WO2013108863A1 - Absorbent article - Google Patents

Description

Absorbent articles

The present invention relates to an absorbent article, and more particularly to an absorbent article in the form of a pad suitable for use as an absorbent body or disposable wipes in a body fluid absorbent wearing article such as a disposable diaper.

A pad having a rectangular shape or the like, which is used for interposing superabsorbent polymer particles between sheet materials in which at least one of the two sheet materials is liquid permeable to absorb body fluid such as urine. Absorbent articles in the form are known.

For example, an absorbent sheet described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-131510 (Patent Document 1) is a sheet in which superabsorbent polymer particles are contained between an upper sheet and a lower sheet, and the upper sheet and the lower sheet In the non-joined part surrounded by the joined part, the upper sheet and the lower sheet form a pocket, and the superabsorbent polymer particles are accommodated in the pocket. The superabsorbent polymer particles are movable within the pockets.

The disposable absorbent article described in JP-T-2010-529898 (Patent Document 2) has an absorbent core, and the first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer overlap each other in the absorbent core. Yes. The first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer include a superabsorbent particulate polymer material and a thermoplastic adhesive material that covers the superabsorbent particulate polymer material. The first absorbent layer and the second absorbent layer overlap each other and are combined such that at least a portion of the thermoplastic adhesive material of the first absorbent layer is in contact with at least a portion of the thermoplastic adhesive material of the second absorbent layer.

JP 2009-131510 A Special table 2010-529898

In an absorbent article in the form of a pad having an absorption region in which superabsorbent polymer particles are interposed between two sheet materials, and a seal region in which the two sheet materials are impossiblely bonded and surround the absorption region Nonwoven fabrics or thermoplastic synthetic resin films formed of thermoplastic synthetic resin fibers may be used as the two sheet materials. Many of these thermoplastic synthetic resins are not colored and are in a so-called natural color state, which is a color unique to the raw material, or in a state colored with a white pigment such as titanium oxide. In the absorbent pad obtained by using such a thermoplastic synthetic resin, it is difficult to distinguish the absorption area from the seal area because the whole looks almost the same color. When trying to set in the center, it cannot be set quickly, and the absorbent pad may be difficult to use.

Therefore, in the present invention, it is an object to improve the conventional absorbent article so that the absorption region and the seal region can be easily distinguished.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is directed to a superabsorbent polymer particle between opposing surfaces of the two sheet materials in which at least one of the two overlapping sheet materials is liquid permeable. This is an absorbent article with intervening.

In the absorbent article, the features of the present invention are as follows. In other words, the absorbent article has an absorption region and a seal region surrounding the absorption region. In the absorption region, the superabsorbent polymer particles are interposed between the opposing surfaces. In the seal area, the opposing surfaces are permanently joined. At least one of the three attributes of hue, lightness, and saturation is different from each other so that the absorption region and the seal region can be distinguished from each other.

In one embodiment of the present invention, in the absorption region, at least a part of the polymer particles is fixed to at least one of the opposing surfaces via an adhesive.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the attribute in the absorption region that enables discrimination from the seal region is at least one of the two sheet materials, the adhesive in the absorption region, and An attribute in at least one of the polymer particles in the absorption region.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the attribute in the seal area that can be distinguished from the absorption area is at least one of the two sheet materials, and the adhesive in the seal area. Attribute in at least one of the

In another embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent article is formed with a plurality of the absorption regions, and at least one of the plurality of the absorption regions is formed so as to be distinguishable from the seal region. .

In another embodiment of the present invention, the liquid-permeable sheet material is a nonwoven fabric formed of thermoplastic synthetic fibers.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the liquid-permeable sheet material has a total light transmittance of at least 40%.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent article is in the form of a pad.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the absorbent article includes two sheets in which a second absorbent article is laminated on the sheet material that is liquid-permeable, and the second absorbent article overlaps. A second absorption region in which superabsorbent polymer particles are interposed between the opposing surfaces of the liquid-permeable sheet material, and a second seal region in which the opposing surfaces are joined to surround the second absorption region. The second absorbent article can be distinguished from the absorbent area and the seal area of the absorbent article overlapping with the second absorbent article when seen through.

In another embodiment of the present invention, in the second absorbent article, the second absorbent area overlaps with the seal area in the absorbent article.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the second absorbent article is bonded to the absorbent article in any one of a permanent bond, a temporary bond, and a peelable bond. .

In another embodiment of the present invention, both the second absorption area and the second seal area have a hue, brightness, and saturation in appearance so that they can be distinguished from each other. At least one of the three color attributes is different.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the attribute of the second absorbent article is at least one of the two liquid-permeable sheet materials, the polymer particles, and the second absorption region. The attribute in at least one of the adhesives for bonding the polymer particles to at least one of the opposing surfaces.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the liquid-permeable sheet material in the second absorbent article is a nonwoven fabric formed of thermoplastic synthetic fibers.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the liquid-permeable sheet material has a total light transmittance of at least 40%.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the second absorbent article has a pad form.

Between the absorption region and the seal region of the absorbent article having the pad form according to the present invention, at least one of the three attributes of hue, lightness, and saturation color on the appearance of the absorbent article is different. Makes it easy to distinguish between these two areas. Therefore, when the absorbent article is used for a worn article such as a disposable diaper or pants, the absorbent area of the absorbent article is definitely and quickly applied to a specific part of the worn article that requires the absorbency. be able to.

The partially broken top view of the absorbent article which concerns on this invention. The figure which shows the II-II line | wire cut surface of FIG. The figure which shows an example of the manufacturing process of an absorbent article. The elements on larger scale of FIG. The partially broken top view of the absorbent article which shows an example of an embodiment. The partially broken top view of the 2nd absorbent article in FIG. The partially broken top view of the absorbent article which shows another example of an embodiment. (A) is the partially broken top view of the 1st absorbent article of FIG. (B) is the partially broken top view of the 2nd absorbent article of FIG.

