JP7805773B2 - absorbent articles - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an absorbent article.

Absorbent articles are known in which a second sheet is placed between the absorbent body and the top sheet. In the second sheet disclosed in Patent Document 1, grooves and ridges extending in the front-to-rear direction of the absorbent article (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body) are formed alternately in the width direction of the absorbent article. In addition, grooves are formed on both the front and back sides of the second sheet. As a result, voids are formed on both the front and back sides of the second sheet, improving the storage capacity of the second sheet and preventing urine from leaking from the absorbent article.

JP 2010-35980 A

However, when grooves aligned along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body are formed on both the front and back sides of the second sheet described in Patent Document 1, the second sheet tends to shrink in the width direction and tends to maintain that contracted state. Furthermore, because the second sheet is layered on top of the absorbent body, the movement of the second sheet also affects the absorbent core. Therefore, when a wearer of the absorbent article described in Patent Document 1 closes their legs, for example, and a force acting inward in the width direction is generated in the crotch area of the absorbent article, the absorbent body tends to shrink in the width direction along with the second sheet and tends to maintain that contracted state. This causes the absorption area of the absorbent body (absorbent core) to remain reduced, making it easier for body waste to leak.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to prevent the absorbent core's absorption area from remaining reduced when the absorbent article is worn, making it easier for body waste to leak.

The main invention to achieve the above object is:
In the unfolded state, the device has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction,
An absorbent article having an absorbent core that absorbs bodily waste and a plurality of nonwoven fabrics,
the plurality of nonwoven fabrics include a first nonwoven fabric having an area that overlaps with the absorbent core when the absorbent article in an expanded and stretched state is viewed in plan;
The first nonwoven fabric is disposed across a center line that divides the absorbent core into two equal parts in the width direction,
When the maximum load in a nonwoven fabric compression test in which the nonwoven fabric is compressed in the width direction is defined as the compression repulsion force of the nonwoven fabric in the width direction,
the compression repulsion force of the first nonwoven fabric in the width direction is greater than the compression repulsion force of the other nonwoven fabric in the width direction having an area overlapping with the absorbent core;
The first nonwoven fabric comprises a plurality of apparently crimped fibers,
The apparently crimped fibers have a helical shape,
In the first nonwoven fabric, the apparently crimped fibers are fixed to each other with an adhesive at a plurality of fixing portions,
This absorbent article is characterized in that the volume of adhesive applied to the first nonwoven fabric is larger in the region closer to the absorbent core in the thickness direction than in the region farther away .
Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.

According to the present invention, when the absorbent article is worn, the absorbent core's absorption area remains reduced, preventing bodily exudates from leaking.

1 is a plan view of a tape-type disposable diaper 1 in an unfolded and stretched state. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a second seat 35. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the top sheet 22, the second sheet 35, and the absorbent core 21 of the diaper 1 separated from each other. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a method for performing a compression test on a nonwoven fabric. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the evaluation results of the second seat 35. FIG. 7A is a diagram showing an enlarged photograph of a portion of the second seat 35, and FIG. 7B is a diagram in which auxiliary lines are added to the enlarged photograph of FIG. 7A. FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic view of a portion of a second seat 35. 9A is a diagram showing an enlarged photograph of the skin side of the second sheet 35, and FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an enlarged photograph of the non-skin side of the second sheet 35. FIG. 10A is a diagram showing an enlarged photograph of the skin side of the second sheet 35, and FIG. 10B is a diagram showing an enlarged photograph of the non-skin side of the second sheet 35. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a bending guide portion 351 of a second seat 35. FIG.

At least the following matters will become clear from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings.
An absorbent article comprising an absorbent core which, in an unfolded state, has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction and which absorbs bodily waste, and a plurality of nonwoven fabrics, wherein the plurality of nonwoven fabrics comprises a first nonwoven fabric having an area which overlaps with the absorbent core when the absorbent article in an unfolded and stretched state is viewed in a plane, the first nonwoven fabric being arranged across a center line which bisects the absorbent core in the width direction, and wherein, when the maximum load in a nonwoven fabric compression test in which the nonwoven fabric is compressed in the width direction is defined as the compression repulsion force of the nonwoven fabric in the width direction, the compression repulsion force of the first nonwoven fabric in the width direction is greater than the compression repulsion force of other nonwoven fabrics in the width direction which have an area which overlaps with the absorbent core.

With this type of absorbent article, the compressive repulsive force of the first nonwoven fabric overlapping the absorbent core can be applied to the absorbent core, and this compressive repulsive force can suppress shrinkage of the absorbent core in the width direction and restore the width of the contracted absorbent core. Furthermore, by arranging the first nonwoven fabric so that it straddles the center of the absorbent core in the width direction, it is possible to apply a compressive repulsive force to the center of the absorbent core in the width direction, which is most susceptible to deformation, compared to, for example, when the first nonwoven fabric is arranged overlapping only the sides of the absorbent core. As a result, the absorption area of the absorbent core can be secured, and leakage of body waste can be suppressed.

Such an absorbent article is characterized in that the first nonwoven fabric comprises a plurality of apparently crimped fibers, and the apparently crimped fibers have a spiral shape.

In such an absorbent article, the spiral-shaped, apparently crimped fibers facilitate the formation of voids between the fibers, thereby enhancing the compression repulsion force (cushioning properties) of the first nonwoven fabric.

This absorbent article is characterized in that in the first nonwoven fabric, the apparent crimped fibers are fixed together with an adhesive at multiple fixing portions.

In this type of absorbent article, the adhesive helps maintain the helical shape of the manifested crimped fibers, and also helps maintain the compression repulsion force of the first nonwoven fabric. Furthermore, by overlapping multiple manifested crimped fibers, the compression repulsion force (cushioning properties) due to the voids between the fibers is combined, further increasing the compression repulsion force of the first nonwoven fabric.

The absorbent article is characterized in that the first nonwoven fabric has an average specific volume of 40 m ³ /g or more.

In such an absorbent article, the first nonwoven fabric can be made bulkier and lower density than when the average specific volume of the first nonwoven fabric is less than 40 ^m3 /g, which makes it easier for voids to form between the fibers and increases the compression repulsion force (cushioning properties) of the first nonwoven fabric.

Such an absorbent article is characterized in that the first nonwoven fabric is bonded directly or indirectly to the absorbent core by an adhesive.

