Absorbent items

Abstract

The proposed absorbent material is capable of preventing the feeling of ill-fittingness caused by the absorbent pad, while also preventing drawbacks such as skin problems and discomfort. The absorbent material (10) includes: an anterior-posterior (L) and a width (W) direction perpendicular to each other; an absorbent core (45) arranged in the crotch area; and multiple waist pads (70, 75, 76) arranged in the waist area. The waist pads include an absorbent pad (70) in contact with the wearer's skin. The absorbent material includes an absorbent zone (R15) in which the absorbent pad is arranged, the first zone (R11) arranged on the outside in the anterior-posterior direction relative to the absorbent zone, and the second zone (R12) arranged on the outside in the anterior-posterior direction relative to the first zone. The first zone includes fewer waist pads than the number of waist pads in the absorbent zone. The second region contains a greater number of waist plates than the first region.

Description

absorbent articles

[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article having a water-absorbent sheet.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article having a water-absorbent sheet. The water-absorbent sheet is arranged in a waist region that covers the waist of a wearer and is placed so as to be in contact with the wearer's skin. The water-absorbent sheet is capable of absorbing body fluids such as sweat around the waist of the wearer.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-118799

[0004] However, the above-mentioned absorbent articles have the following problems: The absorbent sheet is designed to be in direct contact with the skin, and if the absorbent sheet that has absorbed bodily fluids continues to be in contact with the skin, it may cause skin problems such as rashes or discomfort to the wearer.

[0005] Furthermore, absorbent sheets are made of sheets such as nonwoven fabric. Therefore, the body fluid absorption capacity of absorbent sheets is smaller than that of absorbent cores made of absorbent materials such as pulp. Therefore, if body fluids are excreted in excess of the absorbent sheet's absorption capacity, the body fluids may continue to come into contact with the wearer's skin or moisture may build up, potentially causing skin problems such as rashes or discomfort. Increasing the basis weight of the fibers constituting the absorbent sheet is another way to increase the absorbent sheet's absorption capacity. However, increasing the basis weight of the fibers constituting the absorbent sheet makes the sheet thicker, which can easily cause discomfort when worn.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides an absorbent article that can suppress the discomfort caused by the water-absorbent sheet when worn, while suppressing problems such as skin troubles and discomfort.

[0007] An absorbent article according to one embodiment comprises a front-to-back direction and a width direction that are perpendicular to each other, a crotch region, a waist region that is positioned outside the crotch region in the front-to-back direction and covers the waist of a wearer, an absorbent core that is positioned at least in the crotch region, and multiple waist sheets that are positioned in the waist region. The waist sheet has an absorbent sheet that contacts the wearer's skin. The absorbent article has a water-absorbent region in which the water-absorbent sheet is positioned, a first region that is positioned outside the water-absorbent region in the front-to-back direction, and a second region that is positioned outside the first region in the front-to-back direction. The first region has fewer waist sheets than the water-absorbent region. The second region has a greater number of waist sheets than the first region.

[0008] An absorbent article according to another aspect comprises a front-to-back direction and a width direction that are orthogonal to each other, a crotch region, a waist region positioned outside the crotch region in the front-to-back direction and covering the waist of a wearer, an absorbent core positioned at least in the crotch region, and multiple waist sheets positioned in the waist region. The waist sheet has an absorbent sheet that contacts the wearer's skin. The absorbent article has a water-absorbent region in which the water-absorbent sheet is positioned, a first region positioned outside the water-absorbent region in the front-to-back direction, and a second region positioned outside the first region in the front-to-back direction. The waist sheets include a first waist sheet positioned on the surface closest to the skin in the first region, and a second waist sheet that contacts the surface of the first waist sheet that is not close to the skin. The first waist sheet and the second waist sheet are not joined in the first region, but are joined in the second region.

[0009] Fig. 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article according to a first embodiment in an unfolded state. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a partially enlarged view of part B shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a partially enlarged view of an absorbent article according to a second embodiment. Fig. 5 is a view showing an absorbent article according to a modified example.

[0010] (1) Overview of the Embodiments The following points become clear from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings. The invention according to Aspect 1 is an absorbent article comprising a front-to-back direction and a width direction that are orthogonal to each other, a crotch region, a waist region that is positioned outside the crotch region in the front-to-back direction and covers the waist of a wearer, an absorbent core that is positioned at least in the crotch region, and a plurality of waist sheets that are positioned in the waist region. The waist sheet has an absorbent sheet that contacts the wearer's skin. The absorbent article has a water-absorbent region in which the water-absorbent sheet is positioned, a first region that is positioned outside the water-absorbent region in the front-to-back direction, and a second region that is positioned outside the first region in the front-to-back direction. The first region has fewer waist sheets than the water-absorbent region. The second region has a greater number of waist sheets than the first region. According to this aspect, a first region, which has a smaller number of waistline sheets, is provided further outward in the front-to-back direction than the absorbent region, and a second region, which has a larger number of waistline sheets, is provided further outward in the front-to-back direction than the first region. The number of waistline sheets in the first region is smaller than that in the absorbent region and smaller than that in the second region. The first region is sandwiched between the absorbent region and the second region in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the first region is prone to curling, starting from the absorbent region and the second region. When the absorbent article is deformed due to the wearer's movements, etc., and curling is repeatedly generated and eliminated in the first region, air flows between the waistline region and the wearer, improving moisture evaporation efficiency. Therefore, moisture within the absorbent article is released to the outside of the absorbent article, reducing skin troubles and discomfort. By making the first region easier to curl, problems such as skin troubles and discomfort are suppressed, and since problems such as skin troubles and discomfort are suppressed without changing the configuration of the absorbent sheet itself, discomfort when wearing the absorbent sheet can be suppressed compared to configurations in which the basis weight of the absorbent sheet is increased to increase the absorption capacity.

[0011] The invention according to aspect 2 comprises a waistband having mutually orthogonal longitudinal and transverse directions, a crotch region, a waistband region disposed outside the crotch region in the longitudinal direction and covering the waist of a wearer, an absorbent core disposed at least in the crotch region, and multiple waistband sheets disposed in the waistband region. The waistband sheet has an absorbent sheet that contacts the wearer's skin. The absorbent article has a water-absorbent region in which the water-absorbent sheet is disposed, a first region disposed outside the water-absorbent region in the longitudinal direction, and a second region disposed outside the first region in the longitudinal direction. The waistband sheets have a first waistband sheet disposed on the surface closest to the skin in the first region, and a second waistband sheet that contacts the surface of the first waistband sheet that is not close to the skin. The first waistband sheet and the second waistband sheet are not joined in the first region, but are joined in the second region. According to this aspect, a first region in which the first waistline sheet and the second waistline sheet are not joined is provided outboard of the absorbent region in the front-to-back direction, and a second region in which the first waistline sheet and the second waistline sheet are joined is provided outboard of the first region in the front-to-back direction. The first region is prone to curling starting from the second region. When the absorbent article is deformed due to the wearer's movements, etc., and curling is repeatedly generated and eliminated in the first region, air flows between the waistline region and the wearer, improving moisture evaporation efficiency. This allows moisture within the absorbent article to be released to the outside of the absorbent article, thereby reducing skin troubles and discomfort. By making the first region prone to curling, problems such as skin troubles and discomfort are reduced. Since problems such as skin troubles and discomfort are reduced without changing the configuration of the absorbent sheet itself, discomfort caused by the absorbent sheet when worn is reduced compared to configurations in which the basis weight of the absorbent sheet is increased to increase absorption capacity.

[0012] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 3 may have the following features in the invention according to Aspect 1 or Aspect 2. A plurality of waist elastic members that stretch in the width direction are arranged in the waist region at intervals in the front-to-rear direction. A plurality of the waist elastic members are arranged in the first region. According to this aspect, since a plurality of waist elastic members are arranged in the first region at intervals in the front-to-rear direction, the portions between the waist elastic members in the first region are more likely to curl, starting from the portions where the waist elastic members are arranged in the first region. This makes it easier for curls to be generated and eliminated in the first region, thereby further improving evaporation efficiency.

