Absorbent article packaging

Abstract

An absorbent article (1) that comprises an absorbent body (10) and exterior members (30, 40) provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent body (10), wherein the exterior members (30, 40) include hydrophilic non-woven fabric parts (32, 42) on at least a part of the most non-skin side surface. The hydrophilic non-woven fabric parts (32, 42) are disposed so that a value, which is calculated by dividing the difference between the weight of the absorbent article (1) when the packaged absorbent article (1) is opened and the weight of the absorbent article (1) in a dried state by the weight of the absorbent article (1) in the dried state, is 0.1 or less.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Pants-type diapers using hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics with enhanced hydrophilicity have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology relating to a disposable diaper using, as an exterior sheet 4 constituting an exterior body 3 of a diaper 1, a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric having fibers that have been hydrophilized by, for example, treating hydrophobic synthetic fibers with a hydrophilizing agent. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-113186 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Diapers using hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics such as those described in Patent Document 1 have higher water absorption properties than diapers that do not use hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics, so while manufactured diapers are being distributed on the market, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics may absorb moisture from the atmosphere, which may cause mold to grow on the diaper's exterior, etc. For example, if a user opens a new package and takes out the diaper and finds mold on the diaper, the diaper will become unusable even before it has been used.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and its purpose is to suppress the growth of mold in absorbent articles equipped with hydrophilic nonwoven fabric before the articles are put into use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The main invention to achieve the above object is: An absorbent article package in which an absorbent article having a liquid-absorbent main body and an exterior member provided on a side closer to the skin than the absorbent main body is packaged in a packaging member, the exterior member has a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric on at least a part of the surface closest to the skin, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is arranged so that the difference between the weight of the absorbent article when the absorbent article package is opened and the weight of the absorbent article in a dried state divided by the weight of the absorbent article in a dried state is 0.1 or less; The absorbent body has an absorbent core containing a superabsorbent polymer, having a vertical direction and a horizontal direction that intersect with each other, In the left-right direction, the sheet has a first fold that folds an end region on one side to the other side, and a second fold that folds an end region on the other side to the one side, a third fold that folds one side of the area to the other side in the vertical direction; the hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics are folded so that the hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics face each other at the first fold, the second fold, and the third fold; In the vertical direction, the third fold is located above the upper end of the absorbent core. Located a plurality of slits penetrating the packaging member in the thickness direction have an opening guide portion in which the slits are arranged intermittently along a predetermined direction; A leak-proof sheet is provided between the opening guide portion and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. The absorbent article packaging body is characterized by the above. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, in an absorbent article including a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, it is possible to suppress the growth of mold before the article is first used. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a diaper 1. [Figure 2]1 is a plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4A is a plan view of the absorbent body 10, and FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent body 10. As shown in FIG. [Figure 5] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the basic principle of absorption and evaporation of moisture in the diaper 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating how the diaper 1 is folded when packaged. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the diaper 1 in a folded state. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are diagrams showing an example in which the folded diaper 1 is packaged individually. [Figure 9] 9A and 9B are diagrams showing an example in which a plurality of folded diapers 1 are packaged side by side. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method for attaching the waistline elastic members 35 to the front waistline portion 30 using the welded portions 60. FIG. [Figure 11] Fig. 11A is a plan view of the diaper 2 in an unfolded and stretched state, and Fig. 11B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line DD in Fig. 11A. [Figure 12] Fig. 12A is a plan view of the diaper 3 in an unfolded and stretched state, and Fig. 12B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line EE in Fig. 12A. [Figure 13] Fig. 13A is a plan view of the diaper 4 in an unfolded and stretched state, and Fig. 13B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line FF in Fig. 13A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] At least the following matters will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. An absorbent article having a liquid-absorbing absorbent body and an outer member provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent body, wherein the outer member has a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric on at least a portion of the surface closest to the skin, and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is arranged so that the difference between the weight of the absorbent article when the packaged absorbent article is opened and the weight of the absorbent article in a dried state, divided by the weight of the absorbent article in a dried state, is 0.1 or less.

[0010] According to such an absorbent article, even if the exterior member is provided with a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, by appropriately arranging the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, it is possible to keep the moisture content of the absorbent article before use at a level equivalent to that of an absorbent article without a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, thereby making it possible to prevent the occurrence and propagation of mold in the absorbent article before use.

[0011] It is desirable that such an absorbent article has a vertical direction and a horizontal direction that intersect with each other, and that when packaged, it is folded at least at one point in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and that in the folded state, at least a portion of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is not exposed to the outside.

[0012] In such an absorbent article, at least a portion of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is located inside the folded absorbent article and is not exposed to the outside. This reduces the area of ​​the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric that comes into contact with the atmosphere, and prevents the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric from absorbing moisture (humidity) from the atmosphere during the distribution process of the absorbent article. This prevents mold from growing on the absorbent article.

[0013] In such an absorbent article, it is desirable that the area of ​​the portion of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric exposed to the outside when the absorbent article is folded is less than 50% of the area of ​​the portion of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric exposed to the outside when the absorbent article is not folded.

[0014] With such an absorbent article, the area of ​​the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric exposed to the outside and potentially absorbing moisture (water) from the atmosphere is reduced to less than half compared to an absorbent article in an unfolded state, making it easier to suppress the growth of mold.

[0015] In such an absorbent article, it is desirable that at least a portion of the surface exposed to the outside in a folded state is made of a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric that is less hydrophilic than the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric.

[0016] In such an absorbent article, the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric has a portion exposed to the outside, which makes it difficult for moisture (humidity) to penetrate into the inside of the folded absorbent article. In other words, moisture is less likely to reach the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric arranged inside the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. This makes it easier to prevent mold and mildew from growing on the absorbent article before use.

[0017] In such an absorbent article, it is desirable that the absorbent body has an absorbent core containing a superabsorbent polymer, and when the packaged absorbent article is opened, the amount of moisture per unit weight contained in the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is less than the amount of moisture per unit weight contained in the absorbent core.

[0018] In such an absorbent article, the water absorption capacity of at least the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is smaller than the water absorption capacity of the SAP, which prevents the absorbent article as a whole from absorbing too much water, making it easier to prevent mold growth.

[0019] It is desirable that such an absorbent article has a vertical direction and a horizontal direction that intersect with each other, and in the horizontal direction, has a first fold that folds an end region on one side to the other side, and a second fold that folds an end region on the other side to one side.

[0020] In this absorbent article, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics are folded so that they face each other in the horizontal direction (left and right), and are therefore positioned on the inside in the thickness direction. This reduces the area of ​​the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric exposed to the outside, making it less likely to absorb moisture (humidity) from the atmosphere. Furthermore, because the width of the absorbent article is reduced in the horizontal direction, the package can be made compact, making it easier to distribute in the market.

[0021] It is desirable that such an absorbent article has, when viewed in the thickness direction, an overlapping portion between the end region on one side folded back at the first fold and the end region on the other side folded back at the second fold.

[0022] In such an absorbent article, at least a portion of the folded portions overlap each other in the thickness direction, which makes it difficult for gaps to form in the folded portions and makes it difficult for moisture to penetrate into the inner space. Therefore, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric arranged on the inner side of the folds is less likely to absorb moisture, and it is possible to suppress the growth of mold and mildew.

[0023] It is desirable that such an absorbent article has a third fold that folds back an area on one side to the other side in the up-down direction.

[0024] In such an absorbent article, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics are folded in the vertical direction (up and down) so that the hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics face each other, and are positioned on the inside in the thickness direction. Therefore, the area of ​​the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric exposed to the outside is reduced, making it difficult for the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric to absorb moisture (humidity) from the atmosphere. Furthermore, because the length of the absorbent article is shortened in the vertical direction, the package can be made compact, making it easier to distribute in the market.

[0025] In such an absorbent article, it is desirable that the absorbent body has an absorbent core containing a superabsorbent polymer, and when the absorbent article is viewed in the thickness direction in a folded state, there is a portion where the absorbent core and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric overlap.

[0026] In such an absorbent article, by arranging the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric over the absorbent core, a portion of the moisture is absorbed by the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, thereby reducing the amount of moisture that reaches the absorbent core. This reduces the amount of moisture absorbed by the absorbent core. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of moisture absorbed by the absorbent article as a whole, making it easier to suppress the growth of mold and mildew.

[0027] It is desirable that such an absorbent article has an overlapping portion between the absorbent core and the multiple layers of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric when viewed in the thickness direction of the folded absorbent article.

[0028] In such an absorbent article, the increased number of layers of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric disposed on the absorbent core reduces the amount of moisture that passes through the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric layers and reaches the absorbent core, thereby reducing the amount of moisture absorbed by the absorbent core. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of moisture absorbed by the absorbent article as a whole, making it easier to suppress the growth of mold and mildew.

[0029] Furthermore, an absorbent article package has been revealed in which an absorbent article having a liquid-absorbing absorbent main body and an outer member provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body is packaged in a packaging member, wherein the outer member has a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric on at least a portion of the surface closest to the skin, and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is arranged so that the difference between the weight of the absorbent article when the absorbent article package is opened and the weight of the absorbent article in a dried state divided by the weight of the absorbent article in a dried state is 0.1 or less.

[0030] According to this absorbent article package, even if the exterior member of the absorbent article is provided with a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, by appropriately arranging the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, the moisture content of the absorbent article before use can be kept at the same level as that of an absorbent article without a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, thereby making it possible to prevent mold from growing and spreading on the absorbent article before use.

