Absorbent articles

Abstract

To disclose a new absorbent article.SOLUTION: An absorbent article has a length along a longitudinal direction, and a breadth along a width direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article comprises an absorber, a first liquid-permeable sheet which is arranged on the side of a wearer with respect to the absorber, which abuts on the wearer's skin and which contains a pH adjustment component, and a second liquid-permeable sheet which is arranged between the first sheet and the absorber. Protrusions, which protrude from one of the first and second sheets toward the other sheet, support the other flat sheet at a plurality of locations at intervals so that a space can be formed between the first and second sheets.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to absorbent articles.

Background Art

[0002] Some absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, urine pads, and sanitary products have a sheet that comes into contact with the wearer's skin and is imparted with weakly acidic properties (see, for example, Patent Document 1). As a result, when the wearer urinates, alkaline components such as ammonia contained in the urine can be neutralized by the pH adjusting component of the sheet. Therefore, the wearer's skin can be maintained from weakly acidic to neutral, and the occurrence of skin troubles can be suppressed.

[0003] In addition, some absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, urine pads, and sanitary products are provided with a urine detector, for example, between an absorber and a cover sheet that forms an outer surface. The urine detector is formed, for example, by applying a hot melt adhesive containing a pH indicator on a sheet, and can notify others of the wearer's urination by changing color in response to the moisture and pH of urine (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, when the sheet that comes into contact with the wearer's skin is wet with a liquid excreted from the wearer such as urine, the weakly acidic property of the sheet may not be exhibited because it is covered with the liquid.

[0006] In light of the above background, this application discloses a novel absorbent article. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, in the present invention, a space is formed between the first sheet and the second sheet by having protrusions on one of the first and second sheets that project toward the other sheet at intervals and support the flat other sheet at multiple locations.

[0008] More specifically, the present invention relates to an absorbent article having a length along its longitudinal direction and a width along a width direction perpendicular to its longitudinal direction, comprising: an absorbent body; a liquid-permeable first sheet containing a pH-adjusting component, positioned closer to the wearer than the absorbent body and in contact with the wearer's skin; and a liquid-permeable second sheet positioned between the first sheet and the absorbent body, wherein a space is formed between the first sheet and the second sheet by a plurality of projections on one of the first and second sheets that protrude toward the other sheet at intervals, supporting the other sheet, which is flat.

[0009] In addition, in the above absorbent article, one sheet may have a larger surface area than the other sheet and may be attached to the other sheet at multiple points with gaps in between.

[0010] In this case, one sheet may be the first sheet and the other sheet may be the second sheet.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned absorbent article, the absorbent material may have a pair of grooves that extend in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] Furthermore, the absorbent article may further include a first expandable portion that expands and contracts in the width direction, having a first expandable member positioned in an extended state on the outside in the width direction of the ventral ends of a pair of grooves.

[0013] Furthermore, in the absorbent article described above, the pair of grooves may be positioned on the crotch side of the area corresponding to the urethral opening.

[0014] In this case, the absorbent article may be for infants weighing between 5 kg and 13 kg, provided that when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and the article is folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the ventral end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 90 mm to 100 mm.

[0015] Furthermore, the absorbent article described above may be intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 8 kg and 15 kg, provided that when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and the article is folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the ventral end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 85 mm to 95 mm.

[0016] Furthermore, the absorbent article may be intended for infants and toddlers whose weight is between 11 kg and 23 kg, provided that when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and the article is folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the ventral end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 110 mm to 120 mm.

[0017] Furthermore, the absorbent article described above may be intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 12 kg and 29 kg, provided that when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and the article is folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the ventral end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 100 mm to 110 mm.

[0018] Furthermore, in the absorbent article described above, the distance between the centerlines of each of the pair of grooves may be 20 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

[0019] Furthermore, in the absorbent article described above, the pair of grooves may penetrate the absorbent material in the thickness direction.

[0020] Furthermore, in the absorbent article described above, the pair of grooves may be at least one of the following: a concave groove provided on the surface of the absorbent material that faces the wearer's skin and is recessed on the side opposite to the skin; and a concave groove provided on the surface of the absorbent material that is recessed on the side opposite to the skin.

[0021] Further, in the absorbent article, the absorber may have through-holes penetrating in the thickness direction of the absorber.

[0022] Further, in the absorbent article, the through-holes may be provided in at least one of the urethral orifice corresponding region and the periphery of the urethral orifice corresponding region.

Advantages of the Invention

[0023] According to the above, a novel absorbent article can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] ch [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pant-type disposable diaper according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a diaper according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a state in which a diaper according to a first embodiment is unfolded and stretched. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(A) is a plan view of a first example of a topsheet as viewed from the skin side, and FIG. 4(B) is a cross-sectional view of the first example of the topsheet shown in FIG. 4(A) when cut along line A-A. [Figure 5] FIG. 5(A) is a plan view of a second example of a topsheet as viewed from the skin side, and FIG. 5(B) is a cross-sectional view of the second example of the topsheet shown in FIG. 5(A) when cut along line B-B. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(A) is a diagram for explaining the flow of liquid from the absorber during reverse return when the first example of the topsheet shown in FIG. 4 is used, and FIG. 6(B) is a diagram for explaining the flow of liquid from the absorber during reverse return when the second example of the topsheet shown in FIG. 5 is used. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the flow of urine discharged by a wearer in a diaper according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an absorber when only the absorber is taken out from a diaper according to a first modification of a first embodiment and cut in a cross-section including a groove. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a diaper according to Modification 2 of the First Embodiment in an unfolded and extended state. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the diaper according to the second embodiment in an unfolded and extended state. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the flow of urine expelled by the wearer in a diaper according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing a diaper according to Modification 1 of the second embodiment in an unfolded and extended state. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a plan view of the absorbent material, taken from a diaper according to a modified example 2 of the second embodiment, and viewed from the non-skin side. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the flow of urine expelled by the wearer in a diaper according to a modified example 2 of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the diaper according to the fifth embodiment in an unfolded and extended state. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a plan view of the indicator as seen from the skin side. [Figure 17] Figure 17 illustrates the flow of sweat from the wearer on the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The embodiments shown below are examples of embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention to the following embodiments.

[0026] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pant-type disposable diaper (hereinafter simply referred to as "diaper") according to an embodiment. In this application, terms relating to direction mean directions that correspond to the front, back, left, and right of the wearer when diaper 1 is worn by the wearer (hereinafter abbreviated as "wearing state"). For example, in this application, when referring to the left and right direction, it means directions that correspond to the left and right of the wearer when diaper 1 is worn.

[0027] In this embodiment, as an example of an absorbent article, a disposable pant-type diaper with a tubular structure having an opening for the wearer's waist circumference and a pair of left and right openings through which the wearer's left and right lower limbs are inserted is given as an example. However, the term "absorbent article" as used in this application is not limited to disposable pant-type diapers. The term "absorbent article" as used in this application includes, for example, a tape-type disposable diaper in which a tubular structure is formed by attaching a tape, fixed near one end of a sheet-like member that covers the wearer's crotch (genitals) from the front to the back, to the other end of the sheet-like member. This includes various forms of absorbent materials that can wrap around the waist and groin.

[0028] Furthermore, in diaper 1, the direction connecting the front and back panels when worn is defined as the longitudinal direction. Also, when diaper 1 is worn, the side facing the wearer's skin (the inside when worn) is defined as the skin-facing side, and the opposite side (the outside when worn) is defined as the non-skin-facing side. In addition, the direction connecting the skin-facing side and the non-skin-facing side is defined as the thickness direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the longitudinal and thickness directions is defined as the width direction. Moreover, viewing from the thickness direction is defined as a plan view.

[0029] Diaper 1 has a crotch region 1B, which corresponds to the crotch area that covers the wearer's crotch (genitals) when worn; a front body region 1F, which corresponds to the front of the wearer's waist and covers the wearer's abdominal side; and a back body region 1R, which corresponds to the back of the wearer's waist and covers the wearer's back side. Here, the front body region 1F is located in front of the crotch region 1B, and the back body region 1R is located behind the crotch region 1B. In this embodiment, since diaper 1 is a pant-type disposable diaper, the left edge of the front body region 1F and the left edge of the back body region 1R are joined to each other, and the right edge of the front body region 1F and the right edge of the back body region 1R are joined to each other. Therefore, a waist opening 2T is formed in diaper 1 by the upper edge of the front body region 1F and the upper edge of the back body region 1R. Furthermore, the diaper 1 has a left lower limb opening 2L on the left side of the crotch area 1B where the above-mentioned joint is not made, and a right lower limb opening 2R on the right side of the crotch area 1B. When the diaper 1 is fitted, the wearer's left lower limb is inserted through the left lower limb opening 2L, the wearer's right lower limb is inserted through the right lower limb opening 2R, and the wearer's torso is placed in the torso opening 2T. The front body area 1F is positioned on the wearer's abdominal side, the back body area 1R is positioned on the wearer's back side, and the left lower limb opening 2L and the right lower limb opening 2R are fixed to the wearer's body, surrounding the wearer's thighs. Because the diaper 1 is fixed to the wearer's body in this manner, the wearer can stand and walk while wearing the diaper 1.

[0030] Diaper 1 has an absorbent material that can absorb and retain liquids, mainly located around the crotch area 1B. In addition, to prevent the formation of gaps between diaper 1 and the wearer's skin that could become pathways for liquid leakage, diaper 1 is provided with a three-dimensional gather 3BL at the left lower limb opening 2L surrounding the thigh of the wearer's left lower limb, a three-dimensional gather 3BR at the right lower limb opening 2R surrounding the thigh of the wearer's right lower limb, and a waist gather 3R around the wearer's waist circumference. Furthermore, a tummy gather 3T (an example of the "first stretchable part" as referred to in this application) is formed on the crotch area 1B side of the waist gather 3R. The three-dimensional gathers 3BL, 3BR, waist gather 3R, and tummy gather adhere closely to the wearer's skin due to the elastic force of the elastic material. Therefore, excretory fluid discharged from the wearer's genitals is absorbed into the absorbent material of diaper 1 with almost no leakage. As the elastic material, thread-like or strip-like rubber can be appropriately selected, and in this embodiment, thread-like rubber is used.

[0031] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the diaper 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the diaper 1 according to the first embodiment in an unfolded and extended state. Figure 3(A) schematically shows the internal structure of the unfolded and extended diaper 1 when viewed from the left side. Figure 3(B) schematically shows a plan view of the unfolded and extended diaper 1.

[0032] Diaper 1 has cover sheets 4F and 4R and a pad cover sheet 6 that form the outer surface when worn. Cover sheet 4F mainly forms the outer surface of the front body area 1F of diaper 1. Pad cover sheet 6 mainly forms the outer surface of the crotch area 1B of diaper 1. Cover sheet 4R mainly forms the outer surface of the back body area 1R of diaper 1. Cover sheets 4F and 4R and pad cover sheet 6 are provided to reinforce the outer surface of diaper 1 and improve its feel. For example, to suppress leakage of excrement, a nonwoven fabric made of a liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resin can be used as the material. Examples of permeable resins include polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Furthermore, the liquid-impermeable sheet may have numerous fine pores of about 0.1 to several μm in size to achieve both liquid impermeability and moisture permeability. Additionally, the cover sheets 4F and 4R may have multiple pores partially or entirely formed to improve breathability around the body.

[0033] Furthermore, diaper 1 has an inner cover sheet 5F laminated on the skin-facing side of cover sheet 4F, and an inner cover sheet 5R laminated on the skin-facing side of cover sheet 4F. Inner cover sheet 5F is a sheet-like member having a shape that matches the portion of cover sheet 4F that is on the crotch area 1B side of the perforation 4F6 described later. Inner cover sheet 5R is also a sheet-like member having a shape that matches the portion of inner cover sheet 5R that is on the crotch area 1B side of the perforation 4R6 described later.

[0034] Furthermore, the diaper 1 has a back sheet 7, an absorbent core 8, and a top sheet 9 that are sequentially laminated on the skin-facing side of the pad cover sheet 6. The pad cover sheet 6 is a roughly rectangular sheet with a length in the longitudinal direction that extends from the front of the wearer's body through the crotch to the back of the body, and a predetermined width in the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The back sheet 7, absorbent core 8, and top sheet 9 are all sheet-like members that have a roughly rectangular appearance, similar to the pad cover sheet 6, and are sequentially laminated on the pad cover sheet 6 with their longitudinal directions coinciding with the longitudinal direction of the pad cover sheet 6. The longitudinal directions of the pad cover sheet 6, back sheet 7, absorbent core 8, and top sheet 9 coincide with the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, and the width directions of the pad cover sheet 6, back sheet 7, absorbent core 8, and top sheet 9 coincide with the width direction of the diaper 1.

