WO2003015671A1

WO2003015671A1 - Absorbent, and absorptive article

Info

Publication number: WO2003015671A1
Application number: PCT/JP2002/007900
Authority: WO
Inventors: Migaku Suzuki; Satomi Takematsu; Katsuhiko Sugiyama; Kazuyo Mori
Original assignee: Japan Absorbent Technology Institute
Priority date: 2001-08-16
Filing date: 2002-08-02
Publication date: 2003-02-27
Also published as: JP2003052751A; JP4146110B2

Abstract

An absorbent and an absorptive article using this absorbent comprise a top sheet, a back sheet, an absorptive material disposed between these two sheets, and a compressed body disposed in the absorptive material and expansible by absorption of liquid. The compressed body has a portion thereof exposed from the top sheet surface to form an exposed portion.

Description

Specification

Absorber and absorbent article

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an absorbent body and an absorbent article using the same, and more particularly, to an absorbent body having improved absorption performance by improving adhesion to a wearer's body and a urine pad using the same. The present invention relates to absorbent articles such as urinary incontinence products and disposable diapers.

Background art

Conventionally, absorbents used in absorbent articles such as disposable diapers and urine pads have been formed mainly of cottony pulp and an absorbent polymer (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as SAP). Since a large amount of other body fluids are absorbed and retained, they can be used for a long time, and the amount of absorbent articles using such absorbers is increasing year by year.

On the other hand, in recent years, absorbers have become thinner, and the proportion of cottony pulp with a large volume has been reduced, and the proportion of SAP with a small volume and a large absorption has been increasing. However, since SAP has a large absorption capacity for body fluids but a low absorption rate, a thin absorber with a large percentage of SAP absorbs the entire amount with SAP alone when it comes in contact with a large amount of body fluids at once. Was unable to do so, causing a leak. In addition, poor adhesion to the wearer's body created a gap between the absorber and the body, which also caused leakage.

In order to solve such a problem, JP-A-63-264971, JP-A-3-206614, etc. use a crosslinked cellulose in which the inside of a fiber is crosslinked. Thus, there is disclosed a method for improving the compression recovery of the fiber, thereby improving the absorption rate. However, in these methods, although the absorption rate of the liquid is high, the retention capacity is poor, so that the bodily fluid once absorbed returns to the top sheet, and the top sheet is indefinitely wet, making the wearer uncomfortable. And may cause rash. In addition, adhesion to the wearer's body is still poor, If used for a long time, it may cause leakage. Furthermore, such a method has a problem in that the cost of the product is increased due to the necessity of chemical treatment of cellulose, and is disadvantageous for thinning the absorber due to its large volume. Disclosure of the invention

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the conventional absorber, and has good adhesiveness to the wearer's body, particularly to a body fluid outlet, even when formed into a thin shape, and has excellent absorption performance. An object of the present invention is to provide an absorber having a leakage preventing effect, and an absorbent article using the absorber.

The present invention for solving the above problems of the conventional absorber includes the following inventions.

A top sheet positioned on the side facing the wearer's skin, a back sheet positioned on the side facing the clothing, and an absorbent material disposed between the two sheets for absorbing and retaining discharged body fluids And a compression body, which is disposed at least partially in contact with the absorbent material and expands its volume three times or more by liquid absorption, wherein the compression body has at least a part thereof. An absorber characterized by being exposed from the topsheet surface.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below.

The exposed portion of the compressed body has (1) a guide function of absorbing and expanding the body fluid and diffusing and guiding the body fluid to the absorbent material, or (2) absorbing a fluid when the body fluid is discharged, It has a function of guiding the bodily fluid to the absorbent material while expanding to increase the degree of adhesion to the outlet.