[0013] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 4 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3. A plurality of the waist elastic members are also arranged in the second region. The maximum spacing between the waist elastic members in the front-to-rear direction in the first region is longer than the maximum spacing between the waist elastic members in the second region. According to this aspect, because the maximum spacing between the waist elastic members in the first region is longer than the maximum spacing between the waist elastic members in the second region, the portions between the waist elastic members in the first region are more likely to deform, making the first region more likely to curl. Furthermore, because the maximum spacing between the waist elastic members in the second region is shorter, the second region fits snugly when curling is repeatedly generated and eliminated in the first region, thereby preventing the absorbent article from shifting position.

[0014] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 5 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4: A plurality of the waist elastic members are also arranged in the absorbent region. The maximum spacing between the waist elastic members in the front-to-rear direction in the first region is longer than the maximum spacing between the waist elastic members in the absorbent region. According to this aspect, since the maximum spacing between the waist elastic members in the first region is longer than the maximum spacing between the waist elastic members in the absorbent region, the portions between the waist elastic members in the first region are more likely to deform, making the first region more likely to curl. Furthermore, since the maximum spacing between the waist elastic members in the absorbent region is shorter, the absorbent region is more likely to maintain a tight fit, allowing the absorbent sheet to continue absorbing body fluids.

[0015] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 6 may have the following features in the inventions according to aspects 1 to 5. The absorbent region, the first region, and the second region are stretchable in the width direction. The contractile force of the first region in the width direction is lower than that of the absorbent region and lower than that of the second region. According to this aspect, the contractile force of the first region is relatively lower than that of the second region and that of the absorbent region, so that the first region is more likely to rise up against the body and curl more easily. Furthermore, the high contractile force of the absorbent region makes it easier for the absorbent region to maintain a tight fit, allowing the absorbent sheet to continue absorbing bodily fluids. Furthermore, the relatively high contractile force of the second region allows the second region to fit tightly when the first region repeatedly curls and disappears, thereby preventing the absorbent article from shifting position.

[0016] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 7 may have the following characteristics in the invention according to aspect 6. The contractile force in the width direction of the absorbent region is lower than the contractile force in the width direction of the second region. According to this aspect, since the contractile force in the width direction of the absorbent region is relatively low, the absorbent sheet that has absorbed body fluids does not adhere too closely to the skin, thereby preventing problems caused by moisture in the absorbent sheet continuing to touch the skin. Meanwhile, the second region has a relatively high contractile force in the width direction and fits the body well. Therefore, when the first region repeatedly generates and disappears tangles, the second region fits tightly to the body, preventing displacement of the absorbent article.

[0017] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 8 may have the following feature in the invention according to aspect 7: The contractile force of the absorbent region in the width direction is higher than the contractile force of the second region in the width direction. According to this aspect, the relatively high contractile force of the absorbent region makes it easier for the absorbent region to adhere to the skin, making it easier to achieve the effect of absorbing body fluids by the absorbent sheet.

[0018] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 9 may have the following characteristics in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8. The bending stiffness in the front-to-rear direction of the first region is lower than the bending stiffness in the front-to-rear direction of the absorbent region and lower than the bending stiffness in the front-to-rear direction of the second region. According to this aspect, the bending stiffness in the front-to-rear direction of the first region is lower, so that the first region is more likely to bunch up starting from the absorbent region and the second region. This allows air to flow between the waist region and the wearer, improving moisture evaporation efficiency.

[0019] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 10 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 9. The thickness of the first region is thinner than the thickness of the absorbent region and thinner than the thickness of the second region. According to this aspect, the first region is more likely to curl from the absorbent region and the second region. Furthermore, because the thickness of the first region is thin, a larger space can be provided between the wearer and the absorbent article in the first region, improving air fluidity.

[0020] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 11 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 10. The absorbent article has an absorbent main body including an absorbent core, a liquid-permeable top sheet covering the skin side of the absorbent core, and a liquid-impermeable back sheet covering the non-skin side of the absorbent core. In the front-to-rear direction, the outer edge of the absorbent main body is located inside the outer edge of the absorbent region and outside the inner edge of the absorbent region. According to this aspect, the absorbent main body is disposed in the absorbent region, but not in the first region. Therefore, due to the bending rigidity, thickness, etc. of the absorbent region, the absorbent region is less likely to deform, making it easier to maintain contact with the absorbent sheet. On the other hand, the first region is more deformable than the absorbent region, allowing air to flow between the waist region and the wearer, thereby improving moisture evaporation efficiency.

[0021] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 12 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11: The length of the first region in the front-to-rear direction is longer than at least one of the length of the water absorption region in the front-to-rear direction and the length of the second region in the front-to-rear direction. According to this aspect, the length of the first region in the front-to-rear direction can be ensured, making the first region more likely to curl. Furthermore, by ensuring the length of the first region in the front-to-rear direction, the area over which curling occurs is increased, and the air flow caused by the curling can be further improved.

[0022] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 13 may have the following feature in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12: The waistline sheet arranged in the first region is arranged to straddle the absorbent region and the second region. According to this aspect, by arranging the waistline sheet to straddle the first region, the absorbent region, and the second region, force is easily transmitted across each region (force is less likely to be separated between regions), and the first region is more likely to curl starting from the absorbent region and the second region.

[0023] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 14 may be the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13, and may have the following features: The waist sheet has a first waist sheet arranged on the side closest to the skin in the first region. The first waist sheet is also arranged on the side closest to the skin in the second region. According to this aspect, because the first waist sheet is arranged on the side closest to the skin in both the first region and the second region, air between the wearer and the absorbent article is likely to flow in the front-to-back direction along the surface of the first waist sheet. Therefore, when air flows between the absorbent article and the wearer in the first region, the air flow is likely to be guided along the first waist sheet to the second region. The second region is located on the waist opening side, and air within the absorbent article is likely to be released to the outside of the absorbent article via the second region.

[0024] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 15 may be the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 14, and have the following features: The waist region has a front waist region that is applied to the wearer's abdominal side and a rear waist region that is applied to the wearer's dorsal side. The water-absorbing region and the first region are provided in the front waist region and the rear waist region, respectively. The length of the first region in the rear waist region in the front-to-back direction is longer than the length of the first region in the front waist region in the front waist region. Generally, bodily fluids such as sweat are more likely to be generated on the back side than on the abdominal side. According to this aspect, the length of the first region in the rear waist region in the front-to-back direction is longer, thereby improving the efficiency of moisture evaporation in the rear waist region and reducing skin problems and discomfort.

[0025] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 16 may be the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 15, and may have the following features: The waist sheet has a stretch sheet that is stretchable in the width direction. The stretch sheet is arranged across the water-absorbent region, the first region, and the second region. In the waist region, a plurality of waist elastic members that stretch in the width direction are arranged at intervals in the front-to-rear direction. The waist elastic members are arranged in the second region. According to this aspect, a stretch sheet and waist elastic members are arranged in the second region, providing a better fit to the body. The stretch sheet allows the water-absorbent region, the first region, and the second region as a whole to fit the body, while deforming the first region starting from the second region, thereby further enhancing the fluidity of air due to the tuft.

[0026] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 17 may have the following feature in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 16: In the front-rear direction, the distance between the inner edge of the first region and the outer edge of the water absorption region is 10 mm or less.

[0027] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 18 may have the following characteristics in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 17: The absorbent region has a first absorbent region extending inward in the front-to-rear direction from the outer edge of the absorbent region in the front-to-rear direction and arranged so that the absorbent sheet can stand up toward the skin side, and a second absorbent region extending inward in the front-to-rear direction from the inner edge of the first absorbent region in the front-to-rear direction and arranged so that the absorbent sheet cannot stand up toward the skin side.

[0028] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 19 may be the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 18, and may have the following features: The number of waist sheets in the first region is the same as the number of waist sheets in the water absorbent region. The number of waist sheets in the first region is the same as the number of waist sheets in the water absorbent region.