In this type of absorbent article, the first nonwoven fabric and the absorbent core are joined together using an adhesive, making it easier for the compressive repulsive force of the first nonwoven fabric to be imparted to the absorbent core. This prevents the absorbent core from shrinking in the width direction, allowing the width of the shrunken absorbent core to recover, ensuring the absorbent core's absorption area.

An absorbent article characterized in that, when the maximum load in a nonwoven fabric compression test in which the nonwoven fabric is compressed in the longitudinal direction is defined as the compression repulsion force of the nonwoven fabric in the longitudinal direction, the value obtained by dividing the compression repulsion force of the first nonwoven fabric in the width direction by the compression repulsion force of the first nonwoven fabric in the longitudinal direction is 70% or more.

With this absorbent article, compared to when the value obtained by dividing the widthwise compression repulsive force of the first nonwoven fabric by the longitudinal compression repulsive force is less than 70%, the widthwise compression repulsive force of the first nonwoven fabric can be made close to, or equal to, the longitudinal compression repulsive force. Therefore, the compression repulsive force of the first nonwoven fabric suppresses shrinkage of the absorbent core in the widthwise direction, allowing the width of the contracted absorbent core to recover, ensuring the absorption area of the absorbent core.

This absorbent article is characterized in that the volume of adhesive applied to the first nonwoven fabric is larger in the region closer to the absorbent core in the thickness direction than in the region farther away.

In this type of absorbent article, the rigidity of the adhesive makes it easier for the portion of the first nonwoven fabric closest to the absorbent core to be more rigid than the portion further away. This makes it easier for the compressive repulsive force of the first nonwoven fabric to be imparted to the absorbent core.

The absorbent article is characterized in that the first nonwoven fabric is positioned closer to the skin than the absorbent core, and the density of the fibers constituting the first nonwoven fabric is higher in the non-skin-facing portion of the first nonwoven fabric than in the skin-facing portion.

In this type of absorbent article, the stiffness of the portion of the first nonwoven fabric closest to the absorbent core is more likely to be higher than that of the portion further away. This makes it easier for the compressive repulsive force of the first nonwoven fabric to be imparted to the absorbent core. Furthermore, because the fiber density increases from the skin side to the non-skin side, it is easier for excrement to be drawn into the non-skin side of the first nonwoven fabric. This improves the excrement absorption performance and reduces rewetting of excrement.

An absorbent article as described above, characterized in that the first nonwoven fabric has a bend-inducing portion that induces bending of the first nonwoven fabric and extends longitudinally in the width direction or the longitudinal direction.

With this type of absorbent article, unintended deformation (bulging toward the skin) can be suppressed when the first nonwoven fabric, which has a high compression repulsion force, is compressed in the width direction or length direction. By bending the first nonwoven fabric around the bending guide portion as a base point, it is possible, for example, to align the crotch portion of the absorbent article with the crotch portion of the wearer, or to provide a space for accommodating body waste in the back portion of the absorbent article.

The absorbent article is characterized in that the absorbent article has an elastic member that stretches in the longitudinal direction, and the first nonwoven fabric has a bend guide portion that extends longitudinally in the width direction.

With this type of absorbent article, even when a longitudinally inward force is applied to the first nonwoven fabric by the elastic member, unintended deformation (bulging toward the skin) can be suppressed. By bending the first nonwoven fabric longitudinally using the bending guide portion along the width direction as a base point, the first nonwoven fabric can be made to conform to the curved portion from the wearer's abdominal side to dorsal side, for example.

The absorbent article is characterized in that the first nonwoven fabric is provided at least in a region extending from the longitudinal center toward the back side of the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction when the absorbent article is in an expanded and stretched state, and the bend guide portion extending longitudinally in the width direction is provided in the region of the first nonwoven fabric located in the region extending from the center toward the back side.

With this type of absorbent article, the first nonwoven fabric can be bent longitudinally from the center of the absorbent article toward the back, using the bending guide as a base point, creating a space in the back portion of the absorbent article to accommodate excrement (feces). This reduces the adhesion of excrement to the skin.

===Embodiment===
An embodiment of the absorbent article according to the present invention will be described taking as an example a tape-type disposable diaper 1 for babies. However, the absorbent article according to the present invention may also be a pants-type disposable diaper, sanitary shorts, sanitary napkin, light incontinence pad, absorbent pad, etc.

<Basic configuration of tape-type disposable diaper 1>
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a tape-type disposable diaper 1 (hereinafter also referred to as "diaper 1") in an unfolded and stretched state, as viewed from the skin side. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. The unfolded state of the diaper 1 refers to a state in which the diaper 1 is unfolded in its entirety in a plane. The stretched state of the diaper 1 refers to a state in which the diaper 1 has been stretched to such an extent that wrinkles that have occurred in the diaper 1 are substantially invisible, and refers to a state in which the diaper 1 has been stretched to such an extent that the dimensions of each component constituting the diaper 1 (e.g., the top sheet 22 described below, etc.) are the same as or close to the dimensions of the component alone.

In the unfolded and stretched state shown in Figure 1 etc., the diaper 1 has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction that are perpendicular to one another, and has, from one longitudinal side, a ventral section 3, a crotch section 5, and a dorsal section 7. The ventral section 3 is the section that is located on the ventral side (front side) of the wearer when the diaper 1 is worn. The dorsal section 7 is the section that is located on the dorsal side (rear side) of the wearer when the diaper 1 is worn. The crotch section 5 is located between the ventral section 3 and the dorsal section 7.

The "thickness direction" of diaper 1 refers to the direction in which the components constituting diaper 1 are layered, with the side that contacts the wearer being referred to as the "skin side" and the opposite side being referred to as the "non-skin side." In Figure 1 and other figures, center line C is the center in the width direction, and center line CL is the center in the longitudinal direction. For convenience, Figure 2 omits the visible portion of the cross section taken along line A-A in the longitudinal direction on the back side.

The diaper 1 comprises, in its widthwise center, an absorbent body 21, a liquid-permeable top sheet 22 covering the absorbent body 21 from the skin side, a liquid-permeable second sheet 35 positioned closer to the skin than the absorbent body 21, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 23 covering the absorbent body 21 from the non-skin side, and an outer sheet 27 (e.g., nonwoven fabric) covering the back sheet 23 from the non-skin side and forming the outer shape of the diaper 1. The diaper 1 also comprises, above the top sheet 22, a pair of side sheets 26 arranged side by side, a target tape 29 in the abdominal portion 3, and fastening tapes 30 extending from both widthwise ends of the back portion 7. As shown in Figure 2, each material in the diaper 1 is joined to adjacent materials in the thickness direction with adhesive 8 (e.g., hot-melt adhesive).

