RU2705608C1 - Absorbent article - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: hygiene.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to an absorbent article which includes upper sheet (12) formed from a composite sheet; back sheet (13) and absorbent member (14) disposed between the upper sheet and the back sheet, wherein composite sheet (10) has first direction (X), which extends in article longitudinal direction, and second direction (Y), which extends in article width direction, first sheet (1) and second sheet (2), which form multilayer material, are partially connected to each other and form multiple connected zones; first sheet (1) in its parts, other than connected zones (31, 32 and 33), protrudes so that it is distant from second sheet (2), and forms ledges projecting towards user's skin; composite sheet (10) has middle zone (M) and two side zones (S), in which ledges are formed with respectively different configurations; protrusions (41), which are highest in middle zone (M), have a height that is greater than height of projections (41'), which are highest in side zones (S), and middle zone (M) has a deformation value during compression, which exceeds value of deformation of side zones (S) at compression.

EFFECT: absorbent article is disclosed.

78 cl, 24 dwg

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to an absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper, sanitary napkin or urological napkin.

State of the art

[0002]

In the past, a sheet whose surface on the side facing the user's skin was irregularly formed by embossing or the like was known as an overlay of an absorbent article such as a disposable diaper, sanitary napkin or urological pad. In addition, a technical solution was known to reduce the contact area between the skin of the user and the top sheet by forming the surface of the top sheet on the side facing the skin with an uneven shape to improve breathability and reduce adhesion to the skin.

[0003]

To increase breathability and reduce adhesion to the skin, it is preferable that the shape-keeping ability of an uneven top sheet is high. However, with the improvement in the ability to maintain shape, as a rule, the texture (sensation on the skin) deteriorates, and the ability to absorb liquid from the surface of the top sheet towards the absorbent element may also deteriorate.

[0004]

In patent literature 1 and 2, it is described that a plurality of uneven areas having protrusions with different shapes and heights are formed on the top sheet of a disposable diaper.

[0005]

A typical absorbent article includes a liquid permeable sheet, a liquid impermeable top sheet, a back sheet, and an elongated absorbent element located between these sheets. Typically, the absorbent element is mainly formed from a liquid-retaining absorbent core containing an absorbent material, such as wood pulp or absorbent polymer, and may further include paper, non-woven material or the like for closing the absorbent core.

[0006]

A sheet whose surface facing the user's skin is formed with an uneven shape as a result of pressure treatment, such as embossing, was known as the top sheet of an absorbent article. In addition, a technical solution was known to reduce the contact area between the skin of the user and the top sheet by forming a surface of the top sheet facing the skin with an irregular shape to improve breathability and reduce adhesion to the skin. For example, Patent Literature 2 discloses that a non-woven material having an uneven shape that can be used as the top sheet of an absorbent article is a non-woven material that has a configuration in which comb-like protrusions and grooves extending in one direction are arranged alternately in a direction that is orthogonal to a given one direction, and in which a plurality of zones with different heights of comb-like protrusions are formed, and the diameter of the fibers that form the zones with relatively higher ridge-shaped protrusions among the plurality of zones, made smaller than the diameter of the fibers in areas with relatively lower ridge-shaped protrusions. It should be noted that the main objective of the decision on patent literature 2 is to simply fabricate a nonwoven material with uneven configurations partially differing in this way, and there is no specific description of the use cases of such nonwoven material or the effects and effects of it.

[0007]

In addition, an absorbent core of a block type, in which zones having the appearance of grooves and extending in directions in a plane are formed, was known as the absorbent core of an absorbent article. The absorbent core of the block type easily undergoes deformation when bent under the influence of an external force due to its structure, and therefore the absorbent core has a very good ability to adhere to the body, due to which it is deformed in accordance with the surface of the skin, the profile of which changes in a wavelike complex manner, and enters surface contact with it without any clearance, and the ability to follow the movements, due to which it is deformed in accordance with the movement of the user's body and maintains surface contact with the skin surface. For example, in patent literature 3 it is described that a low stiffness zone formed from a block zone is formed so that it extends in the longitudinal direction in the middle in the direction of the width of the absorbent core of the block type, which is elongated in the longitudinal direction, and a zone of high stiffness, formed from zones without blocks, respectively, are located on the left and right sides of the zone of low rigidity. It should be noted that in patent literature 3 there is no description that the top sheet having an uneven shape is used together with such an absorbent block type core.

List of links

Patent Literature

[0008]

Patent Literature 1: JP 2009-136349A

Patent Literature 2: JP 2012-214938A

Patent Literature 3: JP 2013-255566A

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009]

The invention (the first aspect) is directed to an absorbent product, including: an upper sheet formed from a composite sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent element located between the top sheet and the back sheet. The composite sheet has a first direction that runs along the longitudinal direction of the product, and a second direction that runs along the width direction of the product, the first sheet and second sheet that form the multilayer material are partially joined to each other and form many connected zones, and the first sheet in its parts other than the connected zones, protrudes so that it is distant from the second sheet, and forms protrusions protruding towards the skin of the user. The composite sheet has a middle zone and two side zones located on both sides of the middle zone, in which the protrusions are formed with correspondingly different configurations. The middle first protrusions, which are the highest protrusions in the middle zone, have a height that is greater than the height of the side first protrusions, which are the highest protrusions in the side zones. The middle zone has a value of deformation during compression, exceeding the value of deformation of the side zones during compression.

[0010]

The invention (the second aspect) is directed to an absorbent product, including: an absorbent element including an absorbent core containing absorbent material, and a top sheet material that is provided on the side of the surface of the absorbent element facing the skin, while the absorbent product has a longitudinal a direction corresponding to a direction from the front side to the rear side of the user, and a transverse direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction. The absorbent element has a core region having low stiffness located in the middle in the transverse direction of the absorbent core and extending in the longitudinal direction, and core zones having high stiffness located in the transverse direction on both sides of the core zone having low stiffness and having stiffness, higher than the stiffness of the core zone having low stiffness. The material of the upper sheet has a zone of the upper sheet having a low stiffness and extending in the longitudinal direction so that it overlaps the core zone having a low stiffness in plan view and zones of the upper sheet having a high stiffness located in the transverse direction on both sides of the zone the top sheet having low stiffness and having a stiffness higher than the stiffness of the zone of the top sheet having low stiffness, while the areas of the top sheet having high stiffness and the core zones having high stiffness st, overlap in the plan view. The absorbent article of the first aspect preferably includes all or some of the constituent elements of the absorbent article of the second aspect, or all or some of the constituent elements of the absorbent article of the embodiment described later. The longitudinal direction of the product in the second aspect corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the product in the first aspect, and the transverse direction of the product in the second aspect corresponds to the width direction of the product in the first aspect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a basic configuration of a disposable diaper, which is an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the invention (first aspect).

[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of Fig. 1.

[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a plan view showing a top sheet of a disposable diaper according to the first embodiment.

[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view showing a part of the middle zone of the composite sheet used in the first embodiment.

[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is an enlarged perspective view showing a portion of a side zone of a composite sheet used in the first embodiment.

[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is an explanatory view of the effects and effects of the invention (first aspect), wherein Fig. 6 (a) is a schematic section taken along the width direction of a top sheet (composite sheet) that is not squeezed, and FIG. 6 (b) is a schematic section taken along the width direction of the top sheet (composite sheet), which is squeezed while wearing the diaper.

[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a schematic view showing a state in which the density of fibers near the base of the middle of the first protrusion is increased due to compression.

[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a plan view showing in enlarged view a portion of the middle zone of the composite sheet used in the first embodiment.

[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 (a) is a section taken along the line Va-Va in Fig. 8, Fig. 9 (b) is a section taken along the line Vb-Va in Fig. 8, and 9 (c) is a section taken along the line Vc-Vc in FIG.

[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a plan view showing an enlarged view of a portion of a side zone of a composite sheet used in the first embodiment.

[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a section taken along the line Vd-Vd in Fig. 10.

[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a schematic plan view showing a preferred arrangement of middle continuous protrusions and elastic elements in a zone of placement of elastic elements formed in the back of a disposable diaper according to the first embodiment.

[Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a schematic view showing an apparatus that is suitably used for manufacturing the composite sheet shown in Fig. 3.

[Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a view showing a state in which the protrusions of the second roller engage with the circumferential peripheral surface of the portion of the first roller intended to form the middle zone in the unfolded state in the plane.

[Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a view showing a state in which the protrusions of the second roller engage with the circumferential peripheral surface of the parts of the first roller intended to form side zones in an unfolded state in a plane.

[Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a plan view schematically showing a surface facing the skin, that is, the side of the top sheet of a disposable diaper, which is an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the invention (second aspect), in its open state, in which the elastic elements of each part are not tightened and straightened.

[Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is a side sectional view schematically showing a section taken along line I-I in Fig. 16.

[Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a plan view schematically showing a portion of a skin-facing surface of a top sheet housed in a diaper shown in Fig. 16.

[Fig. 19] Fig. 19 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing part of a zone of a top sheet having low stiffness in a top sheet placed in a diaper shown in Fig. 16.

[Fig. 20] Fig. 20 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing a portion of a zone of a top sheet having high rigidity in a top sheet placed in a diaper shown in Fig. 16.

[Fig. 21] Fig. 21 is a plan view schematically showing a skin-facing surface of an absorbent core according to another embodiment of an absorbent article of the invention (second aspect).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012]

The technical solution disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is intended to prevent leakage by regulating horizontal dispersion of the liquid by using protrusions, and there is no description of the configuration for improving both breathability and liquid absorption. Patent Literature 2 also lacks a description of a configuration intended to improve both breathability and liquid absorption capacity.

[0013]

The invention (the first aspect) relates to an absorbent article that solves the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

[0014]

In the following, the invention (first aspect) will be described (described) below with reference to the drawings based on preferred embodiments thereof.

1 and 2 show the basic structure of a disposable diaper 100 (hereinafter referred to simply as a diaper 100), which is an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the invention (first aspect).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the diaper 100 includes a liquid permeable top sheet 12, liquid impermeable, a back sheet 13 and an absorbent member 14 that is located between the top sheet 12 and the back sheet 13. With respect to the back liquid impermeability sheet 13 is a concept also covering a minimum liquid permeability and also corresponding to a case in which the back sheet 13 is formed of a water-repellent sheet or the like, in addition to the case in which the back sheet 13 is generally not tolerated m liquid passage therethrough.

[0015]

The diaper 100 has a longitudinal direction Xa of the product, which is a direction corresponding to the direction from the front side to the rear side of the user when wearing the diaper, and a direction Ya of the width of the product, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction Xa of the product, when the diaper 100 is flattened, as shown in figure 1. In addition, the diaper 100 includes in the longitudinal direction Xa of the article a front portion A that is worn around the front side of the wearer when wearing the diaper, a back portion B that is worn around the back side of the wearer when wearing the diaper, and a crotch portion C that is located between the front part A and back part B. The diaper 100 is a disposable diaper of the type disclosed and includes fastening tapes 17 that are provided on both side edge parts of the back part B, and the receiving Onu 18, which is made on the outer surface of the front part A and to which fastening tapes 17 are attached.

[0016]

The absorbent member 14 of the diaper 100 includes an absorbent core 14a and a core wrapping sheet 14b that wraps the absorbent core 14a. The absorbent core 14a may be formed from a stack of fibers that is formed from an absorbent fiber, such as cellulose fiber, or from a stack of fiber blend that is formed from an absorbent fiber and an absorbent polymer. Examples of the absorbent fiber include cellulose-based hydrophilic fibers such as cellulose fiber, cellulose hydrate fiber, cotton fiber, and cellulose acetate fiber. In addition to cellulose-based hydrophilic fibers, materials obtained by imparting hydrophilicity to fibers made from synthetic resins such as polyolefin, polyester and polyamide can be used by using a surfactant. For example, sanitary paper or permeable non-woven material is used as the sheet 14b for wrapping the core. The entire absorbent core 14a may be wrapped with one core wrapping sheet 14b, or may be wrapped with a combination of two or more core wrapping sheets 14b. As the back sheet 13, a liquid-impervious or water-repellent polymer film, a multilayer sheet of a polymer film and non-woven material or the like is used.

[0017]

Since leakage protection cuff sheets 15 that include elastic elements 15a are located on both sides of the diaper 100 in the longitudinal direction Xa of the article, leakage protection cuffs that rise toward the wearer's skin due to the elastic elements 15a being pulled together are formed in the crotch part C when wearing a diaper. In addition, since the elastic elements of the 16 leg parts are placed in a stretched state in the crotch part C to be placed around the legs, the leg cuffs are designed to improve the fit around the user's legs by tightening the elastic elements of the 16 leg parts when wearing the diaper are formed in the perineal part C.

[0018]

Each of the fastening tapes 17 in the disposable diaper 100 is formed from a tape base material 17a and a male fastening element of the mechanical fastener, which is attached to the tape base material 17a to form the fastening part 17c, and the receiving zone 18 is formed by attaching the female element of the mechanical fastener - Velcro and non-woven non-woven fabric to the backsheet 13. A portion of the tape base material 17a of the fastening tape 17 forms a fixing portion 17b that is fixed to dy backsheet 13 and the sheet 15 to form a cuff, protecting from leaks. The plurality of elastic members 19 that allow the diaper 100 to be pulled in the width direction are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction Xa of the diaper between the left and right fastening tapes 17. It is preferred that the plurality of elastic members 19 are placed in the form of an elastic sheet 19s fixed between two non-woven sheets material or a nonwoven sheet folded in half so that the ends of the elastic sheet 19s or the ends of the elastic elements 19 included in the elastic sheet 19s overlap the parts 17b for ixation. The attachment parts 17c of the fastening tapes 17 may also be adhesive parts or the like formed by applying adhesive to the tape base materials 17a. As the tape base materials 17a, various types of known materials, such as non-woven material, can be used.

[0019]

The top sheet 12 of the disposable diaper 100 of the first embodiment is formed from the composite sheet 10 shown in FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 3, the composite sheet 10 has a first direction X, which extends along the longitudinal direction Xa of the diaper 100 (longitudinal direction Xa of the article), and a second direction Y, which extends along the width direction Ya of the diaper 100 (article width direction Ya). In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the composite sheet 10 has a middle zone M and two side zones S and S located on both sides of the middle zone M, in which protrusions 4 with correspondingly different configurations are formed. The middle zone M is located in the middle in the direction Ya of the width of the diaper 100 (direction Ya of the width of the article), and two side zones S and S are formed in the second direction Y from the outer sides of the two side edges of the middle zone M. The middle zone M and the side zones S and S on its both sides, in which the protrusions 4 are formed with correspondingly different configurations, are preferably formed at least in the crotch part C, more preferably over the entire area from the crotch part C to one or both of the front part A and the back part B or alongThis length of the absorbent member 14 and still more preferably along the entire length of the diaper 100 in the longitudinal direction of the diaper 100 Ha.

[0020]

Figure 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the middle zone M of the composite sheet 10. Figure 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the side zones S of the composite sheet 10. The side zones S are formed in places bilaterally symmetrical with respect to the center line (not shown), extending along the longitudinal direction Xa of the diaper 100, and the protrusions and recesses are formed with the configuration shown in FIG. 5 in each of the side zones S.

[0021]

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the composite sheet 10 is such that in all of the middle zone M and the side zones S, the first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2, which form the laminate, are partially joined to each other by embossing and form a plurality of connected zones , and the first sheet 1 in its parts other than the connected zones, protrudes so that it is distant from the second sheet 2, and forms protrusions protruding towards the skin of the user. In all of the middle zone M and the side zones S, the composite sheet 10 is substantially flat on its surface located on the side of the second sheet 2, and has protrusions and recesses with significant undulation on its surface located on the side of the first sheet 1.

[0022]

The first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2 are formed from sheet material. Examples of the sheet material include fibrous sheets such as non-woven fabric, woven fabric and knitted fabric, film and the like. A fibrous sheet, especially a nonwoven fabric, is preferably used as a sheet material due to the fact that it feels comfortable on the skin. The first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2 can be formed from sheet materials of the same type or can be formed from sheet materials of different types.

[0023]

When a nonwoven fabric is used as a sheet material to form the first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2, examples of the nonwoven fabric include a nonwoven fabric bonded by passing air through, a nonwoven fabric of a spunbond production method, a nonwoven fabric obtained by hydro-entangling, a nonwoven fabric obtained by melt aerodynamic method , nonwovens1 resin bonded material, needle-woven nonwoven fabric, and the like. A foot can also be used in which two or more non-woven materials of these types can be combined with each other, or a foot in which non-woven materials of these types can be combined with a film, and the like. Preferably, from these materials, a nonwoven material bonded through the passage of air through, or a nonwoven material of a spunbond production method, is used. The surface density of the nonwoven material used as the sheet material forming the first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2 is preferably 10 g / m ² or more and more preferably 15 g / m ² or more and preferably 40 g / m ² or less and more preferably 35 g / m ² or less. The surface density of the nonwoven material is preferably from 10 to 40 g / m ² and more preferably from 15 to 35 g / m ² .

[0024]

The fiber obtained from thermoplastic resins of various types can be used as fiber for the formation of non-woven material. Examples of thermoplastic resins include a polyolefin such as polyethylene and polypropylene, a polyester such as polyethylene terephthalate, a polyamide such as nylon 6 and nylon 66, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid alkyl ester, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride and the like. One of these resins can be used on its own, or two or more of them can be used together. In addition, these resins can be used in the form of a multicomponent fiber, such as a multicomponent fiber with a core and a sheath or a multicomponent fiber with the arrangement of the components side by side.

[0025]

The composite sheet 10 has middle first protrusions 41, which are the highest protrusions in the middle zone M, and side first protrusions 41 ', which are the highest protrusions in the side zones S. The middle first protrusions 41 have a height that is greater than the height of the side first protrusions 41 '. The middle zone M, having the middle first protrusions 41, has a compressive strain greater than the compressive deformation of the side zones S with the side first protrusions 41 '.

[0026]

Since the middle first protrusions 41 have a height that is greater than the height of the lateral first protrusions 41 ', and the middle zone M, which has the middle first protrusions 41, has a compressive strain exceeding the compressive strain of the side zones S that have the first side protrusions 41 ', the disposable diaper 100 of the first embodiment provides the following effects.

That is, as shown in FIG. 6, when the composite sheet 10 is pressed against the skin of the user while wearing the diaper 100, the middle first protrusions 41 in the middle zone M, located next to the part of the user’s body that emits the liquid, are springy deformed in their parts near the vertices, as shown in FIGS. 6 (b) and 7, to create a good feel on the skin, while the fiber density in portions K near the bases of the protrusions 41 increases as a result of compression, since the middle first protrusions 41 have a height that is greater than the lateral height first projections 41 'and the middle area M has a value of deformation when squeezed in excess amount of strain of the side areas S when squeezed. Thus, a diaper 100 having very good absorbent properties can be obtained by placing the middle zone M near the part of the user's body that releases the liquid and forming a large number of places where the liquid is quickly absorbed.

Meanwhile, since the lateral first protrusions 41 'formed in the lateral zones S have a height that is less than the height of the middle first protrusions 41, and the lateral zones S have a compressive strain that is less than a deformation of the middle zone M during compression, even when pressed of the composite sheet 10 to the skin of the user, the likelihood of flattening of the lateral first protrusions 41 'will be relatively less, and a state in which the contact area between the skin and the upper sheet is small will be relatively stable flax. Thus, the breathability of the diaper 100 is increased, and the “retention” of heat and moisture is more effectively suppressed.

Under these influences, the disposable diaper 100 of the first embodiment provides both very good breathability and very good ability to draw in liquid.

