JP4548967B2 - Absorbent articles - Google Patents

Description

【００２８】
前記式中、厚みＡは、次の方法で測定される。平滑な測定台上に測定するシートのサンプルを載せ、更にその上に５０ｍｍ×５０ｍｍ、厚さ５ｍｍ、重さ１５ｇの白色アクリル板を載せた時と、シートなしの時のアクリル板上面位置の変位量をレーザー変位計（キーエンス（株）製、ＬＫ−０８０）で測定し、その値をシートの厚みとする。
【００２９】
サブレイヤーシート７としては、前述した液の拡散、透過及び／又は保持の機能を発揮し得るものが用いられる。これらの点を勘案すると、サブレイヤーシート７として不織布や嵩高のパルプシートを用いることが好ましい。不織布の具体例としては、サクションヒートボンド不織布、スパンレース不織布、スパンボンド不織布、メルトブローン不織布などが挙げられる。特に、繊維間距離を調整する目的で厚みをコントロールし易い点から、サクションヒートボンド不織布を用いることが好ましい。これらの不織布が、疎水性の繊維から構成されている場合には、親水化剤を用いて親水化させることが好ましい。
【００３０】
サブレイヤーシートの坪量は、１０〜２００ｇ／ｍ²、特に１５〜１００ｇ／ｍ²であることが、液の拡散、透過及び／又は保持の機能と吸収性物品の装着感とを両立させると共に、サブレイヤーシートへの液残りを少なくさせ、悪臭の発生源を機能性材料よりもトップシート側に残さないようにする点から好ましい。
【００３１】
次に、本実施形態の失禁パッド１に用いられている機能性シート８について説明する。機能性シート８は、失禁パッド１に所定の機能を付与する機能性材料の粉粒体を含有するシートである。機能性材料の有する機能としては、所定の悪臭に対する消臭機能、所定の細菌に対する抗菌機能、芳香機能、発熱機能などがある。機能性材料の例としては、消臭剤（脱臭剤を含む）、抗菌剤、芳香剤、温熱発熱剤等があり、失禁パッド１の要求性能等に応じて適切なものが用いられる。
機能性材料は、非白色系のものである。一般に黒色、褐色、黄色を呈している場合が多い。
【００３２】
図３に示すように、機能性シート８は、同一の又は異なる材料からなり且つ同サイズの長方形形状の２枚のパルプシート１８，１９間に、該パルプシートよりも幅方向の長さが短い長方形形状であり且つ機能性材料の粉粒体を含有する機能性材料含有シート２０を介在させてなる積層シートである。そして、機能性シート８の側部８ｃ、８ｃには、その長さ方向全体に亘って機能性材料含有シート２０が介在していない。このような機能性材料含有シート２０を用いることで、機能性材料が漏れ出すことを確実に防止でき、また、色の遮蔽効果が一層向上する。
【００３３】
図３に示すように、側部８ｃ，８ｃには、その長さ方向全体に亘って機能性材料含有シート２０が介在されておらず、２枚のパルプシート１８，１９が積層されてなる２層構造部分である。側部８ｃ，８ｃにおけるパルプシート１８，１９同士がそれぞれ接合されることにより、機能性シート８の両側端部が封止されて、側端部からの機能性材料の脱落が防止される。側部８ｃの幅は、好ましくは０．１〜２０ｃｍ、更に好ましくは１〜６ｃｍであることが、機能性材料の脱落防止、及び機能性材料の機能を十分に発現させる点から好ましい。
【００３４】
機能性材料含有シート２０は機能性材料の粉粒体の混抄紙であり、２枚のパルプシート１８，１９間に幅方向中央で挟持されている。機能性材料含有シート２０とパルプシート１８，１９とは、抄き合わせ又は接着剤等を用いた貼り合わせにより、前述のように積層される。
【００３５】
機能性材料含有シート２０は、機能性材料の粉粒体及び繊維材料を主体として構成されている。機能性材料としては前述したもののうち、消臭剤を用いることが好ましい。消臭剤としては、例えば活性炭、ケイソウ土、セピライト、ベントナイト、フタロシアニン化合物等の有色消臭剤単体か又はこれらと活性アルミナ、活性白土等との複合物が用いられる。消臭剤は、一種又は二種以上を用いることができる。機能性材料含有シート２０における消臭剤の含有率は、該シート２０の重量に対して１〜５０重量％、特に３〜３０重量％であることが、十分な消臭効果を発現させる点、及び十分なシート強度及び柔軟性を確保する点から好ましい。繊維原料としては、ＮＢＫＰ、ＬＢＫＰ等の木材パルプの他、藁、綿等の非木材パルプ等の公知の天然繊維が使用できる。また、シート強度を向上させる目的で、ポリエチレン繊維等の合成繊維を適宜混合してもよい。機能性材料含有シート２０における繊維原料の含有率は、該シート２０の重量に対して５０〜９９重量％、特に７０〜９７重量％であることが、十分な消臭効果を発現させる点、及び十分なシート強度及び柔軟性を確保する点から好ましい。
【００３６】
機能性材料含有シート２０は、その坪量が、１５〜７０ｇ／ｍ²、特に２０〜５０ｇ／ｍ²であることが、十分な柔軟性が確保でき、また機能性材料を、その機能が十分に発現する量保持させられる点から好ましい。また、機能性材料含有シート２０は、その厚みが０．１〜１０ｍｍ、特に０．２〜０．５ｍｍであることが、機能性材料の確実な保持とシート２０自身の通気性確保との両立の点から好ましい。
【００３７】