[0029] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 20 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 19: The length of the first region in the front-rear direction is 10 mm or more.

[0030] (2) Embodiments of Absorbent Articles Absorbent articles according to embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by identical or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the dimensions may differ from those of the actual product. Therefore, specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following description. Furthermore, the drawings may include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a front view of an absorbent article 10A according to a first embodiment in an unfolded state. The plan view shown in FIG. 1 is a view of the absorbent article in an extended state, as seen from the skin side. The "extended state" in the present invention refers to a state in which the absorbent article 10 is extended to a state in which no wrinkles are formed, with the side joints 60 (described later) unfolded. The "natural state" in the present invention refers to a state in which, for an absorbent article housed in a package, the absorbent article is removed from the package and left in an atmosphere of 20°C ± 2°C and a relative humidity of 60% ± 5% RH for 24 hours. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1 , and FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of portion B shown in FIG. 2 . FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an absorbent article 10B according to a second embodiment. The cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view based on the cross section of FIG. 3 . In the following description, the characteristic features of the first embodiment will be described as the configuration of the absorbent article 10A, and the characteristic features of the second embodiment will be described as the configuration of the absorbent article 10B. The configuration common to the first and second embodiments will be described as the configuration of the absorbent article 10 .

[0032] The absorbent article 10 may be any absorbent article having a waist region that covers the waist of a wearer, and examples thereof include disposable diapers and shorts-type napkins. The absorbent article 10 has a front-to-rear direction L and a width direction W that are perpendicular to each other. The front-to-rear direction L is defined by the direction extending from the front side to the back side of the body. In other words, the front-to-rear direction L is the direction extending from front to back in the unfolded absorbent article 10. The absorbent article 10 also has a thickness direction T that is perpendicular to both the front-to-rear direction L and the width direction W. The thickness direction T extends between a skin side T1 that faces the wearer and a non-skin side T2 that faces away from the wearer.

[0033] The absorbent article 10 has a crotch region S3 and a waist region that is positioned outside the crotch region S3 in the front-to-back direction L and covers the waist of the wearer. The waist region may have a front waist region S1 and a rear waist region S2. The waist region may be either the front waist region S1 or the rear waist region S2. The front waist region S1 is a region that is placed against the wearer's stomach. The rear waist region S2 is a region that is placed against the wearer's back. The crotch region S3 is a region that is located under the crotch of the wearer and is located between the front waist region S1 and the rear waist region S2.

[0034] The absorbent article 10 may be provided with side joints 60 joining the outer sides of the front waistline region S1 and the rear waistline region S2. The side joints 60 are defined by portions where the outer sides of the front waistline region S1 and the rear waistline region S2 are engaged with each other, and may extend along the front-to-rear direction L in each of the front waistline region S1 and the rear waistline region S2. Here, the "outer sides" in the present invention refer to portions occupying a certain range in the width direction W, including the edges in the width direction W, and the "outer edges" refer to the edges in the width direction W. FIG. 2 shows the absorbent article 10 unfolded after the side joints 60 are released. With the side joints 60 formed, the absorbent article 10 is formed with a waistline opening 62 through which the wearer's waist is passed and a pair of leg openings 65 through which the wearer's legs are inserted. The waistline opening 62 is defined by the front edge of the front waistline region S1 and the rear edge of the rear waistline region S2. The boundary between the front waist region S1 and the crotch region S3 may be defined by the rear end edge of the side joint 60 provided in the front waist region S1, and the boundary between the rear waist region S2 and the crotch region S3 may be defined by the front end edge of the side joint 60 provided in the rear waist region S2.

[0035] A plurality of waist-surrounding sheets are arranged in the waist region. The waist-surrounding sheets are sheets arranged in the waist region other than the absorbent body 40, which will be described later. The waist-surrounding sheets may be made of, for example, a nonwoven fabric sheet. The waist-surrounding sheets have a water-absorbent sheet 70 that contacts the wearer's skin. The water-absorbent sheet 70 may include a front water-absorbent sheet 71 arranged in the front waist region S1 and a rear water-absorbent sheet 72 arranged in the rear waist region S2. In this embodiment, the water-absorbent sheet 70 is arranged in both the front waist region S1 and the rear waist region S2. In a modified example, the water-absorbent sheet 70 may be arranged in only one of the front waist region S1 and the rear waist region S2. In the following description, the common configuration of the front water-absorbent sheet 71 and the rear water-absorbent sheet 72 will be described as the configuration of the water-absorbent sheet 70. The water-absorbent sheet 70 is arranged on the surface of the waist region closest to the skin T1 and contacts the wearer's skin. The absorbent sheet 70 is a sheet capable of absorbing body fluids such as sweat. When worn, the absorbent sheet 70 comes into contact with the wearer's skin and absorbs body fluids such as sweat. The absorbent sheet 70 is joined to a member such as a sheet located on the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent sheet 70 by an adhesive or other bonding means.

[0036] The absorbent sheet 70 may be composed of a single layer of sheet or multiple layers of sheets. The absorbent sheet 70 may have a pulp sheet containing at least pulp fibers. Examples of pulp fibers include wood pulp and non-wood pulp. Examples of wood pulp include softwood pulp and hardwood pulp, and examples of non-wood pulp include cotton pulp, hemp pulp, straw pulp, bamboo pulp, bagasse pulp, reed pulp, and kenaf pulp. The pulp sheet may contain hydrophilic fibers other than pulp fibers. Examples of hydrophilic fibers include natural fibers such as regenerated cellulose fibers (rayon, viscose rayon, etc.), semi-synthetic cellulose fibers (acetate fibers, etc.), and refined cellulose fibers. The pulp sheet may contain pulp fibers but not thermoplastic fibers.

[0037] The water-absorbent sheet 70 may have a water-absorbent nonwoven fabric sheet. The water-absorbent nonwoven fabric sheet may overlap the pulp sheet in the thickness direction T. The water-absorbent nonwoven fabric sheet may have thermoplastic fibers. Examples of thermoplastic resin fibers include polyolefin polymers (polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene terephthalate, etc.), polyamide polymers, acrylic polymers, fibers using these, and fibers formed by combining these. The water-absorbent sheet 70 may have at least one of a pulp sheet and a water-absorbent nonwoven fabric sheet. The water-absorbent sheet 70 of this embodiment is formed from a single layer of water-absorbent nonwoven fabric sheet.

[0038] The waistline sheet includes sheets other than the water-absorbent sheet 70. The waistline sheet may include a first waistline sheet 35 arranged on the surface closest to the skin side T1 in a first region R11 described below, and a second waistline sheet 36 arranged on the non-skin side T2 of the first waistline sheet 35. The first waistline sheet 35 and the second waistline sheet 36 may be formed from separate sheets, or the same sheet may be folded over to form the first waistline sheet 35 and the second waistline sheet 36. In this embodiment, the first sheet 75 and the second sheet 76 form the first waistline sheet 35 and the second waistline sheet 36. The first sheet 75 covers the non-skin side of the absorbent main body 40. The second sheet 76 has a non-folded portion 761 located closer to the skin side T2 than the first sheet 75, and a folded portion 762 folded toward the skin side T1 from the waist opening 62 (the front edge of the front waist region S1 and the rear edge of the rear waist region S2). The folded portion 762 of the second sheet 76 is located on the skin side T1 of the first sheet 75. The folded portion 762 may be spaced apart from the outer edge 70E of the water-absorbent sheet 70 in the front-to-back direction L. Here, the outer edge in the present invention refers to an edge located on the outer side in the front-to-back direction L, and the inner edge refers to an edge located on the inner side in the front-to-back direction L. In this embodiment, the first sheet 75, the second sheet 76, and the water-absorbent sheet 70 constitute the "waist sheet" of the present invention. The first sheet 75 and the second sheet 76 contain thermoplastic fibers. In this embodiment, the basis weight of the first sheet 75 and the basis weight of the second sheet 76 are each 10 g / m ２ ~35g / m ２The first sheet 75 and the second sheet 76 may be made of a spunbond nonwoven fabric, an SMS nonwoven fabric, or a point-bond nonwoven fabric.

