Absorbent panty-type items

Abstract

An underpants-type absorbent article (1) that comprises an absorbent body (10) and a waist line member (20) consisting of a front waistline portion (20) and a back waistline portion (30), said front waistline portion (20) and said back waistline portion (30) being annularly joined together by a pair of side joint portions (50) disposed on both sides in the horizontal direction, and that is provided with a pair of leg holes (LH). In the waistline member (20), hydrophilic regions (32, 42) are disposed on the most non-skin side of at least a part of the regions overlapping the pair of side joint portions (50) in the vertical direction. In the regions along the leg holes (LH), hydrophobic regions (13b, 31, 41), which are less hydrophilic than the hydrophilic regions (32, 42), are disposed on the most non-skin side of at least the parts located at the bottom (CL).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pant-type absorbent article.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in absorbent articles such as pant-type disposable diapers, a technique of enhancing water absorption by using a hydrophilic sheet as a sheet member constituting the absorbent article is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a disposable diaper using a sheet member such as a non-woven fabric containing hydrophilic fibers for a skin-side sheet 5 located on the skin side of a wearer and an outer layer sheet 4 located on the non-skin side.

[0003] Also, a pant-type diaper using a hydrophilic non-woven fabric enhanced in hydrophilicity by containing a hydrophilic oil agent is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique related to a disposable diaper using, as an outer covering sheet 4 constituting an outer covering body 3 of a diaper 1, a hydrophilic non-woven fabric having fibers hydrophilized by means such as treating hydrophobic synthetic fibers with a hydrophilizing agent.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is at least one of the following first problem and second problem.

[0006] The first challenge is that diapers using such hydrophilic sheet materials can easily absorb moisture such as sweat from the wearer's skin when worn. However, when moisture is absorbed by the hydrophilic sheet, the moist hydrophilic sheet may come into contact with the wearer's skin, potentially causing skin irritation or discomfort. In particular, in the crotch area of ​​the absorbent material, the moist sheet material is likely to come into contact with the leg area when the wearer moves their legs, potentially causing discomfort due to stickiness in the crotch area.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and its purpose is to suppress discomfort in the crotch area when worn in a pant-type absorbent article equipped with a hydrophilic sheet to enhance water absorption.

[0008] The second challenge is that diapers using such hydrophilic sheet materials can easily absorb moisture such as sweat from the wearer's skin when worn. However, when forming the diaper into a pant shape during the manufacturing process, the strength of the side joints that connect the front (front waist) and back (rear waist) sections may decrease due to the influence of the hydrophilic oil. For example, when the side joints are formed by joining methods such as heat welding or ultrasonic welding, if a film of hydrophilic oil is interposed between the opposing surfaces of the front and back waist sections, sufficient joint strength may not be obtained. In such cases, when the wearer puts on or takes off the diaper, stress may be placed on the lower end of the side joints, making them prone to peeling and potentially preventing the pant shape from being maintained.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and its purpose is to prevent the lower end of the side joint from peeling off in a pant-type absorbent article having a hydrophilic sheet containing a hydrophilic oil agent. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The main invention for solving the first problem described above is a pair of pants-type absorbent articles having an absorbent body that absorbs liquid and has intersecting vertical, left-right, and front-back directions, and a waist member in which a front waist portion and a rear waist portion are joined in an annular manner by a pair of side joints provided at both ends in the left-right direction, and having a pair of leg openings for the wearer's legs to pass through, wherein in the waist member, in the vertical direction, at least a portion of the area overlapping with the pair of side joints is provided on the non-skin side, and in the area along the leg openings, at least the portion at the lowest end is provided on the non-skin side, the hydrophobic area is provided which is less hydrophilic than the hydrophilic area. The waist member comprises a skin-side sheet, a non-skin-side sheet laminated adjacent to the non-skin side of the skin-side sheet, and a waist elastic member provided between the skin-side sheet and the non-skin-side sheet. The skin-side sheet is a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, the non-skin-side sheet is a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, the hydrophilic region is composed of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, and at the upper end of the front waist portion in the vertical direction, a folded portion is provided where the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, which serves as the non-skin-side sheet, is folded back towards the skin side, and the folded portion is the most exposed to the skin. This is a pant-type absorbent article characterized by the following:

[0011] The main invention for achieving the second objective described above is a pair of pants-type absorbent articles having an absorbent body that absorbs liquid and has intersecting vertical, left-right, and front-back directions, and a waist member in which a front waist portion and a rear waist portion are joined in an annular manner by a pair of side joints provided on both sides in the left-right direction, wherein the waist member has a hydrophilic sheet portion containing a hydrophilic oil agent and a hydrophobic sheet portion containing less of the hydrophilic oil agent per unit volume than the hydrophilic sheet portion, and the front waist portion's skin-facing surface and the rear waist portion's skin-facing surface are joined at the lower end of the side joints in a state facing each other, and the hydrophobic sheet portion is provided on at least one of the front waist portion's skin-facing surface and the rear waist portion's skin-facing surface. Other features of the present invention will be made clearer by description in this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The effect of the present invention on the first problem is that, in a pant-type absorbent article equipped with a hydrophilic sheet to enhance water absorption, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of discomfort in the crotch area when worn.

[0013] The effect of the present invention on the second problem is that, in a pant-type absorbent article having a hydrophilic sheet containing a hydrophilic oil agent, it is possible to suppress the lower end portion of the side joint portion from peeling off.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a schematic perspective view of the diaper 1. [Figure 2] It is a plan view of the diaper 1 in a deployed and stretched state. [Figure 3] It is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of 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. [Figure 5] FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining the basic principle when the diaper 1 absorbs and transpires moisture. [Figure 6] FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining an experimental method for measuring the transpiration rate. FIG. 6B is a graph showing the transpiration rate data obtained from the experimental results. [Figure 7] FIGS. 7A and 7B are diagrams for explaining how the absorbent body 10 fits around the wearer's crotch when the diaper 1 is worn. [Figure 8] It is a diagram for explaining a method of attaching the waist elastic member 35 to the front waist portion 30 using the welding portion 60. [Figure 9] It is a plan view of the diaper 2 in a deployed and stretched state. [Figure 10] It is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] It is a plan view of the diaper 3 in a deployed and stretched state. [Figure 12] It is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] It is a plan view of a modified example of the diaper 3 in a deployed and stretched state. [Figure 14] It is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] It is a plan view of the diaper 4 in a deployed and stretched state. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view when looking at a side joining part 50 that joins a front body circumferential part 30 and a rear body circumferential part 40 along the vertical direction. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional shape in the thickness direction of the front body circumferential part 30. [Figure 18] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the position of a squeezing part 31e of the front body circumferential part 30 and the position of a squeezing part 41e of the rear body circumferential part 40 in the side joining part 50. [Figure 19] FIG. 19A is a plan view of a diaper 5 in a deployed and extended state. FIG. 19B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line B - B of FIG. 19A. [Figure 20] FIG. 20A is a plan view of a diaper 6 in a deployed and extended state. FIG. 20B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line C - C of FIG. 20A.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] At least the following matters become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. A pants-type absorbent article having a liquid-absorbent absorbent body having vertical, horizontal, and front-back directions that intersect each other, and a body circumferential member in which a front body circumferential part and a rear body circumferential part are joined in a ring shape by a pair of side joining parts provided at both end parts in the horizontal direction, and having a pair of leg openings for passing through both legs of a wearer, wherein in the body circumferential member, in the vertical direction, a hydrophilic region is provided at least on the most non-skin side of at least a part of a region overlapping with the pair of side joining parts, and in a region along the leg openings, at least on the most non-skin side of a part located at the lowermost end, a hydrophobic region having lower hydrophilicity than the hydrophilic region is provided.

[0016] With this type of absorbent pant, a hydrophilic region is provided on the non-skin side of the waistband, allowing moisture to be absorbed from the wearer's skin and evaporated into the atmosphere. Furthermore, when the absorbent pant is worn, the lowest end of the leg opening that comes into contact with the wearer's crotch becomes a hydrophobic region, making it less likely for the wearer's crotch to get wet. As a result, moisture is less likely to come into contact with the wearer's skin, and discomfort, especially in the crotch area, can be suppressed.

[0017] Preferably, in such a pant-type absorbent article, the front waist portion is attached to one side in the longitudinal direction when the absorbent body is unfolded, the rear waist portion is attached to the other side in the longitudinal direction, a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is provided on the non-skin side of at least one of the front waist portion and the rear waist portion, and a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric with lower hydrophilicity than the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent body.

[0018] With such a pant-type absorbent article, in a pant-type absorbent article having a three-piece structure, by using a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric as the outermost sheet member of the absorbent body that comes into contact with the wearer's crotch area, the crotch area is less likely to get wet when worn, and discomfort to the wearer can be reduced.

[0019] In such a pant-type absorbent article, the waistband member is integrally constructed such that, in the unfolded state, the front waistband portion and the rear waistband portion are continuous in the longitudinal direction, the waistband member is joined to the non-skin side of the absorbent body, a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is provided on the non-skin side of the waistband member, a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric with lower hydrophilicity than the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent body, and it is desirable that, in the left-right direction, the minimum width of the waistband member is smaller than the minimum width of the absorbent body.

[0020] With such a pant-type absorbent article, in a pant-type absorbent article having a two-piece structure, by using a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric as the outermost sheet material of the absorbent body that comes into contact with the wearer's crotch area, the crotch area is less likely to get wet when worn, and discomfort to the wearer can be reduced.

[0021] In such a pant-type absorbent article, it is desirable that, in the left-right direction, the distance between the outermost end of the absorbent body and the innermost end of the waistband member is less than half the distance between the outermost end of the waistband member and the innermost end of the waistband member.

[0022] With this type of pant-style absorbent garment, the side edges of the absorbent body (the area around the crotch and legs) are prevented from extending excessively outward in the left-right direction. This makes it easier for the wearer to move their legs while wearing the absorbent garment and reduces discomfort around the legs.

[0023] In such a pant-type absorbent article, it is desirable that the leg opening has a first region formed by the waist member and a second region formed by the absorbent body, at the lower end of the side joint and below the lower end, wherein the area furthest from the skin in the first region is a hydrophilic region and the area furthest from the skin in the second region is a hydrophobic region.

[0024] With such absorbent pants, in the leg openings of absorbent pants with a 3-piece or 2-piece structure, moisture is easily evaporated in the first region, and moisture is less likely to be retained in the second region that comes into contact with the wearer's crotch, thus preventing the wearer's crotch from getting wet. As a result, discomfort to the wearer is less likely to occur over a wide area of ​​the crotch.

[0025] In such a pant-type absorbent article, it is desirable that the length of the portion along the second region in front of the longitudinal center position of the unfolded pant-type absorbent article is longer than the length of the portion along the second region behind the center position.

[0026] With these types of absorbent pants, the hydrophobic area is widened in the front of the crotch area of ​​the leg opening, so even when the wearer moves their legs forward while walking, the area around the legs is less likely to get wet. Therefore, it is possible to reduce discomfort for the wearer.

[0027] In such a pant-type absorbent article, it is desirable that the length of the portion along the first region behind the longitudinal center of the unfolded pant-type absorbent article is longer than the length of the portion along the first region in front of the center.

[0028] With these pant-type absorbent items, the leg openings are more likely to come into contact with the wearer's buttocks, and the hydrophobic area is wider in the rear leg area where body pressure is easily applied when the wearer is sitting. As a result, the buttocks are less likely to get wet, and discomfort to the wearer can be reduced.

[0029] Preferably, in such a pant-type absorbent article, the front waist portion has a front skin-facing sheet and a front non-skin-facing sheet, the rear waist portion has a rear skin-facing sheet and a rear non-skin-facing sheet, the front skin-facing sheet and the rear skin-facing sheet are a continuous, integral sheet member in the longitudinal direction when unfolded, the front non-skin-facing sheet and the rear non-skin-facing sheet are different sheet members that are discontinuous in the longitudinal direction when unfolded, the waist portion is joined to the non-skin side of the absorbent body, the different sheet members constituting the front non-skin-facing sheet and the rear non-skin-facing sheet are hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics, and the integral sheet member constituting the front skin-facing sheet and the rear skin-facing sheet is a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric with lower hydrophilicity than the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric.

[0030] With such a pant-type absorbent article, by using a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric as the outermost sheet member (integrated sheet member) that comes into contact with the wearer's crotch area in a pant-type absorbent article having a simple three-piece structure, the crotch area becomes less likely to get wet when worn, and discomfort to the wearer can be reduced.