Examples of the top sheet 22 and outer sheet 27 include flexible sheet materials such as air-through nonwoven fabric, spunbond nonwoven fabric, and SMS nonwoven fabric (spunbond/meltblown/spunbond nonwoven fabric). Examples of the back sheet 23 include resin films such as polyethylene film. Examples of the side sheets 26 include nonwoven fabrics containing hydrophobic fibers (air-through nonwoven fabrics and spunbond nonwoven fabrics). Examples of the second sheet 35 include nonwoven fabrics, which will be described in detail below.

In a plan view, the absorbent body 21 has a rectangular shape with a long longitudinal axis, and is arranged across the abdominal portion 3, crotch portion 5, and dorsal portion 7. The absorbent body 21 has an absorbent core 24 that absorbs excrement such as urine and feces, and a liquid-permeable core wrap sheet 25 that covers the absorbent core 24 on both the skin side and non-skin side in the thickness direction.

The absorbent core 24 contains a liquid-absorbent material, such as liquid-absorbent fibers such as pulp fibers, or liquid-absorbent particles such as superabsorbent polymers (so-called SAP). While Figure 1 shows an example of an absorbent core 24 that is roughly hourglass-shaped in plan view, the planar shape of the absorbent core 24 is not particularly limited. Examples of suitable materials for the core wrap sheet 25 include tissue paper and nonwoven fabric. However, the core wrap sheet 25 is not a required component.

The diaper 1 also has longitudinally stretchable leg elastic members 15 (stretchable members) on both widthwise sides, outside the absorbent body 21. The leg elastic members 15 provide stretchability to the leg openings of the diaper 1, allowing the diaper 1 to fit the wearer's legs. The leg elastic members 15 shown in Figure 2 are fixed in a stretched state in the longitudinal direction between the side sheets 26 and the outer sheet 27.

The diaper 1 also has longitudinally stretchable leak-barrier elastic members 18 (stretchable members) on both widthwise sides, located widthwise inward of the leg elastic members 15. The leak-barrier elastic members 18 are fixed to the side sheets 26 in a stretched state in the longitudinal direction. This causes a portion of the side sheets 26 to rise toward the skin as a leak-barrier wall, blocking excrement and the like.

Stretchable, strip-shaped elastic sheets are exemplified as the leg elastic members 15, and rubber thread is exemplified as the leak-preventing wall elastic members 18. However, the number, shape, material, and placement of the leg elastic members 15 and leak-preventing wall elastic members 18 are not particularly limited.

The abdominal portion 3 also has a target tape 29 on the non-skin-side surface (non-skin-side surface of the outer sheet 27) in the widthwise center, and the back portion 7 has fastening tapes 30 extending outward from both widthwise edge portions. The target tape 29 is a member that can engage with the fastening tapes 30 and is formed, for example, from a nonwoven fabric. The fastening tapes 30 have a tape base material and a hook material (for example, a male component of a hook-and-loop fastener). The tape base material is, for example, a nonwoven fabric member and has a generally rectangular shape that is elongated in the width direction of the diaper 1. By fastening each fastening tape 30 to the target tape 29, the position of the diaper 1 can be fixed relative to the wearer's body. Note that the target tape 29 may not be placed on the diaper 1, and the fastening tapes 30 may be directly fastened to the non-skin-side surface of the outer sheet 27.

The basic configuration of the diaper 1 has been described above, but the configuration of the pad 1 described above is an example and is not limited to this.

===About the Second Seat 35===
Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the second sheet 35. Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the top sheet 22, the second sheet 35, and the absorbent core 21 of the diaper 1 separated from each other. Figs. 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a method for performing a compression test on a nonwoven fabric.

The diaper 1 has multiple nonwoven fabrics forming the top sheet 22, second sheet 35, outer sheet 27, etc. As shown in Figures 5A to 5C, the maximum load in a "nonwoven fabric compression test" in which the nonwoven fabrics of the diaper 1 are compressed in the width direction is referred to as the "compression repulsion force of the nonwoven fabric in the width direction." Similarly, the maximum load in a "nonwoven fabric compression test" in which the nonwoven fabric is compressed in the length direction is referred to as the "compression repulsion force of the nonwoven fabric in the length direction." A nonwoven fabric with a high compression repulsion force in the width direction is more difficult to compress than a nonwoven fabric with a low compression repulsion force in the width direction, even when the same force is applied in the width direction, and is more likely to recover to its original state from the compressed state.

In the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the second sheet 35 (first nonwoven fabric) is a nonwoven fabric with a relatively high compressive repulsion force. Specifically, the compressive repulsion force in the width direction of the second sheet 35 is greater than the compressive repulsion force in the width direction of other nonwoven fabrics that have an area that overlaps with the absorbent core 24. The other nonwoven fabrics that have an area that overlaps with the absorbent core 24 are nonwoven fabrics that have an area that overlaps with the absorbent core 24 when the diaper 1 is viewed in a plan view in the unfolded and extended state as shown in Figure 1, and are nonwoven fabrics that overlap at least a portion of the absorbent core 24. In the case of the diaper 1 illustrated in Figure 1, these include the side sheet 26, the top sheet 22, the second sheet 35, the outer sheet 27, and the target tape 29.

When the wearer is wearing the diaper 1, a force acts inward in the width direction on the crotch portion 5 due to actions such as closing the wearer's legs. Therefore, if the absorbent core 24 tends to shrink in the width direction and tends to remain in that contracted state, the absorption area of the absorbent core 24 will become smaller, making it more susceptible to leakage of body waste.

However, in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, the second sheet 35, which has a large compressive repulsive force, has an area that overlaps with the absorbent core 24 when the diaper 1 is viewed in a plan view in an unfolded and stretched state. Therefore, the movement of the second sheet 35 affects the absorbent core 24, and the compressive repulsive force of the second sheet 35 can also be applied to the absorbent core 24. In other words, the compressive repulsive force of the second sheet 35 makes it difficult for the absorbent core 24 to contract in the width direction, and when the force acting inward in the width direction is released, the contracted absorbent core 24 expands in the width direction and is more likely to recover to its original width.

However, due to the force acting inward in the width direction, the central portion of the absorbent core 24 deforms more than the side portions in the width direction. For example, the central portion of the absorbent core 24 becomes convex toward the skin. Suppose that, of the nonwoven fabrics overlapping the absorbent core 24, a nonwoven fabric with the greatest compression resilience is placed overlapping only the side portions in the width direction of the absorbent core 24, as in the side sheets 26. In this case, the compression resilience of the side sheets 26 is unlikely to be applied to the central portion in the width direction of the absorbent core 24, making it difficult to return the large deformation in the central portion in the width direction of the absorbent core 24 to its original state.

