Absorbent article and method for manufacturing said absorbent article
The absorbent article addresses the challenge of maintaining functional agent efficacy and absorption performance by using embossed portions with higher fiber density and agent basis weight in the central width direction, guiding fluids efficiently and minimizing agent loss.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- UNI CHARM CORP
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
Smart Images
Figure JP2026000461_23072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Absorbent article and method for manufacturing the absorbent article
[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article and a method for manufacturing the absorbent article.
[0002] Absorbent articles such as incontinence pads and sanitary napkins are used to absorb and hold body fluids such as urine and menstrual blood discharged from the wearer. In such absorbent articles, functional agents such as cooling agents and fragrances are known, which are provided on the skin side of the absorber and exert their functions by coming into contact with the body fluids excreted by the wearer.
[0003] As a method of providing a functional agent in an absorbent article, a method is known in which a second sheet is provided between the absorber and the top sheet, and a layer of the functional agent is provided between the top sheet and the second sheet. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article having a squeezing portion in which a cooling agent is disposed on at least one of the non-skin surface side of the top sheet and the skin surface side of the second sheet, and the top sheet is squeezed in the non-skin direction, and a non-squeezing portion surrounded by the squeezing portion. According to Patent Document 1, the absorbent article can suppress the rapid volatilization of the cooling agent compared to an absorbent article in which the cooling agent is disposed only on the skin surface side of the top sheet, and since the timing at which the cooling agent reaches the wearer's skin is different between the squeezing portion and the non-squeezing portion, it is said that it is easy to make the wearer feel the cooling effect continuously.
[0004] Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an absorbent article having an intermediate sheet between the surface sheet and the absorber, a volatile substance such as a cooling agent or a fragrance being applied between the surface sheet and the intermediate sheet, and being squeezed from the skin side from the surface sheet toward a second absorber located on the non-skin side of the intermediate sheet. The absorbent article of Patent Document 2 can suppress the sagging of the absorbent core due to the recess formed by squeezing, and enhance the diffusibility of the drainage. Further, since the recess is likely to be filled with the volatile substance and it is difficult for moist air to flow in, the absorption performance of the absorbent article is ensured.
[0005] Thai Utility Model Publication No. 17251 International Publication No. 2024 / 038793
[0006] However, although Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose that a functional agent (for example, a cooling agent, a fragrance) is disposed between the topsheet and the second sheet, they do not disclose the area ratio of the functional agent. Furthermore, since the absorbent article of Patent Document 1 and the absorbent article of Patent Document 2 are compressed in the non-skin side in the thickness direction of the topsheet, that is, in the direction where the absorber is located, the fiber density of the compressed portion is higher than that of other portions. Therefore, the body fluid excreted onto the topsheet is drawn from the portion where the fiber density of the topsheet is low to the portion where the fiber density is high, and thus accumulates in the compressed portion, contacts the functional agent, and together with the contacted functional agent, transfers to the absorber. Thereby, while the absorption performance is ensured by the compression, the amount of the functional agent contacting the wearer, particularly the amount of the functional agent in the compressed portion, decreases, so there is a risk that the functional agent cannot exert its function for a long time.
[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article capable of achieving both long-term maintenance of the effects exerted by a functional agent and ensuring absorption performance with respect to body fluids, and a method for manufacturing the absorbent article.
[0008] One aspect of the present invention is an absorbent article having a thickness direction, a longitudinal direction, and a width direction, including a topsheet that contacts the skin and a second sheet disposed on the non-skin side of the topsheet, and a functional agent disposed between the topsheet and the second sheet in the thickness direction. The absorbent article has an embossed portion in which the topsheet is recessed toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction, and a non-embossed portion in which the topsheet is not recessed and the functional agent is disposed. In the width direction, the absorbent article includes a central portion in the width direction and two end portions in the width direction adjacent to both ends of the central portion in the width direction. The area ratio of the embossed portion in the central portion in the width direction is higher than the area ratio of the embossed portion in the end portion in the width direction, and the basis weight of the functional agent in the central portion in the width direction is higher than the basis weight of the functional agent in the end portion in the width direction.
[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an absorbent article capable of achieving both long-term maintenance of the effects exerted by a functional agent and ensuring absorption performance with respect to body fluids, and a method for manufacturing the absorbent article.
[0010] Figure 1 is a plan view of an incontinence pad 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the incontinence pad 1 in Figure 1 along the line II-II. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the incontinence pad in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a plan view of a portion of the incontinence pad in Figure 1.
[0011] This embodiment relates to the following aspects. [Aspect 1] An absorbent article having a thickness direction, a longitudinal direction and a width direction, comprising a top sheet that is in contact with the skin and a second sheet disposed on the non-skin side of the top sheet, and a functional agent disposed between the top sheet and the second sheet in the thickness direction, wherein in the thickness direction, the top sheet has an embossed portion that is recessed toward the non-skin side and a non-embossed portion where the top sheet is not recessed and the functional agent is disposed therein, wherein in the width direction, the article comprises a width-direction center and two width-direction ends adjacent to both ends of the width-direction center, the area ratio of the embossed portion in the width-direction center is higher than the area ratio of the embossed portion in the width-direction ends, and the basis weight of the functional agent in the width-direction center is higher than the basis weight of the functional agent in the width-direction ends.
[0012] In the absorbent material described above, the constituent fibers of the top sheet are densely packed in the embossed area, resulting in shorter inter-fiber distances between the constituent fibers of the top sheet than between the constituent fibers of the non-embossed area. Therefore, bodily fluids excreted in the non-embossed area are easily drawn into the embossed area by capillary action. In the embossed area, the distance in the thickness direction from the skin-facing surface of the top sheet to the skin-facing surface of the second sheet is short, making it easier for bodily fluids excreted by the wearer to move from the skin-facing surface of the top sheet inward in the thickness direction. In the embossed area, the area ratio of the center in the width direction is higher than that of the edges in the width direction, so the absorption performance for bodily fluids is better in the center in the width direction than at the edges. Therefore, absorption performance for bodily fluids excreted in the center in the width direction can be ensured to a general extent.
[0013] The above-mentioned functional agent is placed between the top sheet and the second sheet to suppress its outflow. Furthermore, because the basis weight of the functional agent in the center of the width direction is higher than that of the functional agent at the edges of the width direction, more of the functional agent is placed in positions that are more likely to come into contact with bodily fluids than if the basis weight in the center of the width direction were the same as that at the edges of the width direction. For these reasons, even if some of the functional agent is washed away with bodily fluids, the function exerted by the functional agent can be maintained for a long time.
[0014] Therefore, the above-mentioned absorbent article can achieve both the long-term maintenance of the effect exerted by the functional agent and the assurance of absorption performance into body fluids.
[0015] [Aspect 2] The absorbent article according to aspect 1, wherein in the central part in the width direction, the area ratio of the non-embossed portion is greater than the area ratio of the embossed portion.
[0016] In the absorbent material described above, the area ratio of the non-embossed portion, which is less susceptible to fluid transfer to the lower layer due to capillary action, is higher in the central part in the width direction than the area ratio of the embossed portion, which is more susceptible to fluid transfer to the lower layer due to capillary action. As a result, the amount of functional agent that flows to the lower layer along with the body fluid can be reduced. Therefore, the effect exerted by the functional agent can be maintained for a long period of time.