[0031] In such a pant-type absorbent article, in the left-right direction, the minimum width of the waist member is greater than the minimum width of the absorbent body, the leg opening is formed by the waist member below the lower end of the side joint, and it is desirable that the article has a first region comprising the front non-skin sheet and the rear non-skin sheet, and a second region comprising the front skin sheet and the rear skin sheet but not comprising the front non-skin sheet and the rear non-skin sheet, and that the most non-skin side of the first region is a hydrophilic region, and the most non-skin side of the second region is a hydrophobic region.

[0032] With this type of absorbent pant, the first region of the leg opening of the absorbent pant, which has a simple three-piece structure, allows moisture to evaporate easily, while the second region, which comes into contact with the wearer's crotch, does not retain moisture easily, thus preventing the wearer's crotch from getting wet. As a result, discomfort to the wearer can be reduced over a wide area of ​​the crotch.

[0033] In such pant-type absorbent articles, it is desirable that the sheet member positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent body in the second region is only one sheet of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric.

[0034] With these pant-type absorbent items, the skin contact with the crotch area around the leg openings becomes softer when the absorbent item is worn, providing the wearer with a comfortable fit.

[0035] In such a pant-type absorbent article, it is desirable that, in the left-right direction, the minimum width of the waist member is smaller than the minimum width of the absorbent body, and the leg opening has a first region formed by the waist member and a second region formed by the absorbent body at the lower end of the side joint and below the lower end, the area furthest from the skin in the first region is hydrophilic, and the area furthest from the skin in the second region is hydrophobic.

[0036] With this type of absorbent pant, the first region of the leg opening of the absorbent pant, which has a simple three-piece structure, allows moisture to evaporate easily, while the second region, which comes into contact with the wearer's crotch, does not retain moisture easily, thus preventing the wearer's crotch from getting wet. As a result, discomfort to the wearer can be reduced over a wide area of ​​the crotch.

[0037] In such a pant-type absorbent article, it is desirable that the length of the portion along the second region in front of the longitudinal center position of the unfolded pant-type absorbent article is longer than the length of the portion along the second region behind the center position.

[0038] With these types of absorbent pants, the hydrophobic area is widened in the front of the crotch area of ​​the leg opening, so even when the wearer moves their legs forward while walking, the area around the legs is less likely to get wet. Therefore, it is possible to reduce discomfort for the wearer.

[0039] In such a pant-type absorbent article, it is desirable that the length of the portion along the first region behind the longitudinal center of the unfolded pant-type absorbent article is longer than the length of the portion along the first region in front of the center.

[0040] With these pant-type absorbent items, the leg openings are more likely to come into contact with the wearer's buttocks, and the hydrophobic area is wider in the rear leg area where body pressure is easily applied when the wearer is sitting. As a result, the buttocks are less likely to get wet, and discomfort to the wearer can be reduced.

[0041] In such a pant-type absorbent article, it is desirable that the outermost layer of the front and rear waist sections is each made of a single hydrophilic nonwoven fabric.

[0042] With this type of absorbent pant, the non-skin sides of the front and rear waist sections are each made of a single hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, creating a wide hydrophilic area in the front and rear waist sections, thereby improving evaporative efficiency. Furthermore, the absence of unnecessary sheet materials makes it less likely for moisture absorption and evaporation to be hindered, allowing for more efficient moisture release.

[0043] In such a pant-type absorbent article, it is desirable that the rear waist portion has a buttock cover below the lower end of the side joint, which narrows in the left-right direction from the upper to the lower in the vertical direction, and that an elastic member that expands and contracts along the edge of the buttock cover is provided.

[0044] With these pant-type absorbent garments, the buttock cover allows moisture such as sweat to evaporate more easily from the wearer's buttocks. In addition, the elasticity of the elastic material provided in the buttock cover allows the absorbent garment to fit snugly to the wearer's buttocks when worn, and prevents the buttock side of the leg opening from rolling up. This makes it less likely for the wearer to experience discomfort or unease.

[0045] Furthermore, a pant-type absorbent article is revealed, comprising an absorbent body that absorbs liquid and has intersecting vertical, horizontal, and front-to-back directions, and a waist member in which a front waist portion and a rear waist portion are joined in an annular manner by a pair of side joints provided on both sides in the horizontal direction, wherein the waist member has a hydrophilic sheet portion containing a hydrophilic oil agent and a hydrophobic sheet portion containing less of the hydrophilic oil agent per unit volume than the hydrophilic sheet portion, and at the lower end of the side joints, the skin-facing surface of the front waist portion and the skin-facing surface of the rear waist portion are joined in a state facing each other, and the hydrophobic sheet portion is provided on at least one of the skin-facing surfaces of the front waist portion and the rear waist portion.

[0046] In such a pant-type absorbent article, at least one of the sheet members facing each other in the thickness direction at the lower end of the side joint is provided with a hydrophobic sheet portion containing a low amount of hydrophilic oil. Therefore, compared to a case where both sheet members facing each other in the thickness direction are hydrophilic sheet portions, the influence of the hydrophilic oil at the side joint is reduced. In other words, the bonding strength at the lower end of the side joint is less likely to decrease. As a result, the lower end of the side joint is less likely to peel off during the wearing of the absorbent article, and the pant-type shape is easier to maintain.

[0047] In such a pant-type absorbent article, it is desirable that the hydrophobic sheet portion is provided at the lower end of the side joint portion on both the skin-facing surface of the front waist portion and the skin-facing surface of the rear waist portion.

[0048] With this type of pant-type absorbent article, at the lower end of the side joint, since both sheet members facing each other in the thickness direction are hydrophobic sheet portions, the influence of the hydrophilic oil contained in the hydrophilic sheet portion is reduced. Therefore, it is easier to suppress the decrease in the joint strength of the side joint.

[0049] In such a pant-type absorbent article, it is desirable that the hydrophilic sheet portion is provided on both the non-skin side surface of the front waist portion and the non-skin side surface of the rear waist portion.

[0050] With this type of absorbent pant, the hydrophobic sheet on the skin side absorbs moisture from the wearer's skin and transfers it to the hydrophilic sheet on the non-skin side, making it easier for the moisture to be released into the atmosphere from the non-skin surface of the hydrophilic sheet. As a result, moisture is less likely to come into contact with the wearer's skin, which can suppress skin problems and discomfort for the wearer.

[0051] In such a pant-type absorbent article, it is desirable that the hydrophobic sheet portion is provided with multiple compression sections that compress the hydrophobic sheet portion from the non-skin side to the skin side.

[0052] With this type of pant-type absorbent article, the bottom of the compressed section is positioned at a predetermined distance in the thickness direction from the hydrophilic sheet section on the non-skin side. As a result, the portion of the hydrophobic sheet section where the compressed section is located is less affected by the hydrophilic oil contained in the hydrophilic sheet section. This makes it easier to suppress a decrease in the bonding strength of the side joints.

[0053] In such a pant-type absorbent article, it is desirable that, when the side joint is viewed in the thickness direction, there is a portion where the position of the compression portion provided on the front waist portion and the position of the compression portion provided on the rear waist portion do not overlap.

[0054] With this type of pant-style absorbent material, the bottoms of the highly rigid compression sections are positioned offset from each other, which prevents the side joints from becoming too rigid and reduces the likelihood of the absorbent material feeling uncomfortable against the skin when worn. Furthermore, it prevents welding defects that can occur during the formation of the side joints due to the overlapping of the bottoms of the highly rigid compression sections, making the side joints less likely to peel apart.

[0055] In such a pant-type absorbent article, it is desirable that two or more layers of the hydrophobic sheet portion are provided on both sides of the waist member, on the side closest to the skin between the central position and the lower end position in the vertical direction.

[0056] With such pant-type absorbent articles, since two or more hydrophobic sheet portions are provided on the skin-facing side of the waist member, the influence of the hydrophilic oil contained in the hydrophilic sheet portion located on the non-skin side at the lower end of the side joint is reduced, making it easier to suppress the decrease in joint strength.

[0057] In such a pant-type absorbent article, it is desirable that a hydrophobic skin-facing sheet is provided on the skin-facing surface of the waist member, and that the lower end of the skin-facing sheet is located between the vertical center position and the lower end position on both sides of the waist member.

[0058] With this type of pant-type absorbent material, even if peeling occurs at the lower end of the side seam during the wearing of the absorbent material and this peeling propagates upward in the vertical direction, the propagation of peeling can be stopped at the lower end of the skin-facing sheet. This prevents the entire side seam from peeling off and makes it easier to maintain the pant-type shape of the absorbent material.

[0059] In such a pant-type absorbent article, it is desirable that the hydrophobic sheet portion is provided on the skin-facing surface of the front waist portion and the rear waist portion in the entire area from the upper end to the lower end in the vertical direction of the side joint portion.

[0060] Such pant-type absorbent articles make it easier to suppress a decrease in bonding strength across the entire area of ​​the side joints, and make it easier to maintain the pant-type shape of the absorbent article stably.

[0061] In such a pant-type absorbent article, it is desirable that the amount of hydrophilic oil contained per unit volume at the upper end of the side joint is greater than the amount of hydrophilic oil contained per unit volume at the lower end of the side joint.

[0062] In this type of absorbent pant, the upper end of the side seam contains a higher amount of hydrophilic oil compared to the lower end, resulting in weaker seam strength. Therefore, when removing the absorbent pant from the wearer's body, it becomes easier to tear the side seam from the upper end. This allows the user to put on and take off the absorbent pant without stress.

[0063] In such a pant-type absorbent article, it is desirable that two or more layers of the hydrophilic sheet portion are provided at the upper end of the side joint.

[0064] With this type of pant-type absorbent article, the strength of the waistband member can be increased at the upper end of the side joint. Therefore, when removing the absorbent article, even if the upper end of the side joint is grasped and the front and rear waistband sections are pulled back and forth, the sheet members constituting the front and rear waistband sections are less likely to tear, and the pulling force is more likely to act to separate the side joint. This makes it easier to peel the side joint from the upper end downwards.

[0065] ===First Embodiment=== The present invention will be explained using a pant-type absorbent article as an example, with reference to a pant-type disposable diaper (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 1"). However, the pant-type absorbent article according to the present invention also includes pant-type sanitary napkins and other pant-type absorbent articles.

[0066] <Composition of Diaper 1> Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of diaper 1. Figure 2 is a plan view of diaper 1 in its unfolded and stretched state. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 2. Note that the "stretched state" of diaper 1 refers to the state in which the entire diaper 1 (the entire product) is stretched without wrinkles, specifically, the state in which the dimensions of each component constituting diaper 1 (for example, the absorbent body 10 and the waist member 20, which will be described later) are the same as or close to the dimensions of the individual component.

[0067] In the pant-type state shown in Figure 1, diaper 1 has intersecting vertical, horizontal, and front-to-back directions, 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. In the front-to-back direction, the front side corresponds to the wearer's abdominal side, and the rear side corresponds to the wearer's back side. In the unfolded state shown in Figure 2, diaper 1 has intersecting longitudinal and transverse directions. The longitudinal direction is along the vertical direction in Figure 1 and corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10. The transverse direction is along the horizontal direction in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 3, the direction in which the materials constituting diaper 1 are layered is defined as the thickness direction. In the thickness direction, the side that comes into contact with the wearer's skin is called the skin side, and the opposite side is called the non-skin side.

[0068] Diaper 1 comprises an absorbent body 10 that absorbs liquids and a waist member 20 positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10. The waist member 20 has a front waist portion 30 corresponding to the front of diaper 1 and a rear waist portion 40 corresponding to the back of diaper 1. In other words, diaper 1 in the first embodiment is a so-called three-piece type pant diaper, comprising, as a first component, an absorbent body 10 that is placed over the wearer's crotch and absorbs excrement such as urine; as a second component, a front waist portion 30 that covers the wearer's abdominal side; and as a third component, a rear waist portion 40 that covers the wearer's back.

[0069] In the unfolded state shown in Figure 2, the front waist section 30 and the rear waist section 40 are arranged parallel to each other with a gap in the vertical direction, and the absorbent body 10 is stretched between them. The longitudinal ends 10ea and 10eb of the absorbent body 10 are joined and fixed to the skin side of the nearest waist sections 30 and 40, respectively, and its external shape is approximately H-shaped in plan view. From this state, the absorbent body 10 is folded in half with the vertical center position CL as the folding line. In this folded state, the front waist section 30 and the rear waist section 40, which are opposite each other, are joined and connected to each other at the left and right sides 30sw and 40sw, respectively, forming a pair of side joints 50, 50. That is, the front waist section 30 and the rear waist section 40 are formed into an annular shape by the pair of side joints 50, 50. The side joints 50 are formed by known joining means such as welding or bonding. This results in a pant-type diaper 1 with a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH, LH as shown in Figure 1. At this time, the central position CL, which is the fold line of the diaper 1, becomes the lowest point in the vertical direction of the leg openings LH. In this specification, the "vertical central position CL in the unfolded state" and the "lowest point in the vertical direction in the pant-type state" of the diaper 1 are described as synonymous.

