Absorbent article

Abstract

An absorbent article (1) has a liquid-absorbing absorbent body (3) and a plurality of adhesive parts (41) provided on the non-skin-side surface of the absorbent article (1), wherein: the absorbent body (3) has a non-woven fabric provided with a plurality of fibers including latent crimped fibers; the absorbent body (3) has a plurality of first regions (DH) and a second region (DL); the first regions (DH) are linear regions extending in the longitudinal direction, and have a higher fiber density than the second region (DL) and a lesser thickness than the second region (DL); the plurality of first regions (DH) are disposed so as to be set apart from each other in the width direction; the plurality of adhesive parts (41) are disposed so as to be set apart from each other; and when viewed in the thickness direction, the first regions (DH) have overlapping parts that overlap the adhesive parts (41) and non-overlapping parts that do not overlap the adhesive parts.

Description

absorbent articles

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

[0002] Conventionally, absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins have been known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet material used in absorbent articles, and the sheet material described in Patent Document 1 is used as an absorbent body or a topsheet in the absorbent article. The sheet material described in Patent Document 1 includes latent crimp fibers, thereby improving liquid absorption. Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins and panty liners, for example, have an adhesive portion on the non-skin side for fixing the absorbent article to underwear when worn, as in the panty liner described in Patent Document 2.

[0003] JP 2005-15964 A JP 2012-75553 A

[0004] When a sheet material having improved liquid absorbency due to the inclusion of latent crimp fibers is used as an absorbent body in an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin or pantiliner, there is a problem in that the crimping properties of the latent crimp fibers make it easier for adhesive portions provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent article to adhere to each other.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to improve the absorbency and fit of the absorbent article when worn, while reducing the risk of adhesive portions on the non-skin side of the absorbent article adhering to each other.

[0006] The primary invention for achieving the above object is an absorbent article having, in an unfolded state, longitudinal, width, and thickness directions that intersect with one another, a liquid-absorbent absorbent body, and a plurality of adhesive portions provided on the non-skin-side surface of the absorbent article, wherein the absorbent body comprises a nonwoven fabric having a plurality of fibers including latently crimped fibers, the absorbent body having a plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions, the first regions being linear regions extending in the longitudinal direction, having a higher fiber density than the second regions and being thinner than the second regions, the plurality of first regions being spaced apart in the width direction, and the plurality of adhesive portions being spaced apart, and the first regions having overlapping portions that overlap with the adhesive portions and non-overlapping portions that do not overlap with the adhesive portions when viewed in the thickness direction. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the absorbency and fit of the absorbent article when worn, while reducing the risk of adhesive portions provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent article sticking to each other.

[0008] 10 is a plan view of the sanitary napkin 1 as seen from the skin side. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the sanitary napkin 1 as seen from the non-skin side. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrows A-A in FIG. 1. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the napkin 1. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the absorbent core 3 of the napkin 1. FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a cross-section of a high density section DH. FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a cross-section of a low density section DL. FIG. 6B is an enlarged view of part X in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrows B-B in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the high density section DH and the adhesive section 41. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of part Y in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the first high density section DHa and the first adhesive section 41a of the section shown in FIG. 10. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the high density section DH and the adhesive section 45. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the napkin 1.

[0009] The present specification and the accompanying drawings make at least the following clear: (Aspect 1) An absorbent article having a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that intersect one another in an unfolded state, the absorbent article comprising a liquid-absorbing absorbent body and a plurality of adhesive portions provided on the non-skin-side surface of the absorbent article, the absorbent body comprising a nonwoven fabric comprising a plurality of fibers including latently crimped fibers, the absorbent body comprising a plurality of first regions and second regions, the first regions being linear regions extending in the longitudinal direction, having a higher fiber density than the second regions and being thinner than the second regions, the plurality of first regions being spaced apart in the width direction, and the plurality of adhesive portions being spaced apart, and the first regions having overlapping portions that overlap the adhesive portions and non-overlapping portions that do not overlap the adhesive portions when viewed in the thickness direction.

[0010] According to the absorbent article of Aspect 1, the absorbent body includes a first region along the longitudinal direction and includes latently crimped fibers. This allows absorbed liquid to be easily dispersed in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, reducing the risk of the absorbent body swelling due to the absorption of liquid compared to cellulosic fibers such as pulp. The latently crimped fibers also maintain voids between the fibers more easily than pulp fibers, allowing excrement to be easily retained in the voids between the latently crimped fibers. Furthermore, the fibers are less likely to be crushed than pulp fibers, allowing the fibers to easily maintain their bulk, thereby improving absorbency and wearability. Furthermore, because the first region and the adhesive portion are each more rigid than the surrounding areas, the presence of overlapping and non-overlapping portions in the first region makes them more likely to become folding points. This allows for both conformability to clothing in the overlapping portions and conformability to the wearer's body in the non-overlapping portions, thereby improving fit during wear. Furthermore, even if the absorbent article becomes more susceptible to deformation due to the crimping properties of the latently crimped fibers, the rigidity of the non-overlapping portions reduces the risk of adhesive portions adhering to each other.

[0011] (Aspect 2) The absorbent article of aspect 1, wherein the total area of ​​the overlapping portions is greater than the total area of ​​the non-overlapping portions.

[0012] According to the absorbent article of aspect 2, by comprising latent crimped fibers and a first region along the longitudinal direction, it is possible to improve the diffusion and fit when worn, while also making it easier to improve the ability of the overlapping portions to conform to clothing compared to when the total area of ​​the overlapping portions is smaller than the total area of ​​the non-overlapping portions.

[0013] (Aspect 3) The absorbent article of aspect 1, wherein the total area of ​​the overlapping portions is smaller than the total area of ​​the non-overlapping portions.

[0014] According to the absorbent article of Aspect 3, by providing the first region along the longitudinal direction, it is possible to improve the diffusibility and fit when worn while also achieving better conformability to the wearer's body, improving the fit when worn and reducing the risk of the absorbent article becoming excessively stiff, compared to when the total area of ​​the overlapping portions is larger than the total area of ​​the non-overlapping portions. Furthermore, compared to when the total area of ​​the overlapping portions is larger than the total area of ​​the non-overlapping portions, the rigidity of the non-overlapping portions makes it easier for the absorbent article to deform due to the crimping of the potentially crimped fibers, reducing the risk of the adhesive portions adhering to each other.

[0015] (Aspect 4) The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the non-overlapping portion is provided at one end of the absorbent body in the longitudinal direction.

[0016] According to the absorbent article of aspect 4, even if the absorbent article becomes prone to deformation due to the crimping properties of the latent crimping fibers, the rigidity of the non-overlapping portions reduces the risk of the adhesive portions adhering to each other, and makes it easier to remove the protective sheet from a state in which the protective sheet covering the adhesive portions is in place.

[0017] (Aspect 5) The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the non-overlapping portion is provided in the central portion of the absorbent body in the width direction.

[0018] According to the absorbent article of Aspect 5, even if the absorbent article becomes prone to deformation due to the crimping properties of the latent crimp fibers, the rigidity of the non-overlapping portions can reduce the risk of the adhesive portions adhering to each other. Furthermore, while the rigidity of the central portion in the width direction of the absorbent article is lower than when no non-overlapping portions are provided in the central portion in the width direction of the absorbent article, the rigidity of the non-overlapping portions makes it easier to fit the body of the wearer, which can reduce discomfort when worn.

[0019] (Aspect 6) The absorbent article of any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the first region is a wave-shaped region having alternating convex portions protruding toward one side in the width direction and convex portions protruding toward the other side in the width direction.

[0020] According to the absorbent article of aspect 6, since the first region is wavy and extends along the longitudinal direction, it becomes easier to provide a second region in the portion adjacent to the first region in the longitudinal direction. When worn, excreted liquid absorbed in the first region, which is prone to drawing in liquid by capillary action, is moved to the second region adjacent to it in the longitudinal direction, and excreted liquid absorbed in the second region is easily moved further outward in the longitudinal direction to the first region, making it easier to spread the excreted liquid toward the outside in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body.

[0021] (Aspect 7) An absorbent article according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein, when viewed in the thickness direction, one of the plurality of first regions has a portion that overlaps with one of the plurality of adhesive portions and a portion that does not overlap with the adhesive portion, the one first region is wavy with alternating convex portions that protrude toward one side in the width direction and convex portions that protrude toward the other side in the width direction, and the one end of the one first region in the width direction is located on the one side of the one end of the one adhesive portion in the width direction.