[0035] The backsheet 7 is a sheet made of a liquid-impermeable thermoplastic resin to suppress leakage of excrement. The topsheet 9 is a sheet-like component positioned on the skin side of the wearer so as to cover the absorbent surface of the absorbent material 8. This topsheet 9 is liquid-permeable in part or all. Therefore, when the diaper 1 is worn, liquid excreted by the wearer penetrates the absorbent material 8 through the topsheet 9, which can come into contact with the wearer's skin, and is absorbed there. Examples of liquid-permeable sheets include woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, and porous films. The topsheet 9 may also be hydrophilic.

[0036] Furthermore, the top sheet 9 has a multi-layer structure. Figure 4(A) is a plan view of the first example of the top sheet 9 as seen from the skin side, and Figure 4(B) is a cross-sectional view of the first example of the top sheet 9 shown in Figure 4(A) when cut along line AA. Also, Figure 5(A) is a plan view of the second example of the top sheet 9 as seen from the skin side, and Figure 5(B) is a cross-sectional view of the second example of the top sheet 9 shown in Figure 5(A) when cut along line BB.

[0037] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the top sheet 9 has an outer top sheet 9A and an inner top sheet 9B. The outer top sheet 9A (an example of the "first sheet" as referred to in this application) is a liquid-permeable sheet that comes into contact with the wearer's skin, and the inner top sheet 9B (an example of the "second sheet" as referred to in this application) is a liquid-permeable sheet placed between the outer top sheet 9A and the absorbent material 8. The inner top sheet 9B is neutral. On the other hand, the outer top sheet 9A is weakly acidic, containing a pH-adjusting component. As the pH-adjusting component, an organic acid, such as malic acid or citric acid, which is highly safe and substantially odorless in the state before use of the diaper 1, is used. The outer top sheet 9A is made by applying a chemical solution containing an organic acid to a neutral sheet such as the inner top sheet 9B.

[0038] Furthermore, in the first example of top sheet 9, as shown in Figures 4(A) and (B), the outer top The top sheet 9A has a larger surface area than the inner top sheet 9B and is welded to the skin-facing surface of the inner top sheet 9B in a wavy pattern extending in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 by heat welding or ultrasonic welding. Furthermore, the outer top sheet 9A is welded to the inner top sheet 9B at multiple points spaced apart in the width direction of the diaper 1. As a result, the protruding parts (welded parts WL) of the outer top sheet 9A that project toward the inner top sheet 9B support the flat inner top sheet 9B at multiple points spaced apart in the width direction, creating a space between the outer top sheet 9A and the inner top sheet 9B. Consequently, when the top sheet 9 is viewed from the skin-facing side, the welded parts WL and the parts of the outer top sheet 9A create a pattern on the outer top sheet 9A that resembles that formed by embossing.

[0039] Furthermore, in the second example of the top sheet 9, as shown in Figures 5(A) and (B), the inner top sheet 9B has a larger sheet area than the outer top sheet 9A and is welded to the non-skin side surface of the outer top sheet 9A in a wavy pattern extending in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 by heat welding or ultrasonic welding. In addition, the inner top sheet 9B is welded to the outer top sheet 9A at multiple locations spaced apart in the width direction. As a result, the protruding parts (welded parts WL) of the inner top sheet 9B that project toward the outer top sheet 9A support the flat outer top sheet 9A at multiple locations spaced apart in the width direction, and a space is formed between the outer top sheet 9A and the inner top sheet 9B. Consequently, when the top sheet 9 is viewed from the skin side, a pattern is formed on the inner top sheet 9B by the welded parts WL and the parts other than the welded parts WL, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 5(A).

[0040] In these multilayered top sheet 9 structures, the space formed between the outer top sheet 9A and the inner top sheet 9B makes the fabric softer to the touch. Furthermore, in the multilayered top sheet 9 structure shown in Figure 4, a portion of the outer top sheet 9A that protrudes towards the skin side (a convex portion) is formed between adjacent welded portions WL. Since these convex portions are adjacent to each other, a space can be formed between the skin and the adjacent convex portion when the wearer's skin comes into contact with the outer top sheet 9A (see Figure 6(A)). As a result, the outer top sheet 9A dries more easily, and even when the wearer's skin is in contact with the outer top sheet 9A, the outer top sheet 9A is more likely to remain dry.

[0041] Furthermore, in the multilayer structure of the top sheet 9 described above, not only the outer top sheet 9A but also the inner top sheet 9B may be made to exhibit weak acidity. Also, the direction of extension of the welded portion WL is not limited to the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. For example, the direction of extension of the welded portion WL may be the width direction of the diaper 1, or both the longitudinal and width directions. Also, the shape of the welded portion WL is not limited to a wavy line consisting of curves. For example, the shape of the welded portion WL may be a bent line consisting of straight lines. Moreover, the shape of the welded portion WL is not limited to a linear shape, as long as a space is formed between the outer top sheet 9A and the inner top sheet 9B. For example, the shape of the welded portion WL may be a point. Also, the bonding of the outer top sheet 9A and the inner top sheet 9B is not limited to heat welding or ultrasonic welding. For example, the bonding of these sheets 9A and 9B may be done using a hot melt adhesive.

[0042] The absorbent material 8 has a structure in which granular absorbent resin, such as a hydrophilic superabsorbent polymer with a cross-linked structure capable of absorbing and retaining water, is held in the gaps between short fibers of cellulosic fibers such as pulp fibers, rayon fibers, or cotton fibers, or synthetic fibers such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene terephthalate that have been treated to be hydrophilic. Therefore, when the absorbent material 8 absorbs liquid excreted from the wearer, it swells the absorbent resin held in the gaps between the short fibers, thereby retaining the liquid within the short fibers. The absorbent material 8 may have a single-layer structure consisting of one mat, or it may have a laminated structure in which multiple mats are stacked on top of each other. Furthermore, the absorbent 8 can take on an appropriate shape depending on the purpose. Examples of the shape of the absorbent 8 include a rectangular shape, an hourglass shape with a constriction near the center, and various other shapes.

[0043] The back sheet 7, absorbent material 8, and top sheet 9 all extend from the front body region 1F to the back body region 1R. Therefore, when the wearer's genital area (crotch) is covered with the pad cover sheet 6, on which the back sheet 7, absorbent material 8, and top sheet 9 are laminated, the longitudinal ends of the back sheet 7, absorbent material 8, and top sheet 9 are positioned on the wearer's ventral and dorsal sides. In other words, the wearer's genital area is covered by the absorbent material 8 from the wearer's ventral to dorsal side. Therefore, whether the wearer is lying face down or face down when expelling fluid from the body, the expelled fluid will come into contact with the absorbent material 8 via the top sheet 9.

[0044] Furthermore, diaper 1 has elongated, strip-shaped side sheets 10L and 10R for forming the three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR described above. The side sheets 10L and 10R are provided on the long sides of the top sheet 9. Elastic threads 10L1 and 10R1 are attached to the side sheets 10L and 10R along their longitudinal direction. Therefore, the side sheets 10L and 10R are joined together by the edge 4F7 of the cover sheet 4F, which forms the left edge of the front body region 1F, and the edge 4R7 of the cover sheet 4R, which forms the left edge of the back body region 1R, and also by the edge 4F8 of the cover sheet 4F, which forms the right edge of the front body region 1F, and the edge 4R8 of the cover sheet 4R, which forms the right edge of the back body region 1R, resulting in the completed diaper 1 as shown in Figure 1. The elastic threads 10L1 and 10R1 are pulled in the longitudinal direction by their contractile force and rise up from the top sheet 9 along the fold lines 10L2 and 10R2. As a result, three-dimensional gathers 3BL and 3BR are formed to prevent liquid from leaking out from the left lower limb opening 2L and the right lower limb opening 2R. The method of joining the edges 4F7 of cover sheet 4F and 4R7 of cover sheet 4R, and the edges 4F8 of cover sheet 4F and 4R8 of cover sheet 4R is not particularly limited, but can be done by heat sealing, high-frequency sealing, ultrasonic sealing, etc.

[0045] Furthermore, the diaper 1 has a pad cover sheet 6, a back sheet 7, an absorbent core 8, a top sheet 9, and a ventilation channel forming sheet 11F which is laminated on the skin-facing side of the cover sheet 4F, sandwiching the side sheets 10L and 10R, and a ventilation channel forming sheet 11R which is laminated on the skin-facing side of the cover sheet 4R. The ventilation channel forming sheet 11F is overlapped on the cover sheet 4F at one end of the top sheet 9 in the longitudinal direction. The ventilation channel forming sheet 11R is overlapped on the cover sheet 4R at the other end of the top sheet 9 in the longitudinal direction. In this application, the state of sheets overlapping is not limited to a state in which the overlapping sheets are in full contact with each other, but is a concept that includes a state in which parts of the sheets overlap. For example, the ventilation channel forming sheet 11F is overlapped in such a state that a part of one end of the pad cover sheet 6 in the longitudinal direction touches a part of the cover sheet 4F.

[0046] The ventilation channel forming sheet 11F has numerous fine ventilation holes 11F1 arranged in a region extending horizontally along the upper edge of the front body region 1F. The ventilation channel forming sheet 11R also has numerous ventilation holes 11R1 arranged in the same way as the ventilation channel forming sheet 11F. Here, a ventilation hole means an opening that connects the space on one side of the sheet to the space on the other side, and its shape is not particularly limited. Therefore, for example, openings of shapes such as circles, ellipses, and polygons (triangles, squares, etc.) can be applied as ventilation holes 11F1 and 11R1. The formation of ventilation holes 11F1 and 11R1 in the ventilation channel forming sheets 11F and 11R does not mean that the ventilation channel forming sheets 11F and 11R are made of a material that does not have breathability, and the ventilation channel forming sheets 11F and 11R may be made of a material that has breathability or a material that does not have breathability. The ventilation channel forming sheets 11F and 11R are preferably made of a material that is breathable and permeable to liquids, but may also be made of a non-breathable material, for example. Ventilation holes 11F1, 11R1 The size and number are not particularly limited, but for example, the opening area is 0.5 to 10 mm. 2 If the holes are of this type, it is preferable to form approximately 5 to 200 of them.

[0047] As described above, diaper 1 is formed by stacking a back sheet 7 and top sheet 9 with an absorbent material 8 in between, as well as cover sheets 4F, 4R, ventilation-forming sheets 11F, 11R, pad cover sheet 6, and side sheets 10L, 10R. Therefore, it can be said that it has a laminated structure made up of these multiple sheets stacked on top of each other.

[0048] Here, as shown in Figure 3, the cover sheet 4F is folded over at one end along the perforation 4F6. This perforation 4F6 consists of fine, linear cuts in the cover sheet 4F that form ventilation holes arranged in a dotted line along the edge of the torso opening 2T. The dotted line ventilation holes forming the perforation 4F6 are sized so that the wearer's fingers cannot enter. For example, ventilation holes formed by cuts 5 mm or less in length will not allow the fingers of a typical infant to enter. Furthermore, the perforation 4F6 has a predetermined spacing between the cuts forming the dotted line ventilation holes so that the cover sheet 4F does not tear along the perforation 4F6 under normal use conditions of the diaper 1. Depending on the strength of the material constituting the cover sheet 4F, the basis weight that does not impair the elasticity and fit required around the torso should be 8-50 g / m². 2 For sheets of this type, it is preferable that the spacing between cuts be 2 mm or more.

[0049] The waist gather 3R described above is formed by the elastic threads 4F2 and 4F3 being bonded to the cover sheet 4F in a stretched state, and the elastic threads 4R2 and 4R3 being bonded to the cover sheet 4R in a stretched state. The elastic threads 4F2 and 4F3 bonded to the cover sheet 4F are provided along the perforation 4F6, which forms the upper edge of the front body area 1F when folded, in the order of elastic thread 4F2 followed by elastic thread 4F3 from the perforation 4F6 side. Similarly, the elastic threads 4R2 and 4R3 bonded to the cover sheet 4R are provided along the perforation 4R6, which forms the upper edge of the back body area 1R when folded, in the order of elastic thread 4R2 followed by elastic thread 4R3 from the perforation 4R6 side. Therefore, the elastic threads 4F2 and 4F3 are provided on the cover sheet 4F in a direction where the waist circumference direction, which is the direction of stretching, is the width direction (left-right direction) of the diaper 1. Furthermore, the elastic threads 4R2 and 4R3 are provided on the cover sheet 4R with their longitudinal direction, which is the direction of expansion and contraction, aligned with the width direction (left-right direction) of the diaper 1. Thus, when the edges 4F7 and 4R7 (see Figure 2) are joined to each other, and the edges 4F8 and 4R8 (see Figure 2) are joined to each other, the elastic threads 4F2 and 4F3 and 4R2 and 4R3 form a substantially annular expandable member that wraps around the body opening 2T, and exert the function of contracting the body opening 2T in the direction of the body circumference. In other words, the elastic threads 4F2 and 4F3 and 4R2 and 4R3 exert contractile force to make the diaper 1 adhere tightly to the wearer, preventing the formation of a gap between the diaper 1 and the wearer's waist circumference. The elastic threads 4F2 and 4F3 and 4R2 and 4R3 are discretely bonded to the cover sheet 4F and 4R by adhesive discretely applied along the longitudinal direction of the elastic threads. The adhesive used to join the elastic threads 4F2, 4F3, 4R2, 4R3 to the cover sheets 4F, 4R may be applied to the elastic threads 4F2, 4F3, 4R2, 4R3, or to the cover sheets 4F, 4R. Alternatively, the elastic threads 4F2, 4F3, 4R2, 4R3 may be joined to the cover sheets 4F, 4R by ultrasonic welding instead of adhesive. Furthermore, since the length of the wearer's fingers does not allow them to pass through the perforations 4F6, the elastic threads 4F2, 4F3, etc., will not be cut by the wearer's fingertips touching them.