[0070] The leg opening LH of diaper 1 is formed by the waist member 20 and a portion of the absorbent body 10 below the side joint 50 in the vertical direction (including the lower end of the side joint 50). Specifically, the leg opening LH is the area enclosed by the lower edge of the front waist portion 30, the lower edge of the rear waist portion 40, and the left and right side edges of the absorbent body 10.

[0071] In the following, the region along the leg opening LH shown by the shaded area in Figure 2, the region formed by the lower edge of the front waist portion 30 will also be called the front leg region 71f, and the region formed by the lower edge of the rear waist portion 40 will also be called the rear leg region 71r. The front leg region 71f and the rear leg region 71r together will be called the "first region 71". The region formed by the side edges of the absorbent body 10 will also be called the crotch leg region 72. This crotch leg region 72 will be called the "second region 72". Note that the "region along the leg opening LH" refers to the region having a predetermined width (for example, a width of about 5 mm) inward from the periphery (edge) of the leg opening LH.

[0072] (Absorbent body 10) Figure 4A is a plan view of the absorbent body 10, and Figure 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent body 10. The absorbent body 10 has an absorbent core 11 that absorbs excretory fluid, a top sheet 12 positioned on the skin side in the thickness direction of the absorbent core 11, and a back sheet 13 positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11. However, the absorbent body 10 may also have other sheet members. For example, a second sheet (not shown) may be provided between the top sheet 12 and the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction.

[0073] The absorbent core 11 is a component that absorbs and retains excretory fluids such as urine, and is formed from liquid-absorbing fibers such as pulp fibers mixed with a superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The absorbent core 11 may also have its outer surface covered with a liquid-permeable sheet material (core wrap sheet 11b) such as tissue paper or nonwoven fabric. The absorbent core 11 in this embodiment has a constricted portion 11c between the front and rear ends in the longitudinal direction, which is narrower in the left-right direction, and has a roughly hourglass shape in plan view as shown in Figure 4A. This constricted portion 11c is the part that is placed between the wearer's legs when the diaper 1 is worn, and the shorter length (narrower width) of this portion in the left-right direction makes it easier for the absorbent core 11 to fit the wearer's crotch. In this embodiment, the absorbent core 11 is stacked in two layers in the thickness direction as shown in Figure 4B, but the shape of the absorbent core 11 is not limited to this.

[0074] The top sheet 12 is a liquid-permeable sheet, and for example, a hydrophilic air-through nonwoven fabric or a spunbond nonwoven fabric can be used. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4B, both sides in the left-right direction are folded back to the non-skin side so as to wrap around the absorbent core 11.

[0075] The backsheet 13 has a two-layer structure consisting of a liquid-impermeable sheet 13a and a hydrophobic outer sheet 13b placed on the non-skin side. For the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a, for example, a resin film is used, and for the outer sheet 13b, for example, a flexible hydrophobic nonwoven fabric is used.

[0076] A pair of leak-proof walls 15 are provided on both sides of the absorbent body 10 in the left-right direction, along the vertical direction (the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10). In this embodiment, the leak-proof walls 15 are formed by the outer sheet 13b described above. Specifically, in the left-right direction (lateral direction), a part of the outer sheet 13b extends outward beyond both ends of the absorbent core 11, and is folded in multiple places toward the skin, as shown in Figure 4B, thereby forming a pair of leak-proof walls 15. A leak-proof elastic member 16, such as a rubber thread, is attached to the skin-side end (tip) of the leak-proof wall 15 in an extended state along the vertical direction (the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10). When the diaper 1 is worn, the leak-proof walls 15 stand up toward the wearer's skin and fit to the wearer's crotch area based on the elasticity of the leak-proof elastic member 16.

[0077] Furthermore, elastic leg members 17, such as elastic threads, are attached to both sides of the absorbent body 10 in the left-right direction, stretched along the vertical direction (the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10). When the diaper 1 is worn, the elasticity of the leg members 17 causes both sides of the absorbent body 10 to contract, making it easier to fit around the wearer's legs.

[0078] (Front waist circumference 30) As shown in Figure 3, the front waist portion 30 includes a skin-side sheet 31 positioned 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 basically has a two-layer structure of a skin-side sheet 31 and a non-skin-side sheet 32, but it may also have a configuration of three or more layers in part, such as a skin-side sheet 36 which will be described later.

[0079] The skin-side sheet 31 and the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​are rectangular sheet members in plan view, as shown in Figure 2, and are formed from, for example, SMS nonwoven fabric. In diaper 1, the sheet member (nonwoven fabric) constituting the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​has higher hydrophilicity 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 (hereinafter also referred to as "hydrophobic nonwoven fabric"), and the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​is made of a nonwoven fabric with higher hydrophilicity than the skin-side sheet 31 (hereinafter also referred to as "hydrophilic nonwoven fabric"). Details of the hydrophilicity of each sheet 31 and 32, and the functions based on the differences in hydrophilicity, will be explained later.

[0080] Furthermore, the surface of the non-skin-facing sheet 32 ​​is provided with multiple openings 32h, as shown in the partially enlarged view of Figure 2. The openings 32h are through-holes that penetrate the non-skin-facing sheet 32 ​​in the thickness direction, and the provision of these openings 32h improves the breathability of the front waist area 30. In addition, because the openings 32h are visibly positioned on the non-skin-facing side of the front waist area 30, it is possible to easily remind the user that the front waist area 30 has good breathability. Each opening 32h can be, for example, a circle with a diameter of about 1 mm, but the shape and arrangement (number and pattern) of the openings 32h can be changed as appropriate. Note that in diaper 1, the skin-facing sheet 31 is not provided with through-holes corresponding to the openings 32h.

[0081] In this embodiment, the front waist portion 30 has a folded portion 32f at the upper end (front end in the vertical direction) of the non-skin-facing sheet 32, which is folded back from the non-skin-facing side to the skin-facing side and from the front to the rear in the vertical direction. By covering a part (upper end) of the skin-facing sheet 31 with this folded portion 32f, the upper edge of the skin-facing sheet 31 is prevented from digging into the wearer's skin. However, the folded portion 32f is not necessarily required.

[0082] Multiple waist elastic members 35 are arranged vertically between the skin-facing sheet 31 and the non-skin-facing sheet 32, and are attached in a state that is stretched horizontally. Due to the elasticity of these waist elastic members 35, the front waist portion 30 fits to the wearer's abdominal waist.

[0083] The torso elastic member 35 can be attached using an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive. For example, the torso elastic member 35 can be attached by applying a hot melt adhesive to it, stretching it to a predetermined elongation ratio, and sandwiching it between the skin-side sheet 31 and the non-skin-side sheet 32. In other words, the skin-side sheet 31 and the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​are joined by adhesive via the torso elastic member 35. Alternatively, the torso elastic member 35 may be attached by applying adhesive to the skin-side sheet 31 and the non-skin-side sheet 32, or by using a welding means with a welding section 60, which will be described later.

[0084] Furthermore, the front waist portion 30 may have a skin-facing sheet 36. As shown in Figure 3, the skin-facing sheet 36 is a sheet member positioned to cover the upper end (front end in the vertical direction) of the absorbent body 10 from the skin side, and functions as a cover sheet. This prevents the upper edge of the absorbent body 10 from digging into the wearer's skin when the diaper 1 is worn. The skin-facing sheet 36 is made of, for example, SMS nonwoven fabric. Note that the skin-facing sheet 36 is not necessarily required.

[0085] In the front waist portion 30 of this embodiment, when a sheet member is provided on the skin side of the skin-side sheet 31 or on the non-skin side of 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 Figure 3 is provided so as to cover only a portion of the skin-side sheet 31, and at least a portion of the skin-side sheet 31 is exposed to the wearer's skin.

[0086] (Rear waist section 40) The rear waist section 40 has substantially the same configuration as the front waist section 30. That is, the rear waist section 40 has a skin-side sheet 41 positioned closest to the skin in the thickness direction, a non-skin-side sheet 42 laminated adjacent to the non-skin side of the skin-side sheet 41, and a waist elastic member 45 provided between the skin-side sheet 41 and the non-skin-side sheet 42 in the thickness direction. In addition, like the front waist section 30, it may also have openings 42h, folded-over sections 42f, skin-side sheets 46, etc. (see Figures 2 and 3). The configuration of each member is substantially the same as that of the front waist section 30, so a description is omitted.

[0087] On the other hand, the external shape of the rear waist section 40 differs from that of the front waist section 30. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the rear waist section 40 has a buttock cover 40b that is roughly trapezoidal in shape below the side joint section 50 (side section 40sw) in the vertical direction. The buttock cover 40b narrows in width from the upper to the lower part in the vertical direction, and its outer edge (corresponding to the rear leg area 71r) is a curved part. The provision of the buttock cover 40b allows the rear waist section 40 to widely cover the wearer's buttocks when the diaper 1 is worn.

[0088] Furthermore, the buttock cover 40b is provided with a curved elastic member 47, such as a thread elastic, as shown in Figure 2. The curved elastic member 47 is attached between the skin-side sheet 41 and the non-skin-side sheet 42 in a state where it is stretched along the edge of the buttock cover 40b. The elasticity of the curved elastic member 47 makes it easier for the buttock cover 40b of the rear waist portion 40 to fit the wearer's buttocks when the diaper 1 is worn, and also makes it less likely to roll up from the buttocks.

[0089] <Regarding the hydrophilicity of sheet materials> Here, we will explain the hydrophilicity of the sheet material. In diaper 1, hydrophobic nonwoven fabric is used for the skin-facing sheets 31 and 41 that make up the waist member 20 (front waist portion 30, rear waist portion 40), and hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, which has higher hydrophilicity than hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, is used for the non-skin-facing sheets 32 and 42. In addition, hydrophobic nonwoven fabric is also used for the outer sheet 13b that makes up the absorbent body 10.

[0090] The hydrophilic nonwoven fabric of this embodiment is obtained by applying a predetermined oil (hydrophilic oil) to a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric in a hydrophilic treatment. As the oil used in the hydrophilic treatment, commercially available oils effective as antistatic agents for fibers can be used, such as anionic oils, nonionic oils, and their formulations. By adding these oils to an oil tank and oiling with an oiling roller or the like, the hydrophilicity of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric is increased, and a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric can be obtained. However, the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric may be formed by other methods. For example, a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric may be obtained by manufacturing a nonwoven fabric using highly hydrophilic fibers.

[0091] In this embodiment, the entire nonwoven fabric constituting the non-skin side sheet 32 ​​is treated to increase its hydrophilicity; however, the hydrophilicity may be increased only in a portion of the non-skin side sheet 32. For example, the sheet member may have locally high and low hydrophilic areas by treating only a portion of the non-skin side sheet 32 ​​with hydrophilic treatment.

[0092] The hydrophilicity of a sheet material can be evaluated by measuring the contact angle when deionized water is brought into contact with the surface of the sheet material. Specifically, if the contact angle between the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric and deionized water is smaller than the contact angle between the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric and deionized water, the hydrophilicity of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is higher than that of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. For the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric (non-skin side sheet 32) used in this embodiment, it is desirable that the contact angle with deionized water be less than 90 degrees, and more preferably 50 degrees or less. On the other hand, for the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric (skin side sheet 31), it is desirable that the contact angle with deionized water be 90 degrees or more, and more preferably 120 degrees or more. Furthermore, as will be described later, it is also possible to compare the degree of hydrophilicity by comparing the amount of hydrophilic oil per unit volume contained in the nonwoven fabric.

[0093] The contact angle can be measured using, for example, a contact angle meter MCA-J manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd., in the following manner. First, deionized water (approximately 20 picoliters) is dropped onto the surface of the fibers constituting the sheet material to be measured (the sheet to be measured), and then the contact angle is immediately measured using the contact angle meter. The measurement is performed at multiple locations (e.g., 5 or more locations) on the surface of the sheet to be measured, and the average value of these measurements is taken as the contact angle. The measurement environment temperature is set at 22°C.

[0094] Alternatively, the contact angle may be measured by taking an image of the sheet to be measured, to which deionized water has been dropped, from the cross-sectional direction of the sheet, and analyzing the captured image to measure the angle between the deionized water droplet and the sheet to be measured.

[0095] <Regarding moisture absorption and evaporation> This section describes the mechanism by which a diaper 1, equipped with hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, absorbs moisture such as sweat from the wearer's skin and evaporates the absorbed moisture into the atmosphere. Figures 5A to 5C illustrate the basic principles of moisture absorption and evaporation in diaper 1. Figure 5 schematically shows the cross-section of the front waist portion 30, one of the components constituting diaper 1.