[0022] According to the absorbent article of Aspect 7, by including the potentially crimped fibers and the first region along the longitudinal direction, it is possible to improve the absorbency and wearability when worn, while also improving the fit when worn by achieving both conformability to clothing and conformability to the wearer's body. Furthermore, even if the absorbent article becomes prone to deformation due to the crimping properties of the potentially crimped fibers, it is possible to reduce the risk of adhesive portions adhering to each other. Furthermore, since the first region is more rigid than the second region, and the portion where the adhesive portion is provided is more rigid than the portion where the adhesive portion is not provided, when one adhesive portion is located at the widthwise furthest side of the multiple adhesive portions, one first region is wavy and one widthwise end of one first region is located on one widthwise side of one widthwise end of one adhesive portion, so that when worn, when the wearer closes their thighs inward, the convex portion protruding toward one widthwise side of the first region is likely to become the part that comes into contact with the wearer's thighs, making it easier to reduce the part that feels rigid against the wearer's thighs, and therefore easier to reduce the sense of discomfort and annoyance felt by the wearer.

[0023] (Aspect 8) The absorbent article of Aspect 7 is characterized in that the length from one end of the one first region in the width direction to one end of the one adhesive portion in the width direction is different from the length from the other end of the one first region in the width direction to the other end of the one adhesive portion in the width direction.

[0024] According to the absorbent article of aspect 8, both side ends of one first region and both side ends of one adhesive portion are parts where the rigidity is easily changed. Therefore, even if the absorbent article is easily deformed due to the crimping properties of the latent crimping fibers, the change in rigidity of one first region and one adhesive portion makes it easier to cushion the deformation of the absorbent article, thereby reducing the risk of the adhesive portions sticking together.

[0025] (Aspect 9) The absorbent article of any one of Aspects 1 to 8, wherein the skin side of the absorbent body has skin side recesses and skin side protrusions, and the non-skin side of the absorbent body has non-skin side recesses and non-skin side protrusions.

[0026] According to the absorbent article of Aspect 9, the skin-side surface of the absorbent body has skin-side concave portions and skin-side convex portions, which facilitates improving the absorbency and diffusibility of excreted liquid when worn. Also, the non-skin-side surface of the absorbent body has non-skin-side concave portions and non-skin-side convex portions, which facilitates improving the diffusibility and liquid retention of excreted liquid, and makes it easier to visually check the diffusion state of excreted liquid in the absorbent body.

[0027] (Aspect 10) The absorbent article of Aspect 9, wherein the non-skin-side convex portion and the adhesive portion have an overlapping portion when viewed in the thickness direction.

[0028] According to the absorbent article of Aspect 10, when the absorbent article is secured to clothing via the Adhesive portion, it is easy to apply force in the thickness direction to the area where the non-skin-side convex portion and the Adhesive portion overlap in the thickness direction, making it easier to secure the absorbent article to the clothing and reducing the risk of the absorbent article becoming misaligned. Furthermore, when the absorbent article is removed from clothing, it is easy to apply force to the area where the non-skin-side convex portion and the Adhesive portion overlap in the thickness direction, making it easier to remove the absorbent article.

[0029] (Aspect 11) The absorbent article of any one of Aspects 1 to 10, wherein the first region has, on the skin side, a protruding portion that protrudes toward the skin side and a recessed portion that is recessed toward the non-skin side, and the length between the skin side end of the recessed portion on the skin side of the first region and the skin side end of the protruding portion is shorter than the length between the skin side end of the protruding portion on the skin side of the first region and the end closest to the skin on the skin side of the second region.

[0030] In the absorbent article of aspect 11, the length between the skin-side end of the depression on the skin-side surface of the first region and the skin-side end of the protrusion is shorter than the length from the skin-side end of the protrusion on the skin-side surface of the first region to the skin-side end closest to the skin on the skin-side surface of the second region. This makes it easier for capillary action in the first region to draw excretory liquid from the second region to the first region, and more easily promotes the diffusion and longitudinal diffusion of excretory liquid within the first region, than when the length between the skin-side end of the depression on the skin-side surface of the first region and the skin-side end of the protrusion is equal to or greater than the length from the skin-side end of the protrusion on the skin-side surface of the first region to the skin-side end closest to the skin on the skin-side surface of the second region.

[0031] (Aspect 12) An absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, characterized in that it has a non-skin-side sheet provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent body and on the non-skin side of the absorbent article, the absorbent body and the non-skin-side sheet being fixed together by a plurality of adhesive portions along the longitudinal direction, and the minimum value of the distance between the adhesive portions adjacent to each other in the width direction is smaller than the minimum value of the widthwise distance between the first regions adjacent to each other in the width direction among the plurality of first regions.

[0032] According to the absorbent article of aspect 12, it is easier to make the adhesive area between the absorbent body and the non-skin side sheet wider than when the minimum distance between adjacent adhesive areas in the width direction is greater than the minimum distance between adjacent first regions in the width direction, and this makes it easier to increase the rigidity of the non-skin side sheet, making it easier to keep the non-skin side sheet flat, thereby reducing the risk of adhesive areas on the non-skin side of the non-skin side sheet sticking to each other.

[0033] Embodiments: An embodiment of the absorbent article according to the present invention will be described using a sanitary napkin 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "napkin 1") as an example. However, the absorbent article according to the present invention may be any absorbent article having an adhesive portion on the non-skin side, and may be, for example, a panty liner, an absorbent pad, a light incontinence pad, or the like. Furthermore, the "absorbent article" according to the present invention refers to an absorbent article that is in a state that can actually be worn when worn. Specifically, the absorbent article refers to a single absorbent article that has been removed from a container in which it was stored during distribution or storage, and from which the packaging material of the individual package and the protective sheet (release sheet) that protects the adhesive portion on the non-skin side (adhesive portion 41, described below) have been removed.

[0034] <<<Configuration of Sanitary Napkin 1>>> Fig. 1 is a plan view of a sanitary napkin 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "napkin") as seen from the skin side. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the sanitary napkin 1 as seen from the non-skin side. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the napkin 1 taken along the arrows A-A. Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the napkin 1. The napkin 1 has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction, which are perpendicular to one another. In the thickness direction, the side that contacts the wearer's skin is the skin side, and the opposite side is the non-skin side. The skin side in the thickness direction is the side that receives excrement (liquid) when worn. Furthermore, the longitudinal direction of the napkin 1 is aligned with the vertical direction of the absorbent body 3, which will be described later, and the width direction of the napkin 1 is aligned with the horizontal direction of the absorbent body 3. The center line C-C shown in Fig. 1 etc. indicates the center (central position) of the napkin 1 in the width direction.

[0035] The napkin 1 has a skin side sheet 2, an absorbent body (nonwoven fabric sheet) 3, a back sheet 4, and a side sheet 5. As shown in Figure 4 etc., the napkin 1 is stacked in the thickness direction in the following order from the skin side: side sheet 5, skin side sheet 2, absorbent body 3, and back sheet 4. The components stacked in the thickness direction are appropriately fixed together with an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive.

[0036] The skin-side sheet 2 is a liquid-permeable sheet member located closest to the skin in the widthwise center of the napkin 1. When worn, it contacts the excretory opening to receive excrement discharged from the excretory opening. The skin-side sheet 2 has a generally elliptical shape that is long in the longitudinal direction. Examples of the skin-side sheet 2 include flexible sheets such as nonwoven fabrics (e.g., air-through nonwoven fabrics and spunbond nonwoven fabrics) made of synthetic fibers such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), synthetic resin films with through holes, and cotton nonwoven fabric sheets. The skin-side sheet 2 may also be a nonwoven fabric sheet containing latent crimped fibers, similar to the absorbent body 3. In this embodiment, the skin-side sheet 2 is formed of a liquid-permeable sheet of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyethylene (PE), or an air-through nonwoven fabric or spunlace nonwoven fabric containing water-retentive fibers such as cotton or rayon.

[0037] The absorbent body 3 is a nonwoven fabric sheet provided between the skin side sheet 2 and the back sheet 4 in the thickness direction. The absorbent body 3 is slightly smaller than the skin side sheet 2 in a plan view. The absorbent body 3 is substantially rectangular in shape and is long in the longitudinal direction, with the longitudinal length L3 being longer than the widthwise length W3. The absorbent body 3 is an absorbent member having a predetermined thickness that is liquid permeable and has the functions of absorbing and retaining liquid. The absorbent body 3 is an absorbent member that absorbs excrement transferred (diffused) from the skin side sheet 2 and retains the excrement.