[0050] Furthermore, elastic threads 4F4 and 4F5 (an example of the "first stretchable member" as referred to in this application) are bonded to the cover sheet 4F in an extended state, and elastic threads 4R4 and 4R5 are bonded to the cover sheet 4R in an extended state. Elastic threads 4F4 and 4F5 are stretchable members provided in the area of ​​the cover sheet 4F closer to the crotch area 1B than elastic thread 4F3. Diaper 1 has elastic threads 4F4 and 4 F5,4R4,4R5 form a tummy gather 3T on the crotch area 1B side of the waist gather 3R. However, unlike the elastic threads 4F2,4F3 which extend from the left end to the right end of the cover sheet 4F, the center of the width direction of the elastic threads 4F4,4F5 is cut by a predetermined width. By having the elastic threads 4F4,4F5 with the center cut in the width direction, the cover sheet 4F provides a moderately close fit to the wearer's lower abdomen without hindering the expansion caused by the absorbent material 8 absorbing water. The same applies to the cover sheet 4R, where the elastic threads 4R4,4R5 with the center cut in the width direction by a predetermined width are attached to the cover sheet 4R, providing a moderately close fit to the wearer's lower abdomen.

[0051] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the absorbent material 8 has a pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR that extend in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. The pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR penetrate the absorbent material 8 in the thickness direction and extend from the crotch area 1B. The grooves 8SL and 8SR have the same length and width and are located at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. In addition, the grooves 8SL and 8SR are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center in the width direction of the diaper 1 and are formed parallel to each other. Urine expelled by the wearer is introduced into the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR and diffused throughout the absorbent material 8.

[0052] Furthermore, the elastic threads 4F4 and 4F5 are positioned in an extended state on the outside in the width direction of the diaper 1 at the end (ventral end) of the front body region 1F side of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR. Here, the diaper 1 according to this embodiment is suitable for male and female infants. The region 40 shown by the elliptical dotted line in Figure 3 is the urethral opening corresponding region (hereinafter referred to as the "urethral opening corresponding region 40") that corresponds to the wearer's urethral opening. The urethral opening corresponding region 40 is the region that overlaps in the thickness direction with the position where the wearer's urethral opening contacts the top sheet 9 when the diaper 1 is normally worn. The urethral opening corresponding region 40 is positioned on the front body region 1F side of the diaper 1, and the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR are positioned on the crotch region 1B side of the urethral opening corresponding region 40. The urethral opening corresponding region 40 is also adjacent to the ventral side of the diaper 1. Here, the ventral area is the front panel area 1F side of the waist gather 3R, and is the area where the elastic threads 4F2 and 4F3 are placed. In other words, the urethral opening area 40 is adjacent to the waist gather 3R on the front panel area 1F side.

[0053] When diaper 1 is worn, the area outside the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR in the width direction is pressed towards the skin by the elastic thread 4F5, while the area between the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR is not pressed towards the skin, forming a space between the top sheet 9 and the skin. This is because the force with which the elastic thread 4F5 pulls diaper 1 outward in the width direction is inhibited by the grooves 8SL, 8SR, making it easier for the area between the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR to separate from the skin compared to the area outside the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR in the width direction. When worn, diaper 1 can temporarily store urine discharged into the urethral opening area 40 in this space. Then, diaper 1 can gradually guide the urine stored in the space into the grooves 8SL, 8SR, and spread the urine along the grooves 8SL, 8SR throughout the absorbent material 8. As a result, diaper 1 according to this embodiment can suppress urinary leakage by suppressing lateral leakage (urine leaking from the side) and abdominal leakage (urine leaking from the ventral side).

[0054] Furthermore, the elastic thread 4R5 (an example of the "second stretchable member" as referred to in this application) is positioned in an extended state on the outside in the width direction of the end (back end) of the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR on the back body region 1R side of the diaper 1. The region 30 shown by the elliptical dotted line in Figure 3 is the anal correspondence region (hereinafter referred to as the "anal correspondence region 30") that corresponds to the wearer's anus. The anal correspondence region 30 is the region that overlaps in the thickness direction with the position where the wearer's anus contacts the top sheet 9 when the diaper 1 is normally worn. The anal correspondence region 30 is positioned on the back body region 1R side of the diaper 1, and the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR are positioned on the crotch region 1B side of the anal correspondence region 30. The anal correspondence region 30 is also adjacent to the back side of the diaper 1. Here, the back side is the back body region 1R side of the waist gather 3R, and is the arrangement area of ​​the elastic threads 4R2, 4R3. In other words, the anal area 30 is adjacent to the waist gather 3R on the back panel area 1R side. It is.

[0055] When diaper 1 is worn, the area outside the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR in the width direction is pressed toward the skin by the elastic thread 4R5, while the area between the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR is not pressed toward the skin direction, forming a space between the top sheet 9 and the skin. This is because the force with which the elastic thread 4R5 pulls diaper 1 outward in the width direction is inhibited by the grooves 8SL, 8SR, making it easier for the area between the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR to separate from the skin compared to the area outside the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR in the width direction. Diaper 1 can hold feces expelled into the anal area 30 when worn within this space. Thus, diaper 1 according to this embodiment can hold feces.

[0056] In Figure 3, the dashed line CL is the center line of groove 8SL, the dashed line CR is the center line of groove 8SR, and the distance between the respective center lines of grooves 8SL and 8SR is W. The distance W is set to 20 mm to 50 mm, taking into account the size of an infant's body, so that a space for collecting urine and a space for holding feces are formed when the diaper is worn. This creates a space for collecting urine and a space for holding feces that is appropriate for an infant. In addition, since grooves 8SL and 8SR are located on the crotch area 1B side of the urethral opening area 40 and the anal opening area 30, grooves 8SL and 8SR are less likely to come into contact with the urethral opening or buttocks even through the top sheet 9. As a result, diaper 1 can prevent irritation to the urethral opening or buttocks by grooves 8SL and 8SR, and prevent skin problems around the urethral opening and buttocks.

[0057] Furthermore, it is preferable that the ends of the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR on the front body region 1F side are closer to the crotch region 1B than the urethral opening region 40, and the ends of the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR on the back body region 1R side are closer to the crotch region 1B than the anal opening region 30 corresponding to the wearer's anus as shown in Figure 3. The diaper 1 can prevent irritation to the urethral opening and anus by using the grooves 8SL, 8SR, thereby preventing skin problems around the urethral opening and anus.

[0058] Here, we define the length from the longitudinal center of diaper 1 to the ventral end of a pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR when diaper 1 is folded in half with its longitudinal ends overlapping. The dashed line FL in Figure 3 is the fold line when diaper 1 is folded in half with its longitudinal ends overlapping, and represents the longitudinal center of diaper 1. When diaper 1 is folded in half along the dashed line FL, if the length from the longitudinal center of diaper 1 (dashed line FL) to the ventral end of a pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR (L1 in Figure 3) is within the range of 90 mm to 100 mm, then diaper 1 is suitable for infants weighing between 5 kg and 13 kg. Furthermore, when diaper 1 is folded in half along the dotted line FL, if the length (L1) of the ventral end of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR from the center of the longitudinal direction of diaper 1 (dotted line FL) is within the range of 85 mm to 95 mm, then diaper 1 is suitable for infants weighing between 8 kg and 15 kg. Also, when diaper 1 is folded in half along the dotted line FL, if the length (L1) of the ventral end of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR from the center of the longitudinal direction of diaper 1 (dotted line FL) is within the range of 110 mm to 120 mm, then diaper 1 is suitable for infants weighing between 11 kg and 23 kg. Furthermore, if diaper 1 is folded in half along the dotted line FL, and the length (L1) of the ventral ends of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR from the longitudinal center of diaper 1 (dotted line FL) is within the range of 100 mm to 110 mm, then diaper 1 is suitable for infants weighing between 12 kg and 29 kg.

[0059] Furthermore, it is desirable that no elastic material (stretchable material) such as rubber thread is placed in the urethral opening area 40. By not placing an elastic material in the urethral opening area 40, it is possible to prevent obstruction to the formation of a space for accumulating urine.

[0060] Furthermore, the space for urinating is represented by a virtual vertical line L3, which is shown as a rectangle with a thick dotted line in Figure 3. The diaper 1 is formed by a dome-shaped bulge on the non-skin side. The position of the erection line L3 will be explained below.

[0061] The tummy gathers 3T are located on both sides of the urethral opening area 40 in the width direction, and are formed outside the extension of the ventral side (front body area 1F side) of the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR in the width direction. The tummy gathers 3T on the front body area 1F side are the placement area for the elastic threads 4F4, 4F5, and the elastic threads 4F4, 4F5 are located on both sides of the urethral opening area 40 in the width direction, and are positioned outside the extension of the ventral side (front body area 1F side) of the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR in the width direction. When the diaper 1 is worn, it is necessary to form a space for accumulating urine that includes at least the urethral opening area 40, but if this space is too wide, there is a risk that urine will flow out of the grooves 8SL, 8SR, so it is necessary to form a space of a size that can store the amount of urine an infant urinates in one go. Therefore, in this embodiment, instead of pressing the urethral opening area 40 toward the skin surface, the widthwise end of the tummy gather 3T is pressed toward the skin surface by the contractile force of the elastic threads 4F4, 4F5, outside the extension of the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR in the widthwise direction, so that the widthwise end of the erection line L3 is defined by the widthwise end of the tummy gather 3T. As a result, the diaper 1 can prevent this space from expanding unnecessarily in the widthwise direction.

[0062] Furthermore, the length of the urethral opening area 40 in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 (L2 in Figure 3) is preferably 50 mm, taking into consideration the position of the urethral opening in infants. Also, as shown in Figure 3, the elastic threads 4F4 and 4F5 positioned on the outside in the width direction of the urethral opening area 40 are spaced at shorter intervals than the elastic threads 4F5 positioned on the outside in the width direction of the ventral ends of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR. As a result, the tummy gather 3T has greater elasticity on the outside in the width direction of the urethral opening area 40 than on the outside in the width direction of the ventral ends of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR. This is because, since the ventral ends of grooves 8SL and 8SR define the erection line L3 on the crotch area 1B side of the space formation, it is sufficient for the diaper 1 to be pressed against the skin with sufficient force on the widthwise outer side of grooves 8SL and 8SR. However, if the widthwise outer side of the urethral opening area 40 has the same or weaker elasticity as the widthwise outer side of grooves 8SL and 8SR, the space will expand in the widthwise direction, making it impossible to maintain a space large enough to store the amount of urine an infant urinates in one urination. In this embodiment, the diaper 1 has a tummy gather 3T in which the widthwise outer side of the urethral opening area 40 has greater elasticity than the widthwise outer side of the ventral ends of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR, thereby preventing the space from becoming too wide and maintaining an appropriate space for storing urine.

[0063] Furthermore, a waist gather 3R is provided on the ventral side of the urethral opening area 40. The waist gather 3R defines the ventral upright line L3 of the urine-collecting space by pressing the diaper 1 toward the skin. That is, the crotch area 1B side of the waist gather 3R (the elastic thread 4F3 on the crotch area 1B side) defines the ventral upright line L3 of the space. In this embodiment, the waist gather 3R prevents the space from becoming too wide on the ventral side, and the urine-collecting space can be appropriately maintained.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, when the diaper 1 is viewed from above, the longitudinal end of the absorbent material 8 is located inside the ventral end (the end on the front body region 1F side) of the pad cover sheet 6, and a portion of the elastic thread 4F3 that forms the waist gather 3R overlaps with the absorbent material 8. As a result, the diaper 1 can define the ventral upright line L3 of the space not as the ventral end of the pad cover sheet 6 or the absorbent material 8, but as the end of the waist gather 3R on the crotch region 1B side. If the ventral end of the pad cover sheet 6 or the absorbent material 8 were to be defined as the physical upright line L3 of the space, this physical upright line could come into contact with the urethral opening and the surrounding skin, potentially causing skin problems. In contrast, the diaper 1 according to this embodiment defines the crotch region 1B side of the waist gather 3R as the virtual upright line L3 of the space. Therefore, it is possible to create a space for urine to be stored while preventing skin problems and other issues that may occur due to the physical erection line coming into contact with the urethral opening or the surrounding skin.