The details of the absorbent article having the pad form according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 and 2, FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway plan view of a disposable absorbent article 1 having a pad shape, and FIG. 2 is a view showing a section taken along the line II-II of FIG. Each of B and C indicates a vertical direction, a horizontal direction, and a thickness direction orthogonal to each other. In these drawings, the absorbent article 1 has an upper sheet layer 2 that is liquid-permeable, a lower sheet layer 3 that is either liquid-permeable, hardly liquid-permeable, or liquid-impermeable, and superabsorbent polymer particles. 4 is included. The superabsorbent polymer particle 4 is one of the liquid-absorbing materials well known in the field of body fluid treatment products such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins, and is, for example, insoluble in water and more than 10 times its own weight. Manufactured by a hydrophilic polymer having a crosslinked structure having water absorption performance. Particles such as sodium polyacrylate and starch acrylonitrile copolymer are examples. The article 1 also includes a plurality of absorbent regions 6 in which superabsorbent polymer particles 4 interposed between the upper sheet layer 2 and the lower sheet layer 3 are joined to the lower sheet layer 3, and the upper sheet layer 2 and the lower sheet. The layer 3 is permanently bonded and has a seal area 7 that is substantially free of superabsorbent polymer particles 4.

In the present invention, the upper sheet layer 2 being liquid-permeable means that the upper sheet layer 2 can permeate body fluid to the extent that the intended purpose of the absorbent article 1 can be met. We are not trying to specify the degree to which it is to be done by numerical values. That the lower sheet layer 3 is liquid-permeable means that the lower sheet layer 3 can easily permeate body fluids like the upper sheet layer 2, and the lower sheet layer 3 is hardly liquid-permeable. Means that the lower sheet layer 3 is not as permeable to bodily fluids as the upper sheet layer 2 in contrast to the upper sheet layer 2, and that the lower sheet layer layer 3 is impervious to the upper sheet layer 2. In contrast to the sheet layer 2, it means that the lower sheet layer 3 is substantially impermeable to body fluids. Depending on the application, usage pattern, manufacturing method, and the like of the article 1, the lower sheet layer 3 is made of a liquid-permeable material, a hardly liquid-permeable material, or a liquid-impermeable material. For example, a liquid-permeable or hardly liquid-permeable material can be used for the lower sheet layer 3 in the case where the article 1 is used on an absorbent body of a disposable diaper. In the case where the article 1 is set on the inner surface of the pants as an incontinence pad and used for use, it is preferable to use a liquid-impermeable material for the lower sheet layer 3.

Further, in the present invention, when the pad form is used, the absorbent article 1 is brought into contact with a required part such as a human body and is used for use, and has any one of a rectangular shape, a square shape, and other appropriate shapes. It means that the dimension of C is smaller than the dimension of the vertical direction A and the horizontal direction B. However, in FIG. 2, the diameter of the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 is exaggerated and the thickness of the article 1 is also exaggerated in order to clearly show the presence of the superabsorbent polymer particles 4. ing. When the article 1 is a disposable article, it means that the article 1 is discarded after one or more uses and does not take into account processing such as washing for reuse. ing.

The absorbent region 6 of the article 1 is surrounded by a seal region 7, and is between the lower surface 2 b of the upper sheet layer 2 and the upper surface 3 a of the lower sheet layer 3, which are opposed surfaces of the upper sheet layer 2 and the lower sheet layer 3. 2 includes superabsorbent polymer particles 4 as an absorbent material (see FIG. 2). In the absorption region 6, the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 are 30 to 300 g / in through the polymer particle fixing hot melt adhesive 11 that is continuously or intermittently applied to the entire lower sheet layer 3. in mass m ^2, it is formed under the seat layer 3 more preferably 40 ~ 280g / ^{m 2} of weight. However, the absorption region 6 is also a region that can contain superabsorbent polymer particles that are not fixed to the lower sheet layer 3. In any case, the upper limit of the total amount of superabsorbent polymer particles that the absorption region 6 can include between the lower sheet layer 3 and the upper sheet layer 2 is about 400 g / m ² . In the absorption region 6, it is preferable that the lower sheet layer 3 and the upper sheet layer 2 are not joined, but in the manufacturing process of the article 1 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), although not intended. The upper sheet layer 2 may be bonded to the lower sheet layer 3 in a very small area.

The absorption region 6 is a preferable example so that the presence of the absorption region 6 can be easily visually recognized on the appearance of the article 1, in other words, the absorption region 6 and the seal region 7 can be identified. , At least the lower surface 2b of the lower surface 2b of the upper sheet layer 2 and the upper surface 3a of the lower sheet layer 3 is colored in an appropriate color having a chromatic color such as red or blue, and the thickness direction of the article 1 In C, the color can be seen through from above the upper sheet layer 2, or the color can be viewed from above the upper sheet layer 2 under the influence of the color of the upper sheet layer 2. 1 and 2, the oblique lines shown in the absorption region 6 indicate that such a color in the absorption region 6 is visible from above the upper sheet layer 2. Here, the color of the lower surface 2b means that the material such as the fiber forming the lower surface 2b is coated with paint or printing ink and the material such as the fiber forming the lower surface 2b. It means that the material is in any state of being kneaded.