両パルプシート１８，１９は、パルプを主体として構成されたシートであり、同一のものでもよく、或いは異なるものでも良く、それぞれ湿式抄紙法及び乾式抄紙法の何れの方法で形成されたものであっても良い。パルプシート１８，１９は、その坪量がそれぞれ１２〜３０ｇ／ｍ² 、特に１５〜２０ｇ／ｍ² であることが、シートの風合いや液吸収性を損なわずに機能性材料含有シート２０外への機能性材料の漏れ出しや、漏れ出した機能性材料による外観の悪化を防止する観点から好ましい。同様の理由から、両パルプシート１８，１９は、その厚みがそれぞれ０．１〜１０ｍｍ、特に０．２〜０．５ｍｍであることが好ましい。
【００３８】
機能性シート８は、その一側部８ｃと他側部８ｄとが重ね合わされるように、吸収コア７を取り巻いている。その結果、排泄された液から発生する臭いが、機能性シート８に含まれている機能性材料である消臭剤の消臭効果によって除去される。
【００３９】
次に、サブレイヤーシート７に含有される顔料について説明する。顔料としては、機能性シート８に保持されている機能性材料の色を隠蔽又は緩和し得るものであればその種類に特に制限はない。顔料の例としては、酸化チタン、酸化亜鉛、ゼオライト、活性白土、酸性白土、活性アルミナ、クンクリナイトが挙げられる。
【００４０】
顔料は、失禁パッド１に所定の機能を付与し得るものであることが、失禁パッド１の多機能化の点から好ましい。特に多機能化の点からは、顔料が機能性材料の機能とは異なる機能を有していることが好ましい。例えば、機能性材料が所定の悪臭に対する消臭機能を有している場合には、顔料の機能が該悪臭とは異なる種類の悪臭に対する消臭機能であることが好ましい。具体的には機能性材料として活性炭を用い、顔料として酸性白土やゼオライトなどの粘土鉱物を用いると、排泄物に含まれるメルカプタン類やアンモニアなどの悪臭物質のうち、メルカプタン類が活性炭に吸着され、活性炭に吸着されにくいアンモニアが粘土鉱物に吸着される。
【００４１】
顔料の粒径は、０．０１〜２０μｍ、特に０．１〜５μｍであることが、顔料の分散性を上げ、色の隠蔽効果を上げると共に、表面積を増大させて顔料が有する機能を向上させ得る点から好ましい。
【００４２】
顔料は、サブレイヤーシート７全体の重量の０．５〜１０重量％、特に２〜５重量％を占めるように配合されていることが、十分な色の隠蔽効果が発現される点から好ましい。
【００４３】
本発明は前記実施形態に制限されない。例えば、前記実施形態においては機能性シート８は本体部５の中央領域５ｃにおける吸収体４の上下面を被覆していたが、これに代えて吸収体４の下上面の何れか一方を被覆するだけでもよい。即ち、機能性シート８が吸収体４とトップシート２との間、又は吸収体４とバックシート３との間に配されてもよい。
【００４４】
また、機能性材料は繊維材料に保持されていればよく、その保持の手段としては機能性シートに限定されず、例えば吸収体４を構成する繊維材料であるパルプと混合させて、吸収体４の表面（特にトップシート側の表面）又はその近傍に保持させてもよい。
【００４５】
また、トップシート２の液透過性を阻害しない限度において、トップシート２を構成する繊維に顔料を含有させてもよい。更に、バックシート３に顔料を含有させてバックシート３側からも隠蔽効果を発現させてもよい。
【００４６】
また、前記実施形態においては、防漏面部１１を平坦に形成するために、第１の弾性部材１４及び第２の弾性部材１５をそれぞれ配したが、両弾性部材のうち、折り返し部１４に配される第２の弾性部材については、吸収性物品の具体的な用途や要求される性能等に応じ、用いなくてもよい。
【００４７】
本発明の吸収性物品の実施形態は前述した失禁パッドに限られず、他の吸収性物品、例えば生理用ナプキンや使い捨ておむつにも同様に適用できる。
【００４８】
【実施例】
〔実施例１〕
図１〜図３に示す構成の失禁パッドを製造した。失禁パッドにおけるトップシートは３．３ｄｔｅｘのポリエチレン／ポリプロピレン複合繊維のサクションヒートボンド不織布（坪量２５ｇ／ｍ²）であった。機能性シートには、粒径３０μｍの活性炭が配合されていた。また、サブレイヤーシートは２．２ｄｔｅｘのポリエチレン／ポリエステル複合繊維のサクションヒートボンド不織布（坪量２６ｇ／ｍ²）であり、顔料として粒径０．２μｍの酸化チタンが内添されていた。顔料の配合量はサブレイヤーシートの重量の３％であった。
【００４９】
〔実施例２〕
サブレイヤーシートの坪量を３５ｇ／ｍ²にする以外は実施例１と同様にして失禁パッドを得た。
【００５０】
〔実施例３〕
サブレイヤーシートの厚みを０．５５ｍｍにする以外は実施例１と同様にして失禁パッドを得た。
【００５１】
〔実施例４〕
機能性シートにおけるパルプとして４．３ｄｔｅｘのものを用いる以外は実施例１と同様にして失禁パッドを得た。
【００５２】
〔実施例５〕
サブレイヤーシートに含有される顔料として、酸化チタンに代えて酸化亜鉛を用いる以外は実施例１と同様にして失禁パッドを得た。
【００５３】
〔比較例１〕
サブレイヤーシートを用いず、顔料として粒径０．２μｍの酸化チタンをトップシートに内添する以外は実施例１と同様にして失禁パッドを得た。トップシートにおける顔料の配合量はトップシートの重量の３％であった。
【００５４】
〔比較例２〕
サブレイヤーシートとして、顔料を含まない６．７ｄｔｅｘのポリエチレン／ポリエステル複合繊維のサクションヒートボンド不織布（坪量２０ｇ／ｍ²）を用いる以外は実施例１と同様にして失禁パッドを得た。
【００５５】
〔比較例３〕
実施例１においてサブレイヤーシートと機能性シートの配置を上下逆にする以外は実施例１と同様にして失禁パッドを得た。
【００５６】
