Absorbent article

Abstract

The present invention is an absorbent article which, has a plurality of crotch elastic members provided more on the non-skin side than an absorbent core and provided along at least the longitudinal direction in a deployed state and an extended state. The plurality of crotch elastic members are provided between joint parts in the longitudinal direction, and are disposed in a state of being separated from each other in the left-right direction. When viewed in the thickness direction, the plurality of crotch elastic members are provided at positions overlapping the absorbent core, and when viewed in the thickness direction, a crotch elastic region is defined by stretchable parts of the plurality of crotch elastic members. If a region, in which the largest number of the plurality of crotch elastic members are arranged, in the crotch elastic region is denoted as an arrangement region, then with respect to a central portion among three equal portions obtained by trisecting the arrangement region in the longitudinal direction, on one side in the left-right direction the magnitude of the contraction force of an outer crotch elastic member provided most on the one side in the left-right direction of the arrangement region is different from the magnitude of the contraction force of at least one crotch elastic member provided inward of the outer crotch elastic member of the arrangement region in the left-right direction.

Description

absorbent articles

[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article.

[0002] The disposable diaper disclosed in Patent Document 1 has multiple first buttocks elastic members extending in the longitudinal direction and located on the non-skin-contacting side of the absorbent core. Contraction of the first buttocks elastic members exerts upward tension, reducing the gap between the diaper and the wearer's crotch and buttocks. This improves the ability to prevent leakage of excrement and provides a comfortable fit. The multiple first buttocks elastic members of the diaper in Patent Document 1 are spaced apart in the width direction.

[0003] JP 2010-131196 A

[0004] When the multiple buttocks first elastic members of the disposable diaper disclosed in Patent Document 1 contract with equal contractile forces, the area of ​​the absorbent main body (diaper) where the multiple buttocks first elastic members are provided tends to face upward in a flat state (see FIG. 8A ), and the absorbent core in the area where the multiple buttocks first elastic members are provided contacts the wearer's crotch in a flat state. However, it is preferable that the area of ​​the absorbent core (diaper) where the multiple buttocks first elastic members are provided be appropriately deformed in accordance with the wearer's body size, shape, and movement so that the absorbent core properly contacts the wearer's crotch. For example, if the wearer is large or has thick thighs, the area of ​​the absorbent core where the flat buttocks first elastic members are provided may be easily crushed in the left-right direction by the wearer's legs or may easily undergo unintended deformation, which may result in inadequate absorption of body exudates.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an absorbent article that, when worn, makes it easier to deform the absorbent core and absorbent article in accordance with the wearer's body shape, physique, etc., and makes it easier to abut the absorbent article against the excretion opening, thereby reducing the risk of excreta leaking.

[0006] The main invention for achieving the above object is an absorbent article having a pair of waistbands whose both side portions are joined at a joint, and an absorbent core, wherein in a deployed and stretched state, the absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, a left-right direction, and a thickness direction which are perpendicular to one another, and has a plurality of crotch elastic members which are provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent core and are provided at least along the longitudinal direction, the plurality of crotch elastic members being provided between the joints in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from one another in the left-right direction, and the plurality of crotch elastic members are provided at positions which overlap the absorbent core when viewed in the thickness direction. When viewed in the thickness direction, a crotch elastic region is defined by stretchable portions of the plurality of crotch elastic members, and when the region of the crotch elastic region in which the greatest number of the plurality of crotch elastic members are arranged is defined as an arrangement region, the arrangement region is divided into thirds in the longitudinal direction, and at a central portion thereof, the magnitude of the contractile force of the outer crotch elastic member arranged on the most one side in the left-right direction of the arrangement region is different from the magnitude of the contractile force of at least one crotch elastic member arranged inward in the left-right direction from the outer crotch elastic member of the arrangement region.

[0007] Further, there is provided an absorbent article having a pair of waistband sections whose both side sections are joined at a joint, and an absorbent core, wherein in an unfolded and stretched state, the longitudinal direction, left-right direction, and thickness direction are perpendicular to one another, the absorbent article has a plurality of crotch elastic members that are located closer to the skin than the absorbent core and stretch at least along the longitudinal direction, the plurality of crotch elastic members each having a first elastic member and a second elastic member that are located between the joints in the longitudinal direction, the first elastic member and the second elastic member are located at different positions in the thickness direction, the plurality of crotch elastic members are located at positions that overlap the absorbent core as viewed in the thickness direction, the crotch elastic region is partitioned by the stretch portions of the plurality of crotch elastic members, and when the crotch elastic region is divided into three equal parts in the left-right direction into one side portion, a central portion, and the other side portion, the number of the first elastic members that overlap the second elastic members in the one side portion is different from the number of the first elastic members that overlap the second elastic members in the central portion.

[0008] An absorbent article having a pair of waistbands whose side portions are joined at a joint, an absorbent core, and in a stretched and unfolded state, longitudinal, lateral, and thickness directions that are orthogonal to one another, and having a plurality of crotch elastic members that are positioned closer to the skin than the absorbent core and stretchable at least along the longitudinal direction, the crotch elastic members are positioned between the joints in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from one another in the lateral direction, the crotch elastic members are positioned to overlap the absorbent core as viewed in the thickness direction, a crotch elastic region is defined by stretchable portions of the crotch elastic members, and when the crotch elastic region is divided into three equal parts in the lateral direction into one side portion, a center portion, and another side portion, the number of crotch elastic members in the one side portion is different from the number of crotch elastic members in the center portion. Other features of the absorbent article will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent article that, when worn, easily absorbs body exudates while easily reducing the risk of body exudates leaking.

[0010] 10A is a schematic front view of a pants-type disposable diaper 1. FIG. 10B is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state, as viewed from the skin side. FIG. 10C is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 2. FIG. 10D is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along arrows A-A in FIG. 2. FIG. 10E is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the crotch elastic members 40. FIG. 10F is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the arrangement of the crotch elastic members 40. FIG. 10G is a schematic diagram illustrating the absorbent core 11, the crotch elastic members 40, and the elastic member cover sheet 17 of the absorbent main body 10 shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 10H is a diagram illustrating deformation of the absorbent core 11′ due to contraction of a conventional crotch elastic member 40′. FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating deformation of the absorbent core 11. FIG. 10B is a diagram illustrating deformation of the absorbent core 11 in another embodiment. FIG. 10F is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state, as viewed from the skin side, in a second embodiment. FIG. 10H is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along arrows B-B in FIG. 10F. FIG. 10H is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the crotch elastic members 40 in the second embodiment. 14 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in a deployed and stretched state according to a third embodiment, as seen from the skin side. FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the crotch elastic members 40 according to the third embodiment.

[0011] The present specification and the accompanying drawings make clear at least the following: (Aspect 1) An absorbent article having a pair of waistbands, both side portions of which are joined at a joining portion, and an absorbent core, which, in a deployed and stretched state, has a longitudinal direction, a left-right direction, and a thickness direction which are orthogonal to one another, and has a plurality of crotch elastic members provided on the side away from the skin of the absorbent core and arranged at least along the longitudinal direction, the plurality of crotch elastic members being provided between the joining portions in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from one another in the left-right direction, and when viewed in the thickness direction, the plurality of crotch elastic members are provided at positions overlapping the absorbent core, and the plurality of crotch elastic members are arranged in the thickness direction. When viewed from the left and right, a crotch elastic region is defined by the stretchable portions of the plurality of crotch elastic members, and the region of the crotch elastic region in which the greatest number of the plurality of crotch elastic members are arranged is defined as an arrangement region. When the arrangement region is divided into thirds in the longitudinal direction, the magnitude of the contractile force of the outer crotch elastic member provided on the farthest side of the arrangement region in the left and right direction on one side of the central part is different from the magnitude of the contractile force of at least one crotch elastic member provided inside in the left and right direction from the outer crotch elastic member of the arrangement region.

[0012] According to the absorbent article of aspect 1, when the absorbent article is worn, the absorbent core and the absorbent article can be easily deformed according to the wearer's body shape, build, etc., and the absorbent article can be easily brought into contact with the excrement excretion opening, thereby reducing the risk of excrement leakage.

[0013] (Aspect 2) An absorbent article having a pair of waistband sections having both side sections joined at a joint, and an absorbent core, wherein in an unfolded and stretched state, the longitudinal direction, left-right direction, and thickness direction are orthogonal to one another, the absorbent article has a plurality of crotch elastic members that are located closer to the skin than the absorbent core and stretch at least along the longitudinal direction, the plurality of crotch elastic members each having a first elastic member and a second elastic member that are located between the joints in the longitudinal direction, the first elastic member and the second elastic member are located at different positions in the thickness direction, the plurality of crotch elastic members are located at positions that overlap the absorbent core as viewed in the thickness direction, the crotch elastic region is partitioned by the stretch portions of the plurality of crotch elastic members, and when the crotch elastic region is divided into three equal parts in the left-right direction into one side portion, a center portion, and the other side portion, the number of the first elastic members that overlap the second elastic members in the one side portion is different from the number of the first elastic members that overlap the second elastic members in the center portion.

[0014] According to the absorbent article of aspect 2, when the absorbent article is worn, the absorbent core and the absorbent article can be easily deformed according to the wearer's body shape, build, etc., and the absorbent article can be easily brought into contact with the excrement excretion opening, thereby reducing the risk of excrement leakage.

[0015] (Aspect 3) An absorbent article having a pair of waistband sections having both side sections joined at a joint, and an absorbent core, wherein in an unfolded and stretched state, the longitudinal direction, left-right direction, and thickness direction are orthogonal to one another, the absorbent article has a plurality of crotch elastic members that are located closer to the skin than the absorbent core and stretch at least along the longitudinal direction, the plurality of crotch elastic members are located between the joints in the longitudinal direction and are spaced apart from one another in the left-right direction, the plurality of crotch elastic members are located in positions that overlap the absorbent core as viewed in the thickness direction, a crotch elastic region is defined by stretchable portions of the plurality of crotch elastic members, and when the crotch elastic region is divided into three equal parts in the left-right direction into one side portion, a center portion, and the other side portion, the number of the crotch elastic members provided in the one side portion is different from the number of the crotch elastic members provided in the center portion.

[0016] According to the absorbent article of aspect 3, when the absorbent article is worn, the absorbent core and the absorbent article can be easily deformed according to the wearer's body shape, build, etc., and the absorbent article can be easily brought into contact with the excrement excretion opening, thereby reducing the risk of excrement leakage.

[0017] (Aspect 4) The absorbent article of Aspect 1, characterized in that, on one side in the left-right direction, the magnitude of the contractile force of the outer crotch elastic member in the arrangement region is smaller than the magnitude of the contractile force of at least one crotch elastic member provided inside the outer crotch elastic member in the arrangement region in the left-right direction.

[0018] According to the absorbent article of aspect 4, when the absorbent article is worn, the absorbent core and the absorbent article can be easily deformed into a shape that causes the central portion in the left-right direction of the absorbent core and the absorbent article to protrude toward the skin, while the portion on the outside (one side) of the central portion in the left-right direction faces away from the skin. This makes it easier for the absorbent article to fit smoothly along the wearer's body around the excrement excretion opening, thereby reducing the risk of excrement leakage and making it easier to reduce discomfort when wearing the absorbent article.