[0017] [Aspect 3] The absorbent article according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the embossed portion has a fused portion where the top sheet and the second sheet are fused together.
[0018] In the absorbent material described above, since the top sheet and the second sheet are fused together, the constituent fibers of the top sheet and the constituent fibers of the second sheet are adjacent to each other, allowing bodily fluids in contact with the top sheet to quickly transfer to the second sheet. Therefore, bodily fluids can be guided more quickly to the lower layer of the second sheet. Furthermore, because the guidance of bodily fluids to the lower layer of the second sheet is rapid, the amount of functional agent in contact with the bodily fluids is reduced, thus suppressing the leakage of the functional agent. As a result, the function of the functional agent can be maintained for an even longer period of time.
[0019] [Aspect 4] The absorbent article according to aspect 3, wherein the skin-side surface of the fused portion is fixed at a position equal to or lower in the thickness direction relative to the skin-side surface of the second sheet in the non-embossed portion.
[0020] In the absorbent article described above, the skin-facing surface of the fused portion where the top sheet and second sheet are joined is located at the same or lower position in the thickness direction as the skin-facing surface of the second sheet in the non-embossed portion. As a result, bodily fluids that have entered the fused portion are prevented from flowing towards the functional agent located at a higher position in the thickness direction relative to the skin-facing surface of the second sheet in the non-embossed portion, and are more easily transferred to the lower layers. Furthermore, since the fused portion of the embossed portion and the functional agent of the non-embossed portion are positioned so as not to be adjacent to each other, contact between bodily fluids drawn into the fused portion of the embossed portion and the functional agent of the non-embossed portion is minimized, thus allowing the functional agent to maintain its function for a longer period of time.
[0021] [Aspect 5] The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the top sheet has a plurality of high-density portions extending in the longitudinal direction and arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction, and a plurality of low-density portions extending in the longitudinal direction and arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction, each of the plurality of high-density portions having a higher fiber density than each of the plurality of low-density portions, the high-density portions and the low-density portions are arranged alternately in the width direction of the top sheet, and the embossed portions are formed at least in the high-density portions.
[0022] In the absorbent article described above, since the embossed portion is formed at least in the high-density portion, the fiber density of the embossed portion becomes higher, making it easier to draw in bodily fluids and thus improving absorption performance. The easier it is to draw in bodily fluids, the more pathways can be secured, which suppresses the outflow of functional agents from outside the pathways and allows the functional agent to maintain its function for a longer period of time. Therefore, it is possible to further achieve both the long-term maintenance of the functional agent's function and the assurance of absorption function.
[0023] [Aspect 6] The absorbent article according to aspect 5, wherein the embossed portion has a first embossed portion in which the high-density portion is recessed and a second embossed portion in which the low-density portion is recessed.
[0024] Since the absorbent article has a first embossed section with a relatively high fiber density and a second embossed section with a relatively low fiber density, it can secure at least two types of dispersed flow channels, thus ensuring more efficient absorption performance. In addition, because the low-density sections are recessed in addition to the high-density sections of the top sheet, the gap between the article and the wearer's skin is increased, allowing the wearer to feel even cooler by suppressing stuffiness.
[0025] [Aspect 7] The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the thickness of the top sheet is 0.6 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, the thickness of the second sheet is 0.3 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, and the thickness of the top sheet is greater than the thickness of the second sheet.
[0026] Because the top sheet of the above absorbent material is not too thick, it is easy to emboss, and the embossed area is located deeper on the non-skin side, allowing excreted bodily fluids to concentrate more easily and ensuring more efficient absorption. Also, because the second sheet is not too thick, it is easy to transfer bodily fluids to the non-skin side, ensuring more efficient absorption by suppressing the leakage of functional agents while absorbing bodily fluids. Furthermore, because both sheets are not too thin, they can withstand the pressure during embossing, and the nonwoven fabrics that make up both sheets can be embossed without tearing.
[0027] [Aspect 8] The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the embossed portion has a slope that narrows from the skin side to the non-skin side in the thickness direction.
[0028] Because the absorbent material described above has a mortar-like shape with the embossed portion narrowing towards the non-skin direction, the flow velocity of bodily fluids flowing through the top sheet is faster in the sloped area than in other areas, ensuring more efficient absorption performance.
[0029] [Aspect 9] The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, comprising an absorbent sheet containing a superabsorbent polymer that absorbs bodily fluids, adjacent to the non-skin side of the second sheet.
[0030] Because the absorbent material absorbs bodily fluids that have moved from the second sheet toward the non-skin side, the leakage of the functional agent due to the return of bodily fluids is suppressed, allowing the function of the functional agent to be maintained more efficiently for a longer period of time.
[0031] [Aspect 10] The absorbent article according to aspect 9, wherein the embossed portion and the superabsorbent polymer overlap in the thickness direction.
[0032] The above absorbent material allows bodily fluids that have migrated from the embossed area to the non-skin side to quickly come into contact with the superabsorbent polymer, thus enabling rapid absorption of bodily fluids that have migrated from the embossed area.
[0033] [Aspect 11] The absorbent article according to aspect 9 or 10, wherein the top sheet, the functional agent, and the second sheet are compressed relative to the absorbent sheet toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction, and a pair of compression grooves extending in the longitudinal direction are provided, and a plurality of embossed portions are arranged on the inside of the pair of compression grooves in the width direction.
[0034] Since the absorbent article described above has a pair of compression grooves extending in the longitudinal direction, even when the absorbent article is subjected to pressure from the wearer during wear, it maintains its shape and the area in the planar direction of the multiple embossed portions located inside the pair of compression grooves can be secured, thereby maintaining absorption performance more efficiently.
[0035] [Aspect 12] A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, comprising an embossing step of embossing a laminated precursor having the top sheet, the functional agent, and the second sheet toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction toward the non-skin side to form a laminate having the embossed portion.
[0036] The above manufacturing method forms a laminate for absorbent articles having embossed portions that are recessed toward the non-skin side by embossing. As a result, the fiber density of the top sheet is increased in the embossed portions, making it possible to manufacture absorbent articles that ensure more efficient absorption performance.
[0037] The following describes in detail a composite absorbent for absorbent articles according to an embodiment of the present invention, an absorbent article equipped with the composite absorbent, and a method for manufacturing the composite absorbent.
[0038] In this specification, "viewing an object (e.g., an incontinence pad) placed flat on a horizontal surface from above in a vertical direction (especially from the top sheet side in the case of an incontinence pad) in the direction of the object's thickness" is simply referred to as "planar view." Also, in this specification, in the direction of the thickness of an absorbent article, "the side that is relatively proximal to the wearer's skin when the absorbent article is worn" is referred to as the "skin side." Similarly, in the direction of the thickness of an absorbent article, "the side that is relatively distal to the wearer's skin when the absorbent article is worn" is referred to as the "non-skin side."
[0039] The absorbent article according to this embodiment will be described using an incontinence pad as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to its embodiments and examples, and can be applied to various absorbent articles without departing from the subject matter of the present invention. Examples of absorbent articles include so-called three-piece and two-piece disposable diapers, tape-type diapers, sanitary napkins, and pet diapers. Note that sanitary napkins include winged napkins.
[0040] [Incontinence Pad] Figure 1 is a plan view of the incontinence pad 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the incontinence pad 1 along the line II-II in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the incontinence pad 1 within the area of the frame line Rb in Figure 2. Figure 4 is an enlarged plan view of the incontinence pad 1 within the area of the frame line Ra in Figure 1. Note that in Figure 4, the pair of compression grooves H, H are omitted.