Therefore, the second sheet 35, which has a high compression repulsion force, is positioned so as to straddle the center line C, which divides the absorbent core 24 in half widthwise. This makes it easier for the compression repulsion force of the second sheet 35 to be applied to the central portion of the absorbent core 24 in the widthwise direction. As a result, excessive contraction (large deformation) of the absorbent core 24 in the widthwise direction can be suppressed, and the contracted absorbent core 24 expands widthwise together with the second sheet 35, making it easier to recover to its original width. In this way, the diaper 1 of this embodiment prevents the absorbent core 24 from maintaining a reduced absorption area during wear, and allows the wide absorption surface of the absorbent core 24 to receive excrement, thereby suppressing leakage of excrement.

Furthermore, by positioning the second sheet 35, which has a high compression resilience, across the widthwise centerline C, the compression recovery force of the second sheet 35 can be imparted to both widthwise portions of the absorbent core 24. As a result, both widthwise portions of the absorbent core 24 are more likely to maintain a wide state, ensuring a sufficient absorption area.

The nonwoven fabric (first nonwoven fabric) with the greatest compression repulsion force among the nonwoven fabrics overlapping the absorbent core 24 need not necessarily be used as the second sheet 35. It may also be used as any nonwoven fabric that overlaps the absorbent core 24 and straddles the center C of the absorbent core 24 in the width direction. For example, the top sheet 22 may be the first nonwoven fabric. Furthermore, in addition to the materials contained in the diaper 1 shown in FIG. 2, the first nonwoven fabric may be provided inside the core wrap sheet 25, between the top sheet 22 and the second sheet 35, or between the second sheet 35 and the absorbent body 21, or between the back sheet 23 and the outer sheet 27. In this case, too, the compression repulsion force of the first nonwoven fabric can be imparted to the absorbent core 24.

The second sheet 35, which has a high compression repulsion force, may be positioned so that it overlaps the entire plane of the absorbent core 24, or it may be positioned so that it overlaps only a portion of the plane of the absorbent core 24. The larger the area of the overlapping region between the second sheet 35 and the absorbent core 24, the more easily the compression repulsion force of the second sheet 35 is imparted to the absorbent core 24. This makes it easier for the absorbent core 24 to maintain a wide state, ensuring sufficient absorption area. On the other hand, by positioning the second sheet 35 only in a necessary portion of the absorbent core 24, the plane area of the second sheet 35 can be reduced, resulting in lower costs.

The inward force in the width direction, which is generated by movements such as closing the wearer's legs, tends to act on the crotch portion 5 of the diaper 1. For this reason, it is preferable to place a second sheet 35 in the crotch portion 5, as shown in Figure 1. Specifically, it is recommended to place the second sheet 35 so that it straddles the longitudinal center CL of the diaper 1 in its unfolded and stretched state. By doing so, the second sheet 35 makes it easier to maintain a wide state in the areas of the absorbent core 24 that are prone to inward force in the width direction. However, the placement position of the second sheet 35 is not limited to the above.

Furthermore, the second sheet 35 shown in FIG. 1 overlaps the absorbent core 24 over the entire plane of the second sheet 35. This makes it easier for the compressive repulsive force of the entire plane of the second sheet 35 to be imparted to the absorbent core 24, allowing the second sheet 35 to be used effectively. However, this is not limiting, and the second sheet 35 may have areas that do not overlap with the absorbent core 24.

Next, the method for the "nonwoven fabric compression test" will be explained.
First, the nonwoven fabric to be measured (the nonwoven fabric having the area overlapping with the absorbent core 24) is separated from the diaper 1 using toluene or the like, and then bulk is restored by hot air drying (70 to 120°C) for a predetermined time. Then, as shown in FIG. 5A , the separated nonwoven fabric is cut to a predetermined size to prepare sample S1. Sample S1 is cut from the nonwoven fabric so that the length in the width direction of the diaper 1 is A mm (preferably, for example, approximately 30 mm to 70 mm) and the length in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 1 is B mm (preferably, for example, approximately 35 mm to 150 mm). All nonwoven fabrics to be measured are cut to the same size.

In addition, absorbent articles such as pants-type diapers are composed of an absorbent main body and a waistband member that stretches in the width direction. If the portion of the waistband member that overlaps the absorbent core 24 has a stretchable member, sample S1 is prepared using nonwoven fabric from which the stretchable member has been removed from the waistband member.

Next, a measuring device is prepared as shown in Figure 5B. In the measuring device, the direction in which the compressive repulsive force is measured is referred to as the measurement direction, and the direction perpendicular to the measurement direction is referred to as the orthogonal direction. First, an acrylic plate 41 is placed and fixed on a test stand 40. The length of the acrylic plate 41 in the measurement direction is C mm (sample lengths A mm, B mm or more), and the length in the orthogonal direction is D mm (sample lengths A mm, B mm or more). The acrylic plate 41 is placed so that one end of the acrylic plate 41 in the measurement direction protrudes E mm (e.g., 10 mm) from the test stand 40. Furthermore, a notch 411 is provided in the center of the orthogonal direction in the portion of the acrylic plate 41 protruding from the test stand 40. The length of the notch 411 in the measurement direction is E mm (e.g., 10 mm), and the length in the orthogonal direction is F mm (e.g., 15 mm). Furthermore, a tape material 42 (e.g., a tape material with a hook material) capable of engaging a nonwoven fabric is provided on the top surface of the acrylic plate 41, inside the notch 411.

A digital force gauge 44 (e.g., Nidec-Shimpo Corporation FGP-0.2, or equivalent) is placed facing the test table 40. The digital force gauge 44 is placed on a movable stage 43 that can move in the measurement direction. The measurement terminal of the digital force gauge 44 (e.g., an M-shaped (bifurcated) shape with a tip diameter of 5 mm, with the measurement length of the jig attached to the digital force gauge being 95 mm) is aligned perpendicularly to the center of the notch 411 in the acrylic plate 41. The measurement terminal of the digital force gauge 44 is also aligned vertically to a position that will contact the sample S1 placed on the top surface of the acrylic plate 41 (measurement is performed by contacting the central groove of the M-shaped portion with the sample S1).

