Absorbent pad

Abstract

An absorbent pad 10 comprises: a front surface sheet 20; a rear surface sheet 30; and an absorbent core 41 which is arranged between the front surface sheet 20 and the rear surface sheet 30 and absorbs excreta from a wearer. The absorbent core 41 has: a pair of slits 81 that are provided so as to overlap with a central region when the absorbent core 41 is divided into three equal sections in a longitudinal direction X, and that respectively extend in the longitudinal direction X on both sides in a width direction Y; and compressed parts 100 provided at least in outer regions Rout outside the pair of slits 81 in the width direction Y, and formed by compressing a part of the absorbent core 41 in a thickness direction Z. An area ratio of the compressed part 100 in the outer regions Rout is greater than an area ratio of the compressed part 100 in an inner region Rin inside the pair of slits 81 in the width direction Y.

Description

Absorbent pad

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an absorbent pad.

[0002] In Patent Document 1, as an absorbent pad to be worn inside a pant-type diaper, a configuration is disclosed in which a pair of slits facing each other in the width direction at the crotch part and a pair of folding guide parts extending in the width direction so as to connect the longitudinal ends of the respective slits are provided.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-165810

[0004] According to the above absorbent pad, it is possible to guide the region sandwiched by the pair of slits to be convex toward the skin side. As a result, the crotch part of the absorbent core can be easily brought closer to the wearer's excretion port, excrement can be absorbed more quickly, and the discomfort caused by excrement can be reduced. On the other hand, there is room for improvement in the above absorbent pad from the viewpoint of stably guiding the absorbent core to be deformed into a convex shape as described above in order to provide a comfortable wearing feeling to the wearer.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an absorbent pad that can effectively improve the wearing feeling of a wearer.

[0006] An absorbent pad according to one embodiment is an absorbent pad that is worn and used inside a pant-type disposable diaper and has longitudinal, width, and thickness directions that intersect each other. In a wearing state where the absorbent pad is worn by a wearer together with the pant-type disposable diaper, a liquid-permeable surface sheet facing the wearer's skin, a back sheet facing the pant-type disposable diaper in the wearing state, an absorbent core disposed between the surface sheet and the back sheet and absorbing the wearer's excrement, the absorbent core is provided so as to overlap a central region when the absorbent core is divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction, a pair of slits extending in the longitudinal direction on both sides in the width direction, and a squeezing part provided in at least an outer region outside the pair of slits in the width direction and formed by squeezing a part of the absorbent core in the thickness direction. The area ratio of the squeezing part in the outer region is larger than the area ratio of the squeezing part in the inner region inside the pair of slits in the width direction.

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an absorbent pad that can effectively improve the wearer's comfort.

[0008] This is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a diaper to which an absorbent pad according to the embodiment is attached. This is a plan view of the diaper with the absorbent pad attached, as seen from the skin side in an unfolded and stretched state. This is a plan view of the stretched absorbent pad as seen from the skin side. This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the absorbent pad along the line IV-IV in Figure 3. This is a plan view showing an example of a compression section provided in the absorbent core. This is a partially enlarged view of region A in Figure 5. This is a diagram for explaining an example of the range in which the deformation-inducing section and the rigid section are formed. This is a plan view showing an absorbent core according to a first modified example. This is a plan view showing an absorbent core according to a second modified example.

[0009] At least [1] to

[12] embodiments are disclosed in this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0010] [1] An absorbent pad used to be attached to the inside of a disposable diaper of the pull-up type, having longitudinal, widthwise, and thicknesswise directions that intersect with each other, comprising: a liquid-permeable surface sheet that faces the wearer's skin when the absorbent pad is worn by the wearer together with the disposable diaper of the pull-up type; a back sheet that faces the disposable diaper of the pull-up type when worn; an absorbent core disposed between the surface sheet and the back sheet for absorbing the wearer's excrement; the absorbent core comprising: a pair of slits that are provided so as to overlap with the central region when the absorbent core is divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction, and that extend in the longitudinal direction on both sides in the widthwise direction; and a compressed portion provided in at least the outer region outside the pair of slits in the widthwise direction, formed by compressing a part of the absorbent core in the thicknesswise direction, wherein the area ratio of the compressed portion in the outer region is greater than the area ratio of the compressed portion in the inner region inside the pair of slits in the widthwise direction.

[0011] According to the absorbent pad described in [1] above, when worn, the area sandwiched between the pair of slits can be guided to become convex towards the skin. This makes it easier to bring the crotch portion of the absorbent core closer to the wearer's urinary tract, allowing for faster absorption of waste and reducing discomfort caused by waste. Furthermore, according to the above configuration, the rigidity of the outer region on the widthwise outer side of the pair of slits can be effectively increased by the compression portion. This effectively transmits the force from the widthwise outer to the inward direction generated on the absorbent pad due to the wearer's leg movements to the outer region of the absorbent core. As a result, the area sandwiched between the pair of slits can be stably deformed into a convex shape toward the skin, providing the wearer with a comfortable fit.

[0012] [2] The absorbent pad of [1], wherein the compression portion has a rigid portion in the outer region that includes a width rigid portion extending in the width direction such that the compressed portion is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees or more with respect to the longitudinal direction.

[0013] According to the configuration described in [2] above, the force directed from the outside to the inside in the width direction of the absorbent pad due to the wearer's leg movements can be easily transmitted to the pair of slits via the width rigid section. As a result, the absorbent core can be stably deformed along the pair of slits so that the area sandwiched between the pair of slits becomes convex toward the skin side.

[0014] [3] The absorbent pad of [2] wherein the length of the rigid portion in the width direction is 1 / 3 or more of the minimum width of the outer region.

[0015] If the widthwise length of the rigid part is insufficient, the component of the force transmitted to the outer region due to the wearer's leg movement (force directed inward in the widthwise direction) that is dispersed in the longitudinal direction becomes larger, making it difficult to stably generate bending deformation along the pair of slits. In contrast, with the configuration of [3] above, by setting the widthwise length of the rigid part to a sufficient length relative to the width of the outer region, the dispersion of force in the longitudinal direction is suppressed, and bending deformation along the pair of slits can be stably generated.

[0016] [4] The absorbent pad of [2] or [3], wherein at least one of the rigid parts is provided in the outer region at a position opposite to the outermost end of the pair of slits in the width direction in the width direction.

[0017] According to the configuration described in [4] above, by providing a rigid part to facilitate the transmission of such force to the pair of slits at the position where the widthwise length from the outer end in the widthwise direction to the pair of slits is shortest within the outer region, that is, at the position where the inward force in the widthwise direction caused by the wearer's leg movement described above is most easily transmitted, the effect of the rigid part described above can be more effectively exerted.

[0018] [5] The rigid portion is connected to the width rigid portion and includes a longitudinal rigid portion that extends in the longitudinal direction such that the compressed portion is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees or more with respect to the width direction, an absorbent pad according to any of [2] to [4].

[0019] According to the configuration of [5] above, by providing a rigid part in which a longitudinal rigid part and a width rigid part extending in directions that intersect each other are integrally formed, the shape stability of the rigid part can be improved. As a result, the effects of the rigid part described above can be more effectively exhibited.

[0020] [6] The absorbent pad of [5], wherein the rigid portion has the longitudinal rigid portion connected to the inner end of the width rigid portion in the width direction.

[0021] According to the configuration described in [6] above, the longitudinal rigid section connected to the inner end of the width rigid section increases the area (longitudinal width) used to transmit force from the rigid section to the pair of slits, compared to the case where only the width rigid section is provided. This makes the transmission of force through the rigid section more efficient and allows for more stable bending deformation of the absorbent core along the pair of slits.

[0022] [7] The rigid portion is the absorbent pad of [5], having the longitudinal rigid portion connected to the outer end of the width rigid portion in the width direction.

[0023] According to the configuration described in [7] above, the longitudinal rigid section connected to the outer end of the width rigid section increases the area (longitudinal width) of the rigid section to which force caused by the wearer's leg movement is transmitted, compared to the case where only the width rigid section is provided. This makes the transmission of force through the rigid section more efficient and allows for more stable bending deformation of the absorbent core along the pair of slits.

[0024] [8] The absorbent pad of [5], wherein the rigid portion comprises one longitudinal rigid portion connected to the inner end of the width rigid portion in the width direction, and another longitudinal rigid portion connected to the outer end of the width rigid portion in the width direction.

[0025] According to the configuration of [8] above, both of the effects of [6] and [7] described above can be obtained.