[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the incontinence pad 1 has an oval shape in plan view, with a longitudinal direction L and a width direction W that are perpendicular to each other, and both ends of the longitudinal direction L protruding in an arc shape outward from the longitudinal direction L. The incontinence pad 1 also has a longitudinal center line CL that passes through the center of the width direction W and extends along the longitudinal direction L, and a width center line CW that passes through the center of the longitudinal direction L and extends along the width direction W. The external shape of the absorbent article in this embodiment is not limited to this form, as long as it has a shape that is long in the longitudinal direction L, and any shape (for example, rectangular, elliptical, hourglass, etc.) and size can be adopted according to various uses and modes of use.
[0042] In a plan view, the incontinence pad 1 comprises a top sheet 2, a pair of side sheets 3, 3, a plurality of embossed portions E, a pair of compression grooves H, H, and a pair of second compression grooves Ha, Ha. The pair of compression grooves (a pair of first compression grooves) H, H extend in the longitudinal direction L. The pair of second compression grooves Ha, Ha extend in the width direction W. The pair of compression grooves H, H and the pair of second compression grooves Ha, Ha will be described later.
[0043] The incontinence pad 1 has a thickness direction T, and is formed by laminating a pair of side sheets 3, 3, a top sheet 2, a functional agent layer 4, a second sheet 5, an absorbent sheet 6, and a back sheet 7 in order from the skin side to the non-skin side in the thickness direction T (see Figure 2).
[0044] The top sheet 2 is the component that comes into contact with the wearer's skin when the incontinence pad 1 is in use, and allows bodily fluids such as urine to permeate from the skin side to the non-skin side in the thickness direction T, and move to the lower layer. For this reason, the top sheet 2 is made of a flexible sheet of fibers with appropriate liquid permeability, such as an air-through nonwoven fabric. In the width direction, the top sheet 2 has a width W of the absorbent sheet 6, which will be described later. ４ The length is as stated above.
[0045] The pair of side sheets 3, 3 are located on the skin side of the top sheet 2 and extend in the longitudinal direction L at both ends in the width direction W, and have a pair of strip-shaped outer forms. Furthermore, each of the pair of side sheets 3, 3 has an outer end in the width direction W that is joined to the outer end in the width direction W of the back sheet 7 to form a fixed end, while the inner end in the width direction W is not joined to any component and forms a free end. The pair of side sheets 3, 3 may also have wings (wing portions) to secure absorbent articles when worn.
[0046] Each of the pair of side sheets 3, 3 deforms when worn so that the incontinence pad 1 curves in the longitudinal direction L, causing the inner end in the width direction W, which is the free end, to stand up, forming a pair of leak-proof walls to prevent leakage of excreted bodily fluids such as urine in the width direction W.
[0047] The functional agent layer 4 is a layer consisting of a functional agent that is placed between the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 in the thickness direction T. The functional agent is a cooling agent, fragrance, etc. Width direction center Wc (width W １ The basis weight of the functional agent placed at the widthwise end Wt is greater than the basis weight of the functional agent placed at the widthwise end Wt. As an example of this case, the thickness of the functional agent layer 4 is not uniform, and the widthwise central part Wc (width W １ An example of an incontinence pad 1 is one in which the thickness of the functional agent placed at the widthwise end Wt is greater than the thickness of the functional agent placed at the widthwise end Wt. ３ The method for measuring the basis weight of the functional agent, as well as details of the functional agent layer 4 and the functional agent itself, will be described later.
[0048] The second sheet 5 is positioned on the non-skin side of the top sheet 2, and is made of the same liquid-permeable, flexible fiber material as the top sheet 2, such as an air-through nonwoven fabric. The second sheet 4 plays a role in preventing backflow of menstrual blood and other excrement, improving the diffusion of excrement, and improving cushioning. The length W in the width direction of the second sheet 5 is the width W of the functional material layer 4. ３ In addition to the above, the width W of the absorbent sheet 6 described later ４ The length is as follows:
[0049] The absorption sheet 6 (corresponding to the absorber) is a member adjacent to the non-skin side surface of the second sheet 5, and absorbs and holds inside the body fluids (excrement) such as urine that have passed through the second sheet 5. The absorption sheet 6 is a vertically long member extending along the longitudinal direction L of the incontinence pad 1, and extends, for example, from the vicinity of one end edge in the longitudinal direction L to the vicinity of the other end edge. Also, the absorption sheet 6 extends in a width W that is longer than the width W of the functional agent layer 4 in the width direction W of the incontinence pad 1. Details of the absorption sheet 6 will be described later. ３ than the width W ４ and extends in width. Details of the absorption sheet 6 will be described later.
[0050] The back sheet 7 suppresses the body fluid absorbed by the absorption sheet 6 from leaking out to the clothing side (non-skin side) such as underwear when the incontinence pad 1 is in use. For the back sheet 7, an appropriate liquid-impermeable flexible sheet such as a polyethylene (PE) resin film is used.
[0051] The incontinence pad 1 includes, in the width direction W in plan view, a width direction central portion Wc and two width direction end portions Wt adjacent to both ends of the width direction central portion Wc. The width of the width direction central portion Wc is W １ and the width of each of the two width direction end portions Wt is the width from each of both ends of the width direction W of the width direction central portion Wc to both end edges of the overlapping portion of the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 in the width direction W of the incontinence pad 1.
[0052] The width direction central portion Wc is, for example, the central portion in the width direction W centered on the longitudinal center line CL in the incontinence pad 1, and the width W １ occupies 50% of the maximum width of the overlapping portion of the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 in the width direction W of the incontinence pad 1. In that case, the two width direction end portions Wt are the outer portions from both ends of the width direction central portion Wc in the width direction W, and each occupies 25% of the maximum width of the overlapping portion of the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 in the width direction W of the incontinence pad 1.
[0053] Or, the width direction central portion Wc (width W １For example, the central part is obtained by dividing the maximum width of the overlapping portion of the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 in the width direction W of the incontinence pad 1 into three equal parts. In this case, the two widthwise ends Wt are the outer parts from both ends of the central part, and are the ends obtained by dividing the maximum width of the overlapping portion of the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 in the width direction W of the incontinence pad 1 into three equal parts.
[0054] Furthermore, the widthwise central portion Wc and widthwise end portion Wt are not limited to the above examples, and the range that the widthwise central portion Wc and widthwise end portion Wt occupy in the widthwise direction can be any ratio or length depending on the various applications and usage patterns.
[0055] As shown in Figure 1, the pair of compression grooves H, H are approximately centered on the widthwise centerline CW, which is the center of the widthwise direction W, in a plan view, and both ends on the outer side of the widthwise direction W are within the width W. ２ It is arranged in this manner. Furthermore, the embossed portion E, in a plan view, extends from the front edge to the rear edge in the longitudinal direction L, and the longitudinal center line CL is at the center of the width direction W. １ Multiple embossed portions are arranged in this configuration. In this embodiment, the embossed portion E is positioned inward in the width direction W from a pair of compression grooves H. The embossed portion E will be described later. In this embodiment, the width W ２ is width W １ It is longer than that.