[0065] Furthermore, the widthwise length of the overlapping portion 8A of the absorbent material 8 that overlaps with the waist gather 3R is shorter than the widthwise length of the portion 8B located below the crotch from the overlapping portion 8A. Here, the overlapping portion 8A is the portion of the absorbent material 8 that overlaps with the elastic thread 4F3, and the portion 8B located below the crotch is the portion located below the crotch region 1B from the overlapping portion 8A. By adopting an absorbent material 8 with this shape, the widthwise end of the overlapping portion 8A shrinks inward in the widthwise direction, making it easier to form a space for accumulating urine.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, when the diaper 1 is viewed from above, the ends of the elastic threads 4F4 and 4F5 in the width direction overlap with the absorbent material 8 and are directly or indirectly bonded to the absorbent material 8. Here, "directly bonded" means that the ends and the absorbent material 8 are directly joined, and "indirectly bonded" means that the ends and the absorbent material 8 are joined via the inner cover sheet 5F, pad cover sheet 6, and back sheet 7. In this embodiment, the ends and the absorbent material 8 are indirectly bonded. If the elastic threads 4F4 and 4F5 were provided outside the absorbent material 8 in the width direction, and the absorbent material 8 and the elastic threads 4F4 and 4F5 were not directly or indirectly bonded, the elastic force of the elastic threads 4F4 and 4F5 would be exerted outside the absorbent material 8 in the width direction, and this contractile force would not be able to contribute to the formation of a space for collecting urine. In this embodiment, the diaper 1 has the widthwise ends of the elastic threads 4F4 and 4F5 indirectly bonded to the absorbent material 8, so that the elastic force of the elastic threads 4F4 and 4F5 can contribute to space formation. The elastic force of the elastic threads 4F4 and 4F5 is exerted when the diaper 1 is worn because the tummy gathers 3T are pulled outward in the widthwise direction more than when the diaper 1 is not worn.

[0067] By the way, in the diaper 1 according to the above embodiment, a weakly acidic sheet is used as the top sheet 9 (outer top sheet 9A) that comes into contact with the wearer's skin. Here, for example, when pressure is applied to the absorbent 8 due to the wearer's movements, liquid excreted by the wearer that was held in the absorbent 8 may be pushed out of the absorbent 8 and return to the wearer's skin, resulting in a backflow. However, because the top sheet 9 is weakly acidic, even if backflow occurs, alkaline components such as ammonia contained in the liquid can be neutralized by the pH adjusting components of the top sheet 9. Therefore, the wearer's skin can be maintained at a slightly acidic to neutral pH, and skin problems can be suppressed.

[0068] However, the inventors of the present invention have found that if the top sheet 9 is wet with the liquid that has flowed back in, the weakly acidic properties of the top sheet 9 may not be fully exhibited because the top sheet 9 is covered with the liquid.

[0069] The inventors of the present invention measured the pH of the top sheet 9 (outer top sheet 9A) of the present invention, which has been given weakly acidic properties, and a normal top sheet that has not been given weakly acidic properties. For pH measurement, a pH meter manufactured by Hanna Instruments (body: HI99181N, electrode: HI1414D / 50) was used. The top sheet 9 of the present invention and the normal top sheet were each placed on a polypropylene (PP) tray, and the value displayed on the body was read when the electrode was brought into contact with the sheet. At this time, the top sheet 9 of the present invention showed a weakly acidic pH of 5.8, for example, and the normal top sheet showed a neutral pH of 6.8, for example. Furthermore, in order to confirm whether the properties of the sheet could be maintained even when wet, the top sheet 9 of the present invention and the normal top sheet were each wet with deionized water, and the pH of each sheet was measured. At this time, both the top sheet 9 of the present invention and the normal top sheet showed a pH of 7.0 ± 0.1, that is, the pH of deionized water. Therefore, when the sheet is wet, the pH of the liquid covering the sheet has an effect. It was found that the sheet's properties were not fully realized due to its large size.

[0070] Therefore, in the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the top sheet 9 has a multi-layer structure including an outer top sheet 9A and an inner top sheet 9B so that the properties of the sheet can be fully exhibited.

[0071] Figure 6(A) illustrates the flow of liquid from the absorbent 8 during reverse flow when using the first example of the top sheet 9 shown in Figure 4, and Figure 6(B) illustrates the flow of liquid from the absorbent 8 during reverse flow when using the second example of the top sheet 9 shown in Figure 5. In addition, Figure 6 also shows the wearer's skin SK to more clearly illustrate the multi-layer structure of the top sheet 9.

[0072] As mentioned above, in the first example of the top sheet 9 shown in Figure 4, the outer top sheet 9A has a larger sheet area than the inner top sheet 9B and is bonded to the inner top sheet 9B at multiple points (welded joints WL) with gaps in between. This creates a space between the outer top sheet 9A and the inner top sheet 9B. In other words, the only parts where the outer top sheet 9A and the inner top sheet 9B are bonded are the welded joints WL. If the outer top sheet 9A had the same sheet area as the inner top sheet 9B, and the outer top sheet 9A was simply laminated onto the inner top sheet 9B, the area of ​​contact between the outer top sheet 9A and the inner top sheet 9B would likely be larger. The contact area between the outer top sheet 9A and the inner top sheet 9B serves as a flow path for liquid when it flows back between them, so if the area of ​​this contact is large, liquid is more likely to flow from the inner top sheet 9B to the outer top sheet 9A.

[0073] In contrast, in the first example of the top sheet 9 shown in Figure 4, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 6(A), only the portion where the outer top sheet 9A and the inner top sheet 9B are bonded (welded portion WL) becomes a flow path when the liquid flows back. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the liquid to flow from the inner top sheet 9B to the outer top sheet 9A. As a result, the outer top sheet 9A is less likely to become wet with the flowing liquid.

[0074] Furthermore, in the second example of the top sheet 9 shown in Figure 5, the inner top sheet 9B has a larger sheet area than the outer top sheet 9A and is bonded to the outer top sheet 9A at multiple points (welded sections WL) with gaps in between. In this second example, as with the first example, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 6(B), only the parts where the outer top sheet 9A and the inner top sheet 9B are bonded (welded sections WL) become the flow path for the liquid when it flows back, making it difficult for the liquid to flow from the inner top sheet 9B to the outer top sheet 9A. As a result, the outer top sheet 9A is less likely to become wet from the flowing liquid.

[0075] Thus, the multilayer structure of the top sheet 9 shown in Figure 4 or Figure 5 suppresses (controls) the movement of the backflowing liquid, allowing the outer top sheet 9A to remain dry. As a result, the weakly acidic properties of the outer top sheet 9A can be fully exhibited.

[0076] Furthermore, in the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the absorbent material 8 has grooves 8SL and 8SR that extend in the longitudinal direction. Moreover, the grooves 8SL and 8SR penetrate the absorbent material 8 in the thickness direction.

[0077] Figure 7 illustrates the flow of urine expelled by the wearer in the diaper 1 according to the first embodiment. This is a diagram.

[0078] As indicated by the arrows in Figure 7, urine expelled by the wearer passes through the top sheet 9 and is temporarily stored in a urine-retaining space S1 formed in the front body region 1F side of the absorbent body 8. Space S1 is a space that includes the urethral opening contact region 40, as described above. In this embodiment, the absorbent body 8 has grooves 8SL and 8SR that extend in the longitudinal direction, allowing the urine stored in space S1 to be quickly moved through the grooves 8SL and 8SR from the front body region 1F side to the crotch region 1B side and then to the back body region 1R side (in Figure 7, from the right side through the central region to the left side). This allows the urine stored in space S1 to quickly permeate and be retained throughout the entire longitudinal region of the absorbent body 8, so that the top sheet 9, especially the outer top sheet 9A, can be quickly dried. As a result, the weakly acidic properties of the outer top sheet 9A can be exhibited more fully.

[0079] Furthermore, the longitudinally extending grooves 8SL and 8SR allow the urine accumulated in space S1 to be moved to the area on the crotch region 1B side and the area on the back body region 1R side. This prevents urine from concentrating in space S1 of the absorbent material 8, i.e., the urethral opening contact area 40 and its surrounding area, and retaining there. Therefore, it is possible to suppress backflow from the urethral opening contact area 40 and its surrounding area of ​​the absorbent material 8.

[0080] Furthermore, because grooves 8SL and 8SR penetrate the absorbent material 8 in the thickness direction, the urine accumulated in space S1 can be moved from the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8 (the surface on the top sheet 9 side in Figure 7) to the non-skin-facing surface (the surface on the back sheet 7 side in Figure 7). As a result, the urine accumulated in space S1 can be quickly penetrated not only to the skin-facing surface but also to the non-skin-facing surface and retained there, allowing the outer top sheet 9A to dry out even more quickly. Therefore, the weakly acidic properties of the outer top sheet 9A can be exhibited more fully.

[0081] Furthermore, the grooves 8SL and 8SR that penetrate in the thickness direction allow the urine accumulated in space S1 to be moved from the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8 to the non-skin-facing surface. This prevents urine from being concentrated on the skin-facing side of the absorbent material 8 and retained there. As a result, backflow from the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8 can be suppressed.

[0082] <Modification 1 of the first embodiment> Next, a modified example of the first embodiment of diaper 1 will be described. Figure 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the absorbent material 8 when only the absorbent material 8 is extracted from the diaper 1 according to this modified example and cut at a cross section including the groove 8SL. In this modified example, the groove 8SL may be formed to gradually become shallower towards both ends in the longitudinal direction. Such a groove 8SL is formed when the absorbent material 8 is manufactured using a forming drum. The groove 8SR has the same shape as groove 8SL. In the diaper 1 according to this modified example, by forming a pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR so that they become shallower at both ends in the longitudinal direction, the flow velocity of urine when it flows out of the grooves from the longitudinal ends of the grooves 8SL and 8SR is slowed down, and urine leakage caused by urine splashing out of the grooves 8SL and 8SR at a high flow velocity can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the modified diaper 1, even if the longitudinal ends of the grooves 8SL and 8SR come into contact with the urethral opening or the surrounding skin, the contact between the grooves 8SL and 8SR and the surrounding skin can be reduced.

[0083] <Modification 2 of the first embodiment> Next, a modified example 2 of the first embodiment of diaper 1 will be described. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the modified example diaper 1 unfolded and extended. In the modified example diaper 1, the absorbent material 8 is formed between a pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR, along the longitudinal direction of diaper 1. It has grooves 8SM that extend in the direction. Grooves 8SM are formed parallel to grooves 8SL and 8SR, with the same shape and length. Furthermore, grooves 8SM are formed so that they are in the same position in the longitudinal direction as grooves 8SL and 8SR. In this modified diaper 1, because the absorbent material 8 has grooves 8SM, the absorbent material 8 is more easily folded along grooves 8SM, so that a space for accumulating urine is more easily formed when worn.

[0084] <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the diaper 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the grooves 8SL and 8SR penetrate the absorbent material 8 in the thickness direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the grooves 8SL and 8SR may be formed in a non-penetrating concave shape.

[0085] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the diaper 1 according to the second embodiment in an unfolded and extended state. Figure 10(A) schematically shows the internal structure of the unfolded and extended diaper 1 when viewed from the left side. Figure 10(B) schematically shows a plan view of the unfolded and extended diaper 1. The diaper 1 according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the diaper 1 according to the first embodiment, except for the configuration of the absorbent material. For this reason, in the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the diaper 1 according to the first embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0086] As shown in Figure 10, in the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the absorbent material 8 has a pair of grooves 8TL and 8TR that extend in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. The pair of grooves 8TL and 8TR have a concave shape that is recessed in the thickness direction from the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8 toward the non-skin-facing side, and extend mainly in the crotch area 1B. The grooves 8TL and 8TR have the same length, width, and depth, and are located at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. Furthermore, the grooves 8TL and 8TR are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center in the width direction of the diaper 1 and are formed parallel to each other. In addition, the distance W between the centerlines of each groove 8TL and 8TR and the length L1 from the center in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 to the abdominal end of the pair of grooves 8TL and 8TR are set to the same values ​​as the distance W between the centerlines of each groove 8SL and 8SR and the length L1 from the center in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 to the abdominal end of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR in the first embodiment. With this configuration and arrangement of grooves 8TL and 8TR, the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, as with the diaper 1 according to the first embodiment, has a space S1 for accumulating urine in the front body region 1F side of the absorbent material 8.

[0087] Furthermore, the absorbent body 8 has a circular through-hole 8TH that penetrates in the thickness direction of the absorbent body 8. The through-hole 8TH is provided in the urethral opening area 40. Note that the shape of the through-hole 8TH is not limited to a circular shape. For example, the shape of the through-hole 8TH may be elliptical.

[0088] The diaper 1 according to this embodiment has the same multilayer structure of top sheet 9 as the diaper 1 according to the first embodiment, so that the outer top sheet 9A is less likely to become wet with liquid that has returned from the absorbent material 8. This allows the weakly acidic properties of the outer top sheet 9A to be fully utilized.

[0089] Furthermore, in the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the absorbent material 8 has grooves 8TL and 8TR that extend in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the absorbent material 8 has through holes 8TH that penetrate in the thickness direction.