[0026] [9] An absorbent pad of any of [5] to [8], wherein the outer region is provided with a plurality of rigid parts arranged apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0027] According to the configuration described in [9] above, the area (lengthwise width) of the rigid part for transmitting forces resulting from the wearer's leg movements to the inner portion of the absorbent core (the pair of slit sides) can be increased compared to the case where a single rigid part is provided. This makes the transmission of forces through the rigid part more efficient and allows for more stable bending deformation of the absorbent core along the pair of slits.

[0028]

[10] The absorbent pad of [9] is provided in the outer region, wherein a plurality of rigid parts are arranged apart from each other in the longitudinal direction at a first position in the width direction, and a plurality of rigid parts are arranged apart from each other in the longitudinal direction at a second position in the width direction, and the plurality of rigid parts arranged at the first position and the plurality of rigid parts arranged at the second position are arranged alternately along the longitudinal direction.

[0029] According to the configuration described in

[10] above, the combination of multiple rigid parts positioned at the first position and multiple rigid parts positioned at the second position effectively increases the area (longitudinal width) of the rigid parts for transmitting forces resulting from the wearer's leg movements to the inner portion of the absorbent core (the pair of slit sides), compared to the case where a single rigid part is provided. This makes the transmission of forces through the rigid parts more efficient and allows for more stable bending deformation of the absorbent core along the pair of slits.

[0030]

[11] An absorbent pad according to any of [1] to

[10] , wherein the back surface of the back sheet opposite to the absorbent core side further comprises a pair of fixing parts arranged on both sides in the longitudinal direction for fixing the absorbent pad to the pant-type disposable diaper, the compression part has a rigid part in the outer region including a width rigid part that extends in the width direction such that the compressed portion is inclined at 45 degrees or more with respect to the longitudinal direction, and at least a part of the rigid part is provided in the region in the width direction where the pair of fixing parts exist.

[0031] According to the configuration described in

[11] above, the absorbent pad is fixed to the pant-type disposable diaper by a pair of fixing parts, thereby suppressing deformation in the longitudinal and widthwise directions of the rigid part positioned between the pair of fixing parts. This allows for efficient transmission of force through the rigid part, and enables more stable bending deformation of the absorbent core along the pair of slits.

[0032]

[12] An absorbent pad according to any of [1] to

[11] , further comprising leg-circumference telescopic members that contract in the longitudinal direction on both sides of the absorbent pad in the width direction, wherein the compression portion has a rigid portion including a width rigid portion that extends in the width direction such that the compressed portion is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees or more with respect to the longitudinal direction in the outer region, and at least a part of the rigid portion is provided within an expansion and contraction region in the longitudinal direction from which the leg-circumference telescopic member can expand and contract.

[0033] According to the configuration described in

[12] above, by including at least a portion of the rigid part in the range where the longitudinal contraction force from the leg extension member acts (i.e., the range in which the leg gather is formed), the portion of the absorbent core including at least a portion of the rigid part contracts and gathers in the longitudinal direction, thereby forming a highly rigid uneven structure. Through this highly rigid uneven structure, the force transmitted in the width direction to the inside of the absorbent core can be suitably transmitted to the pair of slits. As a result, the bending deformation of the absorbent core along the pair of slits can be made even more stable.

[0034] [Embodiments] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0035] [Pants-type disposable diaper (diaper 1)] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of diaper 1 to which an absorbent pad 10 according to the embodiment is attached. Figure 2 is a plan view of diaper 1 with the absorbent pad 10 attached, when unfolded and extended, as seen from the skin side. Diaper 1 is a pants-type disposable diaper and has an abdominal waist section 1A located on the front (abdominal) side of the wearer, a dorsal waist section 1B located on the back (back) side of the wearer, and a crotch section 1C located in the crotch area of ​​the wearer. Diaper 1 has an outer body 2 that constitutes the abdominal waist section 1A and the dorsal waist section 1B, and an absorbent body 3 equipped with an absorbent core 4 that absorbs excrement such as urine. As shown in Figure 2, since diaper 1 is worn by the wearer with the absorbent pad 10 attached to the inside of diaper 1, diaper 1 can be used continuously by replacing only the absorbent pad 10 after the wearer has excreted, making it possible to use diaper 1 for a long time. Figure 2 shows the diaper 1 after it has been cut along the pair of side seal portions 2a located on both the left and right sides of the wearer when the diaper 1 is worn, and after the diaper 1 has been stretched to a state in which no wrinkles are formed.

[0036] In this embodiment, the "wearer" is the person wearing the diaper 1 to which the absorbent pad 10 is attached. The "skin side" is the side of the absorbent pad 10 that faces the wearer's skin when it is worn by the wearer together with the diaper 1 (hereinafter referred to as the "wearing state"). The "non-skin side" is the side that faces away from the wearer's skin when it is worn. The "stretched state" of the absorbent pad 10 is the state in which the absorbent pad 10 is stretched without wrinkles. More specifically, the stretched state is the state in which the dimensions of each component constituting the absorbent pad 10 are stretched until they approximately match the dimensions of the individual component. In the stretched state of the absorbent pad 10 (see Figure 2), the longitudinal direction is represented as the "longitudinal direction X", the short direction of the absorbent pad 10 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X is represented as the "width direction Y", and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X and the width direction Y is represented as the "thickness direction Z". The longitudinal direction X is the direction extending from the front (abdominal side) to the back (dorsal side) of the wearer's body. The width direction Y is the direction that coincides with the wearer's left-right direction. The thickness direction Z is the direction in which the materials constituting the absorbent pad 10 (surface sheet 20, back sheet 30, absorbent body 40, etc., described later) are layered. The thickness direction Z is also the direction in which the absorbent pad 10 and the diaper 1 face each other when the absorbent pad 10 is attached to the diaper 1.

[0037] [Absorbent Pad] Figure 3 is a plan view of the absorbent pad 10 in its extended state, as seen from the skin side. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the absorbent pad 10 along the line IV-IV in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the absorbent pad 10 has a shape that is approximately symmetric with respect to a center line CL1 parallel to the longitudinal direction X, which bisects the absorbent pad 10 in the width direction Y. The absorbent pad 10 also has a shape that is approximately symmetric with respect to a center line CL2 parallel to the width direction Y, which bisects the absorbent pad 10 in the longitudinal direction X. The portion of the absorbent pad 10 anterior to the center line CL2 (ventral side) is defined as the anterior portion 10F, and the portion posterior to the center line CL2 (dorsal side) is defined as the posterior portion 10R, and the following explanation will proceed accordingly. However, in this embodiment, as described above, the absorbent pad 10 has a shape that is symmetrical with respect to both centerlines CL1 and CL2, so the front portion 10F and the rear portion 10R are merely convenient divisions based on the state in which the absorbent pad 10 is attached to the diaper 1 and used. In other words, if the absorbent pad 10 is attached to the diaper 1 with its longitudinal direction X opposite to the direction shown in Figure 2, the front portion 10F and the rear portion 10R will be swapped.

[0038] The absorbent pad 10 includes a surface sheet 20, a back sheet 30, an absorbent body 40, a pair of side sheets 50, a leg extension member 60, and a pair of fixing parts 70.

[0039] The surface sheet 20 is a liquid-permeable sheet that faces the wearer's skin when worn. The surface sheet 20 can be formed from, for example, a nonwoven fabric or woven fabric, a synthetic resin film with liquid-permeable pores, or a composite sheet thereof. The surface sheet 20 covers the entire skin-facing side of the absorbent body 40.

[0040] The backing sheet 30 is the sheet that faces the diaper 1 when worn. The backing sheet 30 can be made of, for example, a liquid-impermeable nonwoven fabric, a synthetic resin film, or a composite sheet thereof.

[0041] The absorbent body 40 is positioned between the surface sheet 20 and the back sheet 30. As an example, the absorbent body 40 includes an absorbent core 41 and a core wrap 42 that covers the absorbent core 41. The absorbent core 41 is a component that absorbs the wearer's excrement and has liquid absorbency and liquid retention properties. The absorbent core 41 is, for example, a laminate of absorbent materials including crushed pulp or superabsorbent polymer (SAP), or a mixture thereof. The core wrap 42 is, for example, tissue or a nonwoven fabric sheet. In this embodiment, when viewed from the thickness direction Z, the outer shape of the absorbent core 41 is substantially the same as the outer shape of the absorbent body 40.