[0056] As shown in Figure 1, the incontinence pad 1 is provided with multiple embossed areas E (recesses). The embossed areas E are recessed areas in the thickness direction T from the skin side to the non-skin side, and the fiber density of at least the top sheet 2 is higher than the fiber density of the non-embossed areas En (see Figure 3). In a plan view, the area ratio occupied by the embossed areas E in the widthwise center Wc is higher than the area ratio occupied by the embossed areas E in the widthwise edge Wt. The method for measuring the area ratio of the embossed areas E will be described later.
[0057] As shown in Figure 2, the width W of the incontinence pad 1 equipped with the absorbent sheet 6 is ４At the outer edges of both ends, the outer edges of the pair of side sheets 3, 3 and the top sheet 2 are joined to the back sheet 7 by adhesive or other means. As a result, the functional agent layer 4, the second sheet 5, and the absorbent sheet 6 are held between the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 7. The lengths in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W of the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 7 are greater than the lengths in the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W of the absorbent sheet 6.
[0058] The absorbent article of this embodiment, such as the incontinence pad 1, has a thickness direction T, a longitudinal direction L, and a width direction W, and comprises a top sheet 2 that comes into contact with the skin and a second sheet 5 that is positioned on the non-skin side of the top sheet 2, and a functional agent 4 positioned between the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 in the thickness direction T, wherein in the thickness direction T, the top sheet 2 and the functional agent have an embossed portion E that is recessed toward the non-skin side and a non-embossed portion En that is not recessed toward the non-skin side, and in the width direction W, it comprises a width direction central portion Wc and two width direction ends Wt adjacent to both ends of the width direction central portion Wc, wherein the area ratio of the embossed portion E in the width direction central portion Wc is higher than the area ratio of the embossed portion E in the width direction ends Wt, and the width direction central portion Wc (width W １ The basis weight of the functional agent in ) is higher than the basis weight of the functional agent at the widthwise end Wt.
[0059] In the absorbent article described above, the constituent fibers of the top sheet 2 are densely packed in the embossed portion E, resulting in shorter inter-fiber distances between the constituent fibers of the top sheet 2 compared to the inter-fiber distances in the non-embossed portion En. Therefore, bodily fluids excreted in the non-embossed portion En are easily drawn into the embossed portion E.
[0060] Furthermore, because the embossed portion E has a short distance in the thickness direction T from the skin-facing surface of the top sheet 2 to the skin-facing surface of the second sheet 5, bodily fluids excreted by the wearer can easily move from the skin-facing surface of the top sheet 2 to the inside in the thickness direction T. In the embossed portion E, the area ratio of the central portion Wc in the width direction is higher than that of the edges Wt in the width direction, so the absorption performance for bodily fluids is better in the central portion Wc in the width direction than in the edges Wt in the width direction. Therefore, absorption performance for bodily fluids excreted mostly in the central portion Wc in the width direction can be ensured.
[0061] The functional agent is positioned between the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5, which suppresses leakage. Furthermore, since the basis weight of the central part Wc in the width direction is higher than that of the edges Wt in the width direction, more of the functional agent is placed in a position that is more likely to come into contact with body fluids than if the basis weight of the central part Wc in the width direction were the same as that of the edges Wt in the width direction. As a result, the function exerted by the functional agent can be maintained for a long period of time. Therefore, the absorbent article can achieve both the long-term maintenance of the effect exerted by the functional agent and the assurance of absorption performance for body fluids.
[0062] (Embossed section) Multiple embossed sections E are located on the incontinence pad 1, extending from near one edge in the longitudinal direction L to near the other edge in a plan view, and with a width W. １ The embossed areas E are arranged in a dot pattern in the widthwise center Wc. Instead of dots, they may be arranged in lines or crosses. The multiple embossed areas E arranged in the widthwise center Wc may be formed to surround the non-embossed area En, such as by being circular. The multiple embossed areas E arranged in the widthwise center Wc may also be arranged in a shape symmetrical with respect to the widthwise center line CW. In the embossed areas E, the functional agent placed between the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 is extruded in the planar direction. The functional agent may or may not be present in the embossed areas E.
[0063] In this absorbent article, it is preferable that the area ratio of the non-embossed portion En in the central portion Wc in the width direction is greater than the area ratio of the embossed portion E. In the above absorbent article, since the area ratio of the non-embossed portion En is greater than the area ratio of the embossed portion E in the central portion Wc in the width direction, where bodily fluids tend to move to the lower layer due to capillary action, the amount of functional agent that flows out with bodily fluids can be reduced. Therefore, the effect exerted by the functional agent can be maintained for a long period of time.
[0064] Width W is the width of the central part Wc in the width direction. １ The width W is preferably 22.0 mm or more, more preferably 23.0 mm or more, and even more preferably 24.0 mm or more. １ The width W is preferably 27.0 mm or less, more preferably 26.0 mm or less, and even more preferably 25.0 mm or less.１ This is preferably 30.0% or more, and preferably 60.0% or less, of the maximum width W in the width direction of the absorbent article.
[0065] In the absorbent article of this embodiment, the embossed portion E is recessed toward the non-skin side of the top sheet 2 and the functional agent. Preferably, the embossed portion E has a fused portion where the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 are fused together. Preferably, the fused portion is formed by heat embossing or the like. In the above absorbent article, since the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 are fused together, the constituent fibers of the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 are adjacent to each other, so bodily fluids that come into contact with the top sheet 2 can quickly move to the second sheet 5. Therefore, bodily fluids can be guided to the lower layer of the second sheet 5 more quickly. Also, because the guidance of bodily fluids to the lower layer of the second sheet 5 is rapid, the amount of functional agent that comes into contact with bodily fluids is reduced, and thus the outflow of the functional agent can be suppressed. As a result, the function of the functional agent can be maintained for an even longer period of time.
[0066] In the absorbent article of this embodiment, it is preferable that the skin-facing surface of the fused portion is fixed at a position equivalent to (see Figure 3) or lower in the thickness direction T relative to the skin-facing surface of the second sheet 5 of the non-embossed portion En. As a result, in the absorbent article, the skin-facing surface of the fused portion where the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 are fused is located at a position equivalent to or lower in the thickness direction T relative to the skin-facing surface of the second sheet 5. Therefore, bodily fluids that have entered the fused portion are prevented from flowing to the functional agent located at a higher position in the thickness direction T relative to the skin-facing surface of the second sheet 5, and are more easily migrated to lower layers. Furthermore, since the fused portion and the functional agent are fixed at positions that are not adjacent, contact between the bodily fluids drawn into the fused portion and the functional agent is suppressed, thus enabling the functional agent to maintain its function for a long period of time.
[0067] As shown in Figure 3, in the absorbent article of this embodiment, it is preferable that the embossed portion E has a slope that narrows in the thickness direction T from the skin side to the non-skin side. As a result, the absorbent article has a mortar-like shape in which the embossed portion E narrows towards the non-skin side, so that the flow velocity of bodily fluids flowing through the top sheet 2 is faster in the sloped portion than in other portions, thus ensuring more efficient absorption performance.
[0068] If the embossed portion E has a slope that narrows in the thickness direction T from the skin side to the non-skin side, the bottom portion 10 of the embossed portion E in the thickness direction T has an outer diameter a １ Smaller diameter than, inner diameter a ２ It has (see Figure 3). Furthermore, if the embossed portion E is formed by embossing or the like, and has a slope that narrows in the thickness direction T from the skin side to the non-skin side, the bottom portion 10 of the embossed portion E is a fused portion.