[0027]

To more reliably achieve the above effects, the height H1 of the middle first protrusions 41 (see FIG. 9 (a)) is preferably 105% or more and more preferably 110% or more, preferably 200% or less and more preferably 150% or less and it is preferably 105-200% and more preferably 110-150% of the height H1 'of the lateral first protrusions 41' (see Fig.11).

In addition, the height H1 of the middle first protrusions 41 is preferably 0.5 mm or more and more preferably 1 mm or more, preferably 5 mm or less and more preferably 4 mm or less, and preferably 0.5-5 mm and more preferably 1-4 mm.

Furthermore, the height H1 ′ of the lateral first protrusions 41 ′ is preferably 0.3 mm or more and more preferably 0.6 mm or more, preferably 4 mm or less, and more preferably 3 mm or less, and preferably 0.3-4 mm and more preferably 0.6-3 mm.

In addition, on the assumption that the height H1> height H1 ′, the difference in height H1 of the middle first protrusions 41 and height H1 ′ of the side first protrusions 41 ′ is preferably 0.1 mm or more and more preferably 0.2 mm or more, preferably is 2 mm or less, and more preferably 1 mm or less, and is preferably 0.1-2 mm and more preferably 0.2-1 mm.

[0028]

The height of the protrusions 4 of the composite sheet 10 is the distance from the lower surface of the second sheet 2, oriented towards the absorbent element 14, to the upper surface of the first sheet 1, on which the vertices of the protrusions 4 are formed.

[0029]

The amount of deformation during compression of the middle zone M and the amount of deformation during compression of the side zones is determined as follows.

[Method for determining the amount of deformation by compression]

Samples are obtained by cutting parts, each of which has a given size; the thickness of these parts is measured at a pressure of 0.1 kPa and then at a pressure of 2.0 kPa. The difference obtained by subtracting the thickness at a pressure of 2.0 kPa from the thickness at a pressure of 0.1 kPa is taken as the amount of deformation during compression.

The measurement is performed at three or more arbitrary points per sample, and the thickness is obtained as the average of two samples (at six or more measurement points).

Two samples cut from two upper sheets (composite sheets) are used as samples for measurements, and three or more arbitrary points in each of the middle zone and left and right side zones of the samples are taken as parts for measurements.

A rectangular flat plate with a size of 20 mm × 30 mm is placed on each part for measurements, and the thickness is measured at a pressure of 2.0 kPa and at a pressure of 0.1 kPa in each part for measurements.

This thickness is the thickness of the middle zone M, including a plurality of middle first protrusions 41, or side zones S, including a plurality of lateral first protrusions 41 '.

The difference in thickness values is calculated by subtracting the thickness at a pressure of 2.0 kPa from the thickness at a pressure of 0.1 kPa for each part for measurements.

For the middle zone M, the average of the differences in the thickness values in a total of six or more measurement parts is taken as the strain value during compression in the middle zone of the first protrusions 41, and for the left and right side zones S, the average of the differences in the thickness values in total 12 or more measurement portions are taken as the amount of deformation during compression in the area of the lateral first protrusions 41 '.

For example, when measuring a sample of a diaper compressed in a packaging bag from a sample obtained by separating the top sheet from the diaper and allowing the top sheet to stand for one day or more, a part with a given size is cut using a sharp razor. A flat plate, adjusted to create a pressure of 0.1 kPa, is placed so that it covers the entire cut sample. After one minute or more, measure the distance from the horizontal supporting surface on which the sample is placed to a flat plate. After that, the measurement is carried out in a similar manner also at 2.0 kPa.

If visual measurement is difficult, the cross-section of the cut sample can be measured, for example, by inspection using a microscope (VHX-1000 manufactured by Keyence) at a magnification of 20-100 times.

[0030]

The height H1 of the middle first protrusions 41 and the height H1 'of the lateral first protrusions 41' are measured as follows.

[Method for measuring the height of the protrusions]

The sample is cut using a sharp razor, and obtained by cutting, the end surface is inspected to measure the shortest distance between the lower surface of the second sheet 2 and the upper surface of the top of each protrusion. The resulting value is taken as the height of each protrusion. If visual measurement is difficult, the cross-section of the cut sample can be measured, for example, by inspection using a microscope (VHX-1000 manufactured by Keyence) at a magnification of 20-100 times. For example, when measuring a sample of a diaper placed in a compressed state in a packaging bag, this value is the value obtained by measuring as described above on a sample obtained by separating the top sheet from the diaper and allowing the top sheet to stand for one day or more. The height of the protrusions is measured in the absence of load.

[0031]

Hereinafter, the composite sheet 10 used in the top sheet 12 of the diaper 100 of the first embodiment will be described further.

[Configuration of the middle zone M of the composite sheet 10]

Fig. 8 is an enlarged plan view of the middle zone M of the composite sheet 10 shown in Fig. 3. Fig.9 (a) -9 (c) are sections made respectively along the lines Va-Va, Vb-Vb and Vc-Vc in Fig.8.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 8, a plurality of rows of middle continuous protrusions 40 extending continuously in the second direction Y are formed at regular intervals in the first direction X in the middle zone M of the composite sheet 10. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 ( a) each of the middle continuous protrusions 40 is formed by connecting together the middle first protrusions 41 and the middle second protrusions 42, lower than the middle first protrusions 41, which are alternately in the second direction Y. In this description, the state in which the protrusions conn inenia, refers to a state in which two adjacent protrusions are not separated from each other by a connected zone, part of the first protrusion forms part of the second protrusion and part of the second protrusion forms part of the first protrusion.

The middle first protrusions 41 and the middle second protrusions 42 forming the middle continuous protrusions 40 preferably have cavities at least on the rear side of the middle first protrusions 41 and more preferably have cavities on the back side of all protrusions, so that the cavities on the back side of the middle first protrusions 41 and cavities on the rear side of the middle second protrusions 42 are continuously arranged and form continuous hollow portions 40V extending continuously in the second direction Y from the rear side of the middle continuous protrusions 40.

As shown in FIG. 8, each of the middle first protrusions 41 and the middle second protrusions 42 forming the middle continuous protrusions 40 is substantially circular in plan view. In addition, each of the middle first protrusions 41 and the middle second protrusions 42 is formed with a shape that has a vertex in both sections along the first direction X and the second direction Y.

[0032]

As shown in FIG. 8, in the middle zone M of the composite sheet 10, un embossed zones N extending in the second direction Y and having no connected zone along their entire length in the second direction Y, and embossed zones E extending in the second direction Y and having connected zones located regularly are alternately formed along the first direction X.

The first connected zones 31 and the second connected zones 32 are formed in the embossed zone E in the form of connected zones, which are formed when the first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2, which form the multilayer material, are partially joined to each other by embossing. The first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2 are pressed together to form one by one by embossing in these connected zones 31 and 32, so that both the first sheet and the second sheet are sealed in the connected zones 31 and 32 to a greater extent than any other parts. The first sheet and the second sheet are preferably bonded to each other by fusion by melting the resin forming one or both of the first sheet and the second sheet and curing the resin after melting.

[0033]

In each of the embossed zones E, the locations of the first connected zones 31 and the second connected zones 32 in the second direction Y are different from each other, as shown in FIG. In addition, the lengths L1 and L2 of the first connected zones 31 and the second connected zones 32 in the second direction Y also differ from each other. Each of the first connected zones 31 is rectangular in a plan view, and each side of the rectangle corresponds to a first X direction or a second Y direction. Each of the second connected zones 32 is substantially square in a plan view, and each side of the square corresponds to a first X direction or second direction Y.

The first connected zones 31 with the shape of rectangles, each of which has long sides corresponding to the first direction X, are arranged in a row with intervals in the second direction Y. Accordingly, the rows R1 of the first connected zones are formed along the second direction Y. The second connected zones 32, each of which it has two sides orthogonal to each other, while one of these sides corresponds to the second direction Y and the other of these sides corresponds to the first direction X, are arranged in a row at intervals the second direction Y. Accordingly, the rows R2 of the second connected zones are formed along the second direction Y.

In each of the rows R1 of the first connected zones, the intervals between the first connected zones 31 in the second direction Y are constant. In each of the rows R2 of the second connected zones, the intervals between the second connected zones 32 in the second direction Y are two types of intervals, with larger intervals and smaller intervals being alternately formed. In each of the rows R1 of the first connected zones, all locations of the first connected zones 31, when viewed along the second direction Y, are the same. In addition, in each of the rows R2 of the second connected zones, all locations of the second connected zones 32, when viewed along the second direction Y, are the same.

[0034]

As shown in FIG. 8, each of the embossed zones E includes one row R1 of first connected zones and two rows R2 of second connected zones located in the first direction X on both sides of row R1 of the first connected zones.

In the case of one of the first connected zones 31, forming the rows R1 of the first connected zones, a total of four second connected zones 32, forming two rows R2 of the second connected zones, are located in the immediate vicinity around the first connected zone 31 so that the angles of the second connected zones 32, respectively facing the four corners of the first connected zone 31. Accordingly, a group of 30 connected zones formed from one first connected zone 31 and four second connected zones 32 located around this first connected second zone 31. In each of the embossed zones E plurality of groups bonded areas 30 are formed at regular intervals in the second direction Y.

[0035]

In the composite sheet 10, the first connected zones 31 and the second connected zones 32 are formed with this configuration, and the first sheet 1 in its parts corresponding to the unembossed zones N and its parts corresponding to the zones between the first connected zones 31 in the embossed zones E is extruded with the back side or suction from the surface side during the manufacture of the composite sheet 10, for example, so that the middle continuous protrusions 40 including the middle first protrusions 41, the middle third protrusions 43, and the like with shapes in ides in plan and cross-sectional shapes shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 are formed in the middle zone M of the composite sheet 10.

[0036]

Each of the middle continuous projections 40 in the middle zone M of the composite sheet 10 used in the first embodiment extends continuously in the second direction Y and has parts with a small width that are regularly arranged in the second direction Y. In particular, as shown in FIG. , the middle first protrusion 41 is formed between the two first connected zones 31 facing each other, while the unembossed zone N is located between them, and the middle second protrusion 42 is formed in the zone surrounded by a total of four second connected zones 32, consisting of two pairs of second connected zones 32, facing each other, while the non-embossed zone N is located between them. The lengths in the direction along the first direction X are such that the length L42 of the middle second protrusion 42 is shorter than the length L41 of the middle first protrusion 41. In the middle continuous protrusions 40, the part formed from the middle second protrusion 42 is a narrowed part with a width (length in the first direction X ), which is less than the width of the part formed from the middle of the first protrusion 41.

[0037]

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 (c), the composite sheet 10 used in the first embodiment has discontinuous middle third protrusions 43 in the embossed zones E, each of which is surrounded by an annular recess. Each of the middle third protrusions 43 is formed with a shape that has a vertex in both sections along the first direction X and the second direction Y. The middle third protrusions 43 have a height that is less than the height of the middle first protrusions 41. The middle third protrusions 43 respectively have cavities 43V on their back, but may not have such 43V cavities.

[0038]

As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of middle third protrusions 43 are arranged in a straight line shape at regular intervals in a second direction Y, and therefore, rows of middle third protrusions are formed. The middle second protrusions 42 and the middle third protrusions 43 are formed at the same location in the second direction Y. More specifically, the middle second protrusions 42 and the middle third protrusions 43 are arranged alternately along the first X direction and in a straight line. The middle third protrusions 43 are located between the middle first protrusions 41, 41 in the directions Da and Db that intersect the second direction Y. The directions Da and Db that intersect the second direction Y in this embodiment are directions that are inclined relative to both the first direction X and the second direction Y, but the middle third protrusion 43 may be located between the middle first protrusions 41, 41 in the first direction X, which is the direction that intersects the second direction Y.

In addition, as shown in Fig. 8, when considering the fourth protrusions 44, in addition to the middle second protrusions 42 and the middle third protrusions 43, it should be noted that the protrusions of these three types are arranged regularly and in a straight line along the first direction X in the following order: middle second protrusion 42, the fourth protrusion 44, the middle third protrusion 43, and then the fourth protrusion 44.

Each of the fourth protrusions 44 has a substantially flat upper surface. Despite the fact that the fourth protrusions 44 in the real sense are “protrusions”, the fourth protrusions 44 have a lower height than any of the middle first and second protrusions 41 and 42, forming the middle continuous protrusions 40, and have a comparatively lower height than the middle third the protrusions 43, and therefore, the fourth protrusions 44 can be called recesses when compared with these protrusions.

[0039]

The middle first protrusions 41, the middle second protrusions 42, the middle third protrusions 43 and the fourth protrusions 44 described above are formed on the first sheet 1 forming the middle zone M of the composite sheet 10 used in this embodiment. The fourth protrusions 44 are shorter than any of the middle first protrusions 41, the middle second protrusions 42, and the middle third protrusions 43.

[Configuration of the side zones S of the composite sheet 10]

[0040]

As shown in FIG. 3, in two side zones S, S of the composite sheet 10, protrusions in which the first sheet 1 in its parts other than the connected zones protrudes in the direction of its removal from the second sheet 2 are formed with a configuration different from the configuration protrusions in the middle zone M. The expression "varying configurations of protrusions" refers to all cases in which only the locations of the protrusions are different, cases in which the shapes of the protrusions differ, and cases in which both the locations and the shapes of the protrusions are different. Cases in which the locations of the protrusions are different include cases in which the distances between the protrusions are different. In addition, cases in which the shapes of the protrusions are different include cases in which the shapes of the protrusions in the plan view are different.

In the composite sheet 10 of this embodiment, the locations and shapes of the protrusions in the middle zone M are different from the locations and shapes of the protrusions in the two side zones S, S.

[0041]

Figure 10 is an enlarged plan view of the side zones S of the composite sheet 10 shown in Figure 3. 11 is a section taken along the line Vd-Vd in figure 10.

As shown in these drawings, in the lateral zones S of the composite sheet 10, a plurality of second-connected rows R of connected regions in the second direction, in which the third connected regions 33 are arranged regularly with two types of La and Lb intervals along the second Y direction, are formed along the first X direction. More specifically, the rows R of the connected zones extending in the second direction have, as the intervals between the third connected zones 33 in the second direction Y, the first intervals La and the second intervals Lb, which are longer than the first intervals La, and many ETS third bonded areas 33 in the second direction extending rows R arranged discontinuously bonded areas in the second direction Y so that these two types of intervals are formed alternately in the second direction Y.

[0042]

The plurality of third connected zones 33 forming each of the rows R of connected zones extending in the second direction have the same length and location in the first direction X, and a gap having a constant width W is formed between the second rows of connected zones R adjacent to each other with each other in the first direction X. The locations of the third connected zones 33 in the second direction Y are the same in every second row of the second-row rows R of connected zones formed in the form of m the sets of rows along the first direction X, and the locations of the third connected zones 33 in the second direction Y are different from each other in adjacent to each other, passing in the second direction rows of R connected zones. In particular, as the rows R of the connected zones extending in the second direction, the second rows extending in the second direction, the first rows R3 of the connected zones and extending in the second direction, the second rows R4 of connected zones in which the locations of the third connected zones 33 in the second direction Y are different from friend, formed alternately along the first direction X in the lateral zones S of the composite sheet 10 in this embodiment, as shown in Fig.10. As for the locations of the third connected zones 33 in the second direction Y, two third connected zones 33 adjacent to each other and located with a first interval La between them in one of the second row of connected zones passing in the second direction and passing in the second direction , the second row R4 of connected zones, are located between the third connected zones 33, adjacent to each other and located with a second interval Lb between them in another row R of connected zones.

[0043]

As shown in FIG. 10, a lateral first protrusion 41 ′ described above is formed in a zone surrounded by a total of six connected zones 33, including two third connected zones 33, 33 adjacent to each other in the second rows of connected zones R .

In each of the rows R of the connected zones extending in the second direction in the composite sheet 10 of this embodiment, the pairs 34 of connected zones, each of which is formed of two third connected zones 33, which are located next to each other with the first interval La in the second direction Y, arranged discontinuously in the second direction Y with intervals Lb, each of which is two or more times greater than the first interval La, and each lateral first protrusion 41 'is formed between pairs of 34 zones 34 connected adjacent to each other in the second direction Y. Each of the pairs of 34 connected zones is formed from two third of the connected zones 33 adjacent to each other and spaced with an interval La, which is the smallest interval in the rows R of the connected zones extending in the second direction.

[0044]

In the composite sheet 10, the third connected zones 33 are formed with this configuration, and the first sheet 1 in its parts corresponding to the zones, each of which is surrounded by a total of six third connected zones 33, is subjected to extrusion from the back side or suction from the surface side during the manufacture of the composite sheet 10, for example, so that a large number of lateral first protrusions 41 'with the shapes in plan view and the shapes in cross section shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 are formed in the side zones S and S of the composite sheet 10.

[0045]

As shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 10, in the lateral zones S of the composite sheet 10, the lateral first protrusions 41 'are formed so that they are dispersed in a plan view, more specifically, with a small broken cell pattern in the composite sheet 10. Each of the lateral first protrusions 41 'is surrounded by six third connected zones 33, as described above. Six third connected zones 33 surrounding each lateral first protrusion 41 ', and parts between third connected zones 33 adjacent to each other among these six third connected zones 33, form an annular recess around the center of the lateral first protrusion 41', and the lateral first protrusions 41 'formed in a state in which they are dispersed in directions in the plane of the composite sheet 10.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, assuming that a plurality of first virtual straight lines L3 that are parallel to each other and a plurality of second virtual straight lines L4 that are located at an angle θ (see FIG. 10) relative to the first virtual lines lines L3 and parallel to each other, are on the composite sheet 10 in a plan view, the lateral first protrusions 41 'are located at all intersection points of the first virtual straight lines L3 and the second virtual straight lines L4. The angle θ (see FIG. 10) formed between the first virtual straight lines L3 and the second virtual straight lines L4 is preferably 30 ° -165 ° and more preferably 45 ° -150 °. The first virtual straight lines L3 and the second virtual straight lines L4 can be located so that the lateral first protrusions 41 'will be located at all points of their intersection. In the example shown in FIG. 10, both the first virtual straight lines L3 and the second virtual straight lines L4 have an inclination relative to the first direction X and the second direction Y, but one or both of the first virtual straight lines L3 and the second virtual straight lines L4 may be parallel to the first direction X or the second direction Y.

[0046]

A plurality of rows of protrusions extending in a third direction, in which a plurality of lateral first protrusions 41 ′ are arranged sequentially at constant intervals along the first virtual straight lines L3, and a plurality of protruding rows in a fourth direction of protrusions in which a plurality of lateral first protrusions 41 ′ are arranged at regular intervals along the second virtual straight lines L4, are formed in the lateral zones S of the composite sheet 10. In addition, each of the rows of connected zones passing in the third direction R5, of which a plurality of pairs of connected zones 34 are arranged in series with constant intervals, is formed between rows of protrusions extending in a third direction adjacent to each other, and each of a number of connected zones of rows R6 extending in a fourth direction, in which a plurality of pairs of connected zones 34 are arranged in regular intervals is formed between rows of protrusions extending in the fourth direction adjacent to each other. Preferably, it is assumed that each of the first virtual straight lines L3 extends between the rows R5 of connected zones and parallel to the rows R5 of connected zones (rows R5 of the third connected zones) in which a plurality of pairs of 34 connected zones (or a plurality of connected zones 33) are arranged in series at regular intervals , and each of the second virtual straight lines L4 passes between the rows R6 of connected zones and parallel to the rows R6 of connected zones (rows R6 of the third connected zones), in which there are many pairs of 34 connected zones (or many nennyh zones 33) arranged sequentially at regular intervals.

Small protrusions 44 'are formed between two third connected zones forming each of the pairs of 34 connected zones, and between pairs of 34 connected zones adjacent to each other around the first side protrusion 41'. Small protrusions 44 'have a height that allows small protrusions 44' to protrude slightly from the upper surfaces of the third connected zones 33, and, as a rule, their height H4 'is one third or less of the height lateral first protrusions 41 '.