[0038] The absorbent body 3 is a nonwoven fabric (nonwoven fabric sheet) made of latently crimped fibers 3f (see FIG. 6). The absorbent body 3 of this embodiment is a nonwoven fabric sheet made only of latently crimped fibers (100% latently crimped fibers). The latently crimped fibers in the absorbent body 3 may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic fibers. Alternatively, hydrophobic fibers that have been hydrophilically treated may also be used. Furthermore, the layer (nonwoven fabric) that constitutes the absorbent body 3 may contain, in addition to latently crimped fibers, fibers made of polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), polyesters (PET and PBT), polyamides, etc., composite fibers thereof, as well as hydrophilic fibers such as rayon, pulp, cotton, etc. Hereinafter, the latently crimped fibers 3f will also be simply referred to as "fibers 3f."

[0039] A "nonwoven fabric" is a fiber sheet, web, or batt in which fibers are oriented unidirectionally or randomly and bonded by entanglement, fusion, and / or adhesion (JIS L0222:2001, Nonwoven Fabrics Terminology 101). In other words, a nonwoven fabric is a sheet in which fibers are integrated without being woven, with a breaking strength of 3 [N] / 25 mm or more. Breaking strength can be measured by well-known methods, for example, as follows. First, the absorbent body 3 is removed from the napkin 1. Specifically, the components constituting the napkin 1 (in this embodiment, the skin-side sheet 2, absorbent body 3, back sheet 4, and side sheet 5) are separated using a cold spray or a dryer, and the absorbent body 3 is removed. Then, only the portion of the absorbent body 3 that corresponds to the nonwoven fabric sheet is removed. Next, the separation strength of the removed nonwoven fabric sheet is measured. The separation strength of the nonwoven fabric sheet is measured using a tensile tester (Shimadzu Corporation: Autograph, AGS-1kNG) equipped with a load cell with a maximum load capacity of 50 N. When measuring the separation strength of the nonwoven fabric sheet, one chuck grips the tip of one side of the nonwoven fabric sheet in the longitudinal or lateral direction, and the other chuck grips the other side of the nonwoven fabric sheet. The tensile tester pulls the two chucks at a constant speed (e.g., 100 mm / min) so that the distance between them increases, while measuring the load applied to the two chucks. The load at which the nonwoven fabric sheet breaks is taken as the breaking strength.

[0040] Examples of nonwoven fabrics include nonwoven fabrics obtained by the meltblown method (meltblown nonwoven fabric), nonwoven fabrics obtained by the electrospinning method (electrospun nonwoven fabric), nonwoven fabrics obtained by the spunbond method (spunbond nonwoven fabric), nonwoven fabrics produced by the air-through method (air-through nonwoven fabric), nonwoven fabrics produced by the spunlace method (spunlace nonwoven fabric), nonwoven fabrics produced by the needlepunch method (needlepunch nonwoven fabric), laminates of two or more of these nonwoven fabrics, or laminates of these nonwoven fabrics with other nonwoven fabrics or other materials. The absorbent body 3 of this embodiment does not use adhesive and is a spunlace nonwoven fabric in which the fibers are entangled by a water flow.

[0041] The resins having different thermal shrinkage rates or thermal expansion coefficients that form the potentially crimped fiber 3f can be any combination of resins with different thermal shrinkage rates or thermal expansion coefficients, and may be a combination of the same or a single resin, or a combination of different resins. Specific examples of combinations of resins with different thermal shrinkage rates or thermal expansion coefficients that form the potentially crimped fiber include a combination of polyester resins and a combination of polyamide resins.

[0042] The nonwoven fabric of the absorbent body 3 of this embodiment is a combination of polyester-based resins (single-component resins). Specifically, it uses latent crimp fibers of a combination of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and modified PET (modified polyethylene terephthalate). Modified PET is PET modified by copolymerizing the PET components ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid with a minor amount of a diol component other than ethylene glycol or a dicarboxylic acid component other than terephthalic acid. Specific examples of diol components other than ethylene glycol include 1,3-propanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, neopentyl glycol, 3-methyl-1,5-pentanediol, cyclohexanedimethanol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and polytetramethylene glycol. Specific examples of dicarboxylic acid components other than terephthalic acid include isophthalic acid, phthalic acid, naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, adipic acid, and sebacic acid. Then, a web made of latently crimpable fibers that are a combination of PET and modified PET is formed using a web-forming means such as a carding machine, the fibers in this web are entangled using a spunlace method to form a nonwoven fabric, and this is heated to a predetermined temperature to cause the crimps of the latently crimpable fibers to occur, thereby producing the nonwoven fabric of the absorbent body 3. Due to this crimping of the fibers, the basis weight of the latently crimped fibers in the nonwoven fabric after heating is greater than the basis weight of the latently crimpable fibers in the nonwoven fabric before heating. In other words, the crimping of the latently crimpable fibers causes the nonwoven fabric to shrink, increasing the basis weight of the fibers.

[0043] The potentially crimped fibers 3f in the absorbent body 3 are potentially crimpable fibers made of a combination of PET and modified PET, and have the same diameter throughout the thickness direction. The diameter of the potentially crimped fibers 3f in the absorbent body 3 of this embodiment is 2.2 dtex.

[0044] Potentially crimped fiber 3f is a fiber that develops a helical shape by crimping upon heat treatment. Potentially crimped fiber refers to a fiber that is coiled (a shape that is wound 360 degrees, such as a circle or ellipse) when viewed in the thickness direction (cross section). Potentially crimpable fiber 3f can be, for example, a side-by-side type composite fiber in which a high-shrinkage component and a low-shrinkage component are arranged in parallel, or an eccentric core-sheath type composite fiber in which the high-shrinkage component is the core and the low-shrinkage component is the sheath, with the centers of gravity of the two components not overlapping at a single point. When the crimp of the latently crimpable fiber is developed, the latently crimpable fiber crimps into a coiled shape.

[0045] The absorbent body 3 has a high-density portion (first region) DH and a low-density portion (second region) DL. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the absorbent body 3 of the napkin 1. FIG. 6A is a diagram schematically illustrating a cross section of the skin side sheet 2, and FIG. 6B is a diagram schematically illustrating a cross section of the absorbent body 3. Dimensions in FIGS. 6A and 6B are not necessarily accurate. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the absorbent body 3 has voids formed by a plurality of fibers (latently crimped fibers) 3f. The voids in the absorbent body 3 may be voids between discontinuous fibers (a plurality of fibers), voids formed by a single continuous fiber that is curved or spiraled, or a combination of these. The voids formed by a plurality of fibers 3f refer to spaces or regions in the absorbent body 3 where a plurality of fibers 3f are not present. The voids may be spaces surrounded by the fibers 3f or spaces closed by the fibers, or may be at least partially open spaces formed by the fibers 3f.

[0046] The absorbent body 3 contains potentially crimped fibers 3f, and as a result of the crimping of the fibers 3f, the fibers 3f form a spiral shape that intertwines and threads between the fibers 3f. For example, the distance between the fibers 3f may be shortened by the crimping, or other fibers may be inserted between the shortened fibers 3f, further reducing the gap between the fibers 3f. Therefore, the gap formed by the fibers 3f containing potentially crimped fibers is smaller than the gap formed by multiple fibers in a typical nonwoven fabric made of uncrimped fibers.

[0047] Furthermore, the latent crimped fibers 3f provided in the absorbent body 3 are not likely to absorb liquid themselves. For example, fibers such as pulp fibers absorb liquid (excrement) and become thicker, but the latent crimped fibers 3f of the absorbent body 3 are not likely to absorb liquid into their interiors even when they come into contact with liquid. Therefore, in the absorbent body 3, even when the napkin 1 absorbs excrement while being worn, the latent crimped fibers 3f of the absorbent body 3 are not likely to become thicker themselves. Because the fibers are not likely to become thicker themselves, the size of the voids formed by the fibers 3f is not likely to decrease, and the voids are not likely to collapse. As a result, the absorbent body 3 can retain liquid (excrement) in the voids formed by the fibers 3f, and the absorbent body 3 becomes a layer capable of absorbing and retaining liquid. In addition, the absorbent body 3 is a nonwoven fabric sheet formed of fibers 3f, and has voids formed by the fibers 3f, so it has excellent breathability, reducing stuffiness and rough skin that the wearer experiences when wearing the absorbent body, thereby improving comfort when worn.

[0048] The back sheet 4 is a liquid-impermeable sheet (non-skin-side sheet) disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 3. An example of the liquid-impermeable sheet is a polyethylene (PE) resin film. The side sheets 5 are sheets extending outward from both widthwise edges of the skin-side surface of the skin-side sheet 2. Examples of the side sheets 5 include a hydrophobic air-through nonwoven fabric and a hydrophobic spunbond nonwoven fabric.

