Absorbent article
The absorbent article design addresses the issue of bacterial growth in conventional absorbent articles by using an antibacterial skin-side sheet and adhesive configuration, reducing skin irritation and hygiene concerns for extended wear.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/JP2024/040643
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-12-01
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-15
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-05
AI Technical Summary
Conventional absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins, can harbor bacteria even when not absorbing bodily waste, leading to potential skin irritation and concerns about hygiene when worn for extended periods.
An absorbent article design featuring a liquid-absorbent body with a skin-side sheet containing an antibacterial agent, where an adhesive is used between the absorbent body and the skin-side sheet, creating bonded and non-bonded portions. This configuration reduces bacterial growth by minimizing the absorption of the antibacterial agent into the absorbent body while allowing easier moisture discharge.
The design effectively reduces skin irritation and hygiene concerns by inhibiting bacterial growth on the skin-side sheet and within the absorbent article, even when not actively absorbing waste, thus ensuring a cleaner and more comfortable wear experience.
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Figure JP2024040643_05062025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
absorbent articles
[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article.
[0002] Conventionally, absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, absorbent pads, and sanitary napkins for absorbing body waste have been known. When absorbent articles absorb water-containing body waste, bacteria tend to grow easily. To reduce adverse effects on the wearer's skin, absorbent articles that suppress the growth of bacteria are known. Patent Document 1 discloses a pants-type absorbent article that suppresses the growth of bacteria after absorbing body waste such as urine, blood, and feces.
[0003] JP 2022-67903 A
[0004] Even when wearing an absorbent article such as the pants-type absorbent article of Patent Document 1, bodily waste is not necessarily discharged into the absorbent article. Therefore, it is desirable to continue wearing the absorbent article for a long period of time, or to remove the absorbent article after wearing it and then put it back on after a predetermined period of time. However, even if an absorbent article does not absorb bodily waste and appears clean at first glance, it may absorb the wearer's sweat and the like, which may cause bacterial growth and have a negative impact on the wearer's skin, or may raise concerns among wearers that wearing such an absorbent article is unhygienic.
[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an absorbent article that reduces the adverse effects on the wearer's skin while reducing the risk that the wearer will feel unhygienic when wearing it for long periods of time.
[0006] The main invention for achieving the above object is an absorbent article having a liquid-absorbing absorbent body and a skin-side sheet located on the skin side of the absorbent body, wherein the absorbent body has a basis weight of 270 g / m 2The present invention provides an absorbent article comprising the above-described superabsorbent polymer, the skin-side sheet comprising an antibacterial agent, an adhesive between the absorbent body and the skin-side sheet, and in a plan view of the absorbent article in an unfolded and stretched state, the area overlapping the absorbent body has an adhesive portion where the adhesive is present and a non-adhesive portion where the adhesive is not present, and has a portion where the antibacterial agent and the adhesive portion overlap, and a portion where the antibacterial agent and the non-adhesive portion overlap. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.
[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent article that reduces adverse effects on the wearer's skin while reducing the risk that the wearer will be concerned that wearing the article for long periods of time is unhygienic.
[0008] 6 is a schematic perspective view of a pants-type disposable diaper 1. FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state, viewed from the skin side. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrows A-A in FIG. 2. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrows B-B in FIG. 2. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the absorbent main body 10 in FIG. 2. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the bonded portion 18 and the non-bonded portion 19. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrows D-D in FIG. 6. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the absorbent body 11 in FIG. 2, viewed from the skin side. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the absorbent body 11 and the non-skin side sheet 5 in FIG. 2.
[0009] The present specification and the accompanying drawings make clear at least the following: (Aspect 1) An absorbent article having a liquid-absorbent body and a skin-side sheet located closer to the skin than the absorbent body, wherein the absorbent body has a basis weight of 270 g / m 2 The absorbent article comprises the above-mentioned superabsorbent polymer, the skin-side sheet comprises an antibacterial agent, an adhesive is provided between the absorbent body and the skin-side sheet, and when viewed in a plan view in the unfolded and stretched state of the absorbent article, the area overlapping with the absorbent body has an adhesive portion where the adhesive is present and a non-adhesive portion where the adhesive is not present, and has a portion where the antibacterial agent and the adhesive portion overlap, and a portion where the antibacterial agent and the non-adhesive portion overlap.
[0010] According to the absorbent article of aspect 1, the absorbent body has a density of 270 g / m 2 In absorbent articles intended for long-term wear, the inclusion of a superabsorbent polymer of the above basis weight reduces the absorption of the antibacterial agent provided in the skin-side sheet into the absorbent body due to the overlapping areas between the antibacterial agent and the adhesive portion in a planar view, thereby reducing the growth of bacteria due to moisture between the absorbent body and the wearer's skin, even when the absorbent article is not absorbing excrement such as feces or urine, while the areas where the antibacterial agent and the adhesive portion do not overlap in a planar view make it easier to discharge moisture from inside the absorbent body to the outside, thereby reducing the growth of bacteria inside the absorbent body. This reduces the adverse effects on the wearer's skin caused by wearing the absorbent article and reduces the risk that the wearer will be concerned about the unhygienic nature of wearing the absorbent article for long periods of time.
[0011] (Aspect 2) The absorbent article according to Aspect 1, wherein in the unfolded and stretched state, the absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, and a thickness direction that intersect with one another, and the non-adhesive portion has a portion that is continuous in the longitudinal direction.
[0012] In the absorbent article of aspect 2, the difference in rigidity between the bonded and non-bonded parts creates a difference in rigidity, making the absorbent body more likely to bend starting from the end of the non-bonded part, allowing the absorbent article to fit the wearer's body, while the non-bonded parts that are continuous in the vertical direction improve the breathability of the absorbent body from the ventral side to the dorsal side when worn, thereby reducing the risk of bacteria growing inside the absorbent body.
[0013] (Aspect 3) The absorbent article according to Aspect 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent body has a low basis weight region having a basis weight lower than that of the surrounding area, and has a portion where the non-adhesive portion, the antibacterial agent, and the low basis weight region overlap in a plan view when the absorbent article is unfolded and stretched.
[0014] According to the absorbent article of Aspect 3, the absorbent body having the low basis weight region is easily deformed to fit the wearer's body by folding along the low basis weight region, and the low basis weight region has higher breathability than the surrounding area, making it easier to release heat and air from inside the absorbent body to the outside. Furthermore, in a plan view, the non-adhesive portion, the antibacterial agent, and the low basis weight region overlap, making it easier to release moisture from inside the absorbent body to the outside, reducing the risk of bacteria growing inside the absorbent body.
[0015] (Aspect 4) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the antibacterial agent is a silver-based antibacterial agent.
[0016] According to the absorbent article of aspect 4, the silver-based antibacterial agent is likely to release silver ions in a humid environment, and while silver ions are highly safe for the human body, they can inactivate bacteria and suppress their growth. This reduces the adverse effects on the wearer's skin caused by wearing the absorbent article, while also reducing the risk that the wearer will be concerned that wearing the article for long periods of time is unhygienic.
[0017] (Aspect 5) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the antibacterial agent is a cationic antibacterial agent.
[0018] According to the absorbent article of aspect 5, the cationic antibacterial agent has low toxicity to the human body and is highly safe, so it can be used at a high concentration, thereby enhancing the antibacterial effect.
[0019] (Aspect 6) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the skin side sheet has a skin side layer located on the skin side and a non-skin side layer located on the non-skin side of the skin side layer, and the skin side layer and the non-skin side layer each comprise a durable hydrophilic fiber.
