JP7624876B2 - Absorbent articles - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins.

Absorbent articles generally comprise an absorbent body that absorbs excreted liquids, a top sheet that is placed on the skin side of the absorbent body, and a back sheet that is placed on the non-skin side of the absorbent body. As for the top sheet, one that uses cotton nonwoven fabric is known from the viewpoint of realizing high water absorption and moisture absorption by water retention and giving the wearer a sense of security by using natural fibers (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-148328 A

On the other hand, water-retentive fibers such as cotton fibers are often difficult to heat-seal, and the fibers are often bonded by entangling or gluing when forming a sheet. For this reason, sheets formed from water-retentive fibers tend to have low extensibility in the machine direction during manufacturing, and when used as a top sheet for an absorbent article, there may be a difference in fit between the longitudinal direction and the width direction. In particular, absorbent articles such as napkins extend to the uneven surface of the wearer's buttocks and/or the vicinity thereof, making it difficult to fit the wearer's body shape near the rear end.

The objective of the present invention is to provide an absorbent article that has a top sheet mainly made of water-retentive fibers and has a high fit.

An absorbent article according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a top sheet mainly containing water-retentive fibers, a back sheet, and an absorbent body arranged between the top sheet and the back sheet, and has a vertical direction corresponding to the front-to-back direction of a wearer and a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and is divided along the vertical direction into a front region, a middle region facing the excretory area of the wearer, and a rear region.
The absorbent article comprises:
The absorbent body further includes an embossed portion disposed across the front region, the intermediate region and the rear region, where the top sheet and the absorbent body are compressed.
The embossed portion is
a main embossed area including a linear embossed groove and passing through the intermediate area;
and a rear embossed area spaced longitudinally rearward from the main embossed area.
The rear embossed area is
A central embossment disposed at the center in the lateral direction;
a pair of outer embossments spaced apart laterally outward from the central embossment, respectively.
The outer embossment extends from the inner side in the laterally direction to the outer side in the laterally direction while moving from the rear side in the longitudinal direction to the front side in the longitudinal direction.

The absorbent article of the present invention is capable of improving fit while still having a top sheet that is primarily made of water-retentive fibers.

1 is a plan view showing an absorbent article as a nighttime napkin according to one embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a main part of FIG. 1 . 1 is a schematic diagram showing the buttocks and the vicinity thereof of a wearer of an absorbent article of the present invention as viewed from behind. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an absorbent article as a daytime napkin according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a main portion of FIG. 5 . FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a main portion of FIG. 3 .

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[Overall configuration of napkin (absorbent article)]
As shown in Fig. 1, an absorbent article 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a main body M and a pair of wing portions W. The absorbent article 1 is configured as a sanitary napkin, and will be referred to hereinafter as a napkin 1. Note that the napkin 1 does not necessarily have to include the wing portions W.
The napkin 1 has a longitudinal direction X corresponding to the front-to-back direction of a wearer, and a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X. The transverse direction Y corresponds to the left-to-right direction of a wearer. Furthermore, the napkin 1 has a thickness direction Z perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y.
In this specification, "the inner side in the lateral direction Y" means the side closer to the vertical center line CL that divides the napkin 1 in half in the lateral direction Y, and "the outer side in the lateral direction Y" means the side away from the vertical center line CL.
In this specification, "front in the longitudinal direction X" or "front" means the front in the longitudinal direction X, i.e., the direction toward the wearer's abdomen. Similarly, "rear in the longitudinal direction X" or "rear" means the rear in the longitudinal direction X, i.e., the direction toward the wearer's back. Moreover, "outer in the longitudinal direction X" means the side away from a straight line (not shown) that divides the napkin 1 in half in the longitudinal direction X.
In this specification, with regard to the thickness direction Z, the side closer to the wearer's skin when worn may be referred to as the upper or skin side, and the side closer to the clothing may be referred to as the lower or non-skin side.
In this specification, the term "planar view" refers to a planar view seen from the thickness direction Z.

The napkin 1 is divided along the longitudinal direction X into a front region R1, a middle region R2, and a rear region R3.
The intermediate region R2 is a region that faces the excretory part of the wearer when worn. In Fig. 1, the intermediate region R2 is a region between the front and rear base ends of the wing portion W of the napkin 1. When the absorbent article is a napkin, the "excretory part" means the vaginal opening.
The front region R1 is a region that is disposed in front of the middle region R2 (toward the wearer's abdomen) and is disposed so as to face the front of the wearer's excretory area when worn.
The rear region R3 is a region that is located rearward of the intermediate region R2 (toward the back of the wearer) and is located so as to face the rear of the wearer's excretory area when worn.
The "worn" state referred to here means a state in which the normal and proper wearing position (the expected wearing position of the napkin 1) is maintained.
In addition, when the napkin 1 does not have a wing portion W, the napkin 1 is divided into thirds along the vertical direction X, with the central region being designated as the middle region R2, the region located in front of it being designated as the front region R1, and the region located behind it being designated as the rear region R3.

The main body M extends along the longitudinal direction X and is disposed on the inner surface of the wearer's clothing. The main body M has a top sheet 2, an absorbent body 4, and a back sheet 3, which will be described later, laminated in a thickness direction Z, and has the function of absorbing excretory fluids (hereinafter also referred to as "fluids") such as menstrual blood from the wearer.
The wing portion W protrudes outward in the lateral direction Y from the main body M in the intermediate region R2.

1 is configured as a nighttime napkin 1A having a length of 30 cm or more in the vertical direction X and intended for use while sleeping. In this example, the nighttime napkin 1A may have a rear flap portion F that bulges outward in the horizontal direction Y of the main body M in the rear region R3.
The length of the nighttime napkin 1A in the longitudinal direction X is preferably 25 cm or more, more preferably 29 cm or more, and is preferably 44 cm or less, more preferably 40 cm or less.

As shown in FIG. 2, the napkin 1 comprises an absorbent body 4, a top sheet 2, a back sheet 3, and a pair of side sheets 5. These components are joined together as appropriate, for example, by adhesive or heat sealing, or by compression processing in the embossed portion 6 described below.

The absorbent body 4 extends along the longitudinal direction X, and is disposed between the top sheet 2 and the back sheet 3. The absorbent body 4 absorbs liquid from the top sheet 2 side, and retains the liquid by diffusing it internally.
The absorbent body 4 has, for example, an absorbent core 7 and a core wrap sheet 8 .
The absorbent core 7 may be formed of, for example, a fiber assembly made of hydrophilic fibers such as pulp fibers, or may have a configuration in which a water-absorbent polymer is held in the fiber assembly.
The core wrap sheet 8 is a sheet that covers the absorbent core 7 and has a function of, for example, maintaining the shape of the absorbent core 7. The core wrap sheet 8 is formed of, for example, a thin, soft paper such as tissue paper or a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric.
The absorbent body 4 does not necessarily have to have the core wrap sheet 8 .

The top sheet 2 is placed on the skin side of the absorbent body 4 in the thickness direction Z. The top sheet 2 is a liquid-permeable sheet material that mainly contains water-retentive fibers, as described below.

The back sheet 3 is disposed on the non-skin side of the absorbent body 4 in the thickness direction Z. The back sheet 3 is joined, for example, at its periphery to the top sheet 2 and the side sheets 5 by heat sealing or the like without the absorbent body 4 being interposed therebetween. The back sheet 3 may be joined to the absorbent body 4 by an adhesive or the like.
The back sheet 3 is formed of, for example, a sheet material having functions such as poor liquid permeability, water vapor permeability, and water repellency. As the sheet material, for example, a thermoplastic resin film or a laminate of the film and a nonwoven fabric can be used.
The outer surface of the back sheet 3 may be provided with an adhesive portion (not shown) for fixing the main body M and the wing portions W to clothing.

The pair of side sheets 5 are each disposed on the outer side of the top sheet 2 in the lateral direction Y. The material of the side sheets 5 is preferably a sheet material that is less hydrophilic than the top sheet 2, and specific examples include nonwoven fabrics, film materials, and sheets with a laminate structure of nonwoven fabrics and film materials that are less hydrophilic than the top sheet 2.

