Absorbent article

Abstract

Provided is an absorbent article capable of improving the absorbency and diffusibility of a liquid while improving fit by softening the contact with an excretory opening. An absorbent article (10) has: a front-rear direction (L), a width direction (W), and a thickness direction (T) that are orthogonal to each other; a crotch region (S3), a front waist region (S1), and a rear waist region (S2); an absorbent core (50); and a compressed portion (80) obtained by compressing at least the absorbent core in the thickness direction. The absorbent core has: a center region (R51) positioned in the center among regions obtained by equally dividing the absorbent core in three in the width direction at the center of the absorbent article in the front-rear direction; and side regions (R52) extending between the outer edges of the center region and the outer edges of the absorbent core. The absorbent article has: in the side regions, a side compressed region (R82) in which the compressed portion is disposed; and a first highly compressed region (HR1) in which the compressed portion is disposed in an area ratio higher than a side total area ratio which is the area ratio of the compressed portion in the entire side compressed region. The first highly compressed region is disposed in the center region.

Description

absorbent articles

[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article having compressed portions formed by compressing an absorbent core in the thickness direction.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article in which compressed portions are formed by compressing an absorbent core in the thickness direction. The compressed portions in Patent Document 1 are arranged in a lattice pattern over the entire area of ​​the absorbent core. The compressed portions can diffuse body fluids, improving diffusibility over the entire area of ​​the absorbent core. The compressed portions can also draw body fluids to the non-skin side, improving fluid drawability over the entire area of ​​the absorbent core. The compressed portions also increase the rigidity of the absorbent core, allowing the shape of the absorbent core to be maintained over the entire area, ensuring absorption capacity.

[0003] Patent No. 6447396

[0004] However, the above-mentioned absorbent articles have the following problems: Because the compressed portions are arranged in a grid pattern over the entire area of ​​the absorbent core, the rigidity of the entire area of ​​the absorbent core is high, and the absorbent core is sometimes placed in a planar shape facing the body with a gap between it and the body. While a space for temporarily storing excrement can be formed in the gap between the absorbent core and the body, there is a risk of leakage because the entire area of ​​the absorbent core is placed with a gap between it and the body.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide an absorbent article that can form a space between the absorbent core and the body in which excrement can be temporarily stored, while preventing the stored excrement from leaking.

[0006] An absorbent article according to one embodiment has a front-to-back direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are perpendicular to each other, a crotch region including the center in the front-to-back direction, a front waist region located forward of the crotch region, and a rear waist region located rearward of the crotch region, an absorbent core disposed at least in the crotch region and having an absorbent material, and compressed portions compressing at least the absorbent core in the thickness direction. The absorbent core has a center region located in the middle of three equal regions obtained by dividing the absorbent core in the width direction at the center of the front-to-back direction of the absorbent article, and side regions extending from the outer edges of the center region to the outer edges of the absorbent core. The absorbent article has side compressed regions in which the compressed portions are disposed in the side regions, and first high-pressure regions in which the compressed portions are disposed at an area ratio higher than the overall side area ratio, which is the area ratio of the compressed portions to the entire side compressed regions. The first high-pressure region is disposed in the center region.

[0007] According to another aspect, the absorbent article has a front-to-back direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are perpendicular to each other, a crotch region including the center in the front-to-back direction, a front waist region located forward of the crotch region, and a rear waist region located rearward of the crotch region, an absorbent core disposed at least in the crotch region and having an absorbent material, and a compression section compressing at least the absorbent core in the thickness direction. The absorbent core has a crotch region located in the center of three equal regions obtained by dividing the absorbent core in the front-to-back direction, a front region located forward of the crotch region, and a rear region located rearward of the crotch region. The absorbent article has at least one of a front compression section in the front region where the compression section is disposed, and a rear compression section in the rear region where the compression section is disposed. The absorbent article has a second high-pressure region in which the compressed portions are arranged at an area ratio higher than at least one of a front overall area ratio, which is the area ratio of the compressed portions to the entire front compressed region, and a rear overall area ratio, which is the area ratio of the compressed portions to the entire rear compressed region. The second high-pressure region is arranged in the crotch region.

[0008] Fig. 1 is a front view of an absorbent article according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent article according to the first embodiment in an unfolded state. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a plan view of an absorbent core according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a plan view of an absorbent core according to a second embodiment. Fig. 6 is a plan view of an absorbent core according to a modified example.

[0009] (1) Overview of the Embodiments The present specification and accompanying drawings make at least the following clear. The invention according to Aspect 1 is an absorbent article having a front-to-back direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are orthogonal to one another, a crotch region including the center in the front-to-back direction, a front waist region located forward of the crotch region, and a rear waist region located rearward of the crotch region, an absorbent core disposed at least in the crotch region and having an absorbent material, and compressed portions compressing at least the absorbent core in the thickness direction. The absorbent core has a center region located in the middle of three equal regions obtained by dividing the absorbent core in the width direction at the center of the front-to-back direction of the absorbent article, and side regions extending from the outer edges of the center region to the outer edges of the absorbent core. The absorbent article has side compressed regions in which the compressed portions are disposed in the side regions, and first compressed regions in which the compressed portions are disposed at an area ratio higher than the overall side area ratio, which is the area ratio of the compressed portions to the entire side compressed regions. The first high-pressure compression region is disposed in the center region. The center region is disposed opposite the excretory opening, making it easy to guide body fluids. The first high-pressure compression region is disposed in the center region. The first high-pressure compression region has a high area ratio per unit area, high rigidity, and is easily positioned facing the body at a distance. By positioning the first high-pressure compression region at a distance from the body in the center region, where a large amount of body fluid is guided, a space for temporarily storing body exudates can be formed. Furthermore, compressed portions are disposed in the side regions with a lower area ratio than the first high-pressure compression region. The presence of the compressed portions prevents the side regions from becoming too stiff. Therefore, the side regions are more easily deformed than the center region and fit the body better. The side regions' fit to the body prevents lateral leakage of body exudates stored in the storage space in the center region. Therefore, a space for temporarily storing body exudates can be formed between the absorbent core and the body, while preventing leakage of the stored exudates.

[0010] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 2 may have the following features in the invention according to Aspect 1. The absorbent core has a crotch region located in the center of three regions obtained by dividing the absorbent core into three equal parts in the front-to-rear direction, and a rear region located behind the crotch region. The first high-pressure compression region is arranged across the crotch region and the rear region. According to this aspect, since the first high-pressure compression region is arranged across the crotch region and the rear region, a storage space can be provided opposite the region from which urine and feces are excreted.

[0011] 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: The first high-pressure compression region straddles the center of the absorbent core in the width direction. The length of the first high-pressure compression region in the width direction is 50% or more of the length of the center region in the width direction. The center of the absorbent core in the width direction is likely to be positioned opposite the excretion opening, and is a region through which body waste is likely to be guided. A storage space can be formed that includes the region through which body waste is likely to be guided and extends over more than half of the center region.