実施例及び比較例で得られた失禁パッドについて、トップシート、サブレイヤーシート及び機能性シートの繊維間距離を以下の表１に示す。また、得られた失禁パッドについて、トップシート側からみた外観の印象、消臭機能及び液漏れ防止性を以下の方法で評価した。結果を表１に示す。
【００５７】
〔外観の印象〕
６名のモニターによる以下の５段階の基準で評価した。数値が小さいほど印象が良いことを意味する。
５：あまりもとの色と変わらない。
４：少し色が緩和しているが、印象は変わらない。
３：色が緩和されており、良くなったと判る。
２：色が大幅に緩和されており、元の色が判らない程である。
１：完全に色が隠蔽されている。
【００５８】
〔消臭機能〕
失禁パッドに２５ｇの人工尿を注入し、１０分静置した後に失禁パッドから発生する臭いを６人のモニターにより、以下の６段階の基準で評価した。数値が小さいほど印象が良いことを意味する。
５：元の臭い（尿注入前）よりも非常に強くなったと感じた。
４：元の臭いより強くなったと感じた。
３：元の臭いと変わらない。
２：元の臭いより弱くなったと感じる。
１：元の臭いより非常に弱くなったと感じる。
０：無臭である。
【００５９】
〔液漏れ防止性〕
動的歩行モデルに失禁パッドを失禁用下着と共に装着させ、毎分１００歩の歩行動作をさせ、同時に人工尿を５ｇ／ｓｅｃの速度で失禁パッドに注入する。失禁パッドから人工尿が漏れ始める迄に失禁パッドが吸収した人工尿の量を、液漏れまでの吸収量として液漏れ防止性の基準とした。
【００６０】
【表１】

【００６１】
表１に示す結果から明らかなように、実施例の失禁パッド（本発明品）は、良好な外観を呈し且つ液漏れが防止されていることが判る。また、機能性材料本来の機能が十分に発現されていることが判る。
【００６２】
【発明の効果】
本発明の吸収性物品によれば、機能性粉粒体の色に起因する吸収性物品の外観の低下が防止され且つ液漏れの発生が防止される。
また本発明の吸収性物品によれば、液の吸収力が向上し、機能性材料が有する本来の機能が有効に活用される。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の吸収性物品の一実施形態としての失禁パッドを示す斜視図である。
【図２】図１におけるII−II線断面図である。
【図３】本発明に用いられる機能性シートを示す模式図である。
【符号の説明】
１ 失禁パッド（吸収性物品）
２ トップシート
３ バックシート
４ 吸収体
５ 本体部
６ サイドフラップ
７ サブレイヤーシート
８ 機能性シート
９ 圧縮溝
１０ 起立壁部
１１ 防漏面部
１２ 基端部
１３ 自由端部
１４ 折り返し部
１５ａ 第１の弾性部材
１５ｂ 第２の弾性部材
１６，１７ 固定位置
１８，１９ パルプシート
２０ 機能性材料含有シート
Ｐ ポケット[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an absorbent article excellent in the concealing effect of the functional material in the absorbent article in which a powder of a non-white functional material that imparts a predetermined function to the absorbent article is held.
[0002]
[Prior art and problems to be solved by the invention]
For the purpose of imparting various functions to the absorbent article, it is known that the absorbent body in the absorbent article contains various functional powders. For example, it is known to contain a deodorant or a fragrance in order to suppress malodor generated from excreted body fluid.
[0003]
However, many of such functional powder particles have a color other than white, particularly black or brown, and these colors are easily visible to the user, causing the appearance of the absorbent article to deteriorate. It becomes. In addition, since functional powders are often blended inside and on the surface of the absorber, when body fluid remains in the vicinity of the surface of the absorber, the function of the functional particles is not sufficiently exhibited. In addition, the liquid absorbability is hindered and liquid leakage is likely to occur.
