Animal absorbent sheet and animal toilet

Abstract

An absorbent sheet (40) for an animal is used for an animal toilet (1), wherein the absorbent sheet (40) has a surface sheet (41), a back sheet (42), and an absorbent body (50) having a first absorbent layer (51) having a superabsorbent polymer and a second absorbent layer (52) located at a position on one side in a thickness direction of the first absorbent layer (51) and containing a superabsorbent polymer in a liquid-absorbent fiber, the first absorbent layer (51) containing an antibacterial agent (60), and the density of the antibacterial agent (60) is higher at a portion on one side in the thickness direction of the first absorbent layer (51) than at a portion on the other side in the thickness direction of the first absorbent layer (51).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to absorbent sheets for animals and animal toilets. Background Technology

[0002] A known toilet is an animal toilet for use by animals such as cats. The toilet has an excrement receiving section and a sheet receiving section disposed below the excrement receiving section. Multiple holes are provided on the bottom surface of the excrement receiving section, through which bodily fluids, which are excrement, are guided to the sheet receiving section. The sheet receiving section contains an animal absorbent sheet, which absorbs and retains the bodily fluids.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent sheet for animals, which has a liquid-permeable surface sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The absorbent core is described as having an upper pulp layer containing pulp and a lower pulp layer containing pulp disposed on the back sheet side of the upper pulp layer.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-188698 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] Patent Document 1 describes the possibility of placing a powdered antibacterial agent between the upper and lower pulp layers. It further states that this allows the agent to exert its antibacterial function during the passage of bodily fluids, inhibiting bacterial growth in the fluids retained by the absorbent sheet. However, in this case, bodily fluids tend to remain between the pulp fibers of the upper pulp layer, making it difficult for the antibacterial agent to come into contact with them. In particular, absorbent sheets used in animal toilets are typically used for extended periods, such as about a week. Consequently, bacteria can proliferate in the upper pulp layer, easily causing odors from the absorbent sheet.

[0009] Furthermore, Patent Document 1 describes the possibility of placing an antibacterial agent between the cover sheet and the surface sheet covering the absorbent core. However, in this case, a large amount of antibacterial agent comes into contact with and is used by bodily fluids initially excreted and remaining between the pulp fibers in the upper pulp layer. The antibacterial agent has difficulty contacting subsequent bodily fluids, easily leading to odor from the absorbent sheet. On the other hand, if a large amount of antibacterial agent is placed between the cover sheet and the surface sheet so that the antibacterial agent also comes into contact with subsequent bodily fluids, the absorption of bodily fluids may be hindered due to the antibacterial agent. Additionally, if a large amount of antibacterial agent is placed near the surface sheet, the antibacterial agent may irritate the user's hands when the user (owner, etc.) places the absorbent sheet in the toilet.

[0010] The present invention was made in view of the aforementioned problems, and its object is to provide an animal absorbent pad that is difficult to produce the odor of excrement, ensures the absorbency of excrement, and is safe, as well as an animal toilet in which the animal absorbent pad can be installed.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] The main invention for achieving the above-mentioned objective is an absorbent sheet for use in an animal toilet, the animal toilet having: an upper container having a plurality of holes at its bottom; and a lower container receiving excrement passing through the plurality of holes, the absorbent sheet being disposed in the lower container, characterized in that the absorbent sheet has: a liquid-permeable surface sheet; a liquid-impermeable back sheet located on one side of the surface sheet in the thickness direction of the absorbent sheet; and an absorbent body located between the surface sheet and the back sheet, the absorbent body having: a first absorbent layer having a highly absorbent polymer; and a second absorbent layer located on one side of the first absorbent layer in the thickness direction, and containing a highly absorbent polymer in liquid absorbent fibers, the first absorbent layer containing an antibacterial agent, the antibacterial agent having a higher density on one side of the thickness direction of the first absorbent layer compared to the other side of the thickness direction of the first absorbent layer.

[0013] Other features of the invention will become clear from the description and drawings herein.

[0014] Invention Effects

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an animal absorbent sheet that is difficult to produce an odor of excrement, ensures the absorbency of excrement, and is safe, and an animal toilet in which the animal absorbent sheet can be installed. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of animal toilet 1.

[0017] Figure 2 This is an exploded side view of animal toilet 1.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a top view of the animal absorbent tablet 40.

[0019] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view at point AA.

[0020] Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a diagram showing the fiber gradient in surface sheet 41.

[0021] Figure 6A This is a top view of absorbent sheet 40. Figure 6B This is a top view of the tray 21 provided with the animal toilet 1. Figure 6C This is a top view of the upper container 10.

[0022] Figure 7 This is a top view of an animal toilet 1 equipped with an absorbent sheet 40. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Based on the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings, at least the following matters become clear.

[0024] An absorbent pad for use in an animal toilet, the animal toilet comprising: an upper container having a plurality of holes at its bottom; and a lower container receiving excrement passing through the plurality of holes, the absorbent pad being disposed in the lower container, characterized in that the absorbent pad comprises: a liquid-permeable surface sheet; a liquid-impermeable back sheet located on one side of the surface sheet in the thickness direction of the absorbent pad; and an absorbent body located between the surface sheet and the back sheet, the absorbent body comprising: a first absorbent layer having a highly absorbent polymer; and a second absorbent layer located on one side of the first absorbent layer in the thickness direction, and comprising a highly absorbent polymer in liquid absorbent fibers, the first absorbent layer comprising an antibacterial agent, the antibacterial agent having a higher density on one side of the thickness direction of the first absorbent layer compared to the other side of the thickness direction of the first absorbent layer.