[0012] 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. The diaper comprises a first lattice region in the center region, in which the compressed portions are arranged in a lattice pattern, and a second lattice region in the side region, in which the compressed portions are arranged in a lattice pattern. The area ratio of the compressed portions in the first lattice region is higher than the area ratio of the compressed portions in the second lattice region. According to this aspect, since a high proportion of the lattice-shaped compressed portions are arranged in the center region, it is easier to maintain the center region in a more planar shape and to ensure a space in which excrement can be temporarily stored. Furthermore, since the area ratio of the second lattice region arranged in the side region is low, the presence of the compressed portions does not make the side region too stiff. This allows the side region to easily deform and fit the body easily. The side region's fit to the body helps prevent leakage of excrement from the storage space.

[0013] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 5 may have the following feature in the invention according to aspect 4: the first lattice region and the second lattice region are arranged at a distance from each other. According to this aspect, when an external force is applied to the absorbent core, the region where the first lattice region and the second lattice region are arranged at a distance from each other deforms to absorb the force, thereby maintaining the shapes of the first lattice region and the second lattice region and making it easier to maintain the storage space for excrement.

[0014] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 6 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5: the area ratio of the compressed portions to the entire center region is higher than the area ratio of the compressed portions to the entire side regions. The presence of the compressed portions increases the rigidity of the center region, allowing for a storage space to be provided between the center region and the body over a wide area. Furthermore, the presence of the compressed portions prevents the side regions from becoming too stiff, improving the fit to the body.

[0015] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 7 may be any of the inventions according to Aspects 1 to 6, and may have the following features: The absorbent core has a front widest section at the front end of the absorbent core, which is the longest section in the width direction of the absorbent core; a rear widest section at the rear end of the absorbent core, which is the longest section in the width direction of the absorbent core; and a waisted region between the front widest section and the rear widest section, where the length of the absorbent core in the width direction is shortened. The first high-compression region is disposed over the entire front-to-rear area of ​​the waisted region. The waisted region is pinched by the legs and is susceptible to forces directed inward in the width direction. Because the first high-compression region is provided over the entire front-to-rear area of ​​the waisted region, deformation of the center region in the waisted region can be suppressed. Therefore, even when forces are applied during wear, the shape of the center region and the storage space can be maintained.

[0016] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 8 may have the following features in the invention according to aspect 7. The first high-compression region is arranged across from the waist region to the rear maximum width portion. Because the first high-compression region is arranged across the waist region and the rear maximum width portion, deformation of the waist region and rear maximum width portion is suppressed, ensuring the area of ​​the absorbent core and the absorption capacity. Furthermore, a storage space can be provided across the waist region and rear maximum width portion, and the storage space can be provided opposite the area where urine and feces are excreted.

[0017] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 9 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 8: The absorbent core has a minimum width portion where the length in the width direction of the absorbent core is the shortest. The outer edges in the width direction of the first compressed region are located widthwise inward of a narrowest imaginary line extending in the front-to-rear direction from the outer edges of the absorbent core at the minimum width portion. According to this aspect, since the first compressed region is not located widthwise outward of the narrowest imaginary line, the rigidity of the outer parts of the absorbent core can be reduced, and the impact of the absorbent core can be softened.

[0018] A tenth aspect of the present invention provides an absorbent article having a crotch region including a center in the front-to-back direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are perpendicular to each other, a front waist region located forward of the crotch region, and a rear waist region located rearward of the crotch region, an absorbent core disposed at least in the crotch region and having an absorbent material, and a compressed portion compressing at least the absorbent core in the thickness direction. The absorbent core has a crotch region located in the center of three equal regions obtained by dividing the absorbent core in the front-to-back direction, a front region located forward of the crotch region, and a rear region located rearward of the crotch region. The absorbent article has at least one of a front compressed region in which the compressed portion is disposed in the front region and a rear compressed region in which the compressed portion is disposed in the rear region. The absorbent article has a second high-pressure compression region in which the compressed portions are arranged at a higher area ratio than at least one of a front overall area ratio, which is the area ratio of the compressed portions to the entire front compression region, and a rear overall area ratio, which is the area ratio of the compressed portions to the entire rear compression region. The second high-pressure compression region is arranged in the crotch region. The crotch region is arranged opposite the excretory opening through which urine is excreted, making it easy to guide urine. A second high-pressure compression region is provided in the crotch region. The second high-pressure compression region has a high area ratio of compressed portions, is highly rigid, and is easily positioned opposite and spaced apart from the body. In the crotch region, where a large amount of bodily fluid is guided, the second high-pressure compression region is positioned at a distance from the body, thereby creating a space for temporarily storing bodily excrement. Furthermore, the compressed portions are arranged in the front and rear regions at a lower area ratio than the second high-pressure compression region. As a result, the front and rear regions are easily deformed and easily positioned to fit the body. The front and rear regions fit the body well, preventing side leakage of excrement from the storage space in the crotch area, thereby forming a space between the absorbent core and the body where excrement can be temporarily stored, while preventing leakage of the stored excrement.

[0019] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 11 may have the following feature in the invention according to aspect 10: the second high-compression region reaches the outer edge of the absorbent core in the width direction. According to this aspect, the second high-compression region is provided up to the outer edge of the absorbent core, and a storage space can be provided in the crotch region across the area up to the outer edge of the absorbent core, making it easier to ensure storage capacity.

[0020] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 12 may have the following features in the invention according to aspect 10. The second high-compression region is spaced apart from the outer edge of the absorbent core in the width direction. According to this aspect, the second high-compression region is not provided on the outer edge of the absorbent core in the width direction. Therefore, the region between the outer edge of the absorbent core in the width direction and the second high-compression region is easily deformed and easily positioned along the body. The region between the outer edge of the absorbent core in the width direction and the second high-compression region fits the body, thereby preventing lateral leakage of excrement from the storage space by the second high-compression region.

[0021] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 13 may be the invention according to any one of Aspects 10 to 12, and may have the following features: The diaper has a third lattice region in the crotch region, in which the compressed portions are arranged in a lattice pattern; a fourth lattice region in the front region, in which the compressed portions are arranged in a lattice pattern; and a fifth lattice region in the rear region, in which the compressed portions are arranged in a lattice pattern. The area ratio of the compressed portions in the third lattice region is higher than the area ratio of the compressed portions in the fourth lattice region, and higher than the area ratio of the compressed portions in the fifth lattice region. According to this aspect, since a high proportion of lattice-shaped compressed portions are arranged in the crotch region, it is easier to maintain the entire second compressed region in a planar shape, and it is easier to ensure a space in which excrement can be temporarily stored. Furthermore, since the area ratio of the fourth lattice region arranged in the front region and the area ratio of the fifth lattice region arranged in the rear region are low, the presence of the compressed portions does not make the front region and the rear region too hard. Therefore, the front and rear regions are easily deformable and easily fit to the body, and front and rear leakage of excrement from the storage space can be suppressed.