The seal region 7 of the article 1 has a high absorption when the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 included in the absorbent region 6 are not fixed to the polymer particle fixing hot melt adhesive 11 and are free to move. Of the upper sheet layer 2 and the article 1 when the absorbent polymer particle 4 is an area for preventing the absorbent polymer particles 4 from coming out of the absorbent area 6 and does not contain the absorbent material or is formed of the absorbent material. Except for the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 up to a mass of up to 20 g / m ² , which is not intended in the process, the absorbent material is substantially not included. That is, even if the high-absorbent polymer particles 4 may be included in the seal region 7, the mass (g / m ² ) of the high-absorbent polymer particles 4 is absorbed when viewed per unit area of the lower sheet layer 3. The region 6 is smaller than the mass (g / m ² ) of the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 included in the region 6. In the sealing area 7, the upper sheet layer 2 and the lower sheet layer 3 are permanently joined via a hot melt adhesive 12 for sealing. By further welding the upper sheet layer 2 and the lower sheet layer 3 that are joined in this manner, the peel strength of both the sheet layers 2 and 3 can be improved. In any case, the upper sheet layer 2 and the lower sheet layer 3 in the seal region 7 are in a state where they are not peeled off even during use of the article 1. In the article 1 illustrated in FIG. 2, the polymer particle fixing hot melt adhesive 11 applied so as to overlap in the seal region 7 and the second hot melt adhesive 102 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) described later. The hot-melt adhesive 12 for sealing is formed, and the upper sheet layer 2 and the lower sheet layer 3 are joined via the layer of the hot-melt adhesive 12 for sealing. Here, the layer of the adhesive 12 does not necessarily mean that the adhesive 12 exists continuously or in a film form. As each of the hot melt adhesives in the article 1, those conventionally used in the technical field of this kind of article can be used.

The seal area 7 is also a part that functions so that the absorption area 6 and the seal area 7 can be identified and the presence of the absorption area 6 can be easily visually recognized on the appearance of the article 1. In a preferred example of such a seal region 7, the nonwoven fabric forming the upper sheet layer 2 and the nonwoven fabric and / or plastic film forming the lower sheet layer 3 are, for example, for the purpose of reducing the manufacturing cost, It is used in a natural color state or colored with a white pigment such as titanium oxide. The natural color here means that the synthetic resin that is the raw material for producing the thermoplastic synthetic fiber or plastic film forming the nonwoven fabric is not colored with a dye or pigment. The natural colors of synthetic resins used in the technical field of disposable absorbent articles are often very pale yellow or colorless and transparent. However, fibers and films formed of these synthetic resins may appear white depending on their surface conditions.

The article 1 in the illustrated example is formed in a rectangle that is elongated in the vertical direction A. In the longitudinal direction A, there are 8 absorption zones 6 indicated by reference numerals 6a-6h. Each of the absorption zones 6a-6h has a perimeter 61 that defines its planar shape. The periphery 61 of the absorption regions 6 adjacent to each other in the vertical direction A includes opposite side portions 62 that face each other in the vertical direction A and extend in the horizontal direction B. For example, in the periphery 61 of the adjacent absorption regions 6a and 6b in FIG. 1, opposite side portions 62 facing each other in the vertical direction A and extending in the horizontal direction B are indicated by reference numerals 62a and 62b.

In the article 1, the seal regions 7 are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction A on the side edges 7 a extending in the longitudinal direction A on both sides of the article 1, and both end edges 7 b extending in the lateral direction B on both ends of the article 1. And an intermediate portion 7c between the absorption regions 6 and extending in the lateral direction B. The intermediate portion 7c has a dimension in the vertical direction A, that is, a width W.

The article 1 also has hue, lightness, and saturation colors on its appearance so that the absorption area 6 and the seal area 7 can be distinguished when viewed from the hand. The at least one of the three attributes is made different from each other. The hue, lightness, and saturation on the appearance are not those when the three attributes of these colors are observed individually for each component of the article 1, but are observed as the article 1 obtained by assembling the components. It means that it is the one when it is done. Whether or not the absorption region 6 and the seal region 7 can be distinguished may be determined by observing the article 1 under sunlight, but more preferably, observing the article 1 under a C light source. Judgment. In one example of the article 1, the lower surface 2b of the upper sheet layer 2 of the absorption region 6 is colored with a chromatic color such as red by a paint or the like, whereas the lower sheet layer 3 and the superabsorbent polymer particles of the absorption region 6 are colored. 4 and the polymer particle fixing adhesive 11 (see FIG. 2) are natural colors, respectively, and the upper sheet layer 2 and lower sheet layer 3 of the seal region 7 and the hot melt adhesive 12 for sealing are natural colors. It may be said that. In this case, the color attribute in the absorption region 6 is for the color of the lower surface 2b observed through the upper sheet layer 2 with the naked eye of the observer, but the color is in the vicinity of the lower surface 2b in the absorption region 6. The lower sheet layer 3, the superabsorbent polymer particles 4, the polymer particle fixing adhesive 11, and the like may be affected by the color. Another example of the difference in color attribute between the absorption region 6 and the seal region 7 is as follows. That is, when the color of the absorption region 6 is a chromatic color and the color of the seal region 7 is an achromatic color, or vice versa. When both areas 6 and 7 have different hues (hues), such as the color of the absorption area 6 being red and the color of the seal area 7 being green. The absorption region 6 and the seal region 7 have the same shade such as red, but the lightness and / or saturation of the shade is different between the two regions 6 and 7. For example, the absorption region 6 is bright red and the seal region 7 is dark red, or vice versa.

When such an article 1 is used as, for example, an absorbent body for a disposable diaper or a urine absorbing pad for an incontinence patient's pants, the color of the lower surface 2b of the upper sheet layer 2 colored in red in the absorption areas 6a-6h is used. Then, the longitudinal direction A of the article 1 is made to coincide with the front-rear direction of the diaper or the pants, and the central portion of the longitudinal direction A is set in the crotch area of the diaper or the pants. The upper sheet layer 2 is formed of a liquid-permeable sheet material and faces the diaper wearer's skin. The article 1 is worn by using an adhesive, a mechanical fastener, etc., in addition to being able to be permanently set on a worn article such as a diaper or pants by using an adhesive, etc. It can also be set by temporarily bonding to an article or releasably bonding. Here, temporarily bonding means a state in which peeling is possible and the bonding function is lost after peeling.