[0025] According to this type of animal absorbent sheet, at the boundary between the first and second absorbent layers, the excrement, which diffuses along the planar direction and exists in a free water state, can come into contact with more antibacterial agent. Therefore, the proliferation of bacteria in the excrement can be inhibited, and the generation of odor from the animal absorbent sheet can be further suppressed. Furthermore, by reducing the amount of antibacterial agent disposed on the surface side of the first absorbent layer, absorption resistance caused by the antibacterial agent can be suppressed, ensuring the absorbency of the absorbent sheet. Additionally, the seepage of antibacterial agent to the surface sheet side can be suppressed, ensuring safety.

[0026] The absorbent tablet for animals is characterized in that the second absorbent layer contains an antibacterial agent.

[0027] According to such an animal absorbent pad, the excrement existing in a free water state between the liquid absorbent fibers in the second absorbent layer can come into contact with the antibacterial agent, thereby suppressing the generation of odor from the animal absorbent pad.

[0028] In this absorbent tablet for animals, the antibacterial agent has a higher density in the other side of the thickness direction of the second absorbent layer compared to the portion on one side of the thickness direction of the second absorbent layer.

[0029] According to this animal absorbent sheet, at the boundary between the first and second absorbent layers, the excrement, which diffuses along the planar direction and exists in a free water state, can come into contact with more antibacterial agent, thus suppressing the generation of odor from the animal absorbent sheet. Furthermore, since the amount of excrement penetrating to the back side of the second absorbent layer is relatively small, excessive formulation of antibacterial agent can be prevented.

[0030] In this absorbent tablet for animals, the characteristic is that at least one of the antibacterial agent contained in the first absorbent layer and the antibacterial agent contained in the second absorbent layer is water-soluble.

[0031] According to this type of animal absorbent tablet, when the excrement comes into contact with the antibacterial agent, the antibacterial agent dissolves into the excrement, easily exerting an antibacterial effect on the entire excrement. Therefore, it can improve the antibacterial effect on the excrement and further suppress the generation of odor from the animal absorbent tablet.

[0032] In this animal absorbent sheet, the animal absorbent sheet is characterized by having a liquid-permeable intermediate sheet between the surface sheet and the first absorbent layer, wherein the highly absorbent polymer of the first absorbent layer is attached to the back side of the intermediate sheet.

[0033] According to this type of absorbent sheet for animals, the excrement existing in a free water state between the fibers constituting the surface sheet is reduced by the absorption of the highly absorbent polymer. Therefore, the proliferation of bacteria in the excrement of the surface sheet can be inhibited, and the generation of odor from the surface sheet can be suppressed.

[0034] In this animal absorbent sheet, the characteristic feature is that the animal absorbent sheet has a liquid-permeable intermediate sheet between the surface sheet and the first absorbent layer, the intermediate sheet containing an antibacterial agent.

[0035] According to such an absorbent tablet for animals, the excrement existing in a free water state between the fibers that make up the middle tablet can come into contact with the antibacterial agent, thereby inhibiting the generation of odor from the middle tablet.

[0036] The animal absorbent sheet is characterized in that it has a liquid-permeable intermediate sheet between the second absorbent layer and the back sheet, the intermediate sheet containing an antibacterial agent.

[0037] According to such an absorbent sheet for animals, the excrement, which exists in a free water state between the fibers constituting another intermediate sheet, can come into contact with the antibacterial agent and suppress the generation of odor from the other intermediate sheet.

[0038] In this absorbent sheet for animals, the characteristic is that the surface sheet has a unit area weight of 28 g / m². 2 above.

[0039] According to such animal absorbent sheets, the color of the excrement absorbed by the absorbent layer is difficult to visually confirm through the surface sheet (it is close to the color of the unexcreted state), and the user is unlikely to be aware of the odor of the excrement.

[0040] The absorbent sheet for animals is characterized in that the surface sheet contains an antibacterial agent.

[0041] According to such an absorbent sheet for animals, the excrement existing in a free water state between the fibers constituting the surface sheet can come into contact with the antibacterial agent, thereby suppressing the generation of odor from the surface sheet.

[0042] In this absorbent sheet for animals, the density of the fibers constituting the surface sheet is higher in the portion of the surface sheet on the other side of the thickness direction compared to the portion on one side of the thickness direction of the surface sheet.

[0043] According to this type of animal absorbent sheet, excrement diffuses on the surface side of the sheet, and the large amount of excrement diffused along the planar direction can come into contact with the antibacterial agent of the first absorbent layer, thereby inhibiting the generation of odor from the animal absorbent sheet.

[0044] In this absorbent sheet for animals, the density of the fibers constituting the surface sheet is lower in the portion of the surface sheet on the other side of the thickness direction compared to the portion on one side of the thickness direction of the surface sheet.

[0045] According to this type of absorbent sheet for animals, excrement can easily and rapidly penetrate from the surface side of the sheet towards the back side. Simultaneously, the excrement can easily transfer to the first absorbent layer 51 and be readily absorbed by the highly absorbent polymer. Therefore, the amount of excrement remaining in a free water state between the fibers constituting the sheet can be reduced, and the generation of odor from the sheet can be suppressed.

[0046] In this absorbent sheet for animals, the first absorbent layer is characterized by having a plurality of portions of the highly absorbent polymer overlapping along the thickness direction.

[0047] According to such animal absorbent tablets, more excrement is absorbed and retained by the highly absorbent polymer of the first absorbent layer, which can reduce the amount of excrement (free water) remaining between the fibers of the second absorbent layer, and can suppress the generation of odor from the animal absorbent tablets.

[0048] The animal absorbent sheet is characterized in that the first absorbent layer contains a water-sensitive fragrance.

[0049] According to this type of animal absorbent pad, fragrance is released by allowing excrement to permeate the first absorbent layer and come into contact with water-sensitive fragrance. Therefore, the fragrance can mask the odor of excrement excreted into the animal absorbent pad, making it difficult for the user to detect the odor.

[0050] In this absorbent tablet for animals, the antibacterial agent has a higher density in the portion of the second absorbent layer on the other side of the thickness direction compared to the portion on the other side of the thickness direction of the first absorbent layer.