[0019] (Aspect 5) An absorbent article according to Aspect 1 or Aspect 4, characterized in that when the crotch elastic region is divided into three equal parts in the left-right direction into one side portion, a central portion, and the other side portion, the number of crotch elastic members provided in the central portion is greater than the number of crotch elastic members provided in the one side portion.

[0020] According to the absorbent article of aspect 5, when the absorbent article is worn, the absorbent core or the central part of the absorbent article in the left-right direction can be easily deformed into a shape such that it protrudes toward the skin and one of the left-right sides faces away from the skin, making it easier for the absorbent article to fit smoothly along the wearer's body around the excrement excretion opening, thereby preventing leakage of excrement and reducing discomfort when worn.

[0021] (Aspect 6) The absorbent article of Aspect 1 or Aspect 4, wherein the magnitude of the contractile force of at least one of the crotch elastic members in a central portion when the arrangement area is divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction is greater than the magnitude of the contractile force in a portion on one side of the central portion in the longitudinal direction.

[0022] According to the absorbent article of aspect 6, when worn, the absorbent article can easily adapt to the wearer's body shape and physique in the left-right direction, while the absorbent core and the absorbent article in the central part in the longitudinal direction can easily abut against the wearer's excretory opening, thereby making it easier to reduce leakage of excrement.

[0023] (Aspect 7) An absorbent article according to aspect 2, characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction, the number of first elastic members overlapping with the second elastic members in the one side portion is less than the number of first elastic members overlapping with the second elastic members in the central portion.

[0024] According to the absorbent article of aspect 7, when the absorbent article is worn, the absorbent core or the central part of the absorbent article in the left-right direction can be easily deformed into a shape such that it protrudes toward the skin and one of the left-right sides faces away from the skin, making it easier for the absorbent article to fit smoothly along the wearer's body around the excrement excretion opening, thereby preventing leakage of excrement and reducing discomfort when worn.

[0025] (Aspect 8) The absorbent article of either aspect 2 or aspect 7, wherein the first elastic member is rubber thread, and the second elastic member is a stretchable sheet member.

[0026] According to the absorbent article of aspect 8, when the absorbent article is worn, the absorbent core and the absorbent article can be easily deformed according to the wearer's body shape, build, etc., making it easier to abut the absorbent article against the excrement excretion opening, thereby reducing the risk of excrement leakage.

[0027] (Aspect 9) The absorbent article of Aspect 3, wherein the number of the crotch elastic members provided in the central portion is greater than the number of the crotch elastic members provided in the one side portion.

[0028] According to the absorbent article of aspect 9, when the absorbent article is worn, the absorbent core or the central part of the absorbent article in the left-right direction can be easily deformed into a shape such that it protrudes toward the skin and one of the left-right sides faces away from the skin, making it easier for the absorbent article to fit smoothly along the wearer's body around the excrement excretion opening, thereby preventing leakage of excrement and reducing discomfort when worn.

[0029] (Aspect 10) An absorbent article according to Aspect 1 or Aspect 3, characterized in that one end in the longitudinal direction of at least one crotch elastic member provided inside the outer crotch elastic member in the left-right direction is provided on one side of the longitudinal direction of the outer crotch elastic member provided on the left-right furthest side of the crotch elastic region.

[0030] According to the absorbent article of aspect 10, when the absorbent article is worn, the absorbent core on one side of the longitudinal direction and the part of the absorbent article that is inner than the outer part in the left-right direction can be more easily protruded toward the skin. Therefore, when the wearer's excretory opening is located on one side of the longitudinal direction, the absorbent core and the absorbent article can be more easily made to fit smoothly along the wearer's body around the wearer's excretory opening, thereby preventing leakage of excrement and reducing discomfort when worn.

[0031] (Aspect 11) The absorbent article of any one of Aspects 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of crotch elastic members are provided only in a central portion when the absorbent core is divided into three equal parts in the left-right direction.

[0032] According to the absorbent article of aspect 11, when the absorbent article is worn, the inner parts of the absorbent core and the absorbent article in the left-right direction tend to protrude more toward the skin than the outer parts, making it easier to fit the absorbent core and the absorbent article smoothly around the wearer's body and around the excretory opening, thereby preventing leakage of excrement and reducing discomfort when worn.

[0033] (Aspect 12) An absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 11, characterized in that, at one side in the left-right direction and at a central position in the longitudinal direction of the crotch elastic region, the left-right distance from the end of the crotch elastic region on one side in the left-right direction to the end of the absorbent core on one side in the left-right direction is longer than the left-right distance from the end of the crotch elastic region on one side in the left-right direction to the center of the absorbent article in the left-right direction.

[0034] According to the absorbent article of aspect 12, it is easier to provide a wider portion of the absorbent core that is less likely to deform due to contraction of the crotch elastic member outside the crotch elastic region in the left-right direction than when the left-right distance from one side end of the crotch elastic region to one side end of the absorbent core at the longitudinal center position of the crotch elastic region on one side in the left-right direction is less than the distance from one side end of the crotch elastic region to the left-right center of the absorbent article.As a result, it is easier to absorb excrement outside the crotch elastic region in the left-right direction, and the risk of excrement leaking from the left-right outside of the absorbent article when worn can be reduced.

[0035] (Aspect 13) The absorbent article of any one of Aspects 1 to 12, wherein the absorbent core has a low basis weight portion having a basis weight lower than that of the surrounding area, and in a region overlapping with the crotch elastic region in the longitudinal direction, the crotch elastic region has a portion overlapping with the low basis weight portion and a portion not overlapping with the low basis weight portion when viewed in the thickness direction.

[0036] According to the absorbent article of aspect 13, the absorbent core is prone to deformation due to the low basis weight portion in addition to deformation due to the crotch elastic member, so that when the absorbent article is worn, the absorbent core and the central portion of the absorbent article in the left-right direction are more likely to protrude toward the skin, and the outer sides in the left-right direction are more likely to deform into a shape facing away from the skin. This makes it easier for the absorbent article to fit smoothly around the excrement excretion opening along the wearer's body, thereby preventing leakage of excrement and reducing discomfort when worn.

[0037] (Aspect 14) An absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 13, comprising an absorbent main body having the absorbent core and leg elastic members, the leg elastic members being provided at both ends of the absorbent main body in the left-right direction, stretching along the longitudinal direction, and characterized in that, on one side in the left-right direction and at a central position in the longitudinal direction of the crotch elastic region, the distance from the other end of the leg elastic member in the left-right direction to the absorbent core is longer than the distance from the end of one side of the crotch elastic region in the left-right direction to the absorbent core.

[0038] According to the absorbent article of aspect 14, at the center position in the longitudinal direction of the crotch elastic region on one side in the left-right direction, it is easier to provide a wider portion of the absorbent core that is less likely to deform due to contraction of the crotch elastic member outside the crotch elastic region in the left-right direction than when the distance from the end of one side of the crotch elastic region in the left-right direction to the absorbent core is longer than the distance from the end of the other side of the leg elastic member in the left-right direction to the absorbent core.This makes it easier to absorb excrement outside the crotch elastic region in the left-right direction, and reduces the risk of excrement leaking from the outside of the left-right direction of the absorbent article when worn.

[0039] (Aspect 15) An absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 14, characterized in that it has a non-skin-side sheet on the non-skin-side of the plurality of crotch elastic members, and the left-right length of the non-skin-side sheet is longer than the left-right length of the crotch elastic region and shorter than the left-right length of the narrowest part of the absorbent core, which has the shortest left-right length.

[0040] According to the absorbent article of aspect 15, due to the difference in rigidity at the side edges of the non-skin-side sheet, when the absorbent article is worn, it becomes easier to make the inner parts of the absorbent core and absorbent article protrude further toward the skin than the outer parts in the left-right direction.Therefore, when the wearer's excretory opening is located on one side in the longitudinal direction, it becomes easier to make the absorbent core and absorbent article fit smoothly along the wearer's body around the wearer's excretory opening, thereby preventing leakage of excrement and reducing discomfort when worn.

[0041] ===Embodiments=== The following describes an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention, taking as an example a pants-type disposable diaper for adults (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 1"). However, the absorbent article according to the present invention is not limited to the above and can also be used as a tape-type disposable diaper, sanitary shorts, etc. Furthermore, the wearer may be a living organism such as an infant or an animal.

[0042] First Embodiment <<Basic Configuration of Pants-Type Disposable Diaper 1>> Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of the pants-type disposable diaper 1. Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state, as viewed from the skin side. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along arrows A-A in Fig. 2. The cross-sectional view taken along arrows A-A in Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view at a central position ec in the longitudinal direction of the crotch elastic region ER (described below).

[0043] The "unfolded state" of the diaper 1 refers to the state in which the waist-line joint (joint) 2, which will be described later, is untied, the diaper 1 is opened longitudinally, and the diaper 1 is unfolded flat. The "stretched state" of the diaper 1 refers to the state in which the diaper 1 as a whole is stretched without wrinkles by stretching each of the elastic members of the diaper 1 (e.g., waist-line elastic members 24, 25 and leakage-barrier elastic members 51, which will be described later), specifically, the state in which the dimensions of each of the materials constituting the diaper 1 (e.g., the top sheet 12 and inner layer sheet 23, which will be described later) are stretched to the same dimensions as or close to the dimensions of the individual members.

[0044] In the pants-type state (pants-type state) shown in FIG. 1 , the diaper 1 has a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a front-to-back direction, which intersect with each other, and is provided with a waist opening BH and a pair of leg openings LH. In the unfolded state shown in FIG. 2 , the diaper 1 has a longitudinal direction, a horizontal direction, and a thickness direction, which intersect with each other. The longitudinal direction is the vertical direction in the pants-type state. The thickness direction is the direction in which the components constituting the diaper 1 are stacked (see FIG. 4 ). In the vertical direction, the waist opening BH side is the upper side, and the crotch side is the lower side. In the front-to-back direction, the side facing the wearer's stomach is the front side, and the side facing the wearer's back is the rear side. In the thickness direction, the side that contacts the wearer's body (skin) is the skin side, and the opposite side is the non-skin side. In FIG. 2 and other figures, the center (center position) C-C indicates the center in the horizontal direction, and the center CL indicates the center in the longitudinal direction.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 3, the diaper 1 includes an absorbent main body 10 and an outer cover member 20 disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent main body 10. The absorbent main body 10 and the outer cover member 20 are joined (fixed) together at an adhesive region where an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive is applied. Cover sheets 31, 32 may be provided to cover both longitudinal ends of the absorbent main body 10 from the skin side. This can prevent the edges of the absorbent main body 10 from digging into the wearer's body and prevent the absorbent main body 10 from opening open.

[0046] In this specification, as shown in Fig. 2, when the diaper 1 is in an unfolded and stretched state, the diaper 1 is divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction, and the ventral region is referred to as the "ventral portion 1A," the central region is referred to as the "crotch portion 1B," and the dorsal region is referred to as the "dorsal portion 1C." The diaper 1 in the unfolded state is folded in half at the longitudinal central position CL, and the left and right side portions of the outer member 20 of the ventral portion 1A and the outer member 20 of the dorsal portion 1C are joined together to form the pants-type diaper 1 shown in Fig. 1. Examples of joining methods for the waist seam 2 include welding and joining with an adhesive.