[0020] According to the absorbent article of aspect 6, even if the absorbent article absorbs moisture while being worn, the risk of moisture being retained in the skin-side sheet can be reduced. Furthermore, even if the absorbent article absorbs moisture repeatedly, the risk of the absorption rate decreasing can be reduced. Therefore, the risk of bacterial growth can be reduced even when the absorbent article is used for a long period of time.
[0021] (Aspect 7) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the skin-side sheet has a skin-side layer positioned on the skin side and a non-skin-side layer positioned on the non-skin side of the skin-side layer, and the antibacterial agent is provided in the non-skin-side layer.
[0022] According to the absorbent article of aspect 7, the risk of the antibacterial agent coming into direct contact with the wearer's skin is reduced, thereby suppressing bacterial growth in the absorbent article while reducing irritation to the wearer's skin.
[0023] (Aspect 8) An absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, characterized in that the absorbent body has an absorbent core and a core wrap sheet covering at least the skin side of the absorbent core, and between the absorbent core and the core wrap sheet, there is a core side bonded portion bonded with a core side adhesive and a core side non-bonded portion not bonded with a core side adhesive, and when viewed in a plan view in the unfolded and stretched state of the absorbent article, the antibacterial agent, the non-bonded portion and the core side non-bonded portion have overlapping portions.
[0024] According to the absorbent article of aspect 8, moisture inside the absorbent body can be easily discharged to the outside, and the proliferation of bacteria inside the absorbent body can be easily reduced.
[0025] (Aspect 9) An absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a breathable film on the non-skin side of the absorbent body, a film-side adhesive is provided between the absorbent body and the breathable film, and in a plan view of the absorbent article in an unfolded and stretched state, the absorbent article has, in an area overlapping with the absorbent body, a breathable film-side adhesive portion where the film-side adhesive is present and a breathable film-side non-adhesive portion where the film-side adhesive is not present, and the breathable film-side non-adhesive portion per unit area is larger than the non-adhesive portion per unit area.
[0026] According to the absorbent article of Aspect 9, the breathable film-side non-adhesive portion per unit area is larger than the non-adhesive portion per unit area, so that the breathable film-side non-adhesive portion, which is the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent article, is more likely to release moisture from the absorbent body than the skin-facing side of the absorbent article (the non-adhesive portion on the skin-facing sheet side), thereby reducing the risk of bacterial growth due to moisture between the absorbent body and the wearer's skin.
[0027] (Aspect 10) An absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9, characterized in that in the unfolded and stretched state, the absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction, and a thickness direction that intersect with one another, the antibacterial agent is provided at least on the lateral end of the skin-side sheet, and the lateral end of the skin-side sheet covers the side of the absorber and at least a portion of the non-skin-side of the absorber.
[0028] According to the absorbent article of aspect 10, it becomes easier to reduce the proliferation of bacteria inside the absorbent core.
[0029] (Aspect 11) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, wherein, in a plan view of the absorbent article in an unfolded and stretched state, the total amount of the antibacterial agent overlapping the adhesive portions is greater than the total amount of the antibacterial agent overlapping the non-adhesive portions.
[0030] According to the absorbent article of aspect 12, when viewed in a plane, the absorption of the antibacterial agent provided in the skin-side sheet into the absorbent body is reduced compared to when the total amount of antibacterial agent overlapping the adhesive portion is less than the total amount of antibacterial agent overlapping the non-adhesive portion, making it easier to reduce the growth of bacteria due to moisture between the absorbent body and the wearer's skin even when the absorbent article is not absorbing excrement such as feces or urine.
[0031] (Aspect 12) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, wherein, in a plan view of the absorbent article in an unfolded and stretched state, the total amount of the antibacterial agent overlapping the adhesive portions is less than the total amount of the antibacterial agent overlapping the non-adhesive portions.
[0032] According to the absorbent article of aspect 12, when viewed in a plane, moisture inside the absorbent body can be more easily discharged to the outside than when the total amount of antibacterial agent overlapping the adhesive portions is greater than the total amount of antibacterial agent overlapping the non-adhesive portions, making it easier to reduce the growth of bacteria inside the absorbent body.
[0033] (Aspect 13) The absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 12, wherein the total area of the bonded portions is larger than the total area of the non-bonded portions in a plan view in an unfolded and stretched state of the absorbent article.
[0034] According to the absorbent article of aspect 13, the antibacterial agent provided in the skin-side sheet is less absorbed by the absorbent body than when the total area of the adhesive portions is less than the total area of the non-adhesive portions, making it easier to reduce the growth of bacteria due to moisture between the absorbent body and the wearer's skin even when the absorbent article is not absorbing excrement such as feces or urine.
[0035] (Aspect 14) The skin side sheet has a skin side layer located on the skin side and a non-skin side layer located on the non-skin side of the skin side layer, the non-skin side layer has general hydrophilic fibers and antibacterial fibers containing the antibacterial agent, and the general hydrophilic fibers in the non-skin side layer have a basis weight of 7 g / m 2 14. The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 13, wherein the absorbent article is smaller than the above.
[0036] According to the absorbent article of aspect 15, it is possible to reduce the adverse effects on the wearer's skin caused by wearing the absorbent article, while also reducing the risk that the wearer will be concerned that wearing the article for long periods of time is unhygienic.
[0037] (Aspect 15) The skin side sheet has antibacterial fibers containing the antibacterial agent, and the basis weight of the antibacterial fibers is 6 g / m 2 15. The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 14, wherein the absorbent article is larger than the first absorbent article.
[0038] According to the absorbent article of aspect 15, it is possible to reduce the adverse effects on the wearer's skin caused by wearing the absorbent article, while also reducing the risk that the wearer will be concerned that wearing the article for long periods of time is unhygienic.
[0039] Embodiments The following embodiments will be described using a pants-type disposable diaper for infants as an example of an absorbent article according to the present invention. However, the absorbent article according to the present invention may also be pants-type disposable diapers or tape-type disposable diapers for adults or infants, sanitary shorts, sanitary napkins, light incontinence pads, absorbent pads, etc.
[0040] <<<<Basic Structure of Diaper 1 >>>> Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a pants-type disposable diaper 1 (hereinafter referred to as "diaper 1"). Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state, as viewed from the skin-facing side. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B in Fig. 2. The "unfolded state" refers to the state in which the diaper 1 is unfolded in a flat plane by separating and opening the side joints 40 between the sides of the front waistband 20 and the sides 30a of the rear waistband 30 on both sides of the diaper 1. The "stretched state" refers to the state in which the elastic members of the diaper 1 are stretched to such an extent that wrinkles in the diaper 1 are no longer visible. Specifically, this refers to the state in which the dimensions of each component constituting the diaper 1 (e.g., the front waistband 20, described below, etc.) are stretched to the same or nearly the same dimensions as the individual components. 2 etc., line CC is the center line in the horizontal direction, and line CL is the center line in the longitudinal direction. Hereinafter, a wearer of the diaper 1 and a person who is helping a wearer wear the diaper 1 are also referred to as the "wearer, etc."
[0041] As shown in Fig. 1, the pants-type diaper 1 has a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a front-to-back direction, and is formed with a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH. In the vertical direction, the waist opening BH side is referred to as the upper side, and the side that corresponds to the wearer's crotch is referred to as the lower side. The vertical direction of the diaper 1 in the state shown in Fig. 2 (unfolded and stretched state) is also referred to as the "longitudinal direction" or "vertical direction," the front side in the longitudinal direction is also referred to as the "ventral side," the back side is also referred to as the "back side," and the side of the approximate center CL in the longitudinal direction is also referred to as the "lower side." Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 3, the diaper 1 has a thickness direction, and the side that contacts the wearer in the thickness direction is referred to as the skin side, and the opposite side is referred to as the non-skin side.