[0051] According to this animal absorbent sheet, at the surface side (other side) of the second absorbent layer, the excrement, which diffuses along the planar direction and exists in a free water state, can come into contact with more antibacterial agent, thereby suppressing the generation of odor from the animal absorbent sheet. Furthermore, by reducing the amount of antibacterial agent disposed at the surface side of the first absorbent layer, absorption resistance caused by the antibacterial agent can be suppressed, and the seepage of the antibacterial agent to the surface sheet side can also be inhibited.

[0052] Additionally, an animal toilet is provided, characterized in that the animal toilet is equipped with an animal absorbent sheet, and the area of ​​the region in the upper container where the plurality of holes are provided is smaller than the area of ​​the absorbent body when the animal absorbent sheet is viewed along the thickness direction.

[0053] In this type of animal toilet, when viewed from above with the absorbent sheet in place, the entire area with multiple holes easily overlaps with the absorbent body of the absorbent sheet. Therefore, by utilizing the absorbent body containing an antibacterial agent to receive the excrement passing through the multiple holes, the generation of odor caused by excrement discharged into the animal toilet can be suppressed.

[0054] ===Implementation Methods===

[0055] The animal absorbent pad and the animal toilet that can be fitted with the animal absorbent pad described in this embodiment are for use by animals such as cats kept indoors. "Animal" includes not only so-called pets such as cats, dogs, rabbits, and hamsters, but also tiger cubs, lion cubs, etc.

[0056] <<Basic Structure of Animal Toilets 1>>>

[0057] Figure 1 This is a schematic three-dimensional diagram of animal toilet 1. Figure 2 This is an exploded side view of an animal toilet 1. The animal toilet 1 has mutually orthogonal front-back, left-right, and up-down directions. The front-back direction is along the length of the animal toilet 1, with the side containing the animal's entrance / exit designated as the front. The left-right direction is along the width of the animal toilet 1. The up-down direction is along the vertical direction.

[0058] The animal toilet 1 has an upper container 10, a lower container 20, and a cover 30. The lower container 20 has a tray 21 for holding an animal absorbent sheet 40. These four components can be disassembled and assembled freely.

[0059] The upper container 10 is a generally box-shaped component with an opening at the top, and the animal excretes on the upper surface of the bottom 11 of the upper container 10. The bottom 11 has multiple holes 12 (holes that run through the bottom 11 in the vertical direction) through which the animal's excrement, such as urine, passes downward.

[0060] Although not illustrated, the animal toilet 1 can be used by placing granular materials such as cat litter (e.g., zeolite, silica gel, pulp, wood, etc., which have deodorizing and antibacterial effects) at the bottom 11 of the upper container 10. In this embodiment, the bottom 11 of the upper container 10 (see below) Figure 6C The animal toilet 1 has multiple rectangular holes 12 arranged in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions when viewed from above, but the shape, number, size, and arrangement of the holes 12 are not particularly limited. However, a shape and size that prevents the passage of the aforementioned granular material is preferred. Alternatively, the animal toilet 1 can be used without the aforementioned granular material.

[0061] The lower container 20 is a generally box-shaped component with an opening at the top. When using the animal toilet 1, the lower container 20 is assembled to overlap the lower part of the upper container 10 and support the upper container 10. The lower container 20 has a tray 21 and a tray receiving portion 22. The tray 21 is received in a container by sliding from an opening 23L located below the front wall portion 23 of the lower container 20 toward the rear side in the front-rear direction. Figure 2 The dotted line indicates the tray receiving section 22. The tray 21 is a shallow, flat, box-shaped container with a sheet receiving section 21R for providing the animal absorbent sheet 40. Furthermore, the lower container 20 is not limited to having a tray 21; for example, the animal absorbent sheet 40 may be provided directly at the bottom of the lower container 20.

[0062] The cover 30 has an opening 31 and a wall portion 32. When the cover 30 is assembled on top of the upper container 10, the wall portion 32 is erected like a wall from the left and right sides and the rear of the upper container 10. The cover 30 can be used to suppress the scattering of excrement, cat litter, and other granular materials. However, the pet toilet 1 may also be without the cover 30.

[0063] Animals such as cats enter the pet toilet 1 through the opening 31 of the cover 30 and defecate while sitting on the bottom 11 of the upper container 10 or on granular materials such as cat litter placed on the bottom 11. Urine and other excrement fall through the multiple holes 12 provided in the bottom 11 of the upper container 10 into the lower container 20. The excrement is then absorbed by the animal absorbent pad 40 placed in the tray 21 of the lower container 20 and stored in the tray 21. Users (animal owners, etc.) can use the pet toilet 1 cleanly by regularly changing the animal absorbent pad 40.

[0064] <<About Animal Absorbent Tablets 40>>

[0065] Figure 3 This is a top view of an absorbent sheet 40 for animals (hereinafter also referred to as "absorbent sheet"). Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view at point AA. Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is a diagram showing the fiber gradient in surface sheet 41.

[0066] The absorbent sheet 40 is a rectangular sheet member when viewed from above, and has mutually orthogonal length, width, and thickness directions. In the following description, in the thickness direction, the excretion side (the other side) that receives animal excrement is also referred to as the surface side, and the non-excretion side (one side) that is its opposite side is also referred to as the back side. Furthermore, the planar shape of the absorbent sheet 40 is not limited to a rectangular shape.

[0067] The absorbent sheet 40 comprises: a liquid-permeable surface sheet 41; a liquid-impermeable back sheet 42 located on the back side of the surface sheet 41 in the thickness direction of the absorbent sheet 40; and an absorbent body 50 located between the surface sheet 41 and the back sheet 42. Examples of the surface sheet 41 include nonwoven fabrics (e.g., hot-air nonwoven fabrics). Examples of the back sheet 42 include resin films.