In the diaper and pants, the use of the article 1 improves the possibility of obtaining various effects. For example, body fluid such as urine excreted by the wearer permeates through the upper sheet layer 2 in the absorption region 6 and is absorbed by the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 so that it does not flow. In the diaper, the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 are fixed to the lower sheet layer 3 formed of a liquid-impervious or liquid-impervious sheet material, so that the wearer can be worn even if the posture of the wearer changes variously. The distribution state of the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 in the crotch of the person is always constant, and no bias is generated inside the absorption region 6. Therefore, in the article 1, body fluid such as urine can be permeated in a wide range of the upper sheet layer 2 and can be absorbed in a wide range of the absorption region 6. Further, the distribution of the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 is biased inside the absorption region 6 and the article 1 is not uniform in thickness, whereby the article 1 locally presses the wearer's skin. There is nothing. In the absorption region 6, since the hot melt adhesive 11 for fixing polymer particles 11 is applied to the lower sheet layer 3 and not to the upper sheet layer 2, the hot melt adhesive 11 for fixing polymer particles is used as the upper sheet layer. 2 does not interfere with liquid permeability. The superabsorbent polymer particles 4 fixed to the lower sheet layer 3 are bonded so that the upper sheet layer 2 approaches the lower sheet layer 3 to which the polymer particle fixing hot melt adhesive 11 is applied. The upper sheet layer 2 is bonded to the lower sheet layer 3 to prevent the article 1 from becoming less flexible. In the article 1 when set in the crotch region of a diaper or pants, a plurality of intermediate portions 7c parallel to each other act as shown in the illustrated example so that the article 1 can be easily bent in the longitudinal direction A. The width W of the intermediate portion 7c acting in this way is preferably about 2 to 15 mm. Since the absorption area 6 can be easily distinguished from the seal area 7, it is easy to set the absorption area 6 at an optimal position in the crotch area of the diaper or pants.

In one example of the article 1, the upper sheet layer 2 includes a liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric sheet material made of thermoplastic synthetic fibers and hydrophilized, such as an SMS nonwoven fabric (spunbond-meltblown) formed of polypropylene fibers. -Spunbond non-woven fabric sheet material can be used in a state of being hydrophilized. 10 ~ 12 g / ^{m 2} mass interposed meltblown nonwoven having a mass of 0.5 ~ 2g / ^{m 2} between the spunbonded nonwoven fabric to each other with a 4 ~ 5g / ^{m 2} of the mass to an example of the SMS nonwoven fabric There is a sheet material having The thermoplastic synthetic fiber in the upper sheet layer 2 can be made of a natural color as a thermoplastic synthetic resin or additive for forming the synthetic synthetic fiber, or a white pigment such as titanium oxide or barium sulfate. Or what was colored other appropriate colors can be used. However, in the example of FIG. 1, the natural color is used. In order to distinguish between the absorption region 6 and the seal region 7, instead of the color of the upper surface 2 a of the upper sheet layer 2, the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 positioned below the lower surface 2 b and the lower surface 2 b and the adhesive for fixing the polymer particles When using the color of the agent 11, the lower sheet layer 3, etc., the nonwoven fabric forming the upper sheet layer 2 must be able to see through the color. As the non-woven fabric that makes it possible, it is preferable to use one having a total light transmittance of at least 40%. The total light transmittance of the non-woven fabric can be measured using a cross light metering color difference meter Z-300A manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd. or a measuring device equivalent thereto. In the case of the former measuring device, a specimen of 50 mm × 40 mm is used, and the specimen is sandwiched between predetermined parts of the turbidimeter. The turbidimeter is turned on at least 30 minutes before using it. In this turbidimeter, the total light transmittance (%) is calculated as a ratio (%) of “total light quantity T2 that has passed through the specimen” to “incident light quantity T1 on the specimen”.

For the lower sheet layer 3, a non-woven sheet material made of hydrophobic thermoplastic synthetic fibers and hardly liquid-permeable or liquid-impermeable can be used. For example, a melt-blown nonwoven fabric having a mass of 0.5 to 2 g / m ² is interposed between spunbond nonwoven fabrics having a mass of 4 to 6 g / m ² made of polypropylene fiber, and having a viscosity of 10 to 13 g / m ² . An SMS nonwoven fabric sheet material having mass and poor liquid permeability can be used. The lower sheet layer 3 also has a liquid-impervious sheet material formed of a plastic film such as a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.01 to 0.03 mm, a liquid-impervious plastic film, and a thermoplastic synthetic fiber. It is possible to use a liquid-impervious sheet material which is a laminate with a liquid-permeable or hardly liquid-permeable nonwoven fabric formed in (1). In the laminate, the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 are bonded to the nonwoven fabric so that the nonwoven fabric is on the inside of the article 1 and the liquid-impermeable plastic film is on the outside of the article 1. It is preferable to stop leakage of body fluid with a plastic film. The thermoplastic synthetic fiber and plastic film in the lower sheet layer 3 can be made of a natural color that is not colored by the synthetic resin forming them, and can also be a white pigment such as titanium oxide or barium sulfate. Can be used and those colored in other appropriate colors can be used. However, in the example of FIG. 1, the natural color is used.

Some superabsorbent polymer particles 4 have various water absorption speeds, and those having a constant water absorption speed can be used alone, or those having different water absorption speeds can be mixed and used. However, as an example, a water absorption rate of about 30 seconds according to the VORTEX method defined in JIS K 7224 can be used with an upper limit of 400 g / m ² . It is preferable to adjust the usage amount of the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 in consideration of the size of the section of the absorption region 6 and the usage pattern of the article 1. It is preferable to use the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 having a small amount of components to be eluted with respect to body fluid such as urine. When the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 are in contact with bodily fluids such as urine, the components that are eluted from the particles 4 increase the viscosity of the bodily fluids such as urine and cause discomfort when the bodily fluids such as urine touch the skin. Because it may strengthen. As the superabsorbent polymer particles 4, natural colored ones can be used, and ones colored in an appropriate color can also be used. However, the natural color is used in the example of FIG.