[0004]
Therefore, the present invention prevents the deterioration of the appearance of the absorbent article due to the color of the functional granular material, can exhibit the original function of the functional granular material, and prevents the occurrence of liquid leakage. The purpose is to provide goods.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet mainly composed of a fiber material, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and a liquid-retaining absorbent interposed between the two sheets.
The non-white functional material powder that imparts a predetermined function to the absorbent article is held by a fiber material and disposed at a predetermined position of the absorbent article, and the top sheet and the powder A sub-layer sheet mainly composed of a fiber material and containing a pigment in the fiber material is disposed between the portion where the granules are disposed,
The sub-layer sheet provides an absorbent article in which the inter-fiber distance between the constituent fibers is smaller than the inter-fiber distance between the constituent fibers of the top sheet and greater than the inter-fiber distance of the fiber material that holds the granular material. This achieves the object.
[0006]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an incontinence pad as an embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG.
[0007]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the incontinence pad 1 of this embodiment includes a liquid-permeable top sheet 2, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 3, and a liquid-retaining property interposed between both sheets 2 and 3. A main body 5 having the absorbent body 4 and side flaps 6 and 6 respectively disposed on the left and right sides of the main body 5 are provided.
[0008]
The top sheet 2 covers the entire upper surface of the absorbent body 4, covers both sides of the absorbent body 4, and is wound around the lower surface side of the absorbent body 4. On the other hand, the back sheet 3 is disposed only on the lower surface side of the absorber 4. On the outer surface of the back sheet 3, a plurality of adhesives (not shown) are applied in a stripe shape in the width direction of the main body 5.
The incontinence pad 1 is adhered and fixed to the wearer's clothes by the adhesive. As the top sheet 2, a material mainly composed of a fiber material is used. Examples of the top sheet 2 include various nonwoven fabrics and composite sheets formed of a laminate of a nonwoven fabric and a film and having a large number of openings. As the back sheet 3, a film made of a thermoplastic resin or the like can be used. The film made of thermoplastic resin may have moisture permeability.
[0009]
The absorbent body 4 is mainly composed of a liquid-absorbing fiber material, such as pulp, and is mixed with particles of a superabsorbent polymer.
[0010]
The absorber 4 is surrounded by the functional sheet 8. The functional sheet 8 is configured by holding a granular material of a non-white functional material that imparts a predetermined function to an incontinence pad, and details thereof will be described later. The functional sheet 8 covers the upper and lower surfaces and both side surfaces in the longitudinal center region of the absorbent body 4. As a result, the absorbent body 4 extends from the front end 8 a and the rear end 8 b of the functional sheet 8 toward the front end and the rear end of the main body 5. Although not shown, the entire surface (upper and lower surfaces and both side surfaces) of the absorbent body 4 surrounded by the functional sheet 8 is surrounded by a cover sheet mainly composed of pulp. That is, the absorber 4 has a central region surrounded by two sheets of a functional sheet 8 and a cover sheet (not shown), and extends from the front end 8a and the rear end 8b of the functional sheet 8, respectively. The protruding area is surrounded by a cover sheet (not shown).
[0011]
The reason why the functional sheet 8 is disposed only in the central region of the main body 5 is that the functional material 8 is prevented from leaking (dropping off) from the front and rear ends 8a and 8b of the functional sheet 8 by the cover sheet. It is to do. If the functional sheet 8 is disposed over the entire area of the main body 5, even if the functional sheet 8 is covered with a cover sheet, it is not possible to prevent the functional material powder from falling off.
[0012]
On the upper surface of the main body 5, a pair of compressed grooves 9, 9 that are curved toward the longitudinal center line of the main body 5 are formed. The compression groove 9 is formed by compressing the top sheet 2 and the absorbent body 4 by compression means such as embossing with or without heat. The compressed groove 9 acts as a flexible shaft for deforming the incontinence pad 1. As a result, when the incontinence pad 1 is worn, the incontinence pad 1 is easily bent along the compression groove and deformed into a shape along the wearer's body shape.
[0013]
The side flap 6 includes a standing wall portion 10 and a leak-proof surface portion 11. One side of the upright wall portion 10 is disposed between the absorber 4 and the backsheet 3 and is sandwiched and fixed between the absorber 4 and the backsheet 3. As the fixing means, adhesion by an adhesive such as a hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesive is used. A portion where the upright wall portion 10 is sandwiched and fixed by the absorber 4 and the back sheet 3 becomes a base end portion 12 of the upright wall portion 10. A pocket P is formed between the main body 5 and the side flap 6 by the standing wall 10, and even if the excreted liquid flows out along the surface of the top sheet 2, it is captured by the pocket P, The above outflow is prevented.
[0014]
The other side of the standing wall 10 is connected to the leak-proof surface 11. The leak-proof surface portion 11 projects substantially horizontally outward in the width direction of the main body portion 5, and forms a flat surface that is substantially parallel to the top sheet 2. The leak-proof surface portion 11 is formed at a position higher than the top sheet 2. As a result, when the incontinence pad 1 is worn, the leak-proof surface portion 11 comes into close contact with the wearer's skin and the side leakage is effectively prevented. Further, since the contact is in close contact with the surface, even if the incontinence pad 1 is swung by the operation of the wearer, a gap is generated between the wearer's body and the side leakage is effectively prevented.