[0031] In such an absorbent article package, it is desirable that the packaging member is a leak-proof resin sheet member.

[0032] According to this type of absorbent article packaging, by packaging the absorbent article in a leakproof resin sheet member (film sheet), it is possible to easily prevent moisture from penetrating the packaging member and entering the inside of the package, which makes it difficult for the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the absorbent article to absorb moisture, thereby preventing mold from growing on the absorbent article before use.

[0033] In such an absorbent article package, it is desirable that the absorbent article in a folded state is individually packaged by the packaging member.

[0034] According to this absorbent article package, by packaging (individually packaging) the absorbent article individually in a leakproof packaging material, moisture is less likely to penetrate into the package (individually packaged), and it is possible to easily prevent the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric from absorbing moisture and causing mold to grow on the absorbent article. In addition, since the absorbent article can be distributed on the market individually, it becomes easier to handle and is more convenient for users.

[0035] In such an absorbent article package, it is desirable that a plurality of the folded absorbent articles are packaged in the packaging member in a line.

[0036] According to this absorbent article package, by packaging multiple absorbent articles together in a leakproof packaging member, moisture is less likely to penetrate into the package, making it easier to prevent the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric from absorbing moisture and causing mold to grow on the absorbent articles.In addition, since it becomes possible to distribute multiple units of absorbent articles on the market, a sufficient amount of absorbent articles can be steadily supplied to users.

[0037] In such an absorbent article packaging, it is desirable that the absorbent article has a vertical direction, is folded in half in the vertical direction with a fold that folds one side of the vertical direction to the other side, and the absorbent article is stored so that the fold faces vertically upward.

[0038] In this absorbent article package, the heavy absorbent core is more likely to be located vertically downward, and the center of gravity is lowered, which makes it easier to maintain the folded state of the absorbent article and prevents the absorbent article contained in the package from losing its shape. Furthermore, by maintaining the folded state, it is possible to prevent the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric from being exposed to the outside.

[0039] In such an absorbent article packaging, it is desirable that the proportion of the surface area of ​​the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric in the portion above the center in the vertical direction of the folded absorbent article is greater than the proportion of the surface area of ​​the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric in the portion below the center in the vertical direction.

[0040] In this absorbent article package, the proportion of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric in the lower region is small, so even if moisture with a high specific gravity moves to the lower side, the amount of moisture absorbed by the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric can be reduced, which makes it easier to suppress the growth of mold, etc.

[0041] In such an absorbent article packaging body, it is desirable that the multiple slits that penetrate the packaging member in the thickness direction have opening guide portions that are arranged intermittently along a predetermined direction, and that there are portions where the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the absorbent article and the opening guide portions are not in contact.

[0042] With such an absorbent article packaging, even if moisture from the atmosphere passes through the slits in the opening guide section and enters the inside of the packaging, the moisture is unlikely to come into contact with the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, making it easier to prevent the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric from absorbing moisture.

[0043] In such an absorbent article package, it is desirable that the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the absorbent article and the entire opening guide portion are not in contact with each other.

[0044] With such an absorbent article packaging, even if moisture from the atmosphere penetrates into the inside of the packaging through the slits in the sealing guide section, the moisture is less likely to come into contact with the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, making it easier to prevent the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric from absorbing the moisture.

[0045] In such an absorbent article packaging body, it is desirable that the absorbent article has a vertical direction, is folded in half in the vertical direction at a fold that folds one side area in the vertical direction to the other side, and the absorbent article is stored so that neither the front nor rear surfaces of the folded part face the opening guide portion.

[0046] With this type of absorbent article packaging, the larger part of the folded absorbent article does not face the opening guide section, so there is less chance that moisture that has penetrated through the slits in the opening guide section will come into contact with the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, making it easier to suppress the absorption of moisture by the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric.

[0047] ===First Embodiment=== The absorbent article according to the present invention will be described taking a disposable diaper (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 1") as an example. However, the absorbent article according to the present invention also includes napkins, panty liners, and other absorbent articles.

[0048] <Diaper 1 composition> FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a diaper 1. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. The "stretched state" of the diaper 1 refers to a state in which the entire diaper 1 (the entire product) is stretched without wrinkles, specifically, a state in which the dimensions of each component constituting the diaper 1 (e.g., the absorbent body 10 and waistband component 20, which will be described later) are stretched to the same dimensions as or close to the dimensions of the component alone.

[0049] The diaper 1 is a disposable diaper having a pants-like shape in its natural state. In the pants-like state shown in FIG. 1, the diaper 1 has a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a front-to-back direction, which intersect with one another, and has a waist-opening BH and a pair of leg-openings LH, LH. The upper side in the vertical direction corresponds to the waist-opening BH side, and the lower side corresponds to the crotch side. The front side in the front-to-back direction corresponds to the wearer's abdominal side, and the rear side corresponds to the wearer's back side. In the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2, the diaper 1 has a vertical direction and a horizontal direction, which intersect with one another. The vertical direction is the vertical direction in FIG. 1 and corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 10. The horizontal direction is the horizontal direction in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the direction in which the materials constituting the diaper 1 are layered is referred to as the thickness direction. In the thickness direction, the side that comes into contact with the wearer's skin is referred to as the skin side, and the opposite side is referred to as the non-skin side.

[0050] The diaper 1 comprises a liquid-absorbent main body 10 that absorbs body waste and a waistband member 20 that is disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body 10. The waistband member 20 is an exterior member that constitutes the exterior of the diaper 1, and comprises a front waistband section 30 that corresponds to the front body section of the diaper 1, and a rear waistband section 40 that corresponds to the rear body section of the diaper 1. That is, the diaper 1 of the first embodiment is a so-called three-piece pants-type diaper, comprising the absorbent main body 10 as a first component that is placed in the crotch area of ​​the wearer and absorbs body waste such as urine, the front waistband section 30 that covers the abdominal area of ​​the wearer as a second component, and the rear waistband section 40 that covers the dorsal area of ​​the wearer as a third component.

[0051] In the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2 , the front waistline portion 30 and the rear waistline portion 40 are aligned parallel to each other with a gap between them in the vertical direction, with the absorbent main body 10 draped between them, with each end 10ea, 10eb in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the absorbent main body 10 joined and fixed to the skin side of the nearest waistline portion 30, 40, resulting in a generally H-shaped appearance in a plan view. From this state, the absorbent main body 10 is then folded in half, with the vertical center position CL serving as the folding position. In this folded state, the opposing front waistline portion 30 and rear waistline portion 40 are joined and connected to each other at the side portions 30sw and 40sw on both the left and right sides, forming a pair of side joining portions 50, 50. That is, the front waistline portion 30 and the rear waistline portion 40 are formed into a ring shape by the pair of side joining portions 50, 50. The side joining portion 50 is formed by a known joining method such as welding or adhesive bonding. As a result, the diaper 1 is in a pants-type state, having a waist-opening BH and a pair of leg-openings LH, LH as shown in FIG. (Absorbent body 10) Fig. 4A is a plan view of the absorbent main body 10, and Fig. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent main body 10. The absorbent main body 10 has an absorbent core 11 that absorbs excrement, a top sheet 12 that is arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction, and a back sheet 13 that is arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent core 11. However, the absorbent main body 10 may also include sheet members other than these. For example, a second sheet (not shown) may be provided between the top sheet 12 and the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction.

[0052] The absorbent core 11 is a member that absorbs and retains excreted liquids such as urine, and is formed of liquid-absorbent fibers, such as pulp fibers mixed with superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The outer periphery of the absorbent core 11 may be covered with a liquid-permeable sheet material (core wrap sheet 11b), such as tissue paper or nonwoven fabric. The absorbent core 11 of this embodiment has a waisted portion 11c, which narrows in the left-right direction, between the front and rear longitudinal ends, and has a generally hourglass shape in plan view as shown in FIG. 4A. This waisted portion 11c is the portion that is sandwiched between the wearer's legs when the diaper 1 is worn, and the short length (narrow width) of this portion in the left-right direction allows the absorbent core 11 to fit easily between the wearer's crotch.

[0053] The top sheet 12 is a liquid-permeable sheet, and is made of, for example, a hydrophilic air-through nonwoven fabric or a spunbond nonwoven fabric. In this embodiment, both left and right side portions are folded back toward the non-skin side so as to wrap around the absorbent core 11, as shown in Figure 4B.

[0054] The back sheet 13 has a two-layer structure consisting of a liquid-impermeable sheet 13a and an outer sheet 13b disposed on the non-skin side. The liquid-impermeable sheet 13a is a liquid-impermeable and moisture-permeable sheet material. For example, a microporous breathable resin film, which is a sheet primarily made of a resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene and has a plurality of fine holes, can be used. In this specification, the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a is also referred to as a "breathable film." That is, a breathable film is a sheet material that has "leakproof properties" that prevent liquid from passing through, but "breathable properties" that allow water vapor and air to pass through. On the other hand, a flexible hydrophobic nonwoven fabric is used as the outer sheet 13b. For example, an air-through nonwoven fabric or a spunbond nonwoven fabric can be used.

