JP7701897B2 - Absorbent articles - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an absorbent article having compressed grooves in the thickness direction of the absorbent core.

Absorbent articles in which the absorbent core is compressed in the thickness direction and has compressed grooves extending in the front-rear direction are widely known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Specifically, in the central region in the front-rear direction, including the region facing the wearer's excretory opening, the absorbent core is compressed from the skin-facing side to the non-skin-facing side, and a pair of compressed grooves are provided to sandwich the center of the absorbent article in the width direction. The absorbent core between the pair of compressed grooves of such an absorbent article (hereinafter referred to as the inner absorbent core portion) may deform with the compressed grooves as the base point and bulge toward the skin-facing side, for example, when the absorbent article is held between the legs of the wearer and receives a force toward the inside in the width direction. Since the inner absorbent core portion is closer to the wearer's excretory opening, the absorbent article can easily absorb excrement quickly.

In addition, the absorbent core in the compressed groove has higher rigidity than the absorbent core surrounding the compressed groove. Therefore, the absorbent core in the compressed groove is less likely to be compressed in the width direction even when subjected to a force directed inward in the width direction, and width contraction of the inner absorbent core portion can be suppressed.

JP 2001-204759 A

However, conventional absorbent articles have the following problems. When the absorbent core receives a force directed inward in the width direction, the inner absorbent core portion may bulge toward the non-skin side instead of the skin side. In this case, the inner absorbent core portion is moved away from the wearer's excretory opening, and the absorbent article may not be able to absorb excrement quickly.

In addition, when the absorbent core is subjected to a force directed inward in the width direction, the absorbent core is prone to width contraction on the outer side in the width direction than the compression groove, which is the deformation base point.

The present invention was made in consideration of these problems, and provides an absorbent article that makes it easy to raise the absorbent core between a pair of compression grooves toward the skin side, and makes it difficult for the absorbent core to become indented on the widthwise outer side of the pair of compression grooves.

The absorbent article according to one embodiment has a front-rear direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction, a front region, a central region, and a rear region, front and rear regions sandwiching the central region in the front-rear direction, an absorbent core, and a compressed groove in which at least the absorbent core is compressed in the thickness direction and extends in the front-rear direction. The compressed groove is disposed at least in the central region. The compressed groove has a pair of first compressed grooves in which the absorbent core is compressed from the skin-facing side to the non-skin-facing side and disposed so as to sandwich the center of the absorbent core in the width direction, and a pair of second compressed grooves in which the absorbent core is compressed from the skin-facing side to the non-skin-facing side and disposed outside the pair of first compressed grooves in the width direction of the absorbent article. The absorbent core has a first absorbent core portion that is a portion located on the non-skin-facing side of the first compressed groove, and a second absorbent core portion that is a portion located on the non-skin-facing side of the second compressed groove. The non-skin side of the first absorbent core portion is located closer to the skin than the non-skin side of a non-compressed portion that is part of the absorbent core and is spaced apart in the width direction from the compression groove, and is located closer to the skin than the non-skin side of the second absorbent core portion.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article according to an embodiment, as viewed from the skin-facing side. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent article 1 according to the embodiment, as viewed from the non-skin facing side. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent article taken along the line AA shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 1 in the area indicated by F4 in FIG. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the absorbent body according to the embodiment as viewed from the skin side T1. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a case where the absorbent core according to the embodiment receives a force directed inward in the width direction. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the movement of the absorbent core when a wearer wears the absorbent article according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a plan view of an absorbent body 30 according to a modified example, as viewed from the skin facing side T1.

(1) Overview of the embodiment At least the following matters will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.
The absorbent article according to aspect 1 has a front-rear direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction, a front region, a central region, and a rear region, front and rear regions sandwiching the central region in the front-rear direction, an absorbent core, and compressed grooves extending in the front-rear direction, in which at least the absorbent core is compressed in the thickness direction. The compressed grooves are disposed at least in the central region. The compressed grooves include a pair of first compressed grooves in which the absorbent core is compressed from the skin-facing side to the non-skin-facing side and disposed so as to sandwich the center of the absorbent core in the width direction, and a pair of second compressed grooves in which the absorbent core is compressed from the skin-facing side to the non-skin-facing side and disposed outside the pair of first compressed grooves in the width direction of the absorbent article. The absorbent core has a first absorbent core portion that is a portion located on the non-skin-facing side of the first compressed groove, and a second absorbent core portion that is a portion located on the non-skin-facing side of the second compressed groove. The non-skin surface of the first absorbent core portion is located closer to the skin surface than the non-skin surface of the non-compressed portion of the absorbent core that is apart from the compression groove in the width direction, and is located closer to the skin surface than the non-skin surface of the second absorbent core portion. Since the non-skin surface of the first absorbent core portion is located closer to the skin surface than the non-skin surface of the non-compressed portion, at least a part of the first absorbent core portion is located on the non-skin surface side of the absorbent core (i.e., the inner absorbent core portion) between the pair of first compression grooves. Therefore, when the first absorbent core portion receives a force toward the inside in the width direction and moves toward the inside in the width direction, it is easy to push up the inner absorbent core portion from the non-skin surface side to the skin surface side. As a result, the inner absorbent core portion can be easily raised toward the skin surface side, and the center of the width direction W of the absorbent article can be fitted to the excretory opening of the wearer. Here, since the non-skin surface of the first absorbent core portion is located closer to the skin surface than the non-skin surface of the second absorbent core portion, at least a part of the first absorbent core portion is located closer to the non-skin surface side than the second absorbent core portion. Therefore, when the absorbent core is subjected to a force toward the inside in the width direction, the first absorbent core portion is more likely to push up the absorbent core on the inside in the width direction than the second absorbent core portion. As a result, the absorbent core is more likely to deform with the first compressed groove as the base point than the second compressed groove, and the intended deformation of the absorbent core can be realized. In addition, the second compressed groove is disposed on the outside in the width direction of the first compressed groove. Therefore, when the absorbent core is subjected to a force toward the inside in the width direction, the width-inward movement of the absorbent core between the first compressed groove and the second compressed groove can be suppressed. As a result, the width-inward movement of the absorbent core on the outside in the width direction of the first compressed groove, which is the deformation base point, can be suppressed, and side leakage of excrement can be suppressed. In this way, it is possible to achieve both a fit in the center of the width direction of the absorbent article and suppression of side leakage of excrement.

According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 2 may have the following features in the invention according to embodiment 1. At least the portion of the first compressed grooves that is located in the central region extends linearly along the front-to-rear direction. Since the widthwise position of the first compressed grooves is the same at least in the central region, when the absorbent core receives a force toward the inside in the width direction in the central region, the force is not concentrated locally in the first compressed grooves, but is likely to be applied to the entire first compressed grooves. As a result, the inner absorbent core portion can be easily raised toward the skin side over a wide area in the central region, and the intended deformation of the absorbent core can be achieved.

According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 3 may have the following features in the invention according to embodiment 1 or 2. The first compressed grooves extend continuously or intermittently from the front edge to the rear edge of the absorbent core. Compared to a case in which the first compressed grooves do not extend from the front edge to the rear edge of the absorbent core, when the absorbent core receives a force directed inward in the width direction, the first absorbent core portion is more likely to receive the force directed inward in the width direction. As a result, the inner absorbent core portion can be easily raised toward the skin-facing side, and the intended deformation of the absorbent core can be achieved.

According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 4 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3. The bottom surface of the first compressed groove may be located on the non-skin side of the non-skin side of the non-compressed portion. This causes the entire first absorbent core portion to be located on the non-skin side of the inner absorbent core portion of the non-compressed portion. Therefore, when the first absorbent core portion receives a force toward the inside in the width direction and moves toward the inside in the width direction, it becomes easier to push the inner absorbent core portion further up from the non-skin side to the skin side. As a result, it becomes easier to raise the inner absorbent core portion toward the skin side.

According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Aspect 5 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4. In a plan view of the absorbent article, the second compressed groove extends in a curved shape. This makes the widthwise distance between the position of the innermost inner edge of the second compressed groove and the position of the outermost outer edge in the width direction longer than when the second compressed groove extends linearly along the front-to-rear direction. This makes it possible to ensure the widthwise length of the second compressed groove, and to suppress the widthwise insertion of the absorbent core by the amount of the widthwise length compared to a linear second compressed groove.