[0090] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the flow of urine expelled by the wearer in the diaper 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0091] In the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the absorbent material 8 has grooves 8TL and 8TR extending in the longitudinal direction, so that the urine collected in the urine collection space S1 is released from the area on the skin side of the absorbent material 8 on the front body region 1F side via the grooves 8TL and 8TR, as shown by the arrows in Figure 11. The absorbent material can be quickly moved from the crotch area 1B to the back panel area 1R (in Figure 11, from the right side through the central area to the left side). This allows the urine accumulated in space S1 to quickly penetrate and be retained across the entire longitudinal direction of the skin-facing side of the absorbent material 8, thus allowing the top sheet 9, especially the outer top sheet 9A, to dry quickly. As a result, the weakly acidic properties of the outer top sheet 9A can be exhibited more fully.

[0092] Furthermore, the grooves 8TL and 8TR prevent urine from being concentrated in the space S1 of the absorbent material 8, i.e., the urethral opening contact area 40 and its surrounding area, and from being retained there. Therefore, it is possible to suppress backflow from the urethral opening contact area 40 and its surrounding area of ​​the absorbent material 8.

[0093] Furthermore, the absorbent material 8 has through-holes 8TH that penetrate in the thickness direction. This allows urine accumulated in space S1 to be moved from the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8 (the surface on the top sheet 9 side in Figure 11) to the non-skin-facing surface (the surface on the back sheet 7 side in Figure 11). Moreover, since the through-holes 8TH are provided in the urethral opening contact area 40 within space S1, urine accumulated in space S1 can be efficiently moved to the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8. As a result, urine accumulated in space S1 can be quickly penetrated not only to the skin-facing surface but also to the non-skin-facing surface and retained there, allowing the outer top sheet 9A to dry out even more quickly. Therefore, the weakly acidic properties of the outer top sheet 9A can be exhibited even more fully.

[0094] Furthermore, the through-hole 8TH prevents urine from being concentrated and retained on the skin-facing side of the absorbent material 8. This suppresses the backflow from the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8.

[0095] <Modification 1 of the second embodiment> Next, a modified example 1 of the second embodiment of diaper 1 will be described. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the modified example diaper 1 unfolded and extended. As shown in Figure 12, in the modified example diaper 1, the absorbent material 8 has a plurality of through holes 8TH (two in this modified example). The plurality of through holes 8TH are provided in the area surrounding the urethral opening contact area 40. For example, the plurality of through holes 8TH are provided between the urethral opening contact area 40 and the ventral ends of the grooves 8TL and 8TR. In the modified example diaper 1, since the through holes 8TH are provided in the area surrounding the urethral opening contact area 40, the plurality of through holes 8TH are less likely to come into contact with the urethral opening even through the top sheet 9. As a result, diaper 1 can prevent irritation to the urethral opening by the through holes 8TH and prevent skin problems near the urethral opening.

[0096] <Modification 2 of the second embodiment> Next, a modified example 2 of the second embodiment of diaper 1 will be described. Figure 13 is a plan view of the absorbent material 8 taken out of diaper 1 according to this modified example and viewed from the non-skin side. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the flow of urine expelled by the wearer in diaper 1 according to this modified example.

[0097] In the modified diaper 1, similar to the diaper 1 in the second embodiment, the absorbent material 8 has a pair of grooves 8TL, 8TR extending longitudinally on the skin-facing surface. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, the absorbent material 8 has a pair of grooves 8UL, 8UR extending longitudinally on the non-skin-facing surface. The pair of grooves 8UL, 8UR have a concave shape that is recessed toward the skin-facing side in the thickness direction from the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8, and extend mainly around the crotch area 1B. The grooves 8UL, 8UR have the same length, width, and depth, and are located at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. Also, the grooves 8UL, 8UR are symmetrical with respect to the center in the width direction of the diaper 1. They are arranged and formed parallel to each other. Furthermore, the distance W between the centerlines of each groove 8UL and 8UR, and the length L1 from the longitudinal center of the diaper 1 to the abdominal end of the pair of grooves 8UL and 8UR are set to the same values ​​as the distance W between the centerlines of each groove 8SL and 8SR in the diaper 1 according to the first embodiment, and the length L1 from the longitudinal center of the diaper 1 to the abdominal end of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR.

[0098] In the modified diaper 1 according to this example, as with the diaper 1 according to the second embodiment, the absorbent material 8 is provided with through-holes 8TH. As shown by the arrows in Figure 14, urine accumulated in the urine-collecting space S1 can be moved from the skin-facing surface to the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8 through the through-holes 8TH. Furthermore, in the modified diaper 1 according to this example, the absorbent material 8 is provided with longitudinally extending grooves 8UL and 8UR. As a result, urine that has moved to the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent material 8 can be quickly moved through the grooves 8UL and 8UR from the front body region 1F side to the crotch region 1B side and then to the back body region 1R side (in Figure 14, from the right side through the central region to the left side). This allows the urine accumulated in space S1 to quickly penetrate and be retained over the entire longitudinal surface of the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent material 8, thus allowing the outer top sheet 9A to dry even more quickly. Therefore, the weakly acidic properties of the outer top sheet 9A can be exhibited even more fully.

[0099] In this modified example, diaper 1 has grooves 8TL, 8TR, 8UL, and 8UR on both the skin-facing and non-skin-facing surfaces of the absorbent material 8, but is not limited to this. For example, grooves 8TL and 8TR may not be provided on the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8, and only grooves 8UL and 8UR may be provided on the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8.

[0100] <Third Embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described. In the diaper 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the top sheet 9 has a multi-layer structure including two sheets, an outer top sheet 9A and an inner top sheet 9B, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the top sheet 9 may have a single-layer structure including one sheet.

[0101] In the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the top sheet 9 is a liquid-permeable sheet that comes into contact with the wearer's skin and contains a pH-adjusting component, giving it a weakly acidic nature. As the pH-adjusting component, an organic acid, such as malic acid or citric acid, is used, which is highly safe and substantially odorless before use. The top sheet 9 is made by applying a chemical solution containing an organic acid to a neutral sheet. The diaper 1 according to this embodiment has the same configuration as the diaper 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 3, except for the configuration of the top sheet 9. Therefore, in this embodiment, a description other than the configuration of the top sheet 9 is omitted.

[0102] Because the top sheet 9 is weakly acidic, even if backflow occurs as described in the first embodiment, the pH-adjusting components of the top sheet 9 can neutralize alkaline components such as ammonia contained in the liquid excreted by the wearer that was held in the absorbent 8. Therefore, the wearer's skin can be maintained at a slightly acidic to neutral pH, and skin problems can be suppressed.

[0103] However, as described in the first embodiment, the inventors of the present invention have found that when the top sheet 9 is wet with the backflowing liquid, the weakly acidic properties of the top sheet 9 may not be fully exhibited because the top sheet 9 is covered with the liquid.

[0104] Therefore, in the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the absorbent material 8 has grooves 8SL and 8SR that penetrate the absorbent material 8 in the thickness direction, so that the properties of the sheet can be fully utilized.

[0105] In the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, similar to the diaper 1 according to the first embodiment, that is, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 7, urine expelled by the wearer passes through the top sheet 9 and is temporarily stored in a urine-retaining space S1 formed in the front body region 1F side of the absorbent body 8. In this embodiment, the absorbent body 8 has grooves 8SL and 8SR that penetrate the absorbent body 8 in the thickness direction, so that the urine stored in space S1 can be moved from the skin-facing surface of the absorbent body 8 (the surface on the top sheet 9 side in Figure 7) to the non-skin-facing surface (the surface on the back sheet 7 side in Figure 7) via the grooves 8SL and 8SR. As a result, the urine stored in space S1 can be quickly penetrated and retained not only on the skin-facing surface of the absorbent body 8 but also on the non-skin-facing surface, so that the top sheet 9 can be quickly dried. Therefore, the weakly acidic properties of the top sheet 9 can be fully utilized.

[0106] Furthermore, the grooves 8SL and 8SR that penetrate in the thickness direction allow the urine accumulated in space S1 to be moved from the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8 to the non-skin-facing surface. This prevents urine from being concentrated on the skin-facing side of the absorbent material 8 and retained there. As a result, backflow from the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8 can be suppressed.

[0107] Furthermore, because grooves 8SL and 8SR extend in the longitudinal direction, urine accumulated in space S1 can be rapidly moved through grooves 8SL and 8SR from the front body region 1F to the crotch region 1B and then to the back body region 1R (in Figure 7, from the right side through the central region to the left side). This allows the urine accumulated in space S1 to rapidly permeate and be retained throughout the entire longitudinal direction of the absorbent material 8, thus allowing the top sheet 9 to dry even more quickly. As a result, the weakly acidic properties of the top sheet 9 can be exhibited more fully.

[0108] Furthermore, the longitudinally extending grooves 8SL and 8SR allow the urine accumulated in space S1 to be moved not only to space S1 of the absorbent body 8, i.e., the urethral opening contact area 40 and its surrounding area, but also to the area on the crotch area 1B and the area on the back body area 1R. This prevents urine from being concentrated in the urethral opening contact area 40 and its surrounding area of ​​the absorbent body 8 and retaining there. As a result, it is possible to suppress backflow from the urethral opening contact area 40 and its surrounding area of ​​the absorbent body 8.

[0109] <Fourth Embodiment> Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In the diaper 1 according to the third embodiment described above, the grooves 8SL and 8SR penetrate the absorbent material 8 in the thickness direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the diaper 1 according to the second embodiment, the grooves 8SL and 8SR may be formed in a non-penetrating concave shape.

[0110] In the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, as in the diaper 1 according to the third embodiment, the top sheet 9 is a single liquid-permeable sheet that comes into contact with the wearer's skin and contains a pH-adjusting component, giving it a weakly acidic nature.

[0111] Furthermore, similar to the diaper 1 in the second embodiment shown in Figure 10, the absorbent material 8 has a pair of grooves 8TL and 8TR extending in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. The pair of grooves 8TL and 8TR have a concave shape that is recessed in the thickness direction from the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8 towards the non-skin-facing side, and extend mainly around the crotch area 1B. The grooves 8TL and 8TR have the same length, width, and depth, and are located at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. In addition, the grooves 8TL and 8TR are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center in the width direction of the diaper 1 and are formed parallel to each other. Furthermore, the distance W between the respective centerlines of the grooves 8TL and 8TR and the length L1 from the center in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 to the abdominal end of the pair of grooves 8TL and 8TR are the same as the grooves 8SL and 8S in the first embodiment. The distance W between the centerlines of each of the R grooves and the length L1 of the abdominal end of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR from the longitudinal center of the diaper 1 are set to the same value. With this configuration and arrangement of grooves 8TL and 8TR, in the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, as in the diaper 1 according to the third embodiment, a space S1 for accumulating urine is formed in the area of ​​the absorbent material 8 on the front body region 1F side.

[0112] Furthermore, the absorbent body 8 has a circular through-hole 8TH that penetrates in the thickness direction of the absorbent body 8. The through-hole 8TH is provided in the urethral opening area 40. Note that the shape of the through-hole 8TH is not limited to a circular shape. For example, the shape of the through-hole 8TH may be elliptical.

[0113] In the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the absorbent material 8 has through-holes 8TH that penetrate in the thickness direction of the absorbent material 8, so that the urine accumulated in the urine-collecting space S1 can be moved from the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8 (the surface on the top sheet 9 side in Figure 11) to the non-skin-facing surface (the surface on the back sheet 7 side in Figure 11), similar to the diaper 1 according to the second embodiment, that is, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 11. Moreover, since the through-holes 8TH are provided in the urethral opening contact area 40 within the space S1, the urine accumulated in the space S1 can be efficiently moved to the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8. As a result, the urine accumulated in the space S1 can be quickly penetrated not only to the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8 but also to the non-skin-facing surface and retained there, so that the top sheet 9 can be quickly dried. For this reason, the weakly acidic properties of the top sheet 9 can be fully utilized.

[0114] Furthermore, the through-hole 8TH prevents urine from being concentrated and retained on the skin-facing side of the absorbent material 8. This suppresses the backflow from the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8.

[0115] Furthermore, because the absorbent material 8 has grooves 8TL and 8TR extending in the longitudinal direction, urine accumulated in space S1 can be quickly moved through the grooves 8TL and 8TR from the front body region 1F side to the crotch region 1B side and then to the back body region 1R side on the skin-facing side of the absorbent material 8 (in Figure 11, from the right side through the central region to the left side). As a result, the urine accumulated in space S1 can be quickly permeated and retained throughout the entire longitudinal direction of the skin-facing side of the absorbent material 8, allowing the top sheet 9 to dry even more quickly. Therefore, the weakly acidic properties of the top sheet 9 can be exhibited more fully.

[0116] Furthermore, the grooves 8TL and 8TR prevent urine from being concentrated in the urethral opening contact area 40 of the absorbent body 8 and its surrounding areas, thus preventing it from being retained there. This suppresses the occurrence of backflow from the urethral opening contact area 40 and its surrounding areas of the absorbent body 8.