[0055] A pair of leakage preventing walls 15 is provided on both left-right side portions of the absorbent main body 10 along the vertical direction (the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 10). In this embodiment, the leakage preventing walls 15 are formed by the above-mentioned exterior sheet 13b. Specifically, in the left-right direction (horizontal direction), a portion of the exterior sheet 13b extends outward beyond both ends of the absorbent core 11 and is folded toward the skin at multiple locations as shown in FIG. 4B , thereby forming the pair of leakage preventing walls 15. A leakage preventing wall elastic member 16 such as rubber thread is attached to the skin-side end (tip) of each leakage preventing wall 15 in a stretched state along the vertical direction (the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 10). When the diaper 1 is worn, the leakage preventing wall elastic member 16 exhibits stretchability, causing the leakage preventing wall 15 to rise toward the skin of the wearer and fit snugly against the wearer's crotch area.

[0056] Furthermore, leg elastic members 17 such as rubber threads are attached to both left and right side portions of the absorbent main body 10 in a stretched state along the vertical direction (the longitudinal direction of the absorbent main body 10). When the diaper 1 is worn, the stretchability of the leg elastic members 17 causes both side portions of the absorbent main body 10 to contract, making it easier to fit around the wearer's legs.

[0057] (Front waistband 30) 3, the front waist portion 30 has a skin-side sheet 31 disposed closest to the skin in the thickness direction, a non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​laminated adjacent to the non-skin-side of the skin-side sheet 31, and a waist elastic member 35 provided between the skin-side sheet 31 and the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​in the thickness direction. The front waist portion 30, which serves as the exterior member of the diaper 1, basically has a two-layer structure consisting of the skin-side sheet 31 and the non-skin-side sheet 32, but may partially have a three-layer or more structure, for example, a skin-side sheet 36 described below.

[0058] The skin-side sheet 31 and the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​are rectangular sheet members in plan view as shown in FIG. 2, and are made of, for example, SMS nonwoven fabric. In the diaper 1, the sheet member (nonwoven fabric) constituting the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​is more hydrophilic than the sheet member (nonwoven fabric) constituting the skin-side sheet 31. That is, the skin-side sheet 31 is made of a nonwoven fabric with low hydrophilicity, and the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​is made of a nonwoven fabric with higher hydrophilicity than the skin-side sheet 31. Hereinafter, the nonwoven fabric constituting the skin-side sheet 31 will also be referred to as a "hydrophobic nonwoven fabric," and the nonwoven fabric constituting the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​will also be referred to as a "hydrophilic nonwoven fabric." The "hydrophilicity" of nonwoven fabrics will be explained later.

[0059] The surface of the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​is provided with a plurality of apertures 32h, as shown in the partially enlarged view of FIG. 2. The apertures 32h are through-holes that penetrate the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​in the thickness direction, and the provision of the apertures 32h improves the breathability of the front waistline portion 30. Furthermore, the apertures 32h are visibly positioned on the non-skin-facing side of the front waistline portion 30, making it easier for the user to recognize that the front waistline portion 30 has good breathability. Each aperture 32h may be circular, for example, with a diameter of approximately 1 mm, but the shape and arrangement (number and pattern) of the apertures 32h can be changed as appropriate. In the diaper 1, the skin-side sheet 31 does not have through-holes corresponding to the apertures 32h.

[0060] The front waistline portion 30 of this embodiment has a folded-back portion 32f where the upper end (front end in the longitudinal direction) of the non-skin side sheet 32 ​​is folded back from the non-skin side to the skin side and from the front side to the back side in the longitudinal direction. This folded-back portion 32f covers a part (upper end) of the skin side sheet 31, thereby preventing the upper edge of the skin side sheet 31 from digging into the wearer's skin. However, the folded-back portion 32f is not necessarily provided.

[0061] The waist elastic members 35 are arranged in a line in the vertical direction and are attached in a stretched state in the left-right direction between the skin side sheet 31 and the non-skin side sheet 32. The stretchability exhibited by the waist elastic members 35 allows the front waist portion 30 to fit the abdominal waist of the wearer.

[0062] The waistline elastic members 35 can be attached using an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive. For example, the waistline elastic members 35 can be attached by applying a hot melt adhesive to the waistline elastic members 35, stretching them at a predetermined stretch ratio, and sandwiching them between the skin side sheet 31 and the non-skin side sheet 32. That is, the skin side sheet 31 and the non-skin side sheet 32 ​​are joined by the adhesive via the waistline elastic members 35. The waistline elastic members 35 may also be attached by applying an adhesive to the skin side sheet 31 and the non-skin side sheet 32, or by welding using the welding portions 60 described below.

[0063] The front waistband portion 30 may also have a skin-contact sheet 36. As shown in FIG. 3, the skin-contact sheet 36 is a sheet member arranged to cover the upper end (front end in the longitudinal direction) of the absorbent main body 10 from the skin side, and functions as a cover sheet. This prevents the upper end edge of the absorbent main body 10 from digging into the wearer's skin when the diaper 1 is worn. The skin-contact sheet 36 is made of, for example, an SMS nonwoven fabric. The skin-contact sheet 36 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0064] In the front waistband portion 30 of this embodiment, when a sheet member is provided closer to the skin than the skin-side sheet 31 or closer to the skin than the non-skin-side sheet 32, each sheet is arranged so as to cover only a portion of the skin-side sheet 31 and the non-skin-side sheet 32. For example, the skin-side sheet 36 in Fig. 3 is provided so as to cover only a portion of the skin-side of the skin-side sheet 31, leaving at least a portion of the skin-side sheet 31 exposed to the skin side of the wearer.

[0065] (Rear waistband 40) The rear waistline portion 40 has a configuration substantially similar to that of the front waistline portion 30. That is, the rear waistline portion 40 has a skin-side sheet 41 disposed closest to the skin in the thickness direction, a non-skin-side sheet 42 laminated adjacent to the non-skin-side side of the skin-side sheet 41, and waistline elastic members 45 provided between the skin-side sheet 41 and the non-skin-side sheet 42 in the thickness direction. As with the front waistline portion 30, the rear waistline portion 40 may also have apertures 42h, folded-back portions 42f, a skin-facing sheet 46, etc. (see Figures 2 and 3). The configuration of each member is substantially similar to that of the front waistline portion 30, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0066] On the other hand, the external shape of the rear waistline portion 40 is different from that of the front waistline portion 30. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the rear waistline portion 40 has a buttocks cover 40b that is generally trapezoidal in shape below the side joint portion 50 (side portion 40sw). The buttocks cover 40b narrows in width from the top to the bottom in the vertical direction, and its outer edge is curved. The provision of the buttocks cover 40b enables the rear waistline portion 40 to widely cover the wearer's buttocks when the diaper 1 is worn.

[0067] The buttocks cover 40b is provided with a curved elastic member 47 such as rubber thread as shown in Fig. 2. The curved elastic member 47 is attached between the skin side sheet 41 and the non-skin side sheet 42 in a stretched state along the edge of the buttocks cover 40b, and the stretchability of the curved elastic member 47 allows the buttocks cover 40b of the rear waistband portion 40 to fit easily around the buttocks of the wearer when the diaper 1 is worn, and also makes it less likely to roll up from the buttocks.

[0068] <Hydrophilicity of sheet material> The hydrophilicity of the sheet members will now be described. In the diaper 1, hydrophobic nonwoven fabrics are used for the skin-side sheets 31, 41 constituting the waistline member 20 (front waistline portion 30, rear waistline portion 40) which is an exterior member, and for the exterior sheet 13b of the absorbent main body 10. On the other hand, hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics, which are more hydrophilic than hydrophobic nonwoven fabrics, are used for the non-skin-side sheets 32, 42 constituting the waistline member 20.

[0069] The hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of this embodiment is a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric whose hydrophilicity has been enhanced by a treatment (hydrophilic treatment) in which a predetermined oil is applied to the nonwoven fabric. Examples of oils used in the hydrophilic treatment include commercially available oils that are effective as antistatic agents for fibers, such as anionic oils, nonionic oils, and blends thereof. By adding these oils to an oil bath and oiling the nonwoven fabric using an oiling roller or the like, the hydrophilicity of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric can be enhanced, resulting in a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. However, hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics may also be formed by other methods. For example, a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric may be obtained by manufacturing a nonwoven fabric using highly hydrophilic fibers.

[0070] In this embodiment, the nonwoven fabric constituting the non-skin side sheets 32, 42 is entirely hydrophilically treated, so that the hydrophilicity of each sheet member is enhanced. However, the hydrophilicity of only a portion of each sheet member may be enhanced. For example, the hydrophilicity of only a portion of the non-skin side sheet 32 ​​may be enhanced, so that the sheet member has locally highly and locally less hydrophilic portions.

[0071] The hydrophilicity of a sheet member can be evaluated by measuring the contact angle when ion-exchanged water is brought into contact with the surface of the sheet member. Specifically, if the contact angle between a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric and ion-exchanged water is smaller than the contact angle between a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric and ion-exchanged water, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is more hydrophilic than the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. The hydrophilic nonwoven fabric (non-skin-side sheet 32, etc.) used in this embodiment preferably has a contact angle with ion-exchanged water of less than 90°, more preferably 50° or less. On the other hand, the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric (skin-side sheet 31) preferably has a contact angle with ion-exchanged water of 90° or more, more preferably 120° or more.

[0072] The contact angle can be measured, for example, using a contact angle meter MCA-J manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd., in the following manner. First, ion-exchanged water (approximately 20 picoliters) is dropped onto the surface of the fibers constituting the sheet member (measurement target sheet) to be measured, and the contact angle is immediately measured using the contact angle meter. Measurements are taken at multiple locations (e.g., five or more locations) on the surface of the measurement target sheet, and the average value of these measurements is taken as the contact angle. The measurement environment temperature is 22°C.