[0068] The planar shape of the absorber 50 is smaller than that of the surface sheet 41 and the back sheet 42. For example... Figure 3 As shown, a joint portion 43 is formed at the periphery of the absorbent sheet 40, which is located outside the absorbent body 50, to join the surface sheet 41 and the back sheet 42. Examples of joining methods for the joint portion 43 include joining based on adhesives, welding, etc. The joint portion 43 can be used to suppress the seepage of excrement.

[0069] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the absorbent 50 includes: a first absorbent layer 51; a second absorbent layer 52, the second absorbent layer 52 being located on the back side of the first absorbent layer 51 in the thickness direction; and a cover sheet 53 covering the first absorbent layer 51 and the second absorbent layer 52. The first absorbent layer 51 contains a highly absorbent polymer 50S. The second absorbent layer 52 contains the highly absorbent polymer 50S in the liquid absorbent fiber. The liquid absorbent fiber in this embodiment is pulp fiber 50P, but it is not limited to this. For example, the liquid absorbent fiber may also be a fiber composed of cellulose fibers such as rayon fiber and cotton fiber, or synthetic fibers such as polyethylene, either alone or in combination. In the following description, the first absorbent layer 51 and the second absorbent layer 52 will also be referred to together as "absorbent layers 51, 52".

[0070] The cover sheet 53 is a liquid-permeable sheet such as a tissue or non-woven fabric. In this embodiment, the cover sheet 53 includes: a first cover sheet 531 covering the surface of the first absorbent layer 51; and a second cover sheet 532 covering the back surface of the second absorbent layer 52. Furthermore, both ends of the second cover sheet 532 in the longitudinal direction are folded back to the inner side in the longitudinal direction, covering the side edges of the absorbent layers 51 and 52 while remaining on the surface of the first cover sheet 531. However, the structure of the cover sheet 53 is not limited to the above structure. For example, the ends of the second cover sheet 532 may not be folded back to the surface side, or a structure may be formed by covering the absorbent layers 51 and 52 with a single cover sheet (i.e., a structure where the intermediate sheet and another intermediate sheet are a single sheet). Alternatively, the absorbent layers 51 and 52 may not be covered by a cover sheet.

[0071] In this embodiment, the absorbent sheet 40 is installed in the animal toilet 1 and used for a relatively long period of about one week, during which the animal repeatedly defecates. Therefore, the absorbent layers 51 and 52 can have a strength of 1000 g / m³. 2 The water retention capacity mentioned above is preferably 2000 g / m³. 2 The above water retention capacity.

[0072] Furthermore, since the absorbent sheet 40 is used repeatedly and for extended periods, bacteria easily proliferate in the excrement absorbed by the absorbent sheet 40. The components of the excrement are decomposed by the proliferating bacteria, easily producing an odor (malodor). In particular, in excrement that is not retained by the superabsorbent polymer 50S and exists between the pulp fibers 50P, i.e., in a free water state (excrement that can move freely), bacteria will proliferate, easily producing an odor.

[0073] Therefore, the first absorbent layer 51 is assumed to contain antibacterial agent 60. Furthermore, compared to the surface side (excretion surface side) portion 51S in the thickness direction of the first absorbent layer 51, the density (g / m³) of the antibacterial agent 60 in the back side (non-excretion surface side) portion 51B of the first absorbent layer 51 in the thickness direction is higher. 3 (Higher)

[0074] Specifically, such as Figure 4 As shown, when the first absorbent layer 51 is divided into two along the thickness direction, the weight (g) of the antibacterial agent 60 in the back side portion 51B is greater than that in the portion 51S on the surface side.

[0075] In the first absorbent layer 51, the excrement is rapidly absorbed and retained by the highly absorbent polymer 50S. On the other hand, since the second absorbent layer 52 has pulp fibers 50P, the excrement easily diffuses along the planar direction at the boundary between the first absorbent layer 51 and the second absorbent layer 52. Therefore, the absorbent 50 can be effectively utilized over a large area in the planar direction. However, in the space between the pulp fibers 50P, the excrement easily exists in a free water state, which can easily produce odor due to bacterial growth.

[0076] Therefore, more antibacterial agent 60 can be disposed at the back side portion 51B of the first absorbent layer 51, i.e., at the boundary between the first absorbent layer 51 and the second absorbent layer 52. As a result, at the boundary between the first absorbent layer 51 and the second absorbent layer 52, the excrement, which diffuses in the planar direction and exists in a free water state, can come into contact with more of the antibacterial agent 60. Therefore, the proliferation of bacteria in the excrement can be inhibited, and the generation of odor from the absorbent sheet 40 can be further suppressed.

[0077] Furthermore, with repeated excretion into the absorbent sheet 40, the excrement permeates into the interior of the absorbent layers 51 and 52. Therefore, by distributing a large amount of antibacterial agent 60 on the back side portion 51B of the first absorbent layer 51, the repeatedly excreted excrement that permeates into the absorbent layers 51 and 52 can come into contact with the large amount of antibacterial agent 60. Thus, the antibacterial effect can be sustained over a long period, making the absorbent sheet 40 suitable for installation in the animal toilet 1.

[0078] On the other hand, the antibacterial agent 60 may sometimes hinder the absorption of excrement. Therefore, by reducing the amount of antibacterial agent 60 disposed on the surface side of the first absorbent layer 51, it is possible to allow repeatedly excreted excrement to penetrate into the interior of the absorbent layers 51 and 52. Thus, the absorbency (absorbable amount) of the absorbent sheet 40 can be ensured, allowing it to be installed in the animal toilet 1 and used extensively for a long period of time.

[0079] Furthermore, by reducing the amount of antibacterial agent 60 disposed at the surface side portion 51S of the first absorbent layer 51, the seepage of antibacterial agent 60 to the surface sheet 41 side can be suppressed. Therefore, even when a user comes into contact with the absorbent sheet 40, such as when the user places it in the animal toilet 1, irritation to the user due to the antibacterial agent 60 can be suppressed.