[0117] <Modification 1 of the fourth embodiment> Next, a diaper 1 according to Modification 1 of the fourth embodiment will be described. In this modified diaper 1, the absorbent material 8 has multiple through-holes 8TH (two in this modified version), just like the diaper 1 according to Modification 1 of the second embodiment shown in Figure 12. The multiple through-holes 8TH are provided in the area surrounding the urethral opening contact area 40. For example, the multiple through-holes 8TH are provided between the urethral opening contact area 40 and the ventral ends of the grooves 8TL and 8TR. In this modified diaper 1, since the through-holes 8TH are provided in the area surrounding the urethral opening contact area 40, the multiple through-holes 8TH are less likely to come into contact with the urethral opening even through the top sheet 9. As a result, the diaper 1 can prevent irritation to the urethral opening by the through-holes 8TH and prevent skin problems near the urethral opening.

[0118] <Modification 2 of the fourth embodiment> Next, a diaper 1 according to Modification 2 of the fourth embodiment will be described. In this modified diaper 1, the absorbent material 8 has a pair of grooves 8TL, 8TR extending longitudinally on the skin-facing surface, just like the diaper 1 according to the fourth embodiment, that is, the diaper 1 according to the second embodiment shown in Figure 10. Furthermore, the absorbent material 8 has a pair of grooves 8UL, 8UR extending longitudinally on the non-skin-facing surface, just like the diaper 1 according to Modification 2 of the second embodiment shown in Figure 13. The pair of grooves 8UL, 8UR have a concave shape that is recessed toward the skin-facing side in the thickness direction from the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8, and extend mainly around the crotch area 1B. The grooves 8UL, 8UR have the same length, width, and depth, and are located at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1. Also, the grooves 8UL, 8UR are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center in the width direction of the diaper 1 and are formed parallel to each other. Furthermore, the distance W between the centerlines of grooves 8UL and 8UR, and the length L1 from the longitudinal center of diaper 1 to the abdominal end of a pair of grooves 8UL and 8UR are set to the same values ​​as the distance W between the centerlines of grooves 8SL and 8SR, and the length L1 from the longitudinal center of diaper 1 to the abdominal end of a pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR in diaper 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0119] In the modified diaper 1 according to this example, as with the diaper 1 according to the second embodiment, the absorbent material 8 is provided with through-holes 8TH. As shown by the arrows in Figure 11, urine accumulated in the urine-collecting space S1 can be moved from the skin-facing surface to the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8 through the through-holes 8TH. Furthermore, in the modified diaper 1 according to this example, the absorbent material 8 is provided with longitudinally extending grooves 8UL and 8UR. As a result, urine that has moved to the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent material 8 can be quickly moved through the grooves 8UL and 8UR from the front body region 1F side to the crotch region 1B side and then to the back body region 1R side (in Figure 11, from the right side through the central region to the left side). This allows the urine accumulated in space S1 to quickly penetrate and be retained over the entire longitudinal surface of the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent material 8, thus allowing the top sheet 9 to dry even more quickly. Therefore, the weakly acidic properties of the top sheet 9 can be exhibited even more fully.

[0120] In this modified example, diaper 1 has grooves 8TL, 8TR, 8UL, and 8UR on both the skin-facing and non-skin-facing surfaces of the absorbent material 8, but is not limited to this. For example, grooves 8TL and 8TR may not be provided on the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8, and only grooves 8UL and 8UR may be provided on the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8.

[0121] <Fifth Embodiment> Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In the diaper 1 according to the third embodiment, the top sheet 9 contains a pH adjusting component and has a weakly acidic nature, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the top sheet 9 may have a neutral nature.

[0122] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing the diaper 1 according to the fifth embodiment in an unfolded and extended state. Figure 15(A) schematically shows the internal structure of the diaper 1 in the unfolded and extended state when viewed from the left side. Figure 15(B) schematically shows a plan view of the diaper 1 in the unfolded and extended state. The diaper 1 according to this embodiment has basically the same configuration as the diaper 1 according to the third embodiment, except for the properties of the top sheet. For this reason, in the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as in the diaper 1 according to the third embodiment, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0123] In the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the top sheet 29 is a single liquid-permeable sheet that comes into contact with the wearer's skin and has a neutral pH.

[0124] By the way, in the first embodiment, the diaper 1 is folded in half with its longitudinal ends overlapping. In the previous definition, the length L1 of the ventral end of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR from the longitudinal center of the diaper 1 was specified. In this embodiment, the length of the dorsal end of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR from the longitudinal center of the diaper 1 is also specified. When the diaper 1 is folded in half along the dashed line FL, if the length of the dorsal end of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR (L4 in Figure 15) from the longitudinal center of the diaper 1 (dashed line FL) is within the range of 40 mm to 50 mm, then the diaper 1 is suitable for infants weighing between 5 kg and 13 kg. Also, when the diaper 1 is folded in half along the dashed line FL, if the length of the dorsal end of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR (L4) from the longitudinal center of the diaper 1 (dashed line FL) is within the range of 65 mm to 75 mm, then the diaper 1 is suitable for infants weighing between 8 kg and 15 kg. Furthermore, if diaper 1 is folded in half along the dotted line FL, and the length (L4) of the dorsal end of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR from the center of the longitudinal direction of diaper 1 (dotted line FL) is within the range of 40 mm to 50 mm, then diaper 1 is suitable for infants weighing between 11 kg and 23 kg. Furthermore, if diaper 1 is folded in half along the dotted line FL, and the length (L4) of the dorsal end of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR from the center of the longitudinal direction of diaper 1 (dotted line FL) is within the range of 50 mm to 60 mm, then diaper 1 is suitable for infants weighing between 12 kg and 29 kg.

[0125] Furthermore, it is desirable that no elastic material such as rubber thread is placed in the anal area 30, as well as the urethral area 40. By not placing an elastic material in the anal area 30, it is possible to prevent obstruction of the formation of a space for holding stool.

[0126] Furthermore, the space for holding stool is formed when the diaper 1 bulges in a dome shape towards the non-skin side from a hypothetical upright line L5, which is shown as a rectangle with a thick dotted line in Figure 15. The position of the upright line L5 will be explained below.

[0127] The tummy gathers 3T are located on both sides of the width direction of the anal area 30 and are formed outside in the width direction of the extension of the dorsal side (back body area 1R side) of the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR. The tummy gathers 3T on the back body area 1R side are the placement area for the elastic threads 4R4, 4R5, and the elastic threads 4R4, 4R5 are located on both sides of the width direction of the anal area 30 and are positioned outside in the width direction of the extension of the dorsal side (back body area 1R side) of the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR. When the diaper 1 is worn, it is necessary to form a space that holds stool, at least including the anal area 30, but if this space is too wide, it may not be able to hold stool. Therefore, it is necessary to form a space of a size that can hold the amount of stool that an infant will defecate in one go. Therefore, in this embodiment, instead of pressing the anal area 30 toward the skin surface, the widthwise end of the tummy gather 3T is pressed toward the skin surface by the contractile force of the elastic threads 4R4, 4R5, outside the widthwise extension of the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR, so that the widthwise end of the upright line L5 is defined by the widthwise end of the tummy gather 3T. As a result, the diaper 1 can prevent this space from expanding unnecessarily in the widthwise direction.

[0128] Furthermore, the length of the anal contact area 30 in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 (L6 in Figure 15) is preferably 50 mm, taking into consideration the position of the anus of an infant. Also, as shown in Figure 15, the elastic threads 4R4 and 4R5 positioned on the outside in the width direction of the anal contact area 30 are spaced at a shorter interval than the elastic threads 4R5 positioned on the outside in the width direction of the dorsal ends of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR. As a result, the tummy gather 3T has greater elasticity on the outside in the width direction of the anal contact area 30 than on the outside in the width direction of the dorsal ends of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR. This is because the dorsal ends of grooves 8SL and 8SR define the erection line L5 on the crotch area 1B side of the space formation. Therefore, while it is sufficient for the diaper 1 to be pressed against the skin with adequate force on the widthwise outer side of grooves 8SL and 8SR, if the widthwise outer side of the anal area 30 has the same or weaker elastic force as the widthwise outer side of grooves 8SL and 8SR, the space will expand in the widthwise direction, making it impossible to maintain a space large enough to hold the amount of stool a single infant passes. In this embodiment, the diaper 1, in the tummy gather 3T, has greater elasticity on the outer side in the width direction of the anal area 30 than on the outer side in the width direction of the dorsal ends of the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR, thereby preventing the space from becoming too wide and maintaining an appropriate space for holding stool.

[0129] Furthermore, a waist gather 3R is provided on the dorsal side of the anal area 30. The waist gather 3R presses the diaper 1 toward the skin, thereby defining the dorsal upright line L5 of the space that holds stool. That is, the crotch area 1B side of the waist gather 3R (the elastic thread 4R3 on the crotch area 1B side) defines the dorsal upright line L5 of the space. In this embodiment, the waist gather 3R prevents the space from becoming too wide on the dorsal side, and the space that holds stool can be appropriately maintained.

[0130] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, when the diaper 1 is viewed from above, the longitudinal end of the absorbent material 8 is located inside the back end of the pad cover sheet 6 (the end on the back body region 1R side), and a portion of the elastic thread 4R3 that forms the waist gather 3R overlaps the absorbent material 8. As a result, the diaper 1 can define the back vertical line L5 of the space not as the back end of the pad cover sheet 6 or the absorbent material 8, but as the end of the waist gather 3R on the crotch region 1B side. If the back end of the pad cover sheet 6 or the absorbent material 8 were to be defined as the physical vertical line of the space, this physical vertical line could come into contact with the urethral opening and the surrounding skin, potentially causing skin problems. In contrast, the diaper 1 according to this embodiment can define the crotch area 1B side of the waist gather 3R as a virtual upright line L5 on the back side of the space, thereby forming a space to hold stool while preventing skin problems and other issues that may occur due to the physical upright line coming into contact with the buttocks.

[0131] Furthermore, the widthwise length of the overlapping portion 8C of the absorbent material 8 that overlaps with the waist gather 3R is shorter than the widthwise length of the portion 8D located below the crotch from the overlapping portion 8C. Here, the overlapping portion 8C is the portion of the absorbent material 8 that overlaps with the elastic thread 4R3, and the portion 8D located below the crotch is the portion located below the crotch region 1B from the overlapping portion 8C. By adopting an absorbent material 8 with this shape, the widthwise end of the overlapping portion 8C is reduced inward in the widthwise direction, making it easier to create a space that holds stool.

[0132] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, when the diaper 1 is viewed from above, the ends of the elastic threads 4R4 and 4R5 in the width direction overlap with the absorbent material 8 and are directly or indirectly bonded to the absorbent material 8. Here, "directly bonded" means that the ends and the absorbent material 8 are directly joined, and "indirectly bonded" means that the ends and the absorbent material 8 are joined via the inner cover sheet 5R, pad cover sheet 6, and back sheet 7. In this embodiment, the ends and the absorbent material 8 are indirectly bonded. If the elastic threads 4R4 and 4R5 were provided outside the width direction of the absorbent material 8, and the absorbent material 8 and the elastic threads 4R4 and 4R5 were not directly or indirectly bonded, the elastic force of the elastic threads 4R4 and 4R5 would be exerted outside the width direction of the absorbent material 8, and this contraction force would not be able to contribute to the formation of a space to hold stool. In this embodiment, the diaper 1 has the widthwise ends of the elastic threads 4R4 and 4R5 indirectly bonded to the absorbent material 8, so that the elastic force of the elastic threads 4R4 and 4R5 can contribute to the formation of space. The elastic force of the elastic threads 4R4 and 4R5 is exerted when the diaper 1 is worn, because the tummy gathers 3T are pulled outward in the widthwise direction more than when the diaper 1 is not worn.

[0133] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the force exerted by the elastic threads 4F4 and 4F5 pulling the diaper 1 outward in the width direction causes the front portion of the diaper 1 (1F side) to bulge in a dome shape towards the non-skin side, creating a space for urine to be collected. Also, the force exerted by the elastic threads 4R4 and 4R5 pulling the diaper 1 outward in the width direction causes the back portion of the diaper 1 (1R side) to bulge in a dome shape towards the non-skin side, creating a space for feces to be collected. Due to the influence of these forces that contribute to the formation of these spaces, the diaper In the crotch area 1B of 1, the space between the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR becomes more likely to separate from the wearer's skin and bulge out towards the non-skin side.

[0134] Furthermore, the length L4 of the dorsal end of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR described above, the vertical line L5 on the dorsal side of the space, and the length L6 of the anal area 30 in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 are applicable not only to the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, but also to the diapers 1 according to the first to fourth embodiments.

[0135] Furthermore, the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, in addition to the configuration of the diaper 1 according to the third embodiment, further has a pair of indicators on the non-skin side of the absorbent material 8 for detecting the wearer's urination. Figure 16 is a plan view of the indicators as seen from the skin side. In Figure 16, the absorbent material 8 is shown with a dotted line to illustrate the position of the indicators relative to the absorbent material 8.