[Top sheet configuration]
The top sheet 2 mainly contains water-retentive fibers in order to achieve high water absorbency and moisture absorption properties.
In this specification, as can be easily understood by those skilled in the art, "water-retentive fiber" refers to a fiber that has water-retentive and water-absorbent properties, such as cotton or rayon, and is the polar opposite of synthetic fibers that are hydrophobic, such as polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene sheath-core fibers. Note that for a sheet that mainly contains water-retentive fiber, the value measured in the "water-retentive test" described below is preferably 100 mm or more, and more preferably 150 mm or more.
The top sheet 2 mainly contains water-retentive fibers, which allows the top sheet 2 to quickly absorb excreted liquid and sweat of the wearer. Furthermore, such a top sheet 2 can absorb water vapor derived from the liquid and sweat, and release the water vapor to unused portions of the absorbent body 4 (i.e., portions capable of absorbing excreted liquid). This effectively prevents stuffiness when the napkin 1 (absorbent article) is worn, improves the wearing comfort, and prevents skin troubles for the wearer.
"The top sheet 2 mainly contains water-retentive fibers" means that the top sheet 2 contains 50% by mass or more of water-retentive fibers. The top sheet 2 preferably contains 75% by mass or more, more preferably 90% by mass, of water-retentive fibers, and may be composed only of water-retentive fibers.
<Water retention test method>
The water retention test was carried out according to the following procedure. First, three test pieces cut out to 10 cm x 10 cm from the top sheet were stacked, and two filter papers (e.g., qualitative filter paper/manufactured by ADVANTEC) cut to the same size were stacked underneath. This was placed on a horizontal table and 1 mL of blue water (500 mL of ion-exchanged water to which 0.1 g of edible blue No. 1: manufactured by Daiwa Kasei Co., Ltd. was added) was dripped onto it. After 5 minutes, the spread of the blue water on the surface of the first sheet was measured in two directions, the length of the sheet vertical (H) and horizontal (W), and the total length was calculated . If a sample cannot be cut out to 10 cm x 10 cm or three test pieces cannot be cut out, the size of the sample may be changed as appropriate. However, in this case, the size of the sample is the maximum size of a square shape that can be cut out from the absorbent article.

In the present invention, the water-retentive fiber may be a natural fiber or a synthetic fiber, and specific examples include natural fibers such as cotton fiber, cellulose fibers other than cotton fiber (hemp, palm, kraft pulp, straw, etc.), rayon fiber, polynosic fiber, etc., regenerated fibers, and semi-synthetic fibers such as acetate rayon. The water-retentive fiber is preferably a natural fiber from the viewpoint of providing a sense of security to the wearer. Furthermore, the water-retentive fiber is preferably a cotton fiber from the viewpoint of providing a sense of security to the wearer, as well as achieving high water absorption and hygroscopicity and a soft texture.

The top sheet 2 is made of a woven or nonwoven fabric mainly made of water-retentive fibers, and is preferably made of a nonwoven fabric. From the viewpoint of entangling or bonding the water-retentive fibers, such nonwoven fabrics include spunlace nonwoven fabrics, resin-bonded nonwoven fabrics, and needle-punched nonwoven fabrics. From the viewpoint of entangling the water-retentive fibers while taking advantage of their texture, nonwoven fabrics that do not have fusion points between the fibers are preferred, and specifically, spunlace nonwoven fabrics are preferred.

In a top sheet 2 mainly made of the water-retentive fibers, the fibers are not easily thermally fused, and therefore the extensibility in the machine direction during manufacturing is likely to be low. This tendency is particularly pronounced in spunlace nonwoven fabrics, which do not have fusion points between the fibers and do not use adhesives. For this reason, the top sheet 2 has different extensibility in the longitudinal direction X and the lateral direction Y, for example, and as an example, the longitudinal direction X has lower extensibility than the lateral direction Y. Thus, even when using a top sheet 2 that is likely to have a difference in fit between the longitudinal direction X and the lateral direction Y, the fit of the napkin 1 can be improved by providing an embossed portion 6 as described below.

[Basic structure of embossed part]
1 and 2, the napkin 1 further includes an embossed portion 6 formed by squeezing the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 4. The embossed portion 6 is disposed across the front region R1, the intermediate region R2, and the rear region R3.
The embossed portion 6 is formed, for example, by compression processing in the thickness direction Z from the top sheet 2 toward the absorbent body 4. Examples of compression processing include heat embossing and ultrasonic sealing. The embossed portion 6 has a configuration in which the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 4 are recessed toward the back sheet 3 side and integrated by heat fusion or the like.
In the following description, the compressed portions of the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 4 are also referred to as "embossed".

This configuration makes the embossed portion 6 more rigid and less prone to deformation than other regions. Therefore, when the napkin 1 is subjected to force, the embossed portion 6 can function as a deformation starting point that promotes deformation of the surrounding low-rigidity regions. Furthermore, since the distance between the fibers in the embossed portion 6 is narrower than in other regions, when the embossed portion 6 comes into contact with liquid, it has the function of drawing in the liquid by capillary action and diffusing it within the embossed portion 6. As a result, the embossed portion 6 also has a leak-proof effect that prevents liquid from leaking to the outside.

The embossed section 6 has at least a main embossed area 10 and a rear embossed area 13. Each component is described below.

[Configuration of main embossed area]
The embossed portion 6 has a main embossed region 10 that passes through at least the intermediate region R2 in order to improve the fit in and around the intermediate region R2 and to prevent leakage of liquid.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the main embossed region 10 extends from a front region R1 through an intermediate region R2 to a rear region R3.

As a specific configuration, the main embossed area 10 includes one or more linear embossed grooves.
The embossed groove is a groove that extends linearly and is formed by embossing.
The term "linear" in the embossed groove means that the embossment extends in a straight line and/or a curved line. The term "linear" includes not only a configuration in which one embossment extends continuously, but also a configuration in which multiple embossments are arranged closely in the extension direction to form a substantially linear shape.
1, the main embossed region 10 includes a pair of main embossed grooves 11 each extending in the longitudinal direction X in the intermediate region R2 as a linear embossed groove. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the main embossed groove 11 extends from the intermediate region R2 to the front region R1 and the rear region R3.
1 are preferably substantially continuous and connected to each other in the front region R1 and the rear region R3. This preferably results in a closed shape for the pair of main embossed grooves 11. In this case, the pair of main embossed grooves 11 extend toward each other inward in the lateral direction Y at the front and rear ends.
The term "substantially continuous" includes a mode in which the main embossed groove 11 is continuous and annular, as well as a mode in which the main embossed groove 11 has a slight discontinuity of approximately 4 mm or less.

In this specification, "the embossed groove extends in the vertical direction X" does not mean that the embossed groove extends parallel to the vertical direction X, but may extend in the vertical direction X as a whole. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the main embossed groove 11 extends in the vertical direction X as a whole, but includes a locally constricted portion that is constricted inward in the horizontal direction Y.
In this specification, "the embossed groove extends in the horizontal direction Y" is not limited to the embodiment in which the embossed groove extends parallel to the horizontal direction Y, but may extend in the horizontal direction Y as a whole. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the main embossed groove 11 is configured in a curved shape in the front region R1 and the rear region R3, extending inward in the horizontal direction Y while also extending outward in the vertical direction X.
The main embossed region 10 may include embossed grooves other than the main embossed groove 11, and may include one or more lateral embossed grooves 12 extending in the lateral direction Y, as exemplified in Fig. 1. This configuration will be described later.