[0015]
The standing wall portion 10 and the leak-proof surface portion 11 are integrally formed from a vertically folded sheet material. Specifically, the side edge of the folded sheet material is sandwiched and fixed by the absorber 4 and the back sheet 3 to form the base end portion 12 described above. The folded portion of the sheet material folded in half is a free end portion 13. Then, the folded sheet material is folded outward in the width direction of the main body 5 at the position of the folded portion 14 between the base end portion 12 and the free end portion 13. Thus, the upright wall portion 10 is between the base end portion 12 and the folded portion 14, and the leakproof surface portion 11 is between the folded portion 14 and the free end portion 13.
[0016]
Inside the free end 13, a first elastic member 15 a made of flat rubber is fixed in an extended state along the free edge 13. Further, a second elastic member 15b made of rubber thread is fixed in an extended state along the folded portion 14 at the position of the folded portion 14. By these elastic members, the flat shape of the leak-proof surface portion 11 is well formed and maintained. Further, gathers are formed on the side flaps 6 by the contraction of these elastic members.
[0017]
The front and rear end portions in the longitudinal direction of the side flap 6 are fixed on the top sheet 2 in the main body 5 at fixed positions 16 and 17. The side flaps 8 are not fixed on the top sheet 2 between the fixing positions 16 and 17. By such fixing, the standing wall portion 10 of the side flap 8 rises from the base end portion 12 and the leak-proof surface portion 11 projects flatly outward in the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the contraction of the elastic members 15a and 15b causes the front part and the rear part of the main body part 5 to be raised toward the top sheet 2 side. As a result, the incontinence pad 1 has a substantially ship shape when viewed from the side.
[0018]
The incontinence pad 1 having a substantially ship shape has a shape conforming to the shape of the wearer, and the fit is extremely good. In addition, the incontinence pad 1 is effectively prevented from leaking in the front-rear direction and in the lateral direction by the synergistic effect of the standing wall 10 and the leak-proof surface 11 and the boat shape.
[0019]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the fixing position of the front and rear end portions in the longitudinal direction of the side flap 6 is a position closer to the inner side in the width direction than the side edge of the absorber 4. By such fixing, the contraction force of the elastic members 15a and 15b acts on the front part and the rear part in the main body part 5 more effectively, and the front part and the rear part are more effectively caused.
[0020]
Thus, in the incontinence pad 1 of the present embodiment, the sublayer sheet 7 is arranged between the top sheet 2 and the functional sheet 8. The sublayer sheet 7 covers the entire upper surface of the absorber 4. The sublayer sheet 7 is used for the lateral diffusion of the liquid that has passed through the top sheet 2, the permeation to the absorber 4, and / or the retention by itself.
[0021]
The sub-layer sheet 7 is mainly composed of a fiber material, and examples thereof include a nonwoven fabric and a composite sheet formed of a laminate of a nonwoven fabric and a film and having a large number of apertures.
[0022]
The fiber material constituting the sublayer sheet 7 contains a pigment. Thereby, the color of the functional material contained in the functional sheet 8 positioned below the sublayer sheet 7 is reduced as viewed from the top sheet 2 side, and a concealing effect is exhibited.
Moreover, since the top sheet 2 does not contain a pigment, the permeation of the excreted liquid through the top sheet 2 is not hindered. As a result, in the incontinence pad 1 of the present embodiment, deterioration of the appearance due to the color of the functional material is prevented and occurrence of liquid leakage is prevented. The pigment may be kneaded into the fiber material (internal addition), or may be attached to the surface of the fiber material (external addition). Details of the pigment will be described later.
[0023]
Further, sub-layer sheet 7, the inter-fiber distance of the constituent fibers (hereinafter, referred to as D _S) is distance between fibers of the constituent fibers of the top sheet 2 (hereinafter, referred to as D _T) is smaller than. And sublayer sheet 7, the D _S is, the fiber material to retain the granular material of the functional material, i.e. distance between fibers of the fibers constituting the functional sheet 8 in this embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as D _F) from Is also getting bigger. That is, there is a magnitude relationship of D _F <D _S <D _T among D _S , D _T and D _F. Due to such a magnitude relationship, a density gradient is formed between the top sheet 2, the sublayer sheet 7, and the functional sheet 8. As a result, drawing of the excreted liquid into the absorber 4 is promoted, the remaining liquid on the surface of the top sheet is reduced, and in the process of drawing the liquid into the absorber 4, it becomes easy to effectively contact the functional material. The function of the functional material is further amplified.
[0024]
As described above, in the incontinence pad 1 of the present embodiment, not only the appearance deterioration due to the color of the functional material is prevented and the occurrence of liquid leakage is prevented, but also the liquid absorbency is improved and the functionality is improved. The functions inherent to the material are effectively utilized.