[0049] The napkin 1 also has a pair of wing portions 1w extending outward in the width direction at approximately the center in the longitudinal direction. The wing portions 1w are formed by the side sheets 5 and the back sheet 4. The napkin 1 does not necessarily have to have the wing portions 1w. When the napkin 1 does not have the wing portions 1w, it may or may not have the side sheets 5.

[0050] The napkin 1 also has compressed sections 20 in which the skin side sheet 2 and the absorbent body 3 are recessed in the thickness direction. The compressed sections 20 fix the positions of the skin side sheet 2 and the absorbent body 3 and improve the liquid dispersibility of the napkin 1.

[0051] In the compressed portion 20, the napkin 1 is thinner than the surrounding area, and the fiber density of the napkin 1 (skin side sheet 2 and absorbent body 3) is higher. These comparisons can be made by well-known methods. The thickness of the napkin 1 can be compared by visual comparison, or by using a dial thickness gauge ID-C1012C manufactured by Mitutoyo Corporation or an equivalent instrument to measure the thickness of the target area at a pressure of, for example, 3.0 gf / cm. ２ An example of a method for comparing the density of napkins 1 is to obtain and compare values ​​measured by applying pressure at a pressure of 1000 kJ / cm2 and measuring the density. An example of a method for comparing the density of napkins 1 is to compare images of a cross section of napkin 1 cut in the thickness direction, enlarged using an electron microscope or the like. The shape of compressed portions 20 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1. For example, a plurality of discretely arranged point-like compressed portions may also be used.

[0052] The non-skin side of the napkin 1 is provided with a plurality of adhesive areas 41. Each adhesive area 41 is an area to which an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive is applied. When wearing the napkin 1, the adhesive areas 41 are attached to the inside of the crotch area of ​​the underwear (garment), thereby preventing the napkin 1 from shifting relative to the wearer's body.

[0053] In the napkin 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, multiple adhesive portions 41 are provided on the non-skin side of the backsheet 4. Specifically, adhesive regions 42 composed of multiple adhesive portions 41 are provided on both sides of the center line (center) C-C in the width direction. When viewed in the thickness direction of the napkin 1, the adhesive portions 41 and adhesive regions 42 are provided in positions that overlap with the absorbent body 3. Since the absorbent body 3 is a highly rigid component of the napkin 1, providing the adhesive portions 41 and adhesive regions 42 in positions that overlap with the absorbent body 3 in the thickness direction makes it easier to apply force to the adhesive portions 41 (adhesive regions 42) when putting on and taking off the napkin 1. Each adhesive region 42 is provided with six strip-shaped (rectangular) adhesive portions 41 along the longitudinal direction. The adhesive regions 42 provided on both sides in the width direction are spaced apart in the width direction, and the multiple adhesive portions 41 within each adhesive region 42 are spaced apart in the width direction. The distance d41 between the adhesive portions 41 adjacent to each other in the width direction within the adhesive region 42 is shorter than the distance d42 between the adhesive regions 42 adjacent to each other in the width direction (d41<d42).

[0054] Furthermore, wing adhesive portions 43 are provided on the non-skin side of the wing portions 1w, i.e., on the non-skin side at positions corresponding to the wing portions 1w of the backsheet 4. The wing adhesive portions 43 of the napkin 1 of this embodiment are rectangular and are areas to which hot melt adhesive is applied. When wearing the napkin 1, the wing portions 1w are folded back to the non-skin side of the underwear, and the wing adhesive portions 43 are attached to the non-skin side of the crotch portion of the underwear, thereby securing the napkin 1 to the underwear.

[0055] <<<About the absorbent body 3>>> The absorbent body 3 is a nonwoven fabric sheet used in the napkin 1 (absorbent article). The absorbent body 3 is a nonwoven fabric sheet in which fibers are integrated into a sheet shape without being woven. In this embodiment, a plurality of fibers 3f are entangled by a predetermined method and formed into a sheet shape.

[0056] The absorbent body (absorbent core) of a typical absorbent article is formed from liquid-absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers, SAP, polymer foam structures, etc. For example, an absorbent body (absorbent core) formed from liquid-absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers is simply a laminate of liquid-absorbent fibers, and the fibers are not intertwined with each other. As a result, voids formed by multiple fibers are difficult to maintain their shape. When liquid is absorbed, not only do the liquid-absorbent fibers themselves become thicker, but the voids also easily lose their shape, making it difficult for the voids to absorb liquid. Furthermore, because the liquid-absorbent fibers themselves absorb liquid, the voids are easily crushed. Furthermore, absorbent cores formed from liquid-absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers have a breaking strength of less than 3 [N] / 25 mm, and are therefore more susceptible to deformation and breakage than nonwoven fabric sheets (absorbent body 3). As such, absorbent bodies formed from liquid-absorbent fibers tend to lose their shape when absorbing liquid, making the absorbent body prone to twisting and a decrease in strength.

[0057] The absorbent body 3 made of the nonwoven fabric sheet of the present invention is a nonwoven fabric in which the shape of multiple fibers, including potentially crimped fibers, is maintained by entanglement, and therefore the shape of the voids formed by the multiple fibers is easily maintained. When the absorbent body 3 made of this nonwoven fabric sheet made of fibers 3f containing potentially crimped fibers is used as the absorbent body of a napkin 1, the voids between the fibers are more easily maintained than with cellulose fibers such as pulp, and liquid is more easily retained in the voids. Furthermore, the fibers 3f themselves are less likely to be crushed, and the voids formed by the entanglement are more likely to maintain their shape, making it easier to maintain the bulk of the fibers 3f. Furthermore, even when absorbing liquid, the risk of the fibers 3f themselves swelling due to liquid absorption and the risk of the voids formed by the fibers 3f being crushed is reduced compared to cellulose fibers such as pulp, making it easier to maintain the voids formed by the fibers 3f. Furthermore, by reducing the swelling of the fibers 3f, the risk of swelling of the absorbent body 3 can be reduced, and even when the napkin 1 is worn for a long time or when excrement is absorbed multiple times, deformation of the napkin 1 (absorbent body 3) can be reduced, and distortion of the shape of the absorbent body 3 can be reduced, making it easier to maintain the shape of the absorbent body 3. This improves the absorbency of excrement and the fit of the napkin 1 when worn. Furthermore, because the napkin 1 (absorbent body 3) has voids formed by the fibers 3f, it is more breathable than the absorbent bodies of general absorbent articles.

[0058] It is preferable that the plurality of fibers 3f of the absorbent body 3 are composite fibers in which polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and modified PET (modified polyethylene terephthalate) are bonded side-by-side. When the plurality of fibers 3f are such potentially crimped fibers, the potentially crimped fibers can be more effectively crimped into a spiral shape, making it easier to narrow the gaps between the fibers 3f. The narrower gaps between the fibers 3f make it easier for the excreted liquid absorbed by the napkin 1 to be drawn into the absorbent body 3 by capillary action, facilitating diffusion within the absorbent body 3.

[0059] On the other hand, since the absorbent body 3 includes the potentially crimped fibers 3f, the fibers 3f are more easily shrunk and rolled due to the crimping properties of the fibers than absorbents made of ordinary pulp fibers, etc., and this makes it easier to deform the absorbent body 3 and the napkin 1. For example, if the napkin 1 is deformed by bending along a fold line along the longitudinal direction, the adhesive portions 41 on the non-skin side of the napkin 1 will stick together, making it impossible to attach the napkin 1 to underwear in the correct position, or the napkin 1 will be fixed to the underwear in a deformed state. This could cause discomfort to the wearer or lead to leakage of body waste from the napkin 1.

[0060] In contrast, the absorbent body 3 has multiple high-density portions (first regions) DH and low-density portions (second regions) DL. The high-density portions DH are regions extending in the longitudinal direction. As described above, the non-skin-side layer 3 has multiple fibers 3f in the high-density portions DH and low-density portions DL, and the density of the fibers 3f in the high-density portions DH is higher than that in the surrounding areas (low-density portions DL). As shown in FIG. 8, the thickness (thickness) Hdh of the high-density portions DH is shorter than the thickness H3 of the low-density portions DL (Hdh<H3). In other words, the thickness of the high-density portions DH is thinner than the thickness of the low-density portions DL. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of portion X in FIG. 5. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the arrows B-B in FIG. 7. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the high-density portions DH are linear regions extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0061] 7, 9, etc., the multiple high-density portions DH are spaced apart from one another in the width direction of the napkin 1. That is, the multiple high-density portions DH are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction, and low-density portions DL are provided between the high-density portions DH that are adjacent to one another in the width direction. Also, as shown in Figures 2, 9, etc., the multiple adhesive portions 41 are spaced apart from one another in the width direction of the napkin 1. Specifically, as described above, the multiple adhesive portions are arranged in the width direction with intervals d41 and d42 between them.