[0069] The embossed portion E is preferably circularly recessed in a plan view. In that case, the outer diameter a １ This is the diameter of the depression in the thickness direction T on the top sheet 2, i.e., the diameter of the embossed portion E. ２ This is the diameter of the bottom 10 in the thickness direction T of each embossed portion E. Outer diameter a １ The outer diameter a is preferably 1.2 mm or more. １ The inner diameter a is preferably 1.3 mm or less. ２ Preferably, the inner diameter a is 0.7 mm or more. ２ Preferably, it is 0.9 mm or less.
[0070] (Compression grooves) As shown in Figure 1, a pair of compression grooves H, H have a width W ２ In this respect, it extends in a curved shape in the longitudinal direction L. In a pair of compression grooves H, H, the top sheet 2, second sheet 5, and absorbent sheet 6 are integrally compressed toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction T, and correspond to the hinge portion. In each compression groove H, the functional agent placed between the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 is extruded in the planar direction, similar to the embossed portion E, and the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 are adjacent at the bottom 10 of each compression groove H.
[0071] As shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the absorbent article has a pair of compression grooves H, H that compress the top sheet 2, functional agent layer 4, and second sheet 5 relative to the absorbent sheet 6 toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction T, and extend in the longitudinal direction L. It is preferable that the multiple embossed portions E are arranged on the inside of the pair of compression grooves H, H in the width direction W.
[0072] Since the absorbent article has a pair of compression grooves H, H extending in the longitudinal direction L, even when the absorbent article is subjected to pressure from the wearer during wear, it maintains its shape and the area in the planar direction of the multiple embossed portions E located inside the pair of compression grooves H, H can be secured, thereby maintaining absorption performance more efficiently.
[0073] (Second Compression Grooves) The pair of second compression grooves Ha, Ha are provided at both ends of the pair of compression grooves H, H in the longitudinal direction L, and have a width W ２ It is preferable that the grooves extend in a curved shape in the width direction W within the specified range. The pair of second compression grooves Ha, Ha are preferably shaped to follow the peripheral edge in the longitudinal direction L of the absorbent article such as the incontinence pad 1 and extend in the width direction W. This prevents the hardness of the peripheral edge from being affected by the hardness of the second compression grooves Ha and thus from being reduced. Therefore, deformation of the peripheral edge can be suppressed. In addition, it is possible to suppress leakage from the end in the longitudinal direction L by directing the bodily fluid that has diffused in the longitudinal direction L to flow in the width direction W. The pair of second compression grooves Ha, Ha may overlap with the embossed portion E in a plan view.
[0074] As shown in Figure 3, in each compression groove H and second compression groove Ha, the top sheet 2, second sheet 5, and absorbent sheet 6 are integrally compressed toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction T, and correspond to the hinge portion. In each compression groove H and second compression groove Ha, the functional agent placed between the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 is extruded in the planar direction, similar to the embossed portion E, so that the top sheet 2 and the second sheet 5 are adjacent to each other.
[0075] The width W of the region where the pair of compression grooves H, H and the pair of second compression grooves Ha, Ha are arranged. ２The width W is preferably 34.0 mm or more, more preferably 35.0 mm or more, and even more preferably 36.0 mm or more. ２ The width W is preferably 39.0 mm or less, more preferably 38.0 mm or less, and even more preferably 37.0 mm or less. ２ This is preferably 25.0% or more, and preferably 50.0% or less, of the maximum width W in the width direction of the absorbent article.
[0076] (Top Sheet) As shown in Figure 3, the top sheet 2 preferably has a flat shape on the non-skin side and a wavy shape in the width direction W on the skin side. Specifically, the top sheet 2 has a plurality of high-density sections 2a that extend in the longitudinal direction L and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction W, and a plurality of low-density sections 2b that extend in the longitudinal direction L and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction W. In this case, the high-density sections 2a and the low-density sections 2b are arranged alternately in the width direction W of the top sheet 2. The bottom section 10 is formed in at least the high-density section 2a. The high-density section 2a is a part of the top sheet 2 with a relatively high fiber density, and the low-density section 2b is a part of the top sheet 2 with a relatively low fiber density.
[0077] As a result, the embossed portion E has a higher fiber density than when it is formed in the low-density portion 2b of the top sheet 2, making it easier to draw in bodily fluids and thus improving absorption performance. The easier it is to draw in bodily fluids, the more channels can be secured, which suppresses the outflow of functional agents from outside these channels and allows the functional agents to maintain their function for a longer period of time. Therefore, it is possible to further achieve both the long-term maintenance of the functional agents' function and the assurance of absorption function.
[0078] A top sheet 2 in which high-density portions 2a and low-density portions 2b are arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction W can be obtained, for example, by performing air jetting or embossing at the predetermined intervals in the width direction W during the manufacturing of the top sheet 2. If the top sheet 2 has high-density portions 2a, the high-density portions 2a are located at least in the central portion Wc in the width direction where the embossed portion E is formed.
[0079] Furthermore, in the top sheet 2, it is preferable that the high-density portion 2a is relatively thin and the low-density portion 2b is relatively thick. In this case, since the thickness of the high-density portion 2a and the low-density portion 2b in the top sheet 2 are different, the relatively thick, multiple low-density portions 2b arranged at predetermined intervals become the surface that comes into contact with the skin, while the relatively thin, multiple high-density portions 2a arranged at predetermined intervals become the surface that does not come into contact with the skin. Because the high-density portion 2a does not come into contact with the skin, the gap between the top sheet 2 and the wearer's skin increases, allowing the wearer to feel cooler by suppressing stuffiness.
[0080] In this embodiment, when the absorbent article has a top sheet 2 comprising a high-density portion 2a and a low-density portion 2b, it is preferable that the embossed portion E is compressed so that the fiber density is in two stages. Specifically, the embossed portion E is a first embossed portion E in which the high-density portion 2a is recessed. １ And the second embossed part E, where the low-density part 2b is recessed. ２ It is preferable to have (not shown). First embossed portion E １ The top sheet 2 has a high-density section 2a with a relatively high fiber density, and the second embossed section E ２ In the top sheet 2, the low-density area 2b, where the fiber density is relatively low, is embossed. Therefore, the first embossed area E １ This is the second embossed section E ２ The fiber density will be higher than that.
[0081] Since the absorbent article has a first embossed section with a relatively high fiber density and a second embossed section with a relatively low fiber density, it is possible to secure dispersed channels, such as channels passing through the first embossed section and channels passing through the second embossed section, thereby ensuring more efficient absorption performance. Furthermore, since the low-density section 2b of the top sheet 2 is also embossed in addition to the high-density section 2a, the gap between the top sheet and the wearer's skin is increased, allowing the wearer to feel even more refreshed by suppressing stuffiness.