According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 6 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5. The bottom surface of the second compressed groove may be located closer to the skin side than the non-skin side of the non-compressed portion. As a result, at least a part of the second absorbent core portion is located closer to the skin side than the non-compressed portion. Here, since the non-skin side of the first absorbent core portion is located closer to the skin side than the non-skin side of the second absorbent core portion, when the second absorbent core portion receives a force toward the inside in the width direction, it becomes easier to move the absorbent core between the first compressed groove and the second compressed groove in the direction from the skin side to the non-skin side. As a result, the first absorbent core portion becomes more susceptible to a force in the direction from the skin side to the non-skin side, and the absorbent core becomes more easily deformed from the first compressed groove as a base point than the second compressed groove, thereby realizing the intended deformation of the absorbent core.

According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to aspect 7 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 6. When the absorbent core is divided into four equal parts in the width direction in a plan view of the absorbent article, a pair of outer regions located on the outer side of the width direction and an inner region located between the pair of outer regions are provided. The central region has a central front region including a region forward of the center of the central region in the front-rear direction. At least a portion of the second compressed groove that overlaps with the central front region in the width direction is located in each of the pair of outer regions. The portion of the second compressed groove that is located in the outer region can suppress the occurrence of width contraction of the absorbent core in the outer region. Since the outer region is located outboard of the inner region in the width direction, it is possible to make it difficult for the absorbent core to contract in the width direction outboard of the first compressed groove that is the deformation base point. A wide absorption area for excrement can be secured on the outer side of the central front region in the width direction.

According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to aspect 8 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 7. In a plan view of the absorbent article, when the absorbent core is divided into four equal parts in the width direction, a pair of outer regions located on the outside of the width direction and an inner region located between the pair of outer regions are provided. The first compressed groove is located in the inner region. The inner region corresponds to two of the absorbent cores divided into four equal parts in the width direction. Since the first compressed groove is located in the inner region, the width of the inner absorbent core part between the first compressed grooves, which is the absorbent core, is less than half the width of the absorbent core. Therefore, compared to when the width of the inner absorbent core part is half or more the width of the absorbent core, the inner absorbent core part that protrudes toward the skin surface side can be made smaller, and the range of deformation of the absorbent core starting from the first compressed groove does not become large. Excessive deformation of the absorbent core can be prevented, and it is possible to make it difficult for the wearer to feel uncomfortable. In addition, since the inner absorbent core part is small, it is easy to enter the crotch of the wearer. As a result, the inner absorbent core can be brought closer to the wearer's excretory opening. Furthermore, a wider area can be secured on the outer side in the width direction than the first compressed groove, which is the deformation base point. As a result, side leakage of excrement can be suppressed.

According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 9 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8. The length of the first compressed groove is longer than the length of the second compressed groove in the front-rear direction. The first compressed groove is arranged over a wider range in the front-rear direction than the second compressed groove. In addition, the portion of the first compressed groove where the second compressed groove is not on the outer side in the width direction is more likely to receive a force directed inward in the width direction. This makes it easier for the inner absorbent core portion to rise toward the skin side over a wide range, and realizes the intended deformation of the absorbent core.

According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to Aspect 10 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9. The absorbent article has a top sheet that contacts the wearer. In the first compressed groove, the top sheet is not compressed. When the first compressed groove is formed so that the non-skin side of the first absorbent core portion is located closer to the non-skin side than the non-skin side of the non-compressed portion, it is necessary to compress the top sheet more strongly than when this is not the case. However, since the top sheet is not compressed when the first compressed groove is formed, there is no risk of the top sheet tearing. As a result, even if the top sheet comes into contact with the excretion opening due to the inner absorbent core portion being raised toward the skin side, there is no tearing of the top sheet due to the formation of the first compressed groove, and it is possible to reduce the discomfort felt by the wearer.

According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 11 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10. In a cross section along the width direction and the thickness direction of the absorbent article, the width of the first compressed groove is wider than the thickness of the non-compressed portion. Since the thickness of the absorbent core portion adjacent to the first compressed groove in the width direction is the same as or thinner than the thickness of the non-compressed portion, when the absorbent core deforms with the first compressed groove as a base point, the adjacent absorbent core portion on one side of the first compressed groove in the width direction does not come into contact with the adjacent absorbent core portion on the other side of the first compressed groove, making it difficult for the deformation of the absorbent core to be hindered. As a result, the inner absorbent core portion can be easily raised toward the skin surface side, and the intended deformation of the absorbent core can be achieved.

According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 12 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11. The compressed grooves further include a third compressed groove in which the absorbent core is compressed from the non-skin side to the skin side and is disposed between a pair of the first compressed grooves in the width direction. This makes it easier for the part located on the non-skin side of the third compressed groove (hereinafter referred to as the third absorbent core part) to move toward the skin side than the non-compressed part when subjected to a force toward the inside in the width direction, and makes it easier for the inner absorbent core part to rise toward the skin side with the third compressed groove as its apex. As a result, it becomes easier to fit the inner absorbent core part to the excretion opening.

According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 13 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12. The absorbent core further has a third absorbent core portion which is a portion located on the skin side of the third compressed groove. The skin side of the third absorbent core portion is a part of the absorbent core and is located closer to the skin side than the skin side of the non-compressed portion in the width direction. As a result, the portion of the third absorbent core portion located closer to the skin side than the skin side of the portion adjacent to the third absorbent core portion receives a force from the adjacent portion in a direction pushing it up from the non-skin side to the skin side, making it easier for the third absorbent core portion to move toward the skin side. As a result, it is easier for the inner absorbent core portion to rise toward the skin side with the third compressed groove as its apex, and the intended deformation of the absorbent core can be achieved.

According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 14 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13. The depth of the bottom surface of the third compressed groove is deeper than the depth of the bottom surface of the first compressed groove. This makes it easier for the absorbent core to deform in the third compressed groove than in the first compressed groove. As a result, the inner absorbent core portion can be easily raised toward the skin side with the third compressed groove as its apex, making it easier for the inner absorbent core portion to fit the excretory opening.

According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to aspect 15 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 14. The central region has a central front region including a region forward of the center of the central region in the front-rear direction. The absorbent core has at least a high basis weight region disposed in the central front region, and a low basis weight region having a basis weight lower than that of the high basis weight region and disposed outside the high basis weight region in the front-rear direction. The first compressed groove extends from the high basis weight region to the low basis weight region. The depth of the bottom surface of the first compressed groove in the high basis weight region is deeper than the depth of the bottom surface of the first compressed groove in the low basis weight region. As a result, in the high basis weight region, the bottom surface of the first compressed groove is relatively deep, making it easier for the inner absorbent core portion to rise toward the skin side, while in the low basis weight region, the bottom surface of the first compressed groove is relatively shallow, making it more difficult for the inner absorbent core portion to rise than in the high basis weight region. As a result, in the low basis weight area, the inner absorbent core is less likely to come into contact with the wearer locally, making it less likely that the wearer will feel uncomfortable.

According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 16 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of embodiments 1 to 15. The absorbent article may have a plurality of compressed groove portions constituting the first compressed groove, and one or more intermittent portions between the plurality of compressed groove portions. In the front-rear direction, the total length of the plurality of compressed groove portions is longer than the total length of the one or more intermittent portions. While allowing the absorbent core to bend easily along the wearer's body in the front-rear direction, the absorbent core can be easily deformed with the first compressed groove as a base point, and the intended deformation of the absorbent core can be achieved.

According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 17 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16. The central region has a central front region including a region forward of the center of the central region in the front-to-rear direction. The compressed groove further has a third compressed groove disposed between a pair of the first compressed grooves in the width direction. Each of the first compressed groove and the third compressed groove extends intermittently in the front-to-rear direction outside the central front region in the front-to-rear direction. In the front-to-rear direction, the position of the intermittent portion between the compressed groove portions constituting the first compressed groove is shifted from the position of the intermittent portion between the compressed groove portions constituting the third compressed groove. Since the stiffness of the gap between the compressed groove portions constituting the first compressed groove in the front-rear direction (hereinafter referred to as the first gap) and the gap between the compressed groove portions constituting the third compressed groove (hereinafter referred to as the third gap) is low, when the first gap is located forward of the third gap, the absorbent core is more likely to bend along the line passing through the first gap and the third gap (i.e., a line that moves toward the outside in the width direction as it moves toward the front side in the front-rear direction) behind the central front region. As a result, the absorbent core is more likely to bend along the buttocks, and the wearer's backward leakage of excrement can be further suppressed. Also, when the first gap is located rearward of the third gap, the absorbent core is more likely to bend along the line passing through the first gap and the third gap (i.e., a line that moves toward the inside in the width direction as it moves toward the front side in the front-rear direction) ahead of the central front region. As a result, the absorbent core is more likely to bend along the abdomen, and the wearer's forward leakage of excrement can be further suppressed.