The main embossed region 10 configured as described above is a high-rigidity region, and therefore can be a starting point of deformation when an external force is applied from the wearer's left or right thighs toward the inside in the lateral direction Y when the garment is worn. For example, the main embossed region 10 can induce deformation such that the central portion of the intermediate region R2 in the lateral direction Y is raised toward the skin by narrowing the distance in the lateral direction Y between the pair of main embossed grooves 11 due to the external force. This can improve the fit of the intermediate region R2, which faces the excretory area, in particular.
Furthermore, the main embossed region 10 has the effect of quickly drawing in any liquid that reaches it, thereby preventing the liquid from leaking outward in the lateral direction Y.
As a result, the main embossed area 10 enhances the fit to the excretory area and prevents leakage of excreted fluid.

[Configuration of rear embossed area]
The region further rearward of the main embossed region 10 is disposed to face the buttocks and/or the vicinity thereof of the wearer when worn. Since the buttocks and/or the vicinity thereof have many projections and recesses, a configuration that more actively fits the projections and recesses is required, particularly when a top sheet 2 mainly made of water-retentive fibers is used.
Therefore, from the viewpoint of improving the fit behind the main embossed area 10, the embossed portion 6 further has a rear embossed area 13 arranged rearward in the vertical direction X from the main embossed area 10. The rear embossed area 13 has one or more embosses formed independently of the main embossed area 10.

(Basic configuration of central embossing and outer embossing)
As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 3, the rear embossed area 13 includes a central embossment 14 and a pair of outer embossments 15 .
The central embossment 14 is disposed in the center in the horizontal direction Y of the napkin 1. The "center in the horizontal direction Y" of the napkin 1 means the area on the vertical center line CL that divides the napkin 1 into two equal parts in the horizontal direction Y. In other words, the central embossment 14 is disposed so as to pass through the vertical center line CL.

The pair of outer embossments 15 are disposed outwardly in the horizontal direction Y from the central embossment 14. The pair of outer embossments 15 are disposed on both the left and right sides of the central embossment 14, and are disposed spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction Y.
"The outer embossment 15 is positioned to the outside in the lateral direction Y of the central embossment 14" means that the outer end portion of the outer embossment 15 that is located most outward in the lateral direction Y is positioned more outward in the lateral direction Y than the outer end portion of the central embossment 14 that is located most outward in the lateral direction Y, and the outer embossment 15 and the central embossment 14 are completely separated from each other.
In the rear embossed region 13, the embossments are "spaced apart" meaning that the high-rigidity regions formed by the embossments are completely spaced apart from one another and function as independent high-rigidity regions. Specifically, in the rear embossed region 13, the narrowest distance between the spaced apart embossments is preferably 5 mm or more.

As described above, the central embossment 14 and the outer embossment 15 are portions where the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 4 are compressed. The central embossment 14 and the outer embossment 15 may have portions with different degrees of compression, and in Fig. 3, the respective portions are shown with different hatching, and the details of this will be described later.
The central embossment 14 and each of the outer embossments 15 are preferably a continuous embossment, but may be an assembly of a plurality of adjacent embossments. In the latter case, the embossments are not completely spaced apart, and the assembly functions as a single high-rigidity region (deformation starting point).

The planar shape of the central embossment 14 as viewed from the thickness direction Z is not limited to a substantially circular shape as shown in the figure, but may take on various shapes. The planar shape may be one or more selected from, for example, a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, a teardrop, shapes similar to these, and other shapes.

The outer embossment 15 extends from the rear in the vertical direction X to the front in the vertical direction X and then from the inside to the outside in the horizontal direction Y. In other words, the outer embossment 15 has an elongated shape extending obliquely with respect to the vertical direction X and the horizontal direction Y.
The outer embossment 15 includes a front end 15a located at the frontmost position in the vertical direction X and a rear end 15b located at the rearmost position in the vertical direction X. For example, the distance in the horizontal direction Y between the rear ends 15b of the pair of outer embossments 15 is smaller than the distance in the horizontal direction Y between the front ends 15a of the pair of outer embossments 15.

The planar shape of the outer embossment 15 is not particularly limited as long as it extends in the above-mentioned direction as a whole. For example, the outer embossment 15 is not limited to a shape extending linearly, and may extend in a curved shape or may be serpentine. In addition, the outer embossment 15 may be elongated as a whole, and may be partially branched, or may form an assembly of elongated shapes consisting of multiple adjacent embossments.
Specifically, the planar shape of the outer embossment 15 as viewed from the thickness direction Z is not limited to a substantially elliptical shape as shown in the figure, and may be various shapes. The planar shape may be, for example, one or more selected from an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape, a teardrop shape, shapes similar thereto, and other shapes.
3, the pair of outer embossments 15 are configured to be line-symmetrical with respect to the vertical center line CL, but are not limited thereto. The pair of outer embossments 15 may not be symmetrical and may have different shapes.

In the napkin 1 (absorbent article), the embossed portion 6 has the main embossed region 10 and the rear embossed region 13 independent of each other, thereby providing the following effects.
The central embossment 14 and the outer embossment 15 form a locally high-rigidity region in the rear region R3 of the napkin 1 (absorbent article). This can become a starting point of deformation when the napkin 1 (absorbent article) is subjected to an external force from the wearer's body, etc., and can induce deformation of the surrounding regions with low rigidity.
As shown in Fig. 4, the left and right buttocks H1 and the intergluteal cleft H2 between them are located behind the wearer's excretory area. The buttocks H1 are raised parts located on the left and right, and the intergluteal cleft H2 is a depression located in the left and right central part of the body and extending in the front-rear direction between the left and right buttocks H1. In Fig. 4, the outline of the buttocks H1 is shown by a dashed line.
When worn, the rear embossed areas 13 are disposed facing the left and right buttocks H1 of the wearer and/or their vicinity.
When worn, the rear embossed region 13 may receive an external force from the wearer's left and right buttocks H1 in a direction toward the inside in the lateral direction Y. In this case, in the napkin 1 (absorbent article), the pair of outer embossments 15 receive this external force and move closer to the lateral direction Y. Since the central embossment 14 is disposed between the pair of outer embossments 15, this central embossment 14 becomes the starting point of deformation, and a convex deformation occurs on the skin side with the central embossment 14 as the apex. As a result, the central embossment 14 can induce a deformation of the napkin 1 (absorbent article) that follows the depression of the gluteal cleft H2.
On the other hand, the outer embossment 15 can become a fold starting point that is convex toward the non-skin side due to the above-mentioned external force and deformation caused by the central embossment 14. In other words, when viewed from the top sheet 2 side, the central embossment 14 becomes the starting point of a mountain fold, and the outer embossment 15 becomes the starting point of a valley fold.
Furthermore, the outer embossment 15 extends outward in the lateral direction Y from the rear to the front. Therefore, the folding deformation induced by the outer embossment 15 is formed so that the width in the lateral direction Y becomes wider from the rear to the front.
Here, the buttocks H1 have a rounded, curved shape in a plan view. The outer embossment 15 induces the above-mentioned deformation, so that the napkin 1 (absorbent article) can easily conform to the curved shape of the raised portion and deform to encase the roundness of the buttocks H1.
As a result, the central embossment 14 induces deformation of the napkin 1 (absorbent article) to conform to the depression of the intergluteal cleft H2, and the outer embossment 15 induces deformation to envelop the buttocks H1. Therefore, according to the napkin 1 (absorbent article) of this embodiment, even when a top sheet 2 mainly made of water-retentive fibers is used, it is possible to induce deformation that fits well to the shape of the buttocks H1 and/or its vicinity, which are particularly uneven on the body, and to improve the fit.

The deformation induced by the rear embossed region 13 will now be described in more detail.
In the following description, a deformation that is convex toward the skin side is also referred to as a "mountain fold" deformation, and a deformation that is convex toward the non-skin side is also referred to as a "valley fold" deformation.