[0073] Alternatively, the contact angle may be measured by imaging the test sheet onto which ion-exchanged water has been dropped from the cross-sectional direction of the test sheet, analyzing the image, and measuring the angle between the ion-exchanged water droplet and the test sheet.

[0074] <Water absorption and evaporation by diapers> In the diaper 1, a highly hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is provided on the non-skin side of the outer covering members (front waistband 30, rear waistband 40), which allows the diaper 1 to absorb moisture such as sweat from the wearer's skin and evaporate the absorbed moisture into the atmosphere. Figs. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the basic principle of moisture absorption and evaporation in the diaper 1. Fig. 5 shows a schematic cross section of the front waistband 30, one of the components constituting the diaper 1.

[0075] First, when a wearer puts on the diaper 1, the skin-side sheet 31 (hydrophobic nonwoven fabric) disposed on the skin-side of the front waistband 30 in the thickness direction comes into contact with the wearer's skin, as shown in FIG. 5A . As described above, the skin-side sheet 31 of this embodiment is made of an SMS nonwoven fabric and contains meltblown fibers, which have a smaller fiber diameter than spunbond fibers. Therefore, there are portions where the fine meltblown fibers are densely entangled, resulting in narrow interfiber distances. This configuration causes capillary action in the skin-side sheet 31, making it easier to absorb moisture, such as sweat, adhering to the wearer's skin.

[0076] Next, as shown in Figure 5B, the moisture absorbed by the skin-side sheet 31 transfers to the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​(hydrophilic nonwoven fabric) laminated adjacent to the non-skin-side of the skin-side sheet 31. Because the skin-side sheet 31 is a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric and the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​is a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, a difference in hydrophilicity (hydrophilic gradient) occurs between the two sheets, and moisture easily moves from the skin-side sheet 31, which has a low hydrophilicity, to the non-skin-side sheet 32, which has a high hydrophilicity. Therefore, moisture is less likely to be retained on the skin-side sheet 31 side that is in contact with the wearer's skin, and more likely to be retained on the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​side that is not in contact with the wearer's skin.

[0077] Moisture retained in the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​evaporates into the atmosphere from the non-skin-side surface of the non-skin-side sheet 32. In the diaper 1, the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​is disposed on the outermost (non-skin-side) surface of the absorbent body 10. That is, the non-skin-side surface of the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​forms the interface with the atmosphere. Therefore, moisture contained within the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​can be efficiently evaporated from a wide area of ​​the non-skin-side surface to the outside of the diaper 1. However, it is not necessary for the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric to be disposed over the entire non-skin-side surface of the outer cover member. For example, a member other than the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​(e.g., a tape member) may be provided on a portion of the non-skin-side surface of the outer cover member.

[0078] In this way, the diaper 1 is provided with a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric (non-skin-side sheets 32, 42) in the outer cover member (waistline member 20), which allows the diaper 1 to absorb and evaporate sweat and other moisture from the wearer while being worn. However, since the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric can also absorb moisture (humidity) from the atmosphere, the outer cover member of the diaper 1 may become damp before use, which may lead to the growth of mold. For example, if the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric absorbs moisture while the diaper 1 is being distributed in the market in a packaged state, mold may have grown on the diaper 1 by the time the user opens the package, rendering the diaper 1 unusable despite being new.

[0079] Therefore, in this embodiment, the folding and packaging methods for the diaper 1 when distributed to the market are adjusted to prevent the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric from absorbing moisture before use, thereby making it less likely for mold to grow. The means for preventing the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric from absorbing moisture will be specifically described below.

[0080] <About Diaper 1 Packaging> The diaper 1 is folded into a compact shape and then distributed in a packaged state using a predetermined packaging material. FIGS. 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating how the diaper 1 is folded when packaged. FIGS. 6A to 6C illustrate a method for folding the diaper 1 in a pants-shaped state as shown in FIG. 1. That is, when the folding process begins in FIG. 6A, the diaper 1 has already been folded in half at the longitudinal center position CL from the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of the diaper 1 in a folded state. For ease of explanation, some components (such as a first section 91 and a second section 92, which will be described later) are shown in a simplified form in FIG. 7.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 6A, the diaper 1 is first folded inward at both ends in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). Specifically, an end region 91 on one side of the diaper 1 (the left side in FIG. 6A) is folded toward the other side (right side) in the left-right direction along a fold line F1 that runs vertically (longitudinal direction). Hereinafter, the fold line F1 will be referred to as the "first fold F1," and the end region 91 of the diaper 1 on one side of the first fold F1 will be referred to as the "first portion 91." Similarly, an end region 92 on the other side of the diaper 1 (the right side in FIG. 6A) is folded toward the one side (left side) in the left-right direction along a fold line F2 that runs vertically (vertical direction). Hereinafter, the fold line F2 will be referred to as the "second fold F2," and the end region 92 of the diaper 1 on one side of the second fold F2 will be referred to as the "second portion 92."

[0082] 6A, the first fold F1 and the second fold F2 are arranged in positions along both ends of the absorbent main body 10 in the left-right direction. In the diaper 1, the portion where the absorbent main body 10 is arranged and the portion where it is not arranged have different rigidity. Therefore, by providing the fold lines F1, F2 in such positions, it becomes easier to fold the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 based on the difference in rigidity. However, the arrangement of the first fold F1 and the second fold F2 is not limited to this, and they may be arranged in other positions, or the first fold F1 and the second fold F2 may be arranged diagonally with respect to the vertical direction.

[0083] 6A, the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 are folded toward the front of the diaper 1. That is, they are folded so that the front waistband 30 is on the inside and the rear waistband 40 is on the outside, but they may be folded in the opposite directions.

[0084] When the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 are folded, the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 have portions that overlap each other, as shown in Fig. 6B. In other words, the diaper 1 is folded so that the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 at least partially overlap each other when viewed in the thickness direction. The reason for this will be explained later.

[0085] Next, from the state shown in Figure 6B, the diaper 1 is folded in half vertically (longitudinal) so that the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 are on the inside. Specifically, the portion 93 on one side of the diaper 1 in the vertical direction (the lower side in Figure 6A) is folded to the other side (upper side) in the vertical direction along a fold line F3 along the left-right direction (horizontal direction), and is folded so as to overlap the first portion 91 and the second portion 92. Hereinafter, the fold line F3 will also be referred to as the "third fold F3," the portion of the diaper 1 on one side (lower) of the third fold F3 in the vertical direction will also be referred to as the "third portion 93," and the portion on the other side (upper) of the third fold F3 in the vertical direction will also be referred to as the "fourth portion 94."

[0086] The third fold F3 is preferably positioned in a position in the thickness direction that does not overlap with the absorbent core 11. In the diaper 1, the absorbent core 11 has high rigidity, so if the diaper 1 is folded at a position that overlaps with the absorbent core 11, it will be difficult to maintain the folded state due to the restoring force of the absorbent core 11. In this embodiment, the third fold F3 is positioned above the upper end of the absorbent core 11 in the up-down direction (longitudinal direction), making it easier to maintain the folded state of the diaper 1 (see FIG. 7).

[0087] In this way, by folding along the first fold F1 to the third fold F3, the diaper 1 can be folded into a compact shape as shown in Fig. 6C. The diaper 1 in this folded state is packaged in a predetermined packaging material and distributed in the market as a package of diaper 1 (see Figs. 8B and 9B described below).

[0088] The folded diaper 1 is folded in half at the vertical (longitudinal) center CL of the diaper 1 and then folded in half again at a third fold F3. That is, the diaper 1 is folded in four from the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2 (see FIG. 7). At this time, a portion of the non-skin side sheets 32, 42 made of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is positioned inside the folded diaper 1 and is not exposed to the outside. For example, in FIG. 7, the non-skin side sheets 32, 42 provided in the first and second portions 91, 92 are sandwiched between the third and fourth portions 93, 94 in the thickness direction and are not exposed to the outside (atmosphere). Furthermore, in the fourth portion 94, the non-skin side sheet 32 ​​of the front waistband 30 is sandwiched between the rear waistband 40 and the third portion 93 in the thickness direction and is not exposed to the outside (atmosphere).

[0089] That is, in the folded diaper 1, at least the non-skin side sheets 32, 42 (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric) of the first and second portions 91, 92 and the non-skin side sheet 32 ​​(hydrophilic nonwoven fabric) of the fourth portion 94 are arranged so as not to be exposed to the outside and are less likely to come into contact with the atmosphere. Furthermore, by packaging the folded diaper 1 in a packaging material such as a resin film, it is possible to further reduce the contact of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric with the atmosphere. This makes it easier to prevent the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric from naturally absorbing moisture (humidity) from the atmosphere during the distribution process of the diaper 1, which would otherwise cause the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric to become damp and develop mold.

[0090] In the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is arranged so as to be less likely to come into contact with the air, thereby suppressing the growth of mold. Specifically, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is arranged so that the moisture content of the diaper 1 is 10% or less when the packaged diaper 1 (diaper 1 package) is opened. Here, "moisture content" refers to the ratio of the weight increase of the diaper 1, which has become heavier due to absorption of moisture at the time of opening, to the weight of the diaper 1 in a dry state. In other words, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is arranged so that the difference between the weight of the diaper 1 when the packaged diaper 1 (diaper 1 package) is opened and the weight of the diaper 1 in a dry state, divided by the weight of the diaper 1 in a dry state, is 0.1 or less.