[0039] The waist region may be provided with waist elastic members 32 that stretch in the width direction W. The waist elastic members 32 may be made of, for example, rubber thread that stretches in the width direction W or an elastic sheet that stretches in the width direction W. A plurality of waist elastic members 32 may be arranged at intervals in the front-to-rear direction L. A plurality of waist elastic members 32 may be arranged in each of the front waist region S1 and the rear waist region S2. The waist elastic members 32 include a first waist elastic member 321 that is arranged between the folded-back portion 762 and the non-folded portion 761 of the second sheet 76, and a second waist elastic member 322 that is arranged inward in the front-to-rear direction L from the first waist elastic member 321 and that is arranged between the first sheet 75 and the non-folded portion 761 of the second sheet 76. The first waist elastic member 321 is arranged in a third region R13 described later, and the second waist elastic member 322 is arranged in a first region R11, a second region R12, and a water absorption region R15 described later. Leg elastic members 38 may be arranged in the waist region along the leg openings 65.

[0040] The absorbent article 10 has an absorbent core 45 disposed at least in the crotch region S3. The absorbent core 45 may contain, for example, fluff pulp, superabsorbent polymer (SAP), or a mixture thereof. The absorbent core 45 is disposed at least in the crotch region S3. Preferably, the absorbent core 45 may extend from the front waist region S1 to the rear waist region S2 in the front-to-rear direction L. The absorbent core 45 may be covered by a core wrap.

[0041] The absorbent article 10 may have an absorbent body 40. The absorbent body 40 has an absorbent core 45, a liquid-permeable top sheet 41 covering the skin side T1 of the absorbent core 45, and a liquid-impermeable back sheet 42 covering the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent core 45. The absorbent body 40 may be disposed in at least the crotch region S3 and may extend into the front waist region S1 and the rear waist region S2. The absorbent body 40 may be configured as a separate body from the waist sheet. The absorbent body 40 may have a non-skin side sheet 43 covering the non-skin side T2 of the back sheet 42. The top sheet 41 and the non-skin side sheet 43 may be configured from nonwoven fabric. The back sheet 42 may be configured from a film.

[0042] The absorbent article 10 of this embodiment is configured to suppress problems such as skin troubles and discomfort while suppressing discomfort caused by the water-absorbent sheet 70 when worn. Next, a description will be given of a configuration for suppressing problems such as skin troubles and discomfort while suppressing discomfort caused by the water-absorbent sheet 70 when worn. The configurations for suppressing problems such as skin troubles and discomfort while suppressing discomfort caused by the water-absorbent sheet 70 when worn can be broadly divided into a first embodiment and a second embodiment.

[0043] The absorbent article 10 has an absorbent region R15, a first region R11, and a second region R12. The absorbent region R15 is the region in which the absorbent sheet 70 is disposed in a plan view, and its range in the front-to-rear direction L is shown in Figure 3. The inner edge of the absorbent region R15 is the inner edge 70I of the absorbent sheet 70, and the outer edge of the absorbent region R15 is the outer edge 70E of the absorbent sheet 70. The absorbent sheet 70 is disposed over the entire width direction W of the waist region, and the range of the absorbent region R15 in the width direction W is the region sandwiched between the outer edges on both sides of the waist region. The first region R11 is disposed outboard of the absorbent region R15 in the front-to-rear direction L. The second region R12 is disposed outboard of the first region R11 in the front-to-rear direction L.

[0044] In the absorbent article 10A according to the first embodiment, the first region R11 has fewer waist-surrounding sheets than the absorbent region R15. The number of waist-surrounding sheets in the first region R11 may be smaller than the number of waist-surrounding sheets in at least a portion of the absorbent region R15. Therefore, the absorbent region R15 may have a portion with the same number of waist-surrounding sheets as the first region R11, or a portion with a greater number of waist-surrounding sheets than the first region R11. However, preferably, the number of waist-surrounding sheets in the entire absorbent region R15 may be greater than the number of waist-surrounding sheets in the first region R11, and the number of waist-surrounding sheets in the entire first region R11 may be smaller than the number of waist-surrounding sheets in the absorbent region R15. The range of the first region R11 in the front-rear direction L is shown in FIG. 3. In the absorbent article 10A according to the first embodiment, the second region R12 has a greater number of waist-surrounding sheets than the first region R11. The range of the second region R12 in the front-rear direction L is shown in FIG.

[0045] In the absorbent article 10A according to the first embodiment, a first region R11, which has a smaller number of waistline sheets, is provided outward of the absorbent region R15 in the front-to-rear direction L, and a second region R12, which has a larger number of waistline sheets, is provided outward of the first region R11 in the front-to-rear direction L. The number of waistline sheets in the first region R11 is smaller than that in the absorbent region R15 and smaller than that in the second region R12. The first region R11 is sandwiched between the absorbent region R15 and the second region R12 in the front-to-rear direction L. Therefore, the first region R11 is prone to curling starting from the absorbent region R15 and the second region R12, and is prone to lifting in the thickness direction and then disappearing. When the absorbent article 10A is deformed due to the wearer's movements, etc., and curling is repeatedly generated and disappeared in the first region R11, air flows between the waistline region and the wearer, improving moisture evaporation efficiency. As a result, moisture within the absorbent article 10A is released to the outside of the absorbent article 10A, thereby reducing skin troubles and discomfort. Furthermore, air flow between the waist region and the wearer facilitates evaporation of body fluids absorbed by the absorbent sheet 70, reducing skin troubles and discomfort. By making the first region R11 more prone to curling, problems such as skin troubles and discomfort are reduced, and problems such as skin troubles and discomfort are reduced without changing the configuration of the absorbent sheet 70 itself. Therefore, discomfort caused by the absorbent sheet 70 when worn is reduced compared to configurations in which the basis weight of the absorbent sheet 70 is increased to increase absorption capacity.

[0046] The absorbent region R15, first region R11, and second region R12 of the first embodiment are configured as follows. The folded-back portion 762 of the second sheet 76 is located in the second region R12, but not in the first region R11. In the first region R11, the first sheet 75 is located on the surface closest to the skin side T1, and the first sheet 75 constitutes the first waistline sheet 35. In the first region R11, the non-folded-back portion 761 of the second sheet 76 is located on the non-skin side T2 of the first sheet 75, and the second sheet 76 constitutes the second waistline sheet 36. The absorbent region R15 contains the absorbent sheet 70, the non-folded-back portions 761 of the first sheet 75, and the second sheet 76, and the number of waistline sheets in the absorbent region R15 is three. The first region R11 includes a first sheet 75 as the first waistline sheet 35 and a non-folded portion 761 as the second waistline sheet 36. The first region R11 includes two waistline sheets. The inner edge of the first region R11 is the outer edge of the absorbent region R15. However, in a modified example, the inner edge of the first region R11 may be spaced apart from the outer edge of the absorbent region R15 in the front-to-rear direction L. The second region R12 includes the non-folded portion 761 of the second sheet 76, the first sheet 75, and a folded portion 762 of the second sheet 76. The second region R12 includes three waistline sheets. The inner edge of the second region R12 is the outer edge of the first region R11 and coincides with the inner edge of the folded portion 762. The outer edge of the second region R12 is the outer edge of the first sheet 75. In this embodiment, the outer edge of the first sheet 75 is located inside the outer edge of the waist region (waist opening) in the front-rear direction L. Therefore, the outer edge of the second region R12 is spaced apart from the outer edge of the waist region and located inside the outer edge of the second region R12 in the front-rear direction L. A third region R13 is provided outside the outer edge of the first sheet 75 in the front-rear direction L, and the number of waist sheets is less than that of the second region R12. However, in a modified example, the outer edge of the first sheet 75 may extend to the outer edge of the waist region, and the second region R12 may extend to the outer edge of the waist region. In other words, the third region R13 may not be provided.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 4, in the absorbent article 10B according to the second embodiment, the first waistline sheet 35 and the second waistline sheet 36 are not joined in the first region R11, and the first waistline sheet 35 and the second waistline sheet 36 are joined in the second region R12. The range of the first region R11 in the front-to-rear direction L is shown in Fig. 4. In the absorbent article 10B according to the second embodiment, the first waistline sheet 35 and the second waistline sheet 36 are joined in the second region R12. The range of the second region R12 in the front-to-rear direction L is shown in Fig. 4.