(1) at least a portion of the topsheet is exposed from the topsheet surface at a portion of the topsheet corresponding to a crotch part of the wearer; or (2) at least a portion of the topsheet. The topsheet is exposed from the topsheet surface at a portion corresponding to the body fluid discharge port of the wearer, or (3) at least a part of the absorber is on both side edges and / or both end edges from the topsheet surface. The exposed portion of the compression body functions as a leak-proof wall that prevents liquid from absorbing and expanding when the body fluid is discharged. (1) a force mainly composed of a sheet-like composite of an absorbent polymer and a nonwoven fabric substrate, or (2) an absorbent polymer containing 50% or more of an absorbent polymer, or 3) It has a multilayer structure.

The compression body comprises: (1) at least a part thereof is exposed to the surface of the absorbent material, and the remaining part is incorporated in the absorbent material; or (2) a filament bundle is compressed. Is done.

At least a part of the exposed portion of the compressed body is in a non-compressed state in which it is easier to make close contact with the body of the wearer.

A part of the compressed filament bundle is cut to form a non-compressed portion, and an expanded fiber portion having a large number of generated terminals is disposed at a portion corresponding to a body fluid outlet.

(1) whether the compressed body is constituted by compressing an aggregate of short fibers, or (2) is constituted by compressing a nonwoven fabric sheet, or (3) is formed by compressing a foam. Or (4) coated with a liquid-permeable sheet.

The liquid permeable sheet is (1) arranged with a margin so as not to hinder the expansion of the compressed body, or (2) expanded with the expansion of the compressed body.

The present invention is an absorbent article using the absorber according to any of the above.

The absorber of the present invention is quickly diffused and guided into the absorbent material when bodily fluids are discharged, even when the absorber is formed to be thin, due to the action of the compression body disposed in the absorbent material. Since it is well absorbed and retained by the absorbent material, the absorbent material can be effectively used without waste, and has an excellent leakage prevention effect.

In addition, the absorbent article of the present invention using such an absorber has excellent fit without forming a gap with the wearer's skin due to the action of the compressed body even when formed into an ultra-thin body. In addition, when bodily fluids are drained, they are quickly absorbed, so that the body can always maintain a dry feeling. In addition, before use, the product can be made compact, which offers excellent effects on distribution costs, storage space, and portability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing one embodiment of the absorber of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the absorber shown in FIG. 1 is cut along the line XX ′.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an absorber of the present invention showing an example different from FIG.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an absorber of the present invention showing an example different from FIGS. 1 and 3. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the absorber of the present invention showing an example different from FIGS. 1, 3, and 4. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an absorber of the present invention showing an example different from the above example.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the absorber of the present invention showing an example different from the example shown above.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an absorbent article using the absorber of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a pre-compression shape of the compression body 5 used in the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a compression method when the compression body of FIG. 9 is subjected to high-pressure compression molding. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the pre-compression shape of the compression body used in the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a compression method when the compact of FIG. 11 is subjected to high-pressure compression molding from above and below.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a compression method when the compact of FIG. 11 is subjected to high-pressure compression molding from the left and right.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the shape before compression of the compression body used in the present invention, which is different from the example shown above.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a compression method when the compressed body of FIG. 14 is subjected to high-pressure compression molding from above, below, right and left.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a compression method when only a part of the compressed body of FIG. 14 from the left and right is subjected to high-pressure compression molding. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The absorbent body according to the present invention includes a top sheet, a back sheet, an absorbent material that absorbs and retains a bodily fluid disposed between the two sheets, and a compression disposed in the absorbent material. And at least a part of the compressed body is exposed to the surface of the top sheet or β.

The absorbent body of the present invention having such a structure has a property that the compressed body expands its volume three times or more due to liquid absorption and further diffuses the absorbed liquid, and when the body fluid is discharged, The exposed part of the compressed body absorbs and swells, and the body fluid diffuses and is guided to the absorbent material through the exposed part, and is efficiently absorbed and held by the absorbent material, so that the absorbent material is effectively used without waste. It has excellent leakage prevention effect. In the case of the absorbent body of the present invention, it is preferable that the compressed body is exposed from the top sheet surface at the crotch, particularly at the site of the bodily fluid discharge port, so that when the bodily fluid is discharged, the exposed portion absorbs and expands the bodily fluid. This increases the degree of close contact with the outlet, and furthermore, the body function is diffused and guided to the absorbent material by the guide function of the exposed portion, so that it is particularly effective when the body fluid is discharged at a high speed.