[0047] 4, the absorbent body 10 includes an absorbent core 11 that absorbs excrement, a liquid-permeable top sheet 12 (e.g., nonwoven fabric) arranged on the skin side of the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 13 (e.g., a resin film such as polyethylene or polypropylene) arranged on the non-skin side of the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction, a pair of side sheets 16, and an elastic member cover sheet 17. The elastic member cover sheet (non-skin side sheet) 17 is a sheet member that covers, from the non-skin side, the crotch elastic members 40 (described in detail later) that stretch in the longitudinal direction.

[0048] The absorbent core 11 absorbs and retains excreted liquids such as urine. The surface of the absorbent core 11 may be covered with a liquid-permeable core wrap sheet 18 (e.g., tissue paper). An example of the absorbent core 11 is a liquid-absorbent fiber such as pulp containing a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) molded into a predetermined shape. The absorbent core 11 of this embodiment has a shape in which the center portion in the longitudinal direction is narrowed inward in the left-right direction, but the planar shape of the absorbent core 11 is not particularly limited.

[0049] A pair of longitudinally extending leakage barrier walls 50 are provided on both lateral sides of the absorbent body 10. As shown in FIG. 4 , portions of the side sheets 16 extending from both lateral sides of the non-skin-side surface of the backsheet 13 are folded at multiple locations to form the leakage barrier walls 50 on both lateral sides of the skin-side surface of the topsheet 12. Leakage barrier wall elastic members 51 (e.g., thread-like elastic members) are attached to the leakage barrier walls 50 in a stretched state along the longitudinal direction. The stretchability of the leakage barrier wall elastic members 51 allows the leakage barrier walls 50 to stand up toward the wearer's skin and block excrement. Leg-hole elastic members 52, stretchable along the longitudinal direction, are provided at both ends of the absorbent body 10, laterally outward of the leakage barrier walls 50. The stretchability of the leg-hole elastic members 52 allows the diaper 1 to fit snugly around the wearer's legs. The leakage barrier walls 50, 50 are not necessarily provided.

[0050] The outer covering member 20 is a sheet member having a shape in which the longitudinal center portion is narrowed inward in the left-right direction. As shown in Figure 3, the outer covering member 20 has a ventral outer layer sheet 21, a dorsal outer layer sheet 22, an inner layer sheet 23, waist elastic members 24, 25, and a buttocks elastic member 26.

[0051] The ventral outer layer sheet 21, the back outer layer sheet 22, and the inner layer sheet 23 can be exemplified by flexible sheet members such as nonwoven fabrics. The inner layer sheet 23 forms the outer shape of the exterior member 20 and is a sheet member that continues from the ventral portion 1A through the crotch portion 1B to the back portion 1C. The ventral outer layer sheet 21 is disposed closer to the skin than the inner layer sheet 23 and in part of the ventral portion 1A. The ventral outer layer sheet 21 overlaps the waistline joint 2 in the longitudinal direction and has the same longitudinal length as the waistline joint 2. The back outer layer sheet 22 is disposed closer to the skin than the inner layer sheet 23 and in part of the back portion 1C and the crotch portion 1B. The back outer layer sheet 22 overlaps the waistline joint 2 in the longitudinal direction and extends further toward the crotch than the waistline joint 2. In the flattened state of the diaper 1, the ventral outer sheet 21 and the dorsal outer sheet 22 are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, with the inner sheet 23 exposed to the outside as the non-skin side of the diaper 1 therebetween.

[0052] The waist elastic members 24, 25 and the buttocks elastic members 26 are elastic members that stretch in the left-right direction, and can be exemplified by thread-like elastic members. As shown in FIG. 2 , the waist elastic members 24, 25 overlap (overlap) the waist joint 2 in the longitudinal direction. In the following description, the waist elastic member located in the ventral portion 1A will also be referred to as the ventral waist elastic member 24, and the waist elastic member 25 located in the back portion 1C will also be referred to as the back waist elastic member 25. The buttocks elastic member 26 is located on the crotch side in the longitudinal direction (lower in the up-down direction) than the waist joint 2. In this embodiment, there are two buttocks elastic members 26, but this number is not particularly limited.

[0053] The waist elastic members 24, 25 and buttocks elastic members 26 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction in the pants-type state between the inner layer sheet 23 and the ventral outer layer sheet 21 or the back outer layer sheet 22, and are fixed in a stretched state in the left-right direction. Therefore, the outer layer 20 fits the waist and buttocks of the wearer. It is sufficient that the waist elastic members 24, 25 and buttocks elastic members 26 each have a portion that stretches at least in the left-right direction, and the waist elastic members 24, 25 and buttocks elastic members 26 may have a curved portion in addition to the portion that stretches in the left-right direction.

[0054] The basic configuration of the diaper 1 has been described above, but the above-described configuration of the diaper 1 is merely an example and is not intended to be limiting. For example, a liquid-permeable intermediate sheet (e.g., a nonwoven fabric) may be disposed between the top sheet 12 and the absorbent core 11. Furthermore, although the outer covering member 20 of this embodiment is configured as a single member that is continuous in the longitudinal direction from the ventral side to the dorsal side, this is not intended to be limiting. For example, the ventral and dorsal outer covering members may be configured as separate members, with the non-skin side of the absorbent main body 10 exposed in the crotch region, or a crotch outer covering member may be provided between the ventral and dorsal outer covering members, which are separate members.

[0055] <<Crotch Elastic Members 40>> Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the crotch elastic members 40. Figs. 6 and 7 are diagrams illustrating other embodiments of the arrangement of the crotch elastic members 40. Figs. 5 to 7 are partial schematic plan views of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state. Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the absorbent core 11, crotch elastic members 40, and elastic member cover sheet 17 of the absorbent main body 10 shown in Fig. 4.

[0056] The diaper 1 has a plurality of "crotch elastic members 40" that are stretchable at least along the longitudinal direction. The crotch elastic members 40 are arranged between the waist-line joints 2 in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 in the unfolded and stretched state, and are spaced apart from one another in the left-right direction. The crotch elastic members 40 are arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent core 11 and overlap the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction. The diaper 1 of this embodiment has a plurality of thread-like elastic members (thread rubber) as the crotch elastic members 40 (crotch elastic members 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, and 40e in FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of crotch elastic members 40 (five thread-like elastic members) are arranged side by side with intervals in the left-right direction between the backsheet 13 and the elastic member cover sheet 17. Each crotch elastic member 40 is attached in a stretched state along the longitudinal direction. Note that only the stretchable portions of the crotch elastic members 40 are shown in FIG. 2 and other drawings described below. In addition, the crotch elastic members 40 may be provided between the absorbent core 11 (core wrap sheet 18 ) and the back sheet 13 .

[0057] The region defined by the stretchable portions of the crotch elastic members 40 in the thickness direction is referred to as the "crotch elastic region ER." At least a portion of the crotch elastic region ER is located in the "crotch portion 1B," which is the central region when the diaper 1 in the unfolded and stretched state is divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction. The crotch elastic region ER may be contained within the crotch portion 1B (FIGS. 5 and 6), or may extend to the abdominal portion 1A or the back portion 1C. The crotch elastic region ER may be positioned across the longitudinal center CL of the diaper 1, or may be positioned offset forward or backward from the center CL. The lengths of the multiple crotch elastic members 40 in the diaper 1 may be the same or different.

[0058] Specifically, when multiple thread-like crotch elastic members 40 are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction, the crotch elastic region ER is as follows: As shown in Fig. 5, the crotch elastic region ER is the region between the leftmost crotch elastic member (outer crotch elastic member) 40a and the rightmost crotch elastic member (outer crotch elastic member) 40b, and is surrounded by an imaginary line connecting the longitudinal abdominal ends of the stretchable portions of each crotch elastic member 40 arranged in the left-right direction and an imaginary line connecting the longitudinal dorsal ends of the stretchable portions of each crotch elastic member 40. In Figs. 5 and 6, the crotch elastic region ER is indicated by hatching.

[0059] For example, as shown in Fig. 5, when the five crotch elastic members 40 are the same length, the crotch elastic region ER has a rectangular shape. Specifically, the crotch elastic region ER shown in Fig. 5 is a rectangle surrounded by side ends ERa and ERb in the left-right direction and a ventral end ERc and a dorsal end ERc in the longitudinal direction. The side end ERa of the crotch elastic region ER is one side end of the crotch elastic member 40a that is closest to one side (left side) in the left-right direction, and the side end ERb is the other side end of the crotch elastic member 40b that is closest to the other side (right side). The ventral end ERc of the crotch elastic region ER is the ventral end of all crotch elastic members 40, and the dorsal end ERd is the dorsal end of all crotch elastic members 40.

[0060] As shown in Figure 6, when the three central crotch elastic members 40 of the five crotch elastic members 40 are long, the left-right central portion of the crotch elastic region ER protrudes outward in the longitudinal direction. Specifically, the crotch elastic region ER shown in Figure 6 has a generally cross shape surrounded by left-right side ends ERa and ERb and a longitudinal ventral end ERc and a longitudinal dorsal end ERc. The dorsal end ERa of the crotch elastic region ER is one end of the crotch elastic member 40a located on the farthest side (left side) in the left-right direction, and the dorsal end ERb is the other end of the crotch elastic member 40b located on the farthest side (right side). The dorsal end ERc of the crotch elastic region ER is the dorsal end of the three central crotch elastic members 40, and the dorsal end ERd is the dorsal end of the three central crotch elastic members 40.

[0061] As shown in Figure 7, when the central three crotch elastic members 40 of the five crotch elastic members 40 of the same length are located closer to the ventral side than the two outer crotch elastic members 40 in the left-right direction, the ventral end ERc of the left-right central part of the crotch elastic region ER protrudes toward the ventral side, and the dorsal end ERd of the left-right central part of the crotch elastic region ER is recessed toward the ventral side.

[0062] Furthermore, when the crotch elastic member 40 is a stretchable sheet (stretchable nonwoven fabric, stretchable film, etc.), the region where the stretchable sheet is arranged is referred to as the crotch elastic region ER. When multiple strip-shaped stretchable sheets or flat elastic bands are arranged at intervals in the left-right direction, the same applies as in the case of thread-like elastic members. In other words, the region between the left end of the leftmost crotch elastic member 40 (strip-shaped stretchable sheet or flat elastic band) and the right end of the rightmost crotch elastic member 40 is referred to as the crotch elastic region ER.

[0063] The crotch elastic members 40, which overlap the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction, are bonded to the absorbent core 11 via the backsheet 13 with an adhesive or the like. As a result, when the diaper 1 is worn, the crotch elastic members 40 contract in the longitudinal direction, and the absorbent core 11 is pushed up against the wearer's skin, easily deforming to fit closely to the wearer's crotch region. This ensures good adhesion of the absorbent core 11 to the wearer's crotch region, reducing the risk of bodily excrement leakage. This also reduces discomfort during wear. Even after the absorbent core 11 absorbs excrement and its weight increases, it is less likely to sag, maintaining its close fit to the wearer's crotch region.

[0064] In particular, when the crotch elastic region ER is provided in the lateral central region CR of the absorbent core 11, the lateral central region CR of the absorbent core 11 deforms into a convex shape upward (toward the crotch region of the wearer), which reduces the likelihood of a gap forming between the wearer's excretory opening (e.g., urethral opening) and the absorbent core 11, thereby preventing urine and other excretions from leaking out of the diaper 1 along the wearer's skin.