When the napkin 1 (absorbent article) is a nighttime napkin 1A as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the rear embossed area 13 is disposed, for example, opposite to an area near the end of the rear (back) side of the intergluteal cleft H2 when worn. This area corresponds to the area RA in Fig. 4.
In the region RA shown in Fig. 4, the rear part of the buttocks H1 spreads out on both the left and right sides of the end of the intergluteal cleft H2. The rear part of the buttocks H1 seen from the back as in Fig. 4 generally has a shape in which a gentle protuberance spreads outward in the lateral direction Y from the rear waist area to the front side.
When the napkin 1 (absorbent article) is a nighttime napkin 1A, the central embossment 14 induces a mountain fold deformation along the depression near the end of the gluteal cleft H2, while the outer embossment 15 is arranged to extend outward in the lateral direction Y from the rear to the front, thereby inducing a valley fold deformation along the protruding shape of the gluteal cleft H1.

On the other hand, the absorbent article of the present invention may be configured as a so-called daytime napkin having a length in the longitudinal direction X of less than 30 cm and intended for use other than while sleeping, and in this case too, it can exhibit a high degree of fitting.
As shown in FIG. 5 and its enlarged view in FIG. 6, the basic structure of the daytime napkin 1B and its rear embossed region 13 is similar to the basic structure of the nighttime napkin 1A and its rear embossed region 13 described above, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
The length of the daytime napkin 1B in the longitudinal direction X is preferably 17 cm or more, more preferably 20 cm or more, and is preferably 30 cm or less, more preferably 25 cm or less.

When the napkin 1 (absorbent article) is a daytime napkin 1B, the rear embossed region 13 is disposed in a region of the buttocks H1 and intergluteal cleft H2 that curves significantly forward and backward from the excretory region toward the back when worn. This region corresponds to region RB in FIG. 4.
The buttocks H1 in the region RB are bulging to the left and right, and have a particularly rounded shape due to the above-mentioned curvature.
Even when the napkin 1 (absorbent article) is a daytime napkin, the central embossment 14 induces a mountain fold deformation along the depression of the intergluteal cleft H2, while the outer embossment 15 is arranged along the roundness of the buttocks H1, thereby inducing a valley fold deformation that envelops the roundness from both sides, allowing it to fit the raised shape of the buttocks H1.

In this way, the napkin 1 (absorbent article) of this embodiment, whether it is a nighttime napkin 1A or a daytime napkin 1B, can be induced to deform into a shape that fits the depression of the intergluteal cleft H2 and the raised portion of the buttocks H1, achieving a high level of fit.

(Examples of layout and dimensions of central embossment and outer embossment)
In order to more effectively exert the above-mentioned effect, the distance in the horizontal direction Y between the central embossment 14 and the outer embossment 15 is preferably 2 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more, and is preferably 19 mm or less, more preferably 16 mm or less.
It should be noted that the "distance in the horizontal direction Y between the central embossment 14 and the outer embossment 15" means the minimum distance in the horizontal direction Y between the central embossment 14 and the outer embossment 15.

The maximum dimension of the central embossment 14 in the lateral direction Y is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, from the viewpoint of reliably inducing the mountain-fold deformation. Moreover, the maximum dimension is preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 8 mm or less, from the viewpoint of fitting comfortably into the cavity of the intergluteal cleft H2.
The maximum dimension of each outer embossment 15 in the horizontal direction Y is preferably 8 mm or more, more preferably 13 mm or more, from the viewpoint of reliably inducing the valley fold deformation. Moreover, the maximum dimension is preferably 23 mm or less, more preferably 18 mm or less, from the viewpoint of fitting comfortably to the protruding shape of the buttocks H1.

From the viewpoint of effectively inducing the mountain fold deformation and the valley fold deformation described above, it is preferable that the front end 15a of the outer embossing 15 is located forward of the front end located most forward of the central embossing 14. From the same viewpoint, it is preferable that the rear end 15b of the outer embossing 15 is located rearward in the vertical direction X of the rear end located most rearward of the central embossing 14.

The maximum dimension of the central embossment 14 in the vertical direction X is preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more, from the viewpoint of reliably inducing the mountain-fold deformation. Moreover, the maximum dimension is preferably 15 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less, from the viewpoint of fitting comfortably into the cavity of the intergluteal cleft H2.
The maximum dimension of each outer embossment 15 in the vertical direction X is preferably 10 mm or more, more preferably 13 mm or more, from the viewpoint of reliably inducing the valley fold deformation. Moreover, the maximum dimension is preferably 30 mm or less, more preferably 25 mm or less, from the viewpoint of fitting comfortably to the protruding shape of the buttocks H1.

(Inner embossing configuration)
It is preferable that the rear embossed region 13 further includes a pair of inner embossments 16 spaced apart from the central embossment 14 and the outer embossment 15, from the viewpoint of inducing deformation to better fit the three-dimensional protuberance shape of the buttocks and/or the vicinity thereof.

As described above, the inner embossment 16 is a portion where the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 4 are compressed. The inner embossment 16 may have portions with different degrees of compression, and the respective portions are shown with different hatching in Figures 3 and 6, but the details of this will be described later.
Each inner embossment 16 is preferably a continuous embossment, but may be an assembly of a number of adjacent embossments. In the latter case, the embossments are not completely spaced apart, and the assembly functions as a single high-rigidity region (deformation starting point).

The planar shape of the inner embossment 16 as viewed from the thickness direction Z is not limited to a substantially circular shape as shown in the figure, and may be various shapes. The planar shape may be one or more selected from a circle, an ellipse, a polygon, a teardrop, shapes similar thereto, and other shapes.
3, the pair of inner embossments 16 are configured to be line-symmetrical with respect to the vertical center line CL, but are not limited thereto. The pair of inner embossments 16 may not be symmetrical and may have different shapes.

In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 6 , the inner embossment 16 is disposed outward in the lateral direction Y from the central embossment 14 and inward in the lateral direction Y from the outer embossment 15 .
"The inner embossing 16 is positioned laterally Y outwardly of the central embossing 14" means that the outer end portion of the inner embossing 16 that is positioned most outwardly in the horizontal direction Y is positioned more outwardly in the horizontal direction Y than the outer end portion of the central embossing 14 that is positioned most outwardly in the horizontal direction Y.
"The inner embossing 16 is positioned laterally Y inward relative to the outer embossing 15" means that the inner end portion of the inner embossing 16 that is positioned most inward in the laterally Y direction is positioned more inward in the laterally Y direction than the inner end portion of the outer embossing 15 that is positioned most inward in the laterally Y direction.

The inner embossing 16 becomes a region of high rigidity through compression processing, and can be a deformation starting point, just like the central embossing 14 and the outer embossing 15. In other words, the inner embossing 16 can provide a deformation starting point of a mountain fold that is convex toward the skin in the region outside the central embossing 14 in the lateral direction Y and inside the outer embossing 15 in the lateral direction Y. This can induce deformation that follows the shape of the protruding start part of the buttocks H1 close to the gluteal cleft H2, and can induce deformation that better fits the complex three-dimensional shape of the buttocks and/or its vicinity.

Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving the fit to the three-dimensional shape, it is preferable that the inner embossment 16 is disposed forward in the vertical direction X relative to the central embossment 14 and the outer embossment 15 .
"The inner embossing 16 is positioned forward in the vertical direction X from the central embossing 14 and the outer embossing 15" means that the front end portion of the inner embossing 16 which is located most forward in the vertical direction X is positioned forward in the vertical direction X from the front end portions of the central embossing 14 and the outer embossing 15 which are located most forward in the vertical direction X.

First, the function and effect of the inner embossment 16 in the case where the napkin 1 (absorbent article) is a nighttime napkin 1A will be specifically described.
As described above, the rear embossed region 13 of the nighttime napkin 1A is disposed, for example, in the region RA shown in FIG. 4 or in its vicinity when the nighttime napkin 1A is worn.
In the region RA shown in Fig. 4, a generally triangular depression is formed whose width in the horizontal direction Y increases toward the rear (back side) in the vertical direction X. This depression corresponds to the end of the gluteal cleft H2. In the region RA, the buttocks H1 protrude along both the left and right sides of this depression.
When the napkin 1 is a nighttime napkin 1A, the central embossment 14 is disposed in the approximately triangular recess, the inner embossment 16 is disposed at the start of the protuberance of the buttocks H1 along the approximately triangular recess, and the outer embossment 15 is disposed on the outer side in the lateral direction Y of the start of the protuberance, where the protuberance of the buttocks H1 spreads outward in the lateral direction Y.
As a result, the central embossment 14 induces a mountain fold deformation along the approximately triangular depression, while the outer embossment 15 and the inner embossment 16 induce a valley fold deformation along the roundness of the buttocks H1. Therefore, the outer embossment 15 and the inner embossment 16 can induce a deformation of the napkin 1 that envelops the rounded protruding shape of the buttocks H1, improving the fit of the napkin 1 to the buttocks H1 and/or its vicinity.