[0025]
The magnitude relationship among D _S , D _T and D _F is as described above. This magnitude relationship is such that D _F / D _S <1.0 and D _S / D _T > 1.0, particularly D _F / It is preferable that D _S <0.7 and D _S / D _T > 0.7 because the drawing of the liquid is further promoted.
[0026]
The values of D _S , D _T and _DF themselves are preferably as follows from the viewpoint of further improving the liquid drawing effect. That is, it is preferable that D _S is 20 to 150 μm, particularly 30 to 100 μm, D _T is 30 to 300 μm, particularly 40 to 200 μm, and D _F is 25 to 100 μm, particularly 30 to 70 μm. It is preferable that The interfiber distance is calculated from the following equation by creating a parallel arrangement model of fibers.
[0027]
[Expression 1]

[0028]
In the above formula, the thickness A is measured by the following method. A sample of the sheet to be measured is placed on a smooth measuring table, and when the white acrylic plate of 50 mm x 50 mm, thickness 5 mm, and weight 15 g is placed on it, and the displacement of the acrylic plate upper surface position when there is no sheet The amount is measured with a laser displacement meter (manufactured by Keyence Corporation, LK-080), and the value is taken as the thickness of the sheet.
[0029]
As the sublayer sheet 7, a sheet that can exhibit the above-described functions of liquid diffusion, permeation, and / or retention is used. Considering these points, it is preferable to use a nonwoven fabric or a bulky pulp sheet as the sublayer sheet 7. Specific examples of the nonwoven fabric include a suction heat bond nonwoven fabric, a spunlace nonwoven fabric, a spunbond nonwoven fabric, and a melt blown nonwoven fabric. In particular, it is preferable to use a suction heat bond nonwoven fabric because the thickness can be easily controlled for the purpose of adjusting the distance between fibers. When these nonwoven fabrics are comprised of hydrophobic fibers, it is preferable to make them hydrophilic using a hydrophilizing agent.
[0030]
The basis weight of the sublayer sheet is 10 to 200 g / m ² , and particularly 15 to 100 g / m ² , while achieving both the function of diffusing, transmitting and / or holding the liquid and the feeling of wearing the absorbent article. This is preferable from the viewpoint of reducing the amount of liquid remaining on the sub-layer sheet and not leaving a source of malodor on the top sheet side of the functional material.
[0031]
Next, the functional sheet 8 used for the incontinence pad 1 of this embodiment will be described. The functional sheet 8 is a sheet containing a granular material of a functional material that imparts a predetermined function to the incontinence pad 1. As the function of the functional material, there are a deodorizing function for a predetermined malodor, an antibacterial function for a predetermined bacterium, an aroma function, a heat generating function, and the like. Examples of functional materials include deodorants (including deodorizers), antibacterial agents, fragrances, thermal exothermic agents, and the like, and appropriate materials are used according to the required performance of the incontinence pad 1 and the like.
The functional material is a non-white material. Generally, black, brown, and yellow are often exhibited.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 3, the functional sheet 8 is made of the same or different materials and has a rectangular length between two pulp sheets 18 and 19 that are shorter in the width direction than the pulp sheet. It is a laminated sheet formed by interposing a functional material-containing sheet 20 having a rectangular shape and containing functional material particles. And the functional material containing sheet | seat 20 is not interposed in the side parts 8c and 8c of the functional sheet 8 over the whole length direction. By using such a functional material-containing sheet 20, it is possible to reliably prevent the functional material from leaking out and to further improve the color shielding effect.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 3, the functional material-containing sheet 20 is not interposed over the entire length of the side portions 8c and 8c, and two pulp sheets 18 and 19 are laminated 2 It is a layer structure part. By joining the pulp sheets 18 and 19 in the side portions 8c and 8c to each other, both end portions of the functional sheet 8 are sealed, and the functional material is prevented from falling off from the side end portions. The width of the side portion 8c is preferably 0.1 to 20 cm, and more preferably 1 to 6 cm from the viewpoint of preventing the functional material from falling off and fully expressing the function of the functional material.
[0034]
The functional material-containing sheet 20 is a mixed paper of functional material powder and is sandwiched between two pulp sheets 18 and 19 at the center in the width direction. The functional material-containing sheet 20 and the pulp sheets 18 and 19 are laminated as described above by papermaking or bonding using an adhesive or the like.
[0035]
The functional material-containing sheet 20 is mainly composed of a functional material powder and a fiber material. Among the materials described above, it is preferable to use a deodorant as the functional material. As the deodorant, for example, a colored deodorant such as activated carbon, diatomaceous earth, sepilite, bentonite, phthalocyanine compound, or a composite of these with activated alumina, activated clay, or the like is used. One or two or more deodorants can be used. The content of the deodorant in the functional material-containing sheet 20 is 1 to 50% by weight, particularly 3 to 30% by weight with respect to the weight of the sheet 20, and exhibits a sufficient deodorizing effect. In view of securing sufficient sheet strength and flexibility. As a fiber raw material, known natural fibers such as non-wood pulp such as straw and cotton can be used in addition to wood pulp such as NBKP and LBKP. Further, for the purpose of improving the sheet strength, synthetic fibers such as polyethylene fibers may be appropriately mixed. The content ratio of the fiber raw material in the functional material-containing sheet 20 is 50 to 99% by weight, particularly 70 to 97% by weight with respect to the weight of the sheet 20, and a sufficient deodorizing effect is expressed. This is preferable from the viewpoint of securing sufficient sheet strength and flexibility.