Next, as shown in Figure 5D, sample S1 is placed on the top surface of acrylic plate 41. When measuring the compressive repulsive force in the width direction, the width direction of sample S1 is aligned with the measurement direction of the device. When measuring the compressive repulsive force in the longitudinal direction, the longitudinal direction of sample S1 is aligned with the measurement direction of the device. The side edges of sample S1 in the measurement direction are aligned with the side edges of acrylic plate 41 protruding from the test stand 40. The center position of sample S1 in the orthogonal direction is aligned with the center position of acrylic plate 41 in the orthogonal direction. The position of sample S1 relative to acrylic plate 41 is then fixed with tape 42. This leaves a portion of sample S1 unsupported from below in cutout portion 411 of acrylic plate 41.

From the above initial state, the moving stage 43 is moved in the measurement direction at a constant speed of 100 mm/min, approaching the sample S1. Then, after setting the load of the digital force gauge 44 to zero, the measuring terminal of the digital force gauge 44 abuts against the portion of the sample S1 in the notch 411, and the moving stage 43 is moved an additional 5 mm (3 seconds). The maximum value (maximum load) measured while the measuring terminal of the digital force gauge 44 presses the sample S1 5 mm in the measurement direction is taken as the compressive repulsive force (N) of the sample S1 in the measurement direction (width direction or length direction).

As shown in Figure 2, the second sheet 35 is preferably joined to the absorbent core 24 with adhesive 8. In Figure 2, the core wrap sheet 25 is joined directly to the absorbent core 24 with adhesive 8, and the second sheet 35 is joined to the core wrap sheet 25 with adhesive 8. In other words, the second sheet 35 is joined indirectly to the absorbent core 24 via the core wrap sheet 25.

By joining the second sheet 35 and the absorbent core 24 together, the compressive repulsive force of the second sheet 35 is more easily imparted to the absorbent core 24. This makes it difficult for the absorbent core 24 to shrink in the width direction, and the contracted absorbent core 24 is more likely to recover to its original width, ensuring the absorption area of the absorbent core 24.

However, this is not limited to the above. Generally, in absorbent articles, a sheet closer to the skin than the absorbent core 24 and a sheet closer to the skin than the absorbent core 24 are joined at the planar outer periphery of the absorbent core 24, with the absorbent core 24 contained within. The second sheet 35 is also contained within this. Therefore, even if the second sheet 35 is not joined to the absorbent core 24 with adhesive 8, it can apply a compressive repulsive force to the absorbent core 24.

As mentioned above, a nonwoven fabric with high compressive repulsion force (first nonwoven fabric) may be provided inside the core wrap sheet 25. In this case, the nonwoven fabric with high compressive repulsion force is directly bonded to the absorbent core 24 with adhesive 8. By providing the nonwoven fabric with high compressive repulsion force in this manner close to the absorbent core 24, the compressive repulsion force is more easily imparted to the absorbent core 24.

As shown in Figure 3, the second sheet 35 also includes a plurality of apparently crimped fibers 35f. Crimped fibers are fibers with a crimped shape (such as a zigzag, Ω, or spiral shape). The apparently crimped fibers 35f included in the second sheet 35 have a spiral shape. That is, the apparently crimped fibers 35f have a plurality of arc portions 35c visible from the surface of the second sheet 35. The length of the arc portions 35c (the fiber length of the apparently crimped fibers 35f forming the arc portions 35c) is preferably equal to or greater than the length of the semicircular arc portions.

By providing the second sheet 35 with multiple spirally crimped fibers, space is secured between the fibers, improving the cushioning properties of the second sheet 35 and increasing the compression repulsion force of the second sheet 35.

Furthermore, known types of spirally crimped fibers are latent crimped fibers and tangentially crimped fibers. Latent crimped fibers are fibers that crimp when heated, developing a spiral shape, and it is difficult to control the development of the spiral shape (controlling the degree of shrinkage). Therefore, when nonwoven fabrics are made from latent crimped fibers, the spiral shape tends to be small, resulting in a high-density structure. This makes it difficult to obtain a nonwoven fabric with the desired cushioning properties.

In contrast, the second sheet 35 of this embodiment is formed from apparently crimped fibers 35f that have a helical shape from the beginning. As a result, the apparently crimped fibers 35f tend to remain in a large helical shape, and this helical shape is easily maintained. This more reliably improves the cushioning properties of the second sheet 35 and increases the compression repulsion force of the second sheet 35.

However, the second sheet 35 (first nonwoven fabric) is not limited to the above, and as long as it is a nonwoven fabric with a predetermined compression repulsion force, it does not have to have spiral-shaped visibly crimped fibers 35f. For example, it may be a nonwoven fabric with latent crimped fibers. Furthermore, whether the second sheet 35 has a plurality of spiral-shaped visibly crimped fibers 35f can be confirmed by well-known methods. For example, the surface of the second sheet 35 may be magnified and observed using a scanning electron microscope or a microscope.

Figure 7A is a diagram showing an enlarged photograph of a portion of the second sheet 35, and Figure 7B is a diagram of the enlarged photograph of Figure 7A with auxiliary lines added. Figure 8 is a schematic enlarged view of a portion of the second sheet 35. As shown in Figures 7B and 8, in the second sheet 35, it is preferable that multiple apparent crimp fibers 35f are fixed together with adhesive 60 at multiple fixing portions 35m.

By doing so, the spiral shape of the apparent crimped fibers 35f is more easily maintained, and the compression repulsion force (cushioning properties) of the second sheet 35 is maintained. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7B, the spiral voids of the apparent crimped fibers 35f remain connected, and the compression repulsion force due to these voids is compounded. Therefore, the compression repulsion force of the second sheet 35 can be further increased.

An example of the apparently crimped fiber 35f is a single fiber composed of a single component (e.g., polyester). Such apparently crimped fiber 35f is obtained by melting the single-component polyester and spinning it through a spinneret. A predetermined amount of air is blown onto the fiber bundle immediately after it has been spun from the spinneret to form an undrawn yarn. A spinning oil is then applied to obtain an undrawn yarn tow, which is then stretched at a predetermined temperature and subjected to a relaxation heat treatment to obtain a helical shape. The component of apparently crimped fiber 35f is not limited to polyester; polyamide, polyolefin, polyphenylene sulfide, etc. may also be used.

Specifically, the fineness of the apparent crimped fibers 35f is preferably 0.7 to 20 dtex. Furthermore, it is preferable that the fibers contain fibers with a length greater than 25 mm when stretched, and it is even more preferable that the average fiber length be greater than 25 mm. By making the apparent crimped fibers 35f 25 mm or longer in length, a larger spiral shape is more likely to form than when the fiber length is less than 25 mm, thereby increasing the compression repulsion force of the second sheet 35.