[0048] In the absorbent article 10B according to the second embodiment, a first region R11, in which the first waistline sheet 35 and the second waistline sheet 36 are not joined, is provided outward of the absorbent region R15 in the front-to-rear direction L. A second region R12, in which the first waistline sheet 35 and the second waistline sheet 36 are joined, is provided outward of the first region R11 in the front-to-rear direction L. The first region R11 is prone to curling starting from the second region R12. When the absorbent article 10B is deformed due to the wearer's movements, etc., and curling is repeatedly generated and eliminated in the first region R11, air flows between the waistline region and the wearer, improving moisture evaporation efficiency. This allows moisture within the absorbent article 10B to be released to the outside of the absorbent article 10B, reducing skin troubles and discomfort. By making it easier for the first region R11 to curl, problems such as skin troubles and discomfort are suppressed, and since problems such as skin troubles and discomfort are suppressed without changing the configuration of the absorbent sheet 70 itself, the discomfort felt when wearing the absorbent sheet 70 can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the basis weight of the absorbent sheet 70 is increased to increase the absorption capacity.

[0049] The absorbent region R15, first region R11, and second region R12 of the second embodiment are configured as follows. The folded-back portion 762 of the second sheet 76 is disposed in the second region R12 and the first region R11, but is not disposed in the absorbent region R15. In the first region R11, the folded-back portion 762 of the second sheet 76 is disposed on the surface closest to the skin side T1, and constitutes the first waistline sheet 35. The first sheet 75 is disposed on the non-skin side T2 of the folded-back portion 762 of the second sheet 76, and constitutes the second waistline sheet 36. The folded-back portion 762 of the second sheet 76 serving as the first waistline sheet 35 is joined to the first sheet 75 serving as the second waistline sheet 36 in the second region R12, but is not joined to the first sheet 75 in the first region R11. 4 shows a joining portion 37 joining the first waistline sheet 35 and the second waistline sheet 36. The joining portion 37 may be formed by an adhesive. Note that although the folded portion 762 in the second embodiment is not disposed in the water absorption region R15, it may be disposed in the water absorption region R15. Also, in the second embodiment, the number of waistline sheets in the first region R11 is the same as the number of waistline sheets in the second region R12, but may be less than or greater than the number of waistline sheets in the second region R12.

[0050] Next, a preferred configuration for both the first and second embodiments will be described. A plurality of waist elastic members 32 may be arranged in the first region R11. According to this aspect, since a plurality of waist elastic members 32 are arranged in the first region R11 at intervals in the front-to-rear direction L, the portions between the waist elastic members 32 in the first region R11 are more likely to curl, starting from the portions where the waist elastic members 32 are arranged in the first region R11. This makes it easier for curls to form and disappear in the first region R11, thereby further improving moisture evaporation efficiency. In this embodiment, three waist elastic members 32 are arranged in the first region R11 at intervals in the front-to-rear direction L.

[0051] A plurality of waist elastic members 32 may also be arranged in the second region R12. The maximum spacing in the front-to-rear direction L between the waist elastic members 32 in the first region R11 may be longer than the maximum spacing in the front-to-rear direction L between the waist elastic members 32 in the second region R12. Because the maximum spacing between the waist elastic members 32 in the first region R11 is longer than the maximum spacing between the waist elastic members 32 in the second region R12, the portions between the waist elastic members 32 in the first region R11 are more likely to deform, making the first region R11 more susceptible to curling. Furthermore, because the maximum spacing between the waist elastic members 32 in the second region R12 is shorter, the second region R12 fits snugly when curling is repeatedly generated and eliminated in the first region R11, thereby preventing the absorbent article 10 from shifting position. Furthermore, the average spacing in the front-to-rear direction L between the waist elastic members 32 in the first region R11 may be longer than the average spacing in the front-to-rear direction L between the waist elastic members 32 in the second region R12. This configuration also provides the effect of making the first region R11 easier to curl and the effect of the second region R12 fitting snugly to prevent the absorbent article 10 from shifting position.

[0052] Multiple waist elastic members 32 may also be arranged in the second region R12. The maximum spacing in the front-to-rear direction L between the waist elastic members 32 in the first region R11 may be longer than the maximum spacing in the front-to-rear direction L between the waist elastic members 32 in the absorbent region R15. Because the maximum spacing between the waist elastic members 32 in the first region R11 is longer than the maximum spacing between the waist elastic members 32 in the absorbent region R15, the portions between the waist elastic members 32 in the first region R11 are more likely to deform, making the first region R11 more likely to curl. Furthermore, because the maximum spacing between the waist elastic members 32 in the absorbent region R15 is shorter, the absorbent region R15 is more likely to maintain a tight fit, allowing the absorbent sheet to continue absorbing body fluids. Furthermore, the average spacing in the front-to-rear direction L between the waist elastic members 32 in the first region R11 may be longer than the average spacing in the front-to-rear direction L between the waist elastic members 32 in the absorbent region R15. This configuration also provides the effect of making the first region R11 easier to curl and the effect of the absorbent region R15 fitting snugly so that the absorbent sheet 70 continues to absorb bodily fluids.

[0053] The number of waist elastic members 32 in the first region R11 may be fewer than the number of waist elastic members 32 in the absorbent region R15 and fewer than the number in the second region R12. Because the number of waist elastic members 32 in the first region R11 is relatively small, the first region R11 does not fit too closely to the wearer, making the first region R11 more susceptible to deformation and curling. Furthermore, because the number of waist elastic members 32 in the absorbent region R15 is relatively large, the absorbent region R15 is more likely to maintain a good fit, allowing the absorbent sheet 70 to continue absorbing bodily fluids. Furthermore, because the number of waist elastic members 32 in the second region R12 is relatively large, the second region R12 fits well even when curling is repeatedly generated and eliminated in the first region R11, preventing the absorbent article 10 from shifting position.

[0054] In this embodiment, the waist elastic members 32 are arranged in the absorbent region R15, the first region R11, and the second region R12. The absorbent region R15, the first region R11, and the second region R12 are stretchable in the width direction W. The contractile force of the first region R11 in the width direction W may be lower than that of the absorbent region R15 in the width direction W and lower than that of the second region R12 in the width direction W. According to this aspect, the contractile force of the first region R11 is relatively lower than that of the second region R12 and the absorbent region R15, so the first region R11 tends to rise up relative to the body and become more prone to curling. Furthermore, the high contractile force of the absorbent region R15 makes it easier for the absorbent region R15 to maintain a snug fit, allowing the absorbent sheet 70 to continue absorbing bodily fluids. Furthermore, since the contractile force of the second region R12 is relatively high, the second region R12 fits tightly to the first region R11 when the formation and disappearance of tufts is repeated, thereby preventing the absorbent article 10 from shifting position.

[0055] "Contractile force" refers to the ease of shrinkage in the width direction W, and can be measured as follows. First, the side joints of the absorbent article 10 are torn, and the absorbent article 10 is laid out to obtain a sample of the front waist region S1 and a sample of the rear waist region S2. The water-absorbing region R15, the first region R11, and the second region R12 are cut out from the front waist region S1 and the rear waist region S2. Then, for each sample, 10 mm of each end in the width direction W is designated as a gripping portion, and the portion other than the gripping portions is designated as the remaining portion. The dimension LA (mm) in the width direction W when the remaining portion is spread out without wrinkles in the front-to-back direction L and the width direction W (dimension in a 100% stretched state) is measured in advance. Next, the gripping portions of the sample are held by upper and lower chucks of a tensile tester (for example, an Autograph AGS-X manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation), and the space between the upper and lower chucks is widened to stretch the sample in the contracted state in the width direction W to a length of 85% of the above-mentioned LA at a pulling rate of 100 (mm / min), and then the space between the chucks is narrowed to a length of 70% of LA. The force in this narrowed state is defined as the contraction force (N).