[0022] (2) Absorbent article according to the first embodiment The absorbent article according to the first embodiment 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.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a front view of an absorbent article 10 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent article 10 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. Note that 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 joint portions 60 (described below) extended. Furthermore, in the present invention, the natural state refers to a state in which, in the case of 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. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 2.

[0024] The absorbent article 10 may be any absorbent article that covers the waist of a wearer, and may be, for example, a disposable diaper. The absorbent article 10 may be a pants-type absorbent article or an unfolded (tape-type) absorbent article. This embodiment is a pants-type absorbent article. The absorbent article 10 has a front-to-rear direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T that are perpendicular to each other. The front-to-rear direction L is defined by the direction extending toward the front and rear of the body. In other words, the front-to-rear direction L is the direction extending 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.

[0025] The absorbent article 10 has a crotch region S3, a front waist region S1 located in front of the crotch region S3, and a rear waist region S2 located behind the crotch region S3. The front waist region S1 and the rear waist region S2 form a waist region that covers the waist of the wearer. 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 wearer's crotch and is located between the front waist region S1 and the rear waist region S2.

[0026] The absorbent article 10 may be provided with a pair of side joining portions 60 joining the outer sides of the front waistline region S1 and the rear waistline region S2. The absorbent article 10 is folded in two around a fold line FL located at the center of the absorbent article 10 in the front-to-rear direction L, and in this folded state is joined by the side joining portions 60 to form a pants-like shape. The fold line FL extends in the width direction W and is a fold line along which the absorbent article 10 is folded in two so that the skin-side surfaces T1 of the absorbent article 10 face each other. In this embodiment, the fold line FL coincides with the center of the absorbent article in the front-to-rear direction L. The side joining portions 60 are defined by portions where the outer sides of the front waistline region S1 and the outer sides of 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.

[0027] Here, the outer portion in the present invention refers to a portion occupying a certain range in the width direction W including an edge in the width direction W, and the outer edge refers to an edge in the width direction W. Furthermore, 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. Here, FIG. 1 shows a state in which the side joint portions 60 are joined, and FIG. 2 shows a state in which the side joint portions 60 are released and the absorbent article 10 is unfolded. With the side joint portions 60 formed, the absorbent article 10 is formed with a waist opening 62 through which the wearer's waist is passed and a pair of leg openings 66 through which the wearer's legs are inserted. The waist opening 62 is defined by the front edge of the front waist region S1 and the rear edge of the rear waist 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.

[0028] The absorbent article 10 includes an absorbent core 50 disposed at least in the crotch region S3 and containing an absorbent material. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the absorbent core 50. The absorbent core 50 may contain, for example, fluff pulp, superabsorbent polymer (SAP), or a mixture thereof. The absorbent core 50 is disposed at least in the crotch region S3. Preferably, the absorbent core 50 extends from the front waist region S1 to the rear waist region S2 in the front-to-rear direction L. The absorbent core 50 may be covered by a core wrap (not shown). As shown in FIG. 4, the absorbent core 50 may have a waist region 55 between the front and rear ends of the absorbent core 50, where the length of the absorbent core 50 in the width direction W is shortened. The waist region 55 is located between a front maximum width portion 50FM at the front end of the absorbent core 50 and a rear maximum width portion 50RM at the rear end of the absorbent core 50. The constriction region 55 may have a shortest width portion 55N, which has the shortest widthwise length of the absorbent core 50, and an expanded width region 56, which is located outside the shortest width portion 55N in the front-to-back direction L and in which the length in the widthwise direction W of the absorbent core 50 increases toward the outside in the front-to-back direction L.

[0029] The absorbent core 50 has a center region R51 located in the middle of the regions obtained by dividing the absorbent core 50 into three equal parts in the width direction at the center of the front-rear direction L of the absorbent article 10, and side regions R52 extending from the outer edges of the center region R51 to the outer edges of the absorbent core 50. At the center of the front-rear direction L of the absorbent article 10, the widthwise lengths of each region are the same. However, in an embodiment having a constricted region 55 as in the present embodiment, the length in the widthwise direction W of the outer edges of the absorbent core 50 is longer than the center of the front-rear direction L of the absorbent core 50, so the lengths in the widthwise direction W of each region at the outer edges of the absorbent core 50 are different. At the outer edges of the absorbent core 50, the length in the widthwise direction W of the side regions R52 is longer than the length in the widthwise direction W of the center region R51.

[0030] The absorbent core 50 has a crotch region R57 located in the center of three regions obtained by dividing the absorbent core 50 into three equal parts in the front-to-back direction L, a front region R58 located forward of the crotch region R57, and a rear region R59 located rearward of the crotch region R57. The crotch region R57, the front region R58, and the rear region R59 are formed by three regions obtained by dividing the absorbent core 50 into three equal parts in the front-to-back direction L, and all have the same length in the front-to-back direction L. The front region R58 is the region between the front edge of the crotch region R57 and the front edge of the absorbent core 50, and the rear region R59 is the region between the rear edge of the crotch region R57 and the rear edge of the absorbent core 50.

[0031] The absorbent article 10 may have an absorbent body 40. The absorbent body 40 may have an absorbent core 50, a liquid-permeable top sheet 41 covering the skin side T1 of the absorbent core 50, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 42 covering the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent core 50, and a non-skin side sheet 43 covering the non-skin side T2 of the back sheet 42. The absorbent body 40 may be arranged in at least the crotch region S3 and may extend into the front waist region S1 and the rear waist region S2. The top sheet 41 and the non-skin side sheet 43 may be made of nonwoven fabric. The back sheet 42 may be made of film. The absorbent body 40 may be configured as a separate body from the waist sheet arranged in the waist region.

[0032] The absorbent article 10 has an outer body 30 that is located closer to the wearer's skin side T2 than the absorbent main body 40 and covers the wearer's waist in the rear waist region S2 and the front waist region S1. The outer body 30 only needs to be located in at least the rear waist region S2 and the front waist region S1, and may be located across the crotch region S3. The outer body has multiple waist sheets. The waist sheets are the sheets located in the waist region other than the absorbent main body 40. The waist sheets may include a first waist sheet 35 and a second waist sheet 36 that is located closer to the wearer's skin side T2 than the first waist sheet 35. The first waist sheet 35 and the second waist sheet 36 may be made of nonwoven fabric. The second waistline sheet 36 may have a non-folded portion 361 located closer to the skin side T2 than the first waistline sheet 35, and a folded portion 362 folded back to the skin side T1 from the waistline opening 62 (the front end edge of the front waistline region S1 and the rear end edge of the rear waistline region S2). The folded portion 362 of the second waistline sheet 36 may be disposed on the skin side T1 of the first waistline sheet 35 and the absorbent main body 40.