[0080] As described above, the absorbent sheet 40 of this embodiment is an absorbent sheet for animals that is unlikely to produce an odor from excrement and can ensure the absorbency of excrement and is safe.

[0081] Furthermore, the first absorbent layer 51 is composed of a highly absorbent polymer 50S and does not contain pulp fibers 50P (liquid absorbent fibers). Moreover, the first absorbent layer 51 is designed to be substantially free of pulp fibers 50P, and the trace amounts of pulp fibers 50P mixed into the first absorbent layer 51 are not included. Therefore, in the first absorbent layer 51, particularly in the surface portion 51S that does not contact the pulp fibers 50P of the second absorbent layer 52, the excrement is absorbed and retained by the highly absorbent polymer 50P, making it difficult for it to exist in a free water state. That is, in the surface portion 51S of the first absorbent layer 51, bacteria are unlikely to proliferate due to the excrement; therefore, even without the large amount of antibacterial agent 60 provided in the back portion 51B, odor generation can be suppressed.

[0082] Furthermore, preferably, not only the first absorbent layer 51 contains the antibacterial agent 60, but the second absorbent layer 52 also contains the antibacterial agent 60. Thus, the wastewater existing in a free water state in the space between the pulp fibers 50P of the second absorbent layer 52 can come into contact with the antibacterial agent 60. Therefore, the proliferation of bacteria in the wastewater can be inhibited, and the generation of odor from the absorbent sheet 40 can be suppressed.

[0083] More preferably, the density of the antibacterial agent 60 may be higher on the surface side of the second absorbent layer 52 in the thickness direction compared to the back side portion in the thickness direction. That is, it may be as follows: Figure 4 As shown, when the second absorbent layer 52 is divided into two parts along the thickness direction, the weight (g) of the antibacterial agent 60 in the surface side portion 52S is greater than the weight (g) of the antibacterial agent 60 in the back side portion 52B.

[0084] Therefore, at the boundary between the first absorbent layer 51 and the second absorbent layer 52, the excrement, which diffuses along the planar direction and exists in a free water state, can come into contact with more antibacterial agent 60. Consequently, the proliferation of bacteria in the excrement can be inhibited, and the generation of odor from the absorbent sheet 40 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the excrement, repeatedly discharged and permeating into the interior of the absorbent layers 51 and 52, can come into contact with a large amount of antibacterial agent 60 disposed on the surface side of the second absorbent layer 52. Therefore, the antibacterial effect of the absorbent sheet 40 can be sustained over a long period.

[0085] On the other hand, compared with the surface-side portion 52S, the amount of excreted liquid permeated into the back-side portion 52B of the second absorbent layer 52 is less. Therefore, by not distributing excessive amounts of antibacterial agent 60 in the back-side portion 52B of the second absorbent layer 52, cost reduction can be achieved.

[0086] Alternatively, the density of the antibacterial agent 60 in the surface-side portion 52S of the second absorbent layer 52 in the thickness direction may be higher than that in the surface-side portion 51S of the first absorbent layer 51. In this case, the excrement, which diffuses along the planar direction and exists in a free water state, can come into contact with more of the antibacterial agent 60 in the surface-side portion 52S of the second absorbent layer 52, further suppressing the generation of odors from the absorbent sheet 40. Furthermore, the excrement that is repeatedly discharged and permeates the second absorbent layer 52 can come into contact with a large amount of antibacterial agent 60, allowing the antibacterial effect to be widespread and sustained for a long period. On the other hand, the absorption barrier of the excrement caused by the antibacterial agent 60 can be suppressed, and the seepage of the antibacterial agent 60 towards the surface sheet 41 can be suppressed, enabling safe use.

[0087] Furthermore, preferably, the first cover sheet 531 (intermediate sheet) located between the surface sheet 41 and the first absorbent layer 51 also contains an antibacterial agent 60. Thus, the excrement absorbed by the first cover sheet 531, that is, the excrement existing in a free water state between the fibers constituting the first cover sheet 531, can come into contact with the antibacterial agent 60. Therefore, the generation of odor from the first cover sheet 531 can be suppressed.

[0088] Similarly, preferably, the second cover sheet 532 (another intermediate sheet) located between the second absorbent layer 52 and the back sheet 42 also contains an antibacterial agent 60. Thus, excrement existing in a free water state between the fibers constituting the second cover sheet 532 and between the second absorbent layer 52 and the back sheet 42 can come into contact with the antibacterial agent 60. Therefore, the generation of odors from the absorbent sheet 40 can be suppressed.

[0089] Thus, in the absorbent sheet 40, the antibacterial agent 60 is disposed from the back side portion 51B of the first absorbent layer 51 throughout the first cover sheet 531. Furthermore, in the first absorbent layer 51, the density of the antibacterial agent 60 decreases towards the surface side in the thickness direction. And, the antibacterial agent 60 is disposed from the surface side portion 52S of the second absorbent layer 52 throughout the second cover sheet 532. Furthermore, in the second absorbent layer 52, the density of the antibacterial agent 60 decreases towards the back side in the thickness direction.

[0090] The absorbent sheet 40 described above can be manufactured, for example, by laminating the second absorbent layer 52 onto the second cover sheet 532, applying a liquid containing a dissolved antibacterial agent 60, and then laminating the first absorbent layer 51 and the first cover sheet 531. Furthermore, the order of lamination and the order of applying the antibacterial agent 60 are not limited to the above; the antibacterial agent 60 can be applied between the first absorbent layer 51 and the second absorbent layer 52. However, the method of preparing the antibacterial agent 60 is not limited to the above.

[0091] Alternatively, the second absorbent layer 52 and the cover sheet 53 may not contain the antibacterial agent 60. Alternatively, there may be no density gradient of the antibacterial agent 60 in the thickness direction of the absorbent sheet 40 as described above, and the density of the antibacterial agent 60 may be constant.