[0062] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the high-density portion DH and the adhesive portion 41. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of portion Y in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a view of the napkin 1 from the non-skin side, and for convenience, the high-density portion DH is indicated by a solid line. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the high-density portion DH has overlapping portions R that overlap with the adhesive portion 41 and non-overlapping portions N that do not overlap with the adhesive portion 41. In the napkin 1, the high-density portion DH has a higher fiber density of fibers 3f than the low-density portion DL, and therefore is a portion with higher rigidity than the surrounding area (low-density portion DL). Furthermore, the portion with the adhesive portion 41 is a portion with higher rigidity than the surrounding area (portion without the adhesive portion 41). For convenience, in FIG. 10 , the overlapping portion R of the high-density portion DH is indicated by black.

[0063] The "linear" high-density portion DH is not limited to a linearly continuous portion where portions with a higher density than the surrounding area are arranged. When multiple high-density portions are arranged intermittently in a line or dots, the linear high-density portion DH also includes the area between the multiple adjacent high-density portions. The area between the multiple adjacent high-density portions that are close to each other has a lower fiber density than the portion formed as a high-density portion, but is an area with a higher fiber density than the surrounding area, so the entire area becomes a linear high-density portion.

[0064] A comparison of the thicknesses of the high density portion DH and the low density portion DL of the absorbent body 3 can be carried out by a known method. For example, the thicknesses of the absorbent body 3 may be measured by the above-mentioned visual comparison method, a measurement method using a dial thickness gauge ID-C1012C manufactured by Mitutoyo Corporation or an equivalent device, or by taking an enlarged photograph of a cross section of the absorbent body 3 with an object of known dimensions using a microscope (VHX-1000 manufactured by Keyence Corporation).

[0065] The high-density portions DH can be formed, for example, by conveying a nonwoven fabric sheet having a substantially uniform thickness (the absorbent body 3 without the high-density portions DH) sandwiched between a pair of rolls during the manufacturing process of the absorbent body 3. One of the pair of rolls is a heat embossing roll (or a sonic embossing roll) having protrusions on its outer peripheral surface, and the other roll is an anvil roll with a smooth outer peripheral surface. By heating the fibers 3f by the heat embossing roll (or the sonic embossing roll) to a temperature higher than the softening point of the latent crimped fibers of the fibers 3f of the absorbent body 3, the fibers 3f are softened and made easier to process, making it easier to maintain a shape in which the high-density portions DH are thinner than the low-density portions DL.

[0066] Even if the absorbent body 3 includes latent crimp fibers 3f and the crimping properties of the latent crimp fibers 3f make the napkin 1 more susceptible to deformation, the multiple adhesive portions 41 are spaced apart in the width direction, thereby reducing the risk of the adhesive portions 41 adhering to each other compared to when the adhesive portions 41 are not spaced apart. Also, as shown in Figure 10, when viewed in the thickness direction, the high-density portions DH have not only overlapping portions R that overlap with the adhesive portions 41 but also non-overlapping portions N that do not overlap with the adhesive portions 41. This makes it easier to keep the absorbent body 3 (napkin 1) flat due to the rigidity of the high-density portions DH in the non-overlapping portions N, thereby reducing the risk of deformation of the napkin 1 and reducing the risk of the adhesive portions 41 adhering to each other.

[0067] Furthermore, the boundary between the high-density portion DH and the low-density portion DL and the end of the adhesive portion 41 (the boundary between the portion with the adhesive portion 41 and the portion without the adhesive portion 41) are portions where the rigidity changes and are therefore prone to becoming folding points. Therefore, when viewed in the thickness direction, the high-density portion DH has an overlapping portion R that overlaps with the adhesive portion 41 and a non-overlapping portion N that does not overlap with the adhesive portion 41. In the overlapping portion R where the high-density portion DH and the adhesive portion 41 overlap in the thickness direction, the adhesive portion 41 is fixed to the underwear, but is prone to becoming a folding point due to the difference in rigidity, making it a portion that is easy to follow the shape and movement of the wearer's body. On the other hand, when viewed in the thickness direction, the non-overlapping portion N where the high-density portion DH does not overlap with the adhesive portion 41 is not fixed to the wearer's clothing, but is prone to becoming a folding point due to the difference in rigidity, making it a portion that is easy to follow the shape and movement of the wearer's body. Therefore, by having the high-density portion DH have an overlapping portion R that overlaps with the adhesive portion 41 and a non-overlapping portion N that does not overlap with the adhesive portion 41, it becomes easier to achieve both the ability to conform to clothing at the overlapping portion R where the high-density portion DH and the adhesive portion 41 overlap, and the ability to conform to the wearer's body at the non-overlapping portion N where the high-density portion DH and the adhesive portion 41 do not overlap, making it easier to improve fit when worn.

[0068] Furthermore, in the absorbent body 3, the potentially crimped fibers 3f are spirally (coil-shaped) crimped, which tends to narrow the spacing between the fibers 3f. The high-density sections DH provided in the absorbent body 3 have a higher fiber 3f density than the low-density sections DL, resulting in narrower gaps between the fibers 3f (see Figures 6A and 6B). Therefore, after absorbing liquid (excrement), the absorbent body 3 maintains the gaps between the fibers 3f while promoting the drawing of liquid into the high-density sections DH through capillary action in the high-density sections DH. This improves the absorbency of the absorbent body 3 and facilitates the diffusion of absorbed liquid within the absorbent body 3. Generally, due to the shape of the human body, the absorbent body 3 of an absorbent article such as a napkin 1 preferably promotes longitudinal diffusion because the longitudinal length of the napkin 1 and the absorbent body 3 is longer than the width direction. In this regard, since the absorbent body 3 has linear high-density portions DH along the longitudinal direction, it becomes easier to diffuse excrement in the longitudinal direction when worn, which makes it easier to reduce the risk of excrement leaking from the outside of the width of the napkin 1.

[0069] In this way, the napkin 1 improves longitudinal diffusion while making it easier to achieve both good conformability to clothing at the overlapping portion R where the high-density portion DH overlaps with the adhesive portion 41 and good conformability to the wearer's body at the non-overlapping portion N where the high-density portion DH does not overlap with the adhesive portion 41, and by reducing the risk of the adhesive portions 41 on the non-skin side of the napkin 1 sticking together, discomfort when worn and leakage of excrement can be reduced.

[0070] In the absorbent body 3, it is preferable that the plurality of fibers 3f are not fused to each other. As described above, in the manufacturing process of the absorbent body 3, the high-density portion DH can be formed by sandwiching a nonwoven fabric sheet between a pair of rolls. However, at this time, heat and pressure are applied to the high-density portion DH, which may cause the plurality of fibers 3f in the high-density portion DH to fuse. Therefore, by forming the high-density portion DH by heating the fibers 3f using one of the pair of rolls, a heat embossing roll (or sonic embossing roll), at a temperature higher than the softening point of the latent crimped fibers of the fibers 3f in the absorbent body 3 but lower than the melting point, the shape of the high-density portion DH can be easily maintained while reducing the risk of the plurality of fibers 3f fusing to each other. Generally, in a nonwoven fabric sheet, fused fiber portions are portions where the fibers 3f melt and solidify with each other, which tends to hinder the diffusion of excrement (liquid). On the other hand, the narrower the gaps between the fibers, the easier it is for excrement (liquid) to diffuse. Therefore, in the high density section DH, the fibers 3f are not fused to each other, which reduces the risk of the diffusion of absorbed liquid (excrement) being hindered compared to when the fibers are fused to each other.

[0071] When viewing the napkin 1 in the thickness direction, it is preferable that the total area of ​​the overlapping portions R, where the high-density portions DH overlap the adhesive portions 41, and the non-overlapping portions N, where the high-density portions DH do not overlap the adhesive portions 41, be larger than the total area of ​​the non-overlapping portions N. The napkin 1 has an absorbent body 3 that includes potentially crimped fibers 3f and has high-density portions DH along the longitudinal direction, and has overlapping portions R and non-overlapping portions N, which can improve wearability by diffusing excreted fluid during wear and reducing the risk of adhesive portions 41 adhering to each other. Furthermore, by making the total area of ​​the overlapping portions R larger than the total area of ​​the non-overlapping portions N, it is easier to improve the conformability of the overlapping portions R to clothing compared to when the total area of ​​the overlapping portions R is smaller than the total area of ​​the non-overlapping portions N.

