and become bulges when worn are shown by cross-hatching.

[0046] Here, the effect of the above-mentioned configuration of the central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross section (cross section along line II-II in Fig. 3) taken at a position between the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11, together with the buttocks Den of the wearer. When the intergluteal cleft-facing region B1 of the absorbent article 1 is pressed from the outside toward the center in the lateral direction D2 (in the direction of arrows P, P in Fig. 3), the ridge-forming region 20 in Fig. 3 rises into a narrow ridge, as shown in Fig. 4(a). When worn, as shown in Fig. 4(b), the ridge fits into the cleft of the buttocks Den (gluteal cleft), and the regions on both sides of the ridge fit along the surface of the buttocks, allowing the absorbent article 1 to fit closely to the body and providing a good fit. Furthermore, even if the wearer moves, for example, when turning over in sleep, the ridges that have been fitted tightly are likely to remain in the intergluteal cleft. This allows bodily fluids that have leaked backward from the bodily fluid outlet to be more reliably received and absorbed. This prevents bodily fluids from leaking backward or laterally along the intergluteal cleft, a phenomenon known as trailing leakage.

[0047] In addition, for absorbent articles with a long rear region that includes a region that can face the buttocks from the intergluteal cleft to further rear of the intergluteal cleft, many wearers wear the absorbent article 1 by deforming the main body 8 so that the center of the main body 8 in the lateral direction D2 enters the intergluteal cleft. This embodiment is a usage form in which the main body 8 is deformed by the wearer when worn to fit closely, and can particularly improve the fit of the absorbent article 1 around the buttocks.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3 , the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 are spaced apart, allowing the region between the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 to maintain flexibility and to flexibly deform according to the situation. Therefore, the ridges formed between the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 can be flexibly deformed according to the wearer's body shape and wearing method. For example, the ridges can easily bend in the longitudinal direction D1 to match the curvature of the body in the front-to-back direction, and the degree of curvature can also be easily changed. Furthermore, even if a twisting force is applied to the ridges, they can deform in accordance with such twisting, allowing them to maintain a close fit to the body. It is preferable that no compressed grooves or compressed portions formed by compressing the top sheet 3 and absorbent body 4 are formed between the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11.

[0049] The distance d between the rear ends 10bt, 10bt of the pair of central compression grooves 10, 10 in the horizontal direction D2 10 The distance d between the front ends 11ft, 11ft of the pair of first rear compression grooves 11, 11 in the lateral direction D2 is preferably 5 to 30 mm, more preferably 10 to 20 mm. 11 The distance d may be preferably 5 to 30 mm, more preferably 10 to 20 mm. 10 The distance d may be preferably 5 to 30%, more preferably 10 to 25% of the length of the absorbent body in the transverse direction D2 (the width of the absorbent body). 11 The distance d may be preferably 5 to 30%, more preferably 10 to 25% of the length of the absorbent body in the transverse direction D2 (the width of the absorbent body). 10 and interval d 11 By setting the width of the ridges to the above range, the width of the ridges to be formed can be set so that the ridges can be formed in a normal manner and can enter the gluteal cleft.

[0050] Furthermore, the distance L in the longitudinal direction D1 between the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the pair of first posterior compressed grooves 11, 11 may be preferably 10 to 60 mm, more preferably 20 to 40 mm. By setting the distance L within the above range, it is possible to form a ridge with an appropriate length in the longitudinal direction D1 that matches the anterior-posterior length of the intergluteal cleft.

[0051] When the configuration of the compression grooves is symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal center line CL as the axis of symmetry, the distance d in the horizontal direction D2 between the rear ends 10bt, 10bt of the pair of central compression grooves 10, 10 10 and a lateral distance D2 between the front ends 11 ft, 11 ft of the pair of first rear compression grooves 11, 11, d 11 is the ratio of one to the other (d 10 / d 11 or d 11 / d 10 ) is preferably about 0.8 to 1.2, and more preferably about 0.9 to 1.1. Furthermore, the distance d 11 The distance d between the rear ends 10bt, 10bt of the pair of central compression grooves 10, 10 in the lateral direction D2 10 The same as or the interval d 10 As a result, the width of the ridges formed in the region between the pair of central compression grooves 10, 10 and the pair of first rear compression grooves 11, 11 becomes smaller toward the rear. This allows the ridges to fit the shape of the gluteal cleft, which becomes gradually shallower toward the rear.