An example of a manufacturing method for a nonwoven fabric (second sheet 35) comprising apparent crimp fibers 35f is a method that includes a fiber-opening process in which the apparent crimp fibers 35f are opened using a carding machine, a web-forming process in which the apparent crimp fibers 35f are formed into a web after the fiber-opening process, and a method in which, after the web-forming process, multiple apparent crimp fibers 35f are fixed together with adhesive 60 to form fixed portions 35m, thereby forming a sheet-like nonwoven fabric.

In the opening process, using a carding machine to loosen the fibers not only allows for efficient opening, but also reduces uneven distribution of the apparently crimped fibers 35f. Furthermore, when using a carding machine in the opening process, making the length of the apparently crimped fibers 35f longer than 25 mm allows for proper opening using the carding machine. However, the manufacturing method is not limited to the above. For example, a nonwoven fabric may be manufactured by subjecting the apparently crimped fibers 35f to an airlaid process and bonding the fibers together with an adhesive.

Furthermore, the spiral-shaped manifested crimped fibers 35f of the second sheet 35 form voids in the second sheet 35. These voids can absorb and retain highly viscous body waste. For example, when the wearer is an infant, as in the diaper 1 of this embodiment, loose stools can be retained in the voids of the manifested crimped fibers 35f. Furthermore, when the second sheet 35 is used in sanitary products, highly viscous menstrual blood can be retained in the voids of the manifested crimped fibers 35f. This can prevent highly viscous body waste from rewetting (flowing back onto the surface of the top sheet 22).

Furthermore, when the second sheet 35 has spiral-shaped revealed crimped fibers 35f, the top sheet 22 preferably has a plurality of holes 22a penetrating in the thickness direction, as shown in Figure 4. The total area of the plurality of holes 22a, i.e., the area of the open region, should be approximately 30% of the total area of the top sheet 22. This allows highly viscous excrement to pass through the holes 22a in the top sheet 22 and be absorbed and retained in the voids in the second sheet 35. This improves the ability to draw highly viscous excrement into the interior and also suppresses rewetting of excrement. As a result, excrement is less likely to remain on the surface of the top sheet 22, reducing the adhesion of excrement to the skin.

In particular, since the stool of young infants is soft, it is preferable that a diaper 1 intended for use by young infants comprises a top sheet 22 having holes 22a and a second sheet 35 having spiral-shaped apparent crimped fibers 35f, as described above. This makes it difficult for soft stool to remain on the surface of the top sheet 22, reducing the adhesion of soft stool to the delicate skin of young infants.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the average specific volume of the second sheet 35 is 40 m ³ /g or more. A nonwoven fabric with a large specific volume is bulky but has a low fiber density. Therefore, when the average specific volume of the second sheet 35 is 40 m ³ /g or more, the spiral diameter constituting the second sheet 35 becomes larger than when the average specific volume of the second sheet 35 is less than 40 m ³ /g, thereby increasing the compression repulsion force (cushioning properties) of the second sheet 35. As a result, the absorbent core 24 can be maintained in a wide state, ensuring the absorption area of the absorbent core 24.

In the above case, excrement can be accommodated in the voids between the fibers constituting the second sheet 35. For this reason, it is preferable to provide a nonwoven fabric (first nonwoven fabric) having an average specific volume of 40 ^m3 /g or more closer to the skin than the absorbent core 24, as in the second sheet 35. This allows the second sheet 35 to absorb and retain highly viscous excrement and suppress rewetting of the excrement. In particular, as the second sheet 35 becomes bulkier and thicker, the number of voids aligned in the thickness direction increases, allowing for a higher capacity for accommodating excrement.

The average specific volume of the second sheet 35 can be measured by a known method. First, the nonwoven fabric to be measured (here, the second sheet 35) is removed from the diaper 1 using toluene or the like, and bulk is restored by natural drying or hot air drying (70 to 120°C) for a predetermined time (e.g., 24 hours). The lengths of the second sheet 35 in the longitudinal and width directions are then measured, and the planar area (m ² ) of the second sheet 35 is calculated. The mass (g) of the second sheet 35 is also measured. The planar area of the second sheet is divided by the mass to calculate the basis weight (g/m ² ). The thickness (mm) of the second sheet 35 is also measured. The thickness is measured using, for example, a dial thickness gauge ID-C1012C manufactured by Mitutoyo Corporation or an equivalent, with a pressure of, for example, 3.0 gf/cm ² applied to the target area. It is preferable to measure the thickness at multiple locations on the second sheet 35. In this case, the average value of the thicknesses at the multiple locations is defined as the thickness of the second sheet 35. The specific volume (m ³ /g) is then calculated by dividing the measured thickness (mm) by the basis weight (g/m ² ).

Figure 6 shows the evaluation results of the second sheet 35. Several samples of the second sheet 35 (Example 1, Example 2, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2) were actually produced. The basis weight, thickness, and specific volume of each sample were measured. The size of the sample used to measure the basis weight, thickness, and specific volume was 100 mm in width and 100 mm in length. The measurement method was as described above. A nonwoven fabric compression test was also performed on each sample, and the compressive repulsion force in the length and width directions was measured. The size of sample S1 (Figure 5A) used in the nonwoven fabric compression test was 70 mm in width (A mm) and 150 mm in length (B mm).

The sample of Example 1 is a nonwoven fabric in which spirally shaped apparently crimped fibers 35f are opened using a carding machine and then bonded together using a chemical bonding method. The adhesive used is an acrylic resin adhesive. The apparently crimped fibers 35f have a fineness of 7.4T and are single fibers made of 100% PET.

The sample of Example 2 was prepared by forming slits in the sample of Example 1. The slits were slits along the width direction, with 12 slits placed at the center of the width direction, measuring 60 mm in length, and spaced 5 mm apart in the longitudinal direction.

The sample of Comparative Example 1 is a nonwoven fabric made of ordinary fibers that are only mechanically crimped. Like the sample of Example 1, this nonwoven fabric is made by opening the fibers and bonding them together using a chemical bonding method. The adhesive used is a latex-based resin adhesive. The fiber of Comparative Example 1 is a blend of cotton with finenesses (thicknesses) of 2.0T and 5.0T, and is a single fiber made of 100% PET.