Next, the case where the napkin 1 is a daytime napkin 1B will be described.
As described above, the rear embossed region 13 of the daytime napkin 1B is disposed, for example, in or near the region RB shown in FIG. 4 when the napkin is worn.
When the napkin 1 is a daytime napkin 1B, the central embossment 14 is disposed in the intergluteal cleft H2 of the region RB, and the outer embossments 15 are disposed along the roundness based on the front and rear curved shape of the buttocks H1.
Furthermore, the inner embossment 16 is disposed in front of the central embossment 14 and the outer embossment 15, that is, on the excretory side. Here, the region RB corresponds to a region that is greatly curved forward and backward from the excretory side toward the back side, as described above. That is, the region RB is disposed at the boundary between the front (excretory side) region facing downward in a standing position and the rear (back side) region facing the back. In the front region, forces from both legs to the left and right inward are easily applied, and in the rear region, forces from both legs can be released. Therefore, the width of the depression of the gluteal cleft H2 in the region RB is easily narrowed in the front region and easily widened in the rear region. The inner embossment 16 is disposed along the protuberance of the buttocks H1 on both the left and right sides of the slightly narrowed front gluteal cleft H2, so that it is easy to induce a valley fold deformation that fits well with the protuberance of the buttocks H1 in the region RB.

In this way, the rear embossed region 13 configured as above can induce deformation into a shape that fits the complex uneven shape of the buttocks H1 and/or its vicinity, in both the nighttime napkin 1A and the daytime napkin 1B, achieving an even better fit.

(Examples of inner embossing layout and dimensions)
The distance between the central embossment 14 and the inner embossment 16 in the lateral direction Y is preferably 1 mm or more in order to more effectively exert the above-mentioned effect. Moreover, the distance is preferably 7 mm or less in order to sufficiently separate the inner embossment 16 from the outer embossment 15.
It should be noted that the "distance in the horizontal direction Y between the central embossment 14 and the inner embossment 16" means the minimum distance in the horizontal direction Y between the central embossment 14 and the inner embossment 16.

The distance between the outer embossment 15 and the inner embossment 16 in the lateral direction Y is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, from the viewpoint of more effectively exerting the above-mentioned action. Moreover, from the viewpoint of sufficiently separating the inner embossment 16 from the central embossment 14, the distance is preferably 13 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less.
It should be noted that the "distance in the horizontal direction Y between the outer embossment 15 and the inner embossment 16" means the minimum distance in the horizontal direction Y between the outer embossment 15 and the inner embossment 16.

The distance in the vertical direction X between the front end portion of the inner embossment 16 located most forward in the vertical direction X and the front end portion of the central embossment 14 located most forward in the vertical direction X is preferably 2 mm or more, more preferably 5 mm or more, and is preferably 20 mm or less, more preferably 15 mm or less, from the viewpoint of inducing a deformation that better fits the body shape of the gluteal cleft and both the left and right sides thereof.
The distance in the vertical direction X between the front end portion of the inner embossing 16 that is located most forward in the vertical direction X and the front end portion 15a of the outer embossing 15 is preferably 1 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, and is preferably 15 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less, from the viewpoint of inducing a deformation that better fits the shape of the buttocks and/or the vicinity thereof.

The maximum dimension of each inner embossment 16 in the vertical direction X is preferably 2 mm or more, more preferably 4 mm or more, from the viewpoint of reliably inducing the above-mentioned deformation. Moreover, from the viewpoint of a comfortable fit when worn, the maximum dimension is preferably 15 mm or less, more preferably 12 mm or less.
Similarly, the maximum dimension of each inner embossment 16 in the horizontal direction Y is preferably 2 mm or more, more preferably 4 mm or more, from the viewpoint of reliably inducing the above-mentioned deformation. Moreover, from the viewpoint of a comfortable fit when worn, the maximum dimension is preferably 15 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less.

(Relationship between the area of the inner embossment and the area of the outer embossment)
Since the inner embossment 16 is positioned closer to the left-right center of the wearer than the outer embossment 15, it is preferable that the inner embossment 16 has a configuration that is designed to reduce discomfort when worn.
From this viewpoint, it is preferable that the area of each of the pair of inner embossments 16 is smaller than the area of each of the pair of outer embossments 15 .
The area of each inner embossment 16 means the area in plan view of the compressed portion of each inner embossment 16. In other words, when the inner embossment 16 has regions with different degrees of compression, the area of each inner embossment 16 means the area of all the compressed regions constituting the inner embossment 16 in plan view.
Similarly, the area of each outer embossment 15 means the area in plan view of the compressed portion of each outer embossment 15. In other words, when the outer embossment 15 has regions with different degrees of compression, the area of each outer embossment 15 means the area of all compressed regions constituting the outer embossment 15 in plan view.

The inner embossment 16 is disposed in an area closer to the left and right center of the body than the outer embossment 15, where the wearer is likely to be sensitive to the fit. The area of each inner embossment 16 is smaller than the area of each outer embossment 15, so that the area of the high rigidity area formed by the inner embossment 16 can be relatively small. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the fit while inducing a deformation that improves the fit of the napkin 1.
On the other hand, by making the high rigidity area formed by the outer embossing 15 larger, the outer embossing 15 can function more reliably as a deformation starting point, and the napkin 1 can be more reliably induced to deform in accordance with the shape of the buttocks.
Therefore, with the above-described configuration, it is possible to induce desirable deformation to conform to the shape of the buttocks and/or the vicinity thereof while maintaining a good wearing comfort provided by the top sheet 2 mainly made of water-retentive fibers.

In order to more effectively exert the above-mentioned effect, the ratio of the area of each inner embossing 16 to the area of each outer embossing 15 is preferably 1.3 or more, more preferably 1.5 or more, and is preferably 3.2 or less, more preferably 3.0 or less.
The specific area of each inner embossment 16 is preferably 13 ^mm2 or more, more preferably 15 ^mm2 or more, and is preferably 30 ^mm2 or less, more preferably 25 mm2 or ^less , from the viewpoint of inducing deformation while suppressing discomfort when worn.
From the viewpoint of inducing deformation while suppressing discomfort when worn, the specific area of each outer embossment 15 is preferably 20 ^mm2 or more, more preferably 25 ^mm2 or more, and preferably 70 ^mm2 or less, more preferably 65 ^mm2 or less.

(Method of measuring the area of the inner embossment and the outer embossment)
The area of each of the inner embossments 16 and each of the outer embossments 15 can be measured, for example, by the following method.
<How to measure area>
To measure the area, an image of each embossed part on the product is captured with a general scanner, and then this is binarized using image analysis software (e.g. NewQube (made by Nexus)) to measure the area of the compressed part in a plan view.

[Example of lateral dimensions of each embossed area]
Furthermore, from the viewpoint of stably inducing deformation in accordance with the body shape by the rear embossed area 13, it is preferable that the maximum dimension W1 in the lateral direction Y of the rear embossed area 13 is smaller than the maximum dimension W2 in the lateral direction Y of the main embossed area 10, as shown in FIG. 1.
The maximum dimension W1 in the horizontal direction Y of the rear embossed region 13 means the dimension in the horizontal direction Y from the outer end of the embossment located at the leftmost position in the horizontal direction Y of the rear embossed region 13 to the outer end of the embossment located at the rightmost position in the horizontal direction Y of the rear embossed region 13. Note that the "outer end" of each embossment means the part located at the outermost position in the horizontal direction Y of each embossment.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the maximum dimension W1 is the dimension from the outer end of the outer embossment 15 on the left side to the outer end of the outer embossment 15 on the right side.
The maximum dimension W2 in the horizontal direction Y of the main embossing area 10 means the dimension in the horizontal direction Y from the outer end in the horizontal direction Y of the embossment located on the leftmost side in the horizontal direction Y of the main embossing area 10 to the outer end in the horizontal direction Y of the embossment located on the rightmost side in the horizontal direction Y of the rear embossing area 13.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the maximum dimension W2 is the maximum dimension between the outer ends of the left and right main embossed grooves 11 in the intermediate region R2.