[0065] <<Regarding Deformation of the Absorbent Main Body 10 (Diaper 1)>> As described above, the diaper 1 includes the crotch elastic members 40. Contraction of the crotch elastic members 40 in the longitudinal direction causes the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) to protrude and deform so as to push up against the wearer's skin, facilitating deformation so as to fit closely to the wearer's crotch region. Since the absorbent core 11 deforms due to contraction of the crotch elastic members 40, thereby deforming the absorbent main body 10 and the diaper 1, the following description will refer to deformation of the absorbent core 11 or deformation of the absorbent main body 10 as deformation caused by contraction of the crotch elastic members 40. The absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) deformed to protrude toward the skin facilitates contact of the protruding portion of the absorbent main body 10 (crotch portion of the diaper 1) with the excretory opening through which the wearer's body waste is discharged, facilitating absorption of the excretory opening. Therefore, it is preferable that the portions of the crotch elastic members 40 that protrude toward the skin are brought into proper contact with the crotch region and excretory portion of the wearer.

[0066] Conventionally, it has been common for multiple crotch elastic members 40' provided in an absorbent article to all have the same degree of contractile force. FIG. 9 illustrates the deformation of an absorbent core 11' due to the contraction of conventional crotch elastic members 40'. When multiple crotch elastic members 40' are provided in a region where they are provided, contracting with the same degree of contractile force, the absorbent core 11' (absorbent main body 10') tends to assume a generally trapezoidal shape, as shown in FIG. 9, in which the region where the multiple crotch elastic members 40' are provided is flat and protrudes toward the wearer's skin. When worn, the protruding, flat surface of the absorbent core 11' (absorbent main body 10') contacts the wearer's crotch (excretory opening). However, when worn, the absorbent core 11' (absorbent main body 10') does not necessarily contact the wearer's crotch (excretory opening) in a flat state. If the raised portion on the skin side of the absorbent core 11' has a flat surface, when worn, the area where the raised crotch elastic member 40' is provided on the flat surface may be crushed in the left-right direction, a gap may be created between the wearer's excretory opening and the absorbent main body 10' (resulting in a shallow fit of the absorbent main body 10' around the excretory opening), or unintended deformation may occur in the area where the raised crotch elastic member 40' is provided on the flat surface, preventing the absorbent main body 10' from properly abutting against the wearer's crotch region (excretory opening). For example, if the wearer is large or has thick thighs, the distance between the thighs when the diaper 1 is worn may become small or may become zero, which may cause the absorbent body 10' to be easily crushed by forces acting from the outside to the inside in the lateral direction at a position away from the wearer's crotch, resulting in a gap between the wearer's excretory opening and the absorbent body 10', which may prevent the absorbent body 10' from being able to fit snugly against the wearer's crotch (excretory opening). Therefore, when wearing the diaper 1, it is desirable to appropriately deform the absorbent body 10 (absorbent core 11, diaper 1) in accordance with the wearer's body shape, physique, etc., so that the absorbent body 10 can be appropriately fitted against the wearer's crotch (excretory opening).

[0067] In this regard, the diaper 1 of the present invention makes it easier for the absorbent body 10 (absorbent core 11, diaper 1) to be appropriately deformed according to the wearer's body shape, build, etc. when the diaper 1 is worn, making it easier for the absorbent body 10 to be appropriately abutted against the wearer's crotch area (excretory opening), thereby reducing the risk of excrement leaking outside the diaper 1.

[0068] As described above, the diaper 1 includes a plurality of crotch elastic members 40 arranged at least along the longitudinal direction in the unfolded and stretched state. As shown in Fig. 8 and other figures, the diaper 1 includes five crotch elastic members (thread elastic) 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, and 40e. A crotch elastic region ER is defined in the thickness direction by the stretched portions of the plurality of crotch elastic members 40. Of the five crotch elastic members 40, the crotch elastic members 40 located on the outermost sides in the left-right direction are referred to as outer crotch elastic members 40a and 40b, the crotch elastic member 40 located in the center in the left-right direction is referred to as central crotch elastic member 40c, the crotch elastic member 40 located between the outer crotch elastic member 40a and the central crotch elastic member 40c is referred to as inner crotch elastic member 40d, and the crotch elastic member 40 located between the outer crotch elastic member 40b and the central crotch elastic member 40c is referred to as inner crotch elastic member 40e.

[0069] The region of the crotch elastic region ER where the greatest number of crotch elastic members 40 are arranged is referred to as the "arrangement region DR." Specifically, the arrangement region DR is a rectangular region between the leftmost and rightmost crotch elastic members 40 of the crotch elastic region ER, and is defined by a virtual line connecting the ventral ends of the positions where the greatest number of crotch elastic members 40 are located along the left-right direction, and a virtual line connecting the dorsal ends of the positions where the greatest number of crotch elastic members 40 are located along the left-right direction. In Figures 5, 6, etc., the arrangement region DR is indicated by diagonal lines slanting downward to the left.

[0070] 5 , the diaper 1 of this embodiment has a rectangular region defined by an imaginary line (ventral end ERc of the crotch elastic region ER) extending left-right at the ventral end of the crotch elastic members 40a-40e between the leftmost outer crotch elastic member 40a and the rightmost outer crotch elastic member 40b, and extending left-right at the ventral end of the crotch elastic members 40a-40e where the greatest number of crotch elastic members 40 are located (the ventral end ERc of the crotch elastic region ER), and an imaginary line (dorsal end ERd of the crotch elastic region ER) extending left-right at the dorsal end of the crotch elastic members 40a-40e where the greatest number of crotch elastic members 40 are located (the dorsal end ERd of the crotch elastic region ER). Since the five crotch elastic members 40 of the diaper 1 of this embodiment are all the same length and are all positioned at the same longitudinal position, the arranging region DR is the same as the crotch elastic region ER. In the example shown in Figure 5, the left-right length of the crotch elastic region ER and the left-right length of the placement region DR are the same length Wa, and the longitudinal length L1 of the crotch elastic region ER and the longitudinal length Ld of the placement region DR are the same length (Ld = L1).

[0071] 6, if the three central crotch elastic members 40 of the five crotch elastic members 40 are long, the left-right central portion of the crotch elastic region ER protrudes outward in the longitudinal direction. In this case, the arrangement region DR is a region where five crotch elastic members 40a to 40e are provided, and is a rectangular region surrounded by an imaginary line extending in the left-right direction at the ventral end of the position where the most crotch elastic members 40 are located (the ventral end of the outer crotch elastic member 40a and the ventral end of the outer crotch elastic member 40b) and an imaginary line extending in the left-right direction at the dorsal end of the position where the most crotch elastic members 40 are located (the dorsal end of the outer crotch elastic member 40a and the dorsal end of the outer crotch elastic member 40b). In the example shown in Figure 6, the left-right length of the crotch elastic region ER and the left-right length of the placement region DR are the same length Wa, the longitudinal length L1 of the crotch elastic region ER and the longitudinal length Ld of the placement region DR are different lengths, and the longitudinal length Ld of the placement region DR is shorter than the longitudinal length L1 of the crotch elastic region ER (Ld < L1).

[0072] The arrangement region DR in the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 is an area where five crotch elastic members 40a to 40e are provided, and is a rectangular area surrounded by imaginary lines extending in the left-right direction at the ventral ends of the positions where the most crotch elastic members 40 are located (the ventral ends of the outer crotch elastic member 40a and the ventral ends of the outer crotch elastic member 40b) between the leftmost outer crotch elastic member 40a and the rightmost outer crotch elastic member 40b among the five crotch elastic members 40, and at the dorsal ends of the positions where the most crotch elastic members 40 are located (the dorsal ends of the inner crotch elastic member 40d and the dorsal ends of the inner crotch elastic member 40e). In the example shown in Fig. 7, the left-right length of the crotch elastic region ER and the left-right length of the arrangement region DR are the same length, Wa. The longitudinal length L1 of the crotch elastic region ER and the longitudinal length Ld of the placement region DR are different lengths, and the longitudinal length Ld of the placement region DR is shorter than the longitudinal length L1 of the crotch elastic region ER (Ld<L1).

[0073] As shown in Figure 5, the distribution region DR is divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction, which are designated, in order from the ventral side, as a ventral portion Df, a central portion (center portion) Dm, and a dorsal portion Db. In this central portion Dm, the magnitude of the contractile force of the outer crotch elastic member 40a provided on one side in the lateral direction (e.g., the left side in Figure 5) of the distribution region DR is different from the magnitude of the contractile force of at least one crotch elastic member 40 (the inner crotch elastic member 40d and the central crotch elastic member 40c) provided inside the crotch elastic member 40 in the distribution region DR. The "one lateral side" refers to one side of the diaper 1 that includes the center C-C in the lateral direction. Similarly, the "other lateral side" refers to the other side of the diaper 1 that includes the center C-C in the lateral direction. Furthermore, with respect to the multiple crotch elastic members 40 in the crotch elastic region ER, in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the central crotch elastic member 40c is provided at a position straddling the center C-C in the left-right direction of the diaper 1. In this case, the crotch elastic members 40 at least partially located on one side in the left-right direction are referred to as crotch elastic members 40 on "one side in the left-right direction." Specifically, in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the "crotch elastic members 40 located on one side in the left-right direction" are the outer crotch elastic member 40a, the inner crotch elastic member 40d, and the central crotch elastic member 40c. Note that, while the following description will mainly focus on the characteristics of the crotch elastic members 40 on one side in the left-right direction, the crotch elastic members 40 on the other side in the left-right direction may also have similar characteristics.

[0074] In the central region Dm, the magnitude of the contractile force of the outer crotch elastic member 40a is different from the magnitude of the contractile force of the inner crotch elastic member 40d and the central crotch elastic member 40c, which facilitates the absorbent main body 10 to deform in different ways in the region where the outer crotch elastic member 40a is provided and the region where the inner crotch elastic member 40d and the central crotch elastic member 40c are provided. This facilitates the absorbent core 11, the absorbent main body 10, and the diaper 1 to deform in accordance with the wearer's body shape and build when worn, which facilitates the diaper 1 to abut against the wearer's excretory opening, thereby reducing the risk of body waste leakage. Furthermore, the facilitated proper abutment of the absorbent main body 10 (diaper 1) facilitates less discomfort during wear than when the region where the crotch elastic member 40 is provided abuts against the wearer's crotch (excretory opening) in a flat state.

[0075] The magnitude of the contractile force acting on the central portion Dm of the distribution region DR can be compared using a known method. For example, the comparison may be performed using the following method. The magnitude of the contractile force acting on the outer crotch elastic member 40a and the inner crotch elastic member 40d at the central portion Dm will be described. First, the longitudinal length Lm of the central portion Dm of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state is measured. The longitudinal lengths of the outer crotch elastic member 40a and the inner crotch elastic member 40d at the central portion Dm are the longitudinal length Lm of the central portion Dm. Next, marks are made (marked) at the ventral and dorsal ends of the central portion Dm of the outer crotch elastic member 40a and the inner crotch elastic member 40d of the diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state. Then, the outer crotch elastic member 40a and the inner crotch elastic member 40d are removed from the diaper 1. If the outer crotch elastic members 40a and inner crotch elastic members 40d are secured with an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive, they can be removed by immersing them in an organic solvent such as toluene. Removing them from the diaper 1 results in the outer crotch elastic members 40a and inner crotch elastic members 40d in their natural state. Next, the initial spacing between a pair of chucks spaced apart in the tensile direction of a tensile tester (e.g., Shimadzu Corporation, Autograph Model AGS-1KNG) is adjusted to match the length of the sample (each crotch elastic member 40) (a length that does not sag or allows for slight sag), and the samples are secured so that the marked positions (marking positions) are at the inner ends of each chuck. Note that when the crotch elastic members 40a and 40d are stretched, their thickness decreases, potentially causing them to slip out of their secured chucks. In such cases, instead of using a zipper, a fixing means such as wrapping the portions of the crotch elastic members 40a, 40d outside the marked positions around a rod may be used. Then, using a tensile tester, the load required to stretch the outer crotch elastic member 40a and the inner crotch elastic member 40d in their natural state to the longitudinal length Lm of the center portion Dm is measured. By comparing the load values ​​obtained through the measurement, the magnitude of the contractile force of the outer crotch elastic member 40a and the inner crotch elastic member 40d can be compared.