Like the sample in Comparative Example 1, the sample in Comparative Example 2 is a nonwoven fabric made of ordinary fibers that are only mechanically crimped. Comparative Example 2 is a nonwoven fabric made of composite fibers composed of two types of components (PE/PET), with the fibers bonded together by thermal fusion. It is also a blend of cotton fibers with finenesses of 4.4T and 2.6T.

The evaluation results shown in Figure 6 show that the nonwoven fabric of Example 1, which has spiral-shaped apparently crimped fibers 35f, is a nonwoven fabric with a greater thickness, specific volume, and spiral diameter than those of Comparative Examples 1 and 2. This means that nonwoven fabrics with spiral-shaped apparently crimped fibers 35f can have a higher compression repulsion force (cushioning properties) than nonwoven fabrics that do not have these fibers.

In fact, when a nonwoven fabric compression test was conducted, the compression repulsion force of Example 1 was found to be greater than that of Comparative Examples 1 and 2. Therefore, by overlapping the nonwoven fabric of Example 1 on the absorbent core 24, the absorbent core 24 is less likely to shrink in the width direction than when the nonwoven fabric of Comparative Examples 1 and 2 is overlapped, and the contracted absorbent core 24 is more likely to return to its original width. As a result, the absorption area of the absorbent core 24 can be secured.

Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, as shown in Figure 11, the second sheet 35 may be provided with a bending guide portion 351 such as a slit. Providing a slit or the like in a nonwoven fabric reduces the compression repulsion force. However, even in the nonwoven fabric of Example 2, in which slits were provided in the sample of Example 1, a greater compression repulsion force was obtained than in Comparative Examples 1 and 2. Therefore, even when a bending guide portion 351 such as a slit is provided in a nonwoven fabric having spiral-shaped apparent crimp fibers 35f, a relatively large compression repulsion force can be maintained, and the absorption area of the absorbent core 24 can be secured.

Furthermore, in the nonwoven fabrics of Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the compression repulsion force in one direction (here, the longitudinal direction) is lower than the other direction (here, the width direction). Specifically, the values obtained by dividing the compression repulsion force in the width direction by the compression repulsion force in the longitudinal direction were 31% and 60%, respectively. In contrast, in the nonwoven fabric of Example 1, which has spiral-shaped apparent crimped fibers 35f, the compression repulsion forces in the longitudinal and width directions were similar, and the value obtained by dividing the compression repulsion force in the width direction by the compression repulsion force in the longitudinal direction was 105%.

Based on the above results, it is preferable to set the value obtained by dividing the widthwise compression repulsive force of the second sheet 35 by the lengthwise compression repulsive force of the second sheet 35 (widthwise/lengthwise) to 70% or more. In other words, the widthwise compression repulsive force of the second sheet 35 is set to a value close to (70% to 100%) or equal to or greater than (100% or greater than) the lengthwise compression repulsive force. This increases the widthwise compression repulsive force of the second sheet 35 compared to when the value obtained by dividing the widthwise compression repulsive force by the lengthwise compression repulsive force is less than 70%. Therefore, even if a force acting inward in the widthwise direction occurs while the diaper 1 is being worn, the compression repulsive force of the second sheet 35 makes it difficult for the absorbent core 24 to contract in the widthwise direction, and the contracted absorbent core 24 is more likely to recover to its original width. As a result, the absorption area of the absorbent core 24 can be secured.

More preferably, the value obtained by dividing the compression repulsion force in the width direction of the second sheet 35 by the compression repulsion force in the length direction (width direction/length direction) should be 130% or less. This makes it possible to make the compression repulsion forces in the width direction and length direction approximately the same, compared to when the value obtained by dividing the compression repulsion force in the width direction by the compression repulsion force in the length direction is greater than 130%. As a result, the absorbent core 24 is less likely to shrink in response to contraction forces in both the width direction and length direction, and is more likely to recover in both directions. This allows for a larger absorption area for the absorbent core 24.

Figures 9A and 10A are enlarged photographs of the skin-side surface of the second sheet 35, and Figures 9B and 10B are enlarged photographs of the non-skin-side surface of the second sheet 35. The second sheet 35 is the nonwoven fabric described in Example 1 above. Figures 9A and 9B are photographs enlarged at 30x magnification using a microscope manufactured by Keyence Corporation. Figures 10A and 10B are photographs enlarged at 50x magnification using a scanning electron microscope (FlexSEM1000) manufactured by Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation.

When the multiple fibers (visibly crimped fibers 35f) that make up the second sheet 35 are bonded together with adhesive 60, as in a chemically bonded nonwoven fabric, it is preferable that the following be true. That is, it is preferable that the volume of adhesive 60 provided on the second sheet 35 be larger in the non-skin-side portion of the second sheet 35 that is closer to the absorbent core 24 in the thickness direction, compared to the skin-side portion that is farther from the absorbent core 24. It can be seen from Figure 10B (non-skin-side portion) that the amount (volume) of adhesive 60 bonding the fibers is greater than that in Figure 10A (skin-side portion).

By doing so, the rigidity of the adhesive 60 makes the portion of the second sheet 35 closer to the absorbent core 24 (non-skin side) more rigid and increases the compression repulsion force compared to the portion of the second sheet 35 farther from the absorbent core 24 (skin side). This makes it easier for the compression repulsion force of the second sheet 35 to be imparted to the absorbent core 24. This makes it less likely for the absorbent core 24 to shrink in the width direction, and also makes it easier for the contracted absorbent core 24 to recover to its original width, ensuring the absorption area of the absorbent core 24.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the density of the fibers (visibly crimped fibers 35f) constituting the second sheet 35 be higher in the non-skin-side portion of the second sheet 35 that is closer to the absorbent core 24 in the thickness direction than in the skin-side portion that is farther from the absorbent core 24. Figure 9B (non-skin-side portion) shows a higher fiber density than Figure 9A (skin-side portion).

In this case, too, the portion of the second sheet 35 closer to the absorbent core 24 (non-skin side) has greater rigidity and compression repulsion than the portion of the second sheet 35 farther from the absorbent core 24 (skin side). This makes it easier for the compression repulsion of the second sheet 35 to be imparted to the absorbent core 24.

Furthermore, as described above, when the fiber density is higher on the non-skin side than on the skin side, this density gradient allows excrement to be drawn into the interior of the second sheet 35 (to the non-skin side). This improves the excrement absorption performance of the diaper 1 and reduces excrement adhesion to the skin.