[0033] 3 , the absorbent article 10 is provided with a front joining region R31 that joins the outer body 30 and the absorbent main body 40 on the front waistline region S1 side, and a rear joining region R32 that joins the outer body 30 and the absorbent main body 40 on the rear waistline region S2 side. The front joining region R31 and the rear joining region R32 are arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body 40. The front joining region R31 and the rear joining region R32 are spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction L and may extend along the width direction W.

[0034] The outer casing 30 may have waist elastic members that stretch in the width direction W. The waist elastic members may be made of rubber thread that stretches in the width direction W or elastic sheets that stretch in the width direction W. In this embodiment, the waist elastic members are made of rubber thread, and multiple waist elastic members may be arranged in each of the front waist region S1 and the rear waist region S2 at intervals in the front-to-rear direction L. The waist elastic members only need to be arranged in at least the waist region, and may be arranged across the waist region and the crotch region. In this embodiment, the waist elastic members include leg elastic members 38 that are arranged across the rear waist region S2 and the crotch region S3 and are positioned along the leg openings 66. The leg elastic members 38 curve from the outer widthwise portion of the rear waist region S2 toward the inner width direction W and toward the inner width direction (the crotch region side). Three leg elastic members 38 are provided in the rear waist region S2.

[0035] The waist elastic members may include a front continuous elastic member 31 that is continuously disposed from one end to the other in the width direction of the front waist region S1 and stretches in the width direction, and a rear continuous elastic member 32 that is continuously disposed from one end to the other in the width direction W of the rear waist region S2 and stretches in the width direction. All of the waist elastic members (including the leg elastic members 38) in this embodiment are continuous elastic members.

[0036] The absorbent article 10 has a compressed section 80 that compresses at least the absorbent core 50 in the thickness direction T. The compressed section 80 may compress only the absorbent core 50, or may compress the core wrap together with the absorbent core 50. For convenience, the compressed section is illustrated as a blackened area in the cross-sectional view, but in an actual product, it is an area where the absorbent material is compressed and recessed in the thickness direction. The compressed section 80 may be recessed from the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent core 50 toward the skin side T1, or from the skin side T1 of the absorbent core 50 toward the non-skin side T2. That is, the compressed section 80 may be formed by pressing the non-skin side T2 surface of the absorbent core 50 toward the skin side T1, or by pressing the skin side T1 surface of the absorbent core 50 toward the non-skin side T2. The compressed section 80 in this embodiment is recessed from the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent core 50 toward the skin side T1.

[0037] The compression portions 80 may include a center compression portion 81 disposed in the center region R51, side compression portions 82 disposed in the side regions R52, a crotch compression portion 87 disposed in the crotch region R57, a front compression portion 88 disposed in the front region R58, and a rear compression portion 89 disposed in the rear compression region R89. The compression portions 80 may be disposed across the center region R51 and the side regions R52, or may be disposed in each of the center region R51 and the side regions R52 and spaced apart from each other. The compression portions 80 may be disposed across the crotch region R57 and the front region R58, or may be disposed in each of the crotch region R57 and the front region R58 and spaced apart from each other. The compression portions 80 may be disposed across the crotch region R57 and the rear region R59, or may be disposed in each of the crotch region R57 and the rear region R59 and spaced apart from each other.

[0038] The absorbent article 10 of this embodiment is configured to form a space between the absorbent core 50 and the body that can temporarily store excrement while suppressing leakage of the stored excrement. There are roughly two configurations for forming a space between the absorbent core 50 and the body that can temporarily store excrement while suppressing leakage of the stored excrement. The first configuration will be described in the first embodiment, and the second configuration will be described in the second embodiment described below.

[0039] In the first aspect, the absorbent article 10 has a center compression region R81 in which compression sections 80 are arranged in the center region R51, a side compression region R82 in which compression sections 80 are arranged in the side region R52, and a first high compression region HR1 in which compression sections are arranged at an area ratio higher than the overall side area ratio, which is the area ratio of the compression sections to the entire side compression region R82. The compression region is an area in which compression sections 80 are arranged, and is an area of ​​a certain range that includes compression sections in a certain pattern. The compression region may have a single compression section (for example, a continuous linear compression section) arranged therein, or may have an arrangement of a plurality of compression sections (for example, a grid-like collection of compression sections, as described below).

[0040] The center compressed region R81 is a region in which the center compressed portion 81 is arranged. In this embodiment, only the compressed portions that make up the first lattice region R71 (described later) are arranged in the center region R51, and therefore the center compressed region R81 and the first lattice region R71 are the same region. However, in a modified embodiment, if compressed portions other than those that make up the first lattice region R71 are arranged in the center region R51, the center compressed region is configured to include the first lattice region R71 and the region in which the other compressed portions are arranged. Alternatively, the center compressed region R81 may not be provided with a first lattice region, and compressed portions other than those in a lattice pattern may be arranged. In this embodiment, the widthwise range of the center compressed region R81 is the range sandwiched between the outer edges on both sides of the lattice-shaped center compressed portion 81. The range of the center compression region R81 in the front-to-back direction L is the range sandwiched between the outer edges on both sides of the lattice-shaped center compression portion 81, and since the center compression portion 81 is arranged up to both outer edges of the absorbent core 50, it is the range sandwiched between the front and rear edges of the absorbent core 50.

[0041] The side compression region R82 is a region in which the side compression portions 82 are arranged. In this embodiment, only the compression portions that constitute the second lattice region R72 (described later) are arranged in the side region R52, and therefore the side compression region R82 and the second lattice region R72 are the same region. However, in a modified embodiment, if compression portions other than those that constitute the second lattice region R72 are arranged in the side region R52, the side compression region R82 is configured to include the second lattice region R72 and a region in which the other compression portions are arranged. Alternatively, the side compression region R82 may not be provided with the second lattice region R72, and compression portions other than those in a lattice pattern may be arranged. In this embodiment, the range of the side compression region R82 in the width direction W is the range sandwiched between the outer edges on both sides of the lattice-shaped side compression portions 82. The range of the side compression region R82 in the front-to-back direction L is the range sandwiched between the outer edges on both sides of the lattice-shaped side compression portion 82, and since the side compression portion 82 is arranged up to both outer edges of the absorbent core 50, it is the range sandwiched between the front and rear edges of the absorbent core 50.

[0042] The first high compression region HR1 is a region in which the compressed portions 80 are arranged at an area ratio higher than the overall side area ratio. In this embodiment, the first high compression region HR1 is the same region as the first lattice region R71 and the center compression region R81. The area ratio of the compressed portions is the ratio of the area in which the compressed portions are arranged. When calculating the area ratio of the compressed portions, the area of ​​the compressed regions (the entire area surrounding the compressed portions) and the area of ​​the compressed portions (the area of ​​only the compressed portions) are measured, and the ratio can be calculated as the area of ​​the compressed portions / the area of ​​the compressed regions. The overall side area ratio is the area ratio of the compressed portions to the overall area of ​​the side compression region R82. When there is one side compression region R82, as in the present embodiment, the total side area ratio can be calculated from the area ratio of that one side compression region R82, but when there are multiple side compression regions R82, it can be calculated by dividing the total area of ​​the compression regions (the combined area of ​​the side compression regions in multiple regions) by the total area of ​​the compression regions (the combined area of ​​the side compression regions in multiple regions). In other words, when there are multiple side compression regions R82, the average area ratio is used. Furthermore, the area of ​​the side compression region R82 does not include the area of ​​side regions other than the side compression region R82, for example, the region between the side compression region and the outer edge of the absorbent core 50.