[0096] First, when the wearer puts on the diaper 1, as shown in Figure 5A, the skin-side sheet 31 (hydrophobic nonwoven fabric) positioned on the skin side in the thickness direction of the front waist circumference portion 30 comes into contact with the wearer's skin. As described above, the skin-side sheet 31 in this embodiment is made of SMS nonwoven fabric and contains meltblown fibers, which have a finer fiber diameter compared to spunbond fibers. Therefore, it has parts where the fine meltblown fibers are densely intertwined and the distance between fibers is narrow. Due to this configuration, capillary action occurs in the skin-side sheet 31, making it easier to absorb moisture such as sweat adhering to the wearer's skin.

[0097] Next, the moisture absorbed by the skin-side sheet 31 is transferred to the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​(hydrophilic nonwoven fabric), which is laminated adjacent to the non-skin side of the skin-side sheet 31, as shown in Figure 5B. This is because, while the skin-side sheet 31 is a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​is a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, creating a difference in hydrophilicity (hydrophilic gradient) between the two sheets. This makes it easier for moisture to move from the less hydrophilic skin-side sheet 31 to the more hydrophilic non-skin-side sheet 32. Consequently, moisture is less likely to be retained on the skin-side sheet 31, which is in contact with the wearer's skin, and more likely to be retained on the non-skin-side sheet 32, which is not in contact with the wearer's skin.

[0098] Moisture retained in the non-skin side sheet 32 ​​evaporates into the atmosphere from the non-skin side of the non-skin side sheet 32. As shown in Figure 5C, if no other member (sheet member) is placed on the non-skin side of the non-skin side sheet 32, the entire non-skin side surface of the non-skin side sheet 32 ​​is exposed to the atmosphere. That is, the surface area of ​​the interface between the non-skin side sheet 32 ​​and the atmosphere increases, making it easier for moisture to evaporate.

[0099] In this way, the waistband member 20 of the diaper 1 absorbs moisture from the wearer's skin using hydrophobic nonwoven fabric and transfers it to the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric on the non-skin side, releasing it into the atmosphere from the non-skin surface of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. In other words, it can absorb moisture and efficiently evaporate it into the atmosphere. As a result, moisture is less likely to come into contact with the wearer's skin, which can prevent the wearer's skin from becoming damp and causing skin problems such as rashes, or causing discomfort to the wearer.

[0100] Figure 6 shows the results of verification experiments conducted on this type of water evaporation. Figure 6A is a diagram illustrating the experimental method for measuring the evaporation rate. Figure 6B is a graph showing the evaporation rate data obtained from the experiment.

[0101] The experiment was conducted in accordance with the transpiration (II) test specified in ISO 17617 Method B. First, three types of samples (test pieces) 1 to 3 were prepared by laminating two types of sheet material and cutting them to a predetermined size. Sample 1 consisted of two layers of hydrophobic spunbond nonwoven fabric A (basis weight 15 gsm). Sample 2 consisted of hydrophilic spunbond nonwoven fabric B (basis weight 20 gsm) laminated on top of spunbond nonwoven fabric A. Sample 3 consisted of hydrophilic spunbond nonwoven fabric B (basis weight 20 gsm) laminated on top of hydrophobic meltblown nonwoven fabric C (basis weight 13 gsm).

[0102] Next, as shown in Figure 6A, 1 cc of physiological saline solution was dropped into a petri dish to form a droplet, and the sample was placed on top of the droplet. The total weight of the sample and petri dish immediately after placing the sample was measured and recorded. Subsequently, the total weight of the sample and petri dish was measured at predetermined time intervals, and the percentage decrease from the initially measured weight was calculated as the evaporation rate of water (physiological saline solution). This experiment was performed for each of the three types of samples.

[0103] As a result, as shown in Figure 6B, it was found that sample 1, which had two layers of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, had the lowest evaporation rate. Comparing sample 1 and sample 2, it was confirmed that sample 2, which had a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric layered on top of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, had a higher evaporation rate than sample 1. This indicates that, as mentioned above, by placing the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric on the side in contact with the atmosphere (non-skin side), moisture migrates from the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric to the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, and the evaporation of moisture from the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric to the atmosphere is promoted.

[0104] Furthermore, comparing Sample 2 and Sample 3, it was confirmed that Sample 3, which used a meltblown nonwoven fabric with a fine fiber diameter, had a higher evaporation rate than Sample 2, which used a spunbond nonwoven fabric with a thicker fiber diameter. This indicates that, as mentioned above, the higher the density of the fibers constituting the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, the more easily capillary action occurs, and the easier it is for the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric to absorb moisture.

[0105] In the diaper 1 of the first embodiment, in the waist member 20, at least in the region that overlaps with a pair of side joints 50 in the vertical direction, a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is laminated adjacent to the non-skin side of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. That is, a hydrophobic region is provided on the surface closest to the skin, and a hydrophilic region is provided on the surface closest to the non-skin. Therefore, as shown in the experimental results in Figure 6, the structure is such that moisture is easily absorbed from the skin side and evaporated to the non-skin side.

[0106] In diaper 1, a waist elastic member 35 is provided between the skin-facing sheet 31 and the non-skin-facing sheet 32 ​​(see Figure 3). When the wearer moves their body while wearing diaper 1, the waist elastic member 35 expands and contracts in the left-right direction, and the skin-facing sheet 31 and the non-skin-facing sheet 32 ​​also expand and contract in the left-right direction in conjunction with the expansion and contraction of the waist elastic member 35. This makes it possible to further enhance the effect of absorbing and evaporating moisture.

[0107] For example, when the elastic member 35 around the waist contracts, the skin-side sheet 31 contracts, increasing the density of the fibers and reducing the distance between fibers. In this case, capillary action becomes more likely to occur, making it easier to absorb moisture. On the other hand, when the elastic member 35 around the waist stretches, the skin-side sheet 31 and the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​stretch, and wrinkles on the sheet surface are smoothed out. As a result, the skin-side sheet 31 and the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​become more closely fitted together, making it easier for moisture to transfer based on the hydrophilic gradient. Furthermore, as the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​stretches, moisture diffuses more easily in the planar direction of the non-skin-side sheet 32, promoting evaporation into the atmosphere.

[0108] <Regarding the leg openings> The waist portion 20 of diaper 1 is designed to efficiently absorb and evaporate moisture, thus minimizing discomfort around the wearer's waist. However, if the leg opening LH is damp when wearing diaper 1, it may cause discomfort in the wearer's groin area.

[0109] The leg opening LH of diaper 1 has a front leg area 71f and a rear leg area 71r (first area 71) formed by the waist members 20 (30, 40), and a crotch leg area 72 (second area 72) formed by the absorbent body 10 (see Figure 2). In the first area 71, when diaper 1 is worn, the hydrophobic skin-side sheets 31, 41 come into contact with the wearer's skin, while the hydrophilic non-skin-side sheets 32, 42 do not come into contact with the wearer's skin (see Figure 5). Therefore, the wearer's skin is less likely to get wet, and discomfort is less likely to occur.

[0110] In contrast, in the second region 72, the non-skin side of the outer sheet 13b constituting the absorbent body 10 comes into contact with the wearer's body. Figures 7A and 7B illustrate how the absorbent body 10 fits to the wearer's crotch area when the diaper 1 is worn. When the diaper 1 is worn, as shown in Figure 7A, the absorbent body 10 (diaper 1) is pulled up along the wearer's legs from the lower side (toe side) to the upper side (crotch side). In Figure 7A, the parts of the absorbent body 10 that protrude on both sides in the left-right direction (the parts where the leg-around elastic members 17 are located) correspond to the crotch-leg area 72 (second region 72).

[0111] In the absorbent body 10, which is pulled up to the crotch area, as shown in Figure 7B, the tip of the leak-proof wall portion 15 stands upright against the skin due to the elasticity of the leak-proof wall elastic member 16 and comes into contact with the wearer's crotch area (groin). In addition, the second region 72 comes into contact with the wearer's legs, respectively, due to the elasticity of the leg-circumference elastic member 17. That is, in the crotch area of ​​the leg-circumference opening LH of the diaper 1, the outer sheet 13b, which is the sheet member located on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10, comes into contact with the wearer's skin.

[0112] Therefore, if the outer sheet 13b of the absorbent body 10 were made of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, similar to the non-skin side sheets 32 and 42 of the waistband member 20, the second region 72 would retain moisture and become damp. In this case, the area around the wearer's legs in the crotch area would become wet, potentially causing discomfort to the wearer.

[0113] In contrast, in the diaper 1 of the first embodiment, the outer sheet 13b is made of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. That is, in the leg opening LH, the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric is placed on the non-skin side of the second region 72. Therefore, at least the non-skin side of the portion located at the lowest end (central position CL in the vertical direction) of the leg opening LH that comes into contact with the wearer's crotch becomes a hydrophobic region, resulting in a structure that does not easily retain moisture. As a result, when wearing the diaper 1, the wearer's skin in the crotch area is less likely to get wet.

[0114] In other words, in a pant-type diaper having a so-called three-piece structure, such as diaper 1 (see Figure 2), by using a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric as the outermost sheet material (outer sheet 13b) of the absorbent body 10 that comes into contact with the wearer's crotch area when worn, it is possible to reduce discomfort around the wearer's legs.

[0115] More specifically, in the leg opening LH of the three-piece diaper 1, the first region 71, composed of the waist member 20, has a hydrophilic region on the non-skin side, while the second region 72, composed of the absorbent body 10, has a hydrophobic region on the non-skin side. In this way, moisture can easily evaporate from the first region 71 of the leg opening LH, and moisture is less likely to be retained in the second region 72, which comes into contact with the wearer's crotch, thus preventing the wearer's crotch from getting wet. This makes it possible to reduce discomfort for the wearer over a wide area of ​​the crotch.

[0116] In this case, as shown in Figure 2, it is preferable that the length L72a (length of the portion along 72) of the second region 72 in front of the central position CL in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10) is longer than the length L72b (length of the portion along 72) of the second region 72 in rear of the central position CL (L72a > L72b). When wearing the diaper 1, the wearer will often move both legs forward, such as when walking. Therefore, by making the length L72a of the second region 72 in front of the central position CL longer, the hydrophobic area in front of the leg opening LH becomes wider, and even when the wearer moves their legs forward, their legs will be less likely to get wet. Thus, it is possible to reduce discomfort for the wearer.

[0117] Furthermore, in the first region 71 forming the leg opening LH, it is preferable that the length of the rear leg area 71r (length along 71r) located behind the central position CL is longer than the length of the front leg area 71f (length along 71f) located in front of the central position CL in the longitudinal direction (L71r > L71f). The rear leg area 71r is more likely to come into broad contact with the wearer's buttocks, and is also an area that is easily pressed against the body by body pressure when the wearer sits down while wearing the diaper 1. Therefore, by making the length L71r of the rear leg area 71r longer, the hydrophobic area on the rear side (buttock side) of the leg opening LH becomes wider, and the buttocks are less likely to get wet even when the wearer is in a seated position. Thus, it is possible to reduce discomfort for the wearer.

[0118] Furthermore, the waist member 20(30,40) of the diaper 1 preferably has a two-layer structure in which two sheet members are laminated in the thickness direction: one skin-side sheet 31(41) made of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric and one non-skin-side sheet 32(42) made of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. By not providing any extra sheet members in the waist member 20, the absorption and evaporation of moisture described above are less likely to be hindered, and moisture can be released more efficiently. In this embodiment, the waist member 20 has a three-layer structure in some parts, such as the folded portion 32f shown in Figure 3, but in most areas of the waist member 20 it has a two-layer structure in which two sheet members, the skin-side sheets 31,41 and the non-skin-side sheets 32,42, are laminated, allowing moisture to evaporate efficiently. Furthermore, since the hydrophilic region provided on the non-skin side of the waist member 20 is made of a single hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, a hydrophilic region is formed over a wide area of ​​the waist member 20, further improving the evaporative properties.

[0119] However, these do not preclude the provision of other sheet members on the non-skin side of the torso member 20, such as the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric (non-skin side sheets 32, 42). For example, the skin side sheet 31 (hydrophobic nonwoven fabric) may be folded back to the non-skin side and laminated to cover a portion of the non-skin side of the non-skin side sheet 32. Even in such a case, the moisture evaporation effect is maintained in the portion of the non-skin side that is not covered, making it less likely to cause discomfort to the wearer.