(2) Overview of the absorbent article The absorbent article 1 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and the ratios of the dimensions may differ from the actual ones. Therefore, the specific dimensions, etc. should be determined with reference to the following description. In addition, the drawings may include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios. The absorbent article 1 may be an absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, an incontinence pad, or a fecal pad. The absorbent article may be an article that is attached to the inside of a worn article such as underwear and used. The absorbent article 1 of the embodiment is a daytime sanitary napkin. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and the ratios of the dimensions may differ from the actual ones. Therefore, the specific dimensions, etc. should be determined with reference to the following description. Furthermore, the drawings may include parts whose dimensional relationships and ratios differ from one another.

Figure 1 is a plan view of the absorbent article 1 as viewed from the skin-facing side T1. Figure 2 is a plan view of the absorbent article 1 as viewed from the non-skin-facing side T2. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 1. Here, the "skin-facing side" corresponds to the side that faces the wearer's skin during use. The "non-skin-facing side" corresponds to the side that faces away from the wearer's skin during use. The absorbent article 1 has a front-to-rear direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T that are perpendicular to each other. In the front-to-rear direction L of the absorbent article 1, the side that contacts the wearer's lower abdomen is referred to as the "front side", and the side that contacts the wearer's buttocks is referred to as the "rear side".

The absorbent article 1 has a front region, a central region, and a rear region. The central region S2 is disposed between the front region S1 and the rear region S3. The central region S2 may be a region including a region facing the wearer's excretory opening, for example, the vaginal opening. When the absorbent article 1 is attached to a worn article, the central region S2 may be a region disposed under the crotch of the worn article and disposed between both legs of the wearer. When the absorbent article 1 has wings 7 described later, the central region S2 may be a region from the frontmost front edge (specifically, the front base) to the rearmost rear edge (specifically, the rear base) of the wings 7. When the absorbent article 1 does not have wings 7 and the absorbent article 1 after manufacture is folded in thirds or fourths in the front-rear direction L, the central region S2 may be a region between the first fold and the second fold from the front. In other cases, when the absorbent article 1 does not have wings 7, the central region S2 may be the central region of the absorbent article 1 divided into three equal parts in the front-to-rear direction L. The front region S1 is located forward of the central region S2. The front edge of the front region S1 defines the front edge of the absorbent article 1. The rear region S3 is located rearward of the central region S2. The rear edge of the rear region S3 defines the rear edge of the absorbent article 1.

The absorbent article 1 has at least an absorbent core 31, a top sheet 10, and a back sheet 20. The absorbent article 1 has a vertically elongated shape. The top sheet 10 is a sheet that is arranged on the skin side T1 of the absorbent core 31 and abuts against the wearer. The top sheet 10 may have a center sheet 11 that covers the center of the absorbent core 31 in the width direction W, and a side sheet 12 that is arranged outside the center sheet 11 in the width direction W and is arranged at least in the wing 7 described later. The side sheet 12 only needs to have a portion that is arranged in the width direction W from the center sheet 11, and may overlap the outer portion of the center sheet 11. The side sheet 12 has a portion that is arranged outside the absorbent core 31 in the width direction W, and in this embodiment, is separated from the absorbent core 31 in the width direction W. The center sheet 11 is made of any sheet-like material that has a structure that allows liquid to pass through, such as a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a perforated plastic sheet, a mesh sheet, etc. The side sheet 12 may be hydrophobic. The material of the side sheet 12 may be the same as that of the center sheet 11. The center sheet 11 and the side sheet 12 may be joined by a sheet joint. The sheet joint may be formed by a compressed portion formed by compressing the center sheet 11 and the side sheet 12, and may be configured to be visible from the skin-facing side T1 of the absorbent article 1. The sheet joint may be formed by a collection of dot-shaped compressed portions, and more specifically, may be formed by a collection of dot-shaped compressed portions arranged in a diamond shape, with the diamond shapes lined up in the front-rear direction L. The sheet joint may extend in the front-rear direction L.

The back sheet 20 is disposed on the non-skin-facing side T2 of the absorbent core 31 and the fiber sheet 50, and is a sheet that contacts the worn article. The back sheet 20 is a liquid-impermeable sheet. The back sheet 20 may be, for example, a non-breathable resin film.

The absorbent core 31 constitutes the absorbent body 30. The absorbent core 31 may be made of an absorbent material that absorbs liquid. The absorbent material constituting the absorbent core 31 may be formed, for example, from hydrophilic fibers, pulp, and superabsorbent polymer (SAP). The absorbent body 30 may have a core wrap sheet 32 that covers the absorbent core 31. The core wrap sheet 32 may be made, for example, from nonwoven fabric or tissue. As an alternative example, the absorbent core 31 may not be covered by the core wrap sheet 32.

The absorbent article 1 has a wing 7. When worn, the wing 7 is folded back from the wing fold FL toward the non-skin-facing side T2 of the worn article. At least a top sheet 10 and a back sheet 20 may be arranged on the wing 7. The wing fold FL is defined by the base of the wing 7, and is a line connecting the front and rear parts of the two parts recessed inward in the width direction W. The wing 7 may be folded toward the top sheet 10 from the wing fold FL before use, and folded back to the non-skin-facing side T2 of the worn article when used. The wing 7 may be arranged with a reinforcing sheet 15 arranged between the top sheet 10 and the back sheet 20. In this specification, the term "along the front-rear direction L" means a direction having an angle of less than 45° with respect to the front-rear direction L, and the term "along the width direction W" means a direction having an angle of less than 45° with respect to the width direction W.

As shown in FIG. 2 etc., the absorbent article 1 has an adhesive portion for fastening the absorbent article 1 to a worn article such as underwear. The adhesive portion is provided on the non-skin-facing side T2 of the back sheet 20, and is an area provided with fastening means for fastening the absorbent article 1 to a worn article such as underwear. The adhesive portion has a main body adhesive portion 61 for fastening at least the area overlapping with the absorbent core 31 to the worn article. The main body adhesive portion 61 is provided in the area overlapping with the absorbent core 31 in the thickness direction T of the absorbent article 1. The adhesive portion may have a wing adhesive portion 62 for fastening the wing 7 to the worn article. The wing adhesive portion 62 is attached to the non-skin-facing side of the wing 7, and fastens to the non-skin-facing side of the worn article when the wing 7 is folded back to the non-skin-facing side T2 of the worn article.

(3) Details of the absorbent body and compressed grooves Details of the absorbent body 30 and compressed grooves 40 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent article 1 in the range indicated by F4 in FIG. 3. In FIG. 4, the top sheet 10 and the back sheet 20 are joined so as to follow the shape of the absorbent body 30. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the absorbent body 30 as viewed from the skin-facing side T1. In FIG. 5, the first compressed groove 41, the second compressed groove 42, and the third compressed groove 43 described later are illustrated, and other compressed parts of the absorbent body 30 are omitted. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a case where the absorbent core 31 receives a force toward the inside in the width direction. FIG. 7 is a schematic view for explaining the movement of the absorbent core 31 when the wearer WA wears the absorbent article 1. Absorbent core 31A shows an example of the state of absorbent core 31 when absorbent article 1 is attached to a worn article (not shown), absorbent core 31B shows an example of the state of absorbent core 31 when absorbent article 1 attached to a worn article is pulled up slightly toward the crotch side, and absorbent core 31C shows an example of the state of absorbent core 31 when absorbent article 1 attached to a worn article is pulled up further toward the crotch side and is positioned directly below the crotch side.

As shown in Figures 4 and 6, the absorbent core 31 has a first absorbent core portion 311, a second absorbent core portion 312, and a third absorbent core portion 313. The first absorbent core portion 311 is a portion located on the non-skin-facing side T2 of the first compressed groove 41 described below. The first absorbent core portion 311 is a portion that overlaps the first compressed groove 41 in the thickness direction T. The first absorbent core portion 311 overlaps at least the bottom surface 41b of the first compressed groove 41 in the thickness direction T. For example, when the side portion of the first compressed groove 41 is inclined with respect to the thickness direction T, the first absorbent core portion 311 overlaps the side portion of the first compressed groove 41 in the thickness direction T.

The second absorbent core portion 312 is a portion located on the non-skin facing side T2 of the second compressed groove 42 described below. The second absorbent core portion 312 is a portion that overlaps the second compressed groove 42 in the thickness direction T. The second absorbent core portion 312 overlaps at least the bottom surface 42b of the second compressed groove 42 in the thickness direction T. For example, when the side portion of the second compressed groove 42 is inclined with respect to the thickness direction T, the second absorbent core portion 312 overlaps the side portion of the second compressed groove 42 in the thickness direction T.