The hot melt adhesive 11 for fixing polymer particles is applied to the lower sheet layer 3 in the absorption region 6 in order to fix the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 to the lower sheet layer 3. It may be applied also to the lower sheet layer 3. For example, in FIG. 2, the polymer particle fixing hot melt adhesive 11 is applied at a mass of about 1 to 12 g / m ² so as to be distributed uniformly or almost uniformly over the upper surface 3a of the lower sheet layer 3. Has been. The superabsorbent polymer particles 4 to be fixed to the lower sheet layer 3 in the absorption region 6 have the polymer particle fixing hot melt adhesive 11 so that the entire surface is not covered with the polymer particle fixing hot melt adhesive 11. It is preferable that the agent 11 reduces the coating amount per unit area as much as possible. The polymer particle fixing hot melt adhesive 11 can also be applied to the lower sheet layer 3 so as to be distributed uniformly or almost uniformly, although intermittently like dots or beads. It can also be applied as a film covering the entire absorption area 6 continuously or intermittently. However, in any case, the surface of the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 is bonded to the upper surface 3a while the portion facing the upper surface 3a of the lower sheet layer 3 is covered with the hot melt adhesive 11 for fixing the polymer particles. It is preferable that the part facing the lower surface 2b (see FIG. 2) of the layer 2 is not covered with the polymer particle fixing hot melt adhesive 11 and can quickly absorb body fluid such as urine. As the polymer particle fixing hot melt adhesive 11, a natural color one can be used, and one having an appropriate color can also be used. In some cases, the colored region is used only in the absorption region 6 so that the absorption region 6 and the seal region 7 can be easily distinguished. However, in the example of FIG. 1, the natural color is used.

The hot-melt adhesive 12 for sealing shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a hot-melt adhesive 11 for fixing polymer particles applied to the lower sheet layer 3 located in the seal area 7 and about 5 to 30 g / m ² relative thereto. The second hot melt adhesive 102 in FIG. 4 to be described later is applied in a mass and is substantially layered. Here, “substantially layered” does not necessarily mean that the adhesive is continuously formed into a film. Thus, by adjusting the application amount of the hot melt adhesive in the absorption region 6 and the seal region 7, in the absorption region 6, the hot melt adhesive 11 for fixing the polymer particles is the surface of each of the superabsorbent polymer particles 4. In the seal area 7, the amount of adhesive applied is small with only the hot melt adhesive 11 for fixing the polymer particles, while avoiding affecting the water absorption amount and the water absorption speed of the superabsorbent polymer particles 4. When the peeling between the upper sheet layer 2 and the lower sheet layer 3 cannot be reliably prevented, the peeling can be prevented by the hot-melt adhesive 12 for sealing. Also, in the seal region 7, if the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 that are not fixed to the lower sheet layer 3 exist in the absorbent region 6, the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 move from the absorbent region 6 to the seal region 7. The upper sheet layer 2 is preferably connected via a hot-melt adhesive 12 for sealing which is applied continuously or substantially continuously along the periphery of the absorption region 6. And the lower sheet layer 3 are preferably joined. The polymer particle fixing hot melt adhesive 11 and the second hot melt adhesive 102 used in this way can be the same or those that adhere well to each other. In addition, when only the polymer particle fixing adhesive 11 applied to the seal region 7 can function as the hot melt adhesive 12 for sealing, the second hot melt adhesive 102 in FIG. 4 is not necessary. . In this case, the application amount per unit area of the polymer particle fixing hot melt adhesive 11 may be the same in the absorption region 6 and the seal region 7. As the second hot melt adhesive 102, a natural color can be used, and an appropriate color can also be used. By using the colored second hot melt adhesive 102 only in the seal area 7, it may be possible to easily distinguish between the absorption area 6 and the seal area 7.

Although it is possible to use a plastic film instead of a non-woven fabric as the lower sheet layer 3, when a plastic film is used, a hot melt adhesive for fixing polymer particles is used to bond the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 to the plastic film. In some cases, the application amount of the agent 11 must be increased. In such a case, the surface of the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 is likely to be widely covered with the polymer particle fixing hot melt adhesive 11.

Each of the dimensions in the longitudinal direction A and the lateral direction B of the absorbent region 6 in the article 1 when used for a diaper, i.e., each dimension in the longitudinal direction A and the lateral direction B of one section in FIG. Although it can be set to an appropriate value according to the size, as an example, it can be set to about 25 to 100 mm and about 150 to 250 mm. The number of compartments is preferably 5-15. The width of the side edge portion 7a and the end edge portion 7b of the seal region 7 is preferably about 5 to 30 mm.

3 and 4 are an example of a process diagram when the article 1 of FIG. 1 is continuously manufactured, and a partially enlarged view of the suction drum 130 in the process diagram. In FIG. 3, the first web 131 that is a continuous body of the upper sheet layer 2 is supplied toward the peripheral surface 135 of the suction drum 130 from the right side of the drawing. In the web 131b, colored portions 6k (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the absorption regions 6a-6h in FIG. 1 are repeatedly formed toward the upstream side in the machine direction MD. The first web 131 that is in close contact with the peripheral surface 135 by the pressing action by the guide roll 141 and the suction action that works from the peripheral surface 135 toward the inside of the suction drum 130 is a polymer set above the suction drum 130. Natural color superabsorbent polymer particles 4 are supplied from the particle supply device 136 onto the colored portion 6k. From the left side of the figure, the second web 132 which is a continuous body of the lower sheet layer 3 is continuously supplied to the peripheral surface 135 of the suction drum 130 via the guide roll 139. The first hot melt adhesive 101 of natural color is applied to one side of the second web 132 by the first coater 121 provided on the upstream side of the suction drum 130. Subsequently, the second hot melt adhesive 102 having a natural color is applied onto a part of the first hot melt adhesive 101 already applied by the second coater 122 provided on the downstream side of the first coater 121. Is done. The first web 131 supplied with the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 on the colored portion 6k and the second web 132 applied with the first and second hot melt adhesives 101 and 102 are the first press roll. Under the action of 142, they merge on the peripheral surface 135 of the suction drum 130 and are joined via the first hot melt adhesive 101 and the second hot melt adhesive 102 to form a composite 137. The composite 137 passes through the guide roll 143 and the pair of second press rolls 144 and is intermittently cut by the cutter 138 to become individual articles 1. The first hot melt adhesive 101 is the polymer particle fixing hot melt adhesive 11 in the article 1, but the one that overlaps the second hot melt adhesive 102 is integrated with the second hot melt adhesive 102. Thus, the sealing hot melt adhesive 12 in the article 1 is formed. Details of the step of forming the composite 137 are as described in FIG.