[0043] The center region R51 is positioned opposite the excretory opening, allowing bodily fluids to be easily guided therethrough. A first high-pressure region HR1 is positioned in the center region R51. The first high-pressure region HR1 has a high area ratio of the compressed portions 80, is highly rigid, and is easily positioned facing the body at a distance. In the center region R51, where a large amount of bodily fluids is guided, the first high-pressure region HR1 is positioned at a distance from the body, thereby forming a space for temporarily storing bodily fluids. Furthermore, the side regions R52 have compressed portions with a lower area ratio than the first high-pressure region HR1. The presence of the compressed portions 80 prevents the side regions R52 from becoming too stiff, allowing them to deform more easily than the center region R51 and fit the body better. The side regions R52's close fit to the body prevents side leakage of bodily fluids stored in the storage space in the center region R51. Therefore, a space capable of temporarily storing excrement is formed between the absorbent core 50 and the body, and leakage of the stored excrement can be suppressed.

[0044] The first high compression region HR1 may extend in the front-rear direction L. Here, the shape extending in the front-rear direction L may be a straight line along the front-rear direction L, or may be a wave-like shape having a portion inclined with respect to the front-rear direction L, but extending in the front-rear direction as a whole. Note that the shape extending in the front-rear direction may not only be parallel to the front-rear direction L, but may also be slightly inclined (for example, less than 10 degrees, preferably less than 5 degrees) with respect to the front-rear direction.

[0045] The first high-pressure compression region HR1 may be disposed at least in the crotch region R57. This is because the crotch region R57 is disposed opposite the excretory opening through which urine is excreted, making it easier for urine to be guided therethrough. Preferably, the first high-pressure compression region HR1 may be disposed across the crotch region R57 and the rear region R59. According to this aspect, the first high-pressure compression region HR1 is disposed across the crotch region R57 and the rear region R59, thereby providing a storage space opposite the area through which urine and feces are excreted. In this embodiment, the first high-pressure compression region HR1 is disposed across the entire front-to-rear direction of the absorbent core, spanning the crotch region R57, the front region R58, and the rear region R59. By disposing a region with relatively high rigidity at the center of the absorbent core 50 throughout the entire front-to-rear direction of the absorbent core 50, it becomes easier to ensure the length of the absorbent core 50 in the width direction W.

[0046] The first high-compression region HR1 may be disposed across the entire area of ​​the constricted region 55 in the front-to-rear direction L. The first high-compression region HR1 extends in the front-to-rear direction L and may be disposed forward of the front edge of the constricted region 55 and behind the rear edge of the constricted region 55. The constricted region 55 is pinched between the legs and is susceptible to forces directed inward in the width direction W. Because the first high-compression region HR1 is provided across the entire constricted region 55 in the front-to-rear direction L, the first high-compression region HR1 can suppress deformation of the center region R51 in the constricted region 55. Therefore, even when forces are applied during wear, the shape of the center region R51 can be maintained, and the storage space can be maintained.

[0047] The first high-compression region HR1 may be disposed across the waist region 55 and the rear maximum width portion 50RM. Since the first high-compression region HR1 is disposed across the waist region 55 and the rear maximum width portion 50RM, deformation of the waist region 55 and the rear maximum width portion 50RM is suppressed, ensuring the area of ​​the absorbent core 50 and ensuring absorption capacity. A storage space can be provided across the waist region 55 and the rear maximum width portion 50RM, and the storage space can be provided opposite the area where urine and feces are excreted.

[0048] The range of the first high-compression region HR1 in the width direction W is not limited, as long as at least a portion of the first high-compression region HR1 is located in the center region R51. The first high-compression region HR1 may be located only in the center region R51 and not in the side regions R52, or may straddle the center region R51 and the side regions R52. In this embodiment, the first high-compression region HR1 is located only in the center region R51.

[0049] The first high-compression region HR1 may straddle the center in the width direction W of the absorbent core 50. The length in the width direction W of the first high-compression region HR1 may be 50% or more of the length in the width direction W of the center region R51. The center in the width direction W of the absorbent core 50 is likely to be positioned opposite the excretion opening, and is a region through which excrement is likely to be guided. A storage space can be formed that includes the region through which excrement is likely to be guided and extends over more than half of the center region R51.

[0050] The outer edge of the first compressed region HR1 in the width direction W may be located widthwise inward of the narrowest imaginary line EL55 extending in the front-to-rear direction from the outer edge of the absorbent core 50 at the shortest width portion 55N. According to this aspect, since the first compressed region is not located widthwise outward of the narrowest imaginary line, the rigidity of the outer portion of the absorbent core 50 can be reduced, and the impact of the absorbent core 50 can be softened. This can reduce discomfort in the groin and buttocks.

[0051] In a configuration having a waisted region 55 as in this embodiment, the compressed portions do not have to be located on the outer side of the absorbent core 50 in the rear maximum width portion 50RM, and they do not have to be located on the outer side of the absorbent core 50 in the front maximum width portion 50FM. The outer side of the absorbent core 50 in the front maximum width portion 50FM is likely to come into contact with the groin, and the outer side of the absorbent core 50 in the rear maximum width portion 50RM is likely to come into contact with the bulge of the buttocks. By not providing compressed portions in the areas that come into contact with the groin and buttocks, the rigidity of these areas is prevented from increasing, improving the wearing comfort.

[0052] The absorbent article 10 may have a first lattice region R71 in the center region R51, in which compressed portions are arranged in a lattice pattern, and a second lattice region R72 in the side region R52, in which compressed portions are arranged in a lattice pattern. The area ratio of the compressed portions in the first lattice region R71 may be higher than the area ratio of the compressed portions in the second lattice region R72. Because the area ratio of the second lattice region R72 arranged in the side region R52 is low, the presence of the compressed portions 80 does not make the side region R52 too stiff. This makes the side region R52 more easily deformable and easier to fit to the body. The side region R52's fit to the body helps prevent leakage of excrement from the storage space. Furthermore, because the side region R52 has lattice-shaped compressed portions, it is easier to maintain its shape as a wall closing the storage space. Furthermore, since a high proportion of lattice-shaped compressed portions are arranged in the center region R51, it is easier to maintain the center region R51 in a planar shape and to ensure a space for temporarily storing excrement. The compressed portions of the first lattice region R71 of this embodiment have a shorter lattice pitch and are more densely arranged than the compressed portions of the second lattice region R72. The first lattice region R71 may constitute the first high-pressure region HR1, or may be provided separately from the first high-pressure region HR1. The first lattice region R71 of this embodiment constitutes the first high-pressure region HR1.