[0042] A pair of side sheets 50 are arranged on both sides of the absorbent pad 10 in the width direction Y, covering the entire length direction X so as to cover both side edges of the surface sheet 20 in the width direction Y. The side sheets 50 are liquid-impermeable sheets and may be made of, for example, a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. The side sheets 50 extend outward in the width direction beyond both ends of the absorbent body 40 in the width direction Y, and are folded back inward in the width direction Y and towards the skin side in the thickness direction Z, with both ends of the absorbent pad 10 in the width direction Y as the folding position, thereby forming a pair of leak-proof wall portions 51. Leak-proof wall expansion members 52 (in this embodiment, two leak-proof wall expansion members 52 for each leak-proof wall portion 51) such as elastic thread are fixed to the leak-proof wall portions 51 in an extended state along the length direction X. As the leak-proof expandable member 52 contracts in the longitudinal direction X, a pair of leak-proof wall portions 51 rise up towards the skin at both ends of the absorbent pad 10 in the width direction Y, functioning as a leak-proof wall (leg side gather) of the absorbent pad 10. Alternatively, the absorbent pad 10 may be configured such that the leak-proof wall portions 51 are formed by extending the back sheet 30 to the outside of the absorbent body 40 in the width direction Y, without providing a side sheet 50. Furthermore, the absorbent pad 10 may be configured without forming the leak-proof wall portions 51.

[0043] The leg-around elastic member 60 is provided between the non-skin side surface of the back sheet 30 and the skin side surface of the side sheet 50 at both end portions in the width direction Y of the absorbent pad 10. The leg-around elastic member 60 is an elastic member such as thread rubber that can expand and contract in the longitudinal direction X. In the absorbent pad 10, the leg-around elastic member 60 imparts elasticity around the legs, and a leg gather is formed. In FIG. 3, the elastic region R3 (see FIG. 7, the effective range in which the leg gather is formed) in which the leg-around elastic member 60 can expand and contract is shown as the leg-around elastic member 60.

[0044] The pair of fixing portions 70 are fixing portions for fixing the absorbent pad 10 to the diaper 1. As an example, the fixing portion 70 is a temporary fixing portion for detachably fixing the absorbent pad 10 to the skin side surface of the diaper 1. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the pair of fixing portions 70 are arranged on both sides in the longitudinal direction X on the non-skin side surface of the back sheet 30 (the back surface opposite to the absorbent core 41 side). In the present embodiment, the pair of fixing portions 70 are provided at positions overlapping the absorbent body 40 in the vicinity of both end portions of the absorbent body 40 (absorbent core 41) in the longitudinal direction X. The fixing portion 70 is, for example, a hook member (surface fastener) configured to engage with the surface sheet of the diaper 1. However, the fixing portion 70 is not limited to the above, and various known temporary fixing means can be used. The fixing portion 70 may be, for example, a hot melt adhesive, a double-sided tape, or the like.

[0045] [Absorbent Core] As shown in FIG. 3, the absorbent core 41 (absorbent body 40) has a substantially hourglass shape in plan view. The absorbent core 41 has a shape that is substantially line-symmetric with respect to the center line CL1 in the width direction Y and also has a shape that is substantially line-symmetric with respect to the center line CL2 in the longitudinal direction X. The absorbent core 41 has a narrow portion M, a front portion F on the front side (ventral side) of the narrow portion M, and a rear portion R on the rear side (dorsal side) of the narrow portion M. The narrow portion M is a constricted portion that curves toward the inside in the width direction Y at the central portion in the longitudinal direction X. The narrow portion M is located under the wearer's crotch in the worn state. Notch Fa is provided at a portion where it is connected to the narrow portion M on both sides of the front portion F in the width direction Y, and is formed so as to be partially recessed inward in the width direction Y. Similarly, notch Ra is provided at a portion where it is connected to the narrow portion M on both sides of the rear portion R in the width direction Y, and is formed so as to be partially recessed inward in the width direction Y.

[0046] The absorbent core 41 has a pair of slits 81 and a pair of folding guide portions 82. As shown in FIG. 3, the pair of slits 81 is provided so as to overlap the central region (region A32 when the absorbent pad 10 is divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction X, i.e., regions A31, A32, A33 when divided into three equal parts along the longitudinal direction X from the ventral side). The pair of slits 81 is provided on both sides in the width direction Y with the center line CL1 interposed therebetween, and each extends in the longitudinal direction X.

[0047] As an example, each slit 81 curves outward in the width direction Y as it goes from the outside to the inside in the longitudinal direction X so as to be located most outward in the width direction Y at a position overlapping the center line CL2. Each slit 81 is, for example, a through portion that penetrates the absorbent core 41 in the thickness direction Z. However, the slit 81 may be not only a portion where there is no completely liquid-absorbent fiber such as pulp or liquid-absorbent granule such as superabsorbent polymer (SAP), but also a portion where there are some liquid-absorbent fibers or liquid-absorbent granules. That is, the slit 81 may be a portion where the liquid-absorbent fibers and liquid-absorbent granules are clearly less than the surroundings and have lower rigidity than the surroundings.

[0048] The width (thickness) of the slit 81 is preferably 3 mm or more. Furthermore, the length of the slit 81 in the longitudinal direction X is preferably 80 mm or more. By configuring the slit 81 in this way, it is possible to easily deform the absorbent core 41 starting from the slit 81, while also facilitating the diffusion of the excrement absorbed by the absorbent core 41 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0049] The pair of folding guide sections 82 connect the ends of the pair of slits 81 in the longitudinal direction X on both sides in the longitudinal direction X. That is, the pair of folding guide sections 82 are composed of a folding guide section 82 that extends in the width direction Y to connect the ends of each slit 81 on one side in the longitudinal direction X, and a folding guide section 82 that extends in the width direction Y to connect the ends of each slit 81 on the other side in the longitudinal direction X.

[0050] As an example, each folding guide portion 82 is positioned furthest outward in the longitudinal direction X at a location that coincides with the center line CL1, and is inclined outward in the longitudinal direction X as it moves from the outside in the width direction Y towards the inside. Each folding guide portion 82 is formed, for example, by compression. By forming the folding guide portions 82 by compression in this way, the density of the liquid absorbent fibers is increased, resulting in higher rigidity than in areas where the folding guide portions 82 are not provided. Furthermore, it becomes possible to easily form the folding guide portions 82. As an example, each folding guide portion 82 is formed by compressing the absorbent core 41 in the thickness direction Z from the non-skin side towards the skin side. Alternatively, each folding guide portion 82 may be formed by compressing the absorbent core 41 in the thickness direction Z from the skin side towards the non-skin side. However, compressing the absorbent core 41 from the non-skin side towards the skin side makes it easier to bend the folding guide portion 82 so that it protrudes from the skin side towards the non-skin side.

[0051] The folding guide portion 82 may be any part of the absorbent core 41 that has a different rigidity from the surrounding area. The folding guide portion 82 may be configured in the same way as the slit 81 described above. For example, the folding guide portion 82 may be a part of the absorbent core 41 that has a different mass per unit area (g / m²) of liquid absorbent fibers. ２ ) may be a part that differs from the surrounding area, or the absorbent core 41 may be configured as a through-hole that penetrates in the thickness direction Z.

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, the absorbent core 41 has at least one deformation-inducing portion 90 that extends inclined along the longitudinal direction X toward the center of the absorbent core 41 (i.e., toward the center line CL2) toward the outside of the absorbent core 41 in the width direction Y on both sides of the center line CL1. In this embodiment, the absorbent core 41 has two deformation-inducing portions 90 on each of the ventral and dorsal sides. Each deformation-inducing portion 90 may be formed in the same way as the slit 81 described above, or in the same way as the folding-inducing portion 82 described above. That is, each deformation-inducing portion 90 may be a portion whose rigidity is lower than the surrounding area by reducing the amount of liquid-absorbing fibers or liquid-absorbing granular material constituting the absorbent core 41, or it may be a portion whose rigidity is higher than the surrounding area by being compressed.

[0053] The multiple deformation-guiding portions 90 include outer deformation-guiding portions 91 provided in the longitudinal direction X at a certain distance or more outward from the central portion (the portion facing the wearer's crotch when worn). The outer deformation-guiding portions 91 may be defined, for example, by the following first definition or second definition.

[0054] (First Definition) The outer deformation guide portion 91 is a deformation guide portion 90 formed such that, when the portion between the pair of fixing portions 70 in the absorbent pad 10 is divided into four equal parts along the longitudinal direction X into four regions A1, A2, A3, and A4 (see Figure 5), at least a portion of the four regions A1 to A4 overlap with the outermost regions A1 and A4 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0055] (Second Definition) The outer deformation guide portion 91 is a deformation guide portion 90 formed such that, when the absorbent pad 10 is divided into four equal parts along the longitudinal direction X into four regions A41, A42, A43, and A44 (see Figure 3), at least a portion of it overlaps with the outermost regions A41 and A44 in the longitudinal direction X among the four regions A41 to A44.