[0036]
The functional material-containing sheet 20 has a basis weight of 15 to 70 g / m ² , particularly 20 to 50 g / m ² , so that sufficient flexibility can be secured, and the functional material has sufficient function. It is preferable from the standpoint of maintaining the amount expressed in In addition, the functional material-containing sheet 20 has a thickness of 0.1 to 10 mm, particularly 0.2 to 0.5 mm, which ensures both the reliable holding of the functional material and the air permeability of the sheet 20 itself. From the point of view, it is preferable.
[0037]
Both pulp sheets 18 and 19 are sheets mainly composed of pulp, which may be the same or different, and are formed by either wet papermaking method or dry papermaking method. May be. The pulp sheets 18 and 19 each have a basis weight of 12 to 30 g / m ² , particularly 15 to 20 g / m ² , and the functional material-containing sheet 20 is not damaged without impairing the texture and liquid absorbability of the sheet. It is preferable from the viewpoint of preventing leakage of the functional material and deterioration of the appearance due to the leaked functional material. For the same reason, it is preferable that both pulp sheets 18 and 19 have a thickness of 0.1 to 10 mm, particularly 0.2 to 0.5 mm.
[0038]
The functional sheet 8 surrounds the absorbent core 7 so that the one side 8c and the other side 8d are overlapped. As a result, the odor generated from the excreted liquid is removed by the deodorizing effect of the deodorant which is a functional material contained in the functional sheet 8.
[0039]
Next, the pigment contained in the sublayer sheet 7 will be described. The pigment is not particularly limited as long as it can conceal or relieve the color of the functional material held on the functional sheet 8. Examples of the pigment include titanium oxide, zinc oxide, zeolite, activated clay, acidic clay, activated alumina, and kunkolinite.
[0040]
It is preferable from the viewpoint of multifunctionalization of the incontinence pad 1 that the pigment can impart a predetermined function to the incontinence pad 1. In particular, from the viewpoint of multi-functionality, it is preferable that the pigment has a function different from the function of the functional material. For example, when the functional material has a deodorizing function for a predetermined malodor, the function of the pigment is preferably a deodorizing function for a type of malodor different from the malodor. Specifically, when activated carbon is used as a functional material, and clay minerals such as acid clay and zeolite are used as pigments, mercaptans are adsorbed on activated carbon among mercaptans and ammonia and other malodorous substances contained in excreta, Ammonia, which is difficult to adsorb on activated carbon, is adsorbed on clay minerals.
[0041]
The particle size of the pigment is 0.01 to 20 μm, particularly 0.1 to 5 μm, which improves the dispersibility of the pigment, increases the color hiding effect, and increases the surface area to improve the function of the pigment. It is preferable from the point of obtaining.
[0042]
It is preferable that the pigment is blended so as to occupy 0.5 to 10% by weight, particularly 2 to 5% by weight of the total weight of the sublayer sheet 7, from the viewpoint that a sufficient color concealing effect is exhibited.
[0043]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the functional sheet 8 covers the upper and lower surfaces of the absorbent body 4 in the central region 5c of the main body 5, but instead covers either one of the lower and upper surfaces of the absorbent body 4. Just be fine. That is, the functional sheet 8 may be disposed between the absorbent body 4 and the top sheet 2 or between the absorbent body 4 and the back sheet 3.
[0044]
Moreover, the functional material should just be hold | maintained at the fiber material, and the holding means is not limited to a functional sheet, For example, it mixes with the pulp which is the fiber material which comprises the absorber 4, and the absorber 4 is mixed. You may hold | maintain on the surface (especially surface on the side of a top sheet) or its vicinity.
[0045]
In addition, a pigment may be contained in the fibers constituting the top sheet 2 as long as the liquid permeability of the top sheet 2 is not inhibited. Further, a pigment may be contained in the back sheet 3 so that the concealing effect can be expressed also from the back sheet 3 side.
[0046]
Further, in the above embodiment, the first elastic member 14 and the second elastic member 15 are arranged in order to form the leak-proof surface portion 11 flat. However, of the two elastic members, the folded portion 14 is arranged. The second elastic member to be used may not be used depending on the specific use of the absorbent article, the required performance, and the like.
[0047]
The embodiment of the absorbent article of the present invention is not limited to the incontinence pad described above, but can be similarly applied to other absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins and disposable diapers.
[0048]
【Example】
[Example 1]
An incontinence pad having the structure shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 was manufactured. The top sheet in the incontinence pad was a 3.3 dtex polyethylene / polypropylene composite fiber suction heat bond nonwoven fabric (basis weight 25 g / m ² ). The functional sheet was mixed with activated carbon having a particle size of 30 μm. The sublayer sheet was a 2.2 dtex polyethylene / polyester composite fiber suction heat bond nonwoven fabric (basis weight 26 g / m ² ), and titanium oxide having a particle size of 0.2 μm was internally added as a pigment. The amount of the pigment was 3% of the weight of the sublayer sheet.