The third absorbent core portion 313 is a portion located on the skin-facing side T1 of the third compressed groove 43 described below. The third absorbent core portion 313 is a portion that overlaps the third compressed groove 43 in the thickness direction T. The third absorbent core portion 313 overlaps at least the bottom surface 43b of the third compressed groove 43 in the thickness direction T. For example, when the side portion of the third compressed groove 43 is inclined with respect to the thickness direction T, the third absorbent core portion 313 overlaps the side portion of the third compressed groove 43 in the thickness direction T.

The absorbent core 31 also has a non-compressed portion 35 which is a part of the absorbent core 31 and is separated from the compressed groove 40 in the width direction W. The non-compressed portion 35 is made up of a portion of the absorbent core 31 that is not compressed. When forming the compressed groove 40, the side portion that constitutes the side wall of the compressed groove 40 in the width direction W (particularly the side portion on the bottom side of the compressed groove 40) is also affected by compression and the thickness of the side portion changes, so the non-compressed portion 35 is made up of a portion that is at least 3 mm or more away from the compressed groove 40 in the width direction W.

1 and 5, the absorbent core 31 may have at least a high basis weight region HWR located in the central front region described below, and a low basis weight region LWR that has a lower basis weight than the high basis weight region HWR and is located outside the high basis weight region HWR in the front-to-rear direction L. The high basis weight region HWR may be located in the central region S2. The high basis weight region HWR may be a region sandwiched between a pair of first compression grooves 41 in the width direction W. The low basis weight region LWR may be located in the front region S1 and the rear region S3. The low basis weight region LWR may be a region outside the pair of first compression grooves 41 in the width direction W. Therefore, the high basis weight region HWR may be sandwiched between the low basis weight regions LWR in the width direction W.

The central region S2 may have a central front region including a region forward of the center of the central region S2 in the front-to-rear direction L. The central front region may be composed of the first and second regions from the front of the central region S2 divided into three in the front-to-rear direction L. The central front region may be composed of the central region of the absorbent core 31 divided into three in the width direction W. The central front region may be the region facing the wearer's vaginal opening. The high basis weight region HWR may be located in at least the central front region.

As shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, the absorbent article 1 has compression grooves 40. The compression grooves 40 are formed by compressing at least the absorbent core 31 in the thickness direction T and extend in the front-rear direction L. The compression grooves 40 are disposed at least in the central region S2. In this embodiment, the compression grooves 40 have a pair of first compression grooves 41, a pair of second compression grooves 42, and a third compression groove 43.

The pair of first compression grooves 41 are arranged so that at least the absorbent core 31 is compressed from the skin side T1 to the non-skin side T2 and sandwich the center of the absorbent core 31 in the width direction W. The pair of second compression grooves 42 are arranged so that at least the absorbent core 31 is compressed from the skin side T1 to the non-skin side T2 and are located outside the pair of first compression grooves 41 in the width direction of the absorbent article 1. The third compression groove 43 is arranged so that at least the absorbent core 31 is compressed from the skin side T1 to the non-skin side T2 and is located between the pair of first compression grooves 41 in the width direction W.

4 and 6, the non-skin side 311n of the first absorbent core member 311 is located on the non-skin side T2 of the non-skin side 35n of the non-compressed portion 35, and is located on the non-skin side T2 of the non-skin side 312n of the second absorbent core member 312. Therefore, the first absorbent core member 311 is located on the non-skin side T2 of the inner absorbent core member IAC, which is the absorbent core 31 between a pair of first compression grooves 41. The non-skin side 311n of the first absorbent core member 311 may be located on the non-skin side T2 of the non-skin side 35n of one of the non-compressed portions 35 at least in the width direction W. Similarly, the non-skin side 311n of the first absorbent core member 311 may be located on the non-skin side T2 of the non-skin side 312n of the second absorbent core member 312 on the outer side in the width direction W.

For example, the positions of the non-skin surfaces can be compared by the following method. After the sample absorbent article 1 is immersed in liquid nitrogen and frozen, the absorbent article 1 is cut with a razor so as to obtain a cross section along the thickness direction T and width direction W, and a cross section is obtained in a plan view of the absorbent article 1. Next, the sample is returned to room temperature, and a cross-sectional image at a magnification of 50 times is obtained using an electron microscope (for example, Keyence VE7800). Then, in the cross-sectional image, the positions of the non-skin surface 311n of the first absorbent core portion 311, the non-skin surface 35n of the non-compressed portion 35, and the non-skin surface 312n of the second absorbent core portion 312 are visually evaluated. The non-skin surface 35n of the non-compressed portion 35 compared with the non-skin surface 311n of the first absorbent core portion 311 may be, for example, the non-skin surface 35n of the portion that is located in a range of 3 mm to 10 mm from the first compression groove 41 in the width direction W and is not compressed. The non-skin surface 35n of the non-compressed portion 35 that is compared with the non-skin surface 312n of the second absorbent core portion 312 may be, for example, the non-skin surface 35n of the portion that is located within a range of 3 mm to 10 mm from the second compression groove 42 in the width direction W and is not compressed.

As shown in FIG. 6A, assume a case where the absorbent core 31 receives a force F toward the inside in the width direction. As shown in FIG. 6B, the first absorbent core portion 311 is located on the non-skin-facing side T2 of the non-compressed portion 35 on the outside in the width direction, and therefore receives a force f1 having a component on the inside in the width direction and a component in the non-skin-facing side T2 direction from the non-compressed portion 35. As a result, the first absorbent core portion 311 is moved toward the inside in the width direction while being moved toward the non-skin-facing side T2 direction. Next, the first absorbent core portion 311 applies a force f2 to the non-compressed portion 35 on the inside in the width direction. Specifically, the first absorbent core portion 311 is located on the non-skin-facing side T2 of the non-skin-facing side 35n of the non-compressed portion 35 on the inside in the width direction, and therefore applies a force f2 to the non-compressed portion 35 having a component on the inside in the width direction and a component in the skin-facing side T1 direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6C, the first absorbent core portion 311 easily pushes up the uncompressed portion 35 on the inner side in the width direction, i.e., the inner absorbent core portion IAC, from the non-skin-facing side T2 to the skin-facing side T1 (see absorbent core 31A and absorbent core 31B in FIG. 7). As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the inner absorbent core portion IAC can be easily raised toward the skin-facing side T1, and the center of the width direction W of the absorbent article 1 can be fitted to the excretory opening E of the wearer WA (see absorbent core 31C in FIG. 7).

Here, since the non-skin side 311n of the first absorbent core portion 311 is located closer to the non-skin side T2 than the non-skin side 312n of the second absorbent core portion 312, at least a portion of the first absorbent core portion 311 (specifically, the portion of the first absorbent core portion 311 located closer to the non-skin side T2 than the non-skin side 312n) is located closer to the non-skin side T2 than the second absorbent core portion 312. Therefore, when the absorbent core 31 receives a force F toward the inside in the width direction, the first absorbent core portion 311 is more likely to push up the absorbent core 31 on the inside in the width direction than the second absorbent core portion 312. As a result, the absorbent core 31 is more likely to deform from the first compression groove 41 as a base point than the second compression groove 42, and the intended deformation of the absorbent core 31 can be achieved.

The second compressed groove 42 is disposed further outboard in the width direction W than the first compressed groove 41. Therefore, when the absorbent core 31 is subjected to a force F directed inward in the width direction, it is possible to suppress the width contraction of the absorbent core 31 between the first compressed groove 41 and the second compressed groove 42. As a result, it is possible to prevent the width contraction of the absorbent core 31 from occurring on the widthwise outer side of the first compressed groove 41, which is the deformation base point, and it is possible to suppress side leakage of excrement. In this way, it is possible to achieve both a fit in the widthwise center of the absorbent article 1 and suppression of side leakage of excrement.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first compressed groove 41 may extend linearly along the front-rear direction L. At least the portion of the first compressed groove 41 located in the central region S2 may extend linearly along the front-rear direction L. As a result, the position of the first compressed groove 41 in the width direction W is the same at least in the central region S2, so that when the absorbent core 31 receives a force F toward the inside in the width direction in the central region S2, the force is not concentrated locally on the first compressed groove 41, but is likely to be applied to the entire first compressed groove 41. As a result, the inner absorbent core portion IAC can be easily raised toward the skin-facing side T1 over a wide area in the central region S2, and the intended deformation of the absorbent core 31 can be achieved.

The first compressed grooves 41 may extend continuously or intermittently from the front edge to the rear edge of the absorbent core 31. In this embodiment, the first compressed grooves 41 extend continuously from the front edge to the rear edge of the absorbent core 31. Compared to a case in which the first compressed grooves 41 do not extend from the front edge to the rear edge of the absorbent core 31, when the absorbent core 31 receives a force F directed inward in the width direction, the first absorbent core portion 311 is more likely to receive the force F directed inward in the width direction. As a result, the inner absorbent core portion IAC can be easily raised toward the skin-facing side T1, and the intended deformation of the absorbent core 31 can be achieved.