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, according to the first definition, all four deformation-inducing regions 90 included in the outermost region A1 on the ventral side or the outermost region A4 on the dorsal side correspond to the outer deformation-inducing region 91. In this example, the entirety of each deformation-inducing region 90 is included in the outermost region A1 or A4.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, according to the second definition, in the ventral and dorsal sides, the two deformation guide portions 90 located on the outermost edges in the longitudinal direction X correspond to the outer deformation guide portions 91, while the other two inner deformation guide portions 90 (i.e., deformation guide portions 90 whose entirety is included in region A42 or A43) do not correspond to the outer deformation guide portions 91.

[0058] In this embodiment, when the pair of fixing parts 70 are provided in a position that overlaps with the absorbent body 40, the requirements for the outer deformation guide part 91 are less stringent under the first definition than under the second definition. The pair of folding guide parts 82 that connect the ends of the pair of slits 81 provided to be positioned in the crotch of the wearer are necessarily provided near the center of the absorbent pad 10 in the longitudinal direction X. For this reason, the pair of folding guide parts 82 do not overlap with any of the regions A1, A4, A41, and A44. That is, although the pair of folding guide parts 82 have the same configuration as the deformation guide part 90 described above, they do not qualify as the outer deformation guide part 91 when either the first definition or the second definition described above is used.

[0059] In this embodiment, as an example, the outer deformation guide portion 91 is defined by the second definition described above. In this case, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the two outer deformation guide portions 90 that overlap at least a portion with region A41 or A44 among the four deformation guide portions 90 correspond to the outer deformation guide portion 91.

[0060] Figure 5 is a plan view showing an example of a compression section 100 provided in the absorbent core 41. Figure 6 is a partially enlarged view of area A in Figure 5. Note that the grid-shaped compression section 101 of the compression section 100 is shown only in Figure 5, and is omitted from the other figures.

[0061] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the absorbent core 41 is provided with a compressed portion 100 formed by compressing a part of the absorbent core 41 in the thickness direction Z. The compressed portion 100 is provided in the outer region Route, which is at least outside the pair of slits 81 in the width direction Y. The outer region Route is the region enclosed by a line segment La parallel to the width direction Y, connecting the ventral ends of each slit 81, a line segment Lb parallel to the width direction Y, connecting the dorsal ends of each slit 81, and each slit 81. In other words, the outer region Route is the region formed outside each slit 81. In this embodiment, the compressed portion 100 is also provided in the inner region Rin, which is inside the pair of slits 81. The inner region Rin is the region enclosed by the line segment La, the line segment Lb, and each slit 81.

[0062] The compression section 100 includes a grid-like compression section 101 that is regularly arranged in a substantially grid pattern over the entire area of ​​the absorbent core 41, and a rigid section 102 that is a compression section provided separately from the grid-like compression section 101. The region of the absorbent core 41 where the compression section 100 is provided has higher rigidity than the region of the absorbent core 41 where the compression section 100 is not provided. In other words, a difference in rigidity exists between the region where the compression section 100 is provided and the adjacent region where the compression section 100 is not provided.

[0063] In this embodiment, the multiple rigid parts 102 are provided only in the outer region Rout. Due to the provision of multiple rigid parts 102, the area ratio of the compression part 100 in the outer region Rout is larger than the area ratio of the compression part 100 in the inner region Rin. The area ratio of the compression part 100 in the outer region Rout is "area of ​​the region in the outer region Rout where the compression part 100 is provided ÷ total area of ​​the outer region Rout". The area ratio of the compression part 100 in the inner region Rin is "area of ​​the region in the inner region Rin where the compression part 100 is provided ÷ total area of ​​the inner region Rin".

[0064] As shown in Figure 6, the rigid portion 102 has a width rigid portion 103 and a longitudinal rigid portion 104.

[0065] The width rigid portion 103 is the portion where the compressed part extends in the width direction Y. In this embodiment, the width rigid portion 103 extends substantially parallel to the width direction Y (substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X), but it does not necessarily have to extend substantially parallel to the width direction Y. For example, the width rigid portion 103 only needs to be inclined at 45 degrees or more with respect to the longitudinal direction X. However, from the viewpoint of suitably obtaining the effects of the width rigid portion 103 described below, it is preferable that the width rigid portion 103 is inclined at 60 degrees or more with respect to the longitudinal direction X, and more preferably at 80 degrees or more.

[0066] The longitudinal rigid portion 104 is the portion that is connected to the width rigid portion 103 and is compressed, with the compressed portion extending in the longitudinal direction X. In this embodiment, the longitudinal rigid portion 104 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction X (substantially perpendicular to the width direction Y), but it does not necessarily have to extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction X. For example, the longitudinal rigid portion 104 only needs to be inclined at 45 degrees or more with respect to the width direction Y. However, from the viewpoint of suitably obtaining the effects of the longitudinal rigid portion 104 described below, it is preferable that the longitudinal rigid portion 104 is inclined at 60 degrees or more with respect to the width direction Y, and more preferably at 80 degrees or more. As shown in Figure 5, the grid-like compression section 101 may have a portion that contacts the width-rigid portion 103 (a portion that appears to be connected to the width-rigid portion 103), but the longitudinal rigid portion 104 is intended to be a compression section provided in correspondence with the width-rigid portion 103, separate from the compression sections 100 (grid-like compression section 101) that are regularly arranged over the entire (or most) part of the absorbent core 41. In other words, the longitudinal rigid portion 104 is a compression section arranged based on a different arrangement rule than the regular arrangement followed by the grid-like compression section 101.

[0067] The longitudinal rigid portion 104 includes a longitudinal rigid portion 104a connected to the inner end (the end closer to the slit 81) of the width rigid portion 103 in the width direction Y, and a longitudinal rigid portion 104b connected to the outer end of the width rigid portion 103 in the width direction Y.

[0068] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, in the outer region (Rout) (each region on both sides of the pair of slits 81), a plurality of (five in this embodiment) rigid parts 102 are provided, spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction X.

[0069] [Effects of the absorbent pad] The absorbent pad 10 is provided with outer deformation guide portions 91 that extend in a V-shape or inverted V-shape (in this embodiment, a continuous V-shape spanning the center line CL1) on both sides of the center line CL1, inclined in the longitudinal direction X, so as to satisfy the first or second definition described above. As a result, when worn, the absorbent core 41 bends along the outer deformation guide portions 91, thereby ensuring sufficient space between the wearer's body and the absorbent pad 10, and improving the fit between the wearer and the absorbent pad 10. In other words, the absorbent pad 10 can effectively improve the wearer's comfort in areas relatively far from the wearer's crotch (at least one of the ventral and dorsal sides).

[0070] More specifically, when the absorbent core 41 folds outward (towards the non-skin side) along the outer deformation guide portion 91, a wide space is secured inside (towards the skin) of the absorbent pad 10 (absorbent core 41) at the position where the outer deformation guide portion 91 is provided. This avoids the problems caused by the absorbent pad 10 being too tightly attached to the wearer's skin (for example, deterioration of comfort and excrement absorption performance). On the other hand, when the absorbent core 41 folds inward (towards the skin side) along the outer deformation guide portion 91, the absorbent pad 10 (absorbent core 41) can be smoothly deformed to conform to the wearer's body shape at the position where the outer deformation guide portion 91 is provided. This improves the fit of the absorbent pad 10 to the wearer's body.

[0071] When the external deformation-guiding portion 91 is provided on the front (abdominal) side of the wearer, the wearing comfort on the wearer's abdominal side can be improved. For example, since the area around the wearer's urinary opening (the part that bulges outwards) is located on the front side, when the wearer puts on the diaper 1 with the absorbent pad 10 attached (i.e., when pulling up the diaper 1), the absorbent core 41 is easily deformed so that the portion along the external deformation-guiding portion 91 becomes convex outwards (towards the non-skin side). This deformation-guided absorption of the absorbent core 41 allows for a wider space to be secured between the absorbent pad 10 and the wearer's body (the area around the urinary opening) near the urinary opening. This suppresses the occurrence of stuffiness and rash caused by excessive contact between the wearer's skin and excrement, thereby improving the wearing comfort, and also allows for a favorable improvement in the absorption performance of excrement. Thus, the configuration in which the outer deformation guiding portion 91 is provided on the front (abdominal) side of the wearer is particularly effective when the pull-up motion of the pant-type disposable diaper (diaper 1) is involved (i.e., when the space in the front of the wearer's crotch area tends to narrow when the diaper is pulled up). In other words, the part of the outer deformation guiding portion 91 provided is more easily pushed outward (towards the non-skin side) by the area around the wearer's urinary opening, making it easier to secure sufficient space in the front of the wearer's crotch area after the pull-up motion is performed.