[0120] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, it is preferable that the vertical length L40 of the rear waist portion 40 is longer than the vertical length L30 of the front waist portion 30. The rear waist portion 40 is the part that covers the wearer's buttocks when the diaper 1 is worn, so it is desirable to make the area as large as possible so that the buttocks are firmly covered. On the other hand, it is desirable that the area of ​​the front waist portion 30 not be excessively large so as not to interfere with the movement of the legs when the wearer moves their legs forward while walking, etc. Also, generally, wearers tend to sweat more on their backs than on their fronts, and the amount of sweat tends to be greater on the backs. Therefore, it is desirable to make the area of ​​the rear waist portion 40 large so that sweat can evaporate more easily on the backs.

[0121] Furthermore, the rear waist portion 40 of the diaper 1 has a buttock cover 40b located below the side joint portion 50 in the vertical direction, which allows moisture such as sweat to evaporate easily from the wearer's buttocks. In addition, the buttock cover 40b is provided with a curved elastic member 47 along its edge (rear leg area 71r). The elasticity of this curved elastic member 47 makes it easier for the buttock cover 40b to fit snugly to the wearer's buttocks when the diaper 1 is worn. Also, because the elasticity acts along the rear leg area 71r, the rear leg area 71r is less likely to roll up, which reduces discomfort and unpleasantness for the wearer, and allows the moisture evaporation function of the rear waist portion 40 to be more effective.

[0122] <Modified method of attaching the elastic members 35 and 45 around the waist> In the above-described embodiment, the body elastic members 35 and 45 were attached to the body member 20 by an adhesive means such as a hot melt adhesive, but the method of attaching the body elastic members 35 and 45 is not limited to this. For example, the body elastic members 35 and 45 may be attached to the body member 20 by a welding means such as ultrasonic welding. Since ultrasonic welding is a known technology, a description of ultrasonic welding will be omitted in this specification.

[0123] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate a method for attaching the waist elastic member 35 to the front waist section 30 using welded joints 60. In this modified example, the waist elastic member 35 is attached to the front waist section 30 by a plurality of welded joints 60, 60… that are discretely arranged in the left-right and up-down directions. Each welded joint 60 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape by ultrasonic welding and joins the skin-side sheet 31 and the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​of the front waist section 30 in the thickness direction. The waist elastic member 35 is then attached to the front waist section 30 by sandwiching it from both sides in the up-down direction between a pair of welded joints 60s consisting of two vertically adjacent welded joints 60, 60.

[0124] As shown in Figure 8A, the pair of welded portions 60, 60 forming the welded portion pair 60s are arranged with a vertical gap GH60 between them. The size of the gap GH60 is set to be the same size as or slightly larger than the diameter d35t of the elastic waistband member 35 when it is stretched to a predetermined elongation ratio (GH60 ≥ d35t). In other words, the stretched waistband elastic waistband member 35 is positioned between the vertical welded portion pair 60s.

[0125] Next, when the elastic waistband member 35 is released from its extended state, as shown in Figure 8B, the elastic waistband member 35 contracts in the left-right direction while expanding in the up-down direction, and its natural diameter d35 becomes larger than the vertical distance GH60 between the welded portions 60s (d35>GH60). As a result, the elastic waistband member 35 is compressed vertically by the welded portions 60, 60. Consequently, the elastic waistband member 35 is attached to the front waistband portion 30.

[0126] In the pant-type diaper 1 shown in Figure 1, the waist elastic member 35(45) is in a natural state, relaxed from the stretched state described above. Also, in the pant-type diaper 1, the waist elastic member 35(45) is joined to the front waist portion 30 (rear waist portion 40) by the side joints 50, 50 on both sides in the left-right direction. Therefore, even if the front waist portion 30 (rear waist portion 40) is stretched in the left-right direction when the diaper 1 is worn, the waist elastic member 35(45) will not detach from the waist portion 20.

[0127] ===Second Embodiment=== In the second embodiment, a pant-type diaper 2 (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 2") which differs in some aspects of its configuration from that of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 9 is a plan view of diaper 2 in its unfolded and extended state. Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 9. Note that the directions in Figures 9 and 10 (for example, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, etc.) are the same as the directions defined in the first embodiment.

[0128] The diaper 2 of the second embodiment has an absorbent body 10 that absorbs liquid and a waist member 20 joined to the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10. However, in the diaper 2, the front waist portion 30 and the rear waist portion 40 are integrally constructed so as to be continuous in the vertical direction (front to back) as shown in Figures 9 and 10. In other words, the diaper 2 is a so-called two-piece type disposable diaper composed of an absorbent body 10 which is the inner body and a waist member 20 which is the outer body.

[0129] When forming the diaper 2 in the unfolded state shown in Figure 9 into a pant-type diaper, the absorbent body 10 and the waist member 20 are folded in half with the central position CL in the vertical direction as the folding point. In this folded state, the front waist portion 30 and the rear waist portion 40, which are opposite each other, are joined and connected to each other by the side portions 30sw and 40sw on both sides in the left and right directions, forming a pair of side joint portions 50, 50. As a result, the diaper 2 becomes a pant-type diaper with a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH, LH, similar to Figure 1.

[0130] In diaper 2, the basic configuration and function of the absorbent body 10 are substantially the same as those of diaper 1 in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted. However, in diaper 2, in the crotch area including the central position CL in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10), there is a portion where the width of the absorbent body 10 in the left-right direction is wider than the width of the waist member 20 in the left-right direction. In other words, in the left-right direction, the minimum length (width) of the waist member 20 is smaller than the minimum length (width) of the absorbent body 10. Therefore, when wearing diaper 1, in the area near the wearer's crotch, both left-right edges of the absorbent body 10 come into contact with the wearer's legs.

[0131] In other words, in diaper 2, the area along the leg opening LH shown by the shaded area in Figure 9, formed by the side edge of the absorbent body 10, becomes the crotch leg area 72 (second area 72). On the other hand, the area formed by the lower edge of the front waist area 30 becomes the front leg area 71f (first area 71), and the area formed by the lower edge of the rear waist area 40 becomes the rear leg area 71r (first area 71). Note that the side edge of the absorbent body 10 may be provided with an elastic member that expands and contracts in the vertical direction, and this side edge may constitute a so-called leg gather that is wide in the horizontal direction. In this case, both ends of the leg gather become the side edge of the absorbent body 10.

[0132] In addition, in diaper 2, the portion of the waist member 20 that is in front of the central position CL in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10) becomes the front waist portion 30, and the portion that is behind the central position CL becomes the rear waist portion 40. The waist member 20 has 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 waist elastic members 35 and 45 arranged in the thickness direction between the skin-side sheet 21 and the non-skin-side sheet 22 (see Figure 10).

[0133] The skin-side sheet 21 is a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric similar to the skin-side sheets 31 and 41 of diaper 1. The non-skin-side sheet 22 is a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric similar to the non-skin-side sheets 32 and 42 of diaper 1. In other words, in diaper 2, the non-skin-side sheet 22 is a nonwoven fabric with higher hydrophilicity than the skin-side sheet 21. The waist elastic members 35 and 45 are made of elastic thread or the like, similar to diaper 1, and are attached between the skin-side sheet 21 and the non-skin-side sheet 22 in a state where they are stretched in the left-right direction.

[0134] In the second embodiment, diaper 2, like diaper 1, at least in the area of ​​the waist member 20 that overlaps with a pair of side joints 50 in the vertical direction, a hydrophobic region made of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric (skin-side sheet 21) is provided on the surface closest to the skin, and a hydrophilic region made of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric (non-skin-side sheet 22) is provided on the surface closest to the skin. Therefore, as described in diaper 1, it has a structure that easily absorbs moisture from the wearer's skin side and evaporates the moisture into the air on the non-skin side.

[0135] Furthermore, in diaper 2, the outer sheet 13b of the absorbent body 10 is made of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. In other words, in the leg opening LH, the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric is placed on the non-skin side of the second region 72. Therefore, at least the non-skin side of the part located at the lowest end (central position CL in the vertical direction) of the leg opening LH that comes into contact with the wearer's crotch becomes a hydrophobic region, making it difficult to retain moisture. As a result, when wearing diaper 2, the crotch area of ​​the wearer's legs is less likely to get wet.

[0136] In other words, in a pant-type diaper having a so-called two-piece structure like diaper 2, by using a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric as the outermost sheet material (outer sheet 13b) of the absorbent main body 10 that comes into contact with the wearer's crotch area, it is possible to reduce discomfort around the wearer's legs.

[0137] Furthermore, in the leg opening LH of the two-piece type diaper 2, the first region 71, which is made up of the waist member 20, has a hydrophilic region on the non-skin side, and the second region 72, which is made up of the absorbent body 10, has a hydrophobic region on the non-skin side. In this way, moisture can easily evaporate from the first region 71 of the leg opening LH, and moisture is less likely to be retained in the second region 72, which is in contact with the wearer's crotch, making it less likely for the wearer's crotch to get wet. As a result, discomfort to the wearer can be reduced over a wide area of ​​the crotch.

[0138] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10), it is preferable that the length L72a (length of the portion along 72) of the second region 72 in front of the central position CL is longer than the length L72b (length of the portion along 72) of the second region 72 behind the central position CL (L72a > L72b). When wearing the diaper 2, the wearer often moves both legs forward, such as when walking. Therefore, by making the length L72a of the second region 72 in front of the central position CL longer, the hydrophobic area in front of the leg opening LH is widened, and even when the wearer moves their legs forward, their legs are less likely to get wet. Thus, it is possible to reduce discomfort for the wearer.

[0139] Furthermore, in the first region 71 forming the leg opening LH, it is preferable that the length of the rear leg area 71r (length along 71r) located behind the central position CL is longer than the length of the front leg area 71f (length along 71f) located in front of the central position CL in the longitudinal direction (L71r > L71f). The rear leg area 71r is more likely to come into broad contact with the wearer's buttocks, and is also an area that is easily pressed against the body by body pressure when the wearer sits down while wearing the diaper 1. Therefore, by making the length L71r of the rear leg area 71r longer, the hydrophobic area on the rear side (buttock side) of the leg opening LH becomes wider, and the buttocks are less likely to get wet even when the wearer is in a seated position. Thus, it is possible to reduce discomfort for the wearer.

[0140] Furthermore, in the left-right direction of the diaper 2, the distance between the outermost end of the waist member 20 and the innermost end of the waist member 20 is defined as W71, and the distance between the outermost end of the absorbent body 10 and the innermost end of the waist member 20 is defined as W72 (see Figure 9). This W72 represents the length (width) of the portion of the absorbent body 10 that extends outward in the left-right direction from the narrowest part of the waist member 20 in the left-right direction. In this case, it is desirable that the width W72 is less than half of the width W71 (W71 × 1 / 2 > W72).

[0141] If the side edge of the absorbent body 10 extends outward by more than half of W71, the opening area of ​​the leg opening LH becomes smaller, which may make it difficult for the wearer to move their legs when wearing the diaper 2, or cause discomfort to the wearer as the crotch leg area 72 is pressed against the wearer's groin. In contrast, if the relationship described above (W71 × 1 / 2 > W72) is met, the side edge of the absorbent body 10 (crotch leg area 72) is prevented from extending excessively outward in the left-right direction. This makes it easier for the wearer to move their legs when wearing the diaper 2, and also makes it less likely for discomfort to occur around the legs.

[0142] Furthermore, the waist member 20 (30, 40) of the diaper 2 preferably has a two-layer structure in which two sheet members are laminated in the thickness direction: one skin-side sheet 21 made of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric and one non-skin-side sheet 22 made of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. By not providing any extra sheet members in the waist member 20, the absorption and evaporation of moisture are less likely to be hindered, and moisture can be released more efficiently. Moreover, since the hydrophilic region provided on the non-skin side of the waist member 20 is made of a single hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, a hydrophilic region is formed over a wide area of ​​the waist member 20, further improving evaporation.

[0143] Furthermore, the rear waist portion 40 of the diaper 2 has a buttock cover 40b located below the side joint portion 50 in the vertical direction (see Figure 9). The buttock cover 40b makes it easier for moisture such as sweat to evaporate from the wearer's buttocks. In addition, a curved elastic member 47 is provided along its edge (rear leg area 71r) of the buttock cover 40b. The elasticity of this curved elastic member 47 makes it easier for the buttock cover 40b to fit snugly to the wearer's buttocks when the diaper 2 is worn. Furthermore, the elasticity acting along the rear leg area 71r makes it less likely for the rear leg area 71r to roll up, which reduces discomfort and unpleasantness for the wearer and makes it easier for the moisture evaporation function of the rear waist portion 40 to be exerted.

[0144] ===Third Implementation Method=== In the third embodiment, a pant-type diaper 3 (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 3") which differs in some aspects from the first and second embodiments will be described. Figure 11 is a plan view of diaper 3 in its unfolded and extended state. Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Figure 11. Note that the directions in Figures 11A and 12 (for example, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction) are the same as the directions defined in the first embodiment.

