Absorbent articles

Abstract

Provided is an absorbent article capable of suppressing leakage of liquid that could not be absorbed from edges in the longitudinal direction.　An absorbent article (10) comprises: a first absorbent layer (20) formed with a crushed fibrous material and extending in the longitudinal direction; and a second absorbent layer (30) formed with a sheet-like material retaining an absorbent resin material and falling into the region of the first absorbent layer (20) in the planar view. The first absorbent layer (20) includes, in the planar view, an overlapping part (21k) that overlaps with the region of the second absorbent layer (30), and protruding parts (21p, 21q) that protrude in the longitudinal direction from the region of the second absorbent layer (30). The absorbent article (10) is used so that the first absorbent layer (20) is positioned on the side of a user and the second absorbent layer (30) is positioned on the opposite side of the user relative to the first absorbent layer (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to absorbent articles, and more particularly to absorbent articles used in disposable diapers and the like.

Background Art

[0002] Absorbent articles include an absorbent layer for absorbing and holding liquids. The absorbent layer is composed of crushed fibrous materials or a sheet-like material that holds an absorbent resin material.

[0003] For example, the absorbent article 110 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 includes both absorbent layers. FIG. 9 is a plan view of the absorbent article 110. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line X-X of FIG. 9. The arrow on the right side in FIG. 10 means that the upper side is the skin side of the wearer.

[0004] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the absorbent article 110 first sandwiches an absorbent mat including a sheet-like water-absorbing layer 101 and a fiber assembly layer 106 between a liquid-impermeable back sheet 112 and a liquid-permeable front sheet 111 so that the sheet-like water-absorbing layer 101 faces the front sheet 111 side, and then a liquid-impermeable side sheet 114 is provided so as to cover the side portions from the bottom portion of the absorbent mat. Here, the side sheet 114 is joined to the front sheet 111 and the back sheet 112 in a fixed region A provided at an outward extension portion of the bottom portion of the absorbent mat, and at the upper portion (wearer side) of the absorbent mat, it is joined to the front sheet 111 at the widthwise edge (base end joining portion 115) of the absorbent mat, and further has a rising region B that rises upward from the base end joining portion 115.

[0005] The fiber assembly layer 106 is composed of defibrated pulp fibers, heat-fusible fibers, and absorbent resin powder 103 dispersed in these fibers, and these are integrally formed and wrapped with thin paper (for example, tissue paper).

[0006] The sheet-like water-absorbing layer 101 has a structure in which absorbent resin powder 103 is sandwiched between two non-woven fabrics.

[0007] The wearable article 110 is used with the sheet-like absorbent layer 101 positioned on the wearer's side and the fiber aggregate layer 106 positioned on the opposite side of the sheet-like absorbent layer 101 from the wearer. The wearable article 110 is formed in a roughly gourd shape overall. That is, the middle section C2 in the longitudinal direction is formed to be narrower than the rear section C1 in the longitudinal direction that comes into contact with the wearer's buttocks, so as to be easily fitted to the wearer's crotch, and the front section C3 in the longitudinal direction has a width that does not cause discomfort to the wearer.

[0008] Once the sheet-like absorbent layer 101 absorbs bodily fluids, its thickness increases due to the swelling of the absorbent resin powder 103, thus creating a gap between the final water-retaining layer, the fiber aggregate layer 106, and the wearer's skin (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2004 / 080361 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] The absorbent articles shown in Figures 9 and 10 may leak liquid that cannot be absorbed by the absorbent mat from the fiber aggregate layer 106 or the longitudinal end of the sheet-like water-absorbing layer 101 of the absorbent mat.

[0011] In view of these circumstances, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an absorbent article that can suppress leakage of unabsorbed liquid from the longitudinal end. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides an absorbent article configured as follows.

[0013] The absorbent article comprises (a) a first absorbent layer made of crushed fibrous material extending in the longitudinal direction, and (b) Absorbent resin material and the above Sheet-like material for holding absorbent resin material and The absorbent article comprises a first absorbent layer and a second absorbent layer which, in a plan view, is contained within the region of the first absorbent layer. In a plan view, the first absorbent layer includes an overlapping portion that overlaps with the region of the second absorbent layer and an overhanging portion that extends from the region of the second absorbent layer in the longitudinal direction. The absorbent article is used with the first absorbent layer facing the wearer and the second absorbent layer facing the opposite side of the first absorbent layer from the wearer.