[0042] The diaper 1 is a so-called three-piece type and has a crotch portion 50, a front waist portion 20, and a rear waist portion 30. The front waist portion 20 covers the wearer's abdominal region, and the rear waist portion 30 covers the wearer's dorsal region. The absorbent main body 10 has a generally rectangular shape in plan view. As shown in Fig. 3, the abdominal and dorsal upper ends of the absorbent main body 10 are overlapped with the skin-facing sides of the waist portions 20 and 30, respectively. The front waist portion 20 and the rear waist portion 30 are generally rectangular in plan view, with their longitudinal directions aligned with the lateral directions.
[0043] As shown in the unfolded state in Fig. 2, the diaper 1 has a shape symmetrical about the center line C-C. The non-skin-facing sides of the upper ventral and dorsal ends of the absorbent main body 10 are joined with the skin-facing sides of the waistband sections 20, 30 using an adhesive or the like. From the unfolded state shown in Fig. 2, the absorbent main body 10 is folded in half so that the front waistband section 20 and the rear waistband section 30 face each other. Both lateral sides of the front waistband section 20 and both lateral sides of the rear waistband section 30 are joined to form side joining sections 40, thereby forming the pants-type diaper 1.
[0044] 2 and 3, the front waistband portion 20 has an inner layer sheet 21, an outer layer sheet 22, and a plurality of waistband elastic members 23 such as rubber threads that stretch in the horizontal direction. The inner layer sheet 21 and the outer layer sheet 22 are joined to each other via the waistband elastic members 23 to which an adhesive is applied. The plurality of waistband elastic members 23 are arranged in a line at intervals in the vertical direction. The stretching of the waistband elastic members 23 allows the front waistband portion 20 to stretch in the horizontal direction, allowing it to fit the waist of the wearer.
[0045] 2 and 3, the rear waistband portion 30 has an inner layer sheet 31, an outer layer sheet 32, and a plurality of waistband elastic members 33 such as rubber threads that stretch in the horizontal direction. The inner layer sheet 31 and the outer layer sheet 32 are joined to each other via the waistband elastic members 33 to which an adhesive is applied. The plurality of waistband elastic members 33 are arranged in a line at intervals in the vertical direction. The stretching of the waistband elastic members 33 allows the rear waistband portion 30 to stretch in the horizontal direction, allowing it to fit the waist of the wearer.
[0046] 2 and 4, the crotch portion 50 includes, in order from the skin side in the thickness direction, the absorbent main body 10, the leg-gathering portions 41, and the exterior sheet 45. The absorbent main body 10, the leg-gathering portions 41, and the exterior sheet 45 are each bonded with an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive.
[0047] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the absorbent main body 10 in Fig. 2. The absorbent main body 10 has, in order from the skin side in the thickness direction, a skin-side sheet 12, an absorbent body 11, and a non-skin-side sheet 15, which are bonded to adjacent members with adhesives 12x, 11x, and 15x such as hot melt adhesive, respectively. The absorbent main body 10 also has a pair of leak-barrier-forming sheets 13 that cover both side edges of the absorbent body 11 and the skin-side sheet 12, respectively.
[0048] The skin side sheet 12 is a liquid-permeable sheet, and examples thereof include an air-through nonwoven fabric, a spunbond nonwoven fabric, and a point-bonded spunlace nonwoven fabric. Details of the skin side sheet 12 will be described later. The non-skin side sheet 15 is a liquid-impermeable sheet, and examples thereof include a polyethylene film, a polypropylene film, and a hydrophobic SMS nonwoven fabric. The skin side sheet 12 and the non-skin side sheet 15 may each be made of natural or synthetic fibers that have been treated with a predetermined hydrophilic treatment agent to impart a predetermined hydrophilicity. Examples of treatment with a hydrophilic treatment agent include a method of adding the hydrophilic treatment agent to a synthetic resin and spinning the synthetic resin, a method of immersing natural fibers or synthetic resin for a predetermined period of time in a hydrophilic treatment liquid obtained by dissolving or dispersing the hydrophilic treatment agent in an appropriate solvent such as water, an organic solvent, or a mixed solvent of water and an organic solvent, and then drying the resultant, and a method of applying a hydrophilic treatment agent or a hydrophilic treatment liquid obtained by dissolving or dispersing the hydrophilic treatment agent in an appropriate solvent such as water, an organic solvent, or a mixed solvent of water and an organic solvent to natural fibers or synthetic resin. The skin-side sheet 12 and the non-skin-side sheet 15 are sized to cover the entire absorbent body 11 from the skin side and non-skin side, respectively.
[0049] The absorbent body 11 includes an absorbent core 11a and a core wrap sheet 11b. The absorbent core 11a absorbs and retains excrement such as urine and feces. The absorbent core 11a can be, for example, a liquid-absorbent fiber such as pulp fiber containing a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) molded into a predetermined shape. The basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer in the absorbent core 11a (absorbent body 11) of this embodiment is 270 g / m 2 The basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer of the absorbent core 11a is 270 g / m 2 As a result of the above, the diaper 1 is an absorbent article suitable for long-term wear, for example, as an overnight disposable diaper. The core wrap sheet 11b can be, for example, tissue paper. The diaper 1 may not include a core wrap sheet. The absorbent core 11a of the absorbent body 11 may have low basis weight regions such as linear compressed portions or slits that penetrate the absorbent body 11 in the thickness direction, or high basis weight regions in which the basis weight of the liquid-absorbent fibers is partially increased.
[0050] The leak-preventing wall-forming sheet 13 is a liquid-impermeable sheet for forming the leak-preventing wall portions 13b, and is, for example, a hydrophobic SMS nonwoven fabric. The pair of leak-preventing wall portions 13b are so-called three-dimensional gathers. The leak-preventing wall portions 13b include leak-preventing wall elastic members 13a along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body 10. In this embodiment, the leak-preventing wall portions 13b are formed by folding back the lateral side edges of each leak-preventing wall-forming sheet 13 toward the skin side, and further providing leak-preventing wall elastic members 13a at the lateral inner edges of the portions of the leak-preventing wall-forming sheet 13 folded back toward the skin side, thereby forming the leak-preventing wall portions 13b. Contraction of the leak-preventing wall elastic members 13a causes the leak-preventing wall portions 13b to stand up toward the skin side and fit closely to the wearer's crotch area.
[0051] As shown in Figure 4, leg gathers 41 are provided on both sides of the crotch portion 50, specifically along each leg opening LH. The leg gathers 41 are provided such that the outer sheet 43, which is folded laterally with the inner sheet 42 sandwiched therebetween, extends laterally outward from the absorbent body 11. The leg gathers 41 also include a plurality of leg elastic members 44 extending longitudinally between the inner sheet 42 and the outer sheet 43, and closer to the wearer's skin than the inner sheet 42. The leg elastic members 44 stretch and contract, allowing the leg gathers 41 of the diaper 1 to fit snugly around the legs of the wearer.
[0052] The exterior sheet 45 may be a liquid-permeable sheet or a liquid-impermeable sheet, and examples thereof include hydrophobic SMS nonwoven fabric.