Accordingly, ventilation ducts that allow air to easily pass through them are likely to be formed between rows of protrusions extending in the third direction and between rows of protrusions extending in the fourth direction, and therefore very good breathability is ensured.

[0047]

In the first embodiment, as described above, a plurality of rows of middle continuous protrusions 40 including middle first protrusions 41 are formed in the middle zone M of the composite sheet 10 used as the top sheet 12, while in the side zones S the lateral first protrusions 41 'are formed so that they are dispersed.

Accordingly, a large number of densified fibrous zones or a continuous densified fibrous zone appears along the middle continuous protrusions 40 in portions K near the base of the protrusions by squeezing the middle first protrusions 41, and the ability to absorb liquid in the middle zone M is further improved. In addition, in the lateral zones S, the lateral first protrusions 41 'are formed so that they are dispersed, and therefore, the deformation of the lateral first protrusions 41' is unlikely to occur under pressure.

Accordingly, breathability and liquid absorption can be further improved.

[0048]

It should be noted that the middle continuous protrusions 40 preferably extend in the product width direction Ya (second direction Y), the same effects can also be obtained when the medium continuous protrusions 40 extend in the longitudinal direction X of the article (first direction X).

In addition, in the first embodiment, the middle continuous protrusions 40 formed in the middle zone M of the composite sheet 10 have a configuration in which the middle first protrusions 41 and the middle second protrusions 42, which are lower than the average first protrusions 41, are alternately connected, but can instead only the middle first protrusions, which are the highest protrusions, are connected. Also in this case, the same effects can be achieved.

In addition, only lateral first protrusions 41 'having the highest height and small protrusions 44' described above, as in this embodiment, but second protrusions (not shown) having an intermediate height, can be formed in the lateral zones S, can be formed additionally, and, for example, the lateral first protrusions 41 'and the second protrusions (not shown) can be dispersed in a "mixed" manner in the directions in the plane.

[0049]

In addition, in the first embodiment, the middle continuous protrusions 40 formed in the middle zone M of the composite sheet 10 extend in the product width direction Ya (second direction Y), and in the side zones S, the lateral first protrusions 41 'are located at all intersection points in the above trellised configuration. Thus, the moisture generated by the liquid that has been absorbed by the densified fibrous zones that appear in parts K near the bases of the protrusions formed in the middle zone M passes through the continuous hollow portions 40V formed in the middle continuous protrusions 40, or through the parts between the middle continuous protrusions 40 and disperses in the width direction, and additionally passes through the parts between the rows of protrusions extending in the third direction and between the rows of protrusions extending in the fourth direction and in the side areas S, and efficiently diffused to the whole area of surfaces of the lateral zones and can therefore be further suppressed "retention" heat and moisture when wearing the diaper 100.

[0050]

In the composite sheet 10 used in the first embodiment, each of the middle first protrusions 41 is located between the middle third protrusions 43 in the middle zone M, and therefore, when pressed, those parts of the middle first protrusions 41 that are higher than the middle third protrusions 43 are deformed in the directions in the plane, and it is unlikely that their parts located lower than the middle third protrusions 43 will deform in the directions in the plane, and therefore the density gradient of the fibers, according to which the density of the fiber n increases from the parts B1 of the vertices that are deformed when squeezed, in the middle first protrusions 41 towards the parts B2 next to the places connected to the second sheet 2, it is easily created between parts B1 and parts B2. Accordingly, the ability to absorb liquid from the first sheet 1 to the second sheet 2 is further enhanced.

[0051]

In addition, the middle third protrusions 43 in the middle zone M have a height H3 that is the same as the height H1 'of the lateral first protrusions 41'.

Since the heights are the same, the pressure applied to the top sheet 12 while squeezing the middle first protrusions 41 can be distributed, and it is therefore unlikely that the lateral first protrusions 41 'of the side zones S will be deformed under pressure, and the air permeability in the side zones S can be ensured in a more reliable manner.

It should be noted that the expression “heights are the same” applies to all cases in which the height H3 of the middle third protrusions 43 is exactly the same as the height H1 ′ of the lateral first protrusions 41 ′, and to the cases in which the difference in height H3 of the middle third protrusions 43 and the height H1 'of the lateral first protrusions 41' (the absolute value of the difference H3 - H1 ') is within 10% of the height H3 of the middle third protrusions 43.

[0052]

In the composite sheet 10 used in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of middle third protrusions 43 in the middle zone M are formed along the second direction Y, and each of the first connected zones 31, which are connected zones elongated in the first X direction, formed between the middle third protrusions 43 adjacent to each other in the second direction Y. Since each of the first connected zones 31, which are elongated connected zones, is located between the middle third protrusions 43, the density gradient of the fibers, according to which the fiber density increases from the vertices of the middle first protrusions 41 towards the first connected zones 31, is made easier, and the ability to absorb liquid can be further enhanced.

[0053]

In addition, in the disposable diaper 100 of the first embodiment, the middle zone M of the composite sheet 10 described above is located in the zone BM for the placement of elastic elements (see FIG. 1), in which a plurality of elastic elements 19 are located, at least in the middle in the width direction of the rear portion B, and in the BM area of the elastic elements, a plurality of rows of middle continuous protrusions 40, each of which includes middle first protrusions 41, extend in a second direction Y.

As shown in FIG. 12, if we take the width of each of the middle continuous protrusions 40 in the area BM of the placement of elastic elements equal to P1, take the interval between the elastic elements 19 equal to P2 and take the interval between the centers of the middle continuous protrusions 40 to P3, then the relation P1 < P2 <P3.

[0054]

Many elastic elements 19 in the disposable diaper 100 are designed to improve the fit of the back portion B by pulling the diaper in the width direction. However, if the middle continuous protrusions 40 of the composite sheet 10 forming the top sheet 12, which is positioned so that it overlaps the BM area in which the plurality of elastic elements 19 are placed, and the elastic elements 19 satisfy the above ratio, the shape of the middle continuous protrusions 40 is likely will be retained even when the back part B of the diaper 100 is pulled together, in particular, its portion extending from the absorbent element 14 towards the rear end under the action of the elastic elements 19 in the second direction Y to s direction Ya width, and is unlikely worsening effects of liquid absorbed. Accordingly, the absorption of liquid in the rear portion B can be improved, and the leakage of liquid from the rear portion B can be suppressed.

In addition, since the first connected zones 31, which are the elongated connected zones described above, are spaced at equal intervals in the second direction Y along the product width direction Ya, regular middle protrusions 40 can be regularly pulled together after the elastic elements 19 are pulled together in medium continuous protrusions 40 also create a density gradient of the fibers, and the absorption of fluid in the rear portion B can be further improved.

[0055]

Each of the first connected zones 31, which are elongated connected zones, has a length in the first direction X, which is preferably 1.2 times or more and more preferably 1.5 times or more, preferably 5 times or less and more preferably 3 times or less, and more specifically, preferably 1.2-5 times and more preferably 1.5-3 times the length in the second direction Y.

In addition, each of the first connected zones 31, which are elongated connected zones, has a length in the first direction X, which is preferably 1.2 times or more and more preferably 1.5 times or more, preferably 5 times or less and more preferably 3 times or less and, more specifically, preferably 1.2-5 times and more preferably 1.5-3 times the length of each of the second connected zones 32 in the first direction X.

[0056]

Each of the first connected zones 31, which are elongated connected zones, has a length in the first direction X, preferably component 0.5 mm or more and more preferably 1 mm or more, preferably component 10 mm or less and more preferably 5 mm or less and more specifically, preferably between 0.5-10 mm and more preferably 1-5 mm.

In addition, each of the second connected zones 32 has a length in the first X direction, preferably component 0.1-5 mm and more preferably 0.5-3 mm, and a length in the second Y direction, preferably component 0.1-5 mm and more preferably 0.5-3 mm.

In addition, each of the third connected zones 33 has a length in the first X direction, preferably 0.1-5 mm and more preferably 0.5-3 mm, and a length in the second Y direction, preferably 0.1-5 mm and more preferably 0.5-3 mm.

Furthermore, the rows R of the connected zones extending in the second direction formed from the third connected zones 33 are such that the interval Lb, which is a larger interval between the third connected zones 33 in the second Y direction, is preferably 2 times or more and more preferably 2.5 times or more, preferably 5 times or less and more preferably 4 times or less and preferably 2-5 times and more preferably 2.5-4 times the smaller interval between the third connected zones 33.

[0057]

The heights H2, H3, H4 and H4 'of the respective protrusions 42, 43, 46 and 44' are defined as the distance from the lower surface of the second sheet 2, oriented towards the absorbent element 14, to the upper surface of the first sheet 1, on which the vertices of the protrusions 4 are formed (Figs. 9 and 11), as in the middle first protrusions 41 and the lateral first protrusions 41 'described above, and are measured in the same way as in the method for measuring the height H1 of the middle first protrusions 41 and the height H1' of the lateral first protrusions 41 '.

[0058]

Next, a preferred method for manufacturing a composite sheet 10 having the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 13, a method of manufacturing a composite sheet 10 includes a step of shaping to irregularly shape the first sheet 1 by feeding the first sheet 1 into the engaged portion between the first roller 111, the peripheral peripheral surface of which is uneven, and the second roller 112 the circumferential peripheral surface of which has an irregular shape that engages with the first roller having an uneven shape when the first roller 111 and the second roller 112 rotate in opposite directions to each other. In addition, a method of manufacturing a composite sheet 10 includes a joining step after the shaping step. In the joining step, after moving the first sheet 1 from the engaged part while holding the first sheet 1 along the circumferential peripheral surface of the first roller 111 as it is, the second sheet 2 is fed so that it is superposed on the first sheet 1, and both sheets 1 and 2 are partially connected to each other by pressing during heating between the protrusions of the first roller 111 and the first heating roller 113 and between the protrusions of the first roller 111 and the second heating roller 114.

[0059]

As shown in FIG. 13, the second roller 112, the first heating roller 113 and the second heating roller 114 are located opposite the circumferential peripheral surface of the first roller 111. The second roller 112, the first heating roller 113 and the second heating roller 114 are arranged in this order from the input side to the output side in the rotation direction T of the first roller 111. The features of the first roller 111 and the second roller 112, the peripheral peripheral surfaces of which are irregular in shape, will be described below. Each of the first heating roller 113 and the second heating roller 114 is a support roller, the circumferential peripheral surface of which is flat without protrusions or recesses.

[0060]

First, the first sheet 1 is unwound from a roll of (not shown) roll material intended to form the first sheet 1. The second sheet 2 is unwound separately from a roll of (not shown) roll material intended to form the second sheet 2. After that, the unwound first sheet 1 is clamped into the the engagement of the part between the first roller 111 and the second roller 112, as shown in FIG. 13, so that the first sheet 1 is irregularly shaped. In this case, air is sucked into the first roller 111 from the circumferential peripheral surface of the first roller 111, so that the irregular shape of the first sheet 1 is facilitated.

[0061]

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, while continuing to hold the first sheet 1 on the peripheral peripheral surface of the first roller 111 under suction so as to maintain its irregular shape, the second sheet 2 is superimposed on the first sheet 1, and the set formed from superimposed on top of each other, the first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2 are squeezed between the first roller 111 and the first heating roller 113, the circumferential peripheral surface of which is even and smooth. In this case, both the first roller 111 and the first heating roller 113 or only the first heating roller 113 are heated to a predetermined temperature. Accordingly, the first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2, which are located on the protrusions 11a of the first roller 111, are connected to each other by fusion bonding and form connected zones 31-33.

[0062]

Further, when the kit, which is formed from the superimposed first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2, connected to each other by fusion bonding, is continued to be held on the peripheral peripheral surface of the first roller 111 by suction, this set is moved and squeezed between the first roller 111 and a second heating roller 114, the peripheral peripheral surface of which is even and smooth. In this case, both the first roller 111 and the second heating roller 114 or only the second heating roller 114 are heated to a predetermined temperature. Accordingly, since the materials of the first sheet 1 and the second sheet 2, for example, thermoplastic resins are melted in the connected zones 31 and 32 located on the protrusions 11a of the first roller 111, the connected zones 31-33 are formed more durable. Thus, continuous production of a given composite sheet 10 is carried out.

[0063]

The above-described composite sheet 10 is manufactured using the first roller 111 and the second roller 112, in which the part for forming the middle zone, intended to form the above-described middle zone M on the composite sheet 10, is located in the middle in the axial direction and the part for the formation of side zones, intended for the formation of the above lateral zones S and S on the composite sheet 10, are located on both sides of the middle in the axial direction.

[0064]

The first roller 111 and the second roller 112 include many types of gears and spacers formed with different tooth configurations along the circumferential direction, which are connected and mounted concentrically around the axes so that they are combined to form a roller profile. In the first roller 111 and the second roller 112, the pitch of the gear teeth that are used, the combination of gears, the location of the spacers and the like are distinguished in parts for forming a middle zone and parts for forming side zones.

Fig. 14 shows a state in which the protrusions of the second roller 112 engage with the circumferential peripheral surface of the portion of the first roller 111 for forming the middle zone in the unfolded state in the plane.

FIG. 15 shows a state in which the protrusions of the second roller 112 engage with the circumferential peripheral surface of portions of the first roller 111 intended to form side zones in an unfolded state in a plane. In FIGS. 14 and 15, the direction shown by arrow U is the direction of rotation of the first roller 111 and second roller 112, and the direction shown by arrow V is the axial direction of the first roller 111 and second roller 112. In FIGS. 14 and 15, rectangular or the square zones shown by small dots represent the tops of the gear teeth on the first roller 111, and the areas shown by large dots represent the tops of the gears of the gears on the second roller 112.

[0065]

In the above-described step of shaping to irregularly shape the first sheet 1, the first sheet 1 is pushed by the tops of the teeth of all the gears on the second roller 112 into the recesses formed on the circumferential peripheral surface of the first roller 111 in each of the parts for forming the middle zone and the parts, intended for the formation of the side zones, and it is given a three-dimensional shape corresponding to all the protrusions in the middle zone M and the side zones S and S. After this, the second sheet 2 is attached to the first sheet 1, which is attached to hmernyh shape, such that a predetermined composite sheet 10. The composite sheet 10, which is obtained in this way is introduced in a diaper manufacturing line 100 and is used to form topsheet 12 of the disposable diaper 100 by a known method. While clamping the first sheet 1 in the engaged portion between the first roller 111 and the second roller 112 to make it uneven, the first sheet 1 is preferably sucked toward the inside of the first roller, so that it is easier to make the uneven shape of the first sheet 1.

[0066]

The crotch portion of the absorbent article located in the wearer's crotch when worn is held between the thighs of the wearer when the absorbent article is worn, and thus, if we consider the direction corresponding to the direction from the front to the back of the user as a longitudinal direction and a direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, as the transverse direction, the crotch portion tends to be squeezed in the transverse direction. A typical absorbent article is bent and deformed irregularly when squeezing its crotch portion in the transverse direction, and therefore it feels uncomfortable on the skin in the crotch portion. In addition, a situation easily arises in which the excreted fluid, such as urine, excreted from the excretory part of the user's body into the crotch part, is not “taken” by the predetermined part, since the crotch part is curved and deformed in an irregular manner, and spreads into an unexpected part, that is so-called liquid spreading occurs, and there is a possibility of leakage even with a small amount of liquid released.

[0067]

Accordingly, the invention (second aspect) relates to an absorbent article that feels comfortable on the skin in the perineum and provides very good comfort and a low likelihood of fluid leakage.

[0068]

Hereinafter, an absorbent article according to the invention (second aspect) will be described below with reference to the drawings based on preferred embodiments thereof. 16 and 17 show a disposable diaper 200, which is an absorbent article according to an embodiment of the invention (second aspect). The diaper 200 includes a front portion 1F worn around the front side of the wearer when wearing the diaper, a rear portion 1R worn around the rear side of the wearer, and a crotch portion 1M that is located between them. The diaper 200 has a longitudinal direction X, which extends from the front portion 1F through the crotch portion 1M to the rear portion 1R so that it corresponds to the direction from the front side to the rear side of the user, and the transverse direction Y, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X. Front portion 1F , the crotch part 1M and the rear part 1R correspond respectively to the zones obtained by dividing the diaper 200 in the longitudinal direction X into three equal parts. The crotch portion 1M includes a portion facing the excretory portion and positioned so that it faces the excretory portion, such as the user's penis, when the diaper 200 is being worn, and the portion facing the excretory portion is usually located in the center or near the center diaper 200 in the longitudinal direction X.

[0069]

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the diaper 200 includes an absorbent member 4, which has an absorbent core 140 that is liquid permeable, a top sheet 102 as a top sheet material, which is located on the skin-facing side of the absorbent member 4 and can come into contact with the skin of the wearer while wearing the diaper, and is liquid impervious or water-repellent back sheet 103, which is provided on the side of the non-skin surface of the absorbent element 4. In a plan view shown in FIG. 16, the diaper 200 has an elongated hourglass shape, while tapering inwardly at its center in the longitudinal direction X, located in the crotch portion 1M, and elongated in one direction, that is, in the longitudinal direction X. Both the top sheet 102 and the back the sheet 103 have dimensions that are larger than the sizes of the absorbent element 4 located between the sheets 102 and 103.

The top sheet 102 has a length in the longitudinal direction X that is greater than the length of the absorbent element 4, but has a length in the transverse direction Y, that is, a width substantially the same as the width of the absorbent element 4, and in the plan view shown in FIG. 16, both side edges 2S and 2S of the top sheet 102 extending along the longitudinal direction X correspond to both side edges of the absorbent member 4 extending along the longitudinal direction X. In addition, as described later, the absorbent member 4 includes an absorbent core 140 and a sheet 45 for wrapping the core, and both side edges 2S and 2S of the top sheet 102 correspond to both lateral edges extending along the longitudinal direction X in the widest part of the absorbent core 140 (see FIG. 17).

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 17, the backsheet 103 has a lateral dimension Y that is larger than the size of the topsheet 102, protrudes outward from the peripheral edge of the absorbent member 4 and forms the outer contour of the diaper 200 in its open and unstretched state shown in Fig.16. As the back sheet 103, the back sheets of various types that are commonly used in an absorbent article of this type can be used without any limitation, and examples thereof include a polymer film, a laminate of a polymer film and non-woven material and the like.

[0070]

As used herein, the term “skin-facing surface” refers to the surface of the absorbent article or its constituent element (eg, absorbent member 4) that faces the skin of the wearer when wearing the absorbent article, that is, to the surface that is relatively close to the skin of the wearer and the term “non-skin surface” refers to the surface of the absorbent article or its constituent element that faces toward (the side on which the absorbent article is worn), opposite to the skin the user, when wearing an absorbent product, that is, to a surface that is relatively far from the skin of the user. It should be noted that the phrase “when worn” refers to a normal and proper position when worn, that is, to a state in which the absorbent article is maintained in a proper position when worn and does not cover a state in which the absorbent article is not in the correct position when worn.