[0091] As described above, the absorbent core 11 of the absorbent body 10 is made up of a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) that easily absorbs moisture, and therefore even if it does not include a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, it may absorb a certain amount of moisture and gain weight while being distributed in the market. For example, in a conventional disposable diaper whose exterior member (corresponding to the waist member 20) is made up of only a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, the SAP may absorb moisture, causing the diaper to have a certain amount of moisture content when opened from the package.

[0092] In contrast, in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, although the outer cover member (waist member 20) is provided with a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric (non-skin side sheets 32, 42), the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is appropriately positioned to prevent absorption of moisture (water) before use, thereby keeping the moisture content below 10%. In other words, by preventing the moisture content from becoming excessively high compared to disposable diapers that do not have a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, the generation and proliferation of mold in the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric can be inhibited.

[0093] The "moisture content" can be measured by actually weighing the diaper 1. For example, an electronic balance or the like is prepared in advance, and the weight of the diaper 1 immediately after opening the package is measured and recorded. Next, the diaper 1 is placed in an oven and heated at 110°C for 120 minutes to evaporate the moisture, and the weight of the diaper 1 in its dry state is measured and recorded. The moisture content of the diaper 1 at the time of opening can be calculated by dividing the difference between the weight of the diaper 1 at the time of opening (weight including moisture) and the weight of the diaper 1 in its dry state (weight excluding moisture) by the weight of the diaper 1 in its dry state. If multiple diapers 1 are contained in one package, the weights of at least two or more diapers 1 are measured using the above method, and the arithmetic average value is used as the measurement result.

[0094] When the package containing the diaper 1 is opened, it is desirable that the amount of moisture contained per unit weight (g) of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is less than the amount of moisture contained per unit weight (g) of the absorbent core 11. The superabsorbent polymer (SAP) contained in the absorbent core 11 has higher water absorption properties and is more likely to absorb moisture than the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. That is, the absorbent core 11 should normally contain more moisture than the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. If the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric contained more moisture than the absorbent core 11, there is a high possibility that problems such as concentrated water contact with the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric occurred during the distribution process of the diaper 1. In such a case, the water absorption capacity of the diaper 1 as a whole would be excessively high, which could lead to mold growth in the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric or a loss of its proper water absorption function. On the other hand, if the amount of moisture contained per unit weight of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric at the time of opening is less than the amount of moisture contained per unit weight of the absorbent core 11, it is unlikely that the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric has absorbed an excessive amount of moisture, at least during distribution. Therefore, it is unlikely that the diaper 1 as a whole has absorbed excessive moisture, making it easier to suppress the growth of mold.

[0095] 6 and 7, the diaper 1 is folded at least at either longitudinal or lateral folds (creases) so that at least a portion of the non-skin side sheets 32, 42 (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric) constituting the outer cover member (waistline member 20) is not exposed to the outside. In this folded state, the area of ​​the exposed non-skin side sheets 32, 42 (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric) is preferably less than 50% of the area of ​​the exposed non-skin side sheets 32, 42 (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric) when the diaper 1 is unfolded (in the pants-type state shown in FIG. 1).

[0096] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A , the first and second sections 91 and 92 are folded so that the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​(front waistband 30) faces inward, and most of the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​is not exposed to the outside. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6B , the fourth section 94 is folded so that the non-skin-side sheet 42 (rear waistband 40) faces inward, and only a portion of the non-skin-side sheet 42 is not exposed to the outside. As a result, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric (non-skin-side sheets 32, 42) provided on the outer cover member (waistband member 20) of the diaper 1 is folded so that 50% or more of the total area is not exposed to the outside. Therefore, in the folded state, the area of ​​the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric that may absorb moisture (water) from the atmosphere is reduced to less than half of that in the unfolded, pants-type state, which further reduces the risk of mold growth.

[0097] Furthermore, when the diaper 1 is folded, at least a portion of the surface exposed to the outside is made of a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. For example, in FIG. 7, the exterior sheet 13b (hydrophobic nonwoven fabric) of the absorbent body 10 is exposed on the outer surface of the third section 93. As explained in FIG. 5, hydrophobic nonwoven fabrics may absorb liquids such as sweat through capillary action, but they are unlikely to absorb moisture from the atmosphere as gas (humidity). Therefore, the presence of an exposed portion of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric makes it difficult for moisture (humidity) to penetrate inside the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. This also makes it difficult for moisture to reach the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric and SAP disposed inside the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. This helps to prevent the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric and other nonwoven fabrics from absorbing moisture and causing mold before the diaper 1 is used.

[0098] The folded diaper 1 has a first fold F1 in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) that folds the first portion 91 on one side toward the other, and a second fold F2 that folds the second portion 92 on the other side toward one side. This creates a folded portion in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) where the hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics face each other. That is, by arranging the opposing hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics on the inner side in the thickness direction, the area of ​​the exposed portion is reduced, making it less likely to absorb moisture (humidity) from the atmosphere. Furthermore, by folding the diaper 1 so that its width is reduced in the horizontal direction, the diaper 1 can be packaged in a compact package when packaged in a packaging material, facilitating distribution.

[0099] In this case, it is desirable that the first portion 91 folded along the first fold F1 and the second portion 92 folded along the second fold F2 at least partially overlap each other when viewed in the thickness direction. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6B , the inner lateral end of the folded first portion 91 and the inner lateral end of the folded second portion 92 overlap in the thickness direction. If the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 were not overlapped with each other, gaps would likely form in the thickness direction at the inner lateral ends of the first portion 91 and the second portion 92, which could allow moisture (humidity) to easily penetrate into the space inside the folds. In contrast, in the diaper 1, the inner lateral ends of the first portion 91 and the second portion 92 overlap each other (see FIG. 6B ), which makes it difficult for gaps to form at the inner lateral ends, thereby suppressing moisture penetration into the space inside the folds. Therefore, the folded inner hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is less likely to absorb moisture, and the growth of mold can be suppressed.

[0100] Furthermore, the folded diaper 1 has a third fold F3 that folds the third section 93 on one side to the other side in the vertical direction (up-down direction). This forms a folded portion where the hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics face each other in the vertical direction (up-down direction). That is, by arranging the opposing hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics on the inner side in the thickness direction, the area of ​​the exposed portion is reduced, making it difficult for the diaper 1 to absorb moisture (humidity) from the atmosphere. Furthermore, by folding the diaper 1 so that its length is shortened in the vertical direction, the package of the diaper 1 can be formed compactly when packaged in a packaging material, making it easier to distribute.

[0101] Here, specific examples of packages in which diapers 1 are packaged in a predetermined packaging material will be described. Figures 8A and 8B show an example in which a single folded diaper 1 is packaged. Figures 9A and 9B show an example in which a plurality of folded diapers 1 are packaged side by side.

[0102] When packaging the folded diaper 1 individually, first, the folded diaper 1 is placed in a packaging member 110 as shown in FIG. 8A. In this embodiment, the packaging member 110 is a leak-proof resin film sheet, such as a polyethylene film. Packaging the diaper 1 in such a leak-proof film sheet can easily prevent moisture from penetrating the packaging member and entering the package. This makes it difficult for the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the diaper 1 to absorb moisture, thereby preventing mold from growing on the diaper 1 before use.

[0103] Considering only the function of packaging the diaper 1, it is also possible to use a sheet material such as a nonwoven fabric or paper as the packaging material 110. However, these sheet materials may be permeable to moisture and may promote moisture absorption by the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, so in this embodiment, it is preferable to use a sheet material having the above-mentioned leakproof properties.

[0104] After the folded diaper 1 is placed, both side edges of the packaging member 110 are folded inward along folding lines L1 and L2 located on both outer sides of the diaper 1 in the horizontal direction to encase the diaper 1. In Fig. 8A, of the packaging member 110, a region 111 on the outer side (left side) of the folding line L1 in the horizontal direction is folded inward (right side), and a region 112 on the outer side (right side) of the folding line L2 in the horizontal direction is folded inward (left side).

[0105] Then, as shown in Fig. 8B, the packaging members 110 stacked in the thickness direction are joined together at both longitudinal ends in the horizontal direction to form sealed portions 115, 115. Finally, regions 111 and 112 of the packaging members 110 stacked in the thickness direction are joined together in the vertical direction to form sealed portion 116. This completes the formation of a package 101 in which folded diapers 1 are individually packaged by the packaging members 110. Hereinafter, the package 101 will also be referred to as an "individual package 101."

[0106] By individually packaging (individually packaging) and sealing the diaper 1 in a leakproof packaging member 110, as in the case of the package 101, it becomes difficult for moisture to penetrate into the individual package 101, and it becomes easier to prevent the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric from absorbing moisture and causing mold to grow in the diaper 1. Furthermore, since the diaper 1 can be distributed individually in the market, it becomes easier to handle and is more convenient for users.

[0107] Next, when packaging a plurality of folded diapers 1 together, first, a bag-shaped packaging member 120 is prepared as shown in Fig. 9A. The packaging member 120 is made by forming a leakproof resin film sheet, similar to the packaging member 110, into a bag shape having an opening 121 on the upper vertical side. In Fig. 9A, the packaging member 120 is formed into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a first direction and a second direction that are orthogonal to each other on a horizontal plane.

[0108] A plurality of folded diapers 1 are placed in a row in the bag-shaped packaging member 120 through the vertically upper opening 121. FIG. 9A shows an example in which seven folded diapers 1 are placed in a row, one behind the other, along the first direction. However, the orientation and number of diapers 1 placed in the packaging member 120 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 9A. Alternatively, the diapers 1 may be placed in individual packages 101 as shown in FIG. 8B, and then the plurality of individual packages 101 may be placed in the packaging member 120.