[0053] <<<<About the antibacterial properties of the diaper 1>>> Generally, when the high-absorbent polymer in the absorbent body is 270 g / m 2 Absorbent articles containing superabsorbent polymers with the above basis weights are suitable for long-term wear. However, absorbent articles suitable for long-term wear tend to have a thick absorbent core to absorb excrement from multiple excretions, which can make the inside of the absorbent article more likely to become stuffy and can also be more expensive than regular absorbent articles.
[0054] However, even if an absorbent article is worn for a long period of time, it does not necessarily absorb excrement such as feces and urine. For example, in the case of overnight disposable diapers for infants, the older the infant, the less excrement they tend to produce at night, and the less the disposable diaper absorbs urine and feces. In such cases, discarding a disposable diaper that has not absorbed excrement feels like a waste of resources, and throwing away an expensive disposable diaper that has not absorbed excrement feels wasteful, leading to a desire for the disposable diaper to be worn on the infant the next day as well. Furthermore, even with disposable diapers and absorbent pads for adults, even when worn to sleep or go out for a sense of security, the absorbent pad may not absorb urine or feces. Even in such cases, for the same reason, there is a desire for the absorbent pad to be worn the next day or later.
[0055] In these cases, even if the absorbent article does not absorb excrement such as urine or feces, there is concern that the absorbent article may absorb sweat absorbed from the wearer's skin, causing bacteria to grow in the absorbent article, which may have an adverse effect on the skin or become unsanitary.
[0056] In contrast, the diaper 1 of this embodiment has a liquid-absorbent absorbent body 11 and a skin-side sheet 12, and an adhesive 12x is provided between the absorbent body 11 and the skin-side sheet 12. The adhesive 12x can be applied in a well-known application pattern such as an Ω pattern, a spiral pattern, or a stripe pattern. In this embodiment, the adhesive 12x is applied in an Ω pattern. The absorbent body 11 has a basis weight of 270 g / m 2 The diaper 1 comprises the above-described superabsorbent polymer. The skin-side sheet 12 is located closer to the skin than the absorbent body 11 and contains the antibacterial agent R. As shown in FIG. 6 , the diaper 1 has an adhesive section 18 and a non-adhesive section 19 in the area overlapping the absorbent body 11 in a plan view in an unfolded and stretched state. In plan view, the adhesive section 18 is an area where adhesive 12x is present, and the non-adhesive section 19 is an area where no adhesive is present. In plan view, there is an overlapping portion between the antibacterial agent R and the adhesive section 18, and there is an overlapping portion between the antibacterial agent R and the non-adhesive section 19. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the adhesive section 18 and the non-adhesive section 19. FIG. 6 is a view of the absorbent body 11 and the skin-side sheet 12 in FIG. 2 as viewed from the skin side. In FIG. 6 , the adhesive section 18 is indicated by a diagonally downward right-hand hatched area, and the non-adhesive section 19 is indicated by an unshaded area.
[0057] Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line DD in Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 7, the diaper 1 has a density of 270 g / m 2Even in an absorbent article intended for long-term wear and having an absorbent body 11 with a superabsorbent polymer of the above basis weight, the overlapping area between the antibacterial agent R and the adhesive portion 18 in plan view can reduce absorption of the antibacterial agent R provided in the skin-side sheet 12 into the absorbent body 11. If the antibacterial agent were provided only in the absorbent body, the antibacterial agent would be effective against urine and feces absorbed by the absorbent body, but would be less effective against bacteria caused by sweat and the like that adheres to the skin side of the absorbent body, such as the skin-side sheet. On the other hand, if the antibacterial agent is provided in the skin-side sheet and there is no overlapping area between the antibacterial agent and the adhesive portion in plan view, the antibacterial effect inside the absorbent body would be weaker. 7, in the area where the antibacterial agent R overlaps with the adhesive portion 18 in a plan view, even if the antibacterial agent R provided on the skin-side sheet attempts to migrate in the direction of arrow r, the adhesive 12x acts as a lid to prevent the antibacterial agent R from migrating to the non-skin side, thereby reducing the risk of the antibacterial agent R being absorbed into the absorbent body 11. As a result, when the diaper 1 is not absorbing excrement such as urine or feces, the antibacterial agent R provided on the skin-side side of the absorbent body 11 can effectively reduce the growth of bacteria due to moisture between the absorbent body 11 and the wearer's skin caused by sweat or body heat of the wearer.
[0058] On the other hand, when viewed in a plane, the diaper 1 has a portion where the antibacterial agent R and the adhesive portion 18 do not overlap, and this portion serves as a path for discharging moisture inside the absorbent body 11 to the outside of the absorbent body 11, allowing air to flow, thereby improving the breathability of the absorbent body 11. The antibacterial agent R then acts on bacteria discharged from the absorbent body 11 by the air flow, making it easier to reduce bacterial growth inside the absorbent body 11. In other words, in a plan view, the portion where the antibacterial agent R and the adhesive portion 18 do not overlap is a portion where the adhesive 12x that prevents the movement of air discharged from the absorbent body 11 is not provided, and therefore the breathability of the absorbent body 11 is higher than that of the portion where the antibacterial agent R and the adhesive 12x overlap in a plan view, making it easier to suppress bacterial growth inside the absorbent body 11. Therefore, even when worn for a long period of time and without excretion of urine, feces, etc., diaper 1 reduces the growth of bacteria, thereby reducing the adverse effects on the wearer's skin caused by wearing diaper 1, and also reducing the risk to the wearer that diaper 1 may become unsanitary due to wearing it for a long period of time.
[0059] Furthermore, in a plan view in the unfolded and stretched state, the region overlapping the absorbent body 11 has the adhesive portion 18 and the non-adhesive portion 19, which results in the formation of a portion with adhesive 12x and a portion without adhesive 12x. Generally, the portion with adhesive 12x has higher rigidity than the portion without adhesive 12x. Therefore, there is a difference in rigidity at the boundary between the adhesive portion 18 and the non-adhesive portion 19. This difference in rigidity allows the diaper 1 to easily deform to fit the wearer's body when worn, improving the fit of the diaper 1.
[0060] If the diaper 1 is intended to be worn for a longer period of time, the basis weight of the superabsorbent polymer contained in the absorbent body 11 is set to 300 g / m 2 More preferably, it is set to be equal to or greater than this.
[0061] In this embodiment, the skin side sheet 12 and the absorbent body 11 are joined by the adhesive 12x between them, but this is not limited thereto. It is sufficient that there is an adhesive between the skin side sheet 12 and the absorbent body 11, and for example, another member such as a second sheet may be provided between the skin side sheet 12 and the absorbent body 11.
[0062] The antibacterial agent R of the diaper 1 is preferably a silver-based antibacterial agent. Generally, silver-based antibacterial agents tend to release silver ions in humid environments. Silver ions are highly safe for the human body and can inactivate bacteria and inhibit their growth. This reduces the adverse effects on the wearer's skin caused by wearing the diaper 1, while also reducing the wearer's concern that the diaper 1 may become unhygienic after wearing it for a long period of time.
[0063] The diaper 1 of this embodiment uses "Zeomic (silver zeolite)" as the antibacterial agent R. Zeomic (manufactured by Sinanen Zeomic Co., Ltd.) is a silver-based inorganic antibacterial agent, a powder antibacterial agent that combines silver ions and zeolite. Zeomic easily releases silver ions in a moist environment, and the silver ions inhibit the activity of enzymes in the metabolic systems of microorganisms, thereby suppressing the growth of microorganisms. In this embodiment, the antibacterial agent R is kneaded into the fibers that make up the non-skin-side layer 12b (described below) of the skin-side sheet 12, and the antibacterial agent R is randomly scattered throughout the entire non-skin-side layer 12b. Note that the silver-based antibacterial agent is not limited to Zeomic (silver zeolite), and may be particles in which silver ions are supported on a carrier such as calcium phosphate.