[0072] When the outer deformation guide portion 91 is located on the back side of the wearer, the fit on the back side of the wearer can be improved. For example, on the back side, when the wearer puts on the diaper 1 with the absorbent pad 10 attached (i.e., when pulling up the diaper 1), the absorbent core 41 is easily deformed so that the portion along the outer deformation guide portion 91 becomes convex inward (towards the skin) (i.e., so that the absorbent pad 10 fits snugly between the wearer's buttocks). By inducing deformation of the absorbent core 41 in this way, the absorbent pad 10 (absorbent core 41) can be smoothly deformed to conform to the shape of the wearer's body (shape around the buttocks), thereby improving the fit of the absorbent pad 10 to the wearer's body. Thus, a configuration in which the outer deformation guide portion 91 is located on the back side of the wearer is also effective, as it can induce appropriate deformation of the absorbent pad 10, especially when pulling up a pant-type disposable diaper (diaper 1).

[0073] Furthermore, the deformation-guiding portion 90 is formed such that the direction of inclination changes with respect to the center line CL1. As a result, the deformation-guiding portion 90 defines a fold in the center line CL1 (the central part in the width direction Y). More specifically, when the absorbent core 41 deforms along the deformation-guiding portion 90, the absorbent core 41 as a whole deforms along the center line CL1. By making it easier to deform the absorbent core 41 along the center line CL1 in this way, the deformation of the diaper 1 in the central part in the width direction Y and the deformation of the absorbent pad 10 (i.e., deformation along the center line CL1) can be matched. As a result, it is possible to make it difficult for the absorbent core 41 to become distorted and to suppress the occurrence of displacement of the absorbent pad 10 relative to the diaper 1.

[0074] As shown in Figure 3, in the absorbent pad 10, the plurality of deformation-guiding portions 90 include a plurality of outer deformation-guiding portions 91. That is, the plurality of outer deformation-guiding portions 91 include a deformation-guiding portion 90 formed so as to overlap at least a portion with the outermost region (region A1 in Figure 5 in the first definition, and region A41 in Figure 3 in the second definition) on the ventral side (one side) in the longitudinal direction X, and a deformation-guiding portion 90 formed so as to overlap at least a portion with the outermost region (region A4 in Figure 5 in the first definition, and region A44 in Figure 3 in the second definition) on the dorsal side (the other side) in the longitudinal direction X. In other words, the absorbent pad 10 is provided with outer deformation-guiding portions 91 on both the ventral and dorsal sides. With the above configuration, the wearing comfort on both the ventral and dorsal sides of the wearer can be effectively improved. That is, the effects of both cases can be obtained when the outer deformation-guiding portions 91 are provided on the ventral side and when they are provided on the dorsal side when worn.

[0075] As shown in Figure 3, in the absorbent pad 10, the outer deformation guiding portion 91 extends inclined outward in the width direction Y as it moves toward the center of the absorbent core 41 along the longitudinal direction X. In this embodiment, the outer deformation guiding portion 91 is formed in a V-shape that widens toward the center line CL2 along the longitudinal direction X. With the above configuration, when the absorbent pad 10 deforms along the outer deformation guiding portion 91, it is possible to secure a width in the width direction Y of the portion of the absorbent core 41 located on the crotch side (inward in the longitudinal direction X from the outer deformation guiding portion 91). In other words, it is possible to suppress the bending and narrowing of that portion along the center line CL1. This makes it possible to suitably secure a space between the absorbent pad 10 and the wearer's body inward in the longitudinal direction X from the outer deformation guiding portion 91, and to guide a smooth deformation of the absorbent pad 10 that conforms to the shape of the wearer's body.

[0076] As shown in Figure 3, in the absorbent pad 10, the outer deformation guidance portion 91 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center line CL1 as the axis of symmetry. With this configuration, when worn, the left and right portions of the outer deformation guidance portion 91, which straddle the center line CL1, can equally absorb the force in the width direction Y applied to the absorbent core 41 from both of the wearer's legs (both sides of the crotch). As a result, the deformation of the absorbent core 41 in the center of the width direction Y caused by the movement of the wearer's legs can be stabilized. This reduces the occurrence of discomfort for the wearer.

[0077] As shown in Figure 3, the outer deformation guide portion 91 is formed continuously so as to straddle the center line CL1. That is, one outer deformation guide portion 91 is provided to be continuously connected and is not separated into multiple independent parts. With the above configuration, since the left and right portions of the outer deformation guide portion 91 on both sides of the center line CL1 are connected, a stable fold can be formed along the outer deformation guide portion 91 when worn. In other words, in one outer deformation guide portion 91, the force for deformation can be distributed throughout the outer deformation guide portion 91 without interruption. As a result, the effect of improving wearing comfort achieved by the deformation guidance of the absorbent core 41 along the outer deformation guide portion 91 as described above can be suitably obtained.

[0078] The outer deformation guiding portion 91 may have, for example, a first portion located on one side in the width direction Y with respect to the center line CL1, and a second portion located on the other side in the width direction Y with respect to the center line CL1, and the first portion and the second portion may be separated from each other. That is, the outer deformation guiding portion 91 may be formed in a V-shape. Even in this case, the effect of improving the wearing comfort achieved by inducing deformation of the absorbent core 41 along the outer deformation guiding portion 91 as described above can be obtained. However, from the viewpoint of suitably obtaining this effect, it is preferable that the outer deformation guiding portion 91 is formed continuously, as described above.

[0079] As shown in Figure 3, in the absorbent pad 10, the multiple deformation guiding portions 90 include inner deformation guiding portions 92 arranged at a predetermined interval inward in the longitudinal direction X from the outer deformation guiding portion 91. The inner deformation guiding portion 92 is formed so as to overlap at least a portion with the outermost region (region A31 or A33) in the longitudinal direction X when the absorbent pad 10 is divided into three equal regions A31, A32, and A33 in the longitudinal direction X. In this embodiment, the inner deformation guiding portion 92 corresponding to the ventral outer deformation guiding portion 91 (deformation guiding portion 90 that overlaps at least a portion with region A41) is formed so as to overlap with region A31. Also, the inner deformation guiding portion 92 corresponding to the dorsal outer deformation guiding portion 91 (deformation guiding portion 90 that overlaps at least a portion with region A44) is formed so as to overlap with region A33. In other words, multiple deformation-guiding portions 90 (outer deformation-guiding portions 91 and inner deformation-guiding portions 92) are formed in multiple stages on the dorsal or ventral side (in this embodiment, both the dorsal and ventral sides). With this configuration, when worn, it is possible to create stepped folds in the absorbent core 41 along the outer deformation-guiding portions 91 and inner deformation-guiding portions 92 on the ventral or dorsal side of the wearer. As a result, the effects of securing sufficient space between the wearer's body and the absorbent pad 10, and improving the fit between the wearer and the absorbent pad 10, can be suitably enhanced.

[0080] As shown in Figure 5, in the absorbent pad 10, the inner deformation guiding portion 92 is formed such that, when the portion between the pair of fixing portions 70 in the absorbent core 41 is divided into four equal parts along the longitudinal direction X, it overlaps at least a portion with the outermost region A1 or A4 in the longitudinal direction X. In this embodiment, the inner deformation guiding portion 92 corresponding to the ventral outer deformation guiding portion 91 (deformation guiding portion 90 overlapping with region A1) is formed to overlap with region A1. Also, the inner deformation guiding portion 92 corresponding to the dorsal outer deformation guiding portion 91 (deformation guiding portion 90 overlapping with region A4) is formed to overlap with region A4. With the above configuration, by positioning the inner deformation guiding portion 92 relatively far outward in the longitudinal direction X so as to overlap with the outermost region (region A1 or A4) when the portion is divided into four equal parts in the same way as the outer deformation guiding portion 91, the effects achieved by the outer deformation guiding portion 91 and the inner deformation guiding portion 92 described above can be further enhanced.

[0081] As shown in Figure 3, each of the outer deformation guide portion 91 and the inner deformation guide portion 92 extends inclined outward in the width direction Y as it moves toward the center (center line CL2) of the absorbent core 41 along the longitudinal direction X. With the above configuration, it is possible to obtain the effects of both the effect achieved by forming the outer deformation guide portion 91 in a V-shape that widens toward the center line CL2 along the longitudinal direction X, and the effect achieved by forming the deformation guide portion 90 (outer deformation guide portion 91 and inner deformation guide portion 92) in multiple stages.

[0082] As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the first angle θ1 formed by the portion of the outer deformation guide portion 91 located on one side in the width direction Y with respect to the center line CL1 and the portion of the outer deformation guide portion 91 located on the other side in the width direction Y with respect to the center line CL1 is greater than the second angle θ2 formed by the portion of the inner deformation guide portion 92 located on one side in the width direction Y with respect to the center line CL1 and the portion of the inner deformation guide portion 92 located on the other side in the width direction Y with respect to the center line CL1. In other words, in the above configuration, two deformation guide portions 90 (outer deformation guide portion 91 and inner deformation guide portion 92) are provided, formed such that the angle widens in stages toward the outside in the longitudinal direction X from the center (center line CL2) of the absorbent core 41. This makes it possible to generate deformation of the absorbent core 41 along the two deformation guide portions 90 (i.e., bending deformation in which the angle widens in stages toward the outside in the longitudinal direction X) more stably. As a result, the effects achieved by the outer deformation guide portion 91 and inner deformation guide portion 92 described above can be further enhanced.