For women, in particular, the body fluid outlet is concave, and the discharged body fluid often flows down the body and causes leakage, so adhesion is important.

Even if it is not located at the body fluid outlet, it is preferable that the exposed part of the compressed body be located at the crotch, and the exposed part absorbs the bodily fluid accumulated at the crotch and absorbs the material. It is effective when a large amount of bodily fluid is discharged at once because it diffuses and induces water.

Further, it is preferable that at least a part of the compressed body is exposed to the surface of the absorbent material, and the remaining part is embedded and arranged in the absorbent material. When bodily fluids are induced, the compressed body absorbs and expands to push up the absorbent material, and voids are formed in the absorbent material to temporarily hold the bodily fluids, thereby increasing the absorption efficiency of the absorber. it can.

In addition, when at least a part of the compressed body is exposed from the top sheet surface at both side edges and at both end edges of the absorber, the exposed portion of the compressed body absorbs and expands when the body fluid is discharged, It is preferable because it functions as a leakage prevention wall for preventing leakage of bodily fluids.

As the absorbent material constituting the absorbent body of the present invention, a material obtained by using wood pulp or fluff pulp made of cotton-like non-wood pulp in combination with an absorbent polymer is used. Or a mixture or laminate of heat-fused fibers You. Further, a laminated structure in which the whole is wrapped with a tissue may be used to prevent the absorbent polymer from jumping out. In order to make it thinner and more compact, it is preferable to use one having a structure containing 50% or more of a water-absorbing polymer.

Further, as the absorbent material suitable for the present invention, a sheet-like composite comprising a nonwoven fabric substrate, a water-absorbing polymer and microfibril cellulose is used. More specifically, a coating liquid in which an absorbent polymer and microfibril cellulose are dispersed in a mixed solution of propylene glycol-methanol and water is used as a polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, other thermoplastic resin or rayon, It is a sheet-like composite mainly composed of an absorbent polymer applied to a coating substrate made of cotton, cell mouth, or the like. Microfibril cellulose is an ultrafine fiber with an average fiber length of 0.1 mm or less, obtained by opening wood pulp under a high share. Since the sheet-like composite is obtained by coating an absorbent polymer on a nonwoven fabric, a line coat of an arbitrary width is possible. The coating pattern can be selected from a combination of a front coat and a line coat, or only a line coat. As the absorbent body of the present invention, a plurality of the sheet-like composites may be used by stacking them, or a sheet-like composite obtained by folding a band-like sheet-like composite into multiple layers may be used.

The compressed body used in the present invention has a property of swelling three times or more in volume due to liquid absorption, and further has a property of diffusing the absorbed liquid.

Compressed bodies having such properties include natural fibers and synthetic fibers, preferably relatively short fibers having a fiber length of about 10 to 9 Omm, cellulose such as rayon, cotton, lyocell, and acetate. Formed by using a staple fiber, or a staple fiber that is a mixture of these cellulosic fibers and synthetic fibers, with a card web machine to form a mat, and then press-compressing this at a high pressure to form a compact. Is used. Further, the compressed body used in the present invention includes spunbond, card web, and spunlace nonwoven fabrics made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, etc., preferably, TCF, Venrize, rayon spunlace having good liquid permeability. A non-woven fabric made of a cellulosic material such as air-laid pulp is folded, matted, and then subjected to high-pressure compression molding in a cell, for example, as disclosed in JP-A-54-147694. Compression moldings are used. Further, as the compressed body used in the present invention, a filament bundle (tow) of acetate, polyester, polyethylene Z polyester or the like, preferably a filament bundle subjected to a hydrophilic treatment to enhance liquid permeability, is used. Compression molded as in Yuichi Tobacco Fill is used.