[0052] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, it is preferable that the groove width of the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 be greater than the groove width of the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10. The force received from the legs decreases as the grooves move further rearward, making deformation less likely to occur when worn. Therefore, by increasing the groove width of the first rear compressed grooves 11, 11, which are located rearward of the central compressed grooves 10, 10, the function of the first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 as bending base points can be improved, making it easier to form the above-mentioned ridges.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3 , the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 may be inclined rearward, and the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 may be inclined forward, so that a total of four portions, including the rear end portions of the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the front end portions of the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11, are inclined toward the longitudinal centerline and arranged radially. More specifically, the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 are inclined toward the longitudinal centerline CL at their rear ends. That is, the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 may include inclined portions (inclined rear end portions) 10b, 10b that include the rear ends and incline toward the longitudinal centerline CL as they extend rearward. These inclined portions 10b, 10b may be linear or curved. The inclination angle α of the inclined portion 10b with respect to the longitudinal centerline CL may be preferably greater than 0° and up to 60°, more preferably 10 to 40°. The inclination angle of the inclined portion of the compressed groove may be the angle between the center line of the compressed groove and the longitudinal center line CL, or may be the angle between a tangent to the center line of the compressed groove at the tip of the compressed groove and the longitudinal center line CL. The pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 are also inclined so as to approach the longitudinal center line CL at their front ends. That is, the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 may include inclined portions (inclined front end portions) 11f, 11f that include the front end and are inclined so as to approach the longitudinal center line CL as they extend forward. However, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 as a whole are inclined portions that are inclined toward the longitudinal center line CL. The inclination angle β of the first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 (or the inclined front end portions included in the first rear compressed grooves 11, 11) may also be preferably greater than 0° and up to 60°, more preferably 10 to 40°, relative to the longitudinal center line CL.

[0054] In the above configuration, when a force that twists or turns the absorbent article 1 is applied, for example, the inclined portion 10b of the central compressed groove 10 on one side (e.g., the left side) of the longitudinal centerline CL and the inclined portion 10f of the first rear compressed groove 11 on the other side (e.g., the right side) are more likely to move together, making it easier to release the force in the direction connecting them. Therefore, even when a force that twists the absorbent article 1 is applied, the ridges formed between the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 are less likely to be crushed by unnecessary stress. The fit of the intergluteal cleft-facing region B1 to the intergluteal cleft can be maintained.

[0055] Furthermore, the inclination angle α of the inclined portions 10b, 10b of the central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the inclination angle β of the first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 (or the inclined front end portions included in the first rear compressed grooves 11, 11) may be the same or different, but the difference between the inclination angle α and the inclination angle β (α-β or β-α) is preferably 10° or less, and more preferably 5° or less. In other words, it is preferable that the extension direction of the rear end portion of the central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the extension direction of the front end portion of the first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 are the same or close to each other. This improves the effect of making the ridges formed in the region between the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 less likely to be crushed.

[0056] <Modification of the first embodiment> FIG. 5 shows a modified example of the first embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 5 has the same configuration as the example shown in FIG. 1, except that the shape of the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 is different. The example shown in FIG. 5 also achieves the same effects as the example shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 are connected to each other at their rear ends, forming an overall U-shape or horseshoe shape that protrudes rearward. Because the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 are connected at their rear ends, the compressed grooves can block bodily fluid that diffuses rearward. Furthermore, the main body 8 is easily bent in the longitudinal direction D1 at the connecting portion of the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11, making it easier to bend the main body 8 in the front-to-rear direction of the body.