[0014] According to the above configuration, when worn, the liquid passes through the first absorbent layer, a portion of which is retained by the first absorbent layer, and the remaining liquid is absorbed by the second absorbent layer, which contains an absorbent resin material. Any liquid that cannot be absorbed by the second absorbent layer can be absorbed by the overhang portion of the first absorbent layer that extends beyond the area of ​​the second absorbent layer in a plan view.

[0015] Therefore, leakage of unabsorbed liquid from the longitudinal end can be suppressed.

[0016] before The first absorbent layer has a first groove in the region of the first absorbent layer in which the fibrous material is not present, as seen in the plan view. The second absorbent layer has a second groove in the region of the second absorbent layer in which the absorbent resin material is not present, as seen in the plan view. The second groove is in contact with the protruding portion in the plan view.

[0017] In this case, the liquid reaches the second absorption layer faster than it would in the absence of the first groove by passing through it. Furthermore, once the liquid reaches the second groove, it diffuses and is absorbed into the second absorption layer faster than it would in the absence of the second groove. Because the liquid diffuses more easily into the second absorption layer and disappears from the first absorption layer more quickly, skin irritation can be further suppressed.

[0018] Preferably, in the plan view, the first groove is located within the region of the second groove.

[0019] In this case, since the second groove portion of the second absorption layer is larger than the first groove portion of the first absorption layer, compared with the case where the second groove portion is smaller than the first groove portion, the liquid moves from the first absorption layer to the second absorption layer in a shorter time, so that the irritation to the skin can be further suppressed.

[0020] Preferably, the absorbent material Product During use, a part of the protruding portion of the first absorption layer faces the end face of the second absorption layer extending in the thickness direction of the second absorption layer.

[0021] In this case, the liquid that cannot be completely absorbed by the second absorption layer and flows out from the second absorption layer is immediately absorbed by the protruding portion of the first absorption layer located around the second absorption layer.

[0022] Preferably, the first absorption layer contains an absorbent resin material.

[0023] In this case, the amount of liquid absorbed and held by the first absorption layer can be increased.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] The absorbent article of the present invention can suppress leakage of unabsorbed liquid from the longitudinal ends.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of an absorbent article, FIG. 1(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 1(a), and FIG. 1(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 1(a). (Example 1) [Figure 2] FIG. 2(a) is a schematic plan view of the main part of an absorbent article, FIG. 2(b) is a schematic side view taken along line B-B of FIG. 2(a), and FIG. 2(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 2(a). (Example 1) [Figure 3] FIG. 3(a) is a schematic plan view of the main part of an absorbent article, FIG. 3(b) is a schematic side view taken along line B-B of FIG. 3(a), and FIG. 3(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 3(a). (Example 1) [Figure 4] Figure 4(a) is a schematic plan view of the main part of the absorbent article, Figure 4(b) is a schematic side view cut along line BB in Figure 4(a), and Figure 4(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view cut along line CC in Figure 4(a). (Modification example 1) [Figure 5] Figure 5(a) is a schematic plan view of the main part of the absorbent article, Figure 5(b) is a schematic side view cut along line BB in Figure 5(a), and Figure 5(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view cut along line CC in Figure 5(a). (Modified example 2-1) [Figure 6] Figure 6(a) is a schematic plan view of the main part of the absorbent article, Figure 6(b) is a schematic side view cut along line BB in Figure 6(a), and Figure 6(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view cut along line CC in Figure 6(a). (Modified example 2-2) [Figure 7] Figure 7(a) is a schematic plan view of the main part of the absorbent article, Figure 7(b) is a schematic side view cut along line BB in Figure 7(a), and Figure 7(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view cut along line CC in Figure 7(a). (Modification 3) [Figure 8] Figure 8(a) is a schematic plan view of the main part of the absorbent article, Figure 8(b) is a schematic side view cut along line BB in Figure 8(a), and Figure 8(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view cut along line CC in Figure 8(a). (Modification 4) [Figure 9] This is a plan view of an absorbent material. (Conventional Example 1) [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of an absorbent article. (Conventional Example 1) [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] <Example 1> The absorbent article 10 of Example 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the absorbent article 10, and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the main part of the absorbent article 10. More specifically, Figure 1(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 10, Figure 1(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 1(a), and Figure 1(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Figure 1(a). Figure 2(a) is a schematic plan view of the main part of the absorbent article 10, Figure 2(b) is a schematic side view taken along line BB in Figure 2(a), and Figure 2(c) is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Figure 2(a).

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the absorbent article 10 consists of a first absorbent layer 20 and a second absorbent layer 30, which are encased in a liquid-impermeable outer sheet 12. The outer sheet 12 covers the periphery of the first absorbent layer 20 and covers the entire main surface 30t of the second absorbent layer 30 on the side opposite to the first absorbent layer 20.