Further, as the compressed body used in the present invention, foams such as urethane foam, cellulose sponge, PVA sponge, etc., preferably those which have been subjected to a hydrophilic treatment in order to enhance liquid permeability into a mat shape. Pressed into a cell and compression molded into a sphere, rod, or strip.

The compressed body used in the present invention is at least partially exposed from the top sheet surface. The shape of the exposed portion of the compression body can be any shape such as a rectangle, a square, a triangle, a circle, an ellipse, a ring, a horseshoe, and the like.

When the entire compressed body is arranged on the surface of the absorbent material, it is necessary to bond and fix the compressed body and the absorbent material. As a method of bonding and fixing, there is a method of bonding a part or the whole of the bonding surface. Examples of bonding means include hot melt adhesive, melting by pressure, and bonding by sewing. In the case of bonding by suturing, there is an effect that only the bonded portion of the compressed body is not expanded at the time of swelling.

In addition, since the exposed portion of the compressed body is a portion that is in close contact with the wearer's body, it is preferable that at least a part of the compressed body is in a non-compressed state, particularly when the compressed body is located at the body fluid outlet of the wearer. It is preferable that the part be in a non-compressed state so that the part can be in close contact with the software.

In such a non-compressed portion, for example, a compressed body is formed from the above-described filament bundle, and the filament bundle in a portion of the exposed portion that is in close contact with the wearer's bodily fluid outlet is cut into discrete fiber portions. Can be formed.

In the present invention, when the compressed body is formed of a highly hydrophilic material such as cellulosic fiber, lack of dry feeling to the body is felt, and fluff is generated on a surface such as a cotton body or a tow. If it is made of such a material, it may cause discomfort to the wearer when it comes into contact with the body, so the surface of the compressed body should be made of hydrophobic material such as polypropylene spunbond, synthetic fiber net, or polyethylene apertured film. It is preferable to cover with a liquid permeable sheet made of a conductive material. PT / JP02 / 07900

8.

When coating the compressed body, it is necessary to prevent the liquid permeable sheet from hindering the expansion of the compressed body during use. Sometimes it is necessary to cover the material of the compact with a liquid permeable sheet and then form the compact.

Alternatively, a method may be used in which a compressed body is formed and then covered with a liquid-permeable sheet made of a stretchable material such as stretchable spun pond or elastic net. As the top sheet used in the present invention, a liquid-permeable sheet made of a material generally used as a sanitary material is used. For example, a sheet such as a nonwoven fabric, a perforated nonwoven fabric, or a mesh sheet made of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, or other synthetic fibers made from other thermoplastic resins can be used.

As the back sheet used in the present invention, a liquid-impermeable sheet made of a material generally used as a sanitary material is used. As the liquid-impermeable sheet, a liquid-impermeable polyethylene sheet is widely used. Preferably, a liquid-impermeable polyethylene sheet is used, or a moisture-permeable sheet such as a polyethylene sheet provided with a filler added to a thermoplastic resin and stretched. Using a liquid-impermeable sheet reduces stuffiness and is comfortable. The liquid impermeable sheet may be used alone, or may be used by laminating with a plurality of nonwoven fabrics.

When the absorbent of the present invention is used as an absorbent article in combination with another material, and when the material to be combined with the back sheet is liquid-impermeable, the knock sheet is not necessarily liquid-impermeable. It does not need to be permeable, and can be formed of a liquid permeable material. It is preferable that the back sheet is formed of a liquid-permeable material because the air permeability becomes good and stuffiness is prevented.

Further, in the present invention, an absorbent article such as a urine pad, a light incontinence pad, or a disposable diaper can be formed by using the absorbent of the present invention as it is or in combination with other materials.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an embodiment of the absorber of the present invention, and FIG. It is a cross-sectional view showing the state where the absorber was cut along the line X-X '.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, an exposed portion 6 of a compression body having an elliptical shape in the longitudinal direction is formed in the absorber 1 at a central portion of the crotch region so as to penetrate the top sheet 2 as shown in FIG. I have. As a result, when the bodily fluid is discharged, the exposed portion 6 of the compressed body absorbs the bodily fluid and expands, and the bodily fluid can be quickly diffused and guided into the absorbent body. In this case, close contact with the body fluid outlet ensures no slippage and excellent fit.