[0082] The thickness of the top sheet 2 is preferably 0.6 mm as a lower limit and 1.0 mm as an upper limit. The thickness of the second sheet 5 is preferably 0.3 mm as a lower limit and 0.5 mm as an upper limit. It is preferable that the thickness of the top sheet 2 is greater than the thickness of the second sheet 5. In this case, since the top sheet 2 is a thickness that makes embossing easy, the embossed portion E is located deeper on the non-skin side, so the excreted bodily fluids tend to concentrate, ensuring more efficient absorption performance. Also, since the second sheet 5 is thin enough to easily transfer bodily fluids to the non-skin side, it is possible to ensure more efficient absorption performance of bodily fluids while suppressing the outflow of the functional agent. Furthermore, if a volatile functional agent is applied on the second sheet 5, the top sheet 2 is thicker, so the functional agent will not volatilize easily. In addition, since each sheet has a thickness greater than the lower limit, it can withstand pressing, and embossing can be done without the nonwoven fabric constituting each sheet tearing. Because each sheet has a thickness below the upper limit, the sheet surface is less likely to fray compared to sheets with a thickness exceeding the upper limit, thus suppressing skin irritation caused by fraying.
[0083] In the absorbent article of this embodiment, the thickness of the top sheet 2 is preferably greater than the thickness of the second sheet 5. In that case, the thickness of the top sheet 2 is preferably 1.2 times or more, and more preferably 1.5 times or more, than the thickness of the second sheet 5. Also, the thickness of the top sheet 2 is preferably 5.0 times or less, and more preferably 3.4 times or less, than the thickness of the second sheet 5.
[0084] Since the thickness of the top sheet 2 is at least a predetermined ratio to the thickness of the second sheet 5, the depth in the thickness direction T of the embossed portion E is secured, and the top sheet 2 of the embossed portion E maintains fiber density, allowing bodily fluids to be continuously drawn into the embossed portion E. Because the top sheet 2 can secure a channel for drawing in bodily fluids, it suppresses the outflow of functional agents from channels other than the channel, and the function exerted by the functional agent can be maintained for a longer period of time. Furthermore, since the thickness of the second sheet 5 is within a predetermined range relative to the thickness of the top sheet 2, the second sheet 5 can maintain the absorbent capacity to efficiently draw in the bodily fluids concentrated in the top sheet 2 of the embossed portion E and transfer them to the lower layer. Therefore, because the ratio of the thickness of the top sheet 2 to the thickness of the second sheet 5 is within a predetermined range, the absorbent article can more efficiently achieve both the long-term maintenance of the effect exerted by the functional agent and the assurance of absorption performance for bodily fluids. The thickness of each sheet is measured by the following method.
[0085] <Method for Measuring Sheet Thickness> The thickness of each sheet was measured using the following method: (1) A 2cm x 2cm section was cut from the sheet to be measured using a sharp blade to create a sample. (2) The sample was left for 24 hours in an air atmosphere of 20.0°C and 65.0% RH relative humidity. (3) The edge of the sample was photographed, and the thickness (mm) was measured at three points that divided the edge of the sample into four equal parts from the acquired image, and the average value (mm) of the three thicknesses was taken. (4) Steps (1) to (3) were repeated a total of five times, and the average value (mm) was taken as the thickness (mm) of each sheet.
[0086] <Method for measuring the fiber density of a sheet> (1) Cut the area of the sheet containing the part to be measured with a sharp blade (e.g., a utility knife) to obtain a sample. (2) Using a scanning electron microscope (e.g., VE-7800 manufactured by Keyence Corporation), take a picture of the cut surface of the part to be measured in the sample, magnifying it with the midpoint of the thickness direction of the part to be measured as the center of observation (e.g., magnification 100 to 1000 times). (3) Count the number of cut surfaces of constituent fibers per a certain area (e.g., 1 mm × 0.25 mm) of the photographed cut surface. (4) Count the number of cut surfaces of constituent fibers per 1 mm ２Convert this to the number of individual fibers per cross-section, and determine the fiber density (fibers / mm²). ２ (5) The fiber density (fibers / mm²) of (3) to (4) ２ The fiber density (fibers / mm²) of the sheet was measured at three locations, and the average value was used. ２ )
[0087] (Functional Agent Layer) The functional agent layer 4 is composed of a functional agent that includes, for example, at least one of a cooling agent, a fragrance, a warming agent, a deodorant, and an antibacterial agent. The functional agent allows the wearer to obtain a specific sensation while using or excreting from the absorbent article. An example of a deodorant is benzalkonium chloride, and an example of a warming agent is benzalkonium chloride. An example of an antibacterial agent is polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB).
[0088] Cooling agents, for example, act on receptor activating channels (TRPM8) in the nerves of the skin. Examples of such cooling agents include menthol (e.g., l-menthol) and its derivatives (e.g., menthyl lactate and menthol glycerin acetal (MGA)), methyl salicylate, camphor, cucumber extract, and essential oils derived from plants (e.g., mint, eucalyptus, nutmeg). Cooling agents may also lower the ambient temperature through evaporative cooling. Examples of such cooling agents include alcohols (e.g., methanol and ethanol). To make it easier for the wearer to feel the cooling effect for a long period of time, cooling agents may be contained in a solvent or in a retaining agent such as cyclodextrin.
[0089] Fragrances may be used to mask unpleasant odors caused by excreted bodily fluids. Examples of such fragrances include esters (e.g., menthone, ethyl acetate, linalyl acetate), terpenes (e.g., pinene, limonene), lactones (e.g., gammadecalactone), and ketones (acetophenone, musk ketone).
[0090] In this embodiment, when the functional agent of the absorbent article has the function of providing a specific sensation to the wearer's touch, such as a cooling agent or a warming agent, the basis weight of the functional agent in the central part Wc in the width direction is greater than that of the edges Wt in the width direction, so that it is closer to the wearer's mucous membranes, and the effect of the functional agent can be more effectively exerted. Also, in this embodiment, when the functional agent of the absorbent article has the function of reducing the influence of the wearer's bodily fluids, such as an antibacterial agent, deodorant, or fragrance, the basis weight of the functional agent in the central part Wc in the width direction is greater than that of the edges Wt in the width direction, so that it comes into reliable contact with the excreted bodily fluids, and the effect of the functional agent can be more effectively exerted. The basis weight of the functional agent located in the central part Wc in the width direction is preferably 1.2 times or more, more preferably 2.0 times or more, preferably 4.0 times or less, and more preferably 3.0 times or less, compared to the basis weight of the functional agent located in the edges Wt in the width direction. The lower limit of the above ratio of basis weight is the ratio required to maintain the function exhibited by the functional agent for a long period of time, and the upper limit of the above ratio is the ratio required to suppress changes in the flow path in the width direction W due to the thickness of the functional agent layer 4 and to secure the flow path.