FIG. 4 shows a state when the first web 131 and the second web 132 merge to form the composite 137, and the suction drum 130 is shown in a cross-sectional view. A plurality of recesses 130a are formed on the circumferential surface 135 of the suction drum 130 so as to be arranged in the circumferential direction. The planar shape of each of the recesses 130a corresponds to the planar shape of each section of the absorption region 6 arranged in the longitudinal direction A in FIG. The depth of the recess 130a is set to such an extent that a single supply amount of the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 that are intermittently supplied from the polymer particle supply device 136 can be accommodated. In the concave portion 130a, suction toward the inside of the suction drum 130 acts, and the colored portion 6k of the first web 131 placed on the peripheral surface 135 is deformed so as to follow the concave portion 130a. The colored portion 6k of the first web 131 is a portion that is formed in advance by applying paint in the manufacturing process (not shown) of the web 131, and includes a concave portion from the polymer particle supply device 136. The superabsorbent polymer particles 4 supplied toward 130a are placed. In the peripheral surface portion 135a located as a raised portion between the adjacent concave portions 130a and 130a in the peripheral surface 135, the first web 131 and the second web 132 merge, and the two webs 131 and 132 are joined together. When passing through the first press roll 142, the peripheral surface portion 135a and the first press roll 142 are pressed and joined to form a composite 137. The composite 137 advances in the machine direction MD and leaves the suction drum 130, and is then pressed by the pair of second press rolls 144 to ensure that the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 and the first hot melt adhesive 101 are in contact with each other. Then, the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 are fixed to the second web 132 via the first hot melt adhesive 101. In FIG. 3, the composite 137 enters between the pair of second press rolls 144 while being inclined with respect to the machine direction MD indicated by the horizontal arrow, but is separated from the suction drum 130. The composite 137 enters between the second press rolls 144 in a substantially horizontal state and spreads between the first web 131 and the second web 132 under a state in which the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 are nearly horizontal. It is more preferable.

In the article 1 formed in this way, the first hot melt adhesive 101 is uniformly distributed in the longitudinal direction A and the lateral direction B with respect to each of the absorption region 6 and the seal region 7. Although it can be applied intermittently, it can also be applied continuously to at least one of the vertical direction A and the horizontal direction B. Therefore, there is no special rule in selecting the model of the first coater 121 for applying the first hot melt adhesive 101, and the same applies to the second hot melt adhesive 102. However, between the hot melt adhesive 11 for fixing polymer particles in the absorption region 6 and the hot melt adhesive 12 for sealing in the seal region 7, both hot melt adhesives 11, 12 are in an overlapping state or in an overlapping state. Even if it is not, it is preferable that they are close to each other so that the distance between them does not exceed about 5 mm. When the polymer particle fixing hot melt adhesive 11 is applied in such a manner and reaches every corner of the absorption region 6, the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 also reach every corner of the absorption region 6 and are fixed thereto. Will come to be. For example, the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 can be distributed along the opposite side portion 62 immediately inside the opposite side portion 62 of the absorption region 6. The superabsorbent polymer particles 4 are preferably distributed so as to cover almost the entire upper surface 3a (see FIG. 2) of the lower sheet layer 3 in the absorption region 6, and the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 thus distributed are In the absorption region 6, it is possible to prevent the upper sheet layer 2 and the lower sheet layer 3 from being bonded to each other via the polymer particle fixing hot melt adhesive 11.

In the article 1 of FIG. 1, in addition to the lower surface 2 b of the upper sheet layer 2, the superabsorbent polymer particles are used in order to enable the discrimination between the absorption region 6 and the seal region 7 or to further facilitate the identification. At least one of the fixing hot melt adhesive 11 and the lower sheet layer 3 can be colored in the same color as the colored portion 6k on the lower surface 2b or a color that emphasizes the color of the colored portion 6k. In order to color the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 and the like, a method commonly used in the technical field can be used.

Further, in the article 1, at least one of the upper sheet layer 2, the lower sheet layer 3, and the second hot melt adhesive 102 in the seal area 7 in order to enable or facilitate the discrimination between the absorption area 6 and the seal area 7. Can be colored in a color different from the natural color.

Furthermore, if it is not necessary for the article 1 to be able to distinguish all the absorption areas 6 from the seal areas 7, only the absorption areas 6 that need to be distinguished from the seal areas 7 have the color of them. The attribute may be different from the color attribute of the seal area 7. For example, the lower surface 2b of the upper sheet layer 2 can be colored in a chromatic color only for a part of the plurality of absorption regions 6.

In order to make it possible to distinguish between the absorption region 6 and the seal region 7, it is possible to use both achromatic colors and chromatic colors for these regions 6 and 7. However, when using an achromatic color, it is preferable to use it only in one of the two regions 6 and 7 and to use a chromatic color for the other. When chromatic colors are used for both areas 6 and 7, it is possible to make a difference in hue, lightness, or saturation between the areas 6 and 7.