In addition, it is possible to further enhance the fit by forming a part or size of the exposed part 6 so as to be sandwiched between the labia.

As shown in FIG. 2, the absorber 1 includes a top sheet 2, a knock sheet 3, an absorbent material 4 disposed between the two sheets, and an absorbent material 4 disposed therein. And a compression body 5. Further, the compressed body 5 includes a non-compressed portion 7 and a compressed portion 8, and a part of the non-compressed portion 7 is exposed from the top sheet 2 surface to form an exposed portion 6.

In this embodiment, the example in which the compression body 5 is formed by the non-compression part 7 and the compression part 8 is shown, but the whole may be formed only by the compression part.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of an absorber according to the present invention, showing an example different from FIG.

In FIG. 3, the exposed portion 6 of the compression body penetrates the top sheet of the absorber 1 and is formed in an elliptical shape in the width direction at the center of the crotch region. Thus, when the body fluid is discharged, the exposed portion 6 expands by absorbing the body fluid and forms a weir that divides the absorber 1 back and forth, so that urine and feces can be separated. Become.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the absorber of the present invention, showing an example different from FIGS. 1 and 3. In FIG. 4, the exposed portions 6 of the compression body are formed in the both end regions of the absorber 1 in an elliptical shape in the width direction. As a result, when the body fluid is discharged, the exposed portion 6 expands by absorbing the body fluid, and weirs are formed in both end regions of the absorber 1, thereby preventing leakage from the end. Can be.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the absorber of the present invention, showing an example different from FIGS. 1, 3 and 4.

In FIG. 5, the exposed portion 6 of the compressed body is located It is formed in an elliptical shape in the direction. As a result, when the bodily fluid is discharged, the exposed portion 6 expands by absorbing the bodily fluid, and weirs are formed in both side edge regions of the absorber 1, thereby preventing leakage from the side edge portion. Can be.

In FIG. 6, the exposed portion 6 of the compression body is formed in an annular shape, and when arranged closer to the abdomen than the center of the absorber 1, also has a role of fixing the male penis, and the center of the absorber 1 If the exposed portion 6 absorbs body fluids and expands, a weir is formed if the wearer's bowel opening is fitted to the center of the exposed portion 6 However, urine and stool can be separated. It can also have the effect of relieving body pressure in patients with hemorrhoids.

In this embodiment, the top sheet disposed in the portion surrounded by the annular exposed portion 6 is intermittently joined to the surface of the compressed body or the surface of the absorbent material via an adhesive. When the compressed body is located, or when the absorbent material located at this portion is formed of a sheet-like composite, it is not always necessary to arrange the top sheet.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an absorber according to the present invention, showing an example different from the examples shown above.

In FIG. 7, the exposed portion 6 of the compression body is formed in a horseshoe shape, and the same effect as in the example of FIG. 6 can be obtained.

FIG. 8 is a plan view showing one embodiment of an absorbent article using the absorber of the present invention. At the exposed portion arranged at the center of the absorbent article 9, the compressed body 5 expands when the bodily fluid is discharged, and the bodily fluid is quickly absorbed by the absorbent body 1.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a pre-compression shape of the compression body 5 used in the present invention, and FIG. 10 shows an example of a compression method when these are subjected to high-pressure compression molding.

FIG. 9 shows a state in which a web-shaped nonwoven fabric or the like is rolled in a mouth shape, and FIG. 10 shows a state in which these are subjected to high pressure compression molding from above and below.