The effects of the above configuration will now be described.
First, as described above, the main embossed region 10 extends in the intermediate region R2 facing the excretory portion, and therefore has the function of preventing lateral leakage of excreted liquid outward in the lateral direction Y. For this reason, the portion forming the maximum dimension W2 of the main embossed region 10 is arranged to extend to the side of the body M in the lateral direction Y from the viewpoint of preventing lateral leakage while ensuring a sufficient area for absorbing liquid.
On the other hand, by configuring the maximum dimension W1 of the rear embossed region 13 to be smaller than the maximum dimension W2 of the main embossed region 10, the width of the rear embossed region 13 in the lateral direction Y can be narrowed. This prevents the embossments of the rear embossed region 13 from being too far apart, and they can cooperate with each other to induce deformation of the napkin 1 (absorbent article). Therefore, the rear embossed region 13 can stably induce deformation along the body shape of the buttocks and/or the vicinity thereof, and more reliably improve the fit of the napkin 1 (absorbent article).
Furthermore, with this configuration, even if the liquid reaches the rear embossed region 13, it is possible to suppress the liquid from spreading in the lateral direction Y of the rear embossed region 13. As a result, the liquid leakage prevention effect can be effectively exerted in the rear embossed region 13 as well.

The ratio of the maximum dimension W1 of the rear embossed region 13 to the maximum dimension W2 of the main embossed region 10 is preferably 0.95 or less, more preferably 0.9 or less, from the viewpoint of effectively exerting the above-mentioned action and effect. Moreover, the above ratio is preferably 0.75 or more, more preferably 0.8 or more, from the viewpoint of ensuring a sufficient maximum dimension W1 of the rear embossed region 13 and effectively inducing deformation along the body shape of the buttocks and/or the vicinity thereof.
From the viewpoint of effectively exerting the above-mentioned effects, the maximum dimension W1 of the rear embossed region 13 is preferably 30 mm or more, more preferably 35 mm or more, and is preferably 55 mm or less, more preferably 50 mm or less.
The maximum dimension W2 of the main embossed area 10 is preferably 40 mm or more, more preferably 45 mm or more, from the viewpoint of effectively preventing lateral leakage while ensuring a sufficient area for absorbing liquid, and is preferably 55 mm or less, more preferably 50 mm or less.

[Detailed configuration of each embossment in the rear embossed area]
Each embossment in the rear embossed region 13 may have areas of different compression.
As shown in Figs. 3 and 6, the central embossment 14 preferably includes a highly compressed portion 17a and a less compressed portion 18a that is less compressed than the highly compressed portion 17a.
The outer embossment 15 preferably includes a highly compressed portion 17b and a less compressed portion 18b that is compressed less strongly than the highly compressed portion 17b.
The inner embossment 16 preferably includes a highly compressed portion 17c and a less compressed portion 18c that is less compressed than the highly compressed portion 17b.
In Figs. 3 and 6, the high compression portions 17a to 17c are indicated by hatching with high density oblique lines, and the low compression portions 18a to 18c are indicated by hatching with low density oblique lines.
1 and 5, the planar shape of each embossment in the rear embossed region 13 is shown by the planar shape of the highly compressed portions 17a to 17c which are easily visible, for the sake of convenience.

The highly compressed portions 17a to 17c have bottom surfaces that are deeper in the thickness direction Z than the low compressed portions 18a to 18c. In other words, the top sheet 2 in the highly compressed portions 17a to 17c is positioned lower in the thickness direction Z than the top sheet 2 in the low compressed portions 18a to 18c.
Such a rear embossed region 13 is formed, for example, by using an embossing roll equipped with low compressed portion forming convex portions provided on the outer circumferential surface and high compressed portion forming convex portions protruding further from the low compressed portion forming convex portions. Specifically, a laminate including the top sheet 2, absorbent body 4, etc. is heated and pressed together between the embossing roll and a flat roll having a flat outer circumferential surface. As a result, high compressed portions 17a to 17c are formed in the regions pressed by the high compressed portion forming convex portions, and low compressed portions 18a to 18c are formed in the regions pressed by the low compressed portion forming convex portions.
The high-compression portions 17a to 17c are compressed by the high-compression portion forming convex portion at a higher pressure than the low-compression portions 18a to 18c, and thus become portions having a higher density and a higher rigidity than the low-compression portions 18a to 18c.

In this type of rear embossed region 13, the high compression sections 17a-17c provide sufficient compression to increase rigidity, while the low compression sections 18a-18c prevent each embossing from feeling too hard. Therefore, this rear embossed region 13 can provide both a good fit around the buttocks and/or the vicinity thereof, as well as a good wearing comfort.

[Examples of embossed design configurations]
(Basic composition of each embossed design)
Each embossment included in the rear embossed region 13 may have a predetermined design.
The design in each embossment means a design including at least one of letters, figures, or symbols that is visible to the user of the napkin 1. The "user of the napkin 1" here means a user before and after wearing the napkin 1, and may be the same person as the "wearer" who wears the napkin 1 in this specification.

The pattern is formed by the planar shape of the depressions resulting from the compression process of each embossment.
In the examples shown in Figs. 3 and 6, the design is defined by the planar shapes of the highly compressed portions 17a to 17c of each embossment.
In these examples, the design D1 of the central embossment 14 is formed by the highly compressed portion 17a, the design D2 of the outer embossment 15 is formed by the highly compressed portion 17b, and the design D3 of the inner embossment 16 is formed by the highly compressed portion 17c.
In addition, these patterns are not limited to the example formed by the high compression parts 17a to 17c, and may be defined by the planar shape of the entire compressed area of each embossment. Alternatively, the pattern may be configured to be visible by having its outline outlined by the compressed area.

From the viewpoint of forming a pattern by compression processing that is easily recognizable to a user, it is preferable that the pattern includes a figure.
The above-mentioned figures may be selected appropriately from general figures representing flowers, animals, hearts, stars, etc., as well as geometric figures such as polygons, circles, ellipses, etc., and figures representing product logos.
The above-mentioned design is preferably a design related to the product information, from the viewpoint of visually impressing the product information on the user of the napkin 1. The product information is information related to the product of the absorbent article of the present invention, and includes, for example, one or more pieces of information selected from the product concept, product name, product logo, product absorption capacity, product length in the vertical direction X, product type (napkin, panty liner, urine absorption pad, etc.), and other product-related information.
As an example, the napkin 1 shown in Figures 3 and 6 has a product concept of "botanical." In relation to this product concept, the design D1 of the central embossment 14 and the design D3 of the inner embossment 16 are flower designs, and the design D2 of the outer embossment 15 has a design of multiple leaves on one stem.

(Examples of patterns defined according to absorption capacity)
Furthermore, it is preferable that at least one of the embossments included in the rear embossed region 13 has a pattern defined according to the absorption capacity. That is, it is preferable that at least one of the central embossment 14, the outer embossment 15, and the inner embossment 16 has a pattern defined according to the absorption capacity.
"Designs defined according to absorption capacity" refers to designs defined in different shapes for different types of products when a group of products (e.g., a group of products with the same product name, a group of products with the same brand name, etc.) includes multiple types of products with different absorption capacities. Note that the designs do not have to be related to the absorption capacity, as long as different designs are assigned to products with different absorption capacities.
For example, if one product group includes daytime napkins and nighttime napkins, the daytime napkins and nighttime napkins may have different embossed designs in the rear embossed region 13. Alternatively, if one product group includes products with different overall product lengths in the vertical direction X, the embossed designs in the rear embossed region 13 may be different for each of these products.