[0072] When viewed in the thickness direction, the total area of ​​the overlapping portions R, where the high-density portions DH overlap the adhesive portions 41, and the non-overlapping portions N, where the high-density portions DH do not overlap the adhesive portions 41, may be smaller than the total area of ​​the non-overlapping portions N. Even in such a case, the napkin 1 has an absorbent body 3 that includes potentially crimped fibers 3f and high-density portions DH along the longitudinal direction, and has overlapping portions R and non-overlapping portions N, thereby improving wearability by improving the diffusibility of excreted fluid during wear and reducing the risk of adhesion between the adhesive portions 41. Furthermore, by making the total area of ​​the overlapping portions R smaller than the total area of ​​the non-overlapping portions N, the napkin 1 can better fit the wearer's body than when the total area of ​​the overlapping portions R is larger than the total area of ​​the non-overlapping portions N. Furthermore, the area of ​​the highly rigid portions can be smaller than when the total area of ​​the overlapping portions R is larger than the total area of ​​the non-overlapping portions N, thereby reducing the risk of the napkin 1 becoming excessively stiff. Furthermore, it is easier to create areas where no adhesive portions 41 are arranged than when the total area of ​​the overlapping portions R is larger than the total area of ​​the non-overlapping portions N, and even if the napkin 1 becomes more susceptible to deformation due to the crimping properties of the fibers provided with latent crimped fibers 3f, the rigidity of the high-density portions DH in the non-overlapping portions N can reduce the risk of the adhesive portions 41 sticking together.

[0073] Examples of methods for comparing the total area of ​​the overlapping portions R and the total area of ​​the non-overlapping portions N include a visual confirmation method and a method of calculating and confirming the area of ​​the overlapping portions R and the area of ​​the non-overlapping portions N using an area calculation program. The unit area can be, for example, a region of 50 mm x 50 mm, but can be set arbitrarily.

[0074] Regarding the high-density portions DH, when the longitudinal length of the absorbent body 3 is divided into thirds, with the front portion of the third divided into the front region 31, the central portion the central region 32, and the rear portion the rear region 33, it is more preferable that the high-density portions DH have a portion that continues from the upper end to the lower end of the central region 32. The central region 32 is a region that is likely to come into contact with the excretory opening when worn. By having the high-density portions DH of the absorbent body 3 have a portion that continues from the upper end to the lower end of the central region 32, excreted body waste is more easily dispersed in the longitudinal direction at least in the central region 32. In this embodiment, the multiple high-density portions DH are each provided continuously from the front end to the rear end of the absorbent body 3. Note that the planar shape, size, thickness (width), etc. of the high-density portions DH and the adhesive portion 41 can be appropriately changed. Furthermore, the depth of the high-density portions DH (recesses, the thickness-wise length from the skin-side surface of the low-density portions DL to the skin-side surface of the high-density portions DH), etc. can also be appropriately changed.

[0075] Furthermore, it is preferable that a non-overlapping portion N is provided at one longitudinal end of the absorbent body 3. As shown in Fig. 9, the longitudinal length of the adhesive portion 41 of the napkin 1 of this embodiment is shorter than the longitudinal length of the absorbent body 3, the front end of the adhesive portion 41 is spaced a predetermined distance from the front end of the absorbent body 3, and the rear end of the adhesive portion 41 is spaced a predetermined distance from the rear end of the absorbent body. Meanwhile, the multiple high-density portions DH are each provided continuously from the front end to the rear end of the absorbent body 3. Therefore, at the front side of the napkin 1, a non-overlapping portion N is provided at the front end of the absorbent body 3, where the high-density portion DH does not overlap with the adhesive portion 41. Similarly, at the rear side of the napkin 1, a non-overlapping portion N is provided at the rear end of the absorbent body 3, where the high-density portion DH does not overlap with the adhesive portion 41. Such a napkin 1 improves the diffusibility of excrement and the wearability, while reducing the risk of the adhesive portions 41 adhering to each other due to the rigidity of the non-overlapping portion N. Furthermore, because at least a portion of the adhesive portion 41 can be provided in a position overlapping the highly rigid absorbent body 3 in the thickness direction, when the wearer takes the napkin 1 out of the package in which it is distributed and stored, and peels off the protective sheet (not shown) attached to the non-skin side of the napkin 1 to put it on, it becomes easier to apply force to the protective sheet and the portion where the adhesive portion 41 is adhered to the protective sheet, making it easier to remove the protective sheet attached to the non-skin side of the napkin 1. Similarly, when the wearer removes the napkin 1 from the underwear after use, it becomes easier to apply force to the portion where the adhesive portion 41 is fixed to the underwear, making it easier to remove the napkin 1 from the underwear.

[0076] In this embodiment, the napkin 1 has non-overlapping portions N on both longitudinal sides of the absorbent body 3, but this is not limiting. The napkin 1 may have an overlapping portion R at one longitudinal end of the absorbent body 3 and a non-overlapping portion N at the other longitudinal end of the absorbent body 3.

[0077] 9, a non-overlapping portion N is preferably provided in the widthwise central portion of the absorbent body 3. In the napkin 1 of this embodiment, the widthwise central portion of the absorbent body 3 (napkin 1) does not have adhesive portions 41 over the entire longitudinal area, and high-density portions DH are provided. Therefore, the widthwise central portion of the absorbent body 3 does not have overlapping portions R where the high-density portions DH overlap with the adhesive portions 41, and non-overlapping portions N where the high-density portions DH do not overlap with the adhesive portions 41 are provided continuously over the entire longitudinal area of ​​the absorbent body 3. As a result, even if the napkin 1 is prone to deformation due to the crimping properties of the potentially crimped fibers 3f, the rigidity of the high-density portions DH in the non-overlapping portions N in the widthwise central portion makes it easier to keep the widthwise central portion flat, thereby reducing the risk of the adhesive portions 41 adhering to each other. Furthermore, by providing an overlapping portion R in the widthwise center of the napkin 1 (absorbent body 3), it is easier to reduce the rigidity of the widthwise center of the napkin 1 compared to when there is no non-overlapping portion N in the widthwise center, and the rigidity of the high-density portion DH in the non-overlapping portion N makes it easier to fit the wearer's body, which makes it easier to reduce discomfort when worn.

[0078] 7, 10, and the like, each of the plurality of high-density portions DH preferably has a wavy shape with alternating convex portions protruding toward one side in the width direction (e.g., the right side in FIG. 10) and convex portions protruding toward the other side in the width direction (e.g., the left side in FIG. 10). That is, in the absorbent body 3, each of the high-density portions DH is preferably adjacent to a low-density portion DL on both sides in the longitudinal direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the plurality of high-density portions DH are intermittently arranged in the longitudinal direction on an imaginary line L of the absorbent body 3. The imaginary line L is an imaginary line extending along the longitudinal direction and parallel to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, each of the low-density portions DL is adjacent to each of the front and rear sides of each high-density portion DH in the longitudinal direction. Since the high-density portion DH of the absorbent body 3 has a high density of fibers 3f, the voids formed by the fibers 3f are small, making it a portion that easily draws in liquid by capillary action. The high-density portion DH is easy to absorb liquid, but because of its small voids, it has low liquid retention capacity. The low-density portion DL has larger voids than the high-density portion DH, so it absorbs liquid less than the high-density portion DH, but because of its large voids, it has a high liquid retention capacity. As shown in Figure 7, the high-density portion DH is shaped like a wave along the longitudinal direction, making it easy to provide the low-density portion DL adjacent to the high-density portion DH in the longitudinal direction. When worn, capillary action makes it easy for the liquid once absorbed (retained) in the low-density portion DL to be drawn from one side of the low-density portion DL in the longitudinal direction to the adjacent high-density portion DH. Any liquid that is not completely absorbed by the high-density portion DH is further diffused from one side of the high-density portion DH to the adjacent low-density portion DL in the longitudinal direction. Doing this once or multiple times facilitates the diffusion of liquid outward in the longitudinal direction.

[0079] Regarding the high density portion DH, it is preferable that the high density portion DH forms a bottomed recess as shown in Fig. 8. In other words, it is preferable that the high density portion DH does not have any intentionally penetrated portions in the thickness direction, which are different from the voids formed by the fibers 3f.

