Absorbent sheet and pet system toilet

Abstract

An absorbent sheet for pets according to an aspect is used in combination with a water-permeable pad made of a resin having a porous structure. The absorbent sheet has a water-permeable front sheet that contacts the water-permeable pad, a non-water-permeable back sheet, and an absorbent body disposed between the front sheet and the back sheet, and the front sheet is composed of a resin film having a plurality of openings that pass through the front sheet in the thickness direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to absorbent sheets and pet toilet systems. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, pet toilets with absorbent sheets to absorb pet urine have been used to handle the excrement of indoor pets such as cats and dogs. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a pet toilet system that includes an absorbent sheet to absorb pet urine, a tray for holding the absorbent sheet, and a permeable plate with a corrugated honeycomb structure disposed on the absorbent sheet. This system prevents the pet's legs from directly contacting the absorbent sheet by placing the permeable plate on the absorbent sheet, thereby preventing urine from flowing back from the absorbent sheet to the pet.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-205541 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] To keep pet toilet systems clean, the absorbent pads need to be replaced regularly. However, in the pet toilet system described in Patent Document 1, the fibers of the absorbent pad are entangled in a permeable plate, and the absorbent pad is adhered to the permeable plate. In this case, the absorbent pad needs to be peeled off by hand after grasping the permeable plate, which sometimes soils the user's hands and is unhygienic.

[0008] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide an absorbent pad that can be easily replaced and a pet toilet system incorporating the absorbent pad.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] One solution involves using an absorbent pad for pets in conjunction with a permeable resin pad having a porous structure. The absorbent pad includes a permeable front sheet in contact with the permeable pad, a non-permeable back sheet, and an absorbent material disposed between the front and back sheets. The front sheet is made of a resin film having a plurality of openings extending through the front sheet in the thickness direction.

[0011] The absorbent sheet of this design has a front panel made of a resin film with numerous openings. Because the resin film front panel is difficult to adhere to the resin-based permeable pad, the absorbent sheet can be separated from the permeable pad without peeling it off. Therefore, the absorbent sheet can be easily replaced.

[0012] The static friction between the permeable pad and the front sheet can also be less than 1.1N. By setting the static friction between the permeable pad and the front sheet to less than 1.1N, the absorbent sheet can be easily separated from the permeable pad, thus making it easy to replace the absorbent sheet.

[0013] Alternatively, a permeable pad can be placed on the front side of the absorbent sheet, so that when the absorbent sheet is tilted at an angle of 40° or more, the permeable pad slides and falls off the front side. In this case, by tilting the absorbent sheet, it is possible to separate the absorbent sheet from the permeable pad, thus making it easy to replace the absorbent sheet.

[0014] The porosity of the absorbent pad can be between 19% and 40%. Setting the porosity to 19% or higher reduces friction between the absorbent pad and the absorbent material. Setting it to 40% or less prevents urine absorbed by the absorbent pad from flowing back to the pet's legs through the openings. This reduces the time spent cleaning the pet's legs and areas where the pet walks. Furthermore, because the surface of the absorbent pad is less prone to soiling, it prevents hands from getting dirty when changing the absorbent pad.

[0015] Prepare test pieces of a permeable pad and an absorbent sheet, each cut to 100mm x 100mm. Overlap a test piece of the permeable pad with a test piece of the absorbent sheet. Place a 3.5kg weight on the permeable pad and leave it for 5 minutes. The peel strength when separating the test piece of the permeable pad from the test piece of the absorbent sheet should be less than 0.04N. In this case, the permeable pad can be easily peeled from the absorbent sheet, allowing for easy replacement of the absorbent sheet.

[0016] Alternatively, the absorbent material may include: an absorbent core containing a water-absorbing polymer and pulp; and a cover sheet disposed between the front sheet and the absorbent core, the cover sheet having a colored area that is colored differently from the front sheet. Since pets such as dogs dislike defecating in unsanitary places, they tend to avoid urine stains on absorbent sheets. Therefore, pets sometimes urinate outside the absorbent sheet to avoid urine stains. Consequently, even if there are areas on the absorbent sheet that can absorb urine, users sometimes replace the absorbent sheet prematurely to prevent pets from urinating outside the absorbent sheet. In contrast, by coloring the cover sheet, urine stains are less visible, thus preventing urination outside the absorbent sheet. As a result, cleaning time can be reduced. Furthermore, since absorbent sheets can be used for extended periods without replacement, the frequency of absorbent sheet replacement can be reduced, further reducing user workload.

[0017] Alternatively, the cover can have multiple unstained areas, with the area of ​​the stained area being larger than the sum of the areas of the multiple unstained areas. By increasing the area of ​​the stained area, urine stains become less visible.