[0064] The antibacterial agent R of the diaper 1 is not limited to this. Any known substance with antibacterial activity can be used. The antibacterial agent R may be a cationic antibacterial agent. Cationic antibacterial agents are low in toxicity to the human body and highly safe, allowing them to be used at high concentrations, thereby enhancing the antibacterial effect. Examples of cationic antibacterial agents include quaternary ammonium salts (e.g., alkyltrimethylammonium salts, polyoxyethylene alkylmethylammonium salts), guanidine antibacterial agents (e.g., chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorhexidine hydrochloride), biguanide antibacterial agents (e.g., polyaminopropyl biguanide hydrochloride, polyhexamethylene biguanide stearate), metal ion carriers (e.g., metal salts such as silver nitrate and copper sulfate that can release metal ions such as silver ions and copper ions), hexetidine, and metallonidazole. Alternatively, the antibacterial agent R may be an inorganic antibacterial agent containing inorganic substances such as Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn, or may be an antibacterial substance containing natural materials such as tea leaves or coffee extraction residue.
[0065] The antibacterial agent R can be applied to the skin side sheet 12 by any known method. For example, the following method can be used. <Method of Obtaining Antibacterial Fiber> Antibacterial fibers in which an antibacterial agent is kneaded into the fibers constituting the skin side sheet 12 can be obtained by a method of immersing fibers in an antibacterial liquid, which is a solution or dispersion containing one or more antibacterial components, and drying the fibers to fix the antibacterial components to the fiber surfaces; a method of applying an antibacterial liquid to the fiber surfaces and drying the antibacterial components to fix the antibacterial components to the fiber surfaces; or a method of adding one or more antibacterial components to a molten synthetic resin and then spinning the synthetic resin. Examples of fibers constituting the skin side sheet 12 include cellulose fibers and synthetic fibers. Specific examples of cellulose fibers include natural cellulose fibers such as pulp fibers, cotton fibers, hemp fibers, and kenaf fibers; chemically modified cellulose fibers such as ethyl cellulose-containing fibers, hydroxyethyl cellulose-containing fibers, hydroxypropyl cellulose-containing fibers, methyl cellulose-containing fibers, ethylhydroxyethyl cellulose-containing fibers, and carboxymethyl cellulose-containing fibers; and regenerated cellulose fibers. Examples of synthetic fibers include synthetic fibers spun from hydrophilic resins such as polyacrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol, chitin, chitosan, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, and polyvinyl formal, polyester-based fibers such as polyester fibers and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, and polyolefin-based fibers such as polyethylene fibers and polypropylene fibers. The solvent for the antibacterial liquid can be appropriately selected from water, organic solvents, and mixed solvents of water and organic solvents.<Method of Adding an Antibacterial Agent to the Fibers Constituting the Skin Side Sheet 12> A treatment agent (oil) containing an antibacterial agent can be added to the fibers constituting the skin side sheet 12 by, for example, adding a hydrophilic treatment agent containing an antibacterial agent to a synthetic resin and spinning the synthetic resin, immersing natural fibers or synthetic resin for a predetermined period of time in a hydrophilic treatment liquid obtained by dissolving or dispersing the hydrophilic treatment agent containing an antibacterial agent in an appropriate solvent such as water, an organic solvent, or a mixed solvent of water and an organic solvent, and then drying the natural fibers or synthetic resin, or applying a hydrophilic treatment liquid obtained by dissolving or dispersing the hydrophilic treatment agent containing an antibacterial agent or the hydrophilic treatment agent containing an antibacterial agent in an appropriate solvent such as water, an organic solvent, or a mixed solvent of water and an organic solvent to a natural fiber or a synthetic resin. <Method of Coating the Skin Side Sheet 12 with an Antibacterial Agent> The antibacterial agent may be applied to the skin side sheet 12 in mist, liquid, or powder (solid) form by a known coating method after the skin side sheet 12 has been formed into a sheet shape by a known method.
[0066] The antibacterial properties of the skin side sheet 12 can be measured by a known method. For example, it can be measured by an antibacterial test in accordance with JIS L 1902:2015. The result of this measurement method preferably indicates an antibacterial activity value of 2 or more against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. An antibacterial activity value of 2 or more against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli can more effectively inhibit bacterial growth in the skin side sheet 12 than an antibacterial activity value of less than 2 against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
[0067] The skin-side sheet 12 containing the antibacterial agent R preferably has a skin-side layer 12a located on the skin side and a non-skin-side layer 12b located on the skin side of the skin-side layer 12a, and the skin-side layer 12a and the non-skin-side layer 12b preferably each comprise a durable hydrophilic fiber. Even if the diaper 1 absorbs moisture such as sweat or urine during wear, the skin-side layer 12a and the non-skin-side layer 12b each comprise a durable hydrophilic fiber, thereby reducing the risk of the skin-side sheet 12 continuing to retain moisture compared to when the skin-side layer 12a and the non-skin-side layer 12b are entirely made of a general hydrophilic fiber. Furthermore, even if the diaper 1 repeatedly absorbs moisture, the risk of a decrease in absorption rate is reduced. Therefore, even when the diaper 1 is worn for a long period of time, the risk of moisture remaining on the skin-side surface of the diaper 1 is reduced, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial growth on the skin-side surface of the diaper 1. The antibacterial agent R may be provided in at least one of the skin side layer 12 a and the non-skin side layer 12 b of the skin side sheet 12 .
[0068] The skin side layer 12a of the skin side sheet 12 of this embodiment has a basis weight of 11 g / m 2 The durable hydrophilic fiber of the skin side layer 12a is a fiber layer of composite fiber of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) / PP (polypropylene) 1 raw cotton. The non-skin side layer 12b of the skin side sheet 12 of this embodiment has a basis weight of 11 g / m 2 The non-skin side layer 12b is made of durable hydrophilic fibers. The durable hydrophilic fibers of the non-skin side layer 12b are a fiber layer formed by mixing, in a predetermined ratio, composite fibers of PET / PP1 raw cotton, PP / PET, and raw cotton fibers kneaded with the antibacterial agent R. The skin side sheet 12 is a sheet-like air-through nonwoven fabric formed by entangling (air-through) the fibers of the skin side layer 12a and the fibers of the non-skin side layer 12b. The skin side sheet 12 is an air-through nonwoven fabric, which makes it easier to increase the liquid permeability of the skin side sheet 12 and makes it easier to quickly absorb moisture, such as sweat, on the surface of the skin side sheet 12.
[0069] Durably hydrophilic fibers and general hydrophilic fibers are natural fibers or synthetic fibers that have been treated with a specific hydrophilic treatment agent to impart a specific hydrophilicity. Examples of treatment with a hydrophilic treatment agent include adding the hydrophilic treatment agent to a synthetic resin and spinning the synthetic resin; immersing natural fibers or synthetic resins in a hydrophilic treatment solution obtained by dissolving or dispersing the hydrophilic treatment agent in an appropriate solvent such as water, an organic solvent, or a mixture of water and an organic solvent for a specific period of time and then drying; and applying a hydrophilic treatment agent or a hydrophilic treatment solution obtained by dissolving or dispersing the hydrophilic treatment agent in an appropriate solvent such as water, an organic solvent, or a mixture of water and an organic solvent to natural fibers or synthetic resins. Natural fibers include, but are not limited to, cotton fibers and cellulose fibers. Synthetic fibers include, but are not limited to, polyester fibers such as polyester fibers and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers, and polyolefin fibers such as polyethylene fibers and polypropylene fibers. Fibers spun from hydrophilic resins may also be used.