[0053] According to this embodiment, the first lattice region R71 and the second lattice region R72 may be spaced apart, and when an external force is applied to the absorbent core 50, the area in which the first lattice region R71 and the second lattice region R72 are spaced apart deforms, absorbing the force and maintaining the shapes of the first lattice region R71 and the second lattice region R72, making it easier to maintain the storage space for excrement. The first lattice region R71 and the second lattice region R72 in this embodiment are spaced apart in the width direction W.

[0054] The area ratio of the compressed portions 80 in the entire center region R51 may be higher than the area ratio of the compressed portions 80 in the entire side region R52. The area ratio of the compressed portions 80 in the entire center region R51 can be calculated by dividing the total area of ​​the compressed portions 80 arranged in the center region R51 by the total area of ​​the center region R51 (including areas other than the compressed regions), and the area ratio of the compressed portions in the entire side region R52 can be calculated by dividing the total area of ​​the compressed portions arranged in the side region R52 by the total area of ​​the side region R52 (including areas other than the compressed regions). According to this aspect, the presence of the compressed portions prevents the side region R52 from becoming too stiff, improving its fit to the body. Furthermore, the presence of the compressed portions increases the rigidity of the center region, allowing a storage space to be provided between the center region and the body over a wide area.

[0055] (3) Absorbent Article According to the Second Embodiment Next, an absorbent article according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a plan view of an absorbent core 50A of the absorbent article according to the second embodiment. The absorbent article according to the second embodiment has a second aspect. In the following description, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again. In the second embodiment, only the absorbent core 50 will be illustrated and described, but the other components of the absorbent article, such as the outer casing, can be the same as those of the absorbent article according to the first embodiment.

[0056] In the second embodiment, the absorbent article has a crotch compression region R87 in which crotch compression portions 87 are arranged in the crotch region R57. In this embodiment, only compression portions constituting the third lattice region R73 (described later) are arranged in the crotch region R57, so the crotch compression region R87 and the third lattice region R73 are the same region. However, in a modified embodiment, if compression portions other than those constituting the third lattice region R73 are arranged in the crotch region R57, the crotch compression region R87 is configured to include the third lattice region R73 and an area in which the other compression portions are arranged. Alternatively, the third lattice region R73 may not be provided in the crotch compression region R87, and compression portions other than those in a lattice pattern may be arranged instead. Furthermore, the crotch compression region R87 in this embodiment is the same region as the second high compression region HR2. In this embodiment, the widthwise range of the crotch compressing region R87 is the range sandwiched between the outer edges on both sides of the lattice-shaped crotch compressing portion 87. The front-to-rear range L of the crotch compressing region R87 is the range sandwiched between the outer edges on both sides of the lattice-shaped crotch compressing portion 87.

[0057] In the second embodiment, the absorbent article has at least one of a front compression region R88 in which a front compression section 88 is arranged in the front region R58, and a rear compression region R89 in which a rear compression section 89 is arranged in the rear region R59. In this embodiment, only the compression sections that make up the fourth lattice region R74 (described later) are arranged in the front region R58, so the front compression region R88 and the fourth lattice region R74 are the same region. However, in a modified example, if compression sections other than the compression sections that make up the fourth lattice region R74 are arranged in the front region R58, the front compression region R88 is configured to include the fourth lattice region R74 and a region in which the other compression sections are arranged. Alternatively, the front compression region R88 may not have a fourth lattice region, and may instead have compression sections other than a lattice-shaped one. The widthwise range of the front compression region R88 is the range sandwiched between the outer edges on both sides of the lattice-shaped front compression section 88. The front-to-rear range of the front compressed region is the range sandwiched between the outer edges on both sides of the lattice-shaped front compressed portion 88. The front edge of the front compressed region R88 coincides with the front edge of the absorbent core.

[0058] In this embodiment, only the compression sections constituting the fifth lattice region R75 (described later) are arranged in the rear region R59, and therefore the rear compression region R89 and the fifth lattice region R75 are the same region. However, in a modified example in which compression sections other than those constituting the fifth lattice region R75 are arranged in the rear region R59, the rear compression region R89 is configured to include the fifth lattice region R75 and a region in which the other compression sections are arranged. Furthermore, the rear compression region R89 may not be provided with the fifth lattice region R75, and may instead have compression sections other than those in a lattice pattern. The rear compression region R89 in this embodiment is the same region as the fifth lattice region R75 (described later). The widthwise range of the rear compression region R89 is the range sandwiched between the outer edges on both sides of the lattice-shaped rear compression section 89. The front-rear range of the rear compression region R89 is the range sandwiched between the outer edges on both sides of the lattice-shaped rear compression section 89. The rear edge of the rear compressed region coincides with the rear edge of the absorbent core.

[0059] In the second embodiment, the absorbent article has a second high compression region HR2. The second high compression region HR2 has compressed portions arranged at an area ratio higher than at least one of the front overall area ratio, which is the area ratio of the compressed portions 80 to the entire front compression region R88, and the rear overall area ratio, which is the area ratio of the compressed portions to the entire rear compression region R89. The front overall area ratio and the rear overall area ratio can be calculated in accordance with the side overall area ratio. The second high compression region HR2 in this embodiment is the same region as the third lattice region R73 and the crotch compression region R87.

[0060] The crotch region R57 is positioned opposite the excretory opening through which urine is excreted, making it easy to guide urine. A second high-pressure compression region HR2 is provided in the crotch region R57. The second high-pressure compression region HR2 has a high area ratio of compressed portions, is highly rigid, and is easily positioned facing the body at a distance. In the crotch region R57, where a large amount of bodily fluid is guided, the second high-pressure compression region HR2 is positioned at a distance from the body, thereby providing a space for temporarily storing excrement. Furthermore, the front region R58 and rear region R59 have compressed portions with a lower area ratio than the second high-pressure compression region HR2. Therefore, the front region R58 and rear region R59 are easily deformed and can be easily positioned along the body. The front region R58 and rear region R59 fit the body well, thereby preventing lateral leakage of excrement from the storage space in the crotch region R57. Therefore, a space is formed between the absorbent core 50 and the body where excrement can be temporarily stored, while preventing leakage of the stored excrement. Furthermore, the front region R58 easily fits closely to the body when lying face down, and the rear region R59 easily fits closely to the body when lying down. Because the ratio of compressed parts in the front region R58 and the rear region R59 is low, the front region R58 and the rear region R59 do not become too hard, preventing any discomfort when the front region R58 and the rear region R59 fit closely together and improving the wearing comfort.