[0092] In this embodiment, the antibacterial agent 60 provided in the absorbent layers 51, 52 and the cover sheet 53 is a quaternary ammonium salt, which is a water-soluble antibacterial agent. However, the antibacterial agent 60 is not limited to the above-described case. For example, it can be other organic antibacterial agents such as parabens, inorganic antibacterial agents containing inorganic substances such as Ag, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn, or antibacterial substances containing natural materials such as tea or coffee extract residues. In addition, they can be used alone or in combination. Furthermore, the antibacterial agent may also contain antibacterial substances such as organic acids or organic acid salts.

[0093] In this embodiment, the antibacterial agent 60 provided in the first absorbent layer 51, the second absorbent layer 52, the first cover sheet 531, and the second cover sheet 532 is of the same type (quaternary ammonium salt). However, this is not a limitation, and some or all of the antibacterial agents 60 provided in each component may be different.

[0094] However, preferably, at least one of the antibacterial agent 60 included in the first absorbent layer 51 and the antibacterial agent 60 included in the second absorbent layer 52 is water-soluble. More preferably, the antibacterial agent 60 included in the cover sheet 53 may also be water-soluble. Therefore, when the excrement comes into contact with the antibacterial agent 60, the antibacterial agent 60 will dissolve into the excrement, easily exerting an antibacterial effect on the entire excrement. Thus, the antibacterial effect against the excrement can be improved, and the generation of odor from the absorbent sheet 40 can be further suppressed.

[0095] Water-soluble antibacterial agent 60 can be defined as having a solubility of 20g or more relative to 100g of ion-exchanged water at 25°C. For example, ionic antibacterial agents can be listed.

[0096] Furthermore, it is preferable that the surface sheet 41 also contains an antibacterial agent 70. Thus, the excrement existing in a free water state between the fibers constituting the surface sheet 41 can come into contact with the antibacterial agent 70. Consequently, bacterial growth can be inhibited in the excrement absorbed by the surface sheet 41, and odor from the surface sheet 41 can be reduced.

[0097] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the type of antibacterial agent 70 contained in the surface sheet 41 is different from the type of antibacterial agent 60 contained in other parts (absorbent layers 51, 52, and cover sheet 53). This allows for the configuration of antibacterial agents 60 and 70 suitable for each part. Specifically, the antibacterial agent 70 contained in the surface sheet 41, which is in contact with the user, is silver ions, which have higher safety. On the other hand, the antibacterial agent 60 contained in the absorbent layers 51, 52, and cover sheet 53 is a quaternary ammonium salt, which has higher antibacterial activity. This provides an absorbent sheet 40 that is both highly antibacterial and safe. However, this is not a limitation; the surface sheet 41 may not contain antibacterial agent 70, or the antibacterial agent in the surface sheet 41 may be of the same type as the antibacterial agents in other parts.

[0098] Furthermore, the confirmation that each part constituting the absorbent sheet 40 (absorbent layers 51, 52, cover sheet 53, surface sheet 41) contains antibacterial agent 60 and the comparison of the density of antibacterial agent 60 in each part can be performed by well-known methods. For example, the following method can be used: separating or exposing the target area from the absorbent sheet 40, and adding an indicator that reacts with antibacterial agent 60 to the target area. When a quaternary ammonium salt is used as the antibacterial agent 60 as in this embodiment, a BTB solution can be used to confirm that the target area contains antibacterial agent 60 by observing the color change. In addition, the density of antibacterial agent 60 can be compared by visually confirming the difference in colorimetric concentration when the BTB solution is added. For example, BTB solution can be added to the surface (surface-side portion 51S) and the back side (back-side portion 51B) of the first absorbent layer 51, respectively. Furthermore, when the back side of the first absorbent layer 51 shows a more concentrated color, it can be confirmed that the density of the antibacterial agent 60 in the back side portion 51B of the first absorbent layer 51 is higher than that in the surface side portion 51S.

[0099] In addition, preferably, such as Figure 4 As shown, a highly absorbent polymer 50S of the first absorbent layer 51 is attached to the back side of the first cover 531 located between the surface sheet 41 and the first absorbent layer 51. That is, the highly absorbent polymer 50S may be wound around the fibers constituting the back side of the surface sheet 41.

[0100] Therefore, the excrement existing in a free water state between the fibers constituting the surface sheet 41 is easily absorbed by the highly absorbent polymer 50S. Consequently, the excrement easily transfers from the surface sheet 41 to the absorbent layers 51 and 52, and the excrement (free water) is unlikely to remain on the surface sheet 41. Thus, the proliferation of bacteria in the excrement of the surface sheet 41 can be inhibited, and the generation of odor from the surface sheet 41 can be suppressed.

[0101] In addition, preferably, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first absorbent layer 51 has multiple superabsorbent polymers 50S overlapping along the thickness direction. By overlapping the superabsorbent polymers 50S and distributing multiple superabsorbent polymers 50S on the second absorbent layer 52, more excrement can be absorbed and retained by the superabsorbent polymers 50S. Therefore, the amount of excrement (free water) remaining between the fibers of the cover sheet 53 and the second absorbent layer 52 can be reduced, and the generation of odor from the absorbent sheet 40 can be suppressed.

[0102] Furthermore, the inventors of this application, through dedicated research, have come to know that the weight per unit area of ​​surface sheet 41 is 28 g / m². 2In low light conditions, the surface sheet 41 has high light transmittance, making it easy to visually confirm the color of the excreted liquid absorbed by the absorption layers 51 and 52. Therefore, it is preferable that the weight per unit area of ​​the surface sheet 41 is 28 g / m². 2 The above is set to a high weight per unit area. As a result, it is difficult to visually confirm the color of the excrement absorbed by the absorbent layers 51 and 52 via the surface sheet 41. Therefore, when the user visually confirms the surface of the absorbent sheet 40, it is easy to perceive that the absorbent sheet 40 is close to the color of an unexcreted state, and it is difficult to perceive the odor of the excrement.