In the article 1, it is also preferable that the total amount of the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 in the absorption region 6 is bonded and fixed to the upper surface 3 a of the lower sheet layer 3, but the high absorbency that is not bonded to the lower sheet layer 3. Even if the polymer particles 4 are mixed in the absorption region 6 in a state where the polymer particles 4 can move between the lower sheet layer 3 and the upper sheet layer 2, the present invention can be carried out. In order to store the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 in the absorption region 6 in such a state, the upper sheet layer 2 and the lower sheet layer 3 formed of a non-woven fabric are composed of the superabsorbent polymer particles 4. It is preferable that the nonwoven fabric cannot easily enter the fiber gap or pass through the fiber gap easily. Therefore, when the nonwoven fabric used for the upper sheet layer 2 and the lower sheet layer 3 is vibrated with the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 dispersed on the nonwoven fabric, the particles 4 are fibers in the nonwoven fabric. It is preferable to select one that does not enter the gap. Furthermore, in the present invention, there is no particular limitation on the shape of the article 1, the shape of the absorption region 6, and the number of sections formed by the absorption region 6, and appropriate changes are made to these shapes and numbers in the illustrated example. Is possible. For example, the shape of the seal region 7 can be changed so that the absorption region 6 can be divided into two or three in the lateral direction B in the article 1 of FIG.

Furthermore, in the article 1, in the absorption region 6, second superabsorbent polymer particles (not shown) having a different water absorption rate from the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 can be mixed. For example, a superabsorbent polymer particle 4 bonded to the lower sheet layer 3 has a water absorption rate AS ₁ of 3 seconds by the VORTEX method, and a second superabsorbent polymer particle has a water absorption rate of the VORTEX method. Using AS ₂ of 30 seconds, the second superabsorbent polymer particles are joined to the upper sheet layer 2 in the absorption region 6 through a second polymer particle fixing hot melt adhesive (not shown). It can also be mixed in the absorption region 6 in a state where it can move freely without being bonded to the upper sheet layer 2 or the lower sheet layer 3. In this way, the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 having a fast water absorption rate AS ₁ are near the lower sheet layer 3, and the second superabsorbent polymer particles having a slow water absorption rate AS ₂ are near the upper sheet layer 2. Then, when the article 1 is used so that the upper sheet layer 2 is in contact with the skin, the body fluid such as urine excreted in the initial stage of wearing the diaper is such that the second superabsorbent polymer particles are the urine or the like. Before it occurs that the body fluid is absorbed to form a gel block, most of the body fluid such as urine is absorbed by the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 far away from the skin of the diaper wearer and the urine or the like is absorbed. The body fluid is kept away from the skin, and the body fluid such as urine excreted thereafter can be absorbed by the second superabsorbent polymer particles near the skin, and the diaper wearer is strongly moistened by the body fluid such as the initial urine. Prevent giving a feeling It can be. The amount of the superabsorbent polymer particles included in the absorption region 6 is preferably a mass that does not exceed 400 g / m ^{2 in} total of the superabsorbent polymer particles 4 and the second superabsorbent polymer particles.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the article 1 showing an example of an embodiment of the present invention. The article 1 has a first absorbent article 201 made in the same manner as the article 1 in FIG. 1 and a second absorbent article 220 stacked on the upper sheet layer 2 of the first absorbent article 201. is doing. Compared with the first absorbent article 201, the second absorbent article 220 has the same dimension in the lateral direction B, but the dimension in the longitudinal direction A is short, and the first absorbent article 201 has a center in the longitudinal direction A. positioned.

FIG. 6 is a partially broken plan view of the second absorbent article 220. The second absorbent article 220 includes a liquid-permeable second upper sheet layer 202, a liquid-permeable second lower sheet layer 203, a lower surface 202b and an upper surface 203a that are opposed surfaces of the two sheet layers 202 and 203. The second absorption region 206 formed by the superabsorbent polymer particles 204 interposed therebetween, and the upper sheet layer 202 and the lower sheet layer 203 are permanently joined via the hot melt adhesive 212 for sealing. And a second seal area 207. The superabsorbent polymer particles 204 are bonded to the upper surface 203a of the second lower sheet layer 203 via the polymer particle fixing hot melt adhesive 211.

In the article 1 of FIG. 5 in which the first absorbent article 201 and the second absorbent article 220 are laminated, the second absorbent article 220 has a lower sheet layer 203 at a portion indicated by a chain line 230. In addition, the upper sheet layer 2 of the first absorbent article 201 is bonded to the upper sheet layer 2 through a bonding means such as a hot melt adhesive in any one of the modes of permanent bonding, temporary bonding, and releasable bonding. For the temporary connection, see the definition at the end of paragraph [0038]. The upper sheet layer 202 and the lower sheet layer 203 in the second absorbent article 220 are formed of a nonwoven fabric of thermoplastic synthetic fibers, and in the second seal region 207, the first absorbent article 201 located below the first absorbent article 201. At least the absorption region 6 of the absorption region 6 and the seal region 7 can be seen through. Moreover, in the preferable 2nd absorbent article 220, the 2nd absorption area 206 has overlapped with the intermediate part 7c of the seal | sticker area 7 in the 1st absorbent article 201 like the example of illustration. The article 1 having such an aspect has a particularly high absorption capacity in a portion where the first absorbent article 201 and the second absorbent article 220 overlap.

Similar to the first absorbent article 201 and the absorbent article 1 of FIG. 1, the second absorbent article 220 makes a difference in appearance color attributes in the second absorbent area 206 and the second seal area 207. These areas 206 and 207 can be identified or made easy.

FIG. 7 is also a partially broken plan view of the article 1 showing an example of the embodiment. The article 1 in FIG. 8 also has a second absorbent article 201 and a second absorbent article 220 that overlaps the second absorbent article 201 in the same manner as the article 1 in FIG. 6, but both articles 201 and 220 have approximately the same size. Have. However, unlike the article 1 of FIG. 1, the first absorbent article 201 has four absorbent areas 6, and is separated from the adjacent absorbent areas 6 in the longitudinal direction A, that is, the intermediate part 7 c in the seal area 7. Is formed to be larger than the width W of FIG. The second absorbent article 220 also has four second absorbent areas 206, and each of the second absorbent areas 206 is located in the longitudinal direction A so as to be positioned between the first absorbent areas 6 and 6 adjacent in the longitudinal direction A. Are lined up. The 1st absorbent article 201 and the 2nd absorbent article 220 are joined in the part shown by chain line 230 in any mode of permanent joining, temporarily joining, and joining so that separation is possible. For the temporary connection, see the definition at the end of paragraph [0038].