[0145] The diaper 3 of the third embodiment has an absorbent body 10 that absorbs liquid and a waist member 20 joined to the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10. However, in diaper 3, as shown in Figure 12B, the skin-side sheet 21 (front skin-side sheet) that constitutes the front waist portion 30 and the skin-side sheet 21 (rear skin-side sheet) that constitutes the rear waist portion 40 are configured as a single sheet member that is continuous in the vertical direction. On the other hand, the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​(front non-skin-side sheet) that constitutes the front waist portion 30 and the non-skin-side sheet 42 (rear non-skin-side sheet) that constitutes the rear waist portion 40 are configured as different sheet members that are discontinuous in the vertical direction. Hereinafter, a diaper with such a structure will also be referred to as a simple three-piece type disposable diaper.

[0146] When forming the diaper 3 in its unfolded state as shown in Figure 12A into a pant-type diaper, the absorbent body 10 and the waist member 20 are folded in half with the central position CL in the vertical direction as the folding point. In this folded state, the front waist portion 30 and the rear waist portion 40, which are opposite each other, are joined and connected to each other by the side portions 30sw and 40sw on both sides in the left-right direction, forming a pair of side joint portions 50, 50. As a result, the diaper 3 becomes a pant-type diaper with a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH, LH, similar to Figure 1.

[0147] In diaper 3, the basic configuration and function of the absorbent body 10 are substantially the same as those of diaper 1 in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0148] Furthermore, in diaper 3, the portion of the waist member 20 that is in front of the central position CL in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10) becomes the front waist portion 30, and the portion that is behind the central position CL becomes the rear waist portion 40. The front waist portion 30 has a single skin-side sheet 21 that extends from one end (ventral side) to the other end (dorsal side) in the vertical direction on the skin side in the thickness direction, a non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​that is laminated adjacent to the non-skin side of the skin-side sheet 21 on the front (ventral side) in the vertical direction, and a waist elastic member 35 that is positioned between the skin-side sheet 21 and the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​in the thickness direction. The rear waist section 40 includes a skin-side sheet 21 common to the front waist section 30, a non-skin-side sheet 42 laminated adjacent to the non-skin side of the skin-side sheet 21 on the rear (back) side in the longitudinal direction, and a waist elastic member 45 positioned between the skin-side sheet 21 and the non-skin-side sheet 42 in the thickness direction.

[0149] The skin-side sheet 21 is a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric similar to the skin-side sheets 31 and 41 of diaper 1. The non-skin-side sheets 32 and 42 are hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics similar to the non-skin-side sheets 32 and 42 of diaper 1. In other words, in diaper 3, the non-skin-side sheets 32 and 42 are nonwoven fabrics with higher hydrophilicity than the skin-side sheet 21. The waist elastic members 35 and 45 are made of elastic thread or the like, similar to diaper 1, and are attached between the skin-side sheet 21 and the non-skin-side sheets 32 and 42 in a state where they are stretched in the left-right direction.

[0150] In the third embodiment of the diaper 3, the waist member 20 forms the leg opening LH. Of the region along the leg opening LH shown by the shaded area in Figure 11, the region formed only by the skin-side sheet 21 of the waist member 20 is defined as the crotch leg region 72 (second region 72), and the regions formed by the laminated portions of the skin-side sheet 21 and the non-skin-side sheets 32 and 42 are defined as the front leg region 71f and the rear leg region 71r (first region 71).

[0151] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, in the diaper 3, at least in the area of ​​the waist member 20 that overlaps with a pair of side joints 50 in the vertical direction, a hydrophobic region made of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric (skin-side sheet 21) is provided on the surface closest to the skin, and a hydrophilic region made of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric (non-skin-side sheets 32, 42) is provided on the surface closest to the skin. Therefore, it is structured to easily absorb moisture from the wearer's skin side and evaporate it into the air on the non-skin side.

[0152] Furthermore, in diaper 3, the crotch and leg area 72 (second area 72) is made of a single hydrophobic nonwoven fabric (skin-side sheet 21). In other words, in the leg opening LH, the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric is placed on the non-skin side of the second area 72. Therefore, at least the non-skin side of the part of the leg opening LH that comes into contact with the wearer's crotch is a hydrophobic area, making it difficult to retain moisture. As a result, when wearing diaper 3, the crotch area of ​​the wearer's legs is less likely to get wet.

[0153] In other words, in a pant-type diaper having a so-called simple three-piece structure, such as diaper 3, using hydrophobic nonwoven fabric in the part that comes into contact with the wearer's crotch area makes it less likely for the wearer to experience discomfort around their legs.

[0154] Furthermore, in the leg opening LH of the simple three-piece type diaper 3, the first region 71 where the non-skin side sheets 32 and 42 are located becomes a hydrophilic region on the non-skin side, while the second region 72, which is composed of the skin side sheet 21, becomes a hydrophobic region on the non-skin side. In this way, moisture can be easily evaporated in the first region 71 of the leg opening LH, and moisture is less likely to be retained in the second region 72, which is in contact with the wearer's crotch, thus preventing the wearer's crotch from getting wet. This makes it possible to reduce discomfort for the wearer over a wide area of ​​the crotch.

[0155] Furthermore, in the leg opening LH of diaper 3, the only sheet material positioned on the non-skin side of the liquid-impermeable sheet 13a of the absorbent body 10 is the skin-side sheet 21. In other words, in the second region 72 of diaper 3, only one hydrophobic nonwoven fabric is positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10. By minimizing the number of sheet materials positioned in the second region 72 and lowering the rigidity of this region, the skin contact with the crotch area of ​​the leg opening LH becomes softer when wearing diaper 3, providing the wearer with a comfortable fit.

[0156] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10), it is preferable that the length L72a (length of the portion along 72) of the second region 72 in front of the central position CL is longer than the length L72b (length of the portion along 72) of the second region 72 behind the central position CL (L72a > L72b). When wearing the diaper 2, the wearer often moves both legs forward, such as when walking. Therefore, by making the length L72a of the second region 72 in front of the central position CL longer, the hydrophobic area in front of the leg opening LH is widened, and even when the wearer moves their legs forward, their legs are less likely to get wet. Thus, it is possible to reduce discomfort for the wearer.

[0157] Furthermore, in the first region 71 forming the leg opening LH, it is preferable that the length of the rear leg area 71r (length along 71r) located behind the central position CL is longer than the length of the front leg area 71f (length along 71f) located in front of the central position CL in the vertical direction (L71r > L71f). The rear leg area 71r is more likely to come into broad contact with the wearer's buttocks and is also an area that is easily pressed against the body when the wearer sits down while wearing the diaper 1. Therefore, by making the length L71r of the rear leg area 71r longer, the hydrophobic area on the rear side (buttock side) of the leg opening LH becomes wider, and the buttocks are less likely to get wet even when the wearer is sitting. Thus, it is possible to reduce discomfort for the wearer.

[0158] Furthermore, the waist member 20(30,40) of the diaper 3 preferably has a two-layer structure in which two sheet members are laminated in the thickness direction: one skin-side sheet 21 made of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric and one non-skin-side sheet 32(42) made of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. By not providing any extra sheet members in the waist member 20, the absorption and evaporation of moisture are less likely to be hindered, and moisture can be released more efficiently. Moreover, since the hydrophilic region provided on the non-skin side of the waist member 20 is made of a single hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, a hydrophilic region is formed over a wide area of ​​the waist member 20, further improving evaporation.

[0159] Furthermore, the rear waist portion 40 of the diaper 3 has a buttock cover 40b located below the side joint portion 50 in the vertical direction (see Figure 11). The buttock cover 40b makes it easier for moisture such as sweat to evaporate from the wearer's buttocks. In addition, a curved elastic member 47 is provided along its edge (rear leg area 71r) of the buttock cover 40b. The elasticity of this curved elastic member 47 makes it easier for the buttock cover 40b to fit snugly to the wearer's buttocks when the diaper 3 is worn. Furthermore, the elasticity acting along the rear leg area 71r makes it less likely for the rear leg area 71r to roll up, which reduces discomfort and unpleasantness for the wearer and makes it easier for the moisture evaporation function of the rear waist portion 40 to be exerted.

[0160] (modified version) In diaper 3, similar to diaper 2 of the second embodiment, the shape of the absorbent body 10 may be modified so that the length (width) of the absorbent body 10 in the left-right direction is narrower than the minimum length (width) of the waist member 20 in the left-right direction. Figure 13 is a plan view of a modified example of diaper 3 in an unfolded and extended state. Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the DD line in Figure 13.

[0161] In the modified version of diaper 3, the area along the leg opening LH shown by the shaded area in Figure 13, formed by the side edge of the absorbent body 10, becomes the crotch leg area 72 (second area 72). On the other hand, the area formed by the lower edge of the front waist area 30 becomes the front leg area 71f (first area 71), and the area formed by the lower edge of the rear waist area 40 becomes the rear leg area 71r (first area 71). The other configurations are almost the same as those of diaper 3 described in Figure 11.

[0162] In the modified diaper 3, the outer sheet 13b of the absorbent body 10 is made of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. That is, in the leg opening LH, the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric is placed on the non-skin side of the second region 72. Therefore, at least the non-skin side of the lowest end (central position CL in the vertical direction) of the leg opening LH that comes into contact with the wearer's crotch becomes a hydrophobic region, making it difficult to retain moisture. As a result, the wearer's skin is less likely to get wet in the crotch area.

[0163] In other words, even if the diaper 3 has the configuration shown in Figure 13 (a modified example), by using a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric as the outermost sheet member (outer sheet 13b) of the absorbent body 10 that comes into contact with the wearer's crotch area, discomfort around the wearer's legs can be minimized.

[0164] Furthermore, similar to the explanation given for diaper 2 above, in the modified diaper 3, it is desirable that the distance W72 between the outermost edge of the absorbent body 10 and the innermost edge of the waist member 20 in the left-right direction is less than half the distance W71 between the outermost edge of the waist member 20 and the innermost edge of the waist member 20. This suppresses excessive outward extension of the side edges (crotch leg area 72) of the absorbent body 10 in the left-right direction, making it easier for the wearer to move their legs when wearing diaper 3 and reducing discomfort around the legs.

[0165] ===Fourth Embodiment=== As an example of the fourth embodiment of the absorbent pant-type article, a disposable pant-type diaper (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 4") will be described. Figure 15 is a plan view of diaper 4 in its unfolded and extended state. As shown in Figure 15, the basic structure of diaper 4 is substantially the same as that of diaper 1 in the first embodiment (see Figures 2, and Figures 1, 3, and 4). Therefore, a detailed explanation of the overall structure of diaper 4 will be omitted.

[0166] <Regarding the side joint 50> In diaper 4, water absorption is enhanced by using a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric containing a hydrophilic oil agent in a portion of the waist member 20 (30, 40). However, due to the effect of the hydrophilic oil agent contained in the nonwoven fabric, the following problems may occur at the side joint 50.

[0167] Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the side joint 50, which joins the front waist portion 30 and the rear waist portion 40, as seen along the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 16, at the outer ends of the waist member 20 in the left-right direction, the front waist portion 30 and the rear waist portion 40 are joined in a state where they overlap in the thickness direction, forming the side joint 50. At the side joint 50, the skin-side sheet 31 of the front waist portion 30 and the skin-side sheet 41 of the rear waist portion 40 are arranged to face each other in the thickness direction and are joined together.

[0168] In this embodiment, the side joints 50 of the diaper 4 are joined using welding means such as ultrasonic welding. If the surfaces of the side joints 50 that face each other in the thickness direction are made of hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, problems may arise. Specifically, if the skin-side sheet 31 of the front waist portion 30 and the skin-side sheet 41 of the rear waist portion 40 are both hydrophilic sheets containing a hydrophilic oil, the film formed by the hydrophilic oil may result in insufficient welding strength during ultrasonic welding.

[0169] In such cases, when the diaper 4 is worn, the joint of the side joint 50 may come apart, and the diaper 4 may not be able to maintain the pant-type shape as shown in Figure 1. For example, when a wearer puts on a pant-type diaper 4, they put their legs through the leg opening LH of the diaper 4 and pull the diaper 4 up from the toe side to the crotch side. At this time, stress tends to concentrate at the lower end of the side joint 50 (the upper end of the leg opening LH), so if the joint strength of the side joint 50 is insufficient, the lower end may become the starting point for peeling, and the entire side joint 50 may peel off.