[0076] Known methods can be used to vary the magnitude of the contractile force of the crotch elastic members 40. For example, the magnitude can be appropriately changed by selecting the material, thickness (count) of the elastic member such as rubber thread used for the crotch elastic members 40, and the elongation ratio during the manufacturing process.

[0077] With respect to the absorbent body 10 of the diaper 1, it is preferable that, on one side in the left-right direction, the magnitude of the contractile force of the outer crotch elastic member 40a that is outermost in the left-right direction in the arrangement region DR is smaller than the magnitude of the contractile force of at least one crotch elastic member 40 (inner crotch elastic member 40d, central crotch elastic member 40c) that is arranged inside in the left-right direction from the outer crotch elastic member 40a in the arrangement region.

[0078] This allows the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) to be easily deformed into a shape that allows the lateral center of the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) to protrude toward the wearer's skin while the portion of the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) extending from the lateral center toward the wearer's skin. Therefore, the lateral center of the portion of the crotch elastic region ER of the diaper 1 (absorbent main body 10) where the crotch elastic member 40 is provided is more closely abutted against the wearer's excretory opening than the lateral outer portions. This allows the portion where the crotch elastic member 40 is provided to be gently curved from the lateral center toward the wearer's crotch, smoothly conforming to the wearer's body shape and build. This allows the absorbent main body 10 to be easily fitted to the wearer's body shape and build. This facilitates proper absorption of excreta in the portion where the crotch elastic member 40 is provided, thereby reducing the risk of excreta leaking from the diaper 1. Furthermore, since the shape of the diaper 1 gently conforms to the wearer's body in the crotch area and can be fitted to suit the wearer's body, it is easier to reduce discomfort when worn due to slippage or unintended deformation of the diaper 1 compared to when the part where the crotch elastic member 40 is provided is in contact with the wearer's body in a flat state.

[0079] In the diaper 1 of this embodiment, on one side in the left-right direction, the contractile force of the outer crotch elastic member 40a located outermost in the left-right direction of the arrangement region DR is smaller than the contractile force of the inner crotch elastic member 40d in the arrangement region, and the contractile force of the inner crotch elastic member 40d in the arrangement region DR is smaller than the contractile force of the central crotch elastic member 40c in the arrangement region DR. Similarly, on the other side in the left-right direction, the contractile force of the outer crotch elastic member 40b located outermost in the left-right direction of the arrangement region DR is smaller than the contractile force of the inner crotch elastic member 40e in the arrangement region, and the contractile force of the inner crotch elastic member 40e in the arrangement region DR is smaller than the contractile force of the central crotch elastic member 40c in the arrangement region DR. Figure 10A is a diagram illustrating deformation of the absorbent core 11. FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B (described later) schematically show the shape of the absorbent core 11 of the diaper 1 in a worn state, which is deformed from the absorbent core 11 in the unfolded and stretched state (see FIG. 8).

[0080] Depending on the magnitude of the contractile force of each crotch elastic member 40, as shown in Fig. 10A, the absorbent core 11 (absorbent main body 10) has the central crotch elastic member 40c positioned closest to the skin, the inner crotch elastic members 40d and 40e positioned closer to the skin than the central crotch elastic member 40c, and the outer crotch elastic members 40a and 40b positioned closer to the skin than the inner crotch elastic members 40d and 40e. Therefore, the absorbent main body 10 of the diaper 1 of this embodiment tends to have a generally mountain-like shape, with the lateral center portion protruding most closely to the skin and the lateral outer portions gently curving away from the skin. This shape allows the lateral center portion of the absorbent main body 10, which protrudes most closely to the skin, to abut the wearer's excretory opening, while the surrounding portions gradually and gently abut against the wearer's skin. As a result, even if the wearer's body shape or build is different, such as whether the wearer is large or small, whether the thighs are thick or thin, etc., a gap is less likely to form between the absorbent main body 10 and the wearer's excretory opening, and the absorbent main body 10 can be easily brought into proper contact with the wearer's crotch and excretory opening, making it easier to properly absorb excrement. Furthermore, because the absorbent main body 10 has a generally mountain-shaped configuration, the left-right central portion of the absorbent main body 10 can be easily brought into contact with the wearer's excretory opening, while the left-right outer sides can change the angle of curvature while maintaining their curved shape due to the force applied from the wearer's legs, thereby reducing unintended deformation and breakage of the absorbent main body 10, improving the absorbency of excrement, and reducing discomfort to the wearer caused by the rigidity of the absorbent main body 10 when worn.

[0081] The diaper 1 may include an absorbent main body 10 prone to deformation as shown in Fig. 10B. Fig. 10B is a diagram illustrating deformation of an absorbent core 11 according to another embodiment. In the absorbent core 11 (absorbent main body 10) shown in Fig. 10B, on one side in the left-right direction, the contractile force of the outermost crotch elastic member 40a in the left-right direction of the arrangement region DR is smaller than the contractile force of the central crotch elastic member 40c in the arrangement region DR, and the contractile force of the inner crotch elastic member 40d in the arrangement region DR is smaller than the contractile force of the outer crotch elastic member 40a in the arrangement region DR. Similarly, on the other side in the left-right direction, the contractile force of the outermost crotch elastic member 40b in the left-right direction of the arrangement region DR is smaller than the contractile force of the central crotch elastic member 40c in the arrangement region, and the contractile force of the inner crotch elastic member 40e in the arrangement region DR is smaller than the contractile force of the outer crotch elastic member 40b in the arrangement region DR.

[0082] 10B , depending on the magnitude of the contractile force of each crotch elastic member 40, the portion of the absorbent core 11 (absorbent main body 10) where the central crotch elastic member 40c is provided is located closest to the skin, the portion where the outer crotch elastic members 40a, 40b are provided is located closer to the skin than the portion where the central crotch elastic member 40c is provided, and the portion where the inner crotch elastic members 40d, 40e are provided is located closer to the skin than the portion where the outer crotch elastic members 40a, 40b are provided. Even in a diaper 1 including such an absorbent main body 10, the central portion of the absorbent main body 10 in the left-right direction is easily brought into contact with the wearer's excretory opening, while the portions outside the central portion of the absorbent main body 10 in the left-right direction are easily deformed in accordance with the shape and build of the wearer's body. This improves the absorbency of the absorbent main body 10, while also improving fit and reducing discomfort when worn.

[0083] Furthermore, with regard to the crotch elastic members 40 of the absorbent main body 10, on one side in the left-right direction, the magnitude of the contractile force of the outer crotch elastic member 40a, which is outermost in the left-right direction of the arrangement region DR, may be smaller than the magnitude of the contractile force of the central crotch elastic member 40c, the magnitude of the contractile force of the outer crotch elastic member 40a may be smaller than the magnitude of the contractile force of the inner crotch elastic member 40d, and the magnitude of the contractile force of the central crotch elastic member 40c may be the same as the magnitude of the contractile force of the inner crotch elastic member 40d. Similarly, with regard to the crotch elastic members 40 of the absorbent main body 10, on the other side in the left-right direction, the magnitude of the contractile force of the outer crotch elastic member 40b, which is outermost in the left-right direction of the arrangement region DR, may be smaller than the magnitude of the contractile force of the central crotch elastic member 40c in the arrangement region DR and smaller than the magnitude of the contractile force of the inner crotch elastic member 40e, and the magnitude of the contractile force of the central crotch elastic member 40c may be the same as the magnitude of the contractile force of the inner crotch elastic member 40e. In such a case, due to the magnitude of the contractile force of each crotch elastic member 40, the portions of the absorbent core 11 (absorbent main body 10) where the outer crotch elastic members 40a and 40b are provided are located closer to the skin than the portions where the inner crotch elastic member 40d, the central crotch elastic member 40c, and the inner crotch elastic member 40e are provided. Therefore, in such a case, the absorbent main body 10 tends to have a shape where the center portion in the left-right direction protrudes most toward the skin, and the outer portions in the left-right direction are directed away from the skin. Even in a diaper 1 including such an absorbent main body 10, the center portion in the left-right direction of the absorbent main body 10 is easily brought into contact with the wearer's excretory opening, while the portions outside the center portion in the left-right direction of the absorbent main body 10 are easily deformed in accordance with the wearer's body shape and build, etc., thereby improving the absorbency of the absorbent main body 10, while also improving fit and reducing discomfort during wear. In other words, with regard to the crotch elastic members 40 of the absorbent body 10, it is preferable that on one side in the left-right direction, the magnitude of the contractile force of the outer crotch elastic member 40a that is outermost in the left-right direction of the placement area DR is smaller than the magnitude of the contractile force of at least one crotch elastic member 40 that is located inside in the left-right direction from the outer crotch elastic member 40a.Furthermore, when there are multiple crotch elastic members 40 arranged laterally inward of the outer crotch elastic member 40a (inner crotch elastic member 40d, central crotch elastic member 40c), the contractile force of the multiple crotch elastic members 40 may be the same or different.

[0084] On the other hand, in the absorbent main body 10 of the diaper 1, the magnitude of contractile force of at least one crotch elastic member 40 (inner crotch elastic member 40d, central crotch elastic member 40c) provided laterally inward of the outer crotch elastic member 40a in the arrangement region DR may be smaller than the magnitude of contractile force of the outer crotch elastic member 40a in the arrangement region DR on one side in the left-right direction. For example, if the magnitude of contractile force of the outer crotch elastic member 40a in the arrangement region DR on one side in the left-right direction is greater than the magnitude of contractile force of the central crotch elastic member 40c and the inner crotch elastic member 40d in the arrangement region, it becomes easier to provide a recessed portion toward the non-skin side in the left-right central portion of the absorbent main body 10. With an absorbent main body 10 having such a shape, when a large amount of body waste is excreted at once during wear, the excreta can be more easily collected in the left-right central portion of the absorbent main body 10, thereby reducing the risk of excreta leaking from the diaper 1.

[0085] Furthermore, it is preferable that the magnitude of the contractile force of at least one of the multiple crotch elastic members 40 in the central portion Dm of the arrangement region DR (the central portion when the arrangement region DR is divided into thirds in the longitudinal direction) is greater than the magnitude of the contractile force in one of the longitudinal portions (the ventral portion Df or the dorsal portion Db). In the arrangement region DR (crotch elastic region ER) of the absorbent main body 10, not only does it facilitate adaptation to the wearer's body and physique in the left-right direction when worn, but it also facilitates the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) in the central portion Dm of the arrangement region DR to contact the wearer's excretory opening, thereby reducing leakage of body waste. This also improves the fit when worn and reduces discomfort when worn.