[0080] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the skin-side surface of the absorbent body 3 has skin-side depressions and skin-side projections. The non-skin-side surface of the absorbent body 3 has non-skin-side depressions and non-skin-side projections. Specifically, in Figure 8, the skin-side depressions of the skin-side surface of the absorbent body 3 are the skin-side surfaces of the high-density sections DH, and the skin-side projections are the skin-side surfaces of the low-density sections DL. Similarly, the non-skin-side depressions of the non-skin-side surface of the absorbent body 3 are the skin-side surfaces of the high-density sections DH, and the non-skin-side projections are the skin-side surfaces of the low-density sections DL. In other words, the absorbent body 3 has recessed portions not only on the skin-side surface but also on the non-skin-side surface, which are recessed inward in the thickness direction. In this way, by providing the skin-side depressions and skin-side projections on the skin-side surface of the absorbent body 3, the surface area of ​​the skin-side surface of the absorbent body 3 is increased, thereby improving absorbency. Furthermore, the liquid attraction due to capillary action of the high-density sections DH and the liquid retention ability of the low-density sections DL can improve the absorbency and diffusivity of the absorbent body 3. When worn, this makes it easier to separate the skin-side depressions from the skin-side sheet 2, reducing the risk of excrement once absorbed by the absorbent body 3 returning to the skin-side sheet 2, thereby reducing discomfort to the wearer's skin. Furthermore, the non-skin-side depressions and non-skin-side protrusions improve the absorbency and diffusion of excrement, just as with the skin-side side. Furthermore, because the non-skin-side side of the absorbent body 3 is close to the non-skin-side side (backsheet 4) of the napkin 1, the diffusion of excrement in the non-skin-side depressions can be easily seen from the non-skin-side of the napkin 1 through the backsheet 4 after wear, making it easier for the wearer to recognize that the napkin 1 is an absorbent article with improved diffusion.

[0081] Furthermore, when the absorbent body 3 has non-skin-side depressions and non-skin-side protrusions on the non-skin-side surface, it is preferable that the non-skin-side protrusions and the adhesive portion 41 overlap in a portion when viewed in the thickness direction of the napkin 1. In the napkin 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the skin-side depressions (high-density portions DH) and the non-skin-side depressions are located in the same position in the thickness direction, and the skin-side protrusions (low-density portions DL) and the non-skin-side protrusions are located in the same position. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 10, the skin-side protrusions (low-density portions DL) and the adhesive portion 41 overlap in a portion when viewed in the thickness direction, thereby resulting in an overlap between the non-skin-side protrusions 41 and the adhesive portion 41. By providing such an absorbent body 3 and adhesive portion 41, when the napkin 1 is fastened to clothing (underwear) via the adhesive portion 41 during wear, force is more easily applied to the overlapping portion between the non-skin-side protrusions and the adhesive portion 41 in the thickness direction than to the overlapping portion between the non-skin-side depressions and the adhesive portion 41. This makes it easier to fasten the napkin 1 to clothing and reduces the risk of misalignment of the fastened napkin 1. Furthermore, when removing the napkin 1 from clothing after wearing (using), it is easier to apply force to the area where the non-skin-side convex portion and the adhesive portion 41 overlap in the thickness direction, making it easier to remove the napkin 1.

[0082] Furthermore, when viewing the napkin 1 in the thickness direction, it is preferable that one high density portion DHa of the plurality of high density portions DH has a portion that overlaps with one adhesive portion 41a of the plurality of adhesive portions 41 and a portion that does not overlap with it. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the first high density portion DHa and the first adhesive portion 41a of the portions shown in Figure 10. In Figure 10, the first high density portion DHa and the first adhesive portion 41a are each indicated by a thick line. In Figure 10, the portion of the first high density portion DHa that overlaps with the first adhesive portion 41a is indicated by a blackened portion as a first overlapping portion Ra, and the portion of the first high density portion DHa that does not overlap with the first adhesive portion 41a is indicated by a first non-overlapping portion Na.

[0083] Furthermore, when the first high density portion DHa has a wave-like shape that alternately includes convex portions protruding toward one side in the width direction (e.g., the right side in Fig. 11 ) and convex portions protruding toward the other side in the width direction (e.g., the left side in Fig. 11 ), as described above, it is preferable that the end ehx on one side in the width direction (the right side in Fig. 11 ) of the first high density portion DHa is located on one side in the width direction of the end e41x on one side in the width direction of the first adhesive portion 41 a, as shown in Fig. 11. Even in such a case, by having an absorbent body 3 that includes potentially crimped fibers 3 f and high density portions DH along the longitudinal direction, and having overlapping portions R and non-overlapping portions N, the napkin 1 can improve the diffusibility and fit of excrement when worn, and can also improve wearability by reducing the risk of adhesion between the adhesive portions 41.

[0084] Furthermore, as described above, the high-density portion DH (first high-density portion DHa) has higher rigidity than the low-density portion DL. Furthermore, the portion provided with the adhesive portion 41 has higher rigidity than the portion not provided with the adhesive portion 41. In this embodiment, the side end (one end e41x) of the adhesive portion 41 (first adhesive portion 41a) is arranged approximately parallel to the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the linear side end on the outer side of the widthwise outermost adhesive portion 41 of the adhesive portion 41 is likely to come into contact with the wearer's thighs when worn, making the wearer more likely to feel the rigidity when closing their thighs, which can cause discomfort and discomfort. In contrast, when the first adhesive portion 41a is located on the outermost side of the multiple adhesive portions 41, the first high-density portion DHa is wavy, and one end ehx of the first high-density portion DHa in the widthwise direction is arranged on one side of the one end e41x of the first adhesive portion 41a in the widthwise direction. The end ehx on one side of the width of the first high-density portion DHa is the portion of the first high-density portion DHa located on the most one side in the width direction, and the end ehy on the other side of the width of the high-density portion DHa (described later) is the portion of the first high-density portion DHa located on the most other side in the width direction. Therefore, when the wearer closes their thighs inward in the left-right direction (width direction), the convex portion of the end ehx on one side of the width of the first high-density portion DHa, which protrudes toward one side in the width direction beyond the first adhesive portion 41a, is likely to come into contact with the wearer's thigh. This reduces the risk that the end e41x on one side of the width of the first adhesive portion 41a will come into linear contact with the wearer's thigh, and makes it easier to reduce the portion that makes the wearer's thigh feel stiff. This makes it easier to reduce the discomfort and annoyance felt by the wearer when wearing the garment.

[0085] 11 , when such a first high-density portion DHa is provided, it is preferable that the length Lhx from the end ehx on one side in the width direction of the first high-density portion DHa to the end e41x on one side in the width direction of the first adhesive portion 41a is different from the length Lhy from the end ehy on the other side in the width direction of the first high-density portion DHa to the end e41y on the other side in the width direction of the first adhesive portion 41a (Lhx≠Lhy). As described above, the first high-density portion DHa has higher rigidity than the low-density portion DL, and the first adhesive portion 41a has higher rigidity than a portion where the adhesive portion 41 is not provided. Therefore, both side ends of the first high-density portion DHa and the side ends of the first adhesive portion 41a are portions where the rigidity is likely to change. In contrast, by making the length Lhx from the end ehx on one side in the width direction of the first high density portion DHa to the end e41x on one side in the width direction of the first adhesive portion 41a different from the length Lhy from the end ehy on the other side in the width direction of the first high density portion DHa to the end e41y on the other side in the width direction of the first adhesive portion 41a, it becomes easier to provide portions where the rigidity changes irregularly. For these reasons, even if the napkin 1 (absorbent body 3) includes potentially crimped fibers 3f that have crimping properties and is prone to deformation, it becomes easier to cushion the deformation of the napkin 1 than when the rigidity of the napkin 1 changes regularly, such as in a linear manner along the longitudinal direction, and it becomes easier to reduce the risk of the adhesive portions 41 sticking to each other.

[0086] The first high density portion DHa may be any portion of the plurality of high density portions DH. Furthermore, among the plurality of high density portions DH, all of the high density portions DH may be the first high density portion DHa having the above-described characteristics, or at least one of the high density portions DH may be the first high density portion DHa described above.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 6A, the high-density section DH of the absorbent body 3 preferably has, on the skin-side surface, protruding sections TH that protrude toward the skin side and recessed sections UH that recess toward the non-skin side. Because the absorbent body 3 of this embodiment is a nonwoven fabric sheet formed from latently crimped fibers 3f, the unevenness is formed by the crimped latently crimped fibers 3f. The high-density section DH has protruding sections TH where the fibers 3f protrude furthest toward the skin side, and recessed sections UH where the fibers 3f are located on the non-skin side. It is preferable that the length Udh between the skin-side end tu of the recessed section UH on the skin-side surface of the high-density section DH and the skin-side end tt of the protruding section TH is shorter than the length Sdh (see Fig. 8) between the skin-side end tt of the protruding section TH on the skin-side surface of the high-density section DH and the skin-side end furthest toward the skin side of the low-density section DL (Udh<Sdh). The skin-side end tu of the recessed portion UH on the skin-side surface of the high-density portion DH is the most recessed position (the portion of the fiber closest to the skin) of the fibers 3f visible when viewing the high-density portion DH of the absorbent body 3 from the skin side. The skin-side end tt of the protruding portion TH on the skin-side surface of the high-density portion DH is the end closest to the skin of the high-density portion DH. Simply put, the skin-side surface of the high-density portion DH is provided with unevenness due to the fibers, and the degree of unevenness (thickness length) Udh of the skin-side surface of the high-density portion is shorter than the thickness length Sdh from the skin-side surface of the high-density portion DH to the skin-side surface of the low-density portion DL. In this way, when the length Udh is shorter than the length Sdh, capillary action in the high-density portion DH makes it easier to draw excreted liquid from the low-density portion DL toward the high-density portion DH than when the length Udh is equal to or greater than the length Sdh. Therefore, the high-density portion DH extending in the longitudinal direction makes it easier to longitudinally diffuse excreted liquid absorbed by the absorbent body 3. Furthermore, the excreted liquid drawn into the high density portion DH can be more easily diffused in the horizontal direction (planar direction) and the longitudinal direction within the high density portion DH.