[0170] In contrast, in this embodiment, the skin-side sheet 31 and skin-side sheet 41 facing each other in the thickness direction at the side joint 50 are both made of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric that does not contain hydrophilic oil. That is, the front waist portion 30 and the rear waist portion 40 have hydrophobic sheet portions with a low content of hydrophilic oil per unit volume on the skin-side surfaces. Therefore, the bonding strength of the side joint 50 is less likely to decrease compared to the case where hydrophilic sheet portions with a high content of hydrophilic oil are arranged facing each other. As a result, the lower end of the side joint 50 is less likely to peel off when the diaper 4 is put on, and the pant-type shape is easier to maintain.

[0171] Furthermore, if at least one of the skin-side sheets 31 and 41 facing each other in the thickness direction has a hydrophobic sheet portion, the influence of the hydrophilic oil film formed on the opposing surfaces of the side joint 50 will be reduced, making it easier to suppress a decrease in bonding strength. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, both the skin-side sheet 31 and the skin-side sheet 41, which are located closest to the skin, are hydrophobic nonwoven fabrics. In other words, at the lower end of the side joint 50, a hydrophobic sheet portion is provided on both the closest surface to the skin of the front waist portion 30 and the closest surface to the skin of the rear waist portion 40. Therefore, the influence of the hydrophilic oil at the lower end of the side joint 50 is further reduced, making it easier to suppress a decrease in bonding strength.

[0172] The hydrophilic oil content per unit volume in each sheet material can be measured as follows. First, the hydrophilic oil is extracted from the sheet material. Approximately 5 g of the sheet material to be measured is cut out to obtain a sample, its oven-dry mass is determined, and it is lightly placed into a Soxhlet extractor specified in JIS R 3503 without using cylindrical filter paper. Then, 100 mL to 150 mL of a mixture of JIS K 8102 special grade ethanol and JIS K 8858 special grade benzene (volume ratio 1:2) (hereinafter referred to as the ethanol-benzene mixture) is placed in the attached flask. However, when using the recovered ethanol-benzene mixture, it should be prepared so that the water content is (1.7 ± 0.5)%. Then, the flask is placed on a water bath and heated for 3 hours until the extract is gently boiling. After that, the solution accumulated in the sample is returned to the flask, the contents of the flask are concentrated to 5 mL (filtered with a 1G1 or 3G1 glass filter if necessary), and then transferred to a weighing bottle whose weight has been determined in advance at 105±2°C. The extraction flask is washed with an ethanol-benzene mixture at approximately 40°C, the washings (after filtering with the glass filter if one was used) are added to the weighing bottle, the solvent is evaporated on a water bath, and then the flask is left in a constant temperature drying oven at 105±2°C for 1.5 hours, cooled in a desiccator, and weighed. The extracted amount is expressed as a percentage of the amount of ethanol-benzene mixture extracted relative to the oven-dried sample mass, and the average of two measurements is rounded to two decimal places according to rule B (rounding method) of JIS Z 8401. The value obtained by dividing the mass of the oil extracted in this way by the volume of the sample is taken as the content of hydrophilic oil per unit volume in the sheet material.

[0173] Furthermore, hydrophobic skin-facing sheets 36 and 46 are provided on the skin-facing side of the lower end of the side joint 50 of the diaper 4, respectively. In Figures 15 and 3, the skin-facing sheet 36 is provided on the skin-facing side of the side portion 30sw(50) of the front waist portion 30 between the central position and the lower end position in the vertical direction, and in at least a part of this area, two layers of hydrophobic sheets are provided. Similarly, two layers of hydrophobic sheets are provided on the skin-facing side of the side portion 40sw(50) of the rear waist portion 40 between the central position and the lower end position in the vertical direction. Note that Figure 3 shows a cross-section in the center in the left-right direction (AA cross-section), and therefore the absorbent body 10 is positioned between the skin-facing sheet 36(46) and the skin-facing sheet 31(41).

[0174] Because two layers of hydrophobic sheet material are provided on the skin-facing side of the torso member 20 in the thickness direction, the influence of the hydrophilic oil contained in the hydrophilic sheet material provided on the non-skin side is reduced at the side joint 50, and the decrease in joint strength is more easily suppressed. Alternatively, three or more layers of hydrophobic sheet material may be provided on the skin-facing side of the torso member 20. This would further reduce the influence of the hydrophilic sheet material on the non-skin side.

[0175] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, the lower end 36b (46b) of the skin-contacting sheet 36 (46) is located between the central position and the lower end position in the vertical direction of the front waist portion 30 (40). As described above, in the area where the skin-contacting sheet 36 is provided, the effect of the hydrophilic oil agent is reduced, so the bonding strength of the side joint 50 can be made stronger than in other areas. Therefore, even if peeling occurs at the lower end of the side joint 50 during the wearing of the diaper 4, and this peeling propagates upward in the vertical direction along the side joint 50, the propagation of peeling can be stopped at the lower end position 36b (46b) of the skin-contacting sheet 36 (46). In other words, the skin-contacting sheet 36 functions as a tear stopper for the side joint 50, preventing the entire side joint 50 from peeling off. This makes it easier for the diaper 4 to maintain its pant-type shape.

[0176] Furthermore, in the waist member 20 (30, 40) of the diaper 4, a hydrophobic sheet portion (skin-side sheet 31, 41) may be provided on the skin-side side for the entire area from the upper end to the lower end in the vertical direction of the side joint 50. With such a configuration, it becomes easier to suppress a decrease in the overall joint strength of the side joint 50, and it becomes easier to maintain the pant-type shape of the diaper 4 stably.

[0177] On the other hand, in diaper 4, as shown in Figure 3, a folded portion 32f (42f) is provided at the upper end of the front waist portion 30 (40) in the vertical direction, where the non-skin side sheet 32 ​​(42) is folded back toward the skin. In this case, the hydrophilic sheet portion is located closest to the skin at the upper end of the side joint portion 50 in the vertical direction. That is, the amount of hydrophilic oil per unit volume is greater at the upper end of the side joint portion 50 in the vertical direction compared to the lower end. Therefore, the bonding strength at the upper end of the side joint portion 50 of diaper 4 is lower compared to the lower end.

[0178] It was explained that the upper end of the side joint 50 is prone to stress during the act of putting on the diaper 4, and therefore it is important to make the joint difficult to detach. On the other hand, when removing the diaper 4 from the wearer's body after use, the wearer grasps the area near the upper end of the side joint 50 and pulls it back and forth to separate the front waist section 30 and the rear waist section 40 that were connected at the side joint 50. In other words, the side joint 50 is torn from the upper end downwards. For this reason, it is desirable to weaken the joint strength to some extent at the upper end of the side joint 50.

[0179] In particular, in Figure 3, the hydrophilic folded portion 32f (42f) is positioned on the skin-facing side of the upper end of the side joint 50. In other words, the side joint 50 has a hydrophilic sheet portion on the skin-facing side of the upper end. Therefore, the joint strength of the side joint 50 can be further weakened by the facing of the hydrophilic sheet portions at the upper end.

[0180] However, at the upper end of the side joint 50, the folded portion 32f (42f) does not need to be exposed on the skin side in the thickness direction. In other words, the folded portion 32f (42f) may be folded on the non-skin side than the skin-side sheet 31 (41). Even in this case, the amount of hydrophilic oil per unit volume at the upper end of the side joint 50 will be increased, so the above-mentioned effect can be obtained. Furthermore, at the upper end of the side joint 50, a hydrophilic sheet member (hydrophilic sheet portion) different from the folded portion 32f (42f) may be provided separately.

[0181] Thus, in the diaper 4 of this embodiment, the hydrophilic oil content at the upper end of the side joint 50 is high, making it easier to tear the side joint 50 from the upper end. In other words, the side joint 50 of the diaper 4 is structured to be difficult to peel off from the lower end and easy to peel off from the upper end. As a result, the user can put on and take off the diaper 4 without stress.

[0182] Furthermore, by providing two or more hydrophilic sheet portions in the thickness direction at the upper end of the side joint 50, the strength of the waist member 20 itself in that region can be increased. Therefore, even if the upper end of the side joint 50 is grasped and the front waist member 30 and the rear waist member 40 are pulled back and forth when removing the diaper 4, the sheet members constituting the front waist member 30 and the rear waist member 40 are less likely to tear. In other words, the force pulling the waist member 20 back and forth is less likely to act to tear the fabric of the waist member 20, and more likely to act to separate the side joint 50. In addition, in the part where two or more layers of hydrophilic sheet portions are laminated, the amount of hydrophilic oil per unit volume increases, so the joint strength of the side joint 50 can be weakened as described above. This makes it easier to peel the side joint 50 from the upper end to the lower end.

[0183] Furthermore, compression sections may be provided on the skin-facing sheets 31 and 41 that constitute the waist member 20 (30, 40). Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional shape in the thickness direction of the front waist member 30.

[0184] In Figure 17, the skin-side sheet 31 (hydrophobic sheet portion) is provided with multiple compression sections 31e that compress the skin-side sheet 31 from the non-skin side to the skin side in the thickness direction. By providing multiple compression sections 31e, 31e… on the surface of the skin-side sheet 31, the strength of the skin-side sheet 31 is increased, making it less likely to tear. Furthermore, the compressed bottom portion of the compression section 31e (shown as the shaded area in Figure 17) is positioned at a predetermined distance in the thickness direction from the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​(hydrophilic sheet portion). Therefore, the compression section 31e is less affected by the hydrophilic oil contained in the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​(hydrophilic sheet portion), making it easier to suppress a decrease in the bonding strength of the side joint 50. This prevents the side joint 50 from peeling off from the lower end.

[0185] Furthermore, it is desirable that the side joint 50 has a portion where, when viewed in the thickness direction, the position of the compression portion 31e provided on the front body portion 30 and the position of the compression portion 41e provided on the rear body portion 40 do not overlap. Figure 18 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the position of the compression portion 31e on the front body portion 30 and the position of the compression portion 41e on the rear body portion 40 in the side joint 50.

[0186] In Figure 18, when viewed in the thickness direction, the positions of the compression section 31e and the compression section 41e are offset from each other. That is, the bottoms of the highly rigid compression sections 31e and 41e (the parts shown by the shaded areas in Figure 18) are positioned offset from each other. Therefore, the rigidity of the side joint 50 is suppressed, and the feel against the skin when wearing the diaper 4 is less likely to deteriorate. In addition, if the bottoms of the highly rigid compression sections 31e and 41e overlap, welding defects may occur when forming the side joint 50. However, because the bottoms of the compression sections 31e and 41e are offset from each other, welding defects and the like can be made less likely to occur. Therefore, it is easier to suppress the peeling of the lower end of the side joint 50.

[0187] ===Fifth Embodiment=== In the fifth embodiment, a pant-type diaper 5 (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 5") which differs in some aspects of its configuration from that of the fourth embodiment will be described. Figure 19A is a plan view of diaper 5 in its unfolded and extended state. Figure 19B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 19A. Note that the directions in Figures 19A and 19B (for example, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction) are the same as the directions defined in the fourth embodiment.

[0188] The diaper 5 of the fifth embodiment has an absorbent body 10 that absorbs liquid and a waist member 20 positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10. However, in the diaper 5, the front waist portion 30 and the rear waist portion 40 are integrally formed. In other words, the diaper 5 is a so-called two-piece type disposable diaper composed of an absorbent body 10 which is the inner body and a waist member 20 which is the outer body.

[0189] When forming the diaper 5 in its unfolded state as shown in Figure 19A into a pant-type diaper, the absorbent body 10 and the waist member 20 are folded in half with the central position CL in the vertical direction as the folding point. In this folded state, the front waist portion 30 and the rear waist portion 40, which are opposite each other, are joined and connected to each other by the side portions 30sw and 40sw on both sides in the left-right direction, forming a pair of side joint portions 50, 50. As a result, the diaper 5 becomes a pant-type diaper with a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH, LH, similar to Figure 1.

[0190] In diaper 5, the basic configuration and function of the absorbent body 10 are substantially the same as those of diaper 4 in the fourth embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted. In Figure 19A, in the crotch area including the central position CL in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10), there is a portion where the width of the absorbent body 10 in the left-right direction is wider than the width of the waist member 20 in the left-right direction. Therefore, when wearing diaper 5, in the area near the wearer's crotch, both left and right edges of the absorbent body 10 come into contact with the wearer's legs.

[0191] In addition, in diaper 5, the portion of the waist member 20 in front of the central position CL in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10) becomes the front waist portion 30, and the portion behind the central position CL becomes the rear waist portion 40. The waist member 20 has 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 waist elastic members 35 and 45 positioned between the skin-side sheet 21 and the non-skin-side sheet 22 in the thickness direction (see Figure 19B).