[0061] The range of the second high-pressure compression region HR2 in the front-to-rear direction L is not limited, as long as at least a portion of the second high-pressure compression region HR2 is located in the crotch region R57. The second high-pressure compression region HR2 may be located only in the crotch region R57 and not in the front region R58 or the rear region R59, or may straddle the crotch region R57, the front region R58, and the rear region R59. The second high-pressure compression region HR2 in the second embodiment is located only in the crotch region R57. The second high-pressure compression region HR2 may straddle the center of the absorbent core 50 in the front-to-rear direction L. The length of the second high-pressure compression region HR2 in the front-to-rear direction L may be 50% or more of the length of the crotch region R57 in the front-to-rear direction L. The center of the absorbent core 50 in the front-to-rear direction L is likely to be located opposite the excretory opening, and is a region through which body waste is likely to be guided. A storage space can be formed that includes the area where the excrement is easily guided and that extends over more than half of the crotch region R57.

[0062] The outer edge in the width direction W of the second compressed region HR2 may be located inside in the width direction W of the narrowest imaginary line EL55 extending in the front-to-rear direction L from the outer edge of the absorbent core 50 at the shortest width part 55N. According to this aspect, since the second compressed region HR2 is not located outside in the width direction of the narrowest imaginary line EL55, the rigidity of the outer part of the absorbent core 50 can be reduced, and the impact of the absorbent core 50 can be softened.

[0063] The second high-compression region HR2 may be spaced apart from the outer edge of the absorbent core 50 in the width direction W. Preferably, the second high-compression region HR2 may be spaced apart from the outer edge of the absorbent core 50 in the width direction W at the center of the absorbent core 50 in the front-to-rear direction L. According to this embodiment, since the second high-compression region HR2 is not provided on the outer edge of the absorbent core 50 in the width direction, the region between the outer edge of the absorbent core 50 in the width direction W and the second high-compression region HR2 is easily deformed and easily positioned along the body. The region between the outer edge of the absorbent core 50 in the width direction W and the second high-compression region HR2 fits the body, thereby preventing lateral leakage of excrement from the storage space by the second high-compression region HR2. The distance between the second high-compression region HR2 and the outer edge of the absorbent core 50 may be 5 mm or more, preferably 10 mm or more.

[0064] In a modified example, the second high-compression region HR2 may reach the outer edge in the width direction of the absorbent core 50. According to this embodiment, the second high-compression region HR2 is provided up to the outer edge of the absorbent core 50, and a storage space can be provided in the crotch region R57 across the region up to the outer edge of the absorbent core 50, making it easier to ensure storage capacity. The second high-compression region HR2 may be disposed across the outer edges on both sides in the width direction of the absorbent core 50. In other words, the second high-compression region HR2 may be disposed across the entire width direction of the absorbent core.

[0065] The absorbent article 10 may have a third lattice region R73 in the crotch region R57, in which compressed portions are arranged in a lattice pattern, a fourth lattice region R74 in the front region R58, and a fifth lattice region R75 in the rear region R59, in which compressed portions are arranged in a lattice pattern. The area ratio of the compressed portions in the third lattice region R73 may be higher than the area ratio of the compressed portions in the fourth lattice region R74, and may also be higher than the area ratio of the compressed portions in the fifth lattice region R75.

[0066] Because the area ratio of the fourth lattice region R74 arranged in the front region R58 and the area ratio of the fifth lattice region R75 arranged in the rear region R59 are low, the presence of the compressed portions prevents the front region R58 and the rear region R59 from becoming too rigid. This allows the front region R58 and the rear region R59 to easily deform and fit the body, thereby preventing front and rear leakage of excrement from the storage space. Furthermore, the provision of lattice-shaped compressed portions in the front region R58 and the rear region R59 facilitates maintaining the shape of the wall that closes the storage space. Furthermore, the high proportion of lattice-shaped compressed portions in the crotch region R57 facilitates maintaining the entire second high-pressure region HR2 in a planar shape, making it easier to secure a space for temporarily storing excrement. The compressed portions of the third lattice region R73 have a shorter lattice pitch and are more densely arranged than the compressed portions of the fourth lattice region R74 and the fifth lattice region R75. The third lattice region R73 may constitute the second high compression region HR2, or may be provided separately from the second high compression region HR2. The third lattice region R73 in this embodiment constitutes the second high compression region HR2.

[0067] The third lattice region R73 and the fourth lattice region R74 may be spaced apart, and the third lattice region R73 and the fifth lattice region R75 may be spaced apart. In this embodiment, the third lattice region R73 and the fourth lattice region R74 are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction L, and the third lattice region R73 and the fifth lattice region R75 are spaced apart in the front-to-back direction L. According to this aspect, when an external force is applied to the absorbent core 50, the area where the lattice regions are spaced apart deforms, thereby absorbing the force, maintaining the shape of each lattice region, and making it easier to maintain the storage space for bodily excrement.

[0068] The area ratio of the compressed portions in the entire crotch region R57 may be higher than the area ratio of the compressed portions in the entire front region R58. Furthermore, the area ratio of the compressed portions in the entire crotch region R57 may be higher than the area ratio of the compressed portions in the entire rear region R59. The area ratios of the compressed portions in the entire crotch region R57, the entire front region R58, and the entire rear region R59 can be calculated based on the area ratios of the compressed portions in the entire center region and the entire side regions. According to this aspect, the front region R58 and the rear region R59 do not become too stiff due to the presence of the compressed portions, improving the fit to the body. Furthermore, the compressed portions increase rigidity throughout the entire crotch region R57, and create a storage space between the body and the garment over a wide area.

[0069] (4) Absorbent Articles According to Modifications Next, an absorbent core of an absorbent article according to a modification will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6(A) is a plan view of an absorbent core 50B according to modification 1. The absorbent core 50B according to modification 1 is provided with compressed regions in which compressed portions are arranged in different patterns. The compressed regions R801 of the first pattern have a higher area ratio of compressed portions than the compressed regions R802 of the second pattern. The compressed regions R801 of the first pattern are arranged in the center in the front-to-back direction and the center in the width direction of the absorbent core. The compressed regions R801 of the first pattern are arranged at least in the center region R51 and the crotch region R57, and constitute a first high-pressure region HR1 and a second high-pressure region HR2.

[0070] 6(B) is a plan view of an absorbent core 50C according to Modification 2. The absorbent core 50C according to Modification 2 has a compressed region R803 in which compressed portions are arranged in a grid pattern, and a compressed region R804 in which linear compressed portions are arranged. The grid-shaped compressed region R803 is arranged across the entire absorbent core. The compressed region R804 has a higher area ratio of linear compressed portions than the grid-shaped compressed region R803. The compressed region R804 is arranged in at least the center region R51 and the crotch region R57, and constitutes both a first high-pressure region HR1 and a second high-pressure region HR2.