[0030] The first absorbent layer 20 is composed of crushed fibrous material and extends in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction in Figures 1(b), 1(c), 2(a), and 2(b)). The first absorbent layer 20 is wrapped in, for example, liquid-permeable sheets 26, 28 (e.g., tissue paper). The configuration may also be without the sheets 26, 28.

[0031] The first absorbent layer 20 may or may not contain an absorbent resin material capable of absorbing and retaining liquids, such as granular or powdery SAP (Superabsorbent polymer). If the first absorbent layer 20 contains an absorbent resin material, the amount of liquid absorbed and retained by the first absorbent layer 20 can be increased.

[0032] The second absorbent layer 30 is composed of a sheet-like material that holds an absorbent resin material. The second absorbent layer 30 is formed, for example, by raising the nap of a nonwoven fabric sheet to form a bulky structure, scattering an absorbent resin material onto the bulky structure to arrange the absorbent resin material on the surface and inside of the bulky structure, and then compressing it.

[0033] The first absorption layer 20 and the second absorption layer 30 are arranged so as to overlap each other in a plan view.

[0034] More specifically, as shown in Figures 1(b), 1(c), and 2(a), in a plan view, the second absorption layer 30 is contained within the region of the first absorption layer 20. That is, in a plan view, the second absorption layer 30 is positioned to be contained within the region enclosed by the edges 20p, 20q and the side edges 20m, 20n of the first absorption layer 20.

[0035] In a plan view, the first absorption layer 20 includes an overlapping portion 21k that overlaps with the region of the second absorption layer 30, and overhanging portions 21p and 21q that extend longitudinally beyond the region of the second absorption layer 30. That is, in a plan view, the edges 20p and 30p on one longitudinal side of the first absorption layer 20 and the second absorption layer 30 are separated from each other, while the edges 20q and 30q on the other longitudinal side of the first absorption layer 20 and the second absorption layer 30 are separated from each other.

[0036] Furthermore, in a plan view, the side edges 20m and 30m on one side in the width direction of the first absorption layer 20 and the second absorption layer 30 are separated from each other, while the side edges 20n and 30n on the other side in the width direction are separated from each other. Note that in a plan view, the side edges 20m and 30m on one side in the width direction may overlap, and the side edges 20n and 30n on the other side in the width direction may overlap.

[0037] The first absorption layer 20 has first grooves 22 and 24 in a plan view, within the region of the first absorption layer 20, where no fibrous material is present. The illustration shows the first grooves 22 and 24 penetrating between opposing main surfaces 20s and 20t of the first absorption layer 20, but they may also be closed grooves. The first grooves 22 and 24 extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction of the first absorption layer 20, and in a plan view, the entire circumference of the first grooves 22 and 24 is surrounded by the first absorption layer 20.

[0038] The second absorbent layer 30 is composed of a sheet-like material that holds an absorbent resin material, and a plurality of elemental portions 30a to 30c extending in the longitudinal direction are arranged with spacing between them in the width direction, and second groove portions 32 and 34 are formed between adjacent elemental portions 30a, 30b; 30b, 30c. That is, in a plan view, the second absorbent layer 30 has second groove portions 32 and 34 within the region of the second absorbent layer 30 where no absorbent resin material is present. The second groove portions 32 and 34 extend in the longitudinal direction, and the longitudinal ends 32p, 32q; 34 p 34q is aligned with the edge 30p,30q of the second absorption layer 30.

[0039] The second absorption layer 30 may be formed integrally by arranging element portions 30a to 30c on a base sheet (not shown) with spacing between them in the width direction and joining them together.

[0040] In a plan view, the first grooves 22, 24 and the second grooves 32, 34 overlap each other, and the first grooves 22, 24 are contained within the region of the second grooves 32, 34. More specifically, in a plan view, the second grooves 32, 34 include an intermediate portion that overlaps with the first grooves 22, 24 and extending portions that extend from both sides of the intermediate portion. The longitudinal ends 22p, 24p of the first grooves 22, 24 and the longitudinal ends 32p, 34p of the second grooves 32, 34 are separated from each other, and the other longitudinal ends 22q, 24q of the first grooves 22, 24 and the other longitudinal ends 32q, 34q of the second grooves 32, 34 are separated from each other.

[0041] In a plan view, the first grooves 22, 24 and the second grooves 32, 34 overlap in the width direction, and their respective side edges overlap.