[0136] As shown in Figure 16, a pair of indicators 16 (an example of a "urine detection element" as referred to in this application) are provided on the skin-facing surface of the backsheet 7, opposite the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent body 8. The indicators 16 are positioned in the center of the width direction of the diaper 1 and extend in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1, centering on the crotch area 1B. The indicators 16 are also positioned so as to be sandwiched between the parts of the backsheet 7 corresponding to the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR of the absorbent body 8, from both sides in the width direction of the backsheet 7. In other words, the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR are positioned so as to sandwich the parts of the absorbent body 8 corresponding to the pair of indicators 16 from both sides in the width direction of the absorbent body 8. The indicators 16 are formed by applying an adhesive such as a hot melt containing a pH indicator that changes color in response to changes in the pH of moisture, such as nitrazine yellow or bromothymol blue, to the backsheet 7. Alternatively, the indicators 16 may be formed by applying an adhesive to the backsheet 7 containing a light-scattering powder that changes color in response to the presence of moisture, such as silica powder or alumina silicate powder. The colors of these indicators 16 are visible even through the pad cover sheet 6 when the diaper 1 is viewed from the non-skin side. The indicators 16 detect the wearer's urination by changing color depending on the pH and moisture content of the urine when it comes into contact with the wearer's urine. As a result, the diaper 1 according to this embodiment can notify others of the wearer's urination.

[0137] In addition, instead of the indicator 16 provided on the backsheet 7, the diaper 1 may be provided with an indicator sheet, which is an impermeable sheet impregnated with the aforementioned pH indicator or light-scattering powder dispersion and placed between the absorbent material 8 and the backsheet 7.

[0138] The indicator 16 is located in the crotch area 1B of the backsheet 7, specifically in the center in the width direction. Meanwhile, the wearer may sweat inside the diaper 1. For example, if the wearer sweats in the crotch area, the sweat will penetrate from the wearer's skin through the topsheet 29 and into the crotch area 1B portion of the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8. In particular, the sweat will flow and penetrate from the width-direction ends of the absorbent material 8 toward the center in the width direction, which is the lowest position when worn. Also, if the wearer sweats on the abdomen or back, the sweat will flow and penetrate from the front body area 1F or back body area 1R of the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8 toward the crotch area 1B, which is lower than those areas when worn. As a result, the indicator 16 may react to the wearer's sweat and make a false detection. This can lead to problems such as someone else accidentally changing a diaper that is still usable, or someone touching the inside of diaper 1 to check whether it is still usable or not.

[0139] However, in the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR are arranged so as to sandwich the portion of the absorbent material 8 corresponding to the indicator 16 from both sides in the width direction of the absorbent material 8. This allows the wearer's sweat to flow down the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8 as follows. ru.

[0140] Figure 17 illustrates the flow of sweat from the wearer on the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8. In Figure 17, the indicator 16 is shown with a dotted line to illustrate its position relative to the absorbent material 8. Also in Figure 17, the spaces for collecting urine and holding feces in the absorbent material 8 are shown as dotted rectangles. Note that the shapes of these spaces in Figure 17 are illustrative and not limited to rectangles.

[0141] As mentioned above, the arrangement of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR means that, for example, sweat produced by the wearer in the crotch area, specifically sweat that is wider than the grooves 8SL and 8SR, flows along the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8 from the edges towards the center, but is blocked by the grooves 8SL and 8SR, or enters the grooves 8SL and 8SR. As a result, this sweat is contained within the area of ​​the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8 that is wider than the grooves 8SL and 8SR, or by penetrating the grooves 8SL and 8SR, preventing it from penetrating into the area between the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR, which is wider than the grooves 8SL and 8SR. Furthermore, even sweat produced by the wearer on the abdomen or back, specifically sweat extending beyond the width of grooves 8SL and 8SR, flows from the front body region 1F or back body region 1R on the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8 towards the crotch region 1B, but is blocked by grooves 8SL and 8SR or enters grooves 8SL and 8SR. As a result, even this type of sweat does not penetrate to the area between the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR on the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8. Therefore, it is possible to suppress false detections by the indicator 16 due to reactions to the moisture content and pH of the sweat.

[0142] Furthermore, in the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the elastic threads 4F4 and 4F5 are positioned in an extended state on the outside in the width direction of the diaper 1 at the ventral ends of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR, so that a space S1 for accumulating urine is formed in the front body region 1F side of the absorbent body 8. In addition, the elastic thread 4R5 is positioned in an extended state on the outside in the width direction of the diaper 1 at the dorsal ends of the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR, so that a space S2 for holding feces is formed in the back body region 1R side of the absorbent body 8. With these spaces S1 and S2 formed, as shown by the arrows in Figure 17, sweat produced by the wearer on the abdomen or back, specifically sweat inside the width direction of the grooves 8SL and 8SR, flows from the front body region 1F side or the back body region 1R side of the skin-facing surface of the absorbent body 8 towards the crotch region 1B side, or enters these spaces S1 and S2 directly. As a result, this type of sweat penetrates into the area of ​​the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8 corresponding to these spaces and is retained there. Furthermore, sweat that flows out of spaces S1 and S2 without penetrating into the areas corresponding to spaces S1 and S2 is guided into grooves 8SL and 8SR and enters grooves 8SL and 8SR. As a result, this type of sweat penetrates into grooves 8SL and 8SR on the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8 and is retained there. Therefore, sweat does not penetrate into the area between the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR, further suppressing false detections by the indicator 16.

[0143] Furthermore, in the diaper 1 according to this embodiment, the distance W between the centerlines of the grooves 8SL and 8SR is 20 mm or more and 50 mm or less, so that a space S1 for collecting urine and a space S2 for holding feces corresponding to an infant are formed in the front body region 1F and the back body region 1R of the diaper 1, and as these spaces S1 and S2 are formed, the area between the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR in the crotch region 1B of the diaper 1 also bulges outwards towards the non-skin side. Because the area between the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR bulges outwards towards the non-skin side, the indicator 16 provided on the back sheet 7 moves away from the wearer's skin. As a result, of the sweat the wearer produces in the crotch area, sweat that is inside the width direction of the grooves 8SL and 8SR is less likely to penetrate into the area between the pair of grooves 8SL and 8SR on the skin-side surface of the absorbent material 8. This further reduces the likelihood of false detections by the sensor 16.

[0144] <Modified form of the fifth embodiment> Next, a modified version of the fifth embodiment of diaper 1 will be described. In the diaper 1 according to the fifth embodiment, the grooves 8SL and 8SR penetrate the absorbent material 8 in the thickness direction, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the diaper 1 according to this modified version, the grooves 8SL and 8SR may be formed in a non-penetrating concave shape, as in the diaper 1 according to the second embodiment. Furthermore, the concave grooves may be formed only on the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8, only on the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8, or on both the skin-facing and non-skin-facing surfaces of the absorbent material 8.

[0145] For example, if a pair of concave grooves are formed on the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8, sweat produced by the wearer that is wider than the concave grooves will be blocked by the grooves or will enter the grooves. As a result, this type of sweat will not penetrate the area between the pair of concave grooves on the skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8. Similarly, if a pair of concave grooves are formed on the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8, sweat produced by the wearer that has wrapped around to the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent material 8 that is wider than the concave grooves will be blocked by the grooves or will enter the grooves. As a result, this type of sweat will not penetrate the area between the pair of concave grooves on the non-skin-facing surface of the absorbent material 8. Therefore, false detections by the indicator 16 can be suppressed.

[0146] Thus, the grooves 8SL, 8SR and the concave grooves can inhibit or guide (control) the movement of sweat, which is one of the liquids excreted by the wearer. On the other hand, as described in the first to fourth embodiments, the grooves 8SL, 8SR and the concave grooves can also promote (control) the movement of urine, which is excreted in larger quantities than sweat.

[0147] Furthermore, while the diaper 1 according to the fifth embodiment used a neutral top sheet 29, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the diaper 1 according to this modified example, a weakly acidic top sheet containing a pH adjusting component may be used, as in the diaper 1 according to the third embodiment. Alternatively, a weakly acidic top sheet may be added to the skin-facing side of the neutral top sheet 29, as in the diaper 1 according to the first embodiment. Because the top sheet in contact with the wearer's skin is weakly acidic, even if backflow occurs as described in the first embodiment, alkaline components such as ammonia contained in the liquid excreted by the wearer, which were held in the absorbent material 8, can be neutralized by the pH adjusting component of the top sheet. Therefore, the wearer's skin can be maintained at a weakly acidic to neutral pH, and skin problems can be suppressed.

[0148] Incidentally, when a weakly acidic top sheet is used, the pH of sweat that passes through the top sheet may change due to the pH adjusting component, and the indicator 16 may react to the changed pH of the sweat, potentially causing a false detection. However, in the diaper 1 according to the fifth embodiment, the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR are arranged to sandwich the part of the absorbent body 8 corresponding to the indicator 16. As a result, sweat produced by the wearer that is wider than the grooves 8SL, 8SR will not penetrate to the area between the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR on the skin-facing surface of the absorbent body 8. Therefore, even when a weakly acidic top sheet is used, false detection by the indicator 16 can be suppressed. Similarly, if a pair of concave grooves are provided in the absorbent body 8 instead of the pair of grooves 8SL, 8SR (through grooves), false detection by the indicator 16 can also be suppressed.

[0149] <Other Embodiments> Next, other embodiments will be described. In the diapers 1 according to the first to fifth embodiments described above, the grooves 8SL, 8SR, grooves 8TL, 8TR, or grooves 8UL, 8UR were formed to extend linearly in the longitudinal direction, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, groove 8SL Grooves 8SL, 8SR, 8TL, 8TR, or 8UL, 8UR may extend outward in the width direction at both ends in the longitudinal direction when the diaper 1 is viewed from above. Grooves 8SL, 8SR, 8TL, 8TR, or 8UL, 8UR only need to have a component in the longitudinal direction.

[0150] As explained above, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an absorbent article that, when a sheet that comes into contact with the wearer's skin is given a weakly acidic property, prevents that property from being impaired by liquids excreted by the wearer.

[0151] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, a space is formed between the first and second sheets by having protrusions on one of the first and second sheets that project toward the other sheet at intervals and support the flat other sheet at multiple locations, or by the absorbent having through holes that penetrate in the thickness direction of the absorbent, so that when the sheet that comes into contact with the wearer's skin is given a weakly acidic property, the property is not impaired by liquids excreted by the wearer.

[0152] Another object of this disclosure is to provide an absorbent article that prevents the urine detector from falsely detecting bodily fluids other than urine from the wearer.

[0153] Furthermore, according to this disclosure, by providing a pair of grooves along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent and positioned on both sides in the width direction of the absorbent so as to sandwich the portion of the absorbent corresponding to the urine detection element, it is possible to suppress false detection of the urine detection element by bodily fluids other than urine from the wearer.