[0103] Alternatively, it could be, such as Figure 5A As shown, the density of fibers constituting the surface sheet 41 is higher on the surface side of the surface sheet 41 in the thickness direction compared to the back side portion. That is, the fibers of the surface sheet 41 may become less dense from the surface side toward the back side.

[0104] Thus, on the surface side of the surface sheet 41, the excrement diffuses between the fibers that are tightly extended in the planar direction, and the excrement permeates into the first absorbent layer 51 in a planar diffused state and comes into contact with the antibacterial agent 60 of the first absorbent layer 51. That is, a large amount of excrement can come into contact with the antibacterial agent 60, which can suppress the odor of the excrement. In addition, the antibacterial agent 60, which is diffused in the first absorbent layer 51 in the planar direction, can be effectively utilized.

[0105] However, contrary to the above, it is also possible that, for example... Figure 5B As shown, the density of fibers constituting the surface sheet 41 is lower in the surface side portion of the surface sheet 41 in the thickness direction compared to the back side portion. That is, the fibers of the surface sheet 41 may also change from sparse to dense from the surface side toward the back side.

[0106] Therefore, the excrement can easily and quickly permeate from the surface side of the surface sheet 41 towards the back side. Furthermore, the excrement can easily transfer to the first absorbent layer 51, where it is easily absorbed and retained by the highly absorbent polymer 50S. Thus, the amount of excrement remaining in a free water state between the fibers constituting the surface sheet 41 (particularly the surface side of the surface sheet 41) can be reduced, and the generation of odor from the surface sheet 41 can be suppressed. However, this is not a limitation; there may also be no fiber density difference in the thickness direction of the surface sheet 41.

[0107] Furthermore, the difference in fiber density along the thickness direction of the surface sheet 41 can be confirmed using well-known methods. For example, a cross-section obtained by cutting the surface sheet 41 along the thickness direction can be magnified and observed using an electron microscope or similar device. This can be achieved by visually comparing the fibers present in the regions obtained by dividing the surface sheet 41 in half along the thickness direction in the magnified image, or by counting and comparing the number of fibers (cross-sections) per unit area.

[0108] In addition, preferably, such as Figure 4 As shown, the first absorbent layer 51 contains a water-sensitive fragrance in addition to the antibacterial agent 60. A water-sensitive fragrance is a fragrance that is released upon contact with excrement (water). Examples include fragrances encapsulated in water-soluble microcapsules (membrane materials) or fragrances encapsulated within the internal space of a structure (e.g., cyclodextrin). The microcapsules are approximately 1 to 1000 μm in diameter, and materials such as dextrin and PVA can be used as materials for the water-soluble microcapsules. In this case, the fragrance is released when the excrement permeates the first absorbent layer 51 and the water-sensitive fragrance 80 comes into contact with the excrement. Therefore, the fragrance can be used to mask the odor of the excrement discharged into the absorbent sheet 41, making it difficult for the user to detect the odor.

[0109] The fragrance is not limited to water-sensitive fragrances, but it is preferable that the fragrance is encapsulated in a micromembrane or encapsulated in cyclodextrin. This helps to suppress fragrance volatilization during the period before the excrement is excreted into the absorbent tablet 40.

[0110] Furthermore, it is not limited to the first absorbent layer 51 having a fragrance (water-sensitive fragrance 80); other materials (such as the second absorbent layer 52, the cover sheet 53, and the surface sheet 41) may also have a fragrance. However, by having a fragrance in the first absorbent layer 51, for example, compared to the case where a fragrance is provided on the surface sheet 41, the persistence of the fragrance can be improved. In addition, for example, compared to the case where a fragrance is provided in the second absorbent layer 52, the fragrance is more easily released to the outside of the absorbent sheet 40.

[0111] Furthermore, confirmation that the first absorption layer 51 has micromembranes can be made by observing the target area (first absorption layer 51) using an electron microscope. Additionally, confirmation that the target area contains fragrance can be made, for example, by performing component analysis of the fragrance-releasing target area using a gas chromatography apparatus.

[0112] The type of fragrance is not particularly limited; for example, lavender, jasmine, and green herbal scents can be listed. Alternatively, the absorbent tablet 40 may not contain a fragrance. Furthermore, water-sensitive structures (cyclodextrins) and water-soluble microcapsules may not encapsulate a fragrance, but instead encapsulate functional agents that perform other functions (such as deodorants).

[0113] <<About Animal Toilets 1 with Absorbent Sheets 40>>

[0114] Figure 6A This is a top view of absorbent sheet 40. Figure 6B This is a top view of the tray 21 provided in the animal toilet 1. Figure 6C This is a top view of the upper container 10. Figure 7 This is a top view of an animal toilet 1 (upper container 10 and lower container 20) equipped with an absorbent sheet 40.

[0115] As described above, the absorbent sheet 40 is installed in and used in the animal toilet 1. The absorbent sheet 40 is configured such that its length direction corresponds to the front-to-back direction of the animal toilet 1, and its width direction corresponds to the left-to-right direction of the animal toilet 1.

[0116] The animal toilet 1 capable of providing the absorbent sheet 40 is preferably structured as follows. Firstly, the area of ​​the region 12R (hereinafter also referred to as "porous region 12R") at the bottom of the upper container 10 where multiple holes 12 are provided is smaller than the area of ​​the absorbent body 50 when the absorbent sheet 40 is viewed along its thickness direction. Specifically, it can be as follows: Figure 6A and Figure 6C As shown, the length L1 of the absorber 50 in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length L3 of the porous region 12R in the front-to-back direction, and the length W1 of the absorber 50 in the width direction is longer than the length W3 of the porous region 12R in the width direction.