[0086] As shown in Figure 2, when the diaper 1 is in an unfolded and stretched state, the absorbent core 11 is divided into three equal parts in the left-right direction, with one side of the absorbent core 11 designated as a left section WL, the central section designated as a middle section WC, and the other side designated as a right section WR. In this case, it is preferable that the multiple crotch elastic members 40 are provided only in the area that overlaps with the middle section WC when viewed in the thickness direction. The provision of multiple crotch elastic members 40 in this manner facilitates deformation of the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) and the diaper 1 into a curved shape with the central section in the left-right direction protruding toward the wearer's skin and the outer sections in the left-right direction facing away from the wearer's skin when the diaper 1 is worn. Therefore, the protruding sections of the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) and the diaper 1 contact the wearer's excretory opening, while the outer sections in the left-right direction of the protruding sections smoothly contact the wearer's crotch area. This facilitates proper contact with the wearer's excretory opening and prevents leakage of body waste. Furthermore, unintended deformation of the absorbent body 10 and the diaper 1 during wear can be easily prevented, which can help reduce discomfort felt by the wearer.

[0087] 2, at one lateral end and longitudinal center position ec of the crotch elastic region ER, the lateral distance Lx from one lateral end (edge ​​ERa: see FIG. 5) of the crotch elastic region ER to one lateral end of the absorbent core 11 is preferably longer than the lateral distance Ly from one lateral end (edge ​​ERa) of the crotch elastic region ER to the lateral center C-C of the diaper 1 (Lx>Ly). By making the distance Lx longer than the distance Ly, it becomes easier to provide a wider portion of the absorbent core 11 outside the crotch elastic region ER in the lateral direction, which is less likely to deform due to contraction of the crotch elastic member 40, than when the distance Lx is equal to or shorter than the distance Ly. As a result, it becomes easier to provide flat portions of the absorbent core 11 that are less likely to deform left and right outside the crotch elastic region ER, making it easier to absorb excrement left and right outside the crotch elastic region ER, thereby reducing the risk of excrement leaking from the left and right outside of the diaper 1 when worn.

[0088] 2 and 4, as described above, the absorbent main body 10 includes the absorbent core 11 and the leg-hole elastic members 52, and the leg-hole elastic members 52 are provided at both left-right end portions of the absorbent main body 10 and stretch along the longitudinal direction, thereby fitting the periphery of the leg-hole openings to the wearer's legs when worn. When the absorbent main body 10 includes the leg-hole elastic members 52, as shown in Fig. 2, at one left-right side and at a central position ec in the longitudinal direction of the crotch elastic region ER, it is preferable that the distance Lz from the other left-right end of the leg-hole elastic member 52 to the absorbent core 11 is longer than the left-right distance Lx from one left-right end of the crotch elastic region ER (end ERa: see Fig. 5) to one left-right end of the absorbent core 11 (Lx<Lz). In this way, when the distance Lz is longer than the distance Lx, it becomes easier to provide a wider portion of the absorbent core 11 outside the crotch elastic region ER in the left-right direction that is less likely to deform due to contraction of the crotch elastic member 40 than when the distance Lx is longer than the distance Lz. As a result, it becomes easier to provide a flat portion of the absorbent core 11 outside the crotch elastic region ER in the left-right direction that is less likely to deform, and body waste is more easily absorbed outside the crotch elastic region ER in the left-right direction, thereby reducing the risk of body waste leaking from the left-right outside of the diaper 1 when worn.

[0089] As described above, the diaper 1 of this embodiment preferably includes an elastic member cover sheet (non-skin-side sheet) 17 on the non-skin side of the multiple crotch elastic members 40. When the diaper 1 includes this elastic member cover sheet 17, it is preferable that the left-right length W17 of the elastic member cover sheet 17 is longer than the left-right length Wa of the crotch elastic region ER and shorter than the left-right length Wn of the narrowest part of the absorbent core 11 (Wa < W17 < Wn). Since the diaper 1 includes the elastic member cover sheet 17 and the left-right length W17 of the elastic member cover sheet 17 is longer than the left-right length Wa of the crotch elastic region ER and shorter than the left-right length Wn of the narrowest part of the absorbent core 11, both side edges of the elastic member cover sheet 17 are located outside the crotch elastic region ER and inside the side edges of the absorbent core 11 in the left-right direction. Therefore, by providing such an elastic member cover sheet 17, a difference in rigidity occurs at the side edges of the elastic member cover sheet 17 in the left-right direction, which makes it easier for the inner portions of the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) and the diaper 1 to protrude further toward the skin than the outer portions thereof in the left-right direction when the diaper 1 is worn. This makes it easier for the central portions of the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) and the diaper 1 to protrude toward the skin and for the outer portions in the left-right direction to deform into a curved shape facing away from the skin when the diaper 1 is worn. Therefore, the portions of the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) and the diaper 1 that protrude toward the skin are brought into contact with the wearer's excretory opening, while the outer portions of the protruding portions in the left-right direction are made to gently contact the wearer's crotch area, which facilitates appropriate contact with the wearer's excretory opening and prevents leakage of body waste. Furthermore, unintended deformation of the absorbent body 10 and the diaper 1 during wear can be easily prevented, which can help reduce discomfort felt by the wearer.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 5, the diaper 1 of this embodiment has a plurality (five) of crotch elastic members 40 of the same length, aligned longitudinally and spaced equally apart in the left-right direction, but this is not limited to this. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the plurality of crotch elastic members 40 may have different lengths or may be positioned at different longitudinal positions. Furthermore, any number of crotch elastic members 40 may be arranged, and they may be arranged at any desired intervals and positions.

[0091] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, one longitudinal end of the inner crotch elastic member 40d or the central crotch elastic member 40c may be provided on one longitudinal side of the longitudinal end of the outer crotch elastic member 40a provided on one side in the left-right direction of the crotch elastic region ER.

[0092] Specifically, in the configuration shown in Fig. 6, the ventral ends of the inner crotch elastic member 40d and the central crotch elastic member 40c are located closer to the ventral side than the ventral end of the outer crotch elastic member 40a in the crotch elastic region ER. In addition, in the configuration shown in Fig. 6, the same configuration is applied not only to one side (left side) of the ventral side in the left-right direction, but also to the other side (right side) of the ventral side in the left-right direction, one side of the back side in the left-right direction, and the other side of the back side in the left-right direction.

[0093] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the ventral ends of the inner crotch elastic member 40d and the central crotch elastic member 40c are located closer to the ventral side than the ventral end of the outer crotch elastic member 40a in the crotch elastic region ER. In addition, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the same configuration is applied not only to one side (left side) of the ventral side in the left-right direction, but also to the other side (right side) of the ventral side in the left-right direction.

[0094] This configuration makes it easier for the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) and the diaper 1 to be deformed into a curved shape such that the left-right central portion protrudes toward the wearer's skin and one left-right side (outer side) faces away from the wearer's skin when the diaper 1 is worn. Therefore, the protruding portion of the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) and the diaper 1 contacts the wearer's excretory opening, while the outer left-right sides of the protruding portion are more likely to gently contact the wearer's crotch area. This facilitates proper contact with the wearer's excretory opening and prevents leakage of body waste. Furthermore, this configuration makes it easier to prevent unintended deformation of the absorbent main body 10 and the diaper 1 when worn, thereby reducing discomfort to the wearer.

[0095] Furthermore, if the crotch elastic region ER is divided into three equal parts in the left-right direction, i.e., a left portion (one side portion) Wq, a central portion Wm, and a right portion (the other side portion) Wr, the number of crotch elastic members 40 provided in the central portion Wm may be greater than the number of crotch elastic members 40 provided in the left portion Wq (or the right portion Wr). This facilitates deformation of the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) and the central portion Wm of the diaper 1 when worn, such that the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) and the central portion Wm of the diaper 1 protrude toward the wearer's skin and the left portion Wq (right portion Wr) faces away from the wearer's skin. This facilitates the diaper 1 (absorbent main body 10) to smoothly conform to the wearer's body from the center toward the outside in the left-right direction relative to the wearer's excrement opening. Properly fitting the diaper 1 helps prevent leakage of excrement and alleviates discomfort caused by slippage or unintended deformation of the diaper 1 during wear.

[0096] In addition to changing the thickness, material, and arrangement of the multiple crotch elastic members 40, the absorbent core 11 may also include a low-basis weight portion (not shown) having a lower basis weight than the surrounding area. When the absorbent core 11 includes a low-basis weight portion, it is preferable that the crotch elastic region ER has both overlapping and non-overlapping portions in the thickness direction in the region longitudinally overlapping the low-basis weight portion. The low-basis weight portion is a portion where the rigidity is lower than the surrounding area, resulting in a change in rigidity. Examples of low-basis weight portions include portions where the basis weight of the liquid-absorbent fiber or superabsorbent polymer (SAP) is reduced by, for example, providing slits through the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction or grooves in the absorbent core 11. Because the low-basis weight portion is lower in rigidity than the surrounding area, it is a portion of the absorbent body 11 that is more susceptible to deformation than the surrounding area. Therefore, in addition to deformation due to the crotch elastic members 40, the low-basis weight portion also makes the absorbent core 11 more susceptible to deformation due to the low-basis weight portion. This facilitates deformation of the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) and the diaper 1 in the left-right direction, causing the central portion of the diaper 1 to protrude toward the wearer's skin, and also facilitates deformation into a curved shape that directs the outer left-right sides away from the wearer's skin. As a result, the diaper 1 (absorbent main body 10) can be easily fitted to the wearer's excretory opening so as to conform to the shape of the wearer's body, thereby preventing leakage of excrement. Furthermore, unintended deformation of the absorbent main body 10 can be reduced, thereby facilitating alleviation of discomfort during wear.

[0097] Second Embodiment The basic configuration of the disposable diaper 1 (diaper 1) of the second embodiment is the same as that of the disposable diaper 1 of the first embodiment described above, except for the configuration of the crotch elastic member 40 and the crotch elastic region ER, which differ from those of the diaper 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the configuration of the crotch elastic member 40 and the crotch elastic region ER of the diaper 1 of the second embodiment will be mainly described below. Components of the diaper 1 of the second embodiment that are common to those of the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described in detail. Furthermore, some of the features of the diaper 1 of the first embodiment described above are also applicable to the diaper 1 of the second embodiment, and their details will not be described here.

[0098] <<Crotch Elastic Members 40 and Crotch Elastic Regions ER>> Fig. 11 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in the unfolded and stretched state according to the second embodiment, as seen from the skin side. Fig. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B in Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the crotch elastic members 40 according to the second embodiment.

[0099] The diaper 1 of the second embodiment has a plurality of "crotch elastic members 40" that are stretchable at least along the longitudinal direction. The crotch elastic members 40 are located closer to the skin than the absorbent core 11 and overlap the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction. The diaper 1 of the present embodiment includes, as the crotch elastic members 40, a plurality of crotch elastic members (first elastic members) 40a, crotch elastic members (first elastic members) 40b, crotch elastic members (first elastic members) 40c, and one stretchable sheet (second elastic member) 40s, each of which is made of a thread-like elastic member (thread rubber).