[0071]

The side sheets 5 are respectively provided on the right and left sides in the longitudinal direction X from the side of the top sheet 102 of the diaper 200. Each side sheet 5 includes an inner edge portion that extends in the longitudinal direction X and an outer edge portion that is located on the outside in the transverse direction Y relative to the inner edge portion and extends in the longitudinal direction X. In the plan view shown in FIG. 16, the inner edge portion overlaps the absorbent member 4, and as shown in FIG. the southern edge portion extends outward in the transverse direction Y from the side edge of the absorbent element 4, which extends in the longitudinal direction X, and is attached to the back sheet 103. Between the side sheet 5 and the back sheet 103 in each of the parts for the right and left legs, which should be placed around the user's legs, the threadlike elastic element 50 is fixed in its stretched state so that it extends in the longitudinal direction X. With this configuration, when worn, two cuffs for the legs are formed in the leg parts of the foot of the prisoner 200 due to the tightening of the elastic elements 50. In addition, in the inner edge of each side sheet 5, the threadlike elastic element 51 is fixed in its stretched state so that it extends in the longitudinal direction X. When wearing the diaper 200 with this configuration, due to the tightening of the elastic elements 51, at least in the crotch portion 1M, each of the side sheets 5 forms a cuff to prevent leakage as a result of lifting the inner edge portion up towards the wearer's skin from the joint the portion between the side sheet 5 and the back sheet 103. The cuffs to prevent leakage can prevent the release of the released fluid, such as urine, outward in the transverse direction Y, that is, the so-called side leakage. The top sheet 102, the back sheet 103, the absorbent member 4, the side sheets 5, and the elastic members 50 and 51 are attached to each other by known bonding means, such as hot-melt adhesive or the like.

[0072]

The diaper 200 is a disposable diaper of the so-called “disclosed type”, and, as shown in FIG. 16, two fastening tapes 6 and 6 are provided on both lateral edge portions of the rear portion 1R of the diaper 200, which extend in the longitudinal direction X. An attachment portion not shown , which is a male mechanical fastener element, is attached to each fastening tape 6. In addition, a target zone 7 is formed on the non-skin surface of the front portion 1F of the diaper 200, which is a It wishes to set up a female element mechanical zastezhki- "Velcro". The target area 7 is formed by attaching and attaching a female velcro fastener to a non-skin surface of the back sheet 103, which forms a non-skin surface of the front portion 1F, using known bonding means, such as adhesive, or by heat sealing , and made with the possibility of fixing the attached part of the fastening tapes 6 with the possibility of detachment.

[0073]

The absorbent member 4 will be described hereinafter. In the plan view shown in FIG. 16, the absorbent member 4 has a shape that is elongated in the longitudinal direction X and extends from the front portion 1F through the crotch portion 1M to the rear portion 1R. The absorbent member 4 includes: a fluid-retaining absorbent core 140 that contains absorbent material, and a core wrapping sheet 45 that covers the skin-facing surface 40a and the non-skin-facing surface 40b of the absorbent core 140. The absorbent core 140 and the core wrapping sheet 45 is joined by a known bonding means, such as hot-melt adhesive. The absorbent member 4 (absorbent core 140) is symmetrical with respect to a virtual straight line (not shown) that divides the diaper 200 into two halves in the transverse direction Y and which extends in the longitudinal direction X.

[0074]

The absorbent core 140 may have a single layer structure, and in the plan view shown in FIG. 16, the absorbent core 140 has an hourglass shape that tapers inwardly in the center in the longitudinal direction, that is, in the longitudinal direction X. The absorbent core 140 is formed by stacking fibers from a core material that contains absorbent material. Absorbent material, which is commonly used to form an absorbent core of this type, can be used as an absorbent material without particular limitation. For example, wood pulp, hydrophilic fibers, such as synthetic fibers that have been treated with a hydrophilicity agent, and absorbent polymer particles can be used. That is, the absorbent core 140 may be formed from a fibrous foot formed from hydrophilic fibers, or from absorbent polymer particles that rest on a stack of fibers.

[0075]

As the sheet 45 for wrapping the core, a permeable sheet material can be used, and examples thereof include paper, non-woven material and the like. In the diaper 200 according to this embodiment, the core wrapping sheet 45 is one continuous core wrapping sheet 45 that has a width that is two times or more and three times or less than the length of the absorbent core 140 in the transverse direction Y. As shown 17, one core wrapping sheet 45 covers the entire skin-facing surface 40a of the absorbent core 140 and protrudes outwardly in the transverse direction Y from the two side edges of the absorbent core 140, which are extend in the longitudinal direction X, and the protruding parts are bent downward under the absorbent core 140 to cover the entire non-skin-facing surface 40b of the absorbent core 140. It goes without saying that the configuration of the core wrap sheet 45 is not limited to this. For example, the core wrap sheet 45 may be formed of two separate sheets, namely, a core wrap sheet located on the skin-facing side that covers the skin-facing surface 40a of the absorbent core 140 and a core-wrap sheet located on the a non-skin side that covers the non-skin surface of the absorbent core 140b.

[0076]

The absorbent member 4 has a core region 40L having low stiffness located in the transverse Y direction in the middle of the absorbent core 140 and extending in the longitudinal direction X, and core zones 40H having high stiffness located in the transverse Y direction on both sides of the core zone 40L, having low stiffness, and having a stiffness that is higher than the stiffness of the zone 40L of the core having low stiffness.

In the plan view shown in FIG. 16, the low stiffness core region 40L is a region in which a plurality of linear grooves 141 are formed into a grid and which extends from the front portion 1F through the crotch portion 1M to the rear portion 1R. The total length of the core region 40L having low rigidity in the longitudinal direction X is less than the total length of the absorbent core 140, and the two grooves 141 and 141 located on the sides farthest from the center in the longitudinal direction X are located inside in the longitudinal direction X with respect to the front and rear ends of the absorbent core 140, defined in the longitudinal direction X. The length of the zone 40L of the core having low rigidity in the transverse direction Y, that is, the distance between the two grooves 141 and 141, which are located on the sides, The farthest from the center in the transverse direction Y, is constant along the entire length of the zone 40L in the longitudinal direction X.

Meanwhile, the core regions 40H having high stiffness are zones of the absorbent core 140 other than the core region 40L having low stiffness and surround the core region 40L having low stiffness.

[0077]

In the diaper 200 of this embodiment, the core region 40L having a low stiffness has a surface density lower than the surface density of the core zones 40H having a high stiffness, and therefore, the core region 40L having a low stiffness has a stiffness lower than stiffness of core zones 40H having high stiffness. The reason that the core region 40L having low stiffness has a surface density lower than the surface density of the core zones 40H having high stiffness is because, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, grooves 141 are formed on not the skin surface 40b of the core zone 40L having low stiffness. Recesses, such as grooves 141, are not formed in the core regions 40H having high stiffness, and the skin-facing surface 40a and the non-skin-facing surface 40b are flat / even in the core regions 40H having high stiffness.

[0078]

The grooves 141 are recesses formed by deliberately reducing the amount of core forming material and containing absorbent material in the foot compared to surrounding parts in the known absorbent core manufacturing method in which the stack forming device is used, and are not so-called embossed grooves, which are recesses formed by embossing (squeezing) an absorbent core having a uniform surface otnostitsja and having the shape of a flat plate whose surface has no projections or recesses. Accordingly, in contrast to conventional embossed grooves having a density higher than the density of the surrounding parts, since the core forming material was sealed therein by embossing, the grooves 141 were not sealed in the forming steps, and therefore there is no significant difference in the density between the zones of the grooves 141 and the parts surrounding them (parts without grooves).

[0079]

A known method of manufacturing an absorbent core that can be used to form grooves 141 includes, for example, the step of sucking and storing the core forming material and supplied in the air stream at the bottom of the accumulation recess that is formed on the outer circumferential peripheral surface of the forming device feet (rotating drum, etc.). If an accumulation recess is used at this stage, in which the proportion of holes in the bottom is partially different, in particular, if an accumulation recess is used, in which the proportion of holes in the bottom in its part, in which the grooves 141 are to be formed, is adjusted so that it is relatively low, an absorbent core 140 can be obtained including a core region 40L having low rigidity and having grooves 141, and core zones 40H having high rigidity and not having grooves (recesses). In the absorbent core 140, formed in such a way as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the parts with a relatively small amount of core material in the foot are portions 142 with low surface density located in the parts with grooves 141, and parts with a relatively a large amount of core-forming material in the foot are areas 143 with high surface density, which are parts without grooves (recesses).

[0080]

The low stiffness core zone 40L includes high surface density portions 143 having a relatively high surface density and the shape of protrusions protruding toward a non-skin surface 40b and low surface density portions 142 adjacent to the portions 143 with a high surface density, having a relatively low surface density and recessed towards the surface 40a facing the skin, and sections 143 with a high surface density and sections 142 with a low formed by the surface as a whole. The areas with grooves 141, which form the core region 40L having low stiffness, have lower surface density and lower stiffness than the core zones 40H having high stiffness, are recesses formed on the non-skin surface 40b in places in which areas 142 with low surface density are formed. That is, the low surface density portions 142, which are parts with grooves 141, have a lower surface density and less thickness than the high surface density portions 143, which are parts without grooves (recesses) in the core region 40L having low rigidity.

[0081]

As shown in FIG. 17, in the core region 40L having low rigidity, the non-skin surface 40b has an uneven structure due to the presence of a plurality of grooves 141, while the skin surface 40a does not have such grooves (recesses ) and is flat. If the side of the non-skin surface 40b of the absorbent core 140 has an uneven structure in a similar manner, the absorbent core 140 is likely to deform flexibly under the action of an external force applied to the absorbent core 140, and thus, the fit of the diaper 200 is improved.

[0082]

длину в продольном направлении Х, чем в поперечном направлении Y. Между тем, что касается участков 142 с низкой поверхностной плотностью, то участки 142 с низкой поверхностной плотностью проходят как в продольном направлении Х, так и в поперечном направлении Y так, чтобы они были соединены друг с другом, и образуют непрерывный элемент. Ширина (длина в направлении, которое ортогонально к направлению длины) участков 142 с низкой поверхностной плотностью, проходящих в продольном направлении Х, и ширина участков 142 с низкой поверхностной плотностью, проходящих в поперечном направлении Y, могут быть одинаковыми или могут отличаться друг от друга.As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, in the core region 40L having low stiffness, the plurality of linear grooves 141 extend in the longitudinal direction X and the plurality of linear grooves 141 also extend in the transverse direction Y, with the plurality of linear grooves 141 orthogonal to each other that is, low-density portions 142 divide the low stiffness core region 40L into many small zones, and these small zones are high-density portions 143. That is, the corresponding high surface density sections 143 are separated by the low surface density sections 142 (grooves 141) and are independent of each other. Many sites 143 with high surface density have essentially the same shape, which is rectangular in plan view, and have

length in the longitudinal direction X than in the transverse direction Y. Meanwhile, with regard to sections 142 with low surface density, sections 142 with low surface density extend both in the longitudinal direction X and in the transverse direction Y so that they are connected each other, and form a continuous element. The width (length in a direction that is orthogonal to the length direction) of the low surface density portions 142 extending in the longitudinal direction X and the width of the low surface density portions 142 extending in the transverse direction Y may be the same or different from each other.

[0083]

Thus, the core region 40L having low stiffness has a block structure having a large number of block zones formed from high surface density portions 143 and low surface density linear portions 142 surrounding the entire periphery of each high surface density portion 143, and block zones are independent of each other. As shown in FIG. 16, the periphery of each block structure farthest from the center is formed by regions 142 with low surface density. The recesses on the side of the non-skin surface 40b of the absorbent core 140 at the places in which low surface density portions 142 are formed are grooves 141.

[0084]

Due to the presence of a core region 40L having a low stiffness and having such a block structure, the absorbent core 140 is flexible both in the longitudinal direction X and in the transverse direction Y, so that the absorbent core 140 easily conforms to the shape of the user's body. In addition, the excreted fluid, such as urine, is directed to the low density areas 142, which are relatively thin, and flows along them, and dispersion characteristics in the longitudinal direction X and in the transverse direction Y of the absorbent core 140 can be improved.

[0085]

The fraction of the surface density of the low-density areas 142 relative to the surface density of the high-density areas 143, i.e. the ratio of the surface density of low-density areas 142 / the surface density of high-density areas 143, is preferably 20% or more and more preferably 30% or more and preferably 80% or less and more preferably 70% or less.

The surface density of the low-density areas 142 is preferably 100 g / m ² or more and more preferably 150 g / m ² or more and preferably 500 g / m ² or less and more preferably 400 g / m ² or less.

The surface density of the high surface density portions 143 is preferably 300 g / m ² or more and more preferably 350 g / m ² or more and preferably 900 g / m ² or less and more preferably 800 g / m ² or less.

Surface density is determined as follows.

[0086]

[Method for determination of surface density]

The absorbent core 140 is cut along the boundaries between the low surface density portions 142 and the high surface density portions 143 using a single blade shaver manufactured by Feather Safety Razor Co., Ltd. Each of ten small pieces from high surface density sections 143 that are cut and received are weighed using an electronic balance (A&D electronic scales GR-300, resolution: 4 decimal places), and an average mass of a small piece from sections 143 is obtained with high surface density. The resulting average weight is divided by the average area of a small piece from the high surface density sections 143, and the surface density of the high surface density sections 143 is thus calculated. The surface density of the high stiffness core zones 40H, which will be described later, is calculated similarly to the calculation of the surface density of high surface density portions 143.

Further, the absorbent core 140 is cut along the borders extending in the longitudinal direction X of the diaper 200 from the boundaries between the low surface density portions 142 and the high surface density portions 143 using a single-blade razor manufactured by Feather Safety Razor Co., Ltd., that get five small pieces from sections 142 with low surface density, in the form of narrow strips extending in the longitudinal direction X, each of which has a length of 100 mm and a width corresponding to a given width of sections 142 s izkoy surface density. Each of the five small pieces obtained is weighed using an electronic balance (GR-300 electronic scales manufactured by A&D, resolution: 4 decimal places), and the resulting mass is averaged, and the average mass of the small piece is obtained from sections 142 with low surface density. The resulting average mass is divided by the average area of a small piece of low-density portions 142 extending in the longitudinal direction X, and the surface density of the low-density portions 142 extending in the longitudinal direction X is thus calculated. The surface density of the low-density portions 142 extending in the transverse direction Y are calculated similarly to calculating the surface density of the low-density portions 142 extending in the longitudinal direction H.

[0087]

поверхностную плотность, но и также являются более толстыми, чем участки 142 с низкой поверхностной плотностью. Доля толщины участков 142 с низкой поверхностной плотностью по отношению к толщине участков 143 с высокой поверхностной плотностью, то есть значение отношения толщина участков 142 с низкой поверхностной плотностью/толщина участков 143 с высокой поверхностной плотностью, предпочтительно составляет 30% или более и более предпочтительно 40% или более и предпочтительно составляет 90% или менее и более предпочтительно 80% или менее.High density areas 143 not only have

surface density, but also are thicker than sections 142 with low surface density. The fraction of the thickness of low-density areas 142 with respect to the thickness of high-density areas 143, i.e., the ratio of the thickness of low-density areas 142 / thickness of high-density areas 143, is preferably 30% or more and more preferably 40% or more and preferably is 90% or less and more preferably 80% or less.

The thickness of the low surface density portions 142 is preferably 1.5 mm or more and more preferably 2.5 mm or more and preferably 4.5 mm or less and more preferably 4 mm or less.

The thickness of high surface density portions 143 is preferably 2 mm or more and more preferably 3 mm or more and preferably 8 mm or less and more preferably 7 mm or less.

The thickness is measured as follows.

[0088]

[Thickness Measurement Method]

Samples are obtained by cutting parts, each of which has a predetermined size, the measurement part is squeezed at a pressure of 5 kPa for 10 minutes, and the measurement is performed immediately after depressurization. Three or more measurement points are specified on each sample, including at least one randomly selected point in each of the front, crotch, and back, and the average thickness is obtained for two samples (with six or more measurement points). For example, the diaper 200 is cut using a razor along the longitudinal direction X or the transverse direction Y of the diaper 200, and the cross sections of the cut samples are measured. If visual measurement is difficult, the cross-sectional measurement of the cut sample can be performed, for example, by inspection using a microscope (VHX-1000 manufactured by Keyence) with a magnification of 20-100 times.

[0089]

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 16, core regions 40H having high stiffness surround the entire periphery of core region 40L having low stiffness and having a block structure. The low stiffness core region 40L and the high stiffness core regions 40H are separated by low surface density portions 142 located at the farthest from the center periphery of the low stiffness core region 40L. High stiffness zones 40H of the core have a constant thickness and a constant surface density anywhere.

[0090]

As shown in FIG. 17, in the diaper 200 of this embodiment, the thickness of the core zones 40H having high stiffness is substantially the same as the thickness of the high surface density portions 143 in the core region 40L having low stiffness. It should be understood that the ratio between the thickness of the core zones 40H having high stiffness and the thickness of the high surface density portions 143 is not limited to this, and any of these thicknesses may be relatively larger than the other. More specifically, the thickness of the core zones 40H having high stiffness is preferably 2 mm or more and more preferably 3 mm or more and preferably 8 mm or less and more preferably 7 mm or less. The thickness measurement method is the same as described above.

[0091]

The low surface density portions 142 and the high surface density portions 143 in the low stiffness core region 40L are integrally formed as described above. In addition, the block zones formed from sections 142 with low surface density and sections 143 with high surface density, and zone 40H of the core having high rigidity and located at their outer periphery, are also formed as a whole. As used herein, the phrase “formed as a whole” refers to a condition in which a plurality of regions, such as regions 142 with low surface density and regions 143 with high surface density, are inseparably combined with each other without using a bonding agent such as adhesive, or without fusion bonding and formed as a single unit from the same material. If the plurality of parts / sections of the absorbent core 140 are formed as a single unit, continuity can be obtained which allows smooth movement of the excreted fluid, such as urine.

[0092]

As described above, the core region 40L having low stiffness and the core regions 40H having high stiffness are formed in the absorbent core 140. The core region 40L having low stiffness has a block structure with low surface density portions 142, which are parts in which grooves 141 are formed and high surface density portions 143, and therefore, the core region 40L having low stiffness is flexible, while the core regions 40H having high stiffness are rigid all Corollary that they have a constant thickness and a constant surface density. Accordingly, the core region 40L having low stiffness has a stiffness that is lower than the stiffness of the core zones 40H having high stiffness.

[0093]

As used herein, “stiffness” is the degree to which bending of a constituent element of an absorbent article such as an absorbent core or top sheet material is unlikely to be bent, and high stiffness refers to a state in which bending of the constituent element is unlikely. The stiffness determination method is different for a constituent element of each type, and the stiffness of the absorbent core can be estimated in accordance with the described bending stiffness using the method below. A lower measured value of bending stiffness indicates that the measurement object has lower stiffness and will be more likely to bend.

[0094]

[Method for determining bending stiffness of absorbent core]

The absorbent core is removed from the absorbent article. An “absorbent core” in this case includes an element formed essentially of an absorbent material, such as cellulose or absorbent polymer particles, and a so-called core wrapping sheet for wrapping this element. That is, in fact, the object to be measured by this method is not an absorbent core per se, but an absorbent element that further includes a sheet for wrapping the core. Typically, however, the core wrapping sheet has a flexural rigidity that is significantly less than the flexural rigidity of the absorbent core, and therefore, the measured flexural rigidity of the absorbent element can be considered essentially as the measured flexural rigidity of the absorbent core itself. It should be noted that the absorbent article from which the absorbent core is to be removed is a new article that is hermetically sealed in the packaging bag, the packaging bag being opened, and the absorbent article removed from it can be held at normal temperature and pressure for at least one day, after which the absorbent core is removed. The predetermined measurement portions are cut out from the extracted absorbent core, and thus, measurement samples are obtained. For example, samples for measurements are obtained by cutting out four rectangular parts, each of which has a length in the transverse direction Y (width) of 20 mm and a length in the longitudinal direction X of 50 mm from each of the core region 40L having low stiffness, and high stiffness core regions 40H in the absorbent core 140 of the diaper 200. More specifically, two of the rectangular portions are cut from two places symmetrical about the transverse direction Y from each of the front portion 1F and the rear portion 1R. If at the same time samples for measurements having a predetermined size cannot be obtained only from the front part 1F and the back part 1R, samples "overlapping" the crotch part 1M can also be cut.