[0071] 6(C) is a plan view of an absorbent core 50D according to Modification 3. The absorbent core 50D according to Modification 3 has a compressed region R805 in which the compressed portions are arranged in a grid pattern, and a compressed region R806 in which linear compressed portions are arranged. The compressed region R806 has linear compressed portions that occupy a higher area ratio than the grid-shaped compressed region R805. The compressed region R806 is arranged in the center region R51 and constitutes a first high-pressure region HR1. The compressed regions R805 and R806 are arranged with the same width throughout the entire front-to-rear direction. Because the area ratio of the compressed portions in the crotch region R57, the front region R58, and the rear region R59 are the same, the absorbent article according to Modification 3 does not have a second high-pressure region HR2.

[0072] 6(D) is a plan view of an absorbent core 50E according to Modification 4. The absorbent core 50E according to Modification 4 has a compressed region R807 in the front region R58 where compressed portions are arranged in a grid pattern, a compressed region R808 in the rear region R59 where compressed portions are arranged in a grid pattern, and a compressed region R809 in at least the crotch region R57 where linear compressed portions are arranged. In the compressed region R809, a higher area ratio of the linear compressed portions is arranged than in the grid-shaped compressed regions R807, R808. The compressed region R809 is arranged in at least the center region R51 and the crotch region R57, and constitutes both a first high-pressure region HR1 and a second high-pressure region HR2.

[0073] 6(E) is a plan view of an absorbent core 50F according to Modification 5. The absorbent core 50E according to Modification 5 has a compressed region R810 in which compressed portions are arranged in a grid pattern, and a compressed region R811 in which linear compressed portions are arranged. The compressed region R811 has a higher area ratio of linear compressed portions than the grid-like compressed region R810. The compressed region R811 is located in the crotch region R57 and constitutes the second high-pressure region HR2. The compressed region R811 is located in the side region R52, not the center region R51, and therefore does not constitute the first high-pressure region HR1.

[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 implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description in this specification is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present invention.

[0075] The entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-030794, filed on February 29, 2024, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0076] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent article that can form a space between the absorbent core and the body in which body waste can be temporarily stored, while preventing leakage of the stored body waste.

[0077] 10: Absorbent article 50, 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D, 50E, 50F: Absorbent core 50FM: Front maximum width portion 50RM: Rear maximum width portion 55: Waist region 55N: Shortest width portion 80: Compressed portion EL55: Narrowest imaginary line HR1: First compressed region HR2: Second compressed region R51: Center region R52: Side region R57: Crotch region R58: Front region R59: Rear region R71: First lattice region R72: Second lattice region R73: Third lattice region R74: Fourth lattice region R75: Fifth lattice region R81: Center compressed region R82: Side compressed region R88: Front compressed region R89 : Rear compression region S1: Front waist region S2: Rear waist region S3: Crotch region L: Front-to-back direction T: Thickness direction T1: Skin side T2: Non-skin side W: Width direction

Claims

1. An absorbent article having a front-to-back direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction which are perpendicular to each other, a crotch region which includes the center in the front-to-back direction, a front waist region which is located forward of the crotch region, and a rear waist region which is located rearward of the crotch region, an absorbent core which is located at least in the crotch region and which has an absorbent material, and a compression section which compresses at least the absorbent core in the thickness direction, wherein the absorbent core has a center region which is located in the middle of regions obtained by dividing the absorbent core into three equal parts in the width direction at the center of the front-to-back direction of the absorbent article, and side regions which extend from the outer edges of the center region to the outer edges of the absorbent core, and the absorbent article has side compression regions in which the compression sections are located in the side regions, and first high compression regions in which the compression sections are located at an area ratio higher than an overall side area ratio which is the area ratio of the compression sections in the entire side compression regions, and the first high compression region is located in the center region.

2. An absorbent article as described in claim 1, wherein the absorbent core has a crotch region located in the center of three equal regions obtained by dividing the absorbent core in the front-to-back direction, and a rear region located behind the crotch region, and the first high-pressure compression region is positioned across the crotch region and the rear region.

3. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first high-pressure compression region straddles the center of the width of the absorbent core, and the width length of the first high-pressure compression region is 50% or more of the width length of the center region.

4. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a first lattice region in the center region in which the compressed portions are arranged in a lattice pattern, and a second lattice region in the side region in which the compressed portions are arranged in a lattice pattern, wherein the area ratio of the compressed portions in the first lattice region is higher than the area ratio of the compressed portions in the second lattice region.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the first lattice region and the second lattice region are spaced apart.

6. An absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the area ratio of the compressed portions in the entire center region is higher than the area ratio of the compressed portions in the entire side regions.

7. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the absorbent core has a front widest portion at the front end of the absorbent core, which is the longest in the width direction of the absorbent core, a rear widest portion at the rear end of the absorbent core, which is the longest in the width direction of the absorbent core, and a waisted region in the region between the front widest portion and the rear widest portion, where the length of the absorbent core in the width direction W is shortened, and the first high-pressure compression region is arranged over the entire front-to-rear direction of the waisted region.

8. The absorbent article according to claim 7, wherein the first high-pressure compression region is disposed across from the waist region to the rear maximum width portion.

9. An absorbent article as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the absorbent core has a shortest width portion where the widthwise length of the absorbent core is the shortest, and the widthwise outer edge of the first compressed region is located widthwise inside of the narrowest imaginary line extending in the front-to-rear direction from the outer edge of the absorbent core at the shortest width portion.

10. An absorbent article having a front-to-back direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction which are perpendicular to one another, a crotch region including the center in the front-to-back direction, a front waist region located forward of the crotch region, and a rear waist region located rearward of the crotch region, an absorbent core located at least in the crotch region and having an absorbent material, and a compression section compressing at least the absorbent core in the thickness direction, wherein the absorbent core has a crotch region located in the center of three equal regions obtained by dividing the absorbent core in the front-to-back direction, a front region located forward of the crotch region, and a rear region located rearward of the crotch region, and the absorbent article has at least one of a front compression region in which the compression section is located in the front region and a rear compression region in which the compression section is located in the rear region, The absorbent article has a second high-pressure compression region in which the compressed portions are arranged at an area ratio higher than at least one of a front overall area ratio, which is the area ratio of the compressed portions in the entire front compression region, and a rear overall area ratio, which is the area ratio of the compressed portions in the entire rear compression region, and the second high-pressure compression region is arranged in the crotch region.

11. The absorbent article according to claim 10, wherein the second compressed region reaches the outer edge of the absorbent core in the width direction.

12. The absorbent article according to claim 10, wherein said second compressed region is spaced from said widthwise outer edge of said absorbent core.

13. An absorbent article as described in any of claims 10 to 12, comprising a third lattice region in the crotch region, in which the compressed portions are arranged in a lattice pattern, a fourth lattice region in the front region, in which the compressed portions are arranged in a lattice pattern, and a fifth lattice region in the rear region, in which the compressed portions are arranged in a lattice pattern, wherein the area ratio of the compressed portions in the third lattice region is higher than the area ratio of the compressed portions in the fourth lattice region and is also higher than the area ratio of the compressed portions in the fifth lattice region.

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