[0056] The contractile force of the absorbent region R15 in the width direction W may be lower than that of the second region R12 in the width direction W. According to this embodiment, the relatively low contractile force of the absorbent region R15 in the width direction W prevents the absorbent sheet 70, which has absorbed bodily fluids, from adhering too closely to the skin, thereby preventing problems caused by moisture in the absorbent sheet 70 continuously contacting the skin. Meanwhile, the second region R12 has a relatively high contractile force in the width direction W and fits the body well. Therefore, when the first region R11 repeatedly generates and disappears a tangle, the second region R12 fits snugly to the body, preventing the absorbent article 10 from shifting out of position. Furthermore, the contractile force of the third region, which is located further outboard than the second region R12 in the front-to-rear direction, in the width direction may be higher than that of the first region R11, preferably higher than that of the second region R12. The third region R13 fits snugly to the body, more easily preventing the absorbent article 10 from shifting out of position.

[0057] In a modified example, the contractile force of the absorbent region R15 in the width direction W may be higher than the contractile force of the second region R12 in the width direction W. According to this embodiment, the relatively high contractile force of the absorbent region R15 makes it easier for the absorbent region R15 to adhere to the skin, making it easier to achieve the effect of absorbing bodily fluids with the absorbent sheet 70.

[0058] The bending stiffness of the first region R11 in the front-to-back direction L may be lower than that of the water-absorbent region R15 and lower than that of the second region R12. According to this embodiment, the low bending stiffness of the first region R11 in the front-to-back direction L allows the first region R11 to easily roll up, starting from the water-absorbent region R15 and the second region R12. This allows air to flow between the waist region and the wearer, improving moisture evaporation efficiency. Here, bending stiffness can be measured using the Gurley bending resistance measurement method of JIS L1096:2010. For example, first, a configuration similar to the region to be measured is created, and a sample measuring 25 mm in the width direction and 38 mm in the front-to-back direction is taken. The sample is set so that one end 6.3 mm of the sample in the front-to-back direction L is held by the chuck portion and the other end 6.3 mm of the sample in the front-to-back direction L is in contact with the pendulum B. Next, select the weight and attachment position of the auxiliary weight so that the Gurley flexibility tester's memory is between 3 and 6, and attach the auxiliary weight. Then, press the left rotation switch if the test specimen is on the left side of the pendulum, or the right rotation switch if it is on the right side to operate the movable arm. Then, read the memory at the moment the pendulum's rotating rod separates from the test specimen. For each test specimen, measurements are taken in both the right and left rotation of the pendulum.

[0059] The bending rigidity of the absorbent region R15 in the front-to-back direction L may be higher than the bending rigidity of the second region R12 in the front-to-back direction L. According to this embodiment, the absorbent region R15 is less likely to deform in the front-to-back direction L, ensuring a sufficient area for the absorbent region R15 to contact the skin, and making it easier to achieve the effect of the absorbent sheet 70 absorbing body fluids. In addition, in a modified example, the bending rigidity of the second region R12 in the front-to-back direction L may be higher than the bending rigidity of the absorbent region R15 in the front-to-back direction L. According to this embodiment, the absorbent sheet 70 that has absorbed body fluids does not come into excessive contact with the skin, thereby preventing problems caused by moisture from the absorbent sheet 70 continuing to come into contact with the skin. On the other hand, the second region R12 is less likely to deform in the front-to-back direction L, ensuring a sufficient area for contact with the skin. Therefore, when the first region R11 repeatedly generates and disappears tufts, the second region R12 fits snugly, preventing the absorbent article 10 from shifting position.

[0060] The thickness of the first region R11 may be thinner than the absorbent region R15 and thinner than the second region R12. According to this embodiment, the first region R11 is more likely to roll up starting from the absorbent region R15 and the second region R12. This allows air to flow between the waist region and the wearer, improving moisture evaporation efficiency. Furthermore, because the first region R11 is thin, a larger space can be provided between the wearer and the absorbent article 10 in the first region R11, improving air flow. If the thickness is constant across the entire target region, comparisons may be made based on this constant thickness. If the thickness is not constant across the entire target region, the thickness may be measured at 10 mm intervals in both the front-to-rear direction L and the width direction W, and the average value may be used.

[0061] The thickness of the absorbent region R15 may be greater than the thickness of the second region R12. According to this embodiment, the absorbent region R15 is less likely to deform in the front-to-back direction L, ensuring a sufficient area for the absorbent region R15 to contact the skin, and the absorbent sheet 70 is more likely to absorb body fluids. In a modified example, the thickness of the second region R12 may be greater than the thickness of the absorbent region R15. According to this embodiment, the absorbent sheet 70 that has absorbed body fluids does not come into excessive contact with the skin, thereby preventing problems caused by moisture from the absorbent sheet 70 continuing to come into contact with the skin. On the other hand, the second region R12 is less likely to deform in the front-to-back direction L, ensuring a sufficient area for contact with the skin. Therefore, when the first region R11 repeatedly generates and disappears tangles, the second region R12 fits snugly, preventing the absorbent article 10 from shifting position.

[0062] In the front-to-rear direction L, the outer edge of the absorbent main body 40 may be located inside the outer edge of the absorbent region R15 and outside the inner edge of the absorbent region R15. According to this embodiment, the absorbent main body 40 is located in the absorbent region R15, but not in the first region R11. Therefore, due to the bending rigidity, thickness, etc. of the absorbent region R15, the absorbent region R15 is less likely to deform and is more likely to maintain contact with the absorbent sheet 70. On the other hand, the first region R11 is more likely to deform than the absorbent region R15, allowing air to flow between the waist region and the wearer, improving moisture evaporation efficiency.

[0063] The total basis weight of the waistline sheets arranged in the first region R11 may be smaller than the total basis weight of the waistline sheets arranged in the absorbent region R15 and smaller than the total basis weight of the waistline sheets arranged in the second region R12. The total basis weight is the sum of the basis weights of the waistline sheets arranged in each region. For example, the total basis weight of the first region R11 is the sum of the basis weight of the first waistline sheet 35 and the basis weight of the second waistline sheet 36. This embodiment also makes the first region R11 more likely to curl from the absorbent region R15 and the second region R12. This allows air to flow between the waistline and the wearer, improving moisture evaporation efficiency. In addition, the first region R11 has a small total basis weight and relatively high breathability. This allows air to enter and exit through the first region R11, making it easier for water vapor to evaporate and reducing stuffiness of the absorbent article 10.

[0064] The length in the front-to-rear direction L of the first region R11 is longer than at least one of the length in the front-to-rear direction L of the water absorption region R15 and the length in the front-to-rear direction L of the second region R12. That is, either the length in the front-to-rear direction L of the first region R11 > the length in the front-to-rear direction L of the water absorption region R15 or the length in the front-to-rear direction L of the first region R11 > the length in the front-to-rear direction L of the second region R12 may be satisfied. Preferably, both the length in the front-to-rear direction L of the first region R11 > the length in the front-to-rear direction L of the water absorption region R15 and the length in the front-to-rear direction L of the first region R11 > the length in the front-to-rear direction L of the second region R12 may be satisfied. According to this aspect, the length in the front-to-rear direction L of the first region R11 can be ensured, making the first region R11 more likely to curl. Furthermore, by ensuring the length in the front-to-rear direction L of the first region R11, the area over which curling occurs is increased, further enhancing the air flow caused by curling.