[0070] Examples of hydrophilic treatment agents used for general hydrophilic fibers include anionic surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfonate and potassium lauryl phosphate. Among these, potassium lauryl phosphate is preferred from the viewpoint of hydrophilicity. Examples of treatment agents used for durable hydrophilic fibers include castor oil derivatives. Specific examples of castor oil derivatives include polyoxyalkylene chain adducts of natural fats and oils such as castor oil and hydrogenated castor oil, or their fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene stearyl ether, and water-soluble modified silicone. Among these, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil is preferred from the viewpoint of productivity.
[0071] The skin-side sheet 12 includes antibacterial fibers containing an antibacterial agent R. The antibacterial fibers of the skin-side sheet 12 are not particularly limited as long as they have antibacterial properties and are suitable for the material of the diaper 1. However, fibers carrying antibacterial metal ions internally and / or on their surfaces are preferred. Metal compounds containing metal ions may be supported on inorganic porous materials. Supporting methods include, for example, physical adsorption, chemical adsorption, ion exchange, vapor deposition, surface thin film formation, and mechanical support. Antibacterial metal ions are not particularly limited, and examples include silver, copper, and zinc ions. Among these, silver ions are preferred because they exhibit antibacterial effects even in extremely small amounts. Examples of inorganic porous materials include zeolite, hydrotalcite, hydroxyapatite, clay minerals, alumina, silica, and bentonite. Antibacterial organic compounds (antibacterial agents) may also be used. The antibacterial agent is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include hinokitiol, cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine gluconate, isopropylmethylphenol, benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine hydrochloride, benzethonium chloride, triclosan, etc. The antibacterial metal ions and antibacterial agents can each be used alone or in combination of two or more.
[0072] In this embodiment, the skinside layer 12a and the non-skinside layer 12b are such that the layer containing the antibacterial agent R is referred to as the non-skinside layer 12b, and the layer closer to the skin than the non-skinside layer 12b and not containing the antibacterial agent R is referred to as the skinside layer. As described above, the skinside layer 12a in this embodiment is formed from a composite fiber of PET / PP1 raw cotton, and the non-skinside layer 12b is formed from a mixture of the composite fiber of PET / PP1 raw cotton and PP / PET and raw cotton fiber containing the antibacterial agent R. The skinside layer 12a and the non-skinside layer 12b can be distinguished by whether or not they contain the antibacterial agent R. If it is difficult to distinguish between the skinside layer 12a and the non-skinside layer 12b, the layer closer to the skin than the center in the thickness direction of the skinside sheet 12 may be referred to as the skinside layer 12a, and the layer away from the center in the thickness direction of the skinside sheet 12 may be referred to as the non-skinside layer 12b.
[0073] Whether the hydrophilic fibers contained in the skin side layer 12a and the non-skin side layer 12b are durable hydrophilic fibers or general hydrophilic fibers is defined based on the results of the following hydrophilicity test. First, hydrophilic fibers are taken out from each of the skin side layer 12a and the non-skin side layer 12b, and a 20 g / m2 hydrophilic fiber sheet is prepared using the hydrophilic fibers. 2 An air-through nonwoven fabric is prepared. 100 μL of 0.9% saline solution is dropped every 30 seconds onto the same position (e.g., the center) of the obtained air-through nonwoven fabric. The number of drops required for the dropped saline solution to form droplets on each air-through nonwoven fabric without penetrating the fabric is measured. The hydrophilic fiber contained in the sample piece that has been dropped 1 to 8 times is designated as a general hydrophilic fiber, and the hydrophilic fiber contained in the sample piece that has been dropped 9 or more times is designated as a durable hydrophilic fiber.
[0074] Furthermore, in the case where the skin-side sheet 12 has a skin-side layer 12a and a non-skin-side layer 12b as in this embodiment, it is preferable that the non-skin-side layer 12b is provided with the antibacterial agent R. It is more preferable that the skin-side surface of the skin-side layer 12a is not provided with the antibacterial agent R. By providing the antibacterial agent R in the non-skin-side layer 12b, the risk of the antibacterial agent R coming into direct contact with the wearer's skin can be reduced. This reduces bacterial growth in the diaper 1 caused by the antibacterial agent R, while also reducing irritation to the wearer's skin.
[0075] The non-skin side layer 12b containing the antibacterial agent R has antibacterial fibers containing the antibacterial agent R. The antibacterial fibers in this embodiment are raw cotton fibers kneaded with the antibacterial agent R. In this non-skin side layer 12b, the basis weight of the general hydrophilic fibers is 7 g / m 2 In this embodiment, the non-skin side layer 12b does not include general hydrophilic fibers, and the basis weight of the general hydrophilic fibers is 0 g / m 2 Therefore, the basis weight of the non-skin side layer 12b is 7 g / m 2 It is clear that the basis weight of the general hydrophilic fiber of the non-skin side layer 12b is 7 g / m 2 Even if it is smaller, it is possible to reduce the adverse effects on the wearer's skin caused by wearing the diaper 1, and also reduce the risk that the wearer may be concerned that the diaper 1 may become unhygienic if worn for a long period of time.
[0076] In addition, when the skin side sheet 12 has antibacterial fibers containing the antibacterial agent R, the basis weight of the antibacterial fibers is 6 g / m 2 The antibacterial fiber provided in the skin side sheet 12 has a basis weight of 6 g / m 2 Compared to the above cases, it is possible to reduce the adverse effects on the wearer's skin caused by wearing the diaper 1, while also reducing the risk to the wearer that the diaper 1 may become unhygienic if worn for a long period of time.
[0077] It is preferable that the non-adhesive portions 19 have longitudinally continuous portions when the diaper 1 is in an unfolded and stretched state. In the diaper 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 , the non-adhesive portions 19 are longitudinally continuous from the top to the bottom of the absorbent body 11. The adhesive portions 18 and the non-adhesive portions 19 are also portions with and without adhesive 12x. This tends to create a difference in rigidity at the boundary between the adhesive portions 18 and the non-adhesive portions 19, making the absorbent body 11 more likely to bend from the end of the non-adhesive portion 19. This allows the diaper 1 to easily deform to fit the wearer's body when worn, improving the fit of the diaper 1. Furthermore, the longitudinally continuous non-adhesive portions 19 improve the breathability of the absorbent body 11 from the ventral side to the dorsal side when worn, thereby reducing the risk of bacterial growth within the absorbent body 11.
[0078] With regard to the adhesive portions 18 and the non-adhesive portions 19, it is preferable that the total area of the adhesive portions 18 is larger than the total area of the non-adhesive portions 19 when the diaper 1 is in an unfolded and stretched state. This reduces the absorption of the antibacterial agent R provided in the skin side sheet 12 into the absorbent body 11 compared to when the total area of the adhesive portions 18 is smaller than the total area of the non-adhesive portions 19. This makes it easier to reduce the growth of bacteria due to moisture between the absorbent body 11 and the wearer's skin when the diaper 1 is not absorbing excrement such as feces or urine.