[0083] As shown in Figure 3, a pair of notches are provided on both side edges of the absorbent core 41 in the width direction Y, so as to be partially recessed inward in the width direction Y. In this embodiment, a pair of notches Fa is provided on the ventral side, and a pair of notches Ra is provided on the dorsal side. As shown in Figure 7, the outermost end 90a of each deformation guidance portion 90, located in the width direction Y, is positioned so as not to overlap with the pair of notches Fa and Ra in the width direction Y (i.e., the range R1 in the longitudinal direction X where the notches Fa and Ra are formed). With the above configuration, the force generated inward in the width direction Y, starting from the notches Fa and Ra due to the movement of the wearer's legs, is less likely to be transmitted to the outer end 90a, which is the starting position of the deformation of the absorbent core 41 along the deformation guidance portion 90. This makes it possible to suppress the instability of the bending motion of the absorbent core 41 starting from the outer end 90a of the deformation guidance portion 90, thereby preventing distortion of the absorbent core 41. This allows the absorbent core 41 to be stably bent and deform along the deformation-guiding portion 90. As a result, the effects of the deformation-guiding portion 90 described above can be suitably obtained.

[0084] As an example, in this embodiment, the distance along the longitudinal direction X between the range R1 and the outer end 90a of the outer deformation guide portion 91 is set to 3 mm or more. Also, the distance along the longitudinal direction X between the range R1 and the outer end 90a of the inner deformation guide portion 92 is set to 4 mm or more.

[0085] As shown in Figure 7, the entire outer deformation guide portion 91 (deformation guide portion 90) is arranged so as not to overlap with the pair of notches Fa and Ra in the width direction Y. That is, in this embodiment, the outermost outer deformation guide portion 91, which is provided among the plurality of deformation guide portions 90, does not overlap at all with the area in which the notches Fa and Ra are formed in the longitudinal direction X. With the above configuration, the above-mentioned effects can be obtained even more favorably. That is, the transmission of forces generated on the inside in the width direction Y, starting from the notches Fa and Ra, to the outer deformation guide portion 91 can be suppressed more favorably.

[0086] As shown in Figure 7, the inner end 90b of the inner deformation guide portion 92 (deformation guide portion 90), which is located furthest inward in the width direction Y, is positioned to overlap with a pair of notches Fa and Ra in the width direction Y. That is, in this embodiment, the portion of the inner deformation guide portion 92 that includes the inner end 90b but does not include the outer end 90a overlaps with the area in the longitudinal direction X where the notches Fa and Ra are formed. Near the inner end 90b of the deformation guide portion 90, it may be effective to transmit a force from the outside in the width direction Y (i.e., a force that triggers the bending motion) in order to appropriately induce the bending motion of the absorbent core 41 along the deformation guide portion 90. Therefore, with the above configuration, by appropriately transmitting the force generated inward in the width direction Y, starting from the notches Fa and Ra due to the movement of the wearer's legs, to the vicinity of the inner end 90b of the deformation guide portion 90 (in this embodiment, the inner deformation guide portion 92), the absorbent core 41 can be stably bent and deformed along the deformation guide portion 90.

[0087] The positional relationship between the notches Fa and Ra and the deformation guide portion 90 described above may be configured to be valid for all deformation guide portions 90, or it may be configured to be valid for only one of the outer deformation guide portion 91 and the inner deformation guide portion 92. For example, in this embodiment, the outer deformation guide portion 91 is positioned so as not to completely overlap the notch, but the inner end portion 90b of the outer deformation guide portion 91 may be positioned so as to overlap the notch. Also, the inner deformation guide portion 92 may be positioned so as not to completely overlap the notch.

[0088] As shown in Figure 3, in the absorbent pad 10, the absorbent core 41 has a pair of slits 81 and a pair of folding guide portions 82. With this configuration, when worn, the area sandwiched between the pair of slits 81 and the pair of folding guide portions 82 can be deformed to become convex toward the skin. This makes it easier to bring the crotch portion of the absorbent core 41 closer to the wearer's excretory opening, allowing for faster absorption of excrement and reducing discomfort caused by excrement. On the other hand, if the effect of such deformation of the absorbent core 41 in the crotch area were to be directly transmitted to the outside (ventral or dorsal side) in the longitudinal direction X, the absorbent core 41 would not conform to the wearer's body on the ventral or dorsal side, potentially impairing the fit of the absorbent pad. In the absorbent pad 10, along with the pair of slits 81 and the pair of folding guide portions 82, the above-mentioned deformation guide portion 90 is provided at a position further outward in the longitudinal direction X than these. This makes it possible to obtain the effect of deformation of the absorbent core 41 in the crotch area by the pair of slits 81 and the pair of folding guide portions 82, while the deformation guide portion 90 provides the wearer with a comfortable fit on the ventral or dorsal side.

[0089] As shown in Figure 7, in the absorbent pad 10, the area in the width direction Y where the deformation guide portion 90 is provided is included in the area between the ends of the pair of fixing portions 70 in the width direction Y (i.e., the area R2 in the width direction Y where the pair of fixing portions 70 are provided). If the bending deformation of the absorbent pad 10 along the aforementioned deformation guide portion 90 extends too far towards the end of the absorbent core 41 in the width direction Y, the adhesion between the absorbent pad 10 and the diaper 1 may be impaired at the end of the absorbent core 41 in the width direction Y, or the fit of the absorbent pad 10 to the wearer's body may be impaired. With the above configuration, by limiting the area in which bending deformation along the deformation guide portion 90 occurs to a certain area of ​​the absorbent core 41 in the width direction Y (the area R2 between the ends of the pair of fixing portions 70), the above-mentioned problems can be avoided.

[0090] As shown in Figure 5, the absorbent pad 10 is provided with a compressed portion 100 formed by compressing a part of the absorbent core 41 in the thickness direction Z in the outer region Rout, which is outside the pair of slits 81 in the width direction Y. The area ratio of the compressed portion 100 in the outer region Rout is larger than the area ratio of the compressed portion 100 in the inner region Rin. With this configuration, the rigidity of the outer region Rout, which is outside the pair of slits 81 in the width direction Y, can be effectively increased by the compressed portion 100. This allows the force from the outside to the inside in the width direction Y that is generated on the absorbent core 41 due to the wearer's leg movements to be effectively transmitted to the outer region Rout of the absorbent core 41. Furthermore, even when worn for a long time or when the diaper 1 is raised and lowered multiple times (for example, raised and lowered for checking), the rigidity of the outer region Rout can be suitably maintained, and the distortion of the outer region Rout can be suppressed. As a result, the absorbent core 41 can be stably deformed along the pair of slits 81 such that the inner region Rin sandwiched between the pair of slits 81 becomes convex toward the skin side. This enhances the effect of the pair of slits 81 described above, and thus provides the wearer with a comfortable fit.

[0091] As shown in Figure 7, the rigid portion 102 provided in the outer region (Rout) is positioned so as not to overlap with the deformation-guiding portion 90 and the extension line along the direction in which the deformation-guiding portion 90 extends. In this embodiment, the above configuration is realized by positioning all the rigid portions 102 inward in the longitudinal direction X from the extension line Le along the direction in which the inner deformation-guiding portion 92 extends. With this configuration, by not providing the rigid portion 102 on the deformation-guiding portion 90 and its extension line, it is possible to avoid the rigid portion 102 hindering the bending deformation of the absorbent core 41 by the deformation-guiding portion 90. As a result, it is possible to achieve both the above-mentioned effects of the deformation-guiding portion 90 and the above-mentioned effects of the rigid portion 102 (compression portion 100), and provide the wearer with a more comfortable fit of the absorbent pad 10.

[0092] As shown in Figure 6, in the absorbent pad 10, the compression portion 100 includes a width-rigid portion 103 in the outer region (Rout) where the compressed portion extends in the width direction Y. With this configuration, the force from the outside to the inside in the width direction Y of the absorbent pad 10 due to the wearer's leg movement can be easily transmitted to the pair of slits 81 via the width-rigid portion 103. As a result, the absorbent core 41 can be stably deformed along the pair of slits 81 so that the region sandwiched between the pair of slits 81 becomes convex toward the skin side.