[0091] <Method for Measuring the Basis Weight of Functional Agents> The basis weight of functional agents is measured by the following method. The basis weight of functional agents is measured by headspace solid-phase microextraction. (1) Remove the product from the package and unfold it, then cut it in the width direction according to the range to be measured. In addition, cuts are made at the front, center, back, etc. of the three-fold lines, where the area can be made uniform, to obtain samples. Furthermore, the area of each sample (m²) is measured. ２(2) Fold the sheet so that the skin-side sheet is on the outside and roll it up into a small ball, then place it in a 300 ml beaker. (3) Cover the top of the beaker with aluminum foil, then cover the top of that with plastic paraffin film to seal the beaker, and place the sealed beaker in a constant temperature water bath. Maintain the water temperature of the constant temperature water bath at a temperature suitable for the functional agent to be measured, specifically at the temperature at which each functional agent volatilizes. Insert the SPME fiber (Sigma-Aldrich 50 / 39 μm DVB / CAR / PDMS, Stableflex 2 cm) through the aluminum foil into the beaker and extract the volatile components in each headspace for 50 minutes. (4) Immediately measure the SPME fiber removed from the beaker using a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (Shimadzu GCMS-QP2010Plus). Helium is used as the carrier gas, and the measurement mode is set to scanning, and the measurement is performed using the electron shock ionization method. The mass (g) obtained by this method is then measured against the respective area (m) measured in (1). ２ Calculate by dividing by (5) the basis weight (g / m²) of the functional agent. (5) Measure steps (1) to (4) five times and take the average value. ２ )
[0092] (Absorbent Sheet) In the absorbent article of this embodiment, the absorbent sheet 6 preferably contains a super absorbent polymer (SAP) and an absorbent material such as pulp fibers that absorb bodily fluids, and is adjacent to the non-skin side of the second sheet 5. In the absorbent article described above, since bodily fluids that have moved from the second sheet 5 to the non-skin side are absorbed by the super absorbent polymer, the outflow of the functional agent due to the return of bodily fluids is suppressed, and the function of the functional agent can be maintained more efficiently for a longer period of time.
[0093] Furthermore, the absorbent sheet 6 is formed in a vertically elongated shape when viewed from above. This vertically elongated shape may also be rectangular when viewed from above. The absorbent sheet 6 may also be an SAP sheet, and in the case of an SAP sheet, it is preferable that 90% or more by mass of the water-absorbing material is composed of a superabsorbent polymer. The remainder may be, for example, pulp fibers.
[0094] In this embodiment, when the absorbent sheet 6 contains a superabsorbent polymer, it is preferable that the embossed portion E overlaps with the superabsorbent polymer in the thickness direction T. In this absorbent article, bodily fluids that have migrated from the embossed portion E to the non-skin side quickly come into contact with the superabsorbent polymer, thus enabling rapid absorption of bodily fluids that have migrated from the embossed portion E.
[0095] The absorbent sheet 6 may consist of an absorbent core and a core wrap sheet. In this case, it is preferable that the absorbent core is composed of a superabsorbent polymer for 90% or more by mass of the absorbent material. The remainder may be, for example, pulp fibers. The core wrap sheet covers the absorbent core on the skin-facing side and the non-skin-facing side. The core wrap sheet may consist of a single sheet, or it may consist of a sheet that covers the skin-facing side of the absorbent core and a sheet that covers the non-skin-facing side of the absorbent core. The core wrap sheet may be made of a hydrophilic material such as a nonwoven fabric or a tissue sheet.
[0096] The width W is the range in the width direction W of the absorbent sheet 6. ４ The width W is preferably 40.0 mm or more, more preferably 45.0 mm or more, and even more preferably 50.0 mm or more. ４ Preferably, it is 80.0 mm or less, more preferably 75.0 mm or less, and even more preferably 70.0 mm or less.
[0097] (Backsheet) The backsheet 7 is made of a material that is impermeable to liquids and is mainly composed of polyethylene sheets, polypropylene, or other laminated nonwoven fabrics, breathable resin films, spunbond, or sheets in which a breathable resin film is bonded to a nonwoven fabric such as spunlace.
[0098] (Arrangement of Embossed Parts) Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the frame line Ra in Figure 1, and shows an example of the appearance of the multiple embossed parts E arranged on the absorbent article of this embodiment in a plan view. In a plan view of the incontinence pad 1, the multiple embossed parts E are arranged in a shape that surrounds the non-embossed part En, forming an embossed group surrounding the non-embossed part En. The embossed group is, for example, a group of circular embossed parts Er or a group of floral embossed parts Ef.
[0099] The circular embossed group Er is defined by the distance d between each embossed part E. ２ The elements are positioned relatively far apart, and the flower-shaped embossing group Ef is formed by the distance d between each embossed part E. １ They are located relatively close to each other (i.e., d １ <d ２ (This is the case.) The distance between two embossed sections E is the distance from the center of one embossed section E in a plan view to the center of the other embossed section E in a plan view.
[0100] The distance d between the embossed portion E of adjacent circular embossing group Er and the embossed portion E of flower-shaped embossing group Ef. ３ ~d ８ d ２ Larger than d. ３ ~d ８ The diameter is preferably 2.5 mm or more, more preferably 2.6 mm or more, and even more preferably 2.7 mm or more. Also, d ３ ~d ８ The distance d is preferably 3.8 mm or less, more preferably 3.7 mm or less, and even more preferably 3.6 mm or less. ３ ~d ８ These values may be different. Note that the distance between the embossed part E which is part of the circular embossing group Er and the embossed part E which is not part of the embossing group is a relatively short distance (for example, distance d １ ) is preferable.
[0101] In this embodiment, there is no area occupied by the embossed portion E at the widthwise end Wt, and it is entirely a non-embossed portion En. Therefore, the area ratio occupied by the embossed portion E at the widthwise end Wt is 0%. On the other hand, when the embossed portion E is located at the widthwise end Wt, the area ratio of the embossed portion E located at the widthwise center Wc is preferably 1.5 times or more, more preferably 3.0 times or more, preferably 10.0 times or less, and more preferably 5.0 times or less, compared to the area ratio of the embossed portion E located at the widthwise end Wt. The lower limit of the above multiplier in area ratio is the multiplier required to secure the flow path, and the upper limit of the above multiplier is the multiplier required to ensure that the bodily fluid flowing along the flow path is absorbed even at the widthwise end Wt.
[0102] <Method for measuring the area ratio of the embossed portion> The area ratio of the embossed portion is measured by the following method. The area ratio of the embossed portion is measured for both the widthwise edges and the widthwise center portion. The area ratio of the non-embossed portion is obtained based on the area ratio of the embossed portion. (1) In products such as incontinence pads, the width of the widthwise center portion is defined as the width of the widthwise center portion, where the longitudinal center line is the widthwise center, and a predetermined range (e.g., 50%) of the maximum width of the overlapping portion of the top sheet and second sheet is defined as the width of the widthwise edge portion. (2) The widthwise edge portion is defined as the range of the overlapping portion of the top sheet and second sheet on both the left and right sides of the widthwise center portion width specified in (1). The widthwise edge portion consists of the widthwise right edge portion (e.g., 25%) and the widthwise left edge portion (e.g., 25%). (3) The width determined in (1) and (2), and the maximum length of the overlapping portion of the top sheet and second sheet in the longitudinal direction at the center or end of the width direction, are used as the cutting range, and samples are cut out from the center of the width direction, the left end of the width direction, and the right side of the width direction. In the following description, "each sample" refers to the sample from the center of the width direction and the samples at the ends of the width direction (a pair of samples from the right end and the left end of the width direction). (4) Using a microscope (KEYENCE VHX-900 microscope, VH-Z20R lens), magnified images capturing the entire surface of each sample cut out in (3) are acquired. If each sample is too large to fit within the measurable field of view of the microscope, the magnified images are divided into multiple images according to the size of each sample (for example, each sample is divided into three parts in the longitudinal direction, and three magnified images of the front, center, and back are acquired). (5) For each sample, scale it to match the magnified image obtained in (4), and calculate the total surface area (m²) of each sample. ２ ) is measured. If the magnified image is divided into multiple images, the total surface area (m²) of each of the divided magnified images is measured. ２ ) Measure the total area (m²) in (4) and calculate the sum. (6) For each sample, the total area (m²) ２ The total area (m²) of the embossed portion in the region where the measurement was taken. ２) is measured. If the enlarged image is divided into multiple images, the total area (m²) of the embossed parts of each of the divided enlarged images is measured. ２ ) is measured and the total value is calculated. If the boundary between the embossed area and the other area (unembossed area) is unclear, the boundary between the embossed area and the other area is determined from magnified images of one side of the top sheet and the second sheet. Since the embossed area is in a state where the fibers are crushed or in a film-like state, the embossed area is determined from a magnified photograph of the sheet and the boundary between the embossed area and the other area (unembossed area) is identified. (7) (1) to (6) are performed a total of five times, and the average value is calculated for the total area (m²) of each sample. ２ ) and the area of the embossed portion of each sample (m²) ２ (8) In each sample, the area of the embossed portion obtained in (7) (m²) ２ ) the total area of the sample (m²) ２ The value obtained by dividing by the total area (m²) of each sample is taken as the area ratio of the embossed portion. The area ratio of the non-embossed portion is taken as the total area (m²) of each sample. ２ This is the area ratio of the non-embossed portion in the image. Therefore, when expressed as a percentage, the area ratio of the non-embossed portion (%) is obtained by subtracting the area ratio of the embossed portion (%) from 100%.