[0192] The skin-side sheet 21 is a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, similar to the skin-side sheet 31 of diaper 4. The non-skin-side sheet 22 is a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, similar to the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​of diaper 4. That is, the non-skin-side sheet 22 is made of a nonwoven fabric that is more hydrophilic than the skin-side sheet 21. The waist elastic members 35 and 45 are made of elastic thread or the like, similar to diaper 4, and are attached between the skin-side sheet 21 and the non-skin-side sheet 22 in a state that is stretched in the left-right direction.

[0193] In the diaper 5 of the fifth embodiment, as in the diaper 4 of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to easily suppress the peeling of the lower end of the side joint 50. Specifically, at the lower end of the side joint 50, the front waist portion 30 and the rear waist portion 40 have hydrophobic sheet portions with a low content of hydrophilic oil per unit volume on the skin-facing surfaces, so that the bonding strength of the side joint 50 does not decrease as easily compared to when hydrophilic sheet portions are arranged opposite each other. As a result, the peeling of the lower end of the side joint 50 is suppressed when the diaper 5 is worn, and the pant-type shape is made easier to maintain.

[0194] ===Sixth Embodiment=== In the sixth embodiment, a pant-type diaper 6 (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 6") which differs in some aspects of its configuration from the fourth and fifth embodiments will be described. Figure 20A is a plan view of diaper 6 in its unfolded and extended state. Figure 20B is a schematic cross-sectional view of Figure 20A along the CC line. Note that the directions in Figures 20A and 20B (for example, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, etc.) are the same as the directions defined in the fourth embodiment.

[0195] The diaper 6 of the sixth embodiment has an absorbent body 10 that absorbs liquid and a waist member 20 positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 10. However, in the diaper 6, as shown in Figure 20B, a part of the material constituting the front waist portion 30 (skin-side sheet 21) and a part of the material constituting the rear waist portion 40 (skin-side sheet 21) are integrally formed. Hereinafter, a diaper with such a structure will also be referred to as a simple three-piece type disposable diaper.

[0196] When forming the diaper 6 in the unfolded state shown in Figure 20A into a pant-type diaper, the absorbent body 10 and the waist member 20 are folded in half with the central position CL in the vertical direction as the folding point. In this folded state, the front waist portion 30 and the rear waist portion 40, which are opposite each other, are joined and connected to each other by the side portions 30sw and 40sw on both sides in the left-right direction, forming a pair of side joint portions 50, 50. As a result, the diaper 6 becomes a pant-type diaper with a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH, LH, similar to Figure 1.

[0197] In diaper 6, the basic configuration and function of the absorbent body 10 are substantially the same as those of diaper 4 in the fourth embodiment, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0198] Furthermore, in the diaper 6, the portion of the waist member 20 that is in front of the central position CL in the vertical direction (longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10) becomes the front waist portion 30, and the portion that is behind the central position CL becomes the rear waist portion 40. The front waist portion 30 has a single skin-side sheet 21 that extends from one end (ventral side) to the other end (dorsal side) in the vertical direction on the skin side in the thickness direction, a non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​that is laminated adjacent to the non-skin side of the skin-side sheet 21 on the front (ventral side) in the vertical direction, and a waist elastic member 35 that is positioned between the skin-side sheet 21 and the non-skin-side sheet 32 ​​in the thickness direction. The rear waist section 40 includes a skin-side sheet 21 common to the front waist section 30, a non-skin-side sheet 42 laminated adjacent to the non-skin side of the skin-side sheet 21 on the rear (back) side in the longitudinal direction, and a waist elastic member 45 positioned between the skin-side sheet 21 and the non-skin-side sheet 42 in the thickness direction.

[0199] The skin-facing sheet 21 is a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric, similar to the skin-facing sheet 31 of diaper 4. The non-skin-facing sheets 32 and 42 are hydrophilic nonwoven fabrics, similar to the non-skin-facing sheets 32 and 42 of diaper 4. In other words, the non-skin-facing sheets 32 and 42 are made of a nonwoven fabric that is more hydrophilic than the skin-facing sheet 21. The waist elastic members 35 and 45 are made of elastic thread or the like, similar to diaper 4, and are attached between the skin-facing sheet 21 and the non-skin-facing sheets 32 and 42 in a state that is stretched in the left-right direction.

[0200] In the diaper 6 of the sixth embodiment, as in the diaper 4 of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to easily suppress the peeling of the lower end of the side joint 50. Specifically, at the lower end of the side joint 50, the front waist portion 30 and the rear waist portion 40 have hydrophobic sheet portions with a low content of hydrophilic oil per unit volume on the skin-facing surfaces, so that the bonding strength of the side joint 50 does not decrease as easily compared to when hydrophilic sheet portions are arranged opposite each other. As a result, the peeling of the lower end of the side joint 50 is suppressed when the diaper 5 is put on, and the pant-type shape is made easier to maintain.

[0201] ===Other Examples=== The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but these embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit its interpretation. Furthermore, the present invention can be modified or improved without departing from its spirit, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0202] 1. Diaper (pants-type absorbent item) (first embodiment), 2. Diapers (pants-type absorbent items) (second embodiment), 3. Diapers (pants-type absorbent items) (third embodiment), 4. Diapers (pants-type absorbent items) (fourth embodiment), 5. Diapers (pants-type absorbent items) (Fifth embodiment), 6. Diapers (pants-type absorbent items) (6th embodiment), 10 Absorbent body, 11 Absorbent core, 11b Core wrap sheet, 11c Waist section, 12 top sheets, 13 Back sheet, 13a Liquid impermeable sheet, 13b Outer sheet, 15 Leak-proof wall section, 16 Leak-proof wall elastic member, 17 Leg-around elastic member, 20 Body parts, 21 Skin-side sheet (hydrophobic nonwoven fabric), 22 Non-skin side sheet (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric), 30 Front waist area, 30sw side, 31 Skin-side sheet (hydrophobic nonwoven fabric), 31e Compression part, 32 Non-skin side sheet (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric), 32f Folded portion, 32h Open portion, 35 Elastic member around the torso, 36 Skin-facing sheet, 36b Lower edge, 40 Rear waist section, 40b Buttocks cover, 40sw side, 41 Skin-side sheet (hydrophobic nonwoven fabric), 41e Compression part, 42 Non-skin side sheet (hydrophilic nonwoven fabric), 42f Folded portion, 42h Open portion, 45 Elastic member around the torso, 46 Skin-facing sheet, 46b Lower edge, 47. Curved elastic member, 50 Side joint, 60 welds, 60s Welded parts pair, 71 First region, 71f Front suspension region, 71r Rear suspension region, 72 2nd area (inseam area) BH (Body opening), LH (Legging opening), CL Center position (vertical direction, long side direction)

Claims

1. It has intersecting vertical, horizontal, and front-to-back directions, A liquid-absorbing absorbent body, A body member in which the front body portion and the rear body portion are joined in an annular manner by a pair of side joints provided at both ends in the left-right direction, It has, A pair of pant-type absorbent articles having a pair of leg openings for the wearer to pass through, Of the torso member, a hydrophilic region is provided on the non-skin side of at least a portion of the area that overlaps with the pair of side joints in the vertical direction. In the region along the leg opening, at least the portion located at the lowest end, on the non-skin side, is provided with a hydrophobic region that is less hydrophilic than the hydrophilic region. The waist member comprises a skin-side sheet, a non-skin-side sheet laminated adjacent to the non-skin side of the skin-side sheet, and a waist elastic member provided between the skin-side sheet and the non-skin-side sheet. The aforementioned skin-facing sheet is a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. The non-skin side sheet is a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric. The hydrophilic region is composed of the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, At the upper end of the front waist portion in the vertical direction, a folded portion is provided in which the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, which serves as the non-skin-facing sheet, is folded back toward the skin side. The aforementioned folded portion is the part that is most exposed to the skin, characterized in that it is a pant-type absorbent article.

2. The absorbent pant-type article according to claim 1, In the unfolded state of the absorbent body, the front waist portion is joined to one side in the longitudinal direction, and the rear waist portion is joined to the other side in the longitudinal direction. A hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is provided on the non-skin side of at least one of the front and rear waist sections. A pant-type absorbent article characterized in that a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric with lower hydrophilicity than a hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body.

3. The absorbent pant-type article according to claim 1, The aforementioned body circumference member is integrally constructed such that, in the unfolded state, the front body circumference portion and the rear body circumference portion are continuous in the vertical direction. The waist member is joined to the non-skin side of the absorbent body. A hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is provided on the side of the torso member that is not exposed to the skin. A hydrophobic nonwoven fabric with lower hydrophilicity than the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric is provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent body. A pant-type absorbent article characterized in that, in the left-right direction, the minimum width of the waist member is smaller than the minimum width of the absorbent body.

4. The absorbent pant-type article according to claim 3, A pant-type absorbent article characterized in that, in the left-right direction, the distance between the outermost end of the absorbent body and the innermost end of the waist member is less than half the distance between the outermost end of the waist member and the innermost end of the waist member.

5. A pant-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 2 to 4, The leg opening has a first region formed by the body member and a second region formed by the absorbent body, at the lower end of the side joint and below the lower end. A pant-type absorbent article characterized in that the area furthest from the skin in the first region is a hydrophilic region, and the area furthest from the skin in the second region is a hydrophobic region.

6. The absorbent pant-type article according to claim 5, A pant-type absorbent article characterized in that the length of the portion of the pant-type absorbent article in the unfolded state that is in front of the longitudinal center position and along the second region is longer than the length of the portion of the pant-type absorbent article that is behind the center position and along the second region.

7. A pant-type absorbent article according to claim 5 or 6, A pant-type absorbent article characterized in that the length of the portion along the first region behind the longitudinal center position of the unfolded pant-type absorbent article is longer than the length of the portion along the first region in front of the center position.

8. The absorbent pant-type article according to claim 1, The aforementioned skin-side sheet has a front skin-side sheet and a rear skin-side sheet. The non-skin side sheet has a front non-skin side sheet and a rear non-skin side sheet. The front torso portion has the front skin-facing sheet and the front non-skin-facing sheet, The rear torso portion has the rear skin-facing sheet and the rear non-skin-facing sheet, The front-side sheet and the rear-side sheet are, in the unfolded state, a continuous, integrated sheet member in the longitudinal direction. The aforementioned front non-skin sheet and the aforementioned rear non-skin sheet are different sheet members that are discontinuous in the longitudinal direction when unfolded. The waist member is joined to the non-skin side of the absorbent body. The different sheet members constituting the aforementioned front non-skin sheet and the aforementioned rear non-skin sheet are the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, The pant-type absorbent article is characterized in that the integral sheet members constituting the front skin-facing sheet and the rear skin-facing sheet are made of a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric that is less hydrophilic than the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric.

9. The absorbent pant-type article according to claim 8, In the left-right direction, the minimum width of the waist member is greater than the minimum width of the absorbent body. The leg opening is formed by the body member below the lower end of the side joint and has a first region comprising the front non-skin sheet and the rear non-skin sheet, and a second region comprising the front skin sheet and the rear skin sheet but not comprising the front non-skin sheet and the rear non-skin sheet. A pant-type absorbent article characterized in that the area furthest from the skin in the first region is a hydrophilic region, and the area furthest from the skin in the second region is a hydrophobic region.

10. The absorbent pant-type article according to claim 9, A pant-type absorbent article characterized in that, in the second region, the sheet member positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent body is only one sheet of the hydrophobic nonwoven fabric.

11. The absorbent pant-type article according to claim 8, In the left-right direction, the minimum width of the waist member is smaller than the minimum width of the absorbent body. The leg opening has a first region formed by the body member and a second region formed by the absorbent body, at the lower end of the side joint and below the lower end. A pant-type absorbent article characterized in that the area furthest from the skin in the first region is a hydrophilic region, and the area furthest from the skin in the second region is a hydrophobic region.

12. A pant-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 9 to 11, A pant-type absorbent article characterized in that the length of the portion of the pant-type absorbent article in the unfolded state that is in front of the longitudinal center position and along the second region is longer than the length of the portion of the pant-type absorbent article that is behind the center position and along the second region.

13. A pant-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 9 to 12, A pant-type absorbent article characterized in that the length of the portion along the first region behind the longitudinal center position of the unfolded pant-type absorbent article is longer than the length of the portion along the first region in front of the center position.

14. A pant-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 13, A pant-type absorbent article characterized in that the outermost layer of the front and rear waist sections is each made of a single hydrophilic nonwoven fabric.

15. A pant-type absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, The rear torso portion has a buttock cover below the lower end of the side joint portion, which narrows in the left-right direction from the upper to the lower in the vertical direction. A pant-type absorbent article characterized by having an elastic member that expands and contracts along the edge of the buttock cover.

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