ткани, ʺHOM-3 modelʺ (метод Handle-O-Meter), изготавливаемой компанией Daiei Kagaku Seiki Mfg., Co., Ltd. Образец для измерений размещают на опорном столе машины для испытаний, предназначенной для определения грифа и

ткани, так, чтобы продольное направление образца для измерений было ортогонально к прорези с шириной 30 мм, размеченной на опорном столе, образец для измерений вдавливают в его центре ножом, имеющим толщину 2 мм, и измеряют усилие, необходимое для вдавливания. Например, измерение изгибной жесткости выполняют на четырех образцах для измерений из каждой из зоны 40L сердцевины, имеющей низкую жесткость, и зон 40Н сердцевины, имеющих высокую жесткость, и среднее значение из измеренных значений для четырех образцов для измерений принимают в качестве изгибной жесткости зоны 40L или 40Н.The bending stiffness of the measurement samples can be determined by using a testing machine designed to determine the neck and

fabric, ʺHOM-3 modelʺ (Handle-O-Meter method) manufactured by Daiei Kagaku Seiki Mfg., Co., Ltd. The sample for measurements is placed on the support table of a testing machine designed to determine the neck and

tissue, so that the longitudinal direction of the measurement sample was orthogonal to the slot with a width of 30 mm marked on the support table, the measurement sample is pressed in its center with a knife having a thickness of 2 mm, and the force required for pressing is measured. For example, the bending stiffness measurement is performed on four samples for measurements from each of the low stiffness zone 40L of the core and the high stiffness zones 40H, and the average of the measured values for the four measurement samples is taken as the bending stiffness of the 40L or 40H.

[0095]

The bending stiffness of the core zone 40L having low stiffness is preferably 3 g or more and more preferably 4 g or more and preferably 10 g or less and more preferably 9 g or less.

The bending stiffness of the core zones 40H having high stiffness is preferably 5 g or more and more preferably 6 g or more and preferably 20 g or less and more preferably 15 g or less.

The difference in bending stiffness of the core region 40L having low stiffness and bending stiffness of the core zones 40H having high stiffness is preferably 1 g or more.

The bending stiffness in each of the zones 40L and 40H of the absorbent core 140 can be adjusted by appropriately selecting the core forming material, the surface density (groove layout 141 in the zone 40L), or the like.

[0096]

Hereinafter, the top sheet 102 (top sheet material) will be described in detail.

In a plan view of the diaper 200 shown in FIG. 16, the top sheet 102 has a top sheet area 2L having low stiffness and extending in the longitudinal direction X so that it overlaps the core area 40L having low stiffness and the top sheet zone 2H, having high stiffness, located in the transverse direction Y on both sides of the zone 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness, and having a stiffness higher than the stiffness of zone 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness. In the diaper 200 of this embodiment, the length of the top sheet 102 in the transverse direction Y, that is, its width is substantially the same as the width of the absorbent member 4.

[0097]

As shown in FIG. 17, a top sheet region 2L having low stiffness is located in the middle of the diaper 200 in the transverse Y direction, and two top sheet zones 2H and 2H having high stiffness are located in the transverse Y direction on both sides of zone 2L. In the diaper 200 of this embodiment, two high stiffness zones 2H and 2H are formed symmetrically with respect to a virtual straight line (not shown) extending in the longitudinal direction X that divides the diaper 200 into two halves in the transverse direction Y. Both zones 2L and 2H, which have different stiffnesses, are formed in the longitudinal direction X, preferably at least in the crotch part 1M, more preferably over the entire area from the crotch part 1M to one or both of the front part ti 1F and 1R rear part or along the entire length of the absorbent member 4, and even more preferably along the entire length of the diaper 200 in the longitudinal direction X, as in this embodiment.

[0098]

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the skin-facing surface of the top sheet 102. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the top sheet 102 has protrusions 26 protruding toward the skin of the user and recesses 25 located around the protrusions 26. The protrusions 25 and / or recesses 26 are formed with correspondingly different configurations in the area 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness and areas 2H of the top sheet having high stiffness, and such a difference in the configurations with which the protrusions and recesses are formed serves as one reason differences between the stiffness of the zone 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness and the stiffness of the zones 2H of the top sheet having high stiffness.

[0099]

In this description, the expression "protrusions formed with different configurations" refers to all cases in which only the locations of the protrusions are different, cases in which the shapes of the protrusions are different, and cases in which both the locations and the shapes of the protrusions are different. Cases in which the locations of the protrusions are different include cases in which the distances between the protrusions are different. In addition, cases in which the shapes of the protrusions are different include cases in which the shapes of the protrusions in the plan view are different. In the diaper 200 of this embodiment, as described later, the locations and shapes of the protrusions 26 in the high stiffness region 2L of the top sheet are different from the locations and shapes of the protrusions 26 in the high stiffness zones 2H. The expression "recesses formed with different configurations" has essentially the same meaning as the expression "protrusions formed with different configurations", and the description of the protrusions can be applied accordingly.

[0100]

The top sheet 102 is formed by performing known embossing on a portion of the sheet of web material, which is the starting material for it. In the roll material for sheet formation, the embossed parts are sealed and form recesses 25, and the un embossed parts protrude in one direction in the thickness direction, that is, from the surface facing the skin, and form protrusions 26. B depending on whether such embossed zones are made or not, recesses 25 are formed as high density parts having a relatively high density, and protrusions 26 are formed as low density parts having a relatively low density. In the upper sheet 102, as a rule, a zone with a larger proportion of indentations 25 (a smaller proportion of protrusions 26) is more rigid and less likely to bend.

[0101]

Since there is such a difference in density between the recesses 25 and the protrusions 26, such as “the configurations with which the recesses 25 are formed”, such as the shapes in plan view, area (embossed areas), locations and the like characteristics of the recesses, and “ the configurations with which the protrusions 26 ″ are formed, such as the shapes, sizes, locations and the like of the protrusions 26, affect the rigidity of the top sheet 102. For example, even when a plurality of protrusions 26 are formed at the same place in different d yi from each other, two different areas in the top sheet 102, if the proportion of the area of recesses 25 therein are different, a zone with relatively larger area fraction of recesses 25 may be a zone 2H topsheet having a high rigidity. In addition, even in the case where the fractions of the areas of the recesses 25 are the same in two different zones, if the protrusions 26 are formed in different places, there will be a difference in rigidity between the two zones that are different from each other, and a zone 2L of the upper sheet can be formed. having low stiffness, and a zone 2H of the top sheet having high stiffness. Therefore, to form a zone 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness and zones 2H of the top sheet having high stiffness, by providing different stiffness values in one part and stiffness in the other part in one top sheet 102, it is advisable to perform one or both of the configurations, which formed the recesses 25, and the configurations with which the protrusions 26 are formed, differing in one part and another part.

[0102]

The stiffness of each zone of the top sheet (top sheet material) can be estimated in accordance with the described bending stiffness by using the method below. A lower measured value of bending stiffness indicates that the measurement object has lower stiffness and is more likely to bend.

[0103]

[Method for measuring the bending stiffness of the top sheet]

This method is as defined in the method for determining ring failure stiffness according to JIS P8126 (JIS - Japanese Industrial Standard). In particular, samples for measurements are obtained by cutting the upper sheet into predetermined parts for measurements. For example, a rectangular portion with a length in the longitudinal direction X of 30 mm and a length in the transverse direction of Y of 110 mm is cut from each of the zone 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness and the zones 2H of the top sheet having high stiffness in top sheet 102 for obtaining a test sample from which a cylindrical measurement sample with a height of 30 mm is obtained by giving the test sample a cylindrical shape in the longitudinal direction of the test sample with the sample surface facing the skin for and tests, located on the outside, and attaching one end and the other end of the test specimen, determined in the longitudinal direction, to each other by ultrasonic welding. Ensure that the obtained cylindrical sample for measurements is placed in a standing position so that its axial direction corresponds to the vertical direction, after which the measurement sample is squeezed / compressed from the side of its upper end along the axial direction with a compression speed of 10 mm / min using a test device compression, and record the highest pressure during compression. For each part for measurements, five samples are prepared for measurements, respectively, the highest pressures are recorded, and the average value of them is taken as the value of the bending stiffness of this part for measurements (for example, zone 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness or zones 2H of the top sheet having high rigidity).

[0104]

The ratio of the bending stiffness of the zones of the top sheet 2H having high stiffness to the bending stiffness of the zone 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness is such that the ratio [bending stiffness of the zones of the top sheet having high stiffness] / [bending stiffness of the area of the top sheet having low stiffness] is preferably 1.1 or more and more preferably 1.2 or more.

The bending stiffness of the 2H top sheet regions having high stiffness is preferably 10 cN or more and more preferably 15 cN or more, preferably 50 cN or less and more preferably 40 cN or less and preferably 10-50 cN and more preferably 15- 40 cN, based on the assumption that it is greater than the bending stiffness of zone 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness.

The bending stiffness of zone 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness is preferably 40 cN or less and more preferably 30 cN or less, preferably 5 cN or more and more preferably 10 cN or more and preferably 5-40 cN and more preferably 10- 30 cN, based on the assumption that it is less than the bending stiffness of the 2H zones of the top sheet having high stiffness.

[0105]

Fig. 19 is an enlarged view of a portion of the zone 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness in the top sheet 102, and Fig. 20 is an enlarged view of a part of the zones 2H of the top sheet having high stiffness in the top sheet 102. The top sheet 102 in the diaper 200 of this embodiment is a composite sheet formed of a stack consisting of two sheets 20 and 21. The top sheet 102 is such that in all zones 2L and 2H, the first sheet 20 and the second sheet 21 that form the laminate are partially joined to each other to a friend by By means of embossing, they form many connected zones, i.e., recesses 25 (parts with a high density), and the first sheet 20 in its parts other than the recesses 25 protrudes so that it is distant from the second sheet 21, and forms protrusions 26 (parts low density) protruding towards the user's skin. In the recesses 25, two sheets 20 and 21 are squeezed to form a single unit by embossing. Sheets 20 and 21 are preferably bonded to each other by fusion by melting the resin forming one or both of the first sheet and the second sheet and curing the resin after melting. In all zones 2L and 2H, the top sheet 102 is substantially flat on its surface located on the side of the second sheet 21, and has protrusions and recesses with significant undulation on its surface located on the side of the first sheet 20.

[0106]

The first sheet 20 and the second sheet 21 are formed of sheet material. Examples of the sheet material include fibrous sheets, such as non-woven material (for example, non-woven material fastened by passing air through, and non-woven material of a spunbond production method), woven material and knitted material, film and the like. The sheet material is preferably, for example, a fibrous sheet, since it feels comfortable on the skin, and more preferably a non-woven material. Both sheets 20 and 21 may be formed from sheet materials of the same type or may be formed from sheet materials of different types. The surface density of the nonwoven material used as the sheet material forming both sheets 20 and 21 is preferably 10 g / m ² or more and more preferably 15 g / m ² or more and preferably 40 g / m ² or less and more preferably 35 g / m ² or less.

[0107]

As shown in FIGS. 17-20, the configurations with which the protrusions 26 are formed differ in the area 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness and the areas 2H of the top sheet having high stiffness, mainly in that the area 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness, has as protrusions 26 (parts with low density) continuous protrusions 27, in which many small protrusions 27A and 27B are connected in the transverse direction Y, while zones 2H of the upper sheet having high stiffness do not have such continuous protrusions, but have as a protrusion 26 a plurality of protrusions 26H which are independent from each other.

[0108]

As shown in FIGS. 17-19, a plurality of continuous protrusions 27 extending continuously in the transverse direction Y are formed at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction X in the region 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness. Each of the continuous protrusions 27 is formed by connecting a plurality of small protrusions 27A and 27B. As used herein, the expression “protrusions connected” refers to a state in which two adjacent protrusions (small protrusions) are not separated from each other by a recess 25 (connected zone), part of the first protrusion forms part of the second protrusion, and part of the second protrusion forms part of the first protrusion.

[0109]

The presence of continuous protrusions 27 extending continuously in the transverse direction Y and having a similar configuration contributes significantly to the three-dimensional structure of the top sheet 102 when wearing the diaper 200. That is, when the diaper 200 is worn, in particular, the crotch portion 1M is compressed by an external force that applied from the hips of the wearer from both outer sides in the transverse direction Y, and a three-dimensional structure formed by recesses 25 (parts with high density) and protrusions 26 (part and low density) of the upper sheet 102, may collapse due to compression in the transverse direction Y, which will make it impossible to provide effects and the effects to be achieved such a three-dimensional structure under appropriate conditions. For example, in the case where continuous protrusions (not shown) extending in the longitudinal direction X, that is, continuous protrusions extending in a direction that differs from the direction of the continuous protrusions 27 by 90 °, are formed on the top sheet 102 and the continuous protrusions are compressed in the transverse direction Y, each of the plurality of small protrusions forming continuous protrusions, is compressed in the transverse direction Y, and therefore, the degree of deformation of the continuous protrusions as a whole due to compression is relatively large. On the other hand, the continuous protrusions 27 extend in the transverse direction Y, which is the direction in which the diaper 200 is likely to compress when worn, and thus even when the continuous protrusions 27 are compressed by an external force applied from both outer sides in the transverse direction Y, their flattening is less likely, and they easily retain their three-dimensional structure. Accordingly, if continuous protrusions 27 extending continuously in the transverse direction Y are formed on the top sheet 102, the original texture of the top sheet 102 is easily retained, and therefore, an improvement in performance related to sensation on the skin of the user's crotch, leakage and the like is expected.

[0110]

In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, each of the continuous protrusions 27 is formed by connecting in the transverse direction Y two alternately small protrusions 27A and 27B with correspondingly different heights. Small protrusions 27A are relatively higher, and small protrusions 27B are relatively lower. Each of the protrusions 27A and 27B is essentially circular in plan view and is formed with a shape that has a vertex in both sections made along the first direction X and the second direction Y. The continuous protrusions 27 are hollow and the hollow parts extend continuously essentially along the entire length of the continuous protrusions 27 in the transverse direction Y.

In this embodiment, the continuous protrusions 27 extend continuously along the entire transverse direction Y of the length of the zone 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness, but the shape of the continuous protrusions 27 is not limited thereto. For example, a plurality of continuous protrusions 27 may be arranged in a row with a straight line shape at predetermined intervals in the transverse direction Y, and rows of such protrusions formed from a plurality of continuous protrusions 27 may be located from edge to edge of a low sheet area 2L stiffness, in the transverse direction Y.

[0111]

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the low stiffness zone 2L of the top sheet has as protrusions 26 (low density parts) many protrusions 26L, each of which is surrounded by recesses 25 (high density parts), i.e. connected zones sheets 20 and 21, in addition to the continuous protrusions 27. Each of the protrusions 26L is formed in an area surrounded by a total of six recesses 25 and is formed with a shape that has a vertex in both sections along the first direction X and the second direction Y. Each of the protrusions 26L is a bol lower than the small protrusions 27A (small protrusions that are relatively high) forming continuous protrusions 27. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the protrusions 26L are hollow, but they may not be hollow and may have a solid structure that is filled with material designed to form the top sheet 102.

[0112]

In the region 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, a plurality of protrusions 26L are arranged in a row with a straight line shape at predetermined intervals in the transverse direction Y and form rows of protrusions. In addition, a plurality of small protrusions 27B (small protrusions that are relatively low) forming continuous protrusions 27 are arranged in a row with a straight line shape at predetermined intervals in the transverse direction Y and form rows of protrusions. Rows of protrusions formed from a plurality of protrusions 26L and continuous protrusions 27 are arranged in alternating straight lines along the longitudinal direction X, and one protrusion 26L and one small protrusion 27B are formed at the same location in the second direction Y.

[0113]

As shown in FIGS. 17, 18 and 20, the high stiffness zones 2H have a plurality of protrusions 26H, each of which is surrounded by recesses 25 (high density parts), that is, the connected zones of the sheets 20 and 21. Each of the protrusions 26H is formed in an area surrounded by a total of six recesses 25 and is formed with a shape that has a vertex in both sections along the first direction X and the second direction Y. The protrusions 26H have a lower height than the small protrusions 27A (small protrusions which are relatively high) Braz continuous protrusions 27. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the protrusions are hollow 26H, but they may not be hollow and may have a solid structure which is filled with a material intended to form the topsheet 102.

[0114]

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 20, in areas 2H of the top sheet having high rigidity, the protrusions 26H are formed so that they are dispersed in plan view, more specifically, with a pattern in a small broken cell. That is, in areas 2H of the top sheet having high rigidity, a plurality of rows of protrusions in which a plurality of protrusions 2H are arranged in a row with a straight line shape at predetermined intervals in the transverse direction Y, are located along the longitudinal direction X, and the location of the protrusions 26H in transverse direction Y differ in adjacent rows of protrusions. In other words, in areas 2H of the top sheet having high stiffness, a plurality of protrusions 26H are arranged with a pattern in a small broken cell so that when projecting a plurality of rows of protrusions in which a plurality of protrusions 26H are arranged in a row with a straight line shape at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal the X direction, respectively, in the transverse direction Y, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction X, the projected image of the protrusion 26H in a series of protrusions adjacent in the transverse direction Y with respect to a certain row in mortar, will be between the projected images of the protrusions 26H in the selected number of protrusions (e.g., in an intermediate position between two adjacent ribs 26H and 26H in the selected number of the projections).

[0115]

The top sheet 102 having the above configuration can be manufactured, for example, in accordance with the method of manufacturing a composite sheet disclosed in JP 2015-112343A. More specifically, for example, a strip-like first sheet 20 is fed between the first roller and the second roller, the circumferential peripheral surfaces of which are profiled to allow them to engage with each other, the first sheet 20 is deformed to give it an uneven shape, then the first sheet 20 is moved along the peripheral peripheral portion the surface of the first roller from the engaged part, and then the second sheet 21 is fed so that the second sheet 21 is placed on the first sheet 20. Two sheets 20 and 21 are pressed under heating between PAMI on the first roller and a heating roller for the partial sheets compound. The shape of the protrusions and recesses of the first roller and the second roller and the configuration of the connected parts formed by the first roller and the heating roller will be different in the middle part and the side parts of the first sheet 20. During the deformation of the first sheet 20 to give it an uneven shape by feeding the first of the sheet 20 into a part in which the first roller and the second roller are engaged with each other, it is preferable that the first sheet 20 is attracted towards the inside of the rollers to facilitate deformation vaniyu first sheet 20 to impart a rough shape.

[0116]

The diaper 200 of this embodiment mainly differs in that, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the top sheet 102 has a top sheet area 2L having low stiffness and extending in the longitudinal direction X so that it overlaps the core area 40L having low stiffness, in plan view, and areas 2H of the top sheet having high stiffness and located on both sides in the transverse direction Y, and the fact that the areas 2H of the top sheet having high stiffness and the core areas 40H having high stiffness overlap on view plan. That is, in the diaper 200, the top sheet region 2L having low stiffness with relatively low stiffness in the top sheet 102 and the core region 40L having low stiffness with relatively low stiffness in the absorbent core 140 overlap in the thickness direction in the middle of the diaper 200 defined in the transverse direction Y, and zones 2H of the top sheet having high stiffness with relatively high stiffness in the top sheet 102 and core zones 40H having high stiffness with relatively high stiffness in the absorbent heart Evine 140 overlap in the thickness direction on both sides in the transverse Y direction of the diaper 200. That is, when projecting zones 2H of the top sheet having high stiffness in the thickness direction of the diaper 200, at least part of zone 2H overlaps the core regions 40H having high stiffness, and when projecting zone 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness in the thickness direction of the diaper 200, at least a portion of zone 2L overlaps the core region 40L having low stiffness.