The first compressed groove 41 may extend from the high basis weight region HWR to the low basis weight region LWR. In the embodiment, the first compressed groove 41 extends from the high basis weight region HWR to the low basis weight region LWR of the front side region S1. The first compressed groove 41 also extends from the high basis weight region HWR to the low basis weight region LWR of the rear side region S3. When compressing the absorbent core 31 to form the first compressed groove 41, the first compressed groove 41 can be provided continuously in the front-rear direction L so that the first compressed groove 41 extends from the high basis weight region HWR to the low basis weight region LWR of the rear side region S3. Since the absorbent core 31 continues to be compressed, the position of the absorbent core 31 is stable, the first compressed groove 41 can be provided stably, and deterioration of quality can be suppressed.

In the front-rear direction L, the length of the first compressed groove 41 may be longer than the length of the wing 7. In addition, in the front-rear direction L, the length of the first compressed groove 41 may be longer than the length of the second compressed groove 42. In the front-rear direction L, the first compressed groove 41 is arranged over a wider range than the second compressed groove 42. In addition, the portion of the first compressed groove 41 where the second compressed groove 42 is not on the outer side in the width direction W is more likely to receive the force F directed inward in the width direction. Therefore, the inner absorbent core portion IAC can be easily raised toward the skin-facing side T1 over a wider range, and the intended deformation of the absorbent core 31 can be achieved.

The first compression groove 41 may overlap with the main body adhesive portion 61 in the thickness direction T. The main body adhesive portion 61 located on the non-skin facing side T2 of the first absorbent core portion 311 makes it difficult for the first absorbent core portion 311 to move toward the non-skin facing side T2, making it easier for the inner absorbent core portion IAC to rise toward the skin facing side T1.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the absorbent core 31 is divided into four equal parts in the width direction W in a plan view of the absorbent article 1, a pair of outer regions OR located outside the width direction W and an inner region IR located between the pair of outer regions OR may be provided. Here, the first compression groove 41 may be located in the inner region IR. The inner region IR corresponds to two of the absorbent cores 31 divided into four equal parts in the width direction W. Since the first compression groove 41 is located in the inner region IR, the width of the inner absorbent core part IAC, which is the absorbent core 31 between the first compression grooves 41, is less than half the width of the absorbent core 31. Therefore, compared to the case where the width of the inner absorbent core part IAC is half or more the width of the absorbent core 31, the inner absorbent core part IAC protruding toward the skin side T1 can be made smaller, and the range of deformation of the absorbent core 31 starting from the first compression groove 41 does not become large. Excessive deformation of the absorbent core 31 can be prevented, making it less likely to cause discomfort to the wearer. In addition, because the inner absorbent core IAC is small, it can easily fit between the wearer's legs. As a result, the inner absorbent core IAC can be brought closer to the wearer's excretory opening. Furthermore, a wider area can be secured on the outer side in the width direction than the first compressed groove 41, which is the deformation base point. As a result, side leakage of excrement can be suppressed.

As shown in FIG. 4, in a cross section along the width direction W and thickness direction T of the absorbent article 1, the width W1 of the first compressed groove 41 may be wider than the thickness T5 of the non-compressed portion 35. This makes it possible for the absorbent core 31 to be less likely to be hindered in deformation when the absorbent core 31 deforms with the first compressed groove 41 as a base point, since the absorbent core portion on one side of the first compressed groove 41 and the absorbent core portion on the other side of the first compressed groove 41 do not come into contact in the width direction W. As a result, the inner absorbent core portion IAC can be easily raised toward the skin-facing side T1, and the intended deformation of the absorbent core 31 can be achieved.

In the embodiment, the bottom surface 41b of the first compressed groove 41 is formed by the core wrap sheet 32. The bottom surface 41b of the first compressed groove 41 may be formed by the absorbent core 31. In the first compressed groove 41, the top sheet 10 is not compressed. Therefore, since the top sheet 10 is not compressed, the bottom surface 41b of the first compressed groove 41 is not formed by the top sheet 10. Since the rigidity of the non-compressed portion of the top sheet 10 is lower than the rigidity of the compressed portion, even if the top sheet 10 on the first compressed groove 41 touches the excretory opening (e.g., the vaginal opening), it is possible to reduce the discomfort felt by the wearer.

The depth D1 of the bottom surface 41b of the first compressed groove 41 in the high basis weight region HWR may be deeper than the depth D1 of the bottom surface 41b of the first compressed groove 41 in the low basis weight region LWR. As a result, in the high basis weight region HWR located in the central front region, the bottom surface 41b of the first compressed groove 41 is relatively deep, making it easier for the inner absorbent core part IAC to rise toward the skin side, while in the low basis weight region LWR, the bottom surface 41b of the first compressed groove 41 is relatively shallow, making it more difficult for the inner absorbent core part IAC to rise than in the high basis weight region HWR. As a result, in regions other than the high basis weight region HWR, the inner absorbent core part IAC can be made less likely to come into contact locally, making it less likely to cause discomfort to the wearer. The depth D1 of the bottom surface 41b of the first compression groove 41 is the distance in the thickness direction T from the opening edge of the first compression groove 41 to the bottom surface 41b (in this embodiment, the skin surface of the core wrap sheet 32 on the skin surface side T1 of the absorbent core 31), as shown in FIG.

The first compression groove 41 may be disposed at the boundary between the high basis weight region HWR and the low basis weight region LWR in the width direction W. Generally, the absorbent core 31 in the high basis weight region HWR has higher rigidity than the absorbent core 31 in the low basis weight region LWR, so a rigidity difference occurs at the boundary of the first compression groove 41, making it easier to deform with the first compression groove 41 as the base point.

The bottom surface 41b of the first compression groove 41 may be located on the non-skin side T2 of the non-skin side 35n of the non-compressed portion 35. As a result, the entire first absorbent core portion 311 is located on the non-skin side T2 of the inner absorbent core portion IAC of the non-compressed portion 35. Therefore, when the first absorbent core portion 311 receives a force F toward the inside in the width direction and moves toward the inside in the width direction, it becomes easier to push the inner absorbent core portion IAC further up from the non-skin side T2 to the skin side T1. As a result, it becomes easier to raise the inner absorbent core portion IAC toward the skin side T1. The bottom surface 41b of the first compression groove 41 may be located on the non-skin side T2 of the non-skin side of the core wrap sheet 32 portion that contacts the non-skin side 35n of the non-compressed portion 35 in the thickness direction T.

As shown in FIG. 5, the second compressed groove 42 may be formed by a collection of multiple dot-like compressed portions. Specifically, the second compressed groove 42 may be formed by multiple dot-like compressed portions arranged adjacent to each other (for example, within 3 mm). As a result, in a plan view of the absorbent article 1, a portion recessed from the skin-facing side to the non-skin-facing side may extend linearly in the front-rear direction L as the second compressed groove 42. As a modified example, the second compressed groove 42 may be formed by continuously extending compressed portions. Specifically, the second compressed groove 42 may be formed by a continuously compressed portion extending in the front-rear direction L.

In a plan view of the absorbent article 1, the second compressed groove 42 may extend in a curved shape. As a result, the widthwise distance between the position of the innermost inner edge of the second compressed groove 42 and the position of the outermost outer edge in the widthwise direction W is longer than when the second compressed groove 42 extends linearly along the front-rear direction L. Therefore, the widthwise length of the second compressed groove 42 can be secured, and the widthwise insertion of the absorbent core 31 can be suppressed by the widthwise length compared to a linear second compressed groove 42. In the embodiment, the second compressed groove 42 is annular in a plan view of the absorbent article 1. Therefore, the front ends of the pair of second compressed grooves 42 are connected to each other, and the rear ends of the pair of second compressed grooves 42 are connected to each other. Each of the pair of second compressed grooves 42 is arc-shaped. As a modified example, the second compressed groove 42 may be linear.

In a plan view of the absorbent article 1, the distance in the width direction W between the first compressed groove 41 and the second compressed groove 42 is relatively large at the center in the front-rear direction L, and the distance in the width direction W between the first compressed groove 41 and the second compressed groove 42 is relatively small at the outside in the front-rear direction L. At the center in the front-rear direction L, the force toward the inside in the width direction W is strong, so the absorbent core 31 is likely to shrink in width, but the shrinkage of the absorbent core 31 can be suppressed at a position farther away than the first compressed groove 41, which is the deformation base point. In the central region S2, a pair of first compressed grooves 41 are arranged inside the annular second compressed groove 42, so that the second compressed groove 42 is arranged outside the pair of first compressed grooves 41 in the width direction W.