[0093] As shown in Figure 6, in the absorbent pad 10, the length L in the width direction Y of the rigid portion 102 is at least 1 / 3 of the minimum width W of the outer region Route. In this embodiment, the length in the width direction Y of the outer region Route (i.e., the length from the outer edge of the slit 81 in the width direction Y to the outer edge of the absorbent core 41 in the width direction Y) is minimized on the center line CL2. If the length L of the rigid portion 102 is insufficient, the component of the force transmitted to the outer region Route due to the wearer's leg movement (force directed inward in the width direction Y) that is dispersed in the longitudinal direction X becomes larger, making it difficult to stably generate bending deformation along the pair of slits 81. In contrast, with the above configuration, by setting the length L of the rigid portion 102 to a sufficient length relative to the width of the outer region Route (minimum width W), the dispersion of force in the longitudinal direction X is suppressed, and bending deformation along the pair of slits 81 can be stably generated. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of enhancing the above effect, the length L of the rigid portion 102 is preferably 1 / 2 or more of the minimum width W of the outer region Rout, and more preferably 3 / 4 or more.

[0094] As shown in Figure 6, in the absorbent pad 10, at least one rigid part 102 is provided at a position opposite to the outermost end of the pair of slits 81 in the width direction Y of the outer region Route (the part that bulges outward the most in the width direction Y) and in the width direction Y (in this embodiment, on the center line CL2). In this embodiment, one rigid part 102 is provided on the center line CL2. With the above configuration, by providing a rigid part 102 to facilitate the transmission of such force to the pair of slits 81 at the position where the length in the width direction Y from the outer end of the width direction Y of the outer region Route to the pair of slits 81 is shortest, that is, at the position where the inward force in the width direction Y caused by the wearer's leg movement is most easily transmitted, the effect of the rigid part 102 can be more effectively demonstrated.

[0095] As shown in Figure 6, in the absorbent pad 10, the rigid portion 102 includes a longitudinal rigid portion 104. With this configuration, by providing a rigid portion 102 in which a longitudinal rigid portion 104 and a width rigid portion 103 extending in directions intersecting each other are integrally formed, the shape stability of the rigid portion 102 can be enhanced. As a result, the effects of the rigid portion 102 described above can be more effectively exhibited.

[0096] As shown in Figure 6, the rigid portion 102 has a longitudinal rigid portion 104a connected to the inner end of the width rigid portion 103 in the width direction Y. With this configuration, the longitudinal rigid portion 104a can increase the area (width in the longitudinal direction X) over which force is transmitted from the rigid portion 102 to the pair of slits 81, compared to the case where only the width rigid portion 103 is provided. This makes the transmission of force through the rigid portion 102 more efficient, and allows for more stable bending deformation of the absorbent core 41 along the pair of slits 81.

[0097] As shown in Figure 6, the rigid portion 102 has a longitudinal rigid portion 104b connected to the outer end of the width rigid portion 103 in the width direction Y. With this configuration, the longitudinal rigid portion 104b increases the area (width in the longitudinal direction X) of the rigid portion 102 to which forces caused by the wearer's leg movements are transmitted, compared to the case where only the width rigid portion 103 is provided. This makes the transmission of forces through the rigid portion 102 more efficient, and allows for more stable bending deformation of the absorbent core 41 along the pair of slits 81.

[0098] As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the rigid portion 102 has both a longitudinal rigid portion 104a and a longitudinal rigid portion 104b. This makes it possible to obtain the effects of both the longitudinal rigid portion 104a and the longitudinal rigid portion 104b described above.

[0099] As shown in Figure 6, in the outer region (Rout), the compression section 100 is provided with a plurality (five in this embodiment) of rigid sections 102 that are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction X. With this configuration, the area (width in the longitudinal direction X) of the rigid section 102 for transmitting the force caused by the wearer's leg movement to the inner portion of the absorbent core 41 (the side with the pair of slits 81) can be increased compared to the case where a single rigid section 102 is provided. This makes the transmission of force through the rigid section 102 more efficient, and allows for more stable bending deformation of the absorbent core 41 along the pair of slits 81.

[0100] Furthermore, the multiple rigid parts 102 include a plurality of rigid parts 102 (three in this embodiment) arranged on the inside (first position) in the width direction Y, spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction X, and a plurality of rigid parts 102 (two in this embodiment) arranged on the outside (second position) in the width direction Y, spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction X. The plurality of rigid parts 102 (three) arranged on the inside and the plurality of rigid parts 102 (two) arranged on the outside are arranged alternately along the longitudinal direction X. With the above configuration, the combination of the plurality of rigid parts 102 arranged on the inside and the plurality of rigid parts 102 arranged on the outside effectively increases the area of ​​the rigid parts 102 (width in the longitudinal direction X) for transmitting forces caused by the movement of the wearer's legs to the inner portion of the absorbent core 41 (the pair of slits 81 side), compared to the case where a single rigid part 102 is provided. As a result, force transmission via the rigid parts 102 can be made more efficient, and the bending deformation of the absorbent core 41 along the pair of slits 81 can be made more stable.

[0101] As shown in Figure 7, at least a portion of the multiple rigid parts 102 (in this embodiment, the portion including the longitudinal rigid part 104a of each of the three rigid parts 102 arranged on the inside) is provided within the region where a pair of fixing parts 70 exist in the width direction Y (i.e., the range R2 in the width direction Y where a pair of fixing parts 70 are provided). With the above configuration, the absorbent pad 10 is fixed to the diaper 1 by the pair of fixing parts 70, thereby suppressing deformation in the longitudinal direction X and width direction Y of the portion of the rigid part 102 located between the pair of fixing parts 70. This makes the transmission of force through the rigid parts 102 more efficient, and allows for more stable bending deformation of the absorbent core 41 along the pair of slits 81.

[0102] As shown in Figure 7, at least a portion of the multiple rigid parts 102 (in this embodiment, all 10 rigid parts 102) are provided within the expansion / contraction region R3 in which the leg-around telescopic member 60 can expand and contract in the longitudinal direction X. With the above configuration, by including at least a portion of the rigid parts 102 in the range in which the contraction force in the longitudinal direction X by the leg-around telescopic member 60 acts (i.e., the range in which the leg gathers are formed), the portion of the absorbent core 41 including at least a portion of the rigid parts 102 contracts and gathers in the longitudinal direction X, thereby forming a highly rigid uneven structure. Through this highly rigid uneven structure, the force transmitted in the width direction Y to the inside of the absorbent core 41 can be suitably transmitted to the pair of slits 81. As a result, the bending deformation of the absorbent core 41 along the pair of slits 81 can be generated more stably.

[0103] [Variations] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. The materials and shapes of each component are not limited to those described above, but can be made from a variety of materials and shapes.

[0104] (First Modified Example) Figure 8 shows an absorbent core 41A according to the first modified example. The absorbent core 41A differs from the absorbent core 41 according to the embodiment in that it has an internal deformation guide portion 92A instead of an internal deformation guide portion 92, but the other configurations are the same as those of the absorbent core 41.

[0105] In the absorbent core 41A, the outer deformation guide portion 91 extends inclined outward in the width direction Y as it approaches the center of the absorbent core 41 along the longitudinal direction X, while the inner deformation guide portion 92A extends inclined inward in the width direction Y as it approaches the center of the absorbent core 41 along the longitudinal direction X.

[0106] According to the above configuration, the deformation guidance of the absorbent core 41 along the outer deformation guidance portion 91 and the inner deformation guidance portion 92A makes it possible to obtain the following effects. For example, when the absorbent core 41 is folded along the outer deformation guidance portion 91 and the inner deformation guidance portion 92A such that the portion of the absorbent core 41 between the outer deformation guidance portion 91 and the inner deformation guidance portion 92A becomes convex toward the skin side (inward), that portion can be made to adhere well to the wearer's skin. This improves the fit. On the other hand, when the absorbent core 41 is folded along the outer deformation guidance portion 91 and the inner deformation guidance portion 92A such that the portion of the absorbent core 41 between the outer deformation guidance portion 91 and the inner deformation guidance portion 92A becomes convex toward the non-skin side (outward), a sufficient space can be suitably secured between the outer deformation guidance portion 91 and the inner deformation guidance portion 92A. This suppresses the occurrence of stuffiness and rash caused by excessive contact between the wearer's skin and excrement.

[0107] (Second Modification) Figure 9 shows an absorbent core 41B according to the second modification. The absorbent core 41B differs from the absorbent core 41 according to the embodiment in that it has an outer deformation guide portion 91B instead of an outer deformation guide portion 91, but the other configurations are the same as those of the absorbent core 41.