[0117]

In the diaper 200, as described later, the boundaries between the core region 40L having low stiffness and the core zones 40H having high stiffness (two grooves 141 located on the sides farthest from the center in the transverse direction Y) overlap the boundaries 28 between the zone 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness and areas 2H of the top sheet having high stiffness along the entire length in plan view, and therefore, the area 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness and the core area 40L having low stiffness generally overlap form in pl any (see Fig.16 and 17). In addition, as described above, both side edges 2S and 2S of the top sheet 102 correspond in shape to both side edges extending along the longitudinal direction X in the widest part of the absorbent core 140, and therefore, the core regions 40H having high stiffness completely overlap the zones 2H of the top sheet having high rigidity in plan view.

[0118]

In the case where the middle of the diaper 200, defined in the transverse direction Y (in particular, the middle of the absorbent core 140 in the transverse direction Y), in which the upper sheet region 2L having low stiffness overlaps and the core region 40L having low stiffness has a relatively low stiffness and zones on both sides of the middle (in particular, the areas on both sides of the absorbent core 140 in the transverse direction Y), in which the upper stiff areas 2H having high stiffness and the core areas 40H having high rigidity, have relatively high rigidity in a similar way, if the diaper 200 is compressed by the user's hips from both outer sides in the transverse direction Y, it is compressed and fairly substantially deformed, while the likelihood of flattening of both sides will be less, and the degree their deformation will be relatively small, and therefore there is a tendency to preserve the original three-dimensional structure of the 2H zones of the top sheet having high rigidity in the top sheet 102 and zones 40H of the hearts having high stiffness and located on both sides in the absorbent core 140. Thus, if the three-dimensional structures on both sides in the transverse direction Y of the diaper 200, when worn, are retained mainly without flattening, the feeling from the crotch part 1M on the skin becomes satisfactory , and, in addition, a situation can be prevented in which the excreted fluid, such as urine, excreted from the excretory part of the user's body onto the crotch part 1M, spreads at an unexpected hour that is, the so-called liquid spreading, and thus leakage is effectively prevented.

[0119]

In order to more reliably provide the effects and effects due to the fact that the top sheet zones 2H having high stiffness and the core areas 40H having high stiffness overlap (the top sheet zone 2L having low stiffness and the core zone 40L having low stiffness, overlap), the fraction of the area of that part of one of the two zones 40H and 40H of the core having high stiffness, which overlaps with the zone 2H of the top sheet, which has high stiffness and is located on top of this one zone 40H of the core, having a high the stiffness, with respect to the entire area of this single core region 40H, having high stiffness, is preferably 50% or more and more preferably 70% or more. For the same reasons, the proportion of the area of that part of the low stiffness core region 40L that overlaps with the low stiffness region 2L of the top sheet with respect to the entire area of the low stiffness core region 40L is preferably 60% or more and more preferably 80% or more. In the diaper 200 of this embodiment, all of these fractions are 100%.

[0120]

In addition, in the diaper 200 of this embodiment, as described above, continuous protrusions 27 extending continuously in the transverse direction Y are formed in the area 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness and located in the middle of the diaper 200 in the transverse direction Y, and therefore, even though there is a possibility of squeezing the zone 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness when wearing the diaper 200, due to the effect of the zone 40L of the core having low stiffness and overlapping with the zone 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness, in the direction of thickness, there will be a tendency to maintain the original three-dimensional structure of the 2L region of the top sheet having low stiffness, and therefore, there is a tendency to maintain the original texture of the top sheet 102, and therefore, further improvement in sensation-related characteristics is expected skin of the perineum of the user, leakage and the like.

[0121]

To more reliably provide the effects and effects of the topsheet 102 and the absorbent core 140 described above, the fraction of the area of the skin surface 40a of the core region 40L having low stiffness (the area forming the block structure) with respect to the entire area of the skin surface 40a of the absorbent core 140 is preferably 20% or more and more preferably 30% or more and preferably 70% or less and more preferably 60% or less.

[0122]

As shown in FIG. 18, in the diaper 200 of this embodiment, a plurality of protrusions 26 (26L and 27) are formed at intervals with a predetermined pitch P4 in the longitudinal direction X in the region 2L of the top sheet having low stiffness, and, as shown in FIG. 16, a plurality of grooves 141, i.e., low surface density portions 142, are formed at intervals with predetermined pitch P5 in the longitudinal direction X in the core region 40L having low stiffness. To improve the fit of the diaper 200 in the longitudinal direction X, the ratio of the pitch P5 to the pitch P4 is such that the ratio of the pitch P5 / pitch P4 is preferably 2 or more and more preferably 3 or more and preferably 7 or less and more preferably 6 or less.

[0123]

In addition, for the same reasons and to more reliably provide the above effects and effects from the continuous protrusions 27, the pitch P6 of the continuous protrusions 27 (see FIG. 18) is preferably 3 mm or more and more preferably 4 mm or more and preferably 9 mm or less and more preferably 8 mm or less.

[0124]

In addition, in the plan view shown in FIG. 16, in the diaper 200 of this embodiment, the boundary between the core region 40L having low stiffness and the core zones 40H having high stiffness (two grooves 141 and 141 located on the sides farthest from the center in the transverse direction Y) overlap the boundary 28 between the zone 2L of the top sheet having high stiffness and the zones 2H of the top sheet having high stiffness. That is, when projecting grooves 141 defining the boundaries between zone 40L and zones 40L in the absorbent core 140 in the thickness direction of the diaper 200, at least a portion of the grooves 141 overlaps the boundaries 28 between the zone 2L and the zones 2H in the top sheet 102. In the diaper 200 grooves 141 and boundaries 28 overlap along their entire length. With this configuration, when the diaper 200 is worn when it is squeezed by the user's hips from the outside in the transverse direction Y, the overlapping portions of the boundaries 28 and 141 are easily bent, and thus the three-dimensional structure of the constituent elements (zones 2H of the top sheet having high stiffness, is easily preserved and core regions 40H having high stiffness) located on both sides in the transverse direction Y of the diaper 200, and the middle of the diaper 200, defined in the transverse direction Y, (zone 2L of the top sheet Having a low rigidity, and the area 40L of the core having a low stiffness) is easily bent.

[0125]

In the diaper 200 of this embodiment, the boundary 28 between the high stiffness zone 2L of the top sheet and the high stiffness zones 2H in the upper sheet 102 and the boundary between the low stiffness core region 40L and the core regions 40H having high rigidity (two grooves 141 and 141 located on the sides farthest from the center in the transverse direction Y) in the absorbent core 140 overlap along the entire length of the borders 28 and 141. However, in another embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the borders 28 in erhnem sheet 102 and the boundary (the groove 141, located on the side, outermost in the transverse direction Y) in the absorbent core 140 may overlap partially. 21 shows an absorbent core 40A, which is an absorbent article according to another embodiment of the invention (second aspect). Hereinafter, another embodiment shown in FIG. 21 will be described mainly with respect to constituent elements other than constituent elements in the diaper 200 described above, and the same constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. The description of the diaper 200 will be valid accordingly for constituent elements not specifically described in another embodiment shown in FIG.

[0126]

The dashed lines indicated by 28 in another embodiment shown in FIG. 21 are the boundaries between the low stiffness region 2L of the top sheet and the high stiffness zones 2H (not shown) and extend in the longitudinal direction X along the entire length of the absorbent core 40A in the longitudinal direction X. As shown in FIG. 21, the boundaries between the core region 40L having low stiffness and the core regions 40H having high stiffness in the front portion 1F and the rear portion 1R, then l pairs of grooves 141 and 141 located on the sides farthest from the center in the transverse direction Y, in the front part 1F and the back part 1R, are located on the outside in the transverse direction Y with respect to the boundaries 28 between the upper sheet region 2L having a low stiffness, and zones 2H of the top sheet having high stiffness, and the boundary between the zone 40L of the core having low stiffness and the zones 40H of the core having high stiffness in the crotch portion 1M, i.e., two grooves 141 and 141 located on the sides farthest from the center in p the transverse direction Y, in the crotch portion 1M, are arranged on the inside in the transverse direction Y with respect to the borders 28 in the top sheet 102. Another embodiment shown in FIG. 21 also provides effects similar to those of the diaper 200 described above.

[0127]

An invention (first aspect) has been described (described) above based on a preferred embodiment, but the invention (first aspect) is not limited to this embodiment. For example, in the top sheet of the absorbent article, the first connected zones 31 and the second connected zones 32 in the middle zone M of the composite sheet 10 can be arranged alternately and at equal intervals in the second direction Y with the same width in the second direction Y.

[0128]

In addition, the elastic elements 19 for contracting the absorbent product in the width direction of the product, that is, in the direction of its width, can only be located in the middle in the width direction of the rear part, for example, only inside the rectangular frame shown as the area for placing the elastic elements in FIG. .one. The number of elastic elements placed in the zone VM of the placement of elastic elements can be only two.

In addition, as elastic elements for contracting the absorbent product in the longitudinal direction of the product, i.e. in its longitudinal direction, only elastic elements 15a for forming cuffs that protect against leakage and elastic elements 16 for forming cuffs for the legs can be placed. On each of the left and right sides of the absorbent article, only one elastic element 15a can be placed to form cuffs that protect against leakage, and only one elastic element 16 to form cuffs for the legs, or a plurality of elastic elements 15a can be placed on each side and a plurality of elastic elements 16. Furthermore, elastic elements may not be placed to tighten the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction of the article, that is, in its longitudinal direction.

[0129]

The absorbent article according to the invention (the first aspect) may be a stretchable disposable diaper instead of a disposable diaper or may be a stretchable or conventional stretchable sanitary pad, urological pad, daily panty liner or the like.

[0130]

In addition, the invention (second aspect) has been described (described) above, but the invention (second aspect) is not limited (limited) to the above embodiment and can be changed (changed) accordingly within certain limits without departing from the essence of the invention (second aspect) . For example, to prevent the fluid from moving from the absorbent core 140 to the skin of the user (the so-called liquid return), a liquid-permeable layer for preventing the passage of body fluids in the opposite direction, also called the sublayer, or the like can be placed between the top sheet 102 and the absorbent element 4 (sheet 45 for wrapping the core). The top sheet 102 in the embodiment is formed from a stack consisting of two sheets 20 and 21, but can be formed from one sheet.

[0131]

The absorbent article according to the invention (the second aspect) is not limited to the disposable diaper of the type disclosed in the embodiment, and encompasses a wide range of articles that are used to absorb the body fluids (urine, menstrual blood, loose stool, sweat and the like), isolated from the human body, such as a pull-on disposable diaper, sanitary napkin, sanitary article of underwear or the like.

[0132]

With regard to the aforementioned embodiment, according to the invention (the first aspect), an absorbent article described hereinafter is further disclosed.

<1> An absorbent article comprising: an upper sheet formed from a composite sheet; a back sheet and an absorbent element located between the top sheet and the back sheet,

wherein the composite sheet has a first direction that runs along the longitudinal direction of the product, and a second direction that runs along the width direction of the product, the first sheet and second sheet that form the multilayer material are partially attached to each other and form many connected zones, and the first the sheet in its parts other than the connected zones, protrudes so that it is distant from the second sheet, and forms protrusions protruding towards the skin of the user,

the composite sheet has a middle zone and two side zones located on both sides of the middle zone, in which the protrusions are formed with correspondingly different configurations,

the middle first protrusions, which are the highest protrusions in the middle zone, have a height that is greater than the height of the lateral first protrusions, which are the highest protrusions in the side zones, and

the middle zone has a value of deformation during compression, exceeding the value of deformation of the side zones during compression.

[0133]

<2> An absorbent article according to <1>, wherein a plurality of rows of middle continuous protrusions including middle first protrusions are formed in the middle zone and protrusions in the side zones are formed so that they are dispersed.

<3> Absorbent article according to <1> or <2>,

in which many rows of medium continuous protrusions are formed in the middle zone, and

in the middle continuous protrusions, the middle first protrusions and the middle second protrusions, which are lower than the average first protrusions, are connected alternately, or only a plurality of middle first protrusions are connected.

<4> Absorbent article according to <2> or <3>,

in which each of the medium continuous protrusions extends in a second direction, and,

if we assume that the set of first virtual straight lines that are parallel to each other, and many second virtual straight lines that are angled relative to the first virtual straight lines and are parallel to each other, are on the composite sheet in the side zones, the first side protrusions in the side zones located at the intersection of the first virtual straight lines and the second virtual straight lines.

<5> Absorbent product according to any one of paragraphs <1> - <4>,

in which the middle third protrusions, which are lower than the average first protrusions, are formed in the middle zone, and

each of the middle third protrusions is located between the middle first protrusions in the first direction, and each of them has the same height as the side first protrusions.

[0134]

<6> Absorbent product according to any one of paragraphs <1> - <5>,

in which the middle third protrusions, which are lower than the average first protrusions, are formed in the middle zone, and

a plurality of middle third protrusions are formed along the second direction, and each of the elongated connected zones, which are elongated in the first direction, is formed between the middle third protrusions adjacent to each other in the second direction.

<7> An absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein each of the middle first protrusions has a height that is preferably 105% or more, more preferably 110% or more and preferably 200% or less, more preferably 150% or less of the height of the lateral first protrusions.

<8> An absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <7>, wherein each of the middle first protrusions has a height that is preferably 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 1 mm or more, and preferably 5 mm or less more preferably 4 mm or less.

<9> An absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <8>, wherein each of the lateral first protrusions has a height that is preferably 0.3 mm or more, more preferably 0.6 mm or more, and preferably 4 mm or less, more preferably 3 mm or less.

[0135]

<10> An absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <9>, wherein the difference in height of the middle first protrusions and the height of the side first protrusions is preferably 0.1 mm or more, more preferably 0.2 mm or more, and preferably 2 mm or less, more preferably 1 mm or less.

<11> An absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <10>,

in which many rows of medium continuous protrusions are formed in the middle zone, and

the middle first protrusions and the middle second protrusions, which are lower than the average first protrusions, forming the middle continuous protrusions, preferably have cavities at least from the rear side of the middle first protrusions.

<12> Absorbent product according to any one of paragraphs <1> - <11>,

in which many rows of medium continuous protrusions are formed in the middle zone, and

the middle first protrusions and the middle second protrusions, which are lower than the average first protrusions, which form the middle continuous protrusions, have cavities on the rear side of each of the protrusions, so that the cavities on the rear side of the middle first protrusions and the cavities on the back side of the middle second protrusions are continuous hollow parts extending continuously in the second direction from the rear side of the middle continuous projections.

<13> An absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs <1> to <12>, in which the first connected zones with the shape of rectangles, each of which has long sides corresponding to the first direction, and which are arranged in a row at intervals with a second direction, form rows of first connected zones along a second direction.

<14> An absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <13>, wherein the second connected zones, each of which has two sides orthogonal to each other, wherein one of these sides corresponds to the second direction and the other of these sides corresponds to the first direction, - and which are arranged in a row with intervals in the second direction, form rows of second connected zones along the second direction.

[0136]

<15> Absorbent product according to any one of paragraphs <1> - <14>,

in which the first connected zones with the shape of rectangles, each of which has long sides corresponding to the first direction, and which are arranged in a row with intervals in the second direction, form rows of first connected zones along the second direction,

the second connected zones, each of which has two sides orthogonal to each other, while one of these sides corresponds to the second direction and the other of these sides corresponds to the first direction, and which are arranged in a row with intervals in the second direction, form rows second connected zones along a second direction, and

интервалы и меньшие интервалы образованы попеременно.the intervals between the first connected zones in the second direction are constant in each of the rows of the first connected zones, and the intervals between the second connected zones in the second direction are two types of intervals in each of the rows of the second connected zones,

intervals and smaller intervals are alternately formed.

<16> Absorbent product according to any one of paragraphs <1> - <15>,

in which the first connected zones with the shape of rectangles, each of which has long sides corresponding to the first direction, and which are arranged in a row with intervals in the second direction, form rows of first connected zones along the second direction,

the second connected zones, each of which has two sides orthogonal to each other, while one of these sides corresponds to the second direction and the other of these sides corresponds to the first direction, and which are arranged in a row with intervals in the second direction, form rows second connected zones along a second direction, and

all locations of the first connected zones, when viewed along the second direction, are the same in each of the rows of the first connected zones, and all locations of the second connected zones, when viewed along the second direction, are the same in each of the rows of the second connected zones.

<17> Absorbent product according to any one of paragraphs <1> - <16>,

in which the first connected zones with the shape of rectangles, each of which has long sides corresponding to the first direction, and which are arranged in a row with intervals in the second direction, form rows of first connected zones along the second direction,

the second connected zones, each of which has two sides orthogonal to each other, while one of these sides corresponds to the second direction and the other of these sides corresponds to the first direction, and which are arranged in a row with intervals in the second direction, form rows second connected zones along a second direction, and

in the case of one of the first connected zones forming the rows of the first connected zones, a total of four second connected zones forming two rows of the second connected zones are located in the immediate vicinity around the first connected zone so that the corners of the second connected zones respectively face the four corners of this first connected zone.

<18> Absorbent product according to any one of paragraphs <1> - <17>,

in which the first connected zones with the shape of rectangles, each of which has long sides corresponding to the first direction, and which are arranged in a row with intervals in the second direction, form rows of first connected zones along the second direction,

the second connected zones, each of which has two sides orthogonal to each other, while one of these sides corresponds to the second direction and the other of these sides corresponds to the first direction, and which are arranged in a row with intervals in the second direction, form rows second connected zones along a second direction, and

a group of connected zones is formed, formed from one first connected zone and four second connected zones located around this first connected zone, and in each embossed zone E a plurality of such groups of connected zones are formed at constant intervals in the second direction.

<19> Absorbent product according to any one of paragraphs <1> - <18>,

in which in the middle zone of the composite sheet, middle first protrusions, middle second protrusions that are lower than the average first protrusions, middle third protrusions and fourth protrusions are formed on a first sheet forming the composite sheet, and

if we consider the middle second protrusions, which are lower than the average first protrusions, the middle third protrusions, as well as the fourth protrusions, then the protrusions of these three types are arranged regularly and in the form of a straight line running along the first direction in the following order: the middle second protrusion, the fourth protrusion, middle third ledge and then the fourth ledge.

[0137]

<20> An absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <19>, wherein in the middle region of the composite sheet are middle first protrusions, middle second protrusions that are lower than the average first protrusions, middle third protrusions and fourth protrusions are formed on the first sheet forming the composite sheet and the fourth protrusions are lower than any of the middle first protrusions, the middle second protrusions and the middle third protrusions.

<21> An absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <20>, wherein a plurality of rows of connected zones extending in the second direction, in which the third connected zones are regularly arranged at two types of intervals in the second direction, are formed along the first direction in the side zones composite sheet.

<22> The absorbent product according to paragraph <21>, wherein the rows of connected zones extending in the second direction have first intervals and second intervals longer than the first intervals and the plurality of third connected zones extending in the second direction in the second direction the second direction, the rows of connected zones are arranged discontinuously in the second direction so that the intervals of these two types are alternately formed in the second direction.

<23> An absorbent article according to <21> or <22>, wherein the plurality of third connected zones forming each of the rows of connected zones extending in the second direction have the same length and the same location in the first direction, and a gap having a constant width, formed between rows of connected zones extending in a second direction adjacent to each other in a first direction.

<24> An absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs <21> to <23>, wherein the locations of the third connected zones in the second direction are the same in every second row of second-row rows of connected zones formed in the form of a plurality of rows along the first direction , and the locations of the third connected zones in the second direction differ from each other in adjacent to each other, passing in the second direction rows of connected zones.