[0109] After a predetermined number of diapers 1 are accommodated in the packaging member 120, the opening 121 of the packaging member 120 is folded in a so-called gusset manner, and opposing surfaces at the upper end are joined along a first direction to form a sealed portion 125. This forms a package 102 in which a plurality of folded diapers 1 are packaged in the packaging member 120.

[0110] By packing and sealing a plurality of diapers 1 together in a leakproof packaging member 120, as in the case of the package 102, it becomes difficult for moisture to penetrate the inside of the package 102, and it becomes easier to prevent the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric from absorbing moisture and causing mold to grow on the diapers 1. Furthermore, since it becomes possible to distribute the diapers 1 in multiple units on the market, a sufficient amount of diapers 1 can be steadily supplied to users.

[0111] In order to facilitate the opening of the packaging body 102, it is desirable to provide an opening guide portion 126 at a predetermined position on the packaging member 120. In FIG. 9B, the upper surface of the packaging body 102 is provided with opening guide portions 126 (so-called perforations), which are multiple slits that penetrate the packaging member 120 in the thickness direction and are arranged intermittently along the first direction. This makes it easier for the user to open the packaging body 102 and take out the diapers 1 one by one. The position at which the opening guide portion 126 is provided is not limited to the upper surface of the packaging body 102. For example, the opening guide portion 126 may be provided along the vertical direction on the side surface of the packaging body 102.

[0112] On the other hand, the provision of such opening guide portions 126 (perforations) may cause moisture in the atmosphere to pass through the slits in the opening guide portions 126 and enter the interior of the package 102. Therefore, it is desirable that the diapers 1 are contained in the package 102 so that there is a portion where the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the diapers 1 in the folded state and the opening guide portions 126 do not come into contact with each other. In the case of FIG. 9B , a predetermined vertical gap is provided between the opening guide portions 126 and the contained diapers 1. This makes it difficult for the opening guide portions 126 and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the diapers 1 to come into contact with each other in the package 102, making it easier to prevent the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric from absorbing moisture that has permeated through the opening guide portions 126.

[0113] To facilitate the suppression of water absorption by the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, it is more desirable that the entire opening guide portion 126 of the package 102 is not in contact with the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the diaper 1. For example, it is desirable to prevent the entire opening guide portion 126 from coming into contact with the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric by increasing the gap (distance) between the opening guide portion 126 and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric or by providing a separate leak-proof sheet (not shown in FIG. 9B) between the opening guide portion 126 and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. In this way, the opening guide portion 126 and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the diaper 1 are less likely to come into contact with each other in the package 102, which further suppresses water absorption by the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric and makes it less likely for mold and mildew to grow.

[0114] Furthermore, when multiple diapers 1 are stored in the package 102, it is desirable that each diaper 1 is stored so that the largest portion of the folded diaper 1 does not face the opening guide portion 126. For example, it is desirable that each diaper 1 is stored so that the front and rear surfaces (surfaces corresponding to the third portion 93 and the fourth portion 94 in FIG. 6C ) of the diaper 1 folded in half at the third fold F3 do not face the opening guide portion 126. Because a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric (non-skinside sheet 42) is widely disposed on the outer surface of the fourth portion 94 of the diaper 1 (see FIG. 7 ), if the fourth portion 94 were to face the opening guide portion 126, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the fourth portion 94 may be more likely to absorb moisture that penetrates through the opening guide portion 126 and enters the inside of the diaper 1. In contrast, in the packaging body 102 shown in Figure 9B, the diaper 1 is stored in a folded state, and the third and fourth parts 93 and 94, which have larger areas, are not opposite the opening guide portion 126, thereby preventing the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric from absorbing moisture.

[0115] Furthermore, when a plurality of folded diapers 1 are packaged together, as in the package 102, it is desirable that each diaper 1 be placed in the packaging member 120 with the third fold F3 facing vertically upward, as shown in FIG. 9A . As described with reference to FIG. 7 , the third fold F3 is positioned so as not to overlap the absorbent core 11 when the diaper 1 is folded. Therefore, when the third fold F3 faces vertically upward in the folded diaper 1, the heavier absorbent core 11 is likely to be located vertically downward. In other words, the center of gravity of the diaper 1 is likely to be located downward. In this way, the shape of the diaper 1 is less likely to be distorted and the folded state is more likely to be maintained compared to when the center of gravity is located upward. Therefore, the diapers 1 contained in the package 102 are less likely to lose their shape while the package 102 is distributed in the market. Furthermore, maintaining the folded state prevents the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric from being exposed to the outside.

[0116] When the diaper 1 is stored with the third fold F3 facing vertically upward, the proportion of the surface area of ​​the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric above the vertical center of the folded diaper 1 is greater than the proportion of the surface area of ​​the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric below the vertical center. For example, in Fig. 7, the non-skin-side sheet 42 (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric) is exposed to the outside in most of the area above the vertical center Cf of the folded diaper 1, resulting in a high proportion of the surface area of ​​the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. On the other hand, in the area below the vertical center Cf of the folded diaper 1, the non-skin-side sheet 13b of the absorbent main body 10 is exposed to the outside in the third portion 93, resulting in a low proportion of the surface area of ​​the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric.

[0117] Generally, moisture such as humidity tends to move vertically downward due to its own weight. Therefore, if the proportion of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric arranged on the surface of the vertically lower region of the diaper 1 is large, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric may be more likely to absorb moisture. In contrast, in this embodiment, the proportion of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric arranged on the surface of the vertically lower region is smaller than the proportion of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric arranged on the surface of the upper region. Therefore, the more moisture moves downward, the less moisture is absorbed by the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric throughout the diaper 1. This makes it easier to suppress the growth of mold and mildew in the diaper 1.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 7 , when the diaper 1 is folded and viewed in the thickness direction, the absorbent core 11 and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric overlap in some areas. The third and fourth portions 93 and 94 of the diaper 1, which have large surface areas, are prone to come into contact with moisture in the air when folded. Therefore, if the absorbent core 11 were exposed on both surfaces of the third and fourth portions 93 and 94, a large amount of moisture would be absorbed by the highly absorbent SAP. In contrast, the diaper 1 has the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric (non-skin-side sheets 32, 42) positioned at least closer to the fourth portion 94 than the absorbent core 11 (see FIG. 7 ). This allows the diaper 1 to absorb less moisture overall than when the absorbent core 11 is positioned on both sides of the third and fourth portions 93 and 94. In other words, by arranging the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric overlapping the absorbent core 11, less moisture reaches the absorbent core 11, thereby reducing the amount of moisture absorbed by the absorbent core 11. Therefore, by having a configuration in which the absorbent core 11 and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric have overlapping portions in the thickness direction, it is possible to reduce the amount of moisture absorbed by the diaper 1 as a whole, making it easier to suppress the growth of mold, etc.

[0119] Furthermore, it is preferable that multiple layers of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric are provided in the portion where the absorbent core 11 and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric overlap in the thickness direction. By increasing the number of layers of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric arranged on the absorbent core 11, less moisture penetrates the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric layers and reaches the absorbent core 11, further reducing the amount of moisture absorbed by the absorbent core 11. In the case of Figure 7, at least six layers of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric (non-skin-side sheets 32, 42) are provided on one side of the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction (the side of the fourth portion 94). Therefore, even if moisture comes into contact with the surface of the fourth portion 94, it is unlikely that the moisture will penetrate through the six layers of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric and reach the absorbent core 11. Therefore, the amount of moisture absorbed by the absorbent core 11 can be further reduced.

[0120] <Modification of the method of attaching the waist elastic members 35, 45> In the above-described embodiment, the waist elastic members 35, 45 are attached to the waist member 20 by adhesive means such as a hot melt adhesive, but the method of attaching the waist elastic members 35, 45 is not limited to this. For example, the waist elastic members 35, 45 may be attached to the waist member 20 by a welding means such as ultrasonic welding. Note that ultrasonic welding is a well-known technique, and therefore a description of ultrasonic welding will be omitted in this specification.

[0121] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a method for attaching the waistline elastic members 35 to the front waistline portion 30 using welds 60. In this modification, the waistline elastic members 35 are attached to the front waistline portion 30 using a plurality of welds 60, 60... that are discretely arranged in the left-right and up-down directions. Each weld 60 is formed into a substantially rectangular shape by ultrasonic welding, and joins the skin-side sheet 31 and the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​of the front waistline portion 30 in the thickness direction. The waistline elastic members 35 are attached to the front waistline portion 30 by sandwiching them from both up-down directions between a pair of welds 60s consisting of two welds 60, 60 adjacent to each other in the up-down direction.

[0122] 10A, a pair of welded portions 60, 60 constituting a pair of welded portions 60s are arranged vertically with a gap GH60 therebetween. The size of the gap GH60 is set to be equal to or slightly larger than the diameter d35t of the waist elastic member 35 in a state stretched to a predetermined extension ratio (GH60≧d35t). In other words, the waist elastic member 35 in a stretched state is disposed vertically between the pair of welded portions 60s.

[0123] Next, when the waist elastic members 35 are relaxed from the stretched state, as shown in Fig. 10B, the waist elastic members 35 contract laterally and expand vertically, and the diameter d35 in the natural state becomes larger than the vertical distance GH60 between the pair of welded portions 60s (d35>GH60). As a result, the waist elastic members 35 are vertically sandwiched between the welded portions 60, 60. As a result, the waist elastic members 35 are attached to the front waist portion 30.