[0065] The waist sheet arranged in the first region R11 may be arranged to straddle the water-absorption region R15 and the second region R12. According to this aspect, by arranging the waist sheet to straddle the first region R11, the water-absorption region R15, and the second region R12, force is easily transmitted across each region (force is less likely to be separated between regions), and the first region R11 is more easily curled from the water-absorption region R15 and the second region R12. It is sufficient that at least one of the multiple waist sheets arranged in the first region R11 straddles the water-absorption region R15 and the second region R12, but preferably, all of the multiple waist sheets arranged in the first region R11 may straddle the water-absorption region R15 and the second region R12. In the first region R11 of the first and second embodiments, non-folded portions 761 of the first sheet 75 and the second sheet 76 are arranged, and the non-folded portions 761 of the first sheet 75 and the second sheet 76 are both arranged across the first region R11, the second region R12, and the water-absorbing region R15.

[0066] In a configuration in which the absorbent sheet 70 is disposed in both the front waistband region S1 and the rear waistband region S2, the absorbent region R15, the first region R11, and the second region R12 may be provided in at least one of the front waistband region S1 and the rear waistband region S2, but preferably may be provided in both the front waistband region S1 and the rear waistband region S2. The length in the front-to-back direction L of the first region R11 in the rear waistband region S2 may be longer than the length in the front-to-back direction L of the first region R11 in the front waistband region S1. According to this configuration, bodily fluids such as sweat are generally more likely to be generated on the back side than on the ventral side. By increasing the length in the front-to-back direction L of the first region R11 in the rear waistband region S2, the efficiency of moisture evaporation in the rear waistband region S2 can be improved, thereby reducing skin problems and discomfort.

[0067] Furthermore, the length in the front-to-back direction L of the absorbent sheet 70 in the rear waistband region S2 (the length in the front-to-back direction L of the rear absorbent sheet 72) may be longer than the length in the front-to-back direction L of the absorbent sheet 70 in the front waistband region S1 (the length in the front-to-back direction L of the front absorbent sheet 71). According to this embodiment, the absorbent sheet 70 can be arranged over a wide area in the rear waistband region S2, where body fluids are generally more likely to be generated, to absorb body fluids. In this embodiment, the length in the front-to-back direction L of the absorbent sheet 70 in the rear waistband region S2 is the same as the length in the front-to-back direction L of the absorbent sheet 70 in the front waistband region S1. According to this configuration, the effect of the absorbent sheet 70 absorbing body fluids can be obtained in the same way in both the front waistband region S1 and the rear waistband region S2.

[0068] (3) Absorbent Articles According to Modifications Next, an absorbent article according to a modification of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. Note that in the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals and will not be described again. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view based on the cross-sectional view of FIG. 3. FIG. 5(A) shows an absorbent article 10X according to Modification 1. In the absorbent article 10X according to Modification 1, both the first sheet 75 and the second sheet 76 constituting the waistband sheet have folded-back portions. More specifically, the first sheet 75 has a non-folded portion 751 disposed on the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent main body and a folded-back portion 752 folded back to the skin side T1 from a fold extending in the width direction W. The second sheet 76 has a non-folded portion 761 disposed closer to the non-skin side T2 than the non-folded portion 751 of the first sheet 75 and a folded-back portion 762 folded back to the skin side T1 from a fold extending in the width direction W. The folded portion 762 of the second sheet 76 is located closer to the skin side T1 than the folded portion 752 of the first sheet 75. The folded portion 752 of the first sheet 75 and the folded portion 762 of the second sheet 76 are both located in the second region R12, and are not located in the first region R11.

[0069] In the first region R11 of the absorbent article 10X according to the first modification, a non-folded portion 761 of the second sheet 76 and a non-folded portion 751 of the first sheet 75 are arranged. The non-folded portion 751 of the first sheet 75 is arranged on the surface closest to the skin in the first region R11 and is in contact with the non-skin-side surface of the first waistline sheet 35, thereby constituting the second waistline sheet 36. The inner edge of the folded portion 762 of the second sheet 76 extends more inward in the front-to-rear direction L than the inner edge of the folded portion 752 of the first sheet 75. In the front-to-rear direction L, the non-folded portion 751 of the first sheet 75, the non-folded portion 761 of the second sheet 76, and the folded portion 762 of the second sheet 76 are arranged in the region between the inner edge of the folded portion 762 of the second sheet 76 and the inner edge of the folded portion 752 of the first sheet 75. The region where the non-folded portion 761 of the second sheet 76, the non-folded portion 751 of the first sheet 75, and the folded portion 762 of the second sheet 76 are arranged constitutes a second region R12. Furthermore, in the front-to-rear direction L, the non-folded portion 761 of the second sheet 76, the non-folded portion 751 of the first sheet 75, the folded portion 762 of the second sheet 76, and the folded portion 752 of the first sheet 75 are arranged in the region between the boundary (fold) between the folded portion 752 and the non-folded portion 751 of the first sheet 75 and the inner edge of the folded portion 752 of the first sheet 75. The region where the non-folded portion 761 of the second sheet 76, the non-folded portion 751 of the first sheet 75, the folded portion 762 of the second sheet 76, and the folded portion 752 of the first sheet 75 are arranged also constitutes the second region R12. Since the number of waist sheets in the second region R12 increases toward the outside in the front-to-back direction L, the second region R12 fits more easily, and it is easier to achieve the effect of preventing the absorbent article from shifting when the first region R11 is deformed.

[0070] FIG. 5(B) shows an absorbent article 10Y according to Modification 2. The first sheet 75 of the absorbent article 10Y according to Modification 2 is located closer to the skin side T1 than the folded-back portion 762 of the second sheet. Therefore, the first sheet 75 is disposed on the surface closest to the skin side T1 in the first region R11, and is also disposed on the surface closest to the skin side T1 in the second region R12. The first sheet 75 is disposed across the first region R11 and the second region R12. According to this aspect, because the first sheet 75 is disposed closest to the skin in both the first region R11 and the second region R12, air between the wearer and the absorbent article is likely to flow along the surface of the first sheet 75 in the front-to-back direction L. Therefore, when air flows between the absorbent article and the wearer in the first region R11, the air flow is likely to be guided along the first sheet 75 to the second region R12. The second region R12 is located on the waist opening side, and air inside the absorbent article can be easily released to the outside of the absorbent article through the second region R12.

[0071] 5(C) shows an absorbent article 10Z according to Modification 3. The waist sheet of the absorbent article 10Z includes a water-absorbent sheet 70, a first sheet 75, and a second sheet 76. The first sheet 75 includes a non-folded portion 751 and a folded portion 752. The second sheet 76 includes a non-folded portion 761 and a folded portion 762. The inner edge of the folded portion 752 of the first sheet 75 is located more inward in the front-to-rear direction L than the inner edge of the folded portion 762 of the second sheet 76. The second region R12 includes the non-folded portion 751 of the first sheet 75, the folded portion 752 of the first sheet 75, the non-folded portion 761 of the second sheet 76, and the folded portion 762 of the second sheet 76. The second region R12 includes an area where the non-folded portion 751 of the first sheet 75, the folded portion 752 of the first sheet 75, and the non-folded portion 761 of the second sheet 76 are arranged. The first region R11 includes the non-folded portion 751 of the first sheet 75 and the non-folded portion 761 of the second sheet 76. The water-absorbent region R15 includes the water-absorbent sheet 70, the non-folded portion 751 of the first sheet 75, and the non-folded portion 761 of the second sheet 76.

[0072] The second sheet 76 is made of a stretchable sheet. When the length of the stretchable sheet in its natural state is 100, its stretched length relative to the natural state is 120 or more. Therefore, the region in which the second sheet is disposed stretches in at least one of the front-to-rear direction L and the width direction W. The second sheet 76 as a stretchable sheet is disposed across the absorbent region R15, the first region R11, and the second region R12. Furthermore, a waist elastic member 32 is disposed in the waist region. The waist elastic member 32 is disposed in the second region R12. According to this aspect, the stretchable sheet and waist elastic member are disposed in the second region, providing a better fit to the body. The stretchable sheet allows the absorbent region, the first region, and the second region to fit the body as a whole, while deforming the first region starting from the second region, thereby further enhancing air flowability due to the tuft.