[0138]

<25> An absorbent article according to any one of <21> - <24>, wherein, as the rows of connected zones extending in the second direction, the second rows extending in the second direction, the second rows of connected zones and extending in the second direction, in which the locations of the third connected zones in the second direction are different from each other, formed alternately along the first direction, and, as for the locations of the third connected zones in the second direction, two third connected zones adjacent to each other located with a first interval between them in one of the second row of connected zones and passing in the second direction of the second row of connected zones located between the third connected zones adjacent to each other and located at a second interval between them in another row of connected zones.

<26> Absorbent product according to any one of paragraphs <1> - <25>,

in which, if we assume that many of the first virtual straight lines that are parallel to each other, and many second virtual straight lines that are angled relative to the first virtual straight lines and parallel to each other, are on the composite sheet in the side zones,

the angle θ formed between the first virtual straight lines and the second virtual straight lines is preferably 30 ° to 165 °, more preferably 45 ° to 150 °.

<27> Absorbent product according to any one of paragraphs <1> - <26>,

in which, if we assume that many of the first virtual straight lines that are parallel to each other, and many second virtual straight lines that are angled relative to the first virtual straight lines and parallel to each other, are on the composite sheet in the side zones,

a plurality of rows of protrusions extending in a third direction, in which a plurality of lateral first protrusions are arranged sequentially at constant intervals along the first virtual straight lines, and a plurality of rows extending in a third direction of protrusions in which a plurality of lateral first protrusions are arranged sequentially at constant intervals along the second virtual straight lines formed in the side zones of the composite sheet.

<28> An absorbent article according to <27>, wherein each of the rows of connected zones extending in the third direction, in which the plurality of pairs of connected zones are arranged in series at regular intervals, is formed between the rows of protrusions extending in the third direction adjacent to each other, and each of the rows of connected zones extending in the fourth direction, in which a plurality of pairs of connected zones are arranged sequentially at regular intervals, is formed between the rows of protrusions extending in the fourth direction, them with each other.

<29> Absorbent product according to any one of paragraphs <1> - <28>,

in which small protrusions are formed in the lateral zones, and

the small protrusions have a height that is one third or less of the height of the lateral first protrusions.

[0139]

<30> An absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <29> made in the form of a disposable diaper having a front that is worn around the front of the wearer when wearing the diaper, a back that is worn around the back of the wearer when wearing the diaper, and the crotch portion, which is located between the front and back,

however, a plurality of elastic elements for contracting the disposable diaper in the width direction are spaced in the longitudinal direction of the disposable diaper, at least in the middle in the width direction of the rear part,

the middle zone of the composite sheet is located in the zone of placement of elastic elements, in which a plurality of elastic elements are placed, and in the zone of placement of elastic elements, a plurality of rows of middle continuous protrusions including middle first protrusions extend in a second direction, and,

if we take the width of each of the middle continuous protrusions equal to P1, take the interval between the elastic elements equal to P2 and take the interval between the centers of the middle continuous protrusions equal to P3, then the relation P1 <P2 <P3 is fulfilled.

<31> Absorbent product according to any one of paragraphs <1> - <30>,

in which many rows of medium continuous protrusions are formed in the middle zone, and

elongated connected zones that are elongated in the first direction are formed at equal intervals in the second direction between the middle continuous protrusions adjacent to each other in the first direction.

<32> An absorbent article according to <31>, wherein each of the first connected zones 31, which are elongated connected zones, has a length in the first direction, which is preferably 1.2 times or more, in particular 1.5 times or more and preferably 5 times or less, in particular 3 times or less than the length in the second direction.

<33> An absorbent article according to <31> or <32>, wherein each of the first connected zones, which are elongated connected zones, has a length in the first direction, which is preferably 1.2 times or more, in particular 1.5 times or more and preferably 5 times or less, in particular 3 times or less than the length of each of the second connected zones in the first direction.

<34> An absorbent article according to any one of <31> to <33>, wherein each of the first connected zones, which are elongated connected zones, has a length in the first direction, preferably of 0.5 mm or more, in particular 1 mm or more and preferably a component of 10 mm or less, in particular 5 mm or less.

[0140]

<35> Absorbent product according to any one of paragraphs <1> - <34>, in which each of the second connected zones, each of which has two sides orthogonal to each other, while one of these sides corresponds to the second direction and the other of these sides corresponds to the first direction, and which are arranged in a row at intervals in the second direction, has a length in the first direction, preferably comprising 0.1-5 mm, in particular 0.5-3 mm, and a length in the second direction, preferably a component of 0.1-5 mm, in particular 0.5-3 mm.

<36> An absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <35>, wherein each of the third connected zones formed in the side zones of the composite sheet has a length in the first direction, preferably 0.1-5 mm, in particular 0.5-3 mm, and a length in the second direction, preferably component 0.1-5 mm, in particular 0.5-3 mm

<37> An absorbent article according to <36>, wherein the rows of connected zones extending in the second direction, in which the third connected zones are arranged regularly at two types of intervals in the second direction, are such that a larger interval between the third connected zones in the second direction is preferably in 2 times or more, in particular 2.5 times or more, and preferably 5 times or less, in particular 4 times or less, exceeds the smaller interval between the third connected zones.

<38> An absorbent article according to any one of <1> to <37>, wherein in all of the middle zone and the side zones, the composite sheet is substantially flat on its surface located on the side of the second sheet and has projections and recesses with significant waviness on its surface located on the side of the first sheet.

<39> An absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs <1> to <38>, wherein each of the middle first protrusions and the middle second protrusions forming the middle continuous protrusions formed in the middle zone is substantially circular in plan view.

<40> Absorbent product according to any one of paragraphs <1> to <39>, in which in the middle zone of the composite sheet there are un embossed zones extending in the second direction and having no connected zone along their entire length in the second direction, and embossed zones extending in the second direction and having connected zones arranged regularly, are alternately formed along the first direction.

[0141]

<41> An absorbent article according to <1>, comprising: an absorbent element including an absorbent core comprising an absorbent material, and a top sheet that is provided on a surface of the absorbent element facing the skin, wherein the absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, corresponding to the direction from the front side to the rear side of the user, and a transverse direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction,

the absorbent element has a core region having low stiffness located in the middle in the transverse direction of the absorbent core and extending in the longitudinal direction, and core zones having high stiffness located in the transverse direction on both sides of the core region having low stiffness and having stiffness, higher than the stiffness of the core zone having low stiffness, and

the top sheet has a zone of the top sheet having low stiffness and extending in the longitudinal direction so that it overlaps the core zone having low stiffness in plan view and areas of the top sheet having high stiffness located in the transverse direction on both sides of the upper zone a sheet having a low stiffness and having a stiffness higher than the stiffness of the area of the top sheet having a low stiffness, while the areas of the top sheet having high stiffness and the core zones having high stiffness are cross vayutsya in plan.

<42> The absorbent article of <41>, wherein the core region having low stiffness has a surface density lower than the surface density of core zones having high stiffness.

<43> An absorbent article according to <41> or <42>, wherein the high stiffness core zones are absorbent core zones other than the low stiffness core zone and surround the low stiffness core zone.

[0142]

<44> An absorbent article according to <42> or <43>, wherein grooves are formed on a skin-facing surface or on a non-skin-facing surface of a core zone having low stiffness, and part of the core zone having low stiffness with grooves have a surface density lower than the surface density of parts of the core zone having low rigidity that do not have grooves.

<45> An absorbent article according to <44>, having a front portion worn around the front side of the user, a rear portion worn around the rear side, and a crotch portion that is located between the front portion and the rear portion along the longitudinal direction,

wherein the core region having low stiffness is a zone in which a plurality of linear grooves are formed in the form of a lattice in plan view, and extends from the front to the back.

<46> An absorbent article according to <44> or <45>, in which the core region having low stiffness has a length in the longitudinal direction shorter than the length of the absorbent core and two grooves located on the sides farthest from the center in the longitudinal direction, located inside in the longitudinal direction with respect to the front and rear ends of the absorbent core, determined in the longitudinal direction.

<47> An absorbent article according to any one of <44> - <46>, wherein the length of the core region having low stiffness in the transverse direction, which is the distance between the two grooves that are located on the sides farthest from the center direction, is constant along the entire length of the core zone having low stiffness in the longitudinal direction.

[0143]

<48> Absorbent product according to any one of paragraphs <44> - <47>,

in which the core area having low stiffness includes areas with high surface density having relatively high surface density and the shape of protrusions protruding toward a surface not facing the skin, and areas with low surface density adjacent to areas with high surface density, having a relatively low surface density and recessed towards the surface facing the skin, and

grooves are recesses formed on the side of the surface not facing the skin, in places in which areas with low surface density are formed.

<49> An absorbent article according to <48>, wherein in a core region having a low stiffness, the surface not facing the skin has an uneven structure due to the presence of a plurality of grooves, while the surface facing the skin does not have grooves and is flat.

<50> An absorbent article according to <48> or <49>, wherein in a core region having a low stiffness, a plurality of linear grooves extend in a longitudinal direction and a plurality of linear grooves also extend in a transverse direction, wherein a plurality of linear grooves are orthogonal to each other to a friend, a core zone having low rigidity is divided into a plurality of small zones, and these small zones are portions with high surface density.

<51> An absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs <48> to <50>, wherein each of the areas of high surface density is separated by areas of low surface density and are independent of each other.

[0144]

<52> Absorbent product according to any one of paragraphs <48> to <51>, in which the proportion of surface density of areas of low surface density relative to the surface density of areas of high surface density is such that the ratio [surface density of areas of low surface density] / [surface density of areas of high surface density] is preferably 20% or more, more preferably 30% or more, and preferably 80% or less, more preferably 70% or less.

<53> An absorbent article according to any one of <48> to <52>, wherein the areas of low surface density have a surface density that is preferably 100 g / m ² or more, more preferably 150 g / m ² or more, and preferably is 500 g / m ² or less, more preferably 400 g / m ² or less.

<54> An absorbent article according to any one of <48> to <53>, wherein the areas of high surface density have a surface density that is preferably 300 g / m ² or more, more preferably 350 g / m ² or more, and preferably is 900 g / m ² or less, more preferably 800 g / m ² or less.

<55> An absorbent article according to any one of paragraphs <48> to <54>, wherein the areas of high surface density have a thickness that is greater than the thickness of areas of low surface density and a fraction of the thickness of areas of low surface density with respect to the thickness of sections c high surface density such that the ratio [thickness of areas with low surface density] / [thickness of areas with high surface density] is preferably 30% or more, more preferably 40% or more, and preferred but is 90% or less, more preferably 80% or less.

<56> An absorbent article according to any one of <48> to <55>, wherein the areas of low surface density have a thickness that is preferably 1.5 mm or more, more preferably 2.5 mm or more, and preferably 4, 5 mm or less, more preferably 4 mm or less.

<57> An absorbent article according to any one of <48> to <56>, wherein the areas of high surface density have a thickness that is preferably 2 mm or more, more preferably 3 mm or more, and preferably 8 mm or less, more preferably 7 mm or less.

<58> An absorbent article according to any one of <48> to <57>, wherein the thickness of the core zones having high stiffness is substantially the same as the thickness of portions with high surface density in the core zone having low stiffness.

[0145]

<59> An absorbent article according to any one of <41> to <58>, wherein the core region having low stiffness has a bending stiffness that is preferably 3 g or more, more preferably 4 g or more, and preferably 10 g or less, more preferably 9 g or less.

<60> An absorbent article according to any one of <41> to <59>, wherein the core zones having high stiffness have bending stiffness which is preferably 5 g or more, more preferably 6 g or more, and preferably 20 g or less, more preferably 15 g or less.

<61> An absorbent article according to any one of <41> to <60>, wherein the difference in bending stiffness of the core zone having low stiffness and bending stiffness of the core zones having high stiffness is 1 g or more.

[0146]

<62> An absorbent article according to any one of <44> - <61>, wherein the top sheet has protrusions protruding toward the skin of the user, and recesses located around the protrusions, and protrusions and / or recesses are formed with correspondingly different configurations in an area of the top sheet having low stiffness and areas of the top sheet having high stiffness.

<63> The absorbent article of <62>, wherein the recesses are embossed high density parts and the protrusions are low embossed parts.

<64> An absorbent article according to <62> or <63>, wherein the protrusions are formed so that they are dispersed in a plan view, or, more specifically, with a pattern in a small broken cell in areas of the top sheet having high stiffness.

[0147]

<65> An absorbent article according to any one of <62> to <64>, wherein the low stiffness region of the top sheet has continuous projections as protrusions in which a plurality of protrusions are connected in the transverse direction.

<66> An absorbent article according to <65>, wherein the areas of the top sheet having high stiffness do not have continuous projections and the plurality of projections are independent of each other in the areas of the top sheet having high stiffness.

<67> An absorbent article according to <65> or <66>, wherein the continuous protrusions are hollow and the hollow parts extend continuously substantially along the entire length of the continuous protrusions in the transverse direction.

<68> An absorbent article according to any one of <65> to <67>, wherein each of the continuous protrusions is formed by connecting in the transverse direction alternately arranged small protrusions of two types with correspondingly different heights.

<69> An absorbent article according to <68>, wherein in a region of a top sheet having low stiffness, rows of protrusions formed of a plurality of protrusions and continuous protrusions are alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction in the form of straight lines, and one of the protrusions and one of small protrusions are formed in the same place in the transverse direction.

<70> An absorbent article according to any one of <65> to <69>, wherein the continuous projections are arranged in steps that are preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 4 mm or more, and preferably 9 mm or less, more preferably 8 mm or less.

<71> An absorbent article according to any one of <62> to <70>, wherein a plurality of protrusions are formed intermittently with a predetermined pitch P4 in the longitudinal direction in the area of the top sheet having low stiffness, a plurality of grooves are formed intermittently with a predetermined pitch P5 in the longitudinal direction in the core region having low rigidity and the ratio of pitch P5 to pitch P4 is such that P5 / P4 is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3 or more, and preferably 7 or less, more preferably 6 or less.

[0148]

<72> An absorbent article according to any one of <41> to <71>, wherein the ratio of the bending stiffness of the zones of the top sheet having high stiffness to the bending stiffness of the area of the top sheet having low stiffness is such that the ratio [bending stiffness of the zones top sheet having high stiffness] / [bending stiffness of the area of the top sheet having low stiffness] is preferably 1.1 or more, more preferably 1.2 or more.

<73> An absorbent article according to any one of <41> to <72>, wherein the bending stiffness of the areas of the top sheet having high stiffness is preferably 10 cN or more, more preferably 15 cN or more, and preferably 50 cN or less, more preferably 40 cN or less, on the assumption that the bending stiffness is greater than the bending stiffness of the area of the top sheet having low stiffness.

<74> An absorbent article according to any one of <41> to <73>, wherein the bending stiffness of the area of the top sheet having low stiffness is preferably 40 cN or less, more preferably 30 cN or less, and preferably 5 cN or more, more preferably 10 cN or more, on the assumption that the bending stiffness is less than the bending stiffness of the areas of the top sheet having high stiffness.

[0149]

<75> An absorbent article according to any one of <41> to <74>, wherein the proportion of the area of the skin surface of the core zone having low rigidity to the entire surface area of the skin of the absorbent core is preferably 20% or more, more preferably 30% or more and preferably 70% or less, more preferably 60% or less.

<76> An absorbent article according to any one of <41> to <75>, wherein, in a plan view, the boundaries between the core region having low rigidity and the core zones having high rigidity overlap the boundaries between the region of the top sheet having low rigidity , and areas of the top sheet having high rigidity.

<77> An absorbent article according to any one of <41> to <76>, having a front portion that is worn around the front side of the user, a rear portion that is worn around the rear side, and a crotch portion that is located between the front portion and the rear portion along longitudinal direction

while in the front part and the rear part of the boundary between the core zone having low stiffness and the core zones having high stiffness, they are located on the outside in the transverse direction with respect to the boundaries between the zone of the top sheet having low stiffness and the zones of the top sheet, having high rigidity, and

in the crotch portion of the boundary between the core region having low stiffness and the core zones having high stiffness, are located on the inside in the transverse direction with respect to the boundaries between the region of the top sheet having low stiffness and the zones of the top sheet having high stiffness.

<78> An absorbent article according to any one of <41> to <77>, wherein the absorbent core has a single layer structure and has an hourglass shape that is tapered inward in the center in the longitudinal direction in a plan view.

[0150]

<79> An absorbent article comprising: an absorbent member including an absorbent core comprising an absorbent material and a topsheet material that is provided on the surface of the absorbent member facing the skin, wherein the absorbent article has a longitudinal direction corresponding to the front direction side to the rear side of the user, and a transverse direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction,

wherein the absorbent element has a core zone having low stiffness located in the middle in the transverse direction of the absorbent core and extending in the longitudinal direction, and core zones having high stiffness located in the transverse direction on both sides of the core zone having low stiffness and having stiffness higher than the stiffness of the core zone having low stiffness, and

wherein the material of the upper sheet has a zone of the upper sheet having low stiffness and extending in the longitudinal direction so that it overlaps the core zone having low stiffness in plan view and zones of the upper sheet having high stiffness located in the transverse direction from both the sides of the zone of the top sheet having low stiffness and having a stiffness higher than the stiffness of the zone of the top sheet having low stiffness, while the areas of the top sheet having high stiffness and the core zone exhibiting high rigidity, overlap in plan view.

Industrial applicability

[0151]

The absorbent article according to the invention (the first aspect) has very good characteristics both in terms of breathability and the ability to retract liquid.

[0152]

According to the invention (the second aspect), an absorbent article is proposed that feels comfortable on the skin in the crotch and has very good comfort, and the possibility of fluid leakage from it is unlikely.