[0124] In the pants-type diaper 1 shown in Fig. 1, the waist elastic members 35 (45) are in a natural state, relaxed from the stretched state. In the pants-type diaper 1, the waist elastic members 35 (45) are joined to the front waist portion 30 (rear waist portion 40) by side joining portions 50, 50 on both lateral sides. Therefore, even if the front waist portion 30 (rear waist portion 40) is stretched in the lateral direction when the diaper 1 is worn, the waist elastic members 35 (45) will not come off the waist member 20.

[0125] === Second Embodiment === In the second embodiment, a pants-type diaper 2 (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 2") having a configuration partially different from that of the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 11A is a plan view of the diaper 2 in an unfolded and stretched state. Fig. 11B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line DD in Fig. 11A. Note that the directions (e.g., vertical direction, horizontal direction, etc.) in Figs. 11A and 11B are the same as those defined in the first embodiment.

[0126] The diaper 2 of the second embodiment has a liquid-absorbent main absorber 10 and a waistline member 20 as an outer covering member joined to the non-skin side of the absorber 10. As shown in Figs. 11A and 11B, the waistline member 20 of the diaper 2 is integrally formed so as to be continuous in the vertical direction (the longitudinal direction of the absorber 10). In other words, the diaper 2 is a so-called two-piece disposable diaper formed of two components: the absorber 10 and the outer covering member (waistline member 20). In the following description, the portion of the outer covering member (waistline member 20) of the diaper 2 that is forward of a central position CL in the vertical direction will be referred to as a front waistline section 30, and the portion behind the central position CL will be referred to as a rear waistline section 40 (see Fig. 11A).

[0127] When the diaper 2 in the unfolded state shown in Fig. 11A is formed into a pants-type diaper, the absorbent main body 10 and the waistline member 20 are folded in half at a longitudinal center position CL. In this folded state, the opposing front waistline portion 30 and rear waistline portion 40 are joined and connected to each other at the side portions 30sw and 40sw on both the left and right sides to form a pair of side joining portions 50, 50. This results in a pants-type diaper 2 having a waistline opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH, LH, similar to the diaper 1 in Fig. 1.

[0128] In the diaper 2, the basic structure and function of the absorbent main body 10 are substantially the same as those of the diaper 1 of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. However, the back sheet 13 of the diaper 2 may include only a liquid-impermeable sheet 13a (breathable film) and may not include an outer sheet 13b. This is because, in the diaper 2, the waist member 20 is provided on the entire non-skin side of the absorbent main body 10, and the waist member 20 functions as an outer sheet for the absorbent main body 10. Therefore, the back sheet 13 of the absorbent main body 10 of the diaper 2 may not include a sheet member corresponding to the outer sheet 13b of the diaper 1 (see FIG. 11B).

[0129] The waistline member 20 includes a skin-side sheet 21, a non-skin-side sheet 22 laminated adjacent to the non-skin-side of the skin-side sheet 21, and waistline elastic members 35, 45 disposed between the skin-side sheet 21 and the non-skin-side sheet 22 in the thickness direction (see FIG. 11B). The skin-side sheet 21 is a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric similar to the skin-side sheets 31, 41 of the diaper 1. The non-skin-side sheet 22 is a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric similar to the non-skin-side sheets 32, 42 of the diaper 1. That is, in the diaper 2, the non-skin-side sheet 22 is a nonwoven fabric that is more hydrophilic than the skin-side sheet 21. The waistline elastic members 35, 45 are made of rubber thread or the like, similar to those of the diaper 1, and are attached between the skin-side sheet 21 and the non-skin-side sheet 22 in a state stretched in the left-right direction.

[0130] The diaper 2 of the second embodiment also achieves the same effects as the diaper 1. That is, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is arranged so that the moisture content of the diaper 2 is 0.1 or less when the package (see FIGS. 6 to 9) of the diaper 2, which is folded and packaged in the same manner as the diaper 1, is opened. In other words, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is arranged so that the difference between the weight of the diaper 2 when the packaged diaper 2 is opened and the weight of the diaper 2 in a dry state, divided by the weight of the diaper 2 in a dry state, is 0.1 or less. By doing so, even if the diaper 2 includes a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, excessive moisture absorption is suppressed, thereby preventing the occurrence and proliferation of mold.

[0131] ===Third Embodiment=== In the third embodiment, a pants-type diaper 3 (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 3") having a configuration partially different from that of the above-described embodiments will be described. Fig. 12A is a plan view of the diaper 3 in an unfolded and stretched state. Fig. 12B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line EE in Fig. 12A. Note that the directions (e.g., vertical direction, horizontal direction, etc.) in Figs. 12A and 12B are the same as those defined in the first embodiment.

[0132] The diaper 3 of the third embodiment comprises a liquid-absorbent absorbent main body 10 and a waistband member 20 as an outer covering member joined to the non-skin side of the absorbent main body 10. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the waistband member 20 of the diaper 3 is integrally formed so as to be continuous in the longitudinal direction (the lengthwise direction of the absorbent main body 10). That is, the skin-side sheet 21 is formed as an integral sheet member that is continuous from one end to the other end in the longitudinal direction. Meanwhile, the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​(front non-skin-side sheet) arranged on the front side in the longitudinal direction and the non-skin-side sheet 42 (rear non-skin-side sheet) arranged on the rear side in the longitudinal direction are formed as different sheet members that are discontinuous in the longitudinal direction. A diaper having such a structure is also called a simple three-piece disposable diaper. In the following description, the portion of the outer cover member (waist member 20) of the diaper 3 that is forward of the central position CL in the vertical direction will be referred to as the front waist portion 30, and the portion that is rearward of the central position CL will be referred to as the rear waist portion 40 (see Figure 12A).

[0133] When the diaper 3 in the unfolded state shown in Fig. 12A is formed into a pants-type diaper, the absorbent main body 10 and the waistline member 20 are folded in half at a longitudinal center position CL. In this folded state, the opposing front waistline portion 30 and rear waistline portion 40 are joined and connected to each other at the side portions 30sw and 40sw on both the left and right sides to form a pair of side joining portions 50, 50. This results in a pants-type diaper 3 having a waistline opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH, LH, similar to the diaper 1 in Fig. 1.

[0134] In the diaper 3, the basic structure and functions of the absorbent main body 10 are substantially the same as those of the absorbent main body 10 of the diaper 2 of the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0135] Of the outer covering members (waist members 20) of the diaper 3, the front waist portion 30 has a skin-side sheet 21 extending from one longitudinal end (ventral side) to the other longitudinal end (dorsal side) on the skin side in the thickness direction, a non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​laminated adjacent to the non-skin side of the skin-side sheet 21 on the front longitudinal side (ventral side), and a waist elastic member 35 disposed in the thickness direction between the skin-side sheet 21 and the non-skin-side sheet 32. The rear waist portion 40 has a skin-side sheet 21 shared with the front waist portion 30, a non-skin-side sheet 42 laminated adjacent to the non-skin side of the skin-side sheet 21 on the rear longitudinal side (dorsal side), and a waist elastic member 45 disposed in the thickness direction between the skin-side sheet 21 and the non-skin-side sheet 42.

[0136] The skin-side sheet 21 is a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric similar to the skin-side sheets 31, 41 of the diaper 1. The non-skin-side sheets 32, 42 are a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric similar to the non-skin-side sheets 32, 42 of the diaper 1. That is, in the diaper 3, the non-skin-side sheets 32, 42 are nonwoven fabrics that are more hydrophilic than the skin-side sheet 21. The waist-surrounding elastic members 35, 45 are made of rubber thread or the like, similar to those of the diaper 1, and are attached between the skin-side sheet 21 and the non-skin-side sheets 32, 42 in a state stretched in the left-right direction.

[0137] The diaper 3 of the third embodiment also achieves the same effects as the diaper 1. That is, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is arranged so that the moisture content of the diaper 3 is 0.1 or less when the package (see FIGS. 6 to 9) of the diaper 3, which is folded and packaged in the same manner as the diaper 1, is opened. In other words, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is arranged so that the difference between the weight of the diaper 3 when the packaged diaper 3 is opened and the weight of the diaper 3 in a dry state, divided by the weight of the diaper 3 in a dry state, is 0.1 or less. By doing so, even if the diaper 3 includes a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, excessive moisture absorption is suppressed, thereby preventing the occurrence and proliferation of mold.

[0138] ===Fourth Embodiment=== In the fourth embodiment, a "tape-type diaper" (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 4") different from the "pants-type diaper" described in the first to third embodiments will be described as an example of an absorbent article. Fig. 13A is a plan view of the diaper 4 in an unfolded and stretched state. Fig. 13B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line FF in Fig. 13A. Note that the directions (e.g., vertical direction, horizontal direction, etc.) in Figs. 13A and 13B are the same as those defined in the first embodiment.

[0139] 13A and 13B, the diaper 4 comprises an absorbent core 11 for absorbing bodily waste, a liquid-permeable top sheet 12 positioned closer to the skin than the absorbent core 11, a liquid-impermeable sheet 13a positioned closer to the skin than the absorbent core 11, an outer sheet 25 positioned closer to the skin than the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a, and a pair of side sheets 18 joined to the skin side on both left-right sides of the top sheet 12. Furthermore, vertically stretchable leg elastic members 17 (e.g., rubber threads) are arranged on both left-right sides of the diaper 4.