[0042] The absorbent article 10 can be used in wearable items such as disposable diapers, pull-up diapers, and sanitary napkins. The absorbent article 10 is used with the first absorbent layer 20 positioned on the wearer's side and the second absorbent layer 30 positioned on the opposite side of the first absorbent layer 20 from the wearer. When the wearable item is worn, one longitudinal side of the absorbent article 10 is positioned on the wearer's lower abdomen, and the other longitudinal side is positioned on the wearer's buttocks.

[0043] The liquid moves from the overlapping portion 21k at the midpoint of the longitudinal direction of the first absorbent layer 20 of the absorbent article 10 to the second absorbent layer 30. At this time, a portion of the liquid is retained in the first absorbent layer 20, and the remaining liquid passes through the first absorbent layer 20 and is absorbed in the second absorbent layer 30.

[0044] Any liquid that is not absorbed and leaks out of the second absorption layer 30 can be absorbed by the protruding portions 21p and 21q of the first absorption layer 20 that extend longitudinally from the second absorption layer 30 in a plan view. As a result, the absorbent article 10 can suppress leakage of unabsorbed liquid from its longitudinal edges.

[0045] The first absorbent layer 20 can deform less when absorbing liquid than the second absorbent layer 30. Therefore, when the first absorbent layer 20 is located on the wearer's side, the irritation caused to the wearer by liquid absorption is reduced compared to when the second absorbent layer 30 is located on the wearer's side, thereby suppressing discomfort for the wearer.

[0046] The liquid reaches the second absorbent layer 30 faster than it would in the absence of the first grooves 22 and 24 by passing through them. Furthermore, the liquid diffuses and is absorbed into the second absorbent layer 30 more quickly through the second grooves 32 and 34 than in the absence of the second grooves. It then flows out from one end 32p, 34p and / or the other end 32q, 34q of the second grooves 32 and 34 and is absorbed by the protruding portions 21p and / or 21q of the first absorbent layer 20 that extend longitudinally from the second absorbent layer 30 in a plan view. As a result, the liquid disappears more quickly from the first absorbent layer 20 on the wearer's skin side, thus reducing skin irritation.

[0047] Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the absorbent article 10 when it is in use. When a user wears the absorbent article 10, the first absorbent layer 20 is pressed against the wearer's skin side. At this time, in a plan view, parts 21u and 21v of the protruding portions 21p and 21q of the first absorbent layer 20 that extend longitudinally from the second absorbent layer 30 face the end faces 31p and 31q of the second absorbent layer 30 that extend in the thickness direction. That is, parts 21u and 21v of the protruding portions 21p and 21q of the first absorbent layer 20 are located within the facing regions 31u and 31v that face the end faces 31p and 31q of the second absorbent layer 30. In this case, any liquid that cannot be absorbed by the second absorption layer 30 and flows out of the second absorption layer 30 is immediately absorbed by the protruding portions 21p and 21q of the first absorption layer 20 located around the second absorption layer 30.

[0048] Next, various modifications of Example 1 will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 8, which are schematic diagrams of the main parts similar to those in Figure 2. In the following, the same reference numerals as in Example 1 will be used for the same components, and the differences from Example 1 will be the focus of the explanation.

[0049] <Modification 1> In Example 1, in a plan view, the boundary lines of the first grooves 22 and 24 and the boundary lines of the second grooves 32 and 4 are arranged to partially overlap. However, as shown in the absorbent article 10a of Modification 1 in Figure 4, the boundary lines of the first grooves 22 and 24 and the boundary lines of the second grooves 32 and 4 may be arranged so that they do not overlap at all. That is, as shown in Figure 4(a), in a plan view, the first grooves 22 and 24b may be arranged to be within the area of ​​the second grooves 32 and 34 with a gap around the entire circumference between them.

[0050] In the absorbent article 10a of the modified example, the first grooves 22 and 24 are located within the area of ​​the second grooves 32 and 34 in a plan view. Therefore, similar to Example 1, the liquid disappears more quickly from the first absorbent layer on the skin side of the wearer, thus further suppressing skin irritation.

[0051] <Modification 2> In Example 1, the first absorbent layer 20 has first grooves 22, 24 and the second absorbent layer 30 has second grooves 32, 4. However, as shown in Modification 2 in Figures 5 and 6, the absorbent articles 10b and 10c may have a configuration without the first grooves 22, 24 and the second grooves 32, 4.

[0052] The first absorbent layer 20 of the absorbent article 10b shown in Figure 5 includes an overhang portion 21p that extends from the region of the second absorbent layer 30 in one longitudinal direction when viewed in plan, but does not extend from the region of the second absorbent layer 30 in the other longitudinal direction.