[0100] The crotch elastic members 40 are disposed between the waist seams 2 in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 in the unfolded and stretched state, and are spaced apart from one another in the left-right direction. As shown in Fig. 12, the crotch elastic members 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40s are disposed between the backsheet 13 and the elastic member cover sheet 17. The crotch elastic members 40a, 40b, and 40c, which are rubber threads, and the stretchable sheet 40s are disposed at different positions in the thickness direction. In the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the thread-like crotch elastic members 40a, 40b, and 40c are disposed closer to the skin than the stretchable sheet 40s. Specifically, the thread-like crotch elastic members 40a, 40b, and 40c are disposed side by side at intervals in the left-right direction, resting on the skin-facing side of the rectangular stretchable sheet 40s. The longitudinal lengths of the thread-like crotch elastic members 40a, 40b, and 40c are approximately the same as the longitudinal length of the stretchable sheet 40s, and they are located at the same longitudinal positions. Each crotch elastic member 40 is attached in a stretched state along the longitudinal direction. The stretchable sheet 40s can be, for example, a stretchable fibrous nonwoven fabric manufactured by various known manufacturing methods, such as a spunbonded nonwoven fabric, an air-through nonwoven fabric, or a needle-punched nonwoven fabric, made from elastic fibers made from thermoplastic elastomers, rubber, or the like, or a stretchable film made from polyethylene (PE), polystyrene-based elastomers (SIS, SBS-based), or the like. Note that, when the stretchable sheet 40s is located on the non-skin side of the thread-like crotch elastic members 40a, 40b, and 40c, as in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the stretchable sheet 40s can fulfill the function of the elastic member cover sheet 17, and therefore the elastic member cover sheet 17 is not necessarily provided.

[0101] As in this embodiment, in the crotch elastic region ER, it is preferable that the crotch elastic members 40 (first elastic members) provided on the skin side are thread-like rubber threads 40a, 40b, and 40c, and the crotch elastic members 40 (second elastic members) provided on the non-skin side are a stretchable sheet 40s. The crotch elastic members 40 may be provided between the absorbent core 11 (core wrap sheet 18) and the backsheet 13. The thread-like crotch elastic members 40a, 40b, and 40c may be provided on the non-skin side of the stretchable sheet 40s. Alternatively, a strip-like stretchable member may be used instead of the thread-like crotch elastic members 40a, 40b, and 40c or the stretchable sheet 40s. The lengths of the multiple crotch elastic members 40 in the diaper 1 may be the same or different. In the present embodiment, the stretchable sheet 40s is provided at a position different in the thickness direction from the thread-like crotch elastic members 40a, 40b, 40c and is provided over the entire crotch elastic region ER, but this is not limiting. For example, the stretchable sheet 40s provided at a position different in the thickness direction from the thread-like crotch elastic members 40a, 40b, 40c may have a portion in the crotch elastic region ER where the stretchable sheet 40s is not provided, or the stretchable sheet 40s may have a non-stretchable portion.

[0102] When viewed in the thickness direction, the region defined by the stretchable portions of the crotch elastic member 40 is called the "crotch elastic region ER." The crotch elastic region ER can be defined in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. In this embodiment, the crotch elastic region ER is the region where the stretchable sheet 40s is disposed. In other words, the crotch elastic region ER is the region surrounded by both side edges of the stretchable sheet 40s and both longitudinal ends of the stretchable sheet 40s. The left and right side edges ERa and ERb of the crotch elastic region ER are both left and right side edges of the stretchable sheet 40s, the ventral edge ERc of the crotch elastic region ER is the ventral edge of the stretchable sheet 40s, and the dorsal edge ERd of the crotch elastic region ER is the dorsal edge of the stretchable sheet 40s.

[0103] <<Regarding deformation of the absorbent body 10 (diaper 1)>> When viewing the diaper 1 in the thickness direction, if the crotch elastic region ER is divided into three equal parts in the left-right direction into a left portion (one side portion) Wq, a central portion Wm, and a right portion (other side portion) Wr, it is preferable that the number of crotch elastic members 40 overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the left portion Wq is different from the number of crotch elastic members 40 overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the central portion Wm.

[0104] 13 , the diaper 1 of this embodiment has longitudinally stretchable thread-like crotch elastic members 40a, 40b, and 40c fixed to the skin-facing side of a stretchable sheet 40s provided throughout the crotch elastic region ER. The crotch elastic members 40a, 40b, and 40c are provided in the center region Wm, but not in the left and right regions Wq and Wr. Therefore, in the thickness direction, the number of crotch elastic members 40 overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the left region Wq (right region Wr) is zero, while the number of crotch elastic members 40 (crotch elastic members 40a, 40b, and 40c) overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the center region Wm is three, which is different from the crotch elastic members 40.

[0105] The number of crotch elastic members 40 overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the thickness direction determines the portion and shape of the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) that is deformed to push up against the wearer's skin due to longitudinal contraction of the crotch elastic members 40. When the number of crotch elastic members 40 overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the left portion Wq in the thickness direction is different from the number of crotch elastic members 40 overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the central portion Wm, the absorbent main body 10 is more likely to deform in different ways in the left portion Wq and the central portion Wm of the crotch elastic region ER. Therefore, when the diaper 1 is worn, the absorbent core 11, the absorbent main body 10, and the diaper 1 are more likely to deform in accordance with the wearer's body shape and build, etc., and the diaper 1 is more likely to come into contact with the wearer's excretory opening, thereby reducing the risk of body waste leakage. In addition, since it becomes easier to properly abut the absorbent body 10 (diaper 1), it is easier to reduce discomfort when worn compared to when the part where the crotch elastic member 40 is provided is in a flat state and abuts against the wearer's crotch area (excretory opening).

[0106] Furthermore, the number of crotch elastic members 40 overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the central portion Wm may be greater than the number of crotch elastic members 40 overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the left portion Wq (or right portion Wr) in the thickness direction. In the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the number of crotch elastic members 40 overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the left portion Wq is one, and the number of crotch elastic members 40 overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the central portion Wm is three. Therefore, the number of crotch elastic members 40 overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the central portion Wm is greater than the number of crotch elastic members 40 overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the left portion Wq in the thickness direction. Similarly, the number of crotch elastic members 40 overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the central portion Wm is greater than the number of crotch elastic members 40 overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the right portion Wr in the thickness direction.

[0107] The greater the number of crotch elastic members 40 overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the thickness direction, the more easily the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) is deformed to push up against the wearer's skin and fit snugly against the crotch region of the wearer due to longitudinal contraction of the crotch elastic members 40. When the number of crotch elastic members 40 overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the center region Wm is greater than the number of crotch elastic members 40 overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the left region Wq, the more easily the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) and the center region Wm of the diaper 1 are deformed to protrude against the wearer's skin and the left region Wq (right region Wr) is deformed into a curved shape that faces away from the wearer's skin when the diaper 1 is worn. This allows the diaper 1 (absorbent main body 10) to smoothly conform to the wearer's body excretion opening from the center outward in the lateral direction (see FIG. 10A ). By fitting the diaper 1 properly, leakage of excrement can be prevented and discomfort caused by the diaper 1 slipping or unintended deformation when worn can be reduced.

[0108] On the other hand, the absorbent main body 10 of the diaper 1 may have a greater number of crotch elastic members 40 overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the left portion Wq (or right portion Wr) in the thickness direction than in the central portion Wm. For example, if the number of crotch elastic members 40 overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the left portion Wq is two (the outer crotch elastic member 40a and the inner crotch elastic member 40d) and the number of crotch elastic member 40 overlapping the stretchable sheet 40s in the central portion Wm is one (the central crotch elastic member 40c) (not shown), it becomes easier to provide a recessed portion toward the non-skin side in the lateral center of the absorbent main body 10. With an absorbent main body 10 having such a shape, when a large amount of body waste is excreted at once during wear, the excreta can be more easily collected in the lateral center of the absorbent main body 10, thereby reducing the risk of leakage of the excreta from the diaper 1.

[0109] Third Embodiment The basic configuration of the disposable diaper 1 (diaper 1) of the third embodiment is the same as that of the disposable diaper 1 of the first embodiment described above, except for the configuration of the crotch elastic member 40 and the crotch elastic region ER, which differ from those of the diaper 1 of the first embodiment. Therefore, the configuration of the crotch elastic member 40 and the crotch elastic region ER of the diaper 1 of the third embodiment will be mainly described below. Components of the diaper 1 of the third embodiment that are common to those of the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be described in detail. Furthermore, some of the features of the diaper 1 of the first embodiment described above are also applicable to the diaper 1 of the third embodiment, and their details will not be described here.

[0110] <<Crotch Elastic Members 40 and Crotch Elastic Regions ER>> Fig. 14 is a schematic plan view of the diaper 1 in the unfolded and stretched state according to the third embodiment, as seen from the skin side. Fig. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D in Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of the crotch elastic members 40 according to the third embodiment.

[0111] The diaper 1 of the third embodiment has a plurality of "crotch elastic members 40" that are stretchable at least along the longitudinal direction. The crotch elastic members 40 are located closer to the skin than the absorbent core 11 and overlap the absorbent core 11 in the thickness direction. The diaper 1 of this embodiment has a plurality (five) of thread-like elastic members (thread rubber) as the crotch elastic members 40, namely, crotch elastic members 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, and 40e.

[0112] The crotch elastic members 40 are disposed between the waist joints 2 in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 in the unfolded and stretched state, and are spaced apart from one another in the left-right direction. As shown in Fig. 12, the crotch elastic members 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, and 40e are disposed between the backsheet 13 and the elastic member cover sheet 17. The five crotch elastic members 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, and 40e have the same length in the longitudinal direction and are disposed side by side with intervals in the left-right direction. The lengths of the crotch elastic members 40 of the diaper 1 may be the same or different. Each crotch elastic member 40 is attached in a stretched state along the longitudinal direction.

[0113] The region defined by the stretchable portions of the crotch elastic members 40 in the thickness direction is referred to as the "crotch elastic region ER." The crotch elastic region ER can be defined in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 16 , the crotch elastic region ER is the region between the leftmost crotch elastic member (outer crotch elastic member) 40a and the rightmost crotch elastic member (outer crotch elastic member) 40b. The crotch elastic region ER is defined by an imaginary line connecting the longitudinal ventral ends of the stretchable portions of the crotch elastic members 40 aligned laterally and an imaginary line connecting the longitudinal dorsal ends of the stretchable portions of the crotch elastic members 40. In FIGS. 5 and 6 , the crotch elastic region ER is indicated by hatching. That is, as shown in FIG. 16 , when the five crotch elastic members 40 are the same length, the crotch elastic region ER is rectangular. In this embodiment, the crotch elastic region ER has a rectangular shape surrounded by side ends ERa and ERb in the left-right direction and a ventral end ERc and a dorsal end ERd in the longitudinal direction. The side end ERa of the crotch elastic region ER is one side end of the crotch elastic member 40a that is closest to one side (left side) in the left-right direction, and the side end ERb is the other side end of the crotch elastic member 40b that is closest to the other side (right side). The ventral end ERc of the crotch elastic region ER is the ventral end of all crotch elastic members 40, and the dorsal end ERd is the dorsal end of all crotch elastic members 40.

[0114] <<Regarding deformation of the absorbent body 10 (diaper 1)>> When viewing the diaper 1 in the thickness direction, if the crotch elastic region ER is divided into three equal parts in the left-right direction into a left portion (one side portion) Wq, a central portion Wm, and a right portion (the other side portion) Wr, it is preferable that the number of crotch elastic members 40 provided in the left portion Wq is different from the number of crotch elastic members 40 provided in the central portion Wm.