[0140] The absorbent core 11, top sheet 12, and liquid-impermeable sheet 13a of the diaper 4 correspond to the absorbent main body 10 of the diaper 1, and have the same functions as the absorbent core 11, top sheet 12, and liquid-impermeable sheet 13a that constitute the absorbent main body 10 of the diaper 1. For example, the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a is a breathable film that allows moisture such as urine absorbed by the absorbent core 11 to pass through as water vapor.

[0141] The outer sheet 25 of the diaper 4 is an outer sheet corresponding to the waistband member 20 of the diaper 1, and is made of a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, similar to the non-skin-side sheets 32, 42 constituting the waistband member 20 of the diaper 1. The outer sheet 25 of the diaper 4 may have a configuration similar to that of the waistband member 20 of the diaper 1. For example, a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric (not shown in FIG. 13B) may be provided adjacent to the skin-side of the outer sheet 25 made of a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, and the outer sheet 25 of the diaper 4 may be made of two sheet members.

[0142] For ease of explanation, the portion of the diaper 4 in front of the central position CL in the longitudinal direction thereof will be referred to as the front waistline portion 30, and the portion behind the central position CL will be referred to as the rear waistline portion 40 (see FIG. 13A).

[0143] The pair of side sheets 18 are made of a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric similar to the top sheet 12, and the inner left and right edges of the side sheets 18 are provided with longitudinally stretchable leakage barrier elastic members 16 such as rubber threads. When the diaper 4 is worn, the inner left and right edges of the side sheets 18 rise up toward the wearer's skin due to the contractile force exerted by the leakage barrier elastic members 16, thereby forming leakage barrier portions 15 similar to those of the diaper 1.

[0144] A pair of fastening tapes 26 extending outward in the left-right direction is provided on the back side (rear waistband portion 40) in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 4. A hook-and-loop fastener 26f having a plurality of hook members (not shown) is provided on the skin-facing side of the free end (outer side in the left-right direction) of the fastening tapes 26. A target sheet 27 for engaging the fastening tapes 26 when putting the diaper 4 on is provided on the non-skin-facing side of the ventral side (front waistband portion 30) in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 4. The target sheet 27 is a member that can engage with the hook-and-loop fastener 26f (hook members) of the fastening tapes 26 and is made of, for example, nonwoven fabric.

[0145] Additionally, the diaper 4 is provided on its rear side (rear waist portion 40) in the longitudinal direction with rear elastic members 19 that stretch in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). The rear elastic members 19 are strip-shaped elastic members made of stretchable nonwoven fabric or the like, and are attached to the diaper 4 in a state stretched in the left-right direction. The stretching force exerted by the rear elastic members 19 allows the diaper 4 to fit easily around the waist of the wearer when the diaper 4 is put on the wearer's body.

[0146] When putting on the diaper 4, for example, the diaper 4 in the unfolded state shown in Fig. 13A is placed around the wearer's crotch area, with the front waistline section 30 positioned against the wearer's abdominal area and the rear waistline section 40 positioned against the wearer's dorsal area (buttocks). Then, the pair of fastening tapes 26, 26 are wrapped around the wearer's waist from the dorsal area to the abdominal area, and the hook-and-loop fastener 26f is engaged with the target sheet 27 on the abdominal area of ​​the wearer. This forms a waistline opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH, LH that are substantially the same as those of the diaper 1, and the diaper 4 can be fixed in position relative to the wearer's body (crotch area).

[0147] The target sheet 27 does not necessarily have to be provided in the diaper 4. For example, instead of placing the target sheet 27 on the non-skin side of the outer sheet 25, the diaper 4 may be put on by directly engaging the hook-and-loop fasteners 26f with the nonwoven fabric constituting the outer sheet 25.

[0148] The diaper 4 of the fourth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the diaper 1. That is, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is arranged so that the moisture content of the diaper 4 is 0.1 or less when the package (see FIGS. 6 to 9) of the diaper 4, which is folded and packaged in the same manner as the diaper 1, is opened. In other words, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is arranged so that the difference between the weight of the diaper 4 when the packaged diaper 4 is opened and the weight of the diaper 4 in a dry state, divided by the weight of the diaper 4 in a dry state, is 0.1 or less. By doing so, even if the diaper 4 includes a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, excessive moisture absorption is suppressed, thereby preventing the growth and proliferation of mold.

[0149] ===Other embodiments=== Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 1 Diaper (absorbent article, pants-type diaper) (first embodiment), 2 Diaper (absorbent article, pants-type diaper) (second embodiment), 3 Diaper (absorbent article, pants-type diaper) (third embodiment), 4 Diaper (absorbent article, tape-type diaper) (fourth embodiment), 10. Absorbent body; 11 absorbent core, 11b core wrap sheet, 11c constricted portion, 12 top sheet, 13 back seat, 13a liquid-impermeable sheet (breathable film), 13b outer sheet, 15 leak-proof wall portion, 16 leak-proof wall elastic member, 17 leg-around elastic member, 18 side sheet, 19 back elastic member, 20 girth member, 21 Skin side sheet (hydrophobic nonwoven fabric), 22 Non-skin side sheet (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric), 25 outer sheet (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric), 26 Fastening tape, 26f Velcro, 27 Target sheet, 30 front waistband, 30sw side, 31 Skin side sheet (hydrophobic nonwoven fabric), 32 non-skin side sheet (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric), 32f folded part, 32h perforated part, 35 waist elastic member; 36 Skin-facing sheet, 40 rear waistband, 40b buttocks cover, 40sw side, 41 Skin side sheet (hydrophobic nonwoven fabric), 42 non-skin side sheet (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric), 42f folded part, 42h perforated part, 45 waist elastic member; 46 skin-facing sheet, 47 curved elastic member, 50 side joints, 60 Welds, 60s welded joint pair, 91 first part (end area), 92 second part (end area), 93 Part 3, 94 Part 4, 101 packaging body (individually packaged body), 102 packaging body (plurality), 110 packaging materials, 111 area, 112 area, 115 seal part, 116 seal part, 120 packaging materials, 121 opening, 125 sealing portion, 126 opening guidance portion (perforation), F1 1st fold, F2 2nd fold, F3 3rd fold, BH waist opening, LH leg opening, CL Center position (vertical, longitudinal)

Claims

1. An absorbent article package in which an absorbent article having a liquid-absorbent main body and an exterior member provided on a side closer to the skin than the absorbent main body is packaged in a packaging member, the exterior member has a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric on at least a part of the surface closest to the skin, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is arranged so that a value obtained by dividing the difference between the weight of the absorbent article when the absorbent article package is opened and the weight of the absorbent article in a dried state by the weight of the absorbent article in a dried state is 0.1 or less; The absorbent body has an absorbent core containing a superabsorbent polymer, having a vertical direction and a horizontal direction that intersect with each other, In the left-right direction, the sheet has a first fold that folds an end region on one side to the other side, and a second fold that folds an end region on the other side to the one side, a third fold that folds one side of the area toward the other side in the vertical direction; the hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics are folded so that the hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics face each other at the first fold, the second fold, and the third fold; In the vertical direction, the third fold is located above the upper end of the absorbent core, a plurality of slits penetrating the packaging member in the thickness direction have an opening guide portion in which the slits are arranged intermittently along a predetermined direction; An absorbent article package, characterized in that a leak-proof sheet is provided between the opening guide portion and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric.

2. An absorbent article packaging body as described in claim 1, The absorbent article package, wherein the packaging member is a leak-proof resin sheet member.

3. An absorbent article packaging body according to claim 1 or 2, An absorbent article package, characterized in that the absorbent article in a folded state is individually packaged in the packaging member.

4. An absorbent article packaging body according to claim 1 or 2, An absorbent article package, characterized in that a plurality of the folded absorbent articles are arranged side by side and packaged in the packaging member.

5. An absorbent article packaging body as described in claim 4, An absorbent article package, wherein the absorbent article is contained so that the third fold faces vertically upward.

6. An absorbent article packaging body as described in claim 5, An absorbent article packaging body, characterized in that the proportion of the surface area of ​​the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric in the portion above the center in the vertical direction of the folded absorbent article is greater than the proportion of the surface area of ​​the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric in the portion below the center in the vertical direction.

7. An absorbent article packaging body according to any one of claims 4 to 6, An absorbent article package, characterized in that the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the absorbent article and the opening guide portion have a portion that is not in contact with each other.

8. An absorbent article packaging body as described in claim 7, An absorbent article package, characterized in that the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of the absorbent article and the opening guide portion are not entirely in contact with each other.

9. An absorbent article packaging body according to claim 7 or 8, the absorbent article is folded in half in the vertical direction at the third fold line, An absorbent article package characterized in that the absorbent article is contained so that neither the front nor rear surfaces of the folded package face the opening guide portion.

10. An absorbent article packaging body according to any one of claims 1 to 9, An absorbent article package characterized in that, when the packaged absorbent article is opened, the amount of moisture per unit weight contained in the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is less than the amount of moisture per unit weight contained in the absorbent core.

11. An absorbent article packaging body according to any one of claims 1 to 10, An absorbent article packaging body characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction, the end region on one side folded back at the first fold and the end region on the other side folded back at the second fold have overlapping portions.

12. An absorbent article packaging body according to any one of claims 1 to 11, An absorbent article package characterized in that, when the folded absorbent article is viewed in the thickness direction, there is an overlapping portion between the absorbent core and the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric.

13. The absorbent article package according to claim 12, An absorbent article package characterized in that, when the folded absorbent article is viewed in the thickness direction, there is an overlapping portion between the absorbent core and the multiple layers of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric.

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