At least the portion of the second compressed groove 42 that overlaps with the central front region in the width direction W may be located in each of the pair of outer regions OR. That is, the second compressed groove 42 may be located in the outer region OR outside the central front region in the width direction W. The portion of the second compressed groove 42 located in the outer region OR can suppress the occurrence of width-reducing of the absorbent core 31 in the outer region OR. Since the outer region OR is located outside the width direction from the inner region IR, it is possible to make it difficult for the absorbent core 31 to width-reduced outside the first compressed groove 41, which is the deformation base point. A wide absorption area for excrement can be secured outside the width direction of the central front region, where excrement is likely to leak. In addition, outside the central front region in the front-rear direction L, the second compressed groove 42 may be located in the outer region OR or in the inner region IR.

As shown in Figure 4, in an embodiment, the bottom surface 42b of the second compressed groove 42 is formed by the top sheet 10. The bottom surface 42b of the second compressed groove 42 may be formed by the absorbent core 31 or the core wrap sheet 32 when the top sheet 10 is torn by compression. As shown in Figure 4, the bottom surface 42b of the second compressed groove 42 may be located on the skin side T1 of the non-skin side 35n of the non-compressed portion 35. As a result, at least a portion of the second absorbent core portion 312 is located on the skin side T1 of the non-compressed portion 35. As described above, since the non-skin side 311n of the first absorbent core portion 311 is located closer to the non-skin side T2 than the non-skin side 32n of the second absorbent core portion 312, when the second absorbent core portion 312 receives a force F toward the inside in the width direction, the absorbent core 31 between the first compressed groove 41 and the second compressed groove 42 can be easily moved in the direction from the skin side T1 to the non-skin side T2. As a result, the first absorbent core portion 311 is more likely to receive a force f1 in the direction from the skin side T1 to the non-skin side T2, and the absorbent core 31 can be more easily deformed from the first compressed groove 41 as a base point than the second compressed groove 42, thereby realizing the intended deformation of the absorbent core 31.

In this embodiment, the third compressed groove 43 compresses at least the absorbent core 31 from the non-skin side T2 to the skin side T1. The third compressed groove 43 is also disposed between a pair of first compressed grooves 41 in the width direction W. This makes it easier for the third absorbent core portion 313 to move toward the skin side T1 than the non-compressed portion 35 when subjected to a force acting inward in the width direction, and makes it easier for the inner absorbent core portion IAC to rise toward the skin side T1 with the third compressed groove 43 as its apex (see Figure 7). As a result, it becomes easier to fit the inner absorbent core portion IAC to the excretion opening E.

4, the skin surface 313s of the third absorbent core part 313 may be located on the skin surface side T1 of the skin surface 35s of the non-compressed part 35. As a result, the part of the third absorbent core part 313 located on the skin surface side T1 of the non-compressed part 35 receives a force from the non-compressed part 35 adjacent to the third absorbent core part 313 in a direction pushing it up from the non-skin surface side T2 to the skin surface side T1, so that the third absorbent core part 313 can easily move to the skin surface side T1. This makes it easier for the inner absorbent core part IAC to rise toward the skin surface side T1 with the third compression groove 43 as the apex, and realizes the intended deformation of the absorbent core 31. The positional relationship between the skin surface 313s of the third absorbent core part 313 and the skin surface 35s of the non-compressed part 35 can be visually evaluated using an electron microscope (e.g., Keyence VE7800) as described above. The non-skin surface 35n of the non-compressed portion 35 is the non-skin surface 35n of the portion that is not compressed and is located within a range of at least 3 mm and no more than 10 mm from the third compression groove in the width direction W.

As shown in FIG. 4, the depth D3 of the bottom surface 43b of the third compressed groove 43 may be deeper than the depth D1 of the bottom surface 41b of the first compressed groove 41. This makes it easier for the absorbent core 31 to deform in the third compressed groove 43 than in the first compressed groove 41. As a result, the inner absorbent core part IAC can be easily raised toward the skin-facing side T1 with the third compressed groove 43 as its apex, making it easier to fit the inner absorbent core part IAC to the excretion opening E. Note that the depth D3 of the bottom surface 43b of the third compressed groove 43 is the distance in the thickness direction T from the opening edge of the third compressed groove 43 to the bottom surface 43b (in this embodiment, the non-skin-facing side of the core wrap sheet 32 on the non-skin-facing side T2 of the absorbent core 31) as shown in FIG. 4.

The third compressed groove 43 does not need to overlap with the main body adhesive portion 61 in the thickness direction T. This allows the third absorbent core portion 313 to move easily toward the skin side T1 without being hindered by the main body adhesive portion 61. As a result, the inner absorbent core portion IAC can be easily raised toward the skin side T1 with the third compressed groove 43 as its apex.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the embodiment, the absorbent core 31 and the core wrap sheet 32 are compressed in the first compression groove 41 and the third compression groove 43. The top sheet 10 is not compressed in the first compression groove 41 and the third compression groove 43. Therefore, in the first compression groove 41 and the third compression groove 43, at least the absorbent core 31 is compressed without the top sheet 10 being compressed. When the first compression groove 41 is formed so that the non-skin surface 311n of the first absorbent core portion 311 is located on the non-skin surface side T2 rather than the non-skin surface 35n of the non-compressed portion 35, it is necessary to compress more strongly than in the other case. However, since the top sheet 10 is not compressed when the first compression groove 41 is formed, there is no risk of the top sheet 10 breaking. As a result, even if the top sheet 10 comes into contact with the excretion opening E due to the inner absorbent core portion IAC being raised toward the skin-facing side T1, the top sheet 10 will not tear due to the formation of the first compressed grooves 41, making it difficult for the wearer to feel uncomfortable. In addition, when the user visually checks the top sheet 10, they will not think that the absorbent article 1 is defective, and deterioration in the quality of the absorbent article 1 can be suppressed.

On the other hand, in the second compression groove 42, the top sheet 10 is compressed in addition to the absorbent core 31 and the core wrap sheet 32. In the first compression groove 41 and the third compression groove 43, the absorbent core 31 is compressed together with the top sheet 10.

The tensile strength of the top sheet 10 in the width direction W may be 10 N/25 mm or less. By reducing the tensile strength of the top sheet 10, the softness of the top sheet 10 can be ensured. As a result, the inner absorbent core portion IAC rises toward the skin-facing side T1, so that the wearer is less likely to feel uncomfortable even when the top sheet 10 comes into contact with the excretion opening E.

The tensile strength can be measured by the following method. For example, the top sheet 10 is removed from the absorbent article 1. The top sheet 10 is cut out so that the length in the front-rear direction L of the top sheet 10 is 25 mm. The cut-out top sheet 10 is set in a tensile tester (Autograph AGS-1kNG: manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation) and the chuck distance is set to 100 mm. With one side of the cut-out top sheet 10 in the width direction W fixed, the top sheet 10 is pulled to the other side in the width direction W. The pulling speed is 100 mm/min. The maximum tensile force when the top sheet 10 breaks is measured as the tensile strength. The same measurement is performed on five samples, and the average value is taken as the tensile strength (N/25 mm). The tensile strength of the top sheet 10 for a length of 25 mm is evaluated. Since the length of the top sheet 10 is based on 25 mm, the denominator of the unit is 25 mm.

The width of the second compressed groove 42 may be wider than the width of the first compressed groove 41. The width of the second compressed groove 42 may be wider than the width of the third compressed groove 43. This allows the width of the absorbent core to be suppressed by the amount of the wider width of the second compressed groove 42. The width of the compressed groove 40 is the distance from one side wall to the other side wall of the compressed groove 40 in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction in which the compressed groove 40 extends in a plan view of the absorbent article 1. The width of the first compressed groove 41 may be wider than the width of the third compressed groove 43. This makes it less likely for the absorbent cores 31 to come into contact with each other in the first compressed groove 41 compared to the third compressed groove 43. In the first compressed groove 41, the deformation of the absorbent core 31 is less likely to be hindered, and the inner absorbent core part IAC can be easily raised toward the skin side T1. In addition, the width of the third compressed groove 43 may be wider than the width of the first compressed groove 41. This makes it less likely for the absorbent cores 31 to come into contact with each other in the third compressed groove 43 compared to the first compressed groove 41. This makes it less likely that the deformation of the absorbent core 31 will be hindered, and makes it easier for the inner absorbent core portion to rise toward the skin side with the third compressed groove 43 as its apex.

The first absorbent core portion 311 may be arranged such that relatively high rigidity portions and relatively low rigidity portions are alternately arranged in the front-rear direction L. This makes it easier for the absorbent core to bend in the front-rear direction L using the low rigidity portions as base points, making it easier for the absorbent article 1 to conform to the wearer's body in the front-rear direction L. The rigidity of the third absorbent core portion 313 may also be similar to that of the first absorbent core portion 311.