[0108] In the absorbent core 41 described above, the outer deformation guide portion 91 was inclined to move outward in the width direction Y as it moved toward the center (center line CL2) of the absorbent core 41 along the longitudinal direction X. In contrast, in the absorbent core 41B, the outer deformation guide portion 91B is provided to extend inclined toward the inward in the width direction Y as it moves toward the center (center line CL2) of the absorbent core 41 along the longitudinal direction X. With the above configuration, when the absorbent core 41 deforms along the outer deformation guide portion 91B, it is possible to secure a width in the width direction Y of the portion of the absorbent core 41 located outside the outer deformation guide portion 91B (outside the longitudinal direction X beyond the outer deformation guide portion 91B). That is, it is possible to suppress the bending and narrowing of that portion along the center line CL1. As a result, it is possible to suitably secure a space between the absorbent core 41 and the wearer's body outside the longitudinal direction X beyond the outer deformation guide portion 91B, and to realize a smooth deformation of the absorbent core 41 that conforms to the shape of the wearer's body.

[0109] Furthermore, in the absorbent core 41B, the outer deformation guide portion 91B extends inclined inward in the width direction Y as it approaches the center of the absorbent core 41 along the longitudinal direction X, while the inner deformation guide portion 92 extends inclined outward in the width direction Y as it approaches the center of the absorbent core 41 along the longitudinal direction X.

[0110] With the above configuration, the inner deformation guiding portion 92 can provide the same effects as those achieved by the outer deformation guiding portion 91 of the above embodiment (absorbent pad 10), and the outer deformation guiding portion 91B can provide the effects described above.

[0111] Some of the components in the above embodiment may be changed or deleted, and other components may be added to the above embodiment as appropriate. For example, the notches Fa and Ra of the absorbent core 41 may be located in different places than in the above embodiment, or may have different shapes than in the above embodiment. Also, in the above embodiment, one notch Fa and Ra is provided on one side in the width direction Y, but multiple notches Fa and Ra may be provided on one side in the width direction Y.

[0112] In the above embodiment, the pair of folding guide portions 82 may be omitted and only the pair of slits 81 may be provided. Even in this case, the folding deformation of the absorbent core 41 along the pair of slits 81 can be guided. Furthermore, the pair of slits 81 and the pair of folding guide portions 82 may not be provided.

[0113] In the above embodiment, the compression section 100 may be omitted. Also, in the above embodiment, the grid-shaped compression section 101 is provided over the entire absorbent core 41, but there may be regions where the grid-shaped compression section 101 is not provided (for example, the inner region Rin between the pair of slits 81). Also, in the above embodiment, the rigid section 102 is provided only in the outer region Rout, but the rigid section 102 may also be provided in regions other than the outer region Rout (for example, the inner region Rin). Even if a part of the rigid section 102 is provided in the inner region Rin, by making the area ratio of the compression section 100 in the outer region Rout larger than the area ratio of the compression section 100 in the inner region Rin, the rigidity of the outer region Rout can be increased relative to the inner region Rin, and the effects of the compression section 100 (especially the rigid section 102) described above can be obtained.

[0114] In the above embodiment, the deformation guiding portion 90 may be omitted. Alternatively, only one of the outer deformation guiding portion 91 and the inner deformation guiding portion 92 may be omitted. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the deformation guiding portion 90 is provided on both sides (ventral and dorsal sides) in the longitudinal direction X, but the deformation guiding portion 90 may be provided on only one side in the longitudinal direction X. In this case, by attaching the absorbent pad 10 to the diaper 1 so that the side with the deformation guiding portion 90 is on the front (ventral side) of the wearer, an improvement in the fit on the wearer's ventral side can be obtained. Conversely, by attaching the absorbent pad 10 to the diaper 1 so that the side with the deformation guiding portion 90 is on the back (dorsal side) of the wearer, an improvement in the fit on the wearer's dorsal side can be obtained.

[0115] In the above embodiment, both the outer deformation guide portion 91 and the inner deformation guide portion 92 may be provided so as to be inclined and extending inward in the width direction Y as they move toward the center of the absorbent core 41 along the longitudinal direction X, similar to the outer deformation guide portion 91B described above. Furthermore, the variations of the deformation guide portions 90 arranged on the ventral side (front side portion 10F) and the dorsal side (rear side portion 10R) of the absorbent core 41 may differ. For example, the front side portion 10F may be provided with the same outer deformation guide portion 91 and inner deformation guide portion 92 as in the above embodiment (absorbent pad 10), while the rear side portion 10R may be provided with the same outer deformation guide portion 91 and inner deformation guide portion 92A as in the first modified example (absorbent core 41A). In other words, the absorbent core 41 may be configured asymmetrically with respect to the center line CL2.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the pair of fixing parts 70 may be omitted. Alternatively, only one of the pair of fixing parts 70 (the ventral or dorsal fixing part 70) may be provided, and the other fixing part 70 may be omitted. In the above case, the outer deformation guide part 91 can be defined by the second definition.

[0117] 1... Diaper (pants-type disposable diaper), 10... Absorbent pad, 20... Surface sheet, 30... Back sheet, 41, 41A, 41B... Absorbent core, 81... Slit, 82... Folding guide section, 90... Deformation guide section, 90a... Outer end, 90b... Inner end, 91, 91B... Outer deformation guide section, 92, 92A... Inner deformation guide section, 100... Compression section, 102... Rigid section, 103... Width rigid section, 104... Longitudinal rigid section.

Claims

1. An absorbent pad used by being attached to the inside of a disposable diaper of the pull-up type, having longitudinal, widthwise, and thicknesswise directions that intersect with each other, comprising: a liquid-permeable surface sheet that faces the wearer's skin when the absorbent pad is worn by the wearer together with the disposable diaper of the pull-up type; a back sheet that faces the disposable diaper of the pull-up type when worn; an absorbent core disposed between the surface sheet and the back sheet for absorbing the wearer's excrement; the absorbent core comprising: a pair of slits that are provided so as to overlap with the central region when the absorbent core is divided into three equal parts in the longitudinal direction, and that extend in the longitudinal direction on both sides in the widthwise direction; and a compressed portion provided in at least the outer region outside the pair of slits in the widthwise direction, formed by compressing a part of the absorbent core in the thicknesswise direction, wherein the area ratio of the compressed portion in the outer region is greater than the area ratio of the compressed portion in the inner region inside the pair of slits in the widthwise direction.

2. The absorbent pad according to claim 1, wherein the compressed portion has a rigid portion in the outer region that includes a width rigid portion extending in the width direction such that the compressed portion is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees or more with respect to the longitudinal direction.

3. The length of the rigid portion in the width direction is 1 / 3 or more of the minimum width of the outer region, as described in claim 2.

4. The absorbent pad according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the rigid portions is provided in the outer region at a position opposite to the outermost end of the pair of slits in the width direction.

5. The absorbent pad according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the rigid portion includes a longitudinal rigid portion that is connected to the width rigid portion and extends in the longitudinal direction such that the compressed portion is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees or more with respect to the width direction.

6. The absorbent pad according to claim 5, wherein the rigid portion has a longitudinal rigid portion connected to the inner end of the width rigid portion in the width direction.

7. The absorbent pad according to claim 5, wherein the rigid portion has a longitudinal rigid portion connected to the outer end of the width rigid portion in the width direction.

8. The absorbent pad according to claim 5, wherein the rigid portion comprises one longitudinal rigid portion connected to the inner end of the width rigid portion in the width direction, and another longitudinal rigid portion connected to the outer end of the width rigid portion in the width direction.

9. The absorbent pad according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of the rigid parts are provided in the outer region, spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction.

10. The absorbent pad according to claim 9, wherein the outer region is provided with a plurality of rigid parts arranged apart from each other in the longitudinal direction at a first position in the width direction, and a plurality of rigid parts arranged apart from each other in the longitudinal direction at a second position in the width direction, and the plurality of rigid parts arranged at the first position and the plurality of rigid parts arranged at the second position are arranged alternately along the longitudinal direction.

11. The absorbent pad according to claim 1, wherein the back surface of the back sheet opposite to the absorbent core side further comprises a pair of fixing parts arranged on both sides in the longitudinal direction for fixing the absorbent pad to the pant-type disposable diaper, the compression part having a rigid part in the outer region including a width rigid part that extends in the width direction such that the compressed portion is inclined at 45 degrees or more with respect to the longitudinal direction, and at least a part of the rigid part is provided in the region in the width direction where the pair of fixing parts exist.

12. The absorbent pad according to claim 1, further comprising leg-circumference expandable members that contract in the longitudinal direction on both sides of the absorbent pad in the width direction, wherein the compression portion has a rigid portion including a width-rigid portion that extends in the width direction such that the compressed portion is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees or more with respect to the longitudinal direction, and at least a part of the rigid portion is provided within an expandable region in the longitudinal direction from which the leg-circumference expandable member can expand and contract.

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