A specific description will be given below with reference to examples of a nighttime napkin 1A shown in FIG. 3 and a daytime napkin 1B shown in FIG.
In this example, the design D2 of each outer embossment 15 is different between the nighttime napkin 1A and the daytime napkin 1B.
As shown in FIG. 3, the outer embossment 15 of the nighttime napkin 1A has a pattern D2 of nine leaves attached to one stem.
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the outer embossment 15 of the daytime napkin 1B has a pattern D2 with a single stem and five leaves in total.
In this manner, in the above-mentioned example, the number of leaves in the design D2 of the outer embossment 15 is different between the nighttime napkin 1A and the daytime napkin 1B.

The designs defined according to the absorbent capacity are not limited to designs that are similar or related to each other, and may include dissimilar or less related designs. For example, the daytime napkin may include a sun design, and the nighttime napkin may include a moon design.
Furthermore, the pattern defined according to the absorption capacity is not limited to the example including a figure, and may include characters related to the absorption capacity and/or the recommended wearing time of the absorbent article. Examples of characters related to the recommended wearing time of the absorbent article include characters representing "night", which is a general sleeping time, or "day", which is an active time. Examples of characters related to the absorption capacity of the absorbent article include numbers representing the length of the absorbent article in the vertical direction X, numbers representing the absorption capacity itself, and combinations of these numbers with units.

In this way, at least one of the embossments in the rear embossed region 13 has a pattern that is determined according to the absorption capacity, so that the absorption capacity can be visually impressed on the user of the napkin 1. In addition, the pattern of the embossment in the rear embossed region 13 can be one of the points to distinguish the absorption capacity, so that the convenience of the napkin 1 for the user can be increased.

(Example of central embossed design)
As shown in the enlarged view of FIG. 7, the central embossment 14 preferably has a pattern D1 that is symmetrical with respect to a straight line parallel to the vertical direction X, from the viewpoint of better fitting the wearer's body shape that is approximately symmetrical laterally.
The "straight line parallel to the vertical direction X" refers to a bisector parallel to the vertical direction X that divides the central embossment 14 in half in the horizontal direction Y, and in the example shown in FIG.
Furthermore, the line-symmetrical pattern D1 is divided into a front portion D11, a middle portion D12, and a rear portion D13 by a straight line that divides the pattern D1 into thirds in the vertical direction X. In this case, it is preferable that the pattern D1 includes one front vertex P1 arranged in the front portion D11 and multiple rear vertices P2 arranged in the rear portion D13.
The vertex here means the end point of a part that protrudes from the surroundings.
In the above configuration, the front portion D11 is line-symmetric and includes a single front vertex P1, so that the front vertex P1 is located on the bisector of the central embossment 14 (for example, the vertical center line CL).
In the rear portion D13, two or more rear vertices P2 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the bisector (e.g., the vertical center line CL).

The line-symmetrical pattern D1 having the above configuration is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, one or more patterns selected from a flower pattern, a star pattern, an isosceles triangle, a pentagon, and other line-symmetrical patterns. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the line-symmetrical pattern D1 is composed of a flower pattern.

As described above, the central embossment 14 can serve as the starting point for a mountain fold that follows the concave of the gluteal cleft, but when viewed in more detail, the above configuration can induce deformations of different types in the anterior portion D11 and the posterior portion D13.
For example, in the front portion D11 of the central embossment 14, when an external force is applied from the wearer's body or the like, the pressure due to the external force is concentrated on a single front apex P1. As a result, the front portion D11 can be induced to deform so as to bend sharply toward the skin along the front apex P1. On the other hand, in the rear portion D13 of the central embossment 14, when an external force is applied, the pressure due to the external force is not concentrated on one rear apex P2, but is dispersed to multiple rear apexes P2. As a result, in the rear portion D13, even when an external force is applied, the area between the leftmost rear apex P2 and the rightmost rear apex P2 is maintained in a shape close to flat. In other words, the rear portion D13 can be induced to deform so as to be curved more gently than the front portion D11.
When the napkin 1 is a nighttime napkin 1A, the central embossment 14 is disposed in an area where the recess of the intergluteal cleft H2 gradually widens in the lateral direction Y from the front (excretory side) to the rear (back side), as in the area RA in Fig. 4. Since the central embossment 14 includes one front apex P1 and multiple rear apexes P2, the central embossment 14 can induce deformation that conforms to the shape of this gradually widening recess, thereby improving the fit.
When the napkin 1 is a daytime napkin 1B, the central embossment 14 is disposed in the recess of the gluteal cleft H2 in the region RB in FIG. 4. In this case, the front part D11 of the central embossment 14 is disposed on the front excretory side, and the rear part D13 is disposed further rearward (backward). As described above, in the region RB, the influence of both legs is gradually alleviated, so that the recess of the gluteal cleft H2 tends to gradually expand in the lateral direction Y from the front (excretory side) to the rear (backward). Since the central embossment 14 includes one front apex P1 and multiple rear apexes P2, the central embossment 14 can induce deformation in accordance with the shape of the gradually expanding recess, thereby improving the fit. In addition, the rear part D13 is easily subjected to large pressure, especially when sitting, but the pressure can be dispersed to prevent the curved shape from being crushed, and a high fit can be maintained.

(Example of the outer embossed design)
As for the pattern D2 of the outer embossment 15, it is preferable that it has the following configuration in more detail.
As shown in Fig. 7, the pattern D2 of the outer embossing 15 preferably includes a linear portion D21 that extends from the inside in the horizontal direction Y to the outside in the horizontal direction Y as it moves from the rear in the vertical direction X to the front in the vertical direction X. The term "linear" here means a configuration in which the compressed regions that make up the linear portion D21 extend in a straight line or curved line, similar to the "linear" in the main embossing region 10. The term "linear" also includes a configuration in which the compressed regions that make up the linear portion D21 extend continuously, as well as a configuration in which a plurality of compressed regions are arranged slightly spaced apart in the extension direction, forming a substantially linear shape.
In the example shown in FIG. 7, the linear portion D21 is formed by a part of the highly compressed portion 17b of the outer embossment 15, and specifically corresponds to the stem pattern portion of the pattern D2 of the outer embossment 15.
This allows the linear portion D21 to form a continuously high-rigidity region, and the starting point of the valley fold deformation is more reliably formed along the linear portion D21. This allows the outer embossment 15 to more reliably induce deformation that fits the shape of the buttocks.

A more preferable extending direction of the linear portion D21 will be described.
The linear portion D21 includes a front end P3 located at the most forward position in the longitudinal direction X and a rear end P4 located at the most rearward position in the longitudinal direction X.
From the viewpoint of realizing a better fit along the roundness of the buttocks by the linear portion D21, it is preferable that the angle α between the vertical center line CL and an imaginary straight line DL connecting the front end P3 and the rear end P4 of the linear portion D21 is an acute angle. Here, the angle α is defined as the angle of rotation when the straight line DL rotates forward of the intersection point P from the vertical center line CL to the straight line DL when the intersection point P between the straight line DL and the vertical center line CL is Q.
From the viewpoint of more reliably inducing deformation along the roundness of the buttocks, the angle α is preferably 20 degrees or more, more preferably 30 degrees or more, and is preferably 55 degrees or less, more preferably 45 degrees or less.

[Configuration of the front embossed area]
As shown in Fig. 5, the embossed portion 6 may further have a front embossed region 19 arranged at a distance forward in the longitudinal direction X from the main embossed region 10. The front embossed region 19 has one or more embossments configured independently of the main embossed region 10. Each embossment in the front embossed region 19 is a portion where the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 4 are compressed. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the front embossed region 19 is arranged in the front region R1 of the napkin 1.