As shown in FIG. 1, the absorbent article 1 may be compressed at positions other than the compressed grooves 40. For example, in a plan view of the absorbent article 1, points may be compressed inside the annular second compressed groove 42. Also, multiple point-like compressed portions may be arranged in a line outside the second compressed groove 42 in the front-rear direction L. As with the second compressed groove 42, these compressed portions compress the top sheet 10 in addition to the absorbent core 31 and the core wrap sheet 32.

The first compressed groove 41 may be formed by being compressed by a compression forming section composed of a convex portion and a concave portion facing each other. For example, one of a pair of rollers facing each other may be provided with a convex portion for forming the first compressed groove 41 and a concave portion for forming the third compressed groove 43. The other roller may be provided with a concave portion for forming the first compressed groove 41 and a convex portion for forming the third compressed groove 43. The convex portion and the concave portion for forming the first compressed groove 41 face each other, and the convex portion and the concave portion for forming the third compressed groove 43 face each other. The first compressed groove 41 and the third compressed groove 43 may be formed by compressing the base material of the absorbent body 30 that will become the absorbent body 30 with such a pair of rollers.

The top sheet 10 may be placed on the base material of the absorbent body 30 in which the first compressed groove 41 and the third compressed groove 43 are formed, and the top sheet 10 may be compressed by a compression forming section composed of a convex portion and a flat surface to form the second compressed groove 42. Thereafter, the absorbent article 1 may be manufactured in the same manner as in the manufacturing method of a normal absorbent article.

For example, when the first compression groove 41 is formed by a convex portion and a flat surface, in the thickness direction T, the non-skin surface 311n of the first absorbent core portion 311 is located at the same position as the non-skin surface 35n of the non-compressed portion 35.

(4) Absorbent body according to modified example The absorbent body 30 according to the modified example will be described below. Differences from the above-mentioned embodiment will be mainly described. Fig. 8 is a plan view of the absorbent body 30 according to the modified example as viewed from the skin side T1. Fig. 8 illustrates the first compressed grooves 41 and the third compressed grooves 43, but does not illustrate the second compressed grooves 42.

As shown in FIG. 8, in the absorbent body 30 (absorbent article 1), the first compressed grooves 41 extend intermittently in the front-rear direction L. This reduces the rigidity between the first compressed grooves 41 in the front-rear direction L (first intermittent portions 41i described below), making it easier for the absorbent core 31 to bend in the front-rear direction L between the first compressed grooves 41 in the front-rear direction L. As a result, the absorbent core 31 bends easily along the wearer's body in the front-rear direction L, making it easier for the absorbent core 31 to fit the wearer's body.

The third compressed grooves 43, like the first compressed grooves 41, also extend intermittently in the front-to-rear direction L. Therefore, like the first compressed grooves 41, the absorbent core 31 can easily bend along the wearer's body in the front-to-rear direction L, making it easier for the absorbent core 31 to fit the wearer's body.

Each of the first compression groove 41 and the third compression groove 43 may extend intermittently in the front-rear direction L outside the central front region. In the modified example, the first compression groove 41 is not arranged in a region overlapping with the central front region in the width direction W (or thickness direction T). Meanwhile, the third compression groove 43 is arranged in a region overlapping with the central front region in the width direction W (or thickness direction T). Also, the first compression groove 41 may be arranged only in a position that does not overlap with the high basis weight region HWR in the thickness direction T. Meanwhile, the first compression groove 41 may be arranged in a position that overlaps with the high basis weight region HWR in the thickness direction T. Note that, in the modified example, the region other than the high basis weight region HWR is the low basis weight region LWR.

The absorbent article 1 (absorbent body 30) may have a plurality of compressed groove portions (hereinafter referred to as first compressed groove portions 41p) constituting the first compressed groove 41, and one or more intermittent portions (hereinafter referred to as first intermittent portions 41i) between the plurality of first compressed groove portions 41p. In the front-rear direction L, the total length of the plurality of first compressed groove portions 41p may be longer than the total length of one or more first intermittent portions 41i. This allows the absorbent core 31 to bend easily along the wearer's body in the front-rear direction L, while ensuring the ease of deformation of the absorbent core 31 with the first compressed groove 41 as a base point, thereby realizing the intended deformation of the absorbent core 31. Note that the total length of one or more first intermittent portions 41i does not need to include the length of the first intermittent portion 41i that is longer than the length of one first compressed groove portion 41p in the front-rear direction L. For example, the total length of one or more first intermittent portions 41i does not have to include the length of the first intermittent portions 41i that overlap the high basis weight region HWR in the thickness direction T.

The absorbent article 1 (absorbent body 30) may have a plurality of compressed groove portions (hereinafter referred to as third compressed groove portions 43p) constituting the third compressed groove 43, and one or more intermittent portions (hereinafter referred to as third intermittent portions 43i) between the plurality of third compressed groove portions 43p. In the front-rear direction L, the total length of the plurality of third compressed groove portions 43p may be longer than the total length of the one or more third intermittent portions 43i.

In the front-rear direction L, the position of the first intermittent portion 41i may be shifted from the position of the third intermittent portion 43i. Therefore, the first intermittent portion 41i and the third intermittent portion 43i may not overlap in the width direction W, or only a portion of the first intermittent portion 41i may overlap with the third intermittent portion 43i in the width direction W.

In this modified example, the first intermittent portion 41i is located forward of the third intermittent portion 43i. Here, the rigidity of the first intermittent portion 41i is lower than the rigidity of the first compressed groove 41, and the rigidity of the third intermittent portion 43i is lower than the rigidity of the third compressed groove 43. Therefore, behind the central front region, the absorbent core 31 is more likely to bend along a line passing through the first intermittent portion 41i and the third intermittent portion 43i (i.e., line L13 that moves toward the outside in the width direction W as it moves toward the front side in the front-to-rear direction L). As a result, the absorbent core 31 is more likely to bend along the buttocks, which further suppresses leakage of excrement to the rear of the wearer.

In another modified example, the first intermittent portion 41i may be located rearward of the third intermittent portion 43i. In this case, the absorbent core 31 is more likely to bend forward of the central front region along a line passing through the first intermittent portion 41i and the third intermittent portion 43i (i.e., a line that moves inward in the width direction as it moves toward the front in the front-to-rear direction). As a result, the absorbent core 31 is more likely to bend along the abdomen, which further reduces leakage of excrement forward of the wearer.

The length in the front-rear direction L of the first intermittent portion 41i may be longer than the length in the front-rear direction L of the second intermittent portion 42i. This makes it easier for the first compression groove 41 to receive a force directed inward in the width direction W than the second compression groove 42, making it easier to deform with the first compression groove 41 as the base point. Also, the length in the front-rear direction L of the third intermittent portion 43i may be longer than the length in the front-rear direction L of the second intermittent portion 42i. This makes it easier for the third compression groove 43 to receive a force directed inward in the width direction W than the second compression groove 42, making it easier to deform with the third compression groove 43 as the base point.

When multiple first intermittent portions 41i exist, the positional relationship in the front-rear direction L between the first intermittent portion 41i and the third intermittent portion 43i is determined by the first intermittent portion 41i that is closest to the third intermittent portion 43i. Similarly, when multiple third intermittent portions 43i exist, the positional relationship in the front-rear direction L between the first intermittent portion 41i and the third intermittent portion 43i is determined by the third intermittent portion 43i that is closest to the first intermittent portion 41i.

(5) Other embodiments In the above-described embodiments, the non-skin side 311n of the first absorbent core member 311 is located on the non-skin side T2 of the non-skin side 35n of the non-compressed portion 35, and is located on the non-skin side T2 of the non-skin side 312n of the second absorbent core member 312. However, due to manufacturing errors, for example, a portion of the non-skin side 311n of the first absorbent core member 311 may be located on the skin side T1 of the non-skin side 35n of the non-compressed portion 35, or may be located on the skin side T1 of the non-skin side 312n of the second absorbent core member 312.

In the above embodiment, the absorbent core 31, the core wrap sheet 32, and the top sheet 10 are compressed in the second compression groove 42, but this is not limited to the above. In the second compression groove 42, for example, only the absorbent core 31 and the core wrap sheet 32 may be compressed. In the third compression groove 43, for example, only the absorbent core 31 may be compressed, or in addition to the absorbent core 31 and the core wrap sheet 32, a sheet arranged on the non-skin-facing side T2 of the absorbent body 30 may be compressed, or a sheet arranged between the top sheet 10 and the absorbent body 30 (for example, an intermediate sheet arranged between the top sheet 10 and the absorbent body 30) may be compressed.