[0079] Furthermore, when the diaper 1 is in an unfolded and stretched state, the antibacterial agent R is preferably provided at least on the lateral edges of the skin-side sheet 12, and the lateral edges of the skin-side sheet 12 preferably cover at least a portion of the side surfaces of the absorber 11 and the non-skin-side surface of the absorber 11. As shown in Fig. 7 and other figures, the skin-side sheet 12 of the diaper 1 of this embodiment covers the skin-side surface of the absorber 11 in the lateral direction, and the lateral edges of the skin-side sheet 12 are folded back toward the non-skin-side surface to cover the side surfaces of the absorber 11 and both lateral end portions of the absorber 11. As described above, the antibacterial agent R is provided throughout the entire skin-side sheet 12. Therefore, the antibacterial agent R is more likely to be effective not only on the skin-side surface of the absorber 11 but also on the side surfaces and the non-skin-side surface of the absorber 11, thereby more easily reducing bacterial growth within the absorber 11.
[0080] In the above-described embodiment, the absorbent core 11a (absorbent body 11) is an absorbent core having a substantially rectangular shape and a substantially uniform basis weight, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the absorbent core 11a may have a low-basis weight region having a basis weight lower than the surrounding area, or may have a configuration in which the non-adhesive portion 19, the antibacterial agent R, and the low-basis weight region of the absorbent core 11a overlap when the diaper 1 is unfolded and stretched. The low-basis weight region of the absorbent core 11a may be a portion having a lower basis weight than the surrounding area (a so-called low basis weight region), or may be a slit penetrating through the absorbent core 11a in the thickness direction. In the absorbent core 11a (absorbent body 11) having a low-basis weight region, the low-basis weight region has lower rigidity than the surrounding area. Therefore, the absorbent core 11a (absorbent body 11) folds along the low-basis weight region at the portion where the difference in rigidity occurs, and the absorbent core 11a (absorbent body 11) is likely to deform to fit the wearer's body when worn. Furthermore, the low basis weight region of the absorbent core 11a is more breathable than the surrounding area, and therefore, heat and air inside the absorbent core 11a (absorbent body 11) can be easily released to the outside. Therefore, when viewed in plan, the non-adhesive portions 19, the antibacterial agent R, and the low basis weight region overlap, thereby reducing the risk of bacteria growing inside the absorbent body 11.
[0081] As described above, the absorbent body 11 includes an absorbent core 11a and a core wrap sheet 11b covering the absorbent core 11a. As shown in Fig. 5, the core wrap sheet 11b has a skin-side portion 11bu covering the skin-side of the absorbent core 11a and a non-skin-side portion 11bb covering the non-skin-side of the absorbent core 11a. Fig. 8A is a view of the absorbent body 11 in Fig. 2 as seen from the skin side. As shown in Fig. 8A, between the absorbent core 11a and the skin-side portion 11bu, there is a core-side bonded portion 16 bonded with an adhesive (core-side adhesive) 11x, and a core-side non-bonded portion 17 not bonded with the adhesive 11x. In Fig. 8A, the core-side bonded portion 16 is indicated by a shaded area slanting downward to the left, and the unshaded area is indicated as the core-side non-bonded portion 17. In a plan view of the diaper 1 having such an absorbent body 11 in an unfolded and stretched state, the antibacterial agent R, the non-adhesive portions 19, and the core-side non-bonded portions 17 overlap in some areas. In this embodiment, the non-adhesive portions 19 between the skin-side sheet 12 and the absorbent body 11 are continuous from the front end to the rear end of the absorbent body 11 in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 6 ), and the core-side non-bonded portions 17 are continuous from the front end to the rear end of the absorbent body 11 in the longitudinal direction ( FIG. 8A ). Therefore, the portions in the left-right direction in FIG. 5 where the adhesive 12x is not provided correspond to the non-adhesive portions 19, and the portions in the left-right direction in FIG. 5 where the adhesive 11ux is not provided correspond to the core-side non-bonded portions 17. In this embodiment, the antibacterial agent is randomly kneaded throughout the entire skin-side sheet 12 (non-skin-side layer 12b). In a plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state, the antibacterial agent R, the non-adhesive portions 19, and the core-side non-bonded portions 17 overlap in some areas. This improves breathability compared to when all adhesive portions 18 and core-side adhesive portions 16 overlap in a plan view, and the overlapping portions of non-adhesive portions 19 and core-side non-adhesive portions 17 also overlap with antibacterial agent R, thereby improving the breathability of the absorbent body 11 and making it easier to reduce the proliferation of bacteria inside the absorbent body 11.
[0082] It is also preferable to provide a breathable film on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 11. In this embodiment, for example, the non-skin-side sheet 15 may be a breathable film. A breathable film is a sheet member that is liquid-proof but gas-permeable. When the non-skin-side sheet 15 is a breathable film, an adhesive (film-side adhesive) 15x is provided between the absorbent body 11 and the non-skin-side sheet 15. In this case, in a plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state, the area overlapping the absorbent body 11 includes a non-skin-side adhesive portion (breathable film-side adhesive portion) 15s, which is an area where the adhesive 15x is present, and a non-skin-side non-adhesive portion (breathable film-side non-adhesive portion) 15h, which is an area where the adhesive 15x is not present. Figure 8B is a diagram illustrating the absorbent body 11 and the non-skin-side sheet 15 in Figure 2. For convenience, in Figure 8B, the non-skin-side sheet 15 and the non-skin-side adhesive portion 15s are indicated by solid lines, and the absorbent body 11 is indicated by dotted lines. 8B, the non-skin-side adhesive portion 15s is indicated by the diagonally downward-slanting rightward area, and the unshaded area is indicated as the non-skin-side non-adhesive portion 15h. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8B, in a plan view of the diaper 1 in its unfolded and stretched state, the non-skin-side non-adhesive portion 15h per unit area is preferably larger than the non-adhesive portion 19 per unit area. By making the non-skin-side non-adhesive portion 15h per unit area larger than the non-adhesive portion 19 per unit area, the non-skin-facing side of the diaper 1 is more likely to release moisture from the absorbent body 11 to the outside than the non-adhesive portion 19 on the skin-facing side of the skin-side sheet 12 of the diaper 1. This reduces the growth of bacteria due to moisture between the absorbent body 11 and the wearer's skin.
[0083] Furthermore, in a plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state, it is preferable that the total amount of antibacterial agent R overlapping the adhesive portions 18 be greater than the total amount of antibacterial agent R overlapping the non-adhesive portions 19. The "total amount of antibacterial agent R" refers to the sum of the weights of the antibacterial agent R in each portion. When viewed in a plan view, the total amount of antibacterial agent R overlapping the adhesive portions 18 is greater than the total amount of antibacterial agent R overlapping the non-adhesive portions 19, thereby reducing the absorption of the antibacterial agent R provided in the skin side sheet 12 into the absorbent body 11 compared to when the total amount of antibacterial agent R overlapping the adhesive portions 18 is less than the total amount of antibacterial agent R overlapping the non-adhesive portions 19. This makes it easier to reduce the proliferation of bacteria between the absorbent body 11 and the wearer's skin when the diaper 1 is not absorbing excrement such as feces or urine.
[0084] The total amount of antibacterial agent R can be measured by known methods. For example, it can be measured by the following method. First, a cold spray is used to weaken the adhesive strength of the adhesive bonding the components of the diaper 1, and the components are carefully peeled off to remove the skin-side sheet 12. The removed skin-side sheet 12 is separated into a portion overlapping the adhesive portion 18 and a portion overlapping the non-adhesive portion 19. The portion overlapping the adhesive portion 18 and the portion overlapping the non-adhesive portion 19 are then each subjected to an antibacterial agent extraction process. The antibacterial agent extraction process involves placing each of the above-mentioned portions in a methanol solvent, subjecting the solvent to ultrasonic vibration and agitation, and then filtering the supernatant of the solvent through a solvent-based filter (manufactured by Kanto Chemical Co., Inc., made of PTFE resin, pore size 0.45 μm, 25 mmφ). The solvent in the filtrate is evaporated to obtain a solid fraction. The obtained solid fraction is then separated to obtain a single compound using known analytical means such as liquid chromatography. The chemical structure of the obtained compound is identified using known analytical means such as infrared absorption spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, etc. Using an agent having the identified chemical structure as a standard substance, known analytical means such as gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, etc. can be used to quantify the total amount of antibacterial agent R in each portion from a calibration curve.