[0117] Therefore, as Figure 7 As shown, when viewing the animal toilet 1 equipped with the absorbent sheet 40 from above, the entire area of ​​the porous region 12R easily overlaps with the absorbent body 50 (diagonal section) of the absorbent sheet 40. Therefore, the absorbent body 50 containing the antibacterial agent 60 can receive the excrement passing through the porous region 12R, thus suppressing the generation of odor caused by the excrement discharged into the animal toilet 1.

[0118] Furthermore, the area of ​​the sheet receiving portion 21R in the tray 21 may be smaller than the area of ​​the absorbent sheet 40. Specifically, it may be, as follows: Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the length L1' of the absorbent sheet 40 in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length L2 of the sheet receiving portion 21R in the front-back direction, and the length W1' of the absorbent sheet 40 in the width direction is longer than the length W2 of the sheet receiving portion 21R in the width direction.

[0119] Therefore, when the absorbent sheet 40 is placed on the tray 21, the absorbent sheet 40 can be arranged over the entire area in the planar direction of the sheet receiving portion 21R. As a result, the excrement received by the tray 21 is absorbed by the absorbent body 50 containing the antibacterial agent 60, which can suppress the generation of odor caused by the excrement discharged into the animal toilet 1.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the planar shape of the sheet receiving portion 21R in the animal toilet 1 is the same as the planar shape of the absorbent sheet 40 and the absorbent body 50, which is rectangular. This makes it easy to arrange the absorbent body 50 over a large area of ​​the sheet receiving portion 21R of the tray 21. However, it is not limited to the above situation; the planar shape can be different as long as the absorbent sheet 40 can be provided in the sheet receiving portion 21R.

[0121] ===Other Implementation Methods===

[0122] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, these embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit, and its equivalents are naturally included in the present invention.

[0123] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0124] 1. Animal toilet

[0125] 10. Upper container, 11. Bottom, 12. Hole

[0126] 20 containers, 21 trays

[0127] 30 covers, 31 openings

[0128] 40 (Animal) Absorbent Tablets

[0129] 41 Surface sheet, 42 Back sheet, 43 Joint,

[0130] 50 absorbers

[0131] 51 First absorption layer, 52 Second absorption layer,

[0132] 531 First cover piece (intermediate piece)

[0133] 532 Second cover piece (another intermediate piece)

[0134] 50P pulp fiber (liquid absorbent fiber)

[0135] 50S high-absorption polymer,

[0136] 60 antibacterial agents

[0137] 70 antibacterial agent

[0138] 80 Water-sensitive fragrances.

Claims

1. An absorbent pad for animals, used in an animal toilet, the animal toilet comprising: an upper container having a plurality of holes at its bottom; and a lower container receiving excrement passing through the plurality of holes, the absorbent pad being disposed in the lower container, characterized in that... The absorbent tablets for animals have the following characteristics: Liquid-permeable surface sheets; A liquid-impermeable back sheet, wherein the back sheet is located on one side of the surface sheet in the thickness direction of the animal absorbent sheet; and An absorber, wherein the absorber is located between the surface sheet and the back sheet. The absorber has: A first absorbent layer, wherein the first absorbent layer has a highly absorbent polymer; as well as A second absorbent layer, located on a side further than the first absorbent layer in the thickness direction, comprises liquid-absorbent fibers containing a highly absorbent polymer. The first absorbent layer contains an antibacterial agent. The density of the antibacterial agent is higher in the portion of the first absorbent layer on one side of the thickness direction compared to the portion on the other side of the thickness direction.

2. The absorbent tablet for animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second absorbent layer contains an antibacterial agent.

3. The absorbent tablet for animals according to claim 2, characterized in that, The density of the antibacterial agent is higher in the other side of the thickness direction of the second absorbent layer compared to the portion on one side of the thickness direction of the second absorbent layer.

4. The absorbent tablet for animals according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, At least one of the antibacterial agent contained in the first absorbent layer and the antibacterial agent contained in the second absorbent layer is water-soluble.

5. The absorbent tablet for animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The animal absorbent sheet has a liquid-permeable intermediate sheet between the surface sheet and the first absorbent layer. The highly absorbent polymer of the first absorbent layer is attached to the back side of the intermediate sheet.

6. The absorbent tablet for animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The animal absorbent sheet has a liquid-permeable intermediate sheet between the surface sheet and the first absorbent layer. The intermediate slice contains an antibacterial agent.

7. The absorbent tablet for animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The animal absorbent sheet has a liquid-permeable intermediate sheet between the second absorbent layer and the back sheet. The other intermediate sheet contains an antibacterial agent.

8. The absorbent tablet for animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface sheet has a unit area weight of 28 g / m². 2 above.

9. The absorbent tablet for animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The surface sheet contains an antibacterial agent.

10. The absorbent tablet for animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, Compared to the portion of the surface sheet on one side of the thickness direction, the portion of the surface sheet on the other side of the thickness direction has a higher density of fibers constituting the surface sheet.

11. The absorbent tablet for animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, Compared to the portion on one side of the thickness direction of the surface sheet, the density of the fibers constituting the surface sheet is lower in the portion on the other side of the thickness direction of the surface sheet.

12. The absorbent tablet for animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first absorbent layer has multiple portions of the highly absorbent polymer overlapping along the thickness direction.

13. The absorbent tablet for animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first absorbent layer contains a water-sensitive fragrance.

14. The absorbent tablet for animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, The density of the antibacterial agent is higher in the portion of the second absorbent layer on the other side of the thickness direction compared to the portion on the other side of the thickness direction of the first absorbent layer.

15. An animal toilet, characterized in that, The animal toilet is equipped with the animal absorbent sheet as described in claim 1. The area of ​​the region in the upper container where the plurality of holes are provided is smaller than the area of ​​the absorbent body when the absorbent sheet for animals is viewed along the thickness direction.

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