(A), (b) of FIG. 8 is a partially broken plan view of the first absorbent article 201 and the second absorbent article 220 of FIG. The first absorbent article 201 in FIG. 8A is the same as the article 1 in FIG. 1 except that the number of the absorption regions 6 is four. Moreover, the 2nd absorbent article 220 in FIG.8 (b) is the same as the 2nd absorbent article 220 of FIG. 6 except the magnitude | size with respect to the 1st absorbent article 201, and the number of the 2nd absorption areas 206. FIG. It is.

It is well known that the superabsorbent polymer particles 4, 204 contained in the first absorption region 6 and the second absorption region 206 swell by absorbing moisture such as urine and have a significantly increased volume. . However, if the first absorption region 6 and the second absorption region 206 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the article 1 as shown in FIG. 7 and do not overlap the absorption regions 6, 206, the superabsorbent polymer particles 4, 204 are Even if it swells, the thickness of the article 1 is relatively thin, and the article 1 in the swollen state does not cause a problem that the wearing feeling of the diaper worn together with the article 1 is deteriorated.

In the article 1 of FIG. 7 as well, the absorbent area 6 and the seal area 7 of the first absorbent article 201 from above the second upper sheet layer 202 of the second absorbent article 220 are the same as the article 1 of FIG. Identification is possible. The second absorbent article 220 can also be made so that the second absorbent area 206 and the second seal area 207 can be distinguished from above the second upper sheet layer 202.

The use of the article 1 according to the present invention is not limited to disposable diapers and incontinence patient pants, but in combination with diapers and diaper covers, in combination with urine absorbing pads and incontinence patient pants. It can be used as a urine absorbing pad for use. The article 1 can also be used as a wipe for absorbing and treating water and other absorbent articles. In the article 1 when used as a wipe, a liquid-permeable sheet is used as the lower sheet layer 3. A material can be used, or a liquid-impervious or liquid-impervious sheet material can be used.

1 Absorbent article 2 Sheet material (upper sheet layer)
2b Opposing surface (bottom surface)
3a Opposing surface (upper surface)
3 Sheet material (lower sheet layer)
4 Superabsorbent polymer particles 6 Absorption zone 7 Seal zone 11 Adhesive (hot melt adhesive for fixing polymer particles)
12 Hot-melt adhesive for sealing 201 Absorbent article (first absorbent article)
220 2nd absorbent article (2nd absorbent article)
202 Sheet material (second upper sheet layer)
202b Opposing surface (bottom surface)
203 Sheet material (second lower sheet layer)
203a Opposing surface (upper surface)
204 Superabsorbent polymer particles 206 Second absorption region (second absorption region)
207 Second seal area (second seal area)
211 Adhesive (hot melt adhesive for fixing polymer particles)
A Vertical direction B Horizontal direction C Thickness direction

Claims (16)

An absorbent article in which at least one of the two overlapping sheet materials is liquid-permeable, with high-absorbent polymer particles interposed between opposing surfaces of the two sheet materials,
The absorbent article has an absorption area and a seal area surrounding the absorption area,
In the absorption region, the superabsorbent polymer particles are interposed between the opposing surfaces,
In the seal area, the opposing surfaces are permanently joined together,
In both areas of the absorption area and the seal area, at least one of the three attributes of hue, lightness, and saturation is different from each other so that they can be distinguished from each other. The said absorbent article characterized by the above-mentioned. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein in the absorption region, at least a part of the polymer particles is bonded to at least one of the opposed surfaces via an adhesive. The attribute in the absorption region that can be distinguished from the seal region is at least one of the two sheet materials, the adhesive in the absorption region, and the polymer particles in the absorption region. The absorptive article according to claim 1 or 2 which is an attribute in one. The attribute in the seal area that can be distinguished from the absorption area is an attribute in at least one of the two sheet materials and in at least one of the adhesives in the seal area. The absorbent article in any one of 1-3. The absorption according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the absorbent article includes a plurality of the absorption regions, and at least one of the plurality of absorption regions is formed so as to be distinguishable from the seal region. Sex goods. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the liquid-permeable sheet material is a nonwoven fabric formed of thermoplastic synthetic fibers. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the liquid-permeable sheet material has a total light transmittance of at least 40%. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the absorbent article is in the form of a pad. The absorbent article is laminated with a second absorbent article on the sheet material that is liquid permeable,
The second absorbent article has a second absorbent region in which superabsorbent polymer particles are interposed between opposing surfaces of two overlapping liquid-permeable sheet materials, and the opposing surfaces are permanently joined to each other. A second seal area surrounding the second absorption area;
The absorption according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein when the second absorbent article is seen through, the absorbent area and the seal area of the absorbent article overlapping with the second absorbent article can be distinguished. Sex goods. 10. The absorbent article according to claim 9, wherein the second absorbent article has the second absorbent area overlapped with the seal area of the absorbent article. The absorbent article according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the second absorbent article is joined to the absorbent article in any one of a manner of being permanently joined, temporarily joined, and peelable. The two areas of the second absorption area and the second seal area have at least one of the three attributes of hue, lightness, and saturation in appearance so that they can be distinguished from each other. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 9 to 11, which is different. The attribute of the second absorbent article is at least one of the two liquid-permeable sheet materials, the polymer particles, and the polymer particles in at least one of the opposing surfaces in the second absorption region. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 9 to 12, which is an attribute of at least one of the adhesives to be joined. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the liquid-permeable sheet material in the second absorbent article is a nonwoven fabric formed of thermoplastic synthetic fibers. The absorbent article according to claim 14, wherein the liquid-permeable sheet material has a total light transmittance of at least 40%. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the second absorbent article is in the form of a pad.

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