[0085] If measurement using liquid chromatography or other methods is difficult, measurement may be performed using inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP-MS), a well-known method for measuring inorganic chemicals. For example, a measurement method using inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP-MS) can be performed as follows. First, the amount of sample pieces to be cut from each of the portions overlapping the adhesive portion 18 and the non-adhesive portion 19 is determined based on the constraints of the analytical equipment in order to perform antibacterial agent extraction treatment. Each sample piece is then subjected to acid treatment to decompose organic chemicals coexisting with metals and to elute the metals. Acids such as hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, perchloric acid, and hydrofluoric acid, either alone or in combination, are added and heated on a hot plate. Alternatively, the same acid is added and the sample is placed in a sealed Teflon container and heated under pressure for decomposition. Subsequently, if necessary, operations such as distillation are performed to remove interfering substances, thereby preparing a sample from which the target antibacterial agent R has been extracted. The amount of metal ions (Ag) in this sample is measured using inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The total amount of antibacterial agent R can be calculated from the obtained metal ions (Ag ions).
[0086] On the other hand, in a plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state, the total amount of antibacterial agent R overlapping the adhesive portions 18 may be less than the total amount of antibacterial agent R overlapping the non-adhesive portions 19. When the total amount of antibacterial agent R overlapping the adhesive portions 18 is less than the total amount of antibacterial agent R overlapping the non-adhesive portions 19 in a plan view, a wider breathable region can be provided than when the total amount of antibacterial agent R overlapping the adhesive portions 18 is greater than the total amount of antibacterial agent R overlapping the non-adhesive portions 19, making it easier to discharge moisture from inside the absorbent body 11 to the outside and reducing the proliferation of bacteria inside the absorbent body 11.
[0087] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.
[0088] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Diaper (pants-type disposable diaper, absorbent article), 10 Absorbent body, 11 Absorbent body, 11a Absorbent core, 11b Core wrap sheet, 11x Adhesive (core-side adhesive), 12 Skin-side sheet, 12a Skin-side layer, 12b Non-skin-side layer, 12x Adhesive, 13 Leakage barrier forming sheet, 13a Leakage barrier elastic member, 13b Leakage barrier wall portion, 15 Non-skin-side sheet (breathable film), 15x Adhesive (film-side adhesive, breathable film-side adhesive portion), 15h Non-skin-side non-adhesive portion (breathable film-side non-adhesive portion), 16 Core-side bonded portion, 17 Core-side non-bonded portion, 18 Adhesive portion, 19 Non-adhesive portion, 20 Front waist portion, 21 Inner layer sheet, 22 Outer layer sheet, 23 Waist elastic member, 30 Rear waistband portion, 31 inner layer sheet, 32 outer layer sheet, 33 waistband elastic member, 40 side joint portion, 41 leg-gathered portion, 42 inner sheet, 43 outer sheet, 44 leg-gathered elastic member, 45 outer sheet, 50 crotch portion, LH leg-opening, BH waistband opening, R antibacterial agent
Claims
1. An absorbent article having a liquid-absorbent body and a skin-side sheet located on the skin side of the absorbent body, the absorbent body having a basis weight of 270 g / m 2 an absorbent article comprising the above-mentioned superabsorbent polymer; the skin side sheet comprises an antibacterial agent; an adhesive is provided between the absorbent body and the skin side sheet; and when viewed in a plan view in the unfolded and stretched state of the absorbent article, the absorbent article has, in an area overlapping with the absorbent body, a bonded portion which is an area where the adhesive is present and a non-adhesive portion which is an area where the adhesive is not present; the absorbent article has a portion where the antibacterial agent and the adhesive portion overlap; and the absorbent article has a portion where the antibacterial agent and the non-adhesive portion overlap.
2. An absorbent article as described in claim 1, characterized in that in the unfolded and stretched state, the absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, a transverse direction and a thickness direction which intersect with each other, and the non-adhesive portion has a portion which is continuous in the longitudinal direction.
3. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the absorbent body has a low basis weight area having a basis weight lower than the surrounding area, and when viewed in a plan view in the unfolded and stretched state of the absorbent article, the absorbent article has a portion where the non-adhesive portion, the antibacterial agent, and the low basis weight area overlap.
4. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the antibacterial agent is a silver-based antibacterial agent.
5. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the antibacterial agent is a cationic antibacterial agent.
6. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the skin side sheet has a skin side layer located on the skin side and a non-skin side layer located on the non-skin side of the skin side layer, and the skin side layer and the non-skin side layer each comprise a durable hydrophilic fiber.
7. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the skin side sheet has a skin side layer located on the skin side and a non-skin side layer located on the non-skin side of the skin side layer, and the antibacterial agent is provided in the non-skin side layer.
8. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent body has an absorbent core and a core wrap sheet covering at least the skin side of the absorbent core, and between the absorbent core and the core wrap sheet, there is a core side bonded portion bonded with a core side adhesive and a core side non-bonded portion not bonded with a core side adhesive, and the absorbent article is characterized in that, when viewed in a planar view in the unfolded and extended state of the absorbent article, the antibacterial agent, the non-bonded portion and the core side non-bonded portion have overlapping portions.
9. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or 2, comprising a breathable film on the non-skin side of the absorbent body, a film side adhesive provided between the absorbent body and the breathable film, and in a planar view of the absorbent article in an unfolded and stretched state, the absorbent article has, in an area overlapping with the absorbent body, a breathable film side adhesive portion which is an area where the film side adhesive is present, and a breathable film side non-adhesive portion which is an area where the film side adhesive is not present, and the breathable film side non-adhesive portion per unit area is larger than the non-adhesive portion per unit area.
10. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the unfolded and stretched state, it has a longitudinal direction, a lateral direction and a thickness direction which intersect with each other, the antibacterial agent is provided at least on the lateral end of the skin side sheet, and the lateral end of the skin side sheet covers the side of the absorbent body and at least a portion of the non-skin side of the absorbent body.
11. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when viewed in a planar view in an unfolded and stretched state of the absorbent article, the total amount of the antibacterial agent overlapping the adhesive portions is greater than the total amount of the antibacterial agent overlapping the non-adhesive portions.
12. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when viewed in a planar view in the unfolded and stretched state of the absorbent article, the total amount of the antibacterial agent overlapping the adhesive portions is less than the total amount of the antibacterial agent overlapping the non-adhesive portions.
13. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when viewed in a plane in an unfolded and stretched state of the absorbent article, the total area of the adhesive portions is greater than the total area of the non-adhesive portions.
14. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the skin side sheet has a skin side layer located on the skin side and a non-skin side layer located on the non-skin side of the skin side layer, the non-skin side layer has general hydrophilic fibers and antibacterial fibers containing the antibacterial agent, and the general hydrophilic fibers of the non-skin side layer have a basis weight of 7 g / m 2 An absorbent article characterized by being smaller.
15. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the skin side sheet has antibacterial fibers containing the antibacterial agent, and the basis weight of the antibacterial fibers is 6 g / m 2 An absorbent article characterized by being larger.
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