The comparison of the volume of adhesive 60 and the comparison of fiber density can be performed using known methods. For example, one method involves visually comparing the amount of adhesive 60 and fiber based on an enlarged photograph of the target nonwoven fabric taken from the skin side, as shown in Figures 9A and 10A, and an enlarged photograph of the target nonwoven fabric taken from the non-skin side, as shown in Figures 9B and 10B. Alternatively, the amount of adhesive 60 and fiber may be compared visually based on an enlarged photograph of a cross section of the second sheet 35 cut in the thickness direction.

Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram of the bend guide portion 351 of the second sheet 35. The second sheet 35 preferably has a bend guide portion 351 that guides bending of the second sheet 35 and extends long in the width direction or longitudinal direction. Examples of the bend guide portion 351 include a low basis weight portion in which the basis weight (density) of the fibers constituting the second sheet 35 is lower than the surrounding area, and a slit in which there are essentially no constituent fibers.

Because the second sheet 35 has a high compressive resilience, when a force acting inward in the width or length direction is applied, the second sheet 35 tends to bulge toward the wearer, potentially deforming into an unintended shape. Other materials, such as the absorbent core 24, which are bonded to the second sheet 35 by the adhesive 8, may also deform into an unintended shape.

Therefore, by providing the second sheet 35 with a bending guide portion 351, the second sheet 35 and the absorbent core 24 can be more easily deformed into the desired shape. For example, the second sheet 35 can be deformed so that the second sheet 35 and the absorbent core 24 fit the wearer's crotch area, or the second sheet 35 can be deformed so that a space for temporarily storing body waste is created on the wearer's back.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the diaper 1 of this embodiment also includes elastic members that stretch in the longitudinal direction, such as the leg-hole elastic members 15 and the leakage-preventing wall elastic members 17. In this case, a longitudinally inward force acts on the second sheet 35, which tends to cause the second sheet 35 to bulge convexly toward the wearer's skin. Therefore, it is recommended to provide the second sheet 35 with a bend guide portion 351 extending longitudinally. In this case, the second sheet 35 can be bent in the longitudinal direction using the bend guide portion 351 as a folding base point. This prevents the second sheet 35 from bulging convexly toward the wearer's skin, and allows the second sheet 35 to bend more easily in the longitudinal direction, for example, along a curved shape extending from the wearer's abdominal side to the back side, improving comfort.

As shown in Figure 11, the second sheet 35 is preferably provided at least in a region extending from the longitudinal center C of the diaper 1 toward the back in the longitudinal direction. This allows the second sheet 35, which has a large compressive repulsive force, to be placed in the crotch area 5, where the force of closing the wearer's legs is likely to be applied. Furthermore, the second sheet 35, which has a large gap that can accommodate fecal excreta, can be placed in a position that abuts the wearer's fecal excretion area.

In this case, it is advisable to provide a bend guide portion 351 extending widthwise in a portion of the second sheet 35 located from the longitudinal center C of the diaper 1 toward the back in the longitudinal direction. In Figure 11, three bend guide portions 351 are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction. This causes the second sheet 35 to bend longitudinally at the back of the diaper 1, using the bend guide portion 351 as the folding base point, thereby preventing the second sheet 35 from bulging convexly toward the skin. Therefore, a space for temporarily accommodating excrement (feces) can be formed between the wearer and the back of the diaper 1. As a result, it is possible to reduce the adhesion of excrement (especially loose stools) to the skin.

Note that the bending guide portions 351 illustrated in FIG. 11 are merely an example, and the number, shape, placement, etc. of the bending guide portions 351 are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 11. For example, the bending guide portions 351 may extend along the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the second seat 35 may not necessarily be provided with bending guide portions 351.

Furthermore, the bend guide portion 351 is not limited to a low basis weight portion or a slit, but may also be a compressed portion that compresses the second sheet 35 in the thickness direction. However, a low basis weight portion or a slit makes it easier to maintain the bulk (thickness) of the second sheet 35 and the space for absorbing and retaining excrement compared to a compressed portion.

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

1. Diapers (absorbent articles),
3 ventral part, 5 crotch part, 7 dorsal part,
8 adhesives,
15 Leg elastic member (stretchable member),
18 Leak-proof wall elastic member (expandable member)
21 absorbent body, 22 top sheet,
23 back seat,
24 absorbent core, 25 core wrap sheet,
26 side seats,
27 exterior sheet, 29 target tape,
30 fastening tape,
35 Second sheet (first nonwoven fabric),
35m fixed part,
351 bending guide portion,
40 test benches,
41 acrylic plate, 42 tape material,
43 moving table, 44 digital force gauge,
60 adhesives,

Claims (5)

In the unfolded state, the device has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction,
An absorbent article having an absorbent core that absorbs bodily waste and a plurality of nonwoven fabrics,
the plurality of nonwoven fabrics include a first nonwoven fabric having an area that overlaps with the absorbent core when the absorbent article in an expanded and stretched state is viewed in plan;
The first nonwoven fabric is disposed across a center line that divides the absorbent core into two equal parts in the width direction,
When the maximum load in a nonwoven fabric compression test in which the nonwoven fabric is compressed in the width direction is defined as the compression repulsion force of the nonwoven fabric in the width direction,
the compression repulsion force of the first nonwoven fabric in the width direction is greater than the compression repulsion force of the other nonwoven fabric in the width direction having an area overlapping with the absorbent core;
The first nonwoven fabric comprises a plurality of apparently crimped fibers,
The apparently crimped fibers have a helical shape,
In the first nonwoven fabric, the apparently crimped fibers are fixed to each other with an adhesive at a plurality of fixing portions,
An absorbent article characterized in that the volume of adhesive applied to the first nonwoven fabric is larger in the region closer to the absorbent core in the thickness direction than in the region farther away. The absorbent article of claim 1,
An absorbent article, wherein the first nonwoven fabric has an average specific volume of 40 m ³ /g or more. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2,
An absorbent article, characterized in that the first nonwoven fabric is directly or indirectly bonded to the absorbent core by an adhesive. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
When the maximum load in a nonwoven fabric compression test in which the nonwoven fabric is compressed in the longitudinal direction is defined as the compression repulsion force of the nonwoven fabric in the longitudinal direction,
An absorbent article characterized in that the value obtained by dividing the compression repulsion force of the first nonwoven fabric in the width direction by the compression repulsion force of the first nonwoven fabric in the longitudinal direction is 70% or more. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
the first nonwoven fabric is disposed closer to the skin than the absorbent core,
An absorbent article characterized in that the density of fibers constituting the first nonwoven fabric is higher in the non-skin side portion of the first nonwoven fabric than in the skin side portion.