Although the present invention has been described in detail using the above-mentioned embodiment, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described in this specification. The present invention can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description in this specification is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present invention.

1: Absorbent article 10: Top sheet 31: Absorbent core 32: Core wrap sheet 35: Non-compressed portion 40: Compressed groove 41: First compressed groove 42: Second compressed groove 43: Third compressed groove 311: First absorbent core portion 312: Second absorbent core portion S1: Front region S2: Central region S3: Rear region L: Front-rear direction T: Thickness direction W: Width direction

Claims (17)

Front-rear direction, width direction, and thickness direction;
an anterior region, a central region, and a posterior region;
An absorbent core;
At least the absorbent core is compressed in the thickness direction and has compressed grooves extending in the front-rear direction,
The compressed grooves are disposed at least in the central region,
The compression groove is
a pair of first compression grooves arranged such that the absorbent core is compressed from the skin-facing side to the non-skin-facing side and the pair of first compression grooves are arranged so as to sandwich the center of the absorbent core in the width direction;
the absorbent core is compressed from the skin-facing side to the non-skin-facing side, and a pair of second compressed grooves are disposed on the outer side of the pair of first compressed grooves in the width direction of the absorbent article;
The absorbent core comprises:
a first absorbent core portion which is a portion located on the non-skin facing side of the first compressed groove;
a second absorbent core portion which is a portion located on the non-skin facing side of the second compressed groove,
the non-skin surface of the first absorbent core portion is located closer to the skin surface than the non-skin surface of a non-compressed portion of the absorbent core that is separated from the compression groove in the width direction, and is located closer to the skin surface than the non-skin surface of the second absorbent core portion;
The absorbent article has a top sheet that contacts a wearer,
In the first compressed groove, the top sheet is non-compressed;
The absorbent article has, when viewed in a plane, a dot-shaped compressed portion in which at least the absorbent core and the top sheet are compressed in the thickness direction, inside the second compression groove in the width direction. Front-rear direction, width direction, and thickness direction;
an anterior region, a central region, and a posterior region;
An absorbent core;
At least the absorbent core is compressed in the thickness direction and has compressed grooves extending in the front-rear direction,
The compressed grooves are disposed at least in the central region,
The compression groove is
a pair of first compression grooves arranged such that the absorbent core is compressed from the skin-facing side to the non-skin-facing side and the pair of first compression grooves are arranged so as to sandwich the center of the absorbent core in the width direction;
the absorbent core is compressed from the skin-facing side to the non-skin-facing side, and a pair of second compressed grooves are disposed on the outer side of the pair of first compressed grooves in the width direction of the absorbent article;
The absorbent core comprises:
a first absorbent core portion which is a portion located on the non-skin facing side of the first compressed groove;
a second absorbent core portion which is a portion located on the non-skin facing side of the second compressed groove,
the non-skin surface of the first absorbent core portion is located closer to the skin surface than the non-skin surface of a non-compressed portion of the absorbent core that is separated from the compression groove in the width direction, and is located closer to the skin surface than the non-skin surface of the second absorbent core portion;
An absorbent article, wherein in a cross section along the width direction and the thickness direction of the absorbent article, the width of the first compressed groove is wider than the thickness of the non-compressed portion. Front-rear direction, width direction, and thickness direction;
an anterior region, a central region, and a posterior region;
An absorbent core;
At least the absorbent core is compressed in the thickness direction and has compressed grooves extending in the front-rear direction,
The compressed grooves are disposed at least in the central region,
The compression groove is
a pair of first compression grooves arranged such that the absorbent core is compressed from the skin-facing side to the non-skin-facing side and the pair of first compression grooves are arranged so as to sandwich the center of the absorbent core in the width direction;
the absorbent core is compressed from the skin-facing side to the non-skin-facing side, and a pair of second compressed grooves are disposed on the outer side of the pair of first compressed grooves in the width direction of the absorbent article;
The absorbent core comprises:
a first absorbent core portion which is a portion located on the non-skin facing side of the first compressed groove;
a second absorbent core portion which is a portion located on the non-skin facing side of the second compressed groove,
the non-skin surface of the first absorbent core portion is located closer to the skin surface than the non-skin surface of a non-compressed portion of the absorbent core that is separated from the compression groove in the width direction, and is located closer to the skin surface than the non-skin surface of the second absorbent core portion;
The compressed grooves further include a third compressed groove in which at least the absorbent core is compressed from the non-skin side to the skin side and is disposed between a pair of the first compressed grooves in the width direction,
An absorbent article, wherein the depth of the bottom surface of the third compressed groove is greater than the depth of the bottom surface of the first compressed groove. Front-rear direction, width direction, and thickness direction;
an anterior region, a central region, and a posterior region;
An absorbent core;
At least the absorbent core is compressed in the thickness direction and has compressed grooves extending in the front-rear direction,
The compressed grooves are disposed at least in the central region,
The compression groove is
a pair of first compression grooves arranged such that the absorbent core is compressed from the skin-facing side to the non-skin-facing side and the first compression grooves are arranged so as to sandwich the center of the absorbent core in the width direction;
the absorbent core is compressed from the skin-facing side to the non-skin-facing side, and a pair of second compressed grooves are disposed on the outer side of the pair of first compressed grooves in the width direction of the absorbent article;
The absorbent core comprises:
a first absorbent core portion which is a portion located on the non-skin facing side of the first compressed groove;
a second absorbent core portion which is a portion located on the non-skin facing side of the second compressed groove;
the non-skin surface of the first absorbent core portion is located closer to the skin surface than the non-skin surface of a non-compressed portion of the absorbent core that is separated from the compression groove in the width direction, and is located closer to the skin surface than the non-skin surface of the second absorbent core portion;
The central region has a central front region including a region forward of a center of the central region in the front-rear direction,
The compressed grooves further include a third compressed groove in which at least the absorbent core is compressed from the non-skin side to the skin side and is disposed between a pair of the first compressed grooves in the width direction,
The first compressed groove and the third compressed groove each extend intermittently in the front-rear direction outside the central front region,
An absorbent article, wherein in the front-to-rear direction, the position of the gap between the compressed groove portions constituting the first compressed groove is shifted from the position of the gap between the compressed groove portions constituting the third compressed groove. The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the first compressed grooves arranged in the central region extends linearly along the front-rear direction. The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein the first compressed grooves extend continuously or intermittently from the front edge to the rear edge of the absorbent core. The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein a bottom surface of the first compressed groove is located closer to the non-skin surface than the non-skin surface of the non-compressed portion. The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein the second compressed groove extends in a curved shape in a plan view of the absorbent article. The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein a bottom surface of the second compressed groove is located closer to the skin side than a non-skin side of the non-compressed portion. In a plan view of the absorbent article, when the absorbent core is divided into four equal parts in the width direction, a pair of outer regions located on the outer sides in the width direction and an inner region located between the pair of outer regions are provided,
The central region has a central front region including a region forward of a center of the central region in the front-rear direction,
The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the second compressed groove that overlaps with the central front region in the width direction is located in each of the pair of outer regions. In a plan view of the absorbent article, when the absorbent core is divided into four equal parts in the width direction, a pair of outer regions located on the outer sides in the width direction and an inner region located between the pair of outer regions are provided,
The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein the first compressed groove is located in the inner region. The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein a length of the first compressed grooves is longer than a length of the second compressed grooves in the front-rear direction. A top sheet that contacts the wearer,
5. The absorbent article of claim 1, 3 or 4 , wherein in the first compressed grooves, the topsheet is non-compressed. 5. The absorbent article according to claim 1, further comprising a third compressed groove in which at least the absorbent core is compressed from the non-skin side to the skin side and which is disposed between a pair of the first compressed grooves in the width direction. The absorbent core further includes a third absorbent core portion which is a portion located on the skin side of the third compressed groove,
The absorbent article according to claim 14 , wherein the skin surface of the third absorbent core portion is located closer to the skin surface than the skin surface of the non-compressed portion. The central region has a central front region including a region forward of a center of the central region in the front-rear direction,
The absorbent core comprises:
a high basis weight region disposed in at least the central front region;
a low basis weight region having a lower basis weight than the high basis weight region and disposed outside the high basis weight region in the front-to-rear direction;
The first compression groove extends from the high basis weight region to the low basis weight region,
The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein a depth of a bottom surface of the first compressed grooves in the high basis weight region is greater than a depth of a bottom surface of the first compressed grooves in the low basis weight region. The first compressed groove has a plurality of compressed groove portions and one or more intermittent portions between the plurality of compressed groove portions,
The absorbent article according to claim 1 , wherein a total length of the plurality of compressed groove portions in the front-rear direction is longer than a total length of the one or more intermittent portions.

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