[0053] The first absorbent layer 20 of the absorbent article 10c shown in Figure 6 includes an overhang portion 21p that extends from the region of the second absorbent layer 30 in one longitudinal direction in a plan view, and an overhang portion 21q that extends from the region in the other longitudinal direction.

[0054] The absorbent articles 10b and 10c can absorb any liquid that is not absorbed by the second absorbent layer 30 and flows out of the second absorbent layer 30 by the protruding portions 21p and / or 21q of the first absorbent layer 20, thereby suppressing leakage of unabsorbed liquid from the longitudinal ends.

[0055] <Modification 3> As shown in Modification 3 of Figure 7, the absorbent article 10d, the first groove 23 of the first absorbent layer 20 may be located outside the region of the second groove 33 of the second absorbent layer 30.

[0056] In a plan view, the absorbent article 10d has the second absorbent layer 30 positioned within the region of the first groove 23. Compared to a case where the first absorbent layer 20 does not have the first groove 23, liquid is absorbed in a shorter time and disappears more quickly from the first absorbent layer 20 on the wearer's skin side, thus further suppressing skin irritation. Liquid that is not absorbed by the second absorbent layer 30 can be absorbed by the protruding portions 21p and 21q of the first absorbent layer 20 that extend beyond the region of the second absorbent layer 30 in a plan view, thus suppressing leakage of unabsorbed liquid from the longitudinal ends.

[0057] Furthermore, there may be multiple first grooves 23 and / or second grooves 33.

[0058] <Modification 4> As shown in the absorbent article 10e of Modification 4 in Figure 8, the first groove 25 may be arranged to protrude outward in the width direction of the region of the second groove 35 in a plan view.

[0059] In a plan view, the absorbent article 10e has the second absorbent layer 30 and the second groove 35 arranged within the region of the first groove 25. Compared to a case where the first absorbent layer 20 does not have the first groove 25, liquid is absorbed in a shorter time and disappears more quickly from the first absorbent layer 20 on the wearer's skin side, thus further suppressing skin irritation. Liquid that is not absorbed by the second absorbent layer 30 can be absorbed by the protruding portions 21p and 21q of the first absorbent layer 20 that extend beyond the region of the second absorbent layer 30 in a plan view, thus suppressing leakage of unabsorbed liquid from the longitudinal end.

[0060] Furthermore, there may be multiple first grooves 25 and / or second grooves 35.

[0061] <Summary> As explained above, absorbent articles 10, 10a to 10e can suppress leakage of unabsorbed liquid from their longitudinal ends.

[0062] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented with various modifications.

[0063] For example, in a plan view, the shapes of the absorbent article, the first absorbent layer, the second absorbent layer, the first groove, and the second groove are not limited to the rectangular shape shown, but may be formed into any appropriate shape.

[0064] Furthermore, the configurations disclosed in Example 1 and Modifications 1 to 4 may be appropriately selected and combined to construct the absorbent article. For example, some of the multiple first grooves may be arranged within the region of the second groove, while the others are arranged outside the region of the second groove. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0065] 10, 10a~10e Absorbent articles 20. First absorption layer 21k overlapping portion 21p, 21q Overhang 22, 23, 24, 25 First groove section 30 Second absorption layer 31p,31q end face 32, 33, 34, 35 Second groove section

Claims

1. A first absorption layer, composed of crushed fibrous material and extending in the longitudinal direction, It consists of an absorbent resin material and a sheet-like material that holds the absorbent resin material, and in a plan view, the second absorbent layer is contained within the region of the first absorbent layer, Equipped with, The first absorbing layer includes, in a plan view, an overlapping portion that overlaps with the region of the second absorbing layer and an overhanging portion that extends beyond the region of the second absorbing layer in the longitudinal direction. The first absorption layer has, in plan view, a first groove within the region of the first absorption layer in which the fibrous material is not present. The second absorbent layer has a second groove in the region of the second absorbent layer where the absorbent resin material is not present, in the plan view. The second groove portion, in the plan view, is in contact with the protruding portion. An absorbent article used in which the first absorbent layer is located on the wearer's side and the second absorbent layer is located on the opposite side of the first absorbent layer from the wearer.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein, in the plan view, the first groove is located within the region of the second groove.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein, when the absorbent article is used, a portion of the protruding portion of the first absorbent layer faces the end face of the second absorbent layer that extends in the thickness direction of the second absorbent layer.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein, when the absorbent article is used, a portion of the protruding portion of the first absorbent layer faces the end face of the second absorbent layer that extends in the thickness direction of the second absorbent layer.

5. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first absorbent layer comprises an absorbent resin material.

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