[0057] Figure 6 shows another modified example of the first embodiment. In the example shown in Figure 6, the basic configuration of the absorbent article is the same as the example shown in Figure 1, but the shapes of the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 are different. More specifically, the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 are each approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction D1 at the rear, and the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 are also each approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction D1 at the front. In this example as well, the distance in the longitudinal direction D1 between the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11 is greater than the distance in the lateral direction D2 between the rear ends 10bt, 10bt of the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the distance in the lateral direction D2 between the front ends 11ft, 11ft of the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11, and the rear ends 10bt of the pair of central compressed grooves 10 and the front ends 11ft of the first rear compressed grooves 11 are aligned in the longitudinal direction D1 on each side of the longitudinal centerline CL, so that a narrow ridge (FIG. 4) can be formed along the longitudinal direction D1 in the region between the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11, as in the example shown in Fig. 1. This allows the buttocks-facing region B to be deformed to fit the intergluteal cleft, preventing leakage of bodily fluids, etc.

[0058] [Second embodiment] Fig. 7 shows a plan view of an absorbent article 1A according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the skin side. Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Fig. 7. The absorbent article 1A according to the second embodiment is similar in basic configuration to the first embodiment (Figs. 1 to 6), but differs from the first embodiment in the shape of the compressed grooves in the intergluteal cleft-facing region B1. That is, side compressed grooves 11S, 11S are formed on both sides of each pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11. The absorbent article 1A according to the second embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment, but in this embodiment, the side compressed grooves 11S, 11S provide additional effects.

[0059] Figure 9 shows an enlarged view of the portion from the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 to the second rear compressed groove 12 in Figure 7. As shown in Figure 9, the lateral compressed groove 11S branches off from the first rear compressed groove 11, extends in the lateral direction D2, and then extends forward in the longitudinal direction D1. The formation of the lateral compressed groove 11S results in the first rear compressed groove 11 and the lateral compressed groove 11S forming a compressed groove that convex rearward. This allows the rigidity of the region 30, 30 (hatched in Figure 9) surrounded by the first rear compressed groove 11 and the lateral compressed groove 11S to be slightly increased, thereby preventing warping and the like in this region. In addition, from the viewpoint of ensuring a certain degree of area for the above-mentioned regions 30, 30, the separation distance in the lateral direction D2 between the side compressed grooves 11S, 11S is set to be equal to or smaller than the lateral D2 distance d between the rear ends 10bt, 10bt of the central compressed grooves 10, 10 in the range of the longitudinal direction D1 between the central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the first rear compressed grooves 11, 11. 10 Or the lateral D2 spacing d between the front ends 11ft, 11ft of the first rear compression groove 11, 11 11 It is preferably 2.5 to 4.5 times, and more preferably 3 to 4 times.

[0060] As shown in Figure 9, the areas 30, 30 respectively surrounded by the first rear compression grooves 11, 11 and the lateral compression grooves 11S, 11S are formed laterally D2 outside the mountain-forming area 20 (cross-hatched in Figure 9) along the longitudinal direction D1 formed between a pair of central compression grooves 10, 10 and a pair of first rear compression grooves 11, 11.

[0061] FIG. 10 shows a schematic cross section (cross section taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 9) taken at a position between the pair of central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the pair of first rear compressed grooves 11, 11, together with the wearer's buttocks Den. FIG. 10 corresponds to FIG. 4, but shows the positions of the lateral compressed grooves 11S, 11S in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, regions 30, 30 are regions that contact a shallow position in the intergluteal cleft or the surface of the buttocks on both sides of the intergluteal cleft when the absorbent article 1 is worn. Therefore, regions 30, 30 can be brought into contact with the surfaces on both sides of the intergluteal cleft, following their curves. This improves the fit on both sides of the intergluteal cleft, preventing leakage even if bodily fluid that has traveled down the intergluteal cleft further migrates outward in the lateral direction D2.

[0062] It is preferable that the front ends 11St, 11St of the lateral compressed grooves 11S, 11S are located further forward than the front ends 11ft, 11ft of the first rear compressed grooves 11, 11. This allows the compressed grooves to extend outward in the lateral direction D2 from the region between the central compressed grooves 10, 10 and the first rear compressed grooves 11, 11, making it possible to prevent leakage of bodily fluids outward in the lateral direction D2.