[0103] [Method for Manufacturing Absorbent Articles] The method for manufacturing absorbent articles according to this embodiment (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "manufacturing method") includes the following steps: - A laminated precursor formation step (hereinafter referred to as the laminated precursor formation step) in which a back sheet 7, an absorbent sheet 6, a second sheet 5, a functional agent layer 4, a top sheet 2, and a pair of side sheets 3, 3 are laminated in order from the non-skin side to the skin side in the thickness direction T to form a laminated precursor. - An embossing step (hereinafter referred to as the "embossing step") in which the laminated precursor having the top sheet 2, the functional agent, and the second sheet 5 is embossed toward the non-skin side toward the non-skin side to form a laminate having an embossed portion E.
[0104] In the lamination precursor formation step, when laminating the functional agent layer 4, the basis weight of the functional agent in the widthwise central portion Wc is greater than the basis weight of the functional agent in the widthwise edge portion Wt. Also, in the embossing step, the widthwise central portion Wc of the lamination precursor is embossed more than the widthwise edge portion Wt of the lamination precursor.
[0105] In the laminated precursor formation step, when a top sheet 2 having a high-density portion 2a and a low-density portion 2b is used, the method for manufacturing such a top sheet 2 is not particularly limited. For example, it can be obtained by including a top sheet formation step in which an air jet or emboss is applied to a top sheet precursor formed of hydrophilic fibers with substantially uniform fiber density at predetermined intervals in the width direction W toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction T, thereby manufacturing the top sheet 2.
[0106] The method for manufacturing the embossed portion E that slopes from the skin side to the non-skin side in the thickness direction T is not particularly limited, but for example, the embossing jig used for embossing in the embossing step can be cylindrical or truncated cone-shaped, and the manufacturing can be done by having the sides of the embossing jig slope toward the tip. Since the above manufacturing method forms a laminate for absorbent articles having an embossed portion that is recessed toward the non-skin side by embossing, the fiber density of the top sheet becomes higher in the embossed portion, so it is possible to manufacture an absorbent article that ensures more efficient absorption performance.
[0107] The embossing in the embossing step may be heat embossing using a heat embossing jig with a heating function. This forms a laminate for absorbent articles in which the embossed portion has areas where the top sheet and the second sheet are fused together, and since the fibers in the embossed portion become denser than in unheated embossing, it is possible to manufacture absorbent articles that ensure more efficient absorption performance. Furthermore, since the top sheet and second sheet other than the embossed portion are bulked up by heat embossing, a further difference in fiber density is created between the embossed portion and the other parts, thus enabling the manufacture of absorbent articles that ensure even more efficient absorption performance. In addition, the heat embossing jig may be cylindrical or truncated cone-shaped with sides that slope toward the tip.
[0108] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be appropriately combined, substituted, modified, etc., without departing from the purpose and spirit of the present invention.
[0109] 1. Incontinence pad 2. Top sheet 2a. High-density section 2b. Low-density section 3. Side sheet 4. Functional material layer 5. Second sheet 6. Absorbent sheet 7. Back sheet 10. Bottom section CL: Longitudinal center line CW: Widthwise center line E: Embossed section E １ First embossed section E ２ Second embossed area Er Circular embossed area Ef Flower-shaped embossed area En Unembossed area H Compression groove Ha Second compression groove L Longitudinal direction T Thickness direction W Width direction W １ Width W ２ Width W ３ Width W ４ Width Wc Widthwise center Wt Widthwise end
Claims
1. An absorbent article having a thickness direction, a longitudinal direction and a width direction, comprising a top sheet that is in contact with the skin and a second sheet disposed on the non-skin side of the top sheet, and a functional agent disposed between the top sheet and the second sheet in the thickness direction, wherein in the thickness direction, the top sheet has an embossed portion that is recessed toward the non-skin side and a non-embossed portion where the top sheet is not recessed and the functional agent is disposed therein, and in the width direction, the article comprises a width-direction central portion and two width-direction ends adjacent to both ends of the width-direction central portion, the area ratio of the embossed portion in the width-direction central portion is higher than the area ratio of the embossed portion in the width-direction ends, and the basis weight of the functional agent in the width-direction central portion is higher than the basis weight of the functional agent in the width-direction ends.
2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein in the central part in the width direction, the area ratio of the non-embossed portion is greater than the area ratio of the embossed portion.
3. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the embossed portion has a fused portion where the top sheet and the second sheet are fused together.
4. The absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein the skin-facing surface of the fused portion is fixed at a position equal to or lower in the thickness direction with respect to the skin-facing surface of the second sheet in the non-embossed portion.
5. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the top sheet has a plurality of high-density portions extending in the longitudinal direction and arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction, and a plurality of low-density portions extending in the longitudinal direction and arranged at predetermined intervals in the width direction, each of the plurality of high-density portions having a higher fiber density than each of the plurality of low-density portions, the high-density portions and the low-density portions are arranged alternately in the width direction of the top sheet, and the embossed portions are formed at least in the high-density portions.
6. The absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein the embossed portion has a first embossed portion in which the high-density portion is recessed and a second embossed portion in which the low-density portion is recessed.
7. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the thickness of the top sheet is 0.6 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less, the thickness of the second sheet is 0.3 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less, and the thickness of the top sheet is greater than the thickness of the second sheet.
8. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the embossed portion has a slope that narrows in the thickness direction from the skin side to the non-skin side.
9. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising an absorbent sheet containing a superabsorbent polymer that absorbs bodily fluids, adjacent to the non-skin side of the second sheet.
10. The absorbent article according to claim 9, wherein the embossed portion and the superabsorbent polymer overlap in the thickness direction.
11. The absorbent article according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the top sheet, the functional agent, and the second sheet are compressed relative to the absorbent sheet toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction, and a pair of compression grooves extending in the longitudinal direction are provided, and a plurality of the embossed portions are arranged on the inside of the pair of compression grooves in the width direction.
12. A method for manufacturing an absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising an embossing step of embossing a laminated precursor having the top sheet, the functional agent, and the second sheet toward the non-skin side in the thickness direction, toward the non-skin side, to form a laminate having the embossed portion.