[0049]
[Example 2]
An incontinence pad was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the basis weight of the sublayer sheet was 35 g / m ² .
[0050]
Example 3
An incontinence pad was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the thickness of the sublayer sheet was 0.55 mm.
[0051]
Example 4
An incontinence pad was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that 4.3 dtex was used as the pulp in the functional sheet.
[0052]
Example 5
An incontinence pad was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that zinc oxide was used instead of titanium oxide as the pigment contained in the sublayer sheet.
[0053]
[Comparative Example 1]
An incontinence pad was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a sublayer sheet was not used and titanium oxide having a particle size of 0.2 μm was internally added to the top sheet as a pigment. The amount of the pigment in the top sheet was 3% of the weight of the top sheet.
[0054]
[Comparative Example 2]
An incontinence pad was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that a 6.7 dtex polyethylene / polyester composite fiber suction heat bond nonwoven fabric (basis weight 20 g / m ² ) containing no pigment was used as the sublayer sheet.
[0055]
[Comparative Example 3]
An incontinence pad was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the arrangement of the sublayer sheet and the functional sheet was turned upside down in Example 1.
[0056]
Regarding the incontinence pads obtained in the examples and comparative examples, the interfiber distances of the top sheet, the sublayer sheet and the functional sheet are shown in Table 1 below. Moreover, about the obtained incontinence pad, the following method evaluated the impression of the external appearance seen from the top sheet side, a deodorizing function, and liquid leakage prevention property. The results are shown in Table 1.
[0057]
[Appearance impression]
Evaluation was made according to the following five-stage criteria by six monitors. The smaller the value, the better the impression.
5: Not much different from the original color.
4: The color is slightly relaxed, but the impression is not changed.
3: It can be seen that the color has been relaxed and improved.
2: The color is greatly relaxed, and the original color is unknown.
1: The color is completely hidden.
[0058]
[Deodorization function]
After injecting 25 g of artificial urine into the incontinence pad and allowing it to stand for 10 minutes, the odor generated from the incontinence pad was evaluated by the following 6 levels of criteria using 6 monitors. The smaller the value, the better the impression.
5: I felt that it became much stronger than the original smell (before urine injection).
4: I felt that it became stronger than the original smell.
3: Same as the original odor.
2: Feels weaker than the original odor.
1: Feels very weaker than the original odor.
0: Odorless.
[0059]
[Liquid leakage prevention]
The incontinence pad is attached to the dynamic walking model together with the incontinence underwear, and the walking motion is performed at 100 steps per minute. At the same time, artificial urine is injected into the incontinence pad at a rate of 5 g / sec. The amount of artificial urine absorbed by the incontinence pad before the artificial urine began to leak from the incontinence pad was used as a standard for preventing liquid leakage as the amount of absorption until the liquid leakage.
[0060]
[Table 1]

[0061]
As is apparent from the results shown in Table 1, it can be seen that the incontinence pad of the example (product of the present invention) has a good appearance and prevents liquid leakage. Moreover, it turns out that the original function of a functional material is fully expressed.
[0062]
【The invention's effect】
According to the absorbent article of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the appearance of the absorbent article from being deteriorated due to the color of the functional granular material and to prevent the occurrence of liquid leakage.
Further, according to the absorbent article of the present invention, the liquid absorption ability is improved, and the original function of the functional material is effectively utilized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an incontinence pad as one embodiment of an absorbent article of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a functional sheet used in the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Incontinence pad (absorbent article)
2 Top sheet 3 Back sheet 4 Absorber 5 Body portion 6 Side flap 7 Sublayer sheet 8 Functional sheet 9 Compression groove 10 Standing wall portion 11 Leak-proof surface portion 12 Base end portion 13 Free end portion 14 Folded portion 15a First elasticity Member 15b Second elastic member 16, 17 Fixed position 18, 19 Pulp sheet 20 Functional material-containing sheet P Pocket

Claims (4)

In an absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet mainly composed of a fiber material, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and a liquid-retaining absorbent interposed between the two sheets,
The powder of black, brown or yellow functional material having a deodorizing function, antibacterial function, aroma function or heat generation function is held by the fiber material to constitute a functional sheet,
The functional sheet is disposed between the absorber and the top sheet;
Between the top sheet and the functional sheet , a sub-layer sheet mainly composed of a fiber material and containing a pigment in the fiber material is disposed,
The sublayer sheet, distance between fibers of the constituent fibers, and the size Kuna' than distance between fibers of the fibrous material that holds and the powder or granular material smaller than distance between fibers of the constituent fibers of said topsheet, distance between fibers D _S of the sublayer sheet is 30 to 100 [mu] m, distance between fibers D _T of the topsheet is 40 to 200 [mu] m, distance between fibers D _F of the functional sheet is 30~70μm absorption Sex goods. 2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the functional sheet is disposed only in a central portion in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body and the sublayer sheet is disposed so as to cover the entire upper surface of the absorbent body . The functions of the functional material is a deodorizing function for a given malodor, said face charges absorbent article of which claim 1 or 2 wherein has a deodorizing function for different types of malodors and該悪odor. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein a pigment is contained in the top sheet and / or the back sheet.

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