[0115] As shown in Figure 16, in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the number of crotch elastic members 40 (crotch elastic members 40a) provided in the left portion Wq (right portion Wr) is one, and the number of crotch elastic members 40 (crotch elastic members 40c, 40d, 40e) provided in the central portion Wm is three, so the numbers of crotch elastic members 40 in these two portions are different.

[0116] The greater the number of crotch elastic members 40, the more easily the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) is deformed to protrude upward toward the wearer's skin due to longitudinal contraction of the crotch elastic members 40, thereby deforming to fit closely to the wearer's crotch region. In the crotch elastic region ER, the number of crotch elastic members 40 provided in the left portion Wq is different from the number of crotch elastic members 40 provided in the central portion Wm, which makes it easier for the absorbent main body 10 to deform in different ways in the left portion Wq and the central portion Wm of the crotch elastic region ER. Therefore, when the diaper 1 is worn, the absorbent core 11, the absorbent main body 10, and the diaper 1 are more easily deformed in accordance with the wearer's body shape, build, etc., and the diaper 1 is more easily brought into contact with the wearer's excretory opening, thereby reducing the risk of body waste leakage. In addition, since it becomes easier to properly abut the absorbent body 10 (diaper 1), it is easier to reduce discomfort when worn compared to when the part where the crotch elastic member 40 is provided is in a flat state and abuts against the wearer's crotch area (excretory opening).

[0117] Furthermore, the number of crotch elastic members 40 provided in the central portion Wm may be greater than the number of crotch elastic members 40 provided in the left portion Wq. In this embodiment, the number of crotch elastic members 40 provided in the left portion Wq is one and the number of crotch elastic members 40 provided in the central portion Wm is three, so that the number of crotch elastic members 40 provided in the central portion Wm is greater than the number of crotch elastic members 40 provided in the left portion Wq. Furthermore, the number of crotch elastic members 40 provided in the right portion Wr is one and the number of crotch elastic members 40 provided in the central portion Wm is three, so that the number of crotch elastic members 40 provided in the central portion Wm is greater than the number of crotch elastic members 40 provided in the left portion Wq.

[0118] The greater the number of crotch elastic members 40 arranged in each of the sections Wq, Wm, and Wr, the more likely it is that the contraction of the crotch elastic members 40 will cause deformation of the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) that causes it to protrude toward the wearer's skin. As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 , when the number of crotch elastic members 40 arranged in the central section Wm is greater than the number of crotch elastic members 40 arranged in the left section Wq, the more likely it is that the absorbent main body 10 (absorbent core 11) and the central section Wm of the diaper 1 will protrude toward the wearer's skin when the diaper 1 is worn, and the more likely it is that the left section Wq (right section Wr) will deform into a curved shape that faces away from the wearer's skin. This makes it easier for the diaper 1 (absorbent main body 10) to fit smoothly around the wearer's body excretion opening from the center outward in the lateral direction (see FIG. 10A ). By fitting the diaper 1 properly, leakage of excrement can be prevented and discomfort caused by the diaper 1 slipping or unintended deformation when worn can be reduced.

[0119] On the other hand, the number of crotch elastic members 40 provided in the left portion Wq of the absorbent main body 10 of the diaper 1 may be greater than the number of crotch elastic members 40 provided in the central portion Wm. For example, if the number of crotch elastic members 40 provided in the left portion Wq is two (the outer crotch elastic member 40a and the inner crotch elastic member 40d) and the number of crotch elastic member 40 provided in the central portion Wm is one (the central crotch elastic member 40c) (not shown), a recessed portion can be provided in the lateral center of the absorbent main body 10 toward the non-skin side. With an absorbent main body 10 having such a shape, when a large amount of body waste is excreted at once while the diaper 1 is being worn, the excreta can be more easily collected in the lateral center of the absorbent main body 10, thereby reducing the risk of excreta leaking from the diaper 1.

[0120] ===Other=== The above 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.

[0121] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Diaper (pants-type disposable diaper, absorbent article), 2 Waist joint (joint), 10 Absorbent body, 11 Absorbent core, 12 Top sheet, 13 Back sheet, 16 Side sheet, 17 Elastic member cover sheet (non-skin side sheet), 20 Outer member, 21 Abdominal side outer layer sheet, 22 Dorsal side outer layer sheet, 23 Inner layer sheet, 24 (Abdominal side) Waist elastic member, 25 (Dorsal side) Waist elastic member, 26 Buttocks elastic member, 31 Cover sheet, 32 Cover sheet, 40 Crotch elastic member, 40a Crotch elastic member (first elastic member), outer crotch elastic member, 40b Crotch elastic member (first elastic member), outer crotch elastic member, 40c Crotch elastic member (first elastic member), central crotch elastic member, 40d Crotch elastic member, inner crotch elastic member, 40e Crotch elastic member, inner crotch elastic member, 40s Stretchable sheet (second elastic member), 50 Leakage preventing wall portion, 51 Leakage preventing wall elastic member (longitudinal elastic member), 52 Leg opening elastic member, ER Crotch elastic region, DR Distribution region, Df Ventral portion, Dm Central portion (central portion), Db Dorsal portion

Claims

1. An absorbent article having a pair of waistband sections with both side sections joined at joints, and an absorbent core, wherein in an unfolded and stretched state, the article has a longitudinal direction, a left-right direction, and a thickness direction that are orthogonal to one another, and has a plurality of crotch elastic members arranged on the side away from the skin of the absorbent core and arranged at least along the longitudinal direction, the plurality of crotch elastic members are arranged between the joints in the longitudinal direction and spaced apart from one another in the left-right direction, the plurality of crotch elastic members are arranged in positions that overlap the absorbent core in the thickness direction, a crotch elastic region is defined in the thickness direction by stretchable portions of the plurality of crotch elastic members, and when the region in the crotch elastic region where the greatest number of the plurality of crotch elastic members are arranged is defined as an arrangement region, the magnitude of the contractile force of the outer crotch elastic member arranged on the left-right furthest side of the arrangement region when the arrangement region is divided into thirds in the longitudinal direction, at the center part, on one side in the left-right direction, is The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the magnitude of the contractile force of at least one crotch elastic member provided inward in the left-right direction from the outer crotch elastic member in the arrangement region is different from that of the outer crotch elastic member.

2. An absorbent article having a pair of waistband sections with both side sections joined at joints, and an absorbent core, wherein in an unfolded and stretched state, the article has a longitudinal direction, a left-right direction, and a thickness direction that are orthogonal to one another, and the article has a plurality of crotch elastic members that are arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent core and stretch at least along the longitudinal direction, and the plurality of crotch elastic members each have a first elastic member and a second elastic member that are arranged between the joints in the longitudinal direction, the first elastic member and the second elastic member are arranged at different positions in the thickness direction, and when viewed in the thickness direction, the plurality of crotch elastic members are arranged at positions that overlap the absorbent core, and a crotch elastic region is defined by the stretchable portions of the plurality of crotch elastic members, and when the crotch elastic region is divided into three equal parts in the left-right direction into one side section, a center section, and the other side section, the number of the first elastic members that overlap the second elastic members in the one side section is different from the number of the first elastic members that overlap the second elastic members in the center section. An absorbent article characterized by:

3. An absorbent article having a pair of waistband sections with both side sections joined at a joint, and an absorbent core, wherein in an unfolded and stretched state, the article has a longitudinal direction, a left-right direction, and a thickness direction that are perpendicular to one another, and the article has a plurality of crotch elastic members that are located closer to the skin than the absorbent core and stretch at least along the longitudinal direction, the plurality of crotch elastic members are located between the joints in the longitudinal direction and are spaced apart from each other in the left-right direction, the plurality of crotch elastic members are located in positions that overlap the absorbent core when viewed in the thickness direction, a crotch elastic region is defined by the stretch portions of the plurality of crotch elastic members, and when the crotch elastic region is divided into thirds in the left-right direction into one side portion, a center portion, and the other side portion, the number of crotch elastic members provided in the one side portion is different from the number of crotch elastic members provided in the center portion.

4. An absorbent article as described in claim 1, characterized in that, on one side of the left-right direction, the magnitude of the contractile force of the outer crotch elastic member in the arrangement area is smaller than the magnitude of the contractile force of at least one crotch elastic member provided inside the outer crotch elastic member in the arrangement area in the left-right direction.

5. An absorbent article as claimed in claim 1 or 4, characterized in that when the crotch elastic region is divided into three equal parts in the left-right direction into one side part, a central part and the other side part, the number of crotch elastic members provided in the central part is greater than the number of crotch elastic members provided in the one side part.

6. An absorbent article as claimed in claim 1 or 4, characterized in that the magnitude of the contractile force of at least one of the crotch elastic members in the central portion when the arrangement area is divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction is greater than the magnitude of the contractile force in the portion on one side of the central portion in the longitudinal direction.

7. An absorbent article as described in claim 2, characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction, the number of first elastic members overlapping with the second elastic members in the one side portion is less than the number of first elastic members overlapping with the second elastic members in the central portion.

8. An absorbent article according to claim 2 or 7, characterized in that the first elastic member is rubber thread, and the second elastic member is a stretchable sheet member.

9. An absorbent article according to claim 3, characterized in that the number of crotch elastic members provided in the central portion is greater than the number of crotch elastic members provided in the one side portion.

10. An absorbent article as claimed in claim 1 or 3, characterized in that one end in the longitudinal direction of the outer crotch elastic member provided on the left-right furthest side of the crotch elastic region is located on one side of the longitudinal direction, and one end in the longitudinal direction of at least one crotch elastic member provided inside the outer crotch elastic member in the left-right direction is located on one side of the longitudinal direction.

11. An absorbent article as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the plurality of crotch elastic members are provided only in the central portion when the absorbent core is divided into three equal parts in the left-right direction.

12. An absorbent article as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, at one side in the left-right direction and at the central position in the longitudinal direction of the crotch elastic region, the left-right distance from the end of the crotch elastic region on one side in the left-right direction to the end of the absorbent core on one side in the left-right direction is longer than the left-right distance from the end of the crotch elastic region on one side in the left-right direction to the central position in the left-right direction of the absorbent article.

13. An absorbent article as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the absorbent core has a low basis weight section in which the basis weight of the absorbent core is lower than that of the surrounding area, and in the area overlapping with the crotch elastic area in the longitudinal direction, when viewed in the thickness direction, the crotch elastic area has a portion overlapping with the low basis weight section and a portion not overlapping with the low basis weight section.

14. An absorbent article as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising an absorbent main body provided with the absorbent core and leg elastic members, the leg elastic members being provided at both ends of the absorbent main body in the left-right direction and stretching along the longitudinal direction, and characterized in that, on one side in the left-right direction and at the central position in the longitudinal direction of the crotch elastic region, the distance from the other end of the leg elastic member in the left-right direction to the absorbent core is longer than the distance from the end of one side in the left-right direction of the crotch elastic region to the absorbent core.

15. An absorbent article as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a non-skin-side sheet on the non-skin-side of the plurality of crotch elastic members, the left-right length of the non-skin-side sheet being longer than the left-right length of the crotch elastic region and shorter than the left-right length of the narrowest part of the absorbent core, which has the shortest left-right length.

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