[0063] In order to further enhance the effect of preventing kinking and the like in terms of the rigidity of the above-mentioned regions 30, 30, a plurality of compressed grooves can be formed at intervals in a dot pattern in the absorbent body 4 in the region 30 surrounded by the first rear compressed groove 11 and the lateral compressed grooves 11S. The form (shape, size, forming method) of the compressed parts formed in the absorbent body 4 is not particularly limited as long as it prevents kinking and the like in the regions 30, 30 and ensures flexibility to fit along the surface of the buttocks.

[0064] The lateral compressed grooves 11S may or may not be connected to the first rear compressed grooves 11. From the viewpoint of increasing the rigidity of the region 30 surrounded by the first rear compressed grooves 11 and the lateral compressed grooves 11S to prevent twisting and from the viewpoint of preventing rearward leakage of bodily fluids, it is preferable that the lateral compressed grooves 11S are connected to the first rear compressed grooves 11, as shown in Figures 7 and 9.

[0065] On the other hand, from the viewpoint of increasing flexibility of the intergluteal cleft-facing region B1, the lateral compressed grooves 11S and the first posterior compressed grooves 11 may not be connected, as shown in Fig. 11. In this case, the lateral compressed grooves 11S may be separated from the first posterior compressed grooves 11 by a distance of, for example, 10 mm or less, preferably 5 mm or less in the lateral direction.

[0066] Although the present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Furthermore, the above embodiments can be variously changed, modified, substituted, added, deleted, and combined within the scope of the claims, and these also fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1. 1A Absorbent Articles (Sanitary Napkins) 2 Back Seat 3 Topsheet 4. Absorbent 4H High absorbent area 7 Side seats 8. Main body (absorbent article main body) 10 Central compression groove 10b Sloped part of the central compression groove (sloped rear end part) 10bt Rear end of central compression groove 11 First rear compression groove 11f. The inclined portion of the first rear compression groove (the inclined front end portion) 11ft Front end of the first rear compression groove 11S Lateral compression groove 11st Front end of lateral compression groove 12 Second rear compression groove 13 Front compression groove C Area facing body fluid outlet CL longitudinal centerline D1 Longitudinal direction D2 Horizontal F Anterior area HF Hip Hold Flap M Middle area (opposite perineum area) B Area opposite the buttocks B1 Anterior buttock opposing area (gluteal cleft opposing area) B2 Posterior buttock opposing area WF Wing Flap

Claims

1. An absorbent article having an elongated main body including a top sheet facing the skin, a back sheet facing away from the skin, and an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and also having a front region, a body fluid discharge outlet facing region, a perineum facing region, and a buttocks facing region along the longitudinal direction, At least the top sheet and the absorbent body have compressed grooves recessed from the top sheet side to the back sheet side, The compression grooves include a pair of central compression grooves extending along the longitudinal direction, and a pair of rear compression grooves spaced apart from the pair of central compression grooves by a predetermined longitudinal distance behind the pair of central compression grooves, the pair of central compression grooves are formed in the bodily fluid outlet facing region and the perineum facing region, and rear ends thereof are located in the buttocks facing region; The pair of rear compression grooves are formed in the buttocks facing region, the predetermined longitudinal spacing is greater than the lateral spacing between the rear ends of the pair of central compression grooves and the lateral spacing between the front ends of the pair of rear compression grooves; An absorbent article wherein imaginary lines passing through the rear ends of the pair of central compressed grooves and the front ends of the pair of rear compressed grooves extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction on each side of the longitudinal centerline.

2. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein the pair of central compression grooves include a rear end and a portion that slopes toward the longitudinal centerline as it extends toward the rear, and the pair of rear compression grooves include a front end and a portion that slopes toward the longitudinal centerline as it extends toward the front.

3. 3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the difference between the angle of inclination of the rear end portion of the central compressed groove relative to the longitudinal center line and the angle of inclination of the front end portion of the rear compressed groove relative to the longitudinal center line is 10 degrees or less.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pair of rear compression grooves are connected at the rear.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lateral distance between the front ends of the pair of rear compressed grooves is the same as or smaller than the lateral distance between the rear ends of the pair of central compressed grooves.

6. The compression groove further includes a side compression groove extending along a longitudinal direction laterally outward of the pair of rear compression grooves, The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rear end portions of the side compressed grooves are curved toward the rear compressed groove.

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