FIG. 11 shows an example of the shape before compression of the compressed body 5 used in the present invention, which is different from the above-described example. FIGS. 12 and 13 show the shapes when these are subjected to high-pressure compression molding. Here is an example of the compression method. Fig. 11 shows a state in which the filament bundle (toe) is converged, Fig. 12 shows a state in which high-pressure compression molding is performed from above and below, and Fig. 13 shows a state in which high-pressure compression molding is performed from right and left. FIG. 14 shows an example of the pre-compression shape of the compression body 5 used in the present invention, which is further different from the above-described example. FIGS. 15 and 16 show these shapes under high pressure compression molding. The following shows an example of the compression method used in this case.

FIG. 14 shows a state in which the foam is formed into a cylindrical shape, FIG. 15 shows a state in which high-pressure compression molding is performed from the top, bottom, left and right, and FIG. 16 shows a state in which only a part is compressed in high pressure from the left and right. Industrial applicability

The absorbent according to the present invention and the absorbent article using the same are improved in the adhesiveness to the wearer's body and have improved absorbent performance, as well as urine pads, urinary incontinence products and disposable diapers using the same. It is suitable for use as an absorbent article such as.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A topsheet located on the side facing the wearer's skin, a backsheet located on the side facing the garment, and an absorptive between the two sheets to absorb and retain discharged body fluids An absorbent body comprising: a material; and a compressed body that is disposed at least partially in contact with the absorbent material and expands its volume three times or more by liquid absorption, wherein the compressed body has at least a part thereof. An absorber which is exposed from the topsheet surface.

2. The absorber according to claim 1, wherein the exposed portion of the compression body has a guide function of absorbing and expanding the body fluid, and diffusing and guiding the body fluid to the absorbent material.

3. The absorption according to claim 1, wherein the compressed body is at least partially exposed from a surface of the top sheet in a portion of the top sheet corresponding to a crotch part of the wearer. body.

4. The compression body according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least a part of the compression body is exposed from a surface of the top sheet at a portion of the top sheet corresponding to a body fluid discharge outlet of the wearer. 2. The absorber according to item 1.

5. The exposed portion of the compressed body absorbs and expands when bodily fluid is discharged to increase the degree of adhesion to a discharge port, and has a function of guiding the bodily fluid to the absorbent material. 4. The absorber according to 4.

6. At least a part of the compressed body is exposed from the top sheet surface at both side edges and at or both end edges of the absorber, and the exposed portion of the compressed body absorbs liquid and expands when body fluid is discharged. The absorber according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the absorber functions as a leak-proof wall that prevents leakage.

7. The absorbent body according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the absorbent material is mainly composed of a sheet-like composite of an absorbent polymer and a nonwoven fabric substrate.

8. The absorber according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the absorbent material contains 50% or more of an absorbent polymer.

9. The absorbent material has a multilayer structure. The absorber according to any one of the above.

10. The compression body according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least a part of the compression body is exposed on a surface of the absorbent material, and a remaining part is incorporated in the absorbent material. The absorbent body according to the item.

11. The absorbent body according to claim 1, wherein the compressed body is formed by compressing a filament bundle.

12. The non-compressed state in which at least a part of the exposed portion of the compressed body is in a non-compressed state that facilitates softer contact with the body of the wearer. The absorber according to any one of the above.

1 3. A part of the compressed filament bundle is cut off to form a non-compressed part, and a swollen fiber part having a large number of generated terminals is disposed at a part corresponding to a body fluid outlet. 13. The absorber according to claim 11 or 12, wherein:

14. The absorber according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the compressed body is formed by compressing an aggregate of short fibers.

1 5. The absorbent body according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the compressed body is configured by compressing a nonwoven fabric sheet.

1 6. The absorber according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the compressed body is formed by compressing a foam.

17. The absorber according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the compression body is covered with a liquid-permeable sheet.

18. The absorber according to claim 17, wherein the liquid-permeable sheet is arranged with a margin so as not to hinder the expansion of the compressed body.

19. The absorbent body according to claim 17, wherein the liquid-permeable sheet expands as the compressed body expands.

20. An absorbent article using the absorber according to any one of claims 1 to 19.