[0154] Furthermore, this application includes the following supplementary matters. <Note 1> An absorbent article having a length along its longitudinal direction and a width along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, absorbent material, A liquid-permeable sheet positioned closer to the wearer than the absorbent material and in contact with the wearer's skin, Equipped with, The absorbent material or the sheet has a structure that controls the movement of liquids excreted from the wearer. Absorbent material. <Note 2> The sheet comprises a first sheet containing a pH adjusting component and a second sheet disposed between the first sheet and the absorbent. A space is formed between the first sheet and the second sheet as a structure to control the movement of the liquid, by having protrusions on one of the first sheet and the second sheet that project toward the other sheet at multiple points with spacing between them to support the flat other sheet. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 1. <Note 3> The aforementioned sheet has a larger surface area than the other sheet, and is attached to the other sheet at multiple points with intervals in between. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 2. <Note 4> The aforementioned sheet is the first sheet, and the aforementioned sheet is the second sheet. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 3. <Note 5> The absorbent body has a pair of grooves extending in the longitudinal direction as a structure to control the movement of the liquid. The absorbent article described in any one of the items 2 to 4 of the appendix. <Note 6> The device further comprises a first expandable portion which expands and contracts in the width direction, having a first expandable member positioned in an extended state on the outside in the width direction of the ventral ends of the pair of grooves, Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 5. <Note 7> The pair of grooves are located on the groin side of the area corresponding to the urethral opening. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 6. <Note 8> The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 5 kg and 13 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the ventral end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 90 mm to 100 mm. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 7. <Note 9> The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 8 kg and 15 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the ventral end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 85 mm to 95 mm. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 7. <Note 10> The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 11 kg and 23 kg, and when folded in half with their longitudinal ends overlapping, the length from the center of the longitudinal direction to the ventral end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 110 mm to 120 mm. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 7. <Note 11> The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 12 kg and 29 kg, and when folded in half with their longitudinal ends overlapping, the length from the longitudinal center to the ventral end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 100 mm to 110 mm. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 7. <Note 12> The first expandable portion further comprises a second expandable member which is positioned in an extended state on the outer side in the width direction of the back end of the pair of grooves. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 6. <Note 13> The pair of grooves are located on the groin side of the area corresponding to the anus. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 12. <Note 14> The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 5 kg and 13 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the back end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 40 mm to 50 mm. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 13. <Note 15> The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 8 kg and 15 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the back end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 65 mm to 75 mm. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 13. <Note 16> The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 11 kg and 23 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the back end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 40 mm to 50 mm. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 13. <Note 17> The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 12 kg and 29 kg, and when folded in half with the longitudinal ends overlapping, the length from the longitudinal center to the back end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 50 mm to 60 mm. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 13. <Note 18> The distance between the centerlines of each of the pair of grooves is 20 mm or more and 50 mm or less. The absorbent article described in any one of the appendices 6 to 17. <Note 19> The pair of grooves penetrate the absorber in the thickness direction. The absorbent article described in any one of the appendices 5 to 18. <Note 20> The pair of grooves are at least one of the following: a concave groove provided on the surface of the absorbent body facing the wearer's skin and recessed on the side opposite to the skin side, and a concave groove provided on the surface of the absorbent body opposite to the skin side and recessed on the side facing the skin side. The absorbent article described in any one of the appendices 5 to 18. <Note 21> The absorbent has through holes that penetrate in the thickness direction of the absorbent as a structure for controlling the movement of the liquid. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 20. <Note 22> The through-hole is provided in at least one of the urethral opening region and the area surrounding the urethral opening region. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 21. <Note 23> The system further comprises a urine detection element positioned on the side opposite to the wearer's skin surface than the absorbent material, The pair of grooves are arranged so as to sandwich the portion of the absorbent body corresponding to the urine detection element from both sides in the width direction of the absorbent body. The absorbent article described in any one of the items 5 to 22 of the appendix. <Note 24> The aforementioned sheet contains a pH adjusting component, The absorbent has through holes that penetrate in the thickness direction of the absorbent as a structure for controlling the movement of the liquid. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 1. <Note 25> The through-hole is provided in at least one of the urethral opening region and the area surrounding the urethral opening region. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 24. <Note 26> The absorbent body has a pair of grooves extending in the longitudinal direction as a structure to control the movement of the liquid. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 24 or 25. <Note 27> The device further comprises a first expandable portion which expands and contracts in the width direction, having a first expandable member positioned in an extended state on the outside in the width direction of the ventral ends of the pair of grooves, Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 26. <Note 28> The pair of grooves are located on the groin side of the area corresponding to the urethral opening. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 27. <Note 29> The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 5 kg and 13 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the ventral end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 90 mm to 100 mm. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 28. <Note 30> The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 8 kg and 15 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the ventral end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 85 mm to 95 mm. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 28. <Note 31> The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 11 kg and 23 kg, and when folded in half with their longitudinal ends overlapping, the length from the center of the longitudinal direction to the ventral end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 110 mm to 120 mm. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 28. <Note 32> The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 12 kg and 29 kg, and when folded in half with their longitudinal ends overlapping, the length from the longitudinal center to the ventral end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 100 mm to 110 mm. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 28. <Note 33> The first expandable portion further comprises a second expandable member which is positioned in an extended state on the outer side in the width direction of the back end of the pair of grooves. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 27. <Note 34> The pair of grooves are located on the groin side of the area corresponding to the anus. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 33. <Note 35> The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 5 kg and 13 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the back end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 40 mm to 50 mm. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 34. <Note 36> The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 8 kg and 15 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the back end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 65 mm to 75 mm. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 34. <Note 37> The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 11 kg and 23 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the back end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 40 mm to 50 mm. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 34. <Note 38> The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 12 kg and 29 kg, and when folded in half with the longitudinal ends overlapping, the length from the longitudinal center to the back end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 50 mm to 60 mm. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 34. <Note 39> The distance between the centerlines of each of the pair of grooves is 20 mm or more and 50 mm or less. The absorbent article described in any one of the items 27 to 38 of the appendix. <Note 40> The pair of grooves are the through holes. The absorbent article described in any one of the appendices 26 to 39. <Note 41> The pair of grooves are at least one of the following: a concave groove provided on the surface of the absorbent body facing the wearer's skin and recessed on the side opposite to the skin side, and a concave groove provided on the surface of the absorbent body opposite to the skin side and recessed on the side facing the skin side. The absorbent article described in any one of the appendices 26 to 39. <Note 42> The system further comprises a urine detection element positioned on the side opposite to the wearer's skin surface than the absorbent material, The pair of grooves are arranged so as to sandwich the portion of the absorbent body corresponding to the urine detection element from both sides in the width direction of the absorbent body. The absorbent article described in any one of the items 26 to 41 of the appendix. <Note 43> A urine detection element is positioned on the side opposite to the wearer's skin surface than the absorbent material, The absorbent further comprises a pair of grooves provided on the absorbent along its longitudinal direction, arranged on both sides in the width direction of the absorbent so as to sandwich the portion of the absorbent corresponding to the urine detection element, The pair of grooves are a structure that controls the movement of the liquid. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 1. <Note 44> The aforementioned sheet contains a pH adjusting component. Absorbent articles as described in Appendix 43. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0155] 1. Diaper 1B...Inseam area 1F ··Front bodice area 1R · Back panel area 2T ··Body opening 2L·Left lower limb opening 2R・Right lower limb opening 3BL, 3BR ··3D Gathered 3R ··Waist Gather 3T Tummy Gather 4F, 4R Cover Sheet 4F2, 4F3, 4F4, 4F5, 4R2, 4R3, 4R4, 4R5, 10L1, 10R1... Elastic thread 4F6, 4R6... Perforations 10L2, 10R2 ·· Turnaround Line 4F7, 4F8, 4R7, 4R8 ·· edge 5F, 5R... Inner cover sheet 6. Pad cover sheet 7. Back seat 8. Absorbent material 8SL,8SR,8SM,8TL,8TR,8UL,8UR··Groove 8TH·Through hole 9,29 ··Top sheet 9A ··Outer top sheet 9B ··Inner Top Sheet 10L, 10R... Side seats 11F, 11R... Ventilation channel forming sheet 11F1, 11R1... Ventilation holes 16. Indicator 30. Anal area 40··Urethral opening area FL ·· Fold line WL··Welded part S1...Space for collecting urine S2...Space for accumulating feces

Claims

1. An absorbent article having a length along its longitudinal direction and a width along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, absorbent material, A first liquid-permeable sheet containing a pH-adjusting component is positioned closer to the wearer than the absorbent material and comes into contact with the wearer's skin. A liquid-permeable second sheet is placed between the first sheet and the absorbent, Equipped with, The first sheet has a larger surface area than the second sheet, and is bonded to the second sheet at multiple points at intervals, supporting the flat second sheet at multiple points, thereby creating a space between the first sheet and the second sheet, such that protrusions projecting toward the other sheet are formed at intervals on one of the first sheet and the second sheet. The first sheet adjusts the pH of the urine that comes into contact with the skin side of the portion between the plurality of locations that adhere the first sheet and the other sheet using the pH adjusting component. Absorbent material.

2. The plurality of locations for bonding one sheet and the other sheet are spaced apart and extend linearly in the longitudinal or widthwise direction. The absorbent article according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned sheet is the first sheet, and the aforementioned sheet is the second sheet. The absorbent article according to claim 2.

4. The absorbent has a pair of grooves that extend in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The present invention further comprises a first expandable portion having a first expandable member that is extended outward in the width direction of the ventral ends of the pair of grooves, and which expands and contracts in the width direction, The absorbent article according to claim 4.

6. The pair of grooves are located on the groin side of the area corresponding to the urethral opening. The absorbent article according to claim 5.

7. The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 5 kg and 13 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the ventral end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 90 mm to 100 mm. The absorbent article according to claim 6.

8. The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 8 kg and 15 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the ventral end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 85 mm to 95 mm. The absorbent article according to claim 6.

9. The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers whose weight is between 11 kg and 23 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the ventral end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 110 mm to 120 mm. The absorbent article according to claim 6.

10. The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 12 kg and 29 kg, and when folded in half with their longitudinal ends overlapping, the length from the longitudinal center to the ventral end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 100 mm to 110 mm. The absorbent article according to claim 6.

11. The first expandable portion further comprises a second expandable member that is extended and positioned on the outer side in the width direction of the back end of the pair of grooves. The absorbent article according to claim 5.

12. The pair of grooves are located on the groin side of the area corresponding to the anus. The absorbent article according to claim 11.

13. The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 5 kg and 13 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the back end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 40 mm to 50 mm. The absorbent article according to claim 12.

14. The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 8 kg and 15 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the back end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 65 mm to 75 mm. The absorbent article according to claim 12.

15. The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 11 kg and 23 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the back end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 40 mm to 50 mm. The absorbent article according to claim 12.

16. The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 12 kg and 29 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the back end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 50 mm to 60 mm. The absorbent article according to claim 12.

17. The distance between the centerlines of each of the pair of grooves is 20 mm or more and 50 mm or less. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 5 to 16.

18. The pair of grooves penetrate the absorber in the thickness direction. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 4 to 17.

19. The pair of grooves are at least one of the following: a concave groove provided on the surface of the absorbent body facing the wearer's skin and recessed on the side opposite to the skin side, and a concave groove provided on the surface of the absorbent body opposite to the skin side and recessed on the side facing the skin side. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 4 to 17.

20. The absorbent has through holes that penetrate in the thickness direction of the absorbent. The absorbent article according to claim 19.

21. The through-hole is provided in at least one of the urethral opening region and the area surrounding the urethral opening region. The absorbent article according to claim 20.

22. The system further comprises a urine detection element positioned on the side opposite to the wearer's skin surface than the absorbent material, The pair of grooves are arranged so as to sandwich the portion of the absorbent body corresponding to the urine detection element from both sides in the width direction of the absorbent body. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 4 to 21.

23. An absorbent article having a length along its longitudinal direction and a width along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, absorbent material, A liquid-permeable sheet containing a pH-adjusting component is positioned closer to the wearer than the absorbent material and comes into contact with the wearer's skin. Equipped with, The absorbent has through holes that penetrate in the thickness direction of the absorbent. Absorbent material.

24. The through-hole is provided in at least one of the urethral opening region and the area surrounding the urethral opening region. The absorbent article according to claim 23.

25. The absorbent has a pair of grooves that extend in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article according to claim 23 or 24.

26. The present invention further comprises a first expandable portion having a first expandable member that is extended outward in the width direction of the ventral ends of the pair of grooves, and which expands and contracts in the width direction, The absorbent article according to claim 25.

27. The pair of grooves are located on the groin side of the area corresponding to the urethral opening. The absorbent article according to claim 26.

28. When the absorbent article is folded in half with its longitudinal ends overlapping, the length from the center in the longitudinal direction to the ventral end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 90 mm to 100 mm. It is located in a facility for infants and toddlers weighing between 5 kg and 13 kg. The absorbent article according to claim 27.

29. The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 8 kg and 15 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the ventral end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 85 mm to 95 mm. The absorbent article according to claim 27.

30. The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers whose weight is between 11 kg and 23 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the ventral end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 110 mm to 120 mm. The absorbent article according to claim 27.

31. The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 12 kg and 29 kg, and when folded in half with their longitudinal ends overlapping, the length from the longitudinal center to the ventral end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 100 mm to 110 mm. The absorbent article according to claim 27.

32. The first expandable portion further comprises a second expandable member that is extended and positioned on the outer side in the width direction of the back end of the pair of grooves. The absorbent article according to claim 26.

33. The pair of grooves are located on the groin side of the area corresponding to the anus. The absorbent article according to claim 32.

34. The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 5 kg and 13 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the back end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 40 mm to 50 mm. The absorbent article according to claim 33.

35. The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 8 kg and 15 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the back end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 65 mm to 75 mm. The absorbent article according to claim 33.

36. The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 11 kg and 23 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the back end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 40 mm to 50 mm. The absorbent article according to claim 33.

37. The absorbent article is intended for infants and toddlers weighing between 12 kg and 29 kg, and when the longitudinal ends are overlapped and folded in half, the length from the longitudinal center to the back end of the pair of grooves is within the range of 50 mm to 60 mm. The absorbent article according to claim 33.

38. The distance between the centerlines of each of the pair of grooves is 20 mm or more and 50 mm or less. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 25 to 37.

39. The pair of grooves are the through holes. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 25 to 38.

40. The pair of grooves are at least one of the following: a concave groove provided on the surface of the absorbent body facing the wearer's skin and recessed on the side opposite to the skin side, and a concave groove provided on the surface of the absorbent body opposite to the skin side and recessed on the side facing the skin side. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 25 to 38.

41. The system further comprises a urine detection element positioned on the side opposite to the wearer's skin surface than the absorbent material, The pair of grooves are arranged so as to sandwich the portion of the absorbent body corresponding to the urine detection element from both sides in the width direction of the absorbent body. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 25 to 40.

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