Claims (116)

1. An absorbent article comprising: a top sheet formed from a composite sheet; a back sheet and an absorbent element located between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein the composite sheet has a first direction that extends in the longitudinal direction of the product, and a second direction that extends in the width direction of the product, the first sheet and the second sheet forming a multilayer material, partially joined to each other and forming many connected zones, the first sheet in its parts other than the connected zones, protrudes so that it is distant from the second sheet, and forms protrusions protruding towards the skin of the user, while the composite sheet has a middle zone and two side zones located on both sides of the middle zone, in which the protrusions are formed with correspondingly different configurations, the middle first protrusions, which are the highest protrusions in the middle zone, have a height that exceeds the height of the lateral first protrusions, which are the highest protrusions in the side zones, and the middle zone has a value of deformation during compression that exceeds the amount of deformation of the side zones during compression, the first connected zones in the form of rectangles, the long sides of each of which correspond to the first direction and which are arranged in a row at intervals with a second direction, form rows of first connected zones along the second directions. 2. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein a plurality of rows of medium continuous protrusions are formed in the middle zone, including middle first protrusions, and protrusions in the side zones are formed so that they are dispersed. 3. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which in the middle zone, many rows of medium continuous protrusions are formed, and in the middle continuous protrusions, the middle first protrusions and the middle second protrusions, which are lower than the average first protrusions, are connected alternately, or only a plurality of middle first protrusions are connected. 4. Absorbent product according to claim 2, in which each of the middle continuous protrusions extends in a second direction, and, if we assume that on the composite sheet in the side zones there are many first virtual straight lines that are parallel to each other, and many second virtual straight lines that are angled relative to the first virtual straight lines and parallel to each other, then the first side protrusions in the side zones located at the intersection of the first virtual straight lines and the second virtual straight lines. 5. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the middle third protrusions are formed that are lower than the middle first protrusions, and each of the middle third protrusions is located between the middle first protrusions in the first direction, and each of them has the same height as lateral first protrusions. 6. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the middle third protrusions are formed that are lower than the middle first protrusions, and a plurality of middle third protrusions are formed along the second direction, and between the middle third protrusions adjacent to each other in the second direction, is formed each of the elongated connected zones, which are elongated in the first direction. 7. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which each of the middle first protrusions has a height that is 105-200% of the height of the lateral first protrusions. 8. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein each of the middle first protrusions has a height of 0.5-5 mm. 9. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein each of the lateral first protrusions has a height of 0.3-4 mm. 10. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the difference in height of the middle first protrusions and the height of the lateral first protrusions is 0.1-2 mm 11. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which in the middle zone formed by many rows of medium continuous protrusions, and the middle first protrusions and the middle second protrusions, which are lower than the average first protrusions, forming the middle continuous protrusions, have cavities on the back side of the middle first protrusions. 12. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which in the middle zone formed by many rows of medium continuous protrusions, and the middle first protrusions and the middle second protrusions, which are lower than the average first protrusions, which form the middle continuous protrusions, have cavities on the rear side of each of the protrusions, so that the cavities on the rear side of the middle first protrusions and the cavities on the back side of the middle second protrusions are continuous hollow parts extending continuously in the second direction from the rear side of the middle continuous projections. 13. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the second connected zone, each of which has two sides, orthogonal to each other, with one side corresponding to the second direction, and the other side corresponding to the first direction, and which are arranged in a row with at intervals in the second direction, form rows of second connected zones along the second direction. 14. Absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the first connected zones in the form of rectangles, the long sides of each of which correspond to the first direction and which are arranged in a row with intervals in the second direction, form the rows of the first connected zones along the second direction, the second connected zones, each of which has two sides orthogonal to each other, with one of the sides corresponding to the second direction, and the other of the sides corresponding to the first direction, and which are arranged in a row with intervals in the second direction, form rows of second connected zones along the second directions, and the intervals between the first connected zones in the second direction are constant in each of the rows of the first connected zones, and the intervals between the second connected zones in the second direction are the intervals of two types in each of the rows of the second connected zones, in which larger intervals and smaller intervals are formed alternately. 15. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the first connected zones in the form of rectangles, the long sides of each of which correspond to the first direction, and which are arranged in a row with intervals in the second direction, form the rows of the first connected zones along the second direction, the second connected zones, each of which has two sides orthogonal to each other, with one of the sides corresponding to the second direction, and the other of the sides corresponding to the first direction, and which are arranged in a row with intervals in the second direction, form rows of second connected zones along the second directions, and all locations of the first connected zones, when viewed along the second direction, are the same in each of the rows of the first connected zones, and all locations of the second connected zones, when viewed along the second direction, are the same in each of the rows of the second connected zones. 16. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the first connected zones in the form of rectangles, the long sides of each of which correspond to the first direction, and which are arranged in a row with intervals in the second direction, form the rows of the first connected zones along the second direction, the second connected zones, each of which has two sides orthogonal to each other, with one of the sides corresponding to the second direction, and the other of the sides corresponding to the first direction, and which are arranged in a row with intervals in the second direction, form rows of second connected zones along the second directions, and if you look at one of the first connected zones forming the rows of the first connected zones, in the immediate vicinity around the first connected zone are four second connected zones, together forming two rows of the second connected zones, so that the corners of the second connected zones respectively face the four corners of this first connected zone. 17. Absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the first connected zones in the form of rectangles, the long sides of each of which correspond to the first direction and which are arranged in a row with intervals in the second direction, form the rows of the first connected zones along the second direction, the second connected zones, each of which has two sides orthogonal to each other, with one of the sides corresponding to the second direction, and the other of the sides corresponding to the first direction, and which are arranged in a row with intervals in the second direction, form rows of second connected zones along the second directions, and a group of connected zones is formed, formed from one first connected zone and four second connected zones located around the first connected zone, and in each embossed zone, a plurality of such groups of connected zones are formed at constant intervals in the second direction. 18. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which in the middle zone of the composite sheet, on the first sheet forming the composite sheet, the middle first protrusions, the middle second protrusions that are lower than the average first protrusions, the middle third protrusions and fourth protrusions are formed, and if you look at the middle second protrusions, which are lower than the average first protrusions, the middle third protrusions, as well as the fourth protrusions, then the protrusions of these three types are arranged regularly and in the form of a straight line running in the first direction in the following order: middle second protrusion, fourth protrusion , the middle third protrusion and then the fourth protrusion. 19. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which in the middle zone of the composite sheet middle first protrusions, middle second protrusions that are lower than the average first protrusions, middle third protrusions and fourth protrusions are formed on the first sheet forming the composite sheet, and the fourth protrusions are more lower than any of the middle first protrusions, the middle second protrusions and the middle third protrusions. 20. The absorbent product according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of rows of connected zones extending in the second direction, in which the third connected zones are arranged regularly at two types of intervals in the second direction, are formed along the first direction in the side zones of the composite sheet. 21. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which, if we assume that on the composite sheet in the side zones there are many first virtual straight lines that are parallel to each other, and many second virtual straight lines that are angled relative to the first virtual straight lines and are parallel to each other, then the angle θ formed between the first virtual straight lines and the second virtual straight lines is 30 ° - 165 °. 22. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which, if we assume that on the composite sheet in the side zones there are many first virtual straight lines that are parallel to each other, and many second virtual straight lines that are angled relative to the first virtual straight lines and parallel to each other then in the lateral zones of the composite sheet, a plurality of rows of protrusions extending in a third direction are formed, in which a plurality of lateral first protrusions are arranged consecutively at regular intervals along the first virtual straight lines, and a plurality of rows of protrusions extending in a fourth direction are arranged in which a plurality of lateral first protrusions are arranged sequentially intervals along the second virtual straight lines. 23. An absorbent product according to claim 22, in which each of the rows of connected zones extending in the third direction, in which the plurality of pairs of connected zones are arranged in series with constant intervals, is formed between the rows of protrusions extending in the third direction adjacent to each other, and each of rows of connected zones extending in the fourth direction, in which a plurality of pairs of connected zones are arranged sequentially at constant intervals, is formed between rows of protrusions passing in the fourth direction, adjacent to yr with a friend. 24. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which small protrusions are formed in the side zones, the small protrusions having a height that is one third or less of the height of the lateral first protrusions. 25. The absorbent product according to claim 1, made in the form of a disposable diaper having a front part that is worn on the front side of the wearer when wearing the diaper, a back part that is worn on the back side of the wearer when wearing the diaper, and a crotch portion that is located between the front part and back, however, in the longitudinal direction of the disposable diaper, at least in the middle in the width direction of the rear part, a plurality of elastic elements are arranged at intervals to tighten the disposable diaper in the width direction, the middle zone of the composite sheet is located in the zone of placement of elastic elements, in which a plurality of elastic elements are placed, and in the zone of placement of elastic elements, a plurality of rows of middle continuous protrusions including middle first protrusions extend in the second direction, and if we take the width of each of the middle continuous protrusions equal to P1, take the interval between the elastic elements equal to P2 and take the interval between the centers of the middle continuous protrusions equal to P3, then the relation P1 <P2 <P3 is fulfilled. 26. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein a plurality of rows of medium continuous protrusions are formed in the middle zone, and in the second direction between the middle continuous protrusions adjacent to each other in the first direction, elongated connected zones are formed at equal intervals, which are elongated in the first direction. 27. The absorbent product of claim 26, wherein each of the first connected zones, which are elongated connected zones, has a length in the first direction that is 1.2-5 times longer than the length in the second direction. 28. The absorbent product according to p, in which each of the first connected zones, which are elongated connected zones, has a length in the first direction, which is 1.2-5 times the length of each of the second connected zones in the first direction. 29. The absorbent product of claim 26, wherein each of the first connected zones, which are elongated connected zones, has a length in the first direction of 0.5-10 mm. 30. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which each of the second connected zones having two sides orthogonal to each other, one side corresponding to the second direction, and the other side corresponding to the first direction, and which are arranged in a row at intervals the second direction, has a length in the first direction of 0.1-5 mm, and a length in the second direction of 0.1-5 mm. 31. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which each of the third connected zones formed in the side zones of the composite sheet has a length in the first direction of 0.1-5 mm and a length in the second direction of 0.1-5 mm 32. An absorbent product according to claim 31, wherein the rows of connected zones extending in the second direction, in which the third connected zones are arranged regularly with two types of intervals in the second direction, are such that a larger interval between the third connected zones in the second direction is 2-5 times the shorter interval between the third connected zones. 33. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which in all of the middle zone and the side zones, the composite sheet is substantially flat on its surface located on the side of the second sheet and has protrusions and recesses with significant undulation on its surface located on the side first sheet. 34. The absorbent article of claim 1, wherein each of the middle first protrusions and the middle second protrusions forming the middle continuous protrusions formed in the middle zone is substantially circular in plan view. 35. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which in the middle zone of the composite sheet alternately along the first direction there are formed embossed zones extending in the second direction and having no connected zone along their entire length in the second direction, and embossed zones extending in the second direction and having connected areas located regularly. 36. The absorbent product according to claim 1, in which the absorbent element includes an absorbent core containing absorbent material, and a top sheet that is provided on the side of the surface of the absorbent element facing the skin, while the absorbent product has a longitudinal direction corresponding to the direction from front side to the rear side of the user, and a transverse direction that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, moreover, the absorbent element has a core zone having low stiffness, located in the middle in the transverse direction of the absorbent core and extending in the longitudinal direction, and core zones having high stiffness located in the transverse direction on both sides of the core zone having low stiffness and having stiffness exceeding the stiffness of the zone of the core having low stiffness, and the top sheet has a zone of the top sheet having low stiffness and extending in the longitudinal direction so that it overlaps the core zone having low stiffness in plan view and areas of the top sheet having high stiffness located in the transverse direction on both sides of the upper zone a sheet having low stiffness and having stiffness exceeding the stiffness of the zone of the top sheet having low stiffness, while the areas of the top sheet having high stiffness and the core zones having high stiffness overlap I am in plan view. 37. The absorbent product according to clause 36, in which the core zone having low stiffness has a surface density lower than the surface density of the core zones having high stiffness. 38. The absorbent article of claim 36, wherein the core zones having high stiffness are absorbent core zones other than the core zone having low stiffness and surround the core zone having low stiffness. 39. The absorbent article of claim 37, wherein grooves are formed on the surface facing the skin or on the surface not facing the skin of the core zone, and portions of the core region having low stiffness with grooves have a lower surface density than the surface density of the parts of the core zone having low rigidity, which do not have grooves. 40. An absorbent product according to claim 39, having a front portion that is worn on the front side of the user, a rear portion that is worn on the rear side, and a crotch portion that is located between the front portion and the rear portion in the longitudinal direction, wherein the core region having low stiffness is a zone in which a plurality of linear grooves are formed in the form of a lattice in plan view, and extends from the front to the back. 41. An absorbent article according to claim 39, wherein the length of the core region having low rigidity in the longitudinal direction is less than the length of the absorbent core, and two grooves located on the sides farthest from the center in the longitudinal direction are located inside in the longitudinal direction with respect to to the front and rear ends of the absorbent core, defined in the longitudinal direction. 42. An absorbent product according to claim 39, wherein the length of the core zone having low rigidity in the transverse direction is constant along the entire length of the core zone having low rigidity in the longitudinal direction. 43. The absorbent product according to § 39, in which the core area having low stiffness includes areas with a high surface density, having a relatively high surface density and the shape of the protrusions protruding toward a surface not facing the skin, and sections with low surface density adjacent to areas of high surface density, having a relatively low surface density and recessed towards the surface facing the skin, and grooves are recesses formed on the side of the surface not facing the skin, in places in which areas with low surface density are formed. 44. The absorbent product according to item 43, in which in the area of the core having low stiffness, the surface not facing the skin has an uneven structure due to the presence of many grooves, while the surface facing the skin has no grooves and is flat . 45. The absorbent product according to item 43, in which in the area of the core having low stiffness, many linear grooves extend in the longitudinal direction and many linear grooves also extend in the transverse direction, wherein many linear grooves orthogonal to each other divide the core area having low stiffness into many small zones, and these small zones are areas with high surface density. 46. Absorbent product according to item 43, in which all areas with high surface density are separated by areas with low surface density and are independent of each other. 47. An absorbent product according to item 43, in which the proportion of surface density of areas of low surface density with respect to the surface density of areas of high surface density is such that the ratio of the surface density of areas of low surface density / surface density of areas with high surface density is 20 -80%. 48. An absorbent product according to item 43, in which areas with low surface density have a surface density of 100-500 g / m ² . 49. The absorbent product according to item 43, in which areas with high surface density have a surface density of 300-900 g / m ² . 50. The absorbent product according to item 43, in which the areas with high surface density have a thickness that is greater than the thickness of areas with low surface density, and the proportion of the thickness of areas with low surface density with respect to the thickness of areas with high surface density is such that the ratio thickness sites with low surface density / thickness of sites with high surface density is 30-90%. 51. The absorbent product according to item 43, in which areas with a low surface density have a thickness of 1.5-4.5 mm 52. The absorbent product according to item 43, in which areas with high surface density have a thickness of 2-8 mm 53. The absorbent product according to item 43, in which the thickness of the core zones having high stiffness is essentially the same as the thickness of the areas with high surface density in the core zone having low stiffness. 54. The absorbent product according to clause 36, in which the core zone having low stiffness has a bending stiffness of 3-10 g 55. The absorbent product according to clause 36, in which the core zone having high rigidity, have a bending stiffness of 5-20 g. 56. The absorbent product according to clause 36, in which the difference between the bending stiffness of the core zone having low stiffness and the bending stiffness of the core zones having high stiffness is 1 g or more. 57. The absorbent product according to § 39, in which the top sheet has protrusions protruding toward the skin of the user, and recesses located around the protrusions, and the protrusions and / or recesses are formed with correspondingly different configurations in the area of the top sheet having low stiffness, and areas of the top sheet having high rigidity. 58. The absorbent article of claim 57, wherein the recesses are embossed parts of high density and the protrusions are low density parts not embossed. 59. The absorbent product according to clause 57, in which the protrusions are formed so that they are dispersed in a plan view, or with a pattern in a small broken cell in areas of the upper sheet having high rigidity. 60. The absorbent article of claim 57, wherein the low stiffness region of the top sheet has continuous projections as protrusions in which a plurality of protrusions are connected in the transverse direction. 61. An absorbent product according to claim 60, wherein the zones of the top sheet having high stiffness are free from continuous protrusions and the plurality of projections are independent of each other in the areas of the top sheet having high stiffness. 62. The absorbent article of claim 60, wherein the continuous protrusions are hollow and the hollow portions extend continuously substantially along the entire length of the continuous protrusions in the transverse direction. 63. An absorbent product according to claim 60, in which each of the continuous protrusions is formed by connecting transversely arranged alternately small protrusions of two types with correspondingly different heights. 64. The absorbent product according to item 63, in which in the area of the top sheet having low stiffness, the rows of protrusions formed from many protrusions, and continuous protrusions are alternately along the longitudinal direction in the form of straight lines, and one of the protrusions and one of the small protrusions formed in the same place in the transverse direction. 65. An absorbent article according to claim 60, wherein the continuous projections are arranged in increments of 3-9 mm. 66. An absorbent product according to claim 57, wherein the plurality of protrusions are intermittently formed with a predetermined pitch P4 in the longitudinal direction in the region of the top sheet having low stiffness, the plurality of grooves are formed intermittently with the predetermined pitch P5 in the longitudinal direction in the core region having low stiffness, and the ratio of step P5 to step P4 is such that P5 / P4 is 2-7. 67. An absorbent product according to clause 36, in which the ratio of the bending stiffness of the zones of the top sheet having high stiffness to the bending stiffness of the area of the top sheet having low stiffness is such that the ratio of the bending stiffness of zones of the top sheet having high stiffness / bending stiffness of the zone a top sheet having low stiffness is 1.1 or more. 68. The absorbent product according to clause 36, in which the bending stiffness of the zones of the top sheet having high stiffness is 10-50 cN, based on the assumption that this bending stiffness is greater than the bending stiffness of the area of the top sheet having low stiffness. 69. The absorbent product according to clause 36, in which the bending stiffness of the area of the top sheet having low stiffness is 5-40 cN, based on the assumption that this bending stiffness is less than the bending stiffness of the areas of the top sheet having high stiffness. 70. The absorbent product according to clause 36, in which the proportion of the area facing the skin of the surface of the core zone having low stiffness with respect to the entire area facing the skin of the surface of the absorbent core is 20-70%. 71. The absorbent product according to clause 36, in which, in a plan view, the boundary between the core zone having low stiffness and the core zones having high stiffness overlap the boundary between the zone of the top sheet having low stiffness and the zones of the top sheet having high rigidity. 72. The absorbent product according to clause 36, having a front part that is worn on the front side of the user, a rear part that is worn on the back side, and a crotch part that is located between the front part and the rear part in the longitudinal direction, while in the front part and the rear part of the boundary between the core zone having low stiffness and the core zones having high stiffness, they are located on the outside in the transverse direction with respect to the boundaries between the zone of the top sheet having low stiffness and the zones of the top sheet, having high rigidity, and in the crotch portion of the boundary between the core region having low stiffness and the core zones having high stiffness, are located on the inside in the transverse direction with respect to the boundaries between the region of the top sheet having low stiffness and the zones of the top sheet having high stiffness. 73. The absorbent article of claim 36, wherein the absorbent core has a single layer structure and has an hourglass shape that is tapered inwardly in the center in the longitudinal direction in plan view. 74. An absorbent article comprising: an upper sheet formed from a composite sheet; a back sheet and an absorbent element located between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein the composite sheet has a first direction that extends in the longitudinal direction of the product, and a second direction that extends in the width direction of the product, the first sheet and the second sheet forming a multilayer material, partially joined to each other and forming many connected zones, the first sheet in its parts other than the connected zones, protrudes so that it is distant from the second sheet, and forms protrusions protruding towards the skin of the user, while the composite sheet has a middle zone and two side zones located on both sides of the middle zone, in which the protrusions are formed with correspondingly different configurations, the middle first protrusions, which are the highest protrusions in the middle zone, have a height that exceeds the height of the lateral first protrusions, which are the highest protrusions in the side zones, and the middle zone has a deformation value in compression greater than the deformation of the lateral zones in compression, and a plurality of rows of connected zones extending in the second direction, in which the third connected zones are arranged regularly with two types of intervals in the second direction, are formed along the first direction in the side zones of the composite sheet . 75. The absorbent product according to claim 74, wherein the rows of connected zones extending in the second direction have first intervals and second intervals longer than the first intervals, and a plurality of third connected zones, passing in the second direction, as intervals between the third connected zones in the second direction the rows of connected zones are arranged discontinuously in the second direction such that the intervals of these two types are alternately formed in the second direction. 76. The absorbent product according to claim 74, wherein the plurality of third connected zones forming each of the rows of connected zones extending in the second direction have the same length and same location in the first direction and between the rows of connected zones extending in the second direction adjacent to each other another in the first direction, a gap having a constant width is formed. 77. The absorbent product of claim 74, wherein the locations of the third connected zones in the second direction are the same in every second row of second-row rows of connected zones formed in the form of a plurality of rows along the first direction and the location of the third connected zones in the second direction differ from each other in adjacent to each other, passing in the second direction rows of connected zones. 78. The absorbent product according to claim 74, wherein, as the second rows of connected zones passing in a second direction, the first rows of connected zones passing in a second direction and the second rows of connected zones passing in a second direction, in which the locations of the third connected zones in the second direction differ from each other, are alternately formed along the first direction, and as for the locations of the third connected zones in the second direction, two third connected zones adjacent to each other and located from the first m spacing between them in one of the first row of connected zones passing in the second direction and the second row of connected zones passing in the second direction, are located between the third connected zones adjacent to each other and located in the second row between them in the other row of connected zones.

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