[0073] In addition, the waist elastic members 32 according to Modification 3 are arranged in the second region R12, but not in the first region R11 or the water-absorbing region R15. Therefore, the contractile force of the second region R12 can be increased and the contractile force of the first region R11 can be decreased. However, in another embodiment, the waist elastic members 32 may be arranged in both the first region R11 and the second region R12, with the number of waist elastic members in the first region being smaller than the number of waist elastic members 32 in the second region. Furthermore, in another embodiment, the waist elastic members 32 may be arranged in both the first region R11 and the second region R12, with the elongation ratio of the waist elastic members in the first region being lower than the elongation ratio of the waist elastic members 32 in the second region. This other embodiment also allows the contractile force of the second region R12 to be increased and the contractile force of the first region R11 to be decreased.

[0074] Although the present invention has been described in detail using the above-described embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present invention can be embodied in various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description in this specification is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present invention. In the above-described embodiments and variations, the second waistline sheet 36 has a folded portion. However, in other embodiments, the second waistline sheet 36 may not have a folded portion. Furthermore, the waistline sheet may include sheets other than the absorbent sheet 70, the first waistline sheet 35, and the second waistline sheet 36.

[0075] In a modified example, the distance in the front-to-back direction between the inner edge of the first region and the outer edge of the absorbent region may be 10 mm or less, and preferably 0 mm. Furthermore, in a modified example, the absorbent region may have a first absorbent region extending inward in the front-to-back direction from the outer edge of the absorbent region in the front-to-back direction, with the absorbent sheet arranged to be able to stand up toward the skin side, and a second absorbent region extending inward in the front-to-back direction from the inner edge of the first absorbent region in the front-to-back direction, with the absorbent sheet arranged to be unable to stand up toward the skin side. In a modified example, the number of waist-surrounding sheets in the first region is the same as the number of waist-surrounding sheets in the absorbent region. The number of waist-surrounding sheets in the first region may be the same as the number of waist-surrounding sheets in the absorbent region. In a modified example, the length of the first region in the front-to-back direction may be 10 mm or more.

[0076] The entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-192511, filed on November 10, 2023, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0077] It is possible to provide an absorbent article that can suppress discomfort caused by the water-absorbent sheet when worn, while suppressing problems such as skin troubles and discomfort.

[0078] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10, 10A, 10B, 10X, 10Y, 10Z: absorbent article 32: waist elastic member 35: first waist sheet 36: second waist sheet 40: absorbent body 41: top sheet 42: back sheet 45: absorbent core 70: water-absorbent sheet (waist sheet) 75: first sheet (waist sheet) 76: second sheet (waist sheet) L: front-to-back direction R11: first region R12: second region R15: water-absorbent region S1: front waist region (waist region) S2: rear waist region (waist region) S3: crotch region T: thickness direction T1: skin side T2: non-skin side W: width direction

Claims

1. An absorbent article comprising: a front-to-back direction and a width direction which are perpendicular to each other; a crotch region; a waist region arranged outside the crotch region in the front-to-back direction and covering the waist of a wearer; an absorbent core arranged at least in the crotch region; and a plurality of waist sheets arranged in the waist region, wherein the waist sheet has an absorbent sheet that contacts the wearer's skin, the absorbent article having an absorbent region in which the absorbent sheet is arranged, a first region arranged outside the absorbent region in the front-to-back direction, and a second region arranged outside the first region in the front-to-back direction, the first region having a smaller number of waist sheets than the absorbent region, and the second region having a greater number of waist sheets than the first region.

2. An absorbent article comprising: front-to-rear and width directions which are perpendicular to each other; a crotch region; a waist region which is arranged outside the crotch region in the front-to-rear direction and covers the waist of a wearer; an absorbent core which is arranged at least in the crotch region; and a plurality of waist sheets which are arranged in the waist region, wherein the waist sheet has an absorbent sheet which contacts the wearer's skin, the absorbent article having: an absorbent region in which the absorbent sheet is arranged; a first region which is arranged outside the absorbent region in the front-to-rear direction; and a second region which is arranged outside the first region in the front-to-rear direction, the waist sheet having a first waist sheet which is arranged on the surface closest to the skin in the first region, and a second waist sheet which contacts the surface of the first waist sheet which is not close to the skin, the first waist sheet and the second waist sheet being not joined in the first region but are joined in the second region.

3. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a plurality of waist elastic members that stretch in the width direction are arranged at intervals in the front-to-rear direction in the waist region, and a plurality of the waist elastic members are arranged in the first region.

4. An absorbent article as described in claim 3, wherein the waist elastic members are also arranged in the second region, and the maximum spacing in the front-to-back direction of the waist elastic members in the first region is longer than the maximum spacing in the front-to-back direction of the waist elastic members in the second region.

5. An absorbent article as described in claim 3, wherein the waist elastic members are also arranged in the water absorption region, and the maximum spacing in the front-to-back direction of the waist elastic members in the first region is longer than the maximum spacing in the front-to-back direction of the waist elastic members in the water absorption region.

6. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the absorbent region, the first region, and the second region are stretchable in the width direction, and the contractile force of the first region in the width direction is lower than the contractile force of the absorbent region in the width direction and lower than the contractile force of the second region in the width direction.

7. The absorbent article according to claim 6, wherein the contractile force of the water-absorbent region in the width direction is lower than the contractile force of the second region in the width direction.

8. The absorbent article according to claim 6, wherein the contractile force of the water-absorbent region in the width direction is higher than the contractile force of the second region in the width direction.

9. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the bending stiffness in the front-to-rear direction of the first region is lower than the bending stiffness in the front-to-rear direction of the water-absorbing region and is lower than the bending stiffness in the front-to-rear direction of the second region.

10. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the first region is thinner than the thickness of the water-absorbent region and thinner than the thickness of the second region.

11. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising an absorbent body having the absorbent core, a liquid-permeable top sheet covering the skin side of the absorbent core, and a liquid-impermeable back sheet covering the non-skin side of the absorbent core, wherein in the front-to-rear direction, the outer edge of the absorbent body is located inside the outer edge of the absorbent region and outside the inner edge of the absorbent region.

12. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the front-to-back length of the first region is longer than at least one of the front-to-back length of the water-absorbent region and the front-to-back length of the second region.

13. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the waist sheet arranged in the first region is arranged across the water-absorbing region and the second region.

14. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the waist sheet has a first waist sheet arranged on the surface closest to the skin in the first region, and the first waist sheet is also arranged on the surface closest to the skin in the second region.

15. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the waist region has a front waist region that is placed against the wearer's abdomen and a rear waist region that is placed against the wearer's back, the absorbent region and the first region are provided in the front waist region and the rear waist region, respectively, and the front-to-rear length of the first region in the rear waist region is longer than the front-to-rear length of the first region in the front waist region.

16. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the waist sheet has a stretch sheet having stretchability in the width direction, the stretch sheet is arranged across the water absorption region, the first region, and the second region, and a plurality of waist elastic members stretchable in the width direction are arranged at intervals in the front-to-rear direction in the waist region, and the waist elastic members are arranged in the second region.

17. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance in the front-to-rear direction between the inner edge of the first region and the outer edge of the water-absorbent region is 10 mm or less.

18. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the absorbent region has a first absorbent region extending inward in the front-to-rear direction from the outer edge of the absorbent region in the front-to-rear direction and arranged so that the absorbent sheet can stand up toward the skin side, and a second absorbent region extending inward in the front-to-rear direction from the inner edge of the first absorbent region in the front-to-rear direction and arranged so that the absorbent sheet cannot stand up toward the skin side.

19. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the number of said waist sheets in said first region is the same as the number of said waist sheets in said water-absorbent region.

20. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the length of the first region in the front-to-rear direction is 10 mm or more.

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