The front embossed region 19 provides a region of high rigidity in front of the main embossed region 10 in the napkin 1. In other words, the front embossed region 19 can form a deformation starting point also in front of the excretory portion.
The wearer's body shape in front of the excretory area is curved greatly forward (ventral side) due to the pubic bone. By arranging the front embossed area 19 in and/or near this curved portion in front, it is possible to induce deformation of the napkin 1 so that it curves along the curved shape in front. Therefore, with the above-mentioned configuration, the napkin 1 can be made to fit well to the body shape in front of the excretory area, and the overall fit of the napkin 1 can be improved.

The specific arrangement and/or shape of the embossing in the front embossed region 19 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of making a good impression on the user of the napkin 1, it is more preferable that the front embossed region 19 be configured as follows.
The front embossed region 19 preferably has, for example, a design that is the same as or similar to at least one embossed design contained in the rear embossed region 13 .
The design in the front embossed region 19 refers to one or more embossed designs contained in the front embossed region 19, and refers to designs that are visible to the user of the napkin 1.
The "embossments included in the rear embossed region 13" include at least the central embossment 14 and the outer embossment 15, and in the example shown in FIG. 5, in addition to these embossments, the inner embossment 16 is also included.
"The same design as the embossed design included in the rear embossed area 13" means a design consisting of the same letters, figures, symbols, etc. as the embossed design included in the rear embossed area 13. Note that this "same design" may be a design of the same size and orientation as the design included in the rear embossed area 13, or a design that is a rotated, enlarged, or reduced version of the design.
"A design similar to the embossed design included in the rear embossed area 13" means a design that is different from the embossed design included in the rear embossed area 13, but is evoked by the same image as the embossed design. For example, the similar design may be a design that represents the same motif as the design included in the rear embossed area 13, but with a part that is different.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the front embossed region 19 includes a pair of front embossments 20. The front embossment 20 has a design of a single stem with multiple leaves (e.g., eight leaves). In other words, the front embossment 20 evokes the same image of a "plant" or "leaves" as the design of the outer embossment 15 in the rear embossed region 13, but has a different number of leaves, resulting in a design similar to that of the outer embossment 15.

By having the above-mentioned pattern in the front embossed region 19, a pattern that evokes the same image as the rear embossed region 13 can be placed in the front region R1, which is likely to catch the user's eye when the napkin 1 is opened from its individual packaging. This gives the user a unified impression of the napkin 1 as a whole, and also gives the user a sense of expectation and security that the napkin 1 has high functionality both before and after the excretion area.

[Additional explanation of main embossing area]
As shown in FIG. 1, the primary embossing area 10 may include one or more transverse embossing grooves 12 extending in the transverse direction Y.
The lateral embossed groove 12 is a linear embossed groove, and extends, for example, from one of the left and right main embossed grooves 11 to the other. A plurality of lateral embossed grooves 12 may be arranged, and in the example shown in Fig. 1, two lateral embossed grooves 12 are arranged in the rear region R3. Furthermore, the lateral embossed groove 12 may be arranged inside or outside the annular structure of the main embossed groove 11. In the example shown in Fig. 1, one lateral embossed groove 12 is arranged inside the main embossed groove 11, and one lateral embossed groove 12 is arranged outside the main embossed groove 11.
By arranging the lateral embossed grooves 12 on the periphery of the main embossed grooves 11 in the longitudinal direction X, the lateral embossed grooves 12 exert a leakage prevention effect against liquid flowing in the longitudinal direction X, and the leakage of liquid in the longitudinal direction X can be effectively suppressed.
1, the horizontal embossed groove 12 is configured to be convex outward in the vertical direction X. By arranging the convex portion of the horizontal embossed groove 12 on the vertical center line CL, the left and right portions sandwiching the convex portion receive forces from both sides in the horizontal direction Y and become deformation starting points, which, together with the main embossed groove 11, can induce a deformation that raises the central portion of the napkin 1 in the horizontal direction Y toward the skin. This can further improve the fit in the main embossed region 10.

The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The configuration of each embossed groove in the main embossed region 10 is not limited to the above-mentioned example, and may take various forms. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the main embossed region 10 may not have a horizontal embossed groove 12. Alternatively, the main embossed groove 11 in the main embossed region 10 is not limited to the example having a ring structure, and the left and right embossed grooves may be arranged separately.

In the above embodiment, a sanitary napkin is shown as an example of an absorbent article, but the absorbent article is not limited to this. The absorbent article of the present invention may be, for example, a urine pad, a panty liner, a disposable diaper, etc.

1, 1A, 1B... Napkin (absorbent article)
Reference Signs List 2: Top sheet 3: Back sheet 4: Absorbent body 6: Embossed portion 10: Main embossed area 13: Rear embossed area 14: Central embossing 15: Outer embossing R1: Front area R2: Middle area R3: Rear area

Claims (8)

An absorbent article comprising a top sheet mainly containing water-retentive fibers, a back sheet, and an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, the absorbent article having a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-rear direction of a wearer and a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the absorbent article being divided along the longitudinal direction into a front region, a middle region facing the excretory area of the wearer, and a rear region,
The top sheet further includes an embossed portion disposed across the front region, the intermediate region, and the rear region, the embossed portion being formed by squeezing the top sheet and the absorbent body.
The embossed portion is
a main embossed area including a linear embossed groove and passing through the intermediate area;
a rear embossed area spaced rearward in the longitudinal direction from the main embossed area;
The rear embossed area is
A central embossment disposed at the center in the lateral direction;
A pair of outer embossments each spaced apart laterally outward from the central embossment;
a pair of inner embossments spaced apart from the central embossment and the outer embossment ;
The outer embossment extends from the inner side in the horizontal direction to the outer side in the horizontal direction while moving from the rear side in the vertical direction to the front side in the vertical direction ,
The inner embossing is
The central embossment is disposed outward in the horizontal direction from the central embossment, inward in the horizontal direction from the outer embossment, and forward in the vertical direction from the central embossment and the outer emboss.
Absorbent articles. An absorbent article comprising a top sheet mainly containing water-retentive fibers, a back sheet, and an absorbent body disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, the absorbent article having a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front-to-rear direction of a wearer and a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the absorbent article being divided along the longitudinal direction into a front region, a middle region facing the excretory area of the wearer, and a rear region,
The top sheet further includes an embossed portion disposed across the front region, the intermediate region, and the rear region, the embossed portion being formed by squeezing the top sheet and the absorbent body.
The embossed portion is
a main embossed area including a linear embossed groove and passing through the intermediate area;
a rear embossed area spaced rearward in the longitudinal direction from the main embossed area;
The rear embossed area is
A central embossment disposed at the center in the lateral direction;
a pair of outer embossments spaced apart from the central embossment in the lateral direction,
The outer embossment extends from the inner side in the horizontal direction to the outer side in the horizontal direction while moving from the rear side in the vertical direction to the front side in the vertical direction ,
The maximum dimension of the rear embossed area in the lateral direction is smaller than the maximum dimension of the main embossed area in the lateral direction.
Absorbent articles. The rear embossed area is
a pair of inner embossments spaced apart from the central embossment and the outer embossment;
The inner embossing is
The absorbent article of claim 2 , which is disposed laterally outboard of the central embossment and laterally inboard of the outer embossment. The absorbent article according to claim 3 , wherein the inner embossment is disposed forward of the central embossment and the outer embossment in the longitudinal direction. 5. The absorbent article according to claim 1, 3 or 4 , wherein an area of each of the pair of inner embossments is smaller than an area of each of the pair of outer embossments. The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein at least one embossment included in the rear embossed region has a pattern defined according to an absorbent capacity. The central embossment has a pattern that is symmetrical with respect to a straight line parallel to the vertical direction,
The line-symmetrical pattern is
The vertically extending straight line divides the vehicle into three equal parts, a front part, a middle part, and a rear part,
The absorbent article of claim 1 , comprising a front apex disposed in the front portion and a plurality of rear apexes disposed in the rear portion. The embossed portion is
8. The absorbent article of claim 1, further comprising a front embossed area spaced forward in the longitudinal direction from the main embossed area.

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