[0088] As described above, the napkin 1 has a back sheet 4 that is provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 3 and on the non-skin side of the napkin 1. The absorbent body 3 and the back sheet 4 are fixed together by a plurality of adhesive sections 45. The plurality of adhesive sections 45 are arranged along the longitudinal direction. The plurality of adhesive sections 45 are sections to which an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive is applied. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the high density sections DH and the adhesive sections 45. In such a napkin 1, it is preferable that the minimum value D45 of the distance between adjacent adhesive sections 45 in the width direction is smaller than the minimum value Ddh of the widthwise distance between adjacent high density sections DH in the width direction (Ddh<D45). In this way, by making the minimum distance D45 between the adhesive portions 45 smaller than the minimum distance Ddh in the width direction between the high density portions DH, it becomes easier to provide a wider adhesive portion 45 between the absorbent body 3 and the back sheet 4 than when the minimum distance D45 between the adhesive portions 45 is larger than the minimum distance Ddh in the width direction between the high density portions DH. This makes it easier to maintain the back sheet 4 flat, reducing the risk of the adhesive portions 41 provided on the non-skin side of the back sheet 4 adhering to each other, and reducing discomfort during wear and leakage of excrement caused by deformation of the napkin 1 due to the adhesive portions 41 adhering to each other.

[0089] ===Other Embodiments===The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0090] Figure 13 is a diagram showing a modified example of the napkin 100. Figure 13 is a view of the napkin 100 as seen from the non-skin side, and for convenience, the high-density portion DH is shown by a solid line. Below, the napkin 100 will be mainly described in terms of the differences from the napkin 1 described above, and parts that are common to the configuration of the napkin 1 described above will be given the same reference numerals, etc., and a detailed description of the basic configuration of the napkin 100 will be omitted. The configuration of the napkin 100 shown in Figure 13 is generally the same as the configuration of the napkin 1 described above, except for the configuration of the adhesive portion 41 and adhesive region 42 on the non-skin side.

[0091] A plurality of adhesive areas 41 are provided on the non-skin side of the napkin 100. Like the napkin 1, each adhesive area 41 of the napkin 100 is an area where an adhesive such as a hot melt adhesive is applied.

[0092] The napkin 100 differs from the napkin 1 described above in the arrangement of the adhesive portions 41. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 13, seven strip-shaped adhesive portions 41 extending in the longitudinal direction are provided on the non-skin side of the napkin 100, with a predetermined interval in the width direction and adjacent adhesive portions 41 spaced apart in the width direction. The seven adhesive portions 41 form an adhesive region 42. When viewed in the thickness direction, all of these adhesive portions 41 (adhesive regions 42) are provided in positions overlapping with the absorbent body 3. The central adhesive portion 41 of the seven adhesive portions 41 is provided in a position overlapping with the center C-C of the napkin 1 when viewed in the thickness direction.

[0093] Even in a napkin 100 having multiple adhesive portions 41 arranged in this manner, the high-density portions DH extending in the longitudinal direction and the nonwoven fabric including fibers 3f containing latent curling fibers facilitate longitudinal diffusion of excretory fluid and facilitate the maintenance of voids between the fibers 3f. Even when force is applied to the absorbent body 3, the fibers 3f themselves are less likely to be crushed, and the voids between the fibers 3f are more likely to be maintained, thereby maintaining the bulk of the fibers 3f. Furthermore, the ease with which excretory fluid is retained in these voids improves diffusibility, absorbency, and wearability during wear. Furthermore, by having the high-density portions DH, viewed in the thickness direction, overlapping portions that overlap with the adhesive portions 41 and non-overlapping portions that do not overlap with the adhesive portions 41, the napkin 100 can be worn with ease while maintaining both the conformability to clothing in the overlapping portions and the conformability to the wearer's body in the non-overlapping portions, thereby improving the fit of the napkin 100. Furthermore, the rigidity of the high-density portions DH in the non-overlapping portions reduces the risk of adhesive portions 41 adhering to each other.

[0094] The adhesive portion 41 is not limited to the adhesive portion 41 of the napkin 1 or 100, and may be in any position, size, shape, etc. in the absorbent article.

[0095] 1, 100 napkin (sanitary napkin, absorbent article), 1w wing portion, 2 skin-side sheet, 3 absorbent body (nonwoven fabric sheet), 31 front region, 32 central region, 33 rear region, 3f latent crimp fiber (fiber), 4 back sheet (non-skin-side sheet), 5 side sheet, 10 absorbent layer, 20 compressed portion, 41 adhesive portion, 41a first adhesive portion (one adhesive portion), 42 adhesive region, 43 wing adhesive portion, 45 adhesive portion, DH high-density portion (first region), DHa first high-density portion (one high-density portion), DL low-density portion (second region), R overlapping portion, N non-overlapping portion

Claims

1. An absorbent article comprising: a liquid-absorbing absorbent body which, in an unfolded state, has longitudinal, width, and thickness directions that intersect with one another; and a plurality of adhesive portions provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent article, wherein the absorbent body comprises a nonwoven fabric having a plurality of fibers including latently crimped fibers, the absorbent body having a plurality of first regions and second regions, the first regions being linear regions extending in the longitudinal direction, having a higher fiber density than the second regions and being thinner than the second regions, the plurality of first regions being spaced apart in the width direction, and the plurality of adhesive portions being spaced apart, and when viewed in the thickness direction, the first regions have overlapping portions that overlap with the adhesive portions and non-overlapping portions that do not overlap with the adhesive portions.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the total area of ​​the overlapping portions is greater than the total area of ​​the non-overlapping portions.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the total area of ​​the overlapping portions is smaller than the total area of ​​the non-overlapping portions.

4. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the non-overlapping portion is provided at one end of the absorbent body in the longitudinal direction.

5. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the non-overlapping portion is provided in the central portion of the absorbent body in the width direction.

6. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first region is wavy and has alternating convex portions protruding toward one side in the width direction and convex portions protruding toward the other side in the width direction.

7. An absorbent article as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction, one of the plurality of first regions has a portion that overlaps with one of the plurality of adhesive portions and a portion that does not overlap with it, the one first region is wavy with alternating convex portions that protrude towards one side in the width direction and convex portions that protrude towards the other side in the width direction, and the one end of the one first region in the width direction is located on one side of the one end of the one adhesive portion in the width direction.

8. An absorbent article as described in claim 7, characterized in that the length from one end of one of the first regions in the width direction to one end of one of the adhesive portions in the width direction is different from the length from the other end of one of the first regions in the width direction to the other end of one of the adhesive portions in the width direction.

9. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the skin side of the absorbent body has skin side concave portions and skin side convex portions, and the non-skin side of the absorbent body has non-skin side concave portions and non-skin side convex portions.

10. The absorbent article according to claim 9, characterized in that, when viewed in the thickness direction, there is a portion where the non-skin-side convex portion and the adhesive portion overlap.

11. An absorbent article as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first region has, on the skin side, a protruding portion that protrudes towards the skin side and a recessed portion that is recessed towards the non-skin side, and the length between the skin side end of the recessed portion on the skin side of the first region and the skin side end of the protruding portion is shorter than the length between the skin side end of the protruding portion on the skin side of the first region and the end closest to the skin on the skin side of the second region.

12. An absorbent article as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a non-skin-side sheet provided on the non-skin side of the absorbent body and on the non-skin side of the absorbent article, wherein the absorbent body and the non-skin-side sheet are fixed together by a plurality of adhesive portions along the longitudinal direction, and wherein the minimum value of the distance between the adhesive portions adjacent to each other in the width direction is smaller than the minimum value of the widthwise distance between the first regions adjacent to each other in the width direction among the plurality of first regions.

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