[0018] Multiple uncolored areas can also be regularly arranged throughout the absorbent pad. Furthermore, these uncolored areas can be arranged in a two-dimensional pattern along a first direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the absorbent material and a second direction perpendicular to both the thickness direction and the first direction. By arranging these uncolored areas in a two-dimensional pattern along the first and second directions, although urine stains may not be clearly visible, their outlines can be seen. Therefore, users can visually identify the location of their pet's urination. As a result, it becomes possible to determine when to replace the absorbent pad and prevent hands from getting soiled from contact with urine stains when changing the pad.

[0019] The width of each of the multiple unstained areas in the first direction can be more than 2 mm and less than 17 mm. If urine is absorbed by more than three unstained areas, the outline of the urine stain can be identified. By setting the width of the unstained areas to more than 2 mm and less than 17 mm, urine can easily spread to more than three unstained areas, making it possible to identify the outline of the urine stain.

[0020] The width between adjacent unstained areas within a plurality of unstained areas can also be less than 40 mm. By setting the width between adjacent unstained areas to less than 40 mm, a portion of the urine is absorbed by the unstained areas, making it easier to identify the outline of the urine stain.

[0021] The surface of the cover sheet opposite the front sheet may also have non-adhesive areas that are not bonded to the front sheet. Since the surfaces of the front sheet and the cover sheet are at least partially unbonded, urine that has permeated the front sheet diffuses through the space between the front sheet and the cover sheet into the entire absorbent sheet. Therefore, the absorbent sheet can efficiently absorb urine. Because the urine diffuses through the pet's urine, it is absorbed entirely by the absorbent sheet, allowing for long-term use without replacement. As a result, the frequency of absorbent sheet replacement can be reduced, decreasing the user's workload.

[0022] Alternatively, the absorbent may have an absorbent core containing a water-absorbing polymer and pulp and a core covering a portion of the absorbent core, wherein the end face of the absorbent core in a first direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the absorbent is not covered by the core covering, and the end face of the absorbent core in a second direction perpendicular to both the thickness direction and the first direction is covered by the core covering.

[0023] The end face of the absorbent core in the first direction can also be bonded to the front or back sheet using a hot melt adhesive. By bonding the end face of the absorbent core not covered by the core sheath to the front or back sheet, the absorbent polymer is prevented from overflowing from that end face.

[0024] It may also include: an absorbent portion having an absorbent material disposed between the front sheet and the back sheet; and a frame-shaped wing portion disposed to surround the absorbent portion, wherein the front sheet and the back sheet are bonded together without the absorbent material in between. In this case, by holding the absorbent sheet with the wing portion, displacement of the absorbent sheet can be suppressed.

[0025] A gap may also be formed between the end face of the absorbent in the second direction and the wing. By forming a gap between the end face of the absorbent and the wing, it is possible to suppress the peeling of the front and back sheets of the wing when the absorbent expands due to urine absorption.

[0026] Alternatively, the absorbent body may include an absorbent core containing a water-absorbing polymer and pulp. When the absorbent core is divided into three equal regions along a first direction perpendicular to its thickness direction, and these regions are sequentially designated as Region 1, Region 2, and Region 3 from one side of the first direction, the difference between the maximum and minimum water retention values ​​of Regions 1, 2, and 3 is less than 20g. Furthermore, the proportion of dry pulp in Region 1, Region 2, and Region 3 is more than 50% of the total dry weight of Region 1, Region 2, and Region 3. By increasing the proportion of pulp in Regions 1, 2, and 3, the absorbent polymer is captured by the pulp within the absorbent body, thus suppressing polymer movement. Consequently, deviations in the distribution of absorbent polymer are less likely to occur during use, allowing the absorbent sheet to be used for a longer period. This reduces the frequency of absorbent sheet replacement and decreases user workload.

[0027] Alternatively, when the absorbent core is divided into three equal regions in a second direction perpendicular to both the thickness direction and the first direction, and these regions are sequentially designated as region 4, region 5, and region 6 from one side of the second direction, the proportion of dry weight of pulp in region 4 and region 6 is higher than that in region 5. If the proportion of absorbent polymer in the absorbent increases, gel blockage occurs, making it difficult for urine to diffuse. In contrast, by making the proportion of pulp in regions 4 and 6 higher than that in region 5, urine excreted in region 5 can diffuse into regions 4 and 6 based on capillary action. By allowing the pet's urine to diffuse over a larger area, urine can be absorbed more efficiently. As a result, the frequency of absorbent pad replacement can be reduced, decreasing the user's working hours.

[0028] A pet toilet system includes: a base plate having a bottom surface and an outer edge surrounding the bottom surface; a middle frame disposed on the outer edge of the base plate; a top frame disposed on the middle frame; an absorbent sheet disposed between the base plate and the middle frame, having absorbency; and a permeable pad disposed between the middle frame and the top frame, having a porous structure. The absorbent sheet has a permeable front sheet in contact with the permeable pad, a non-permeable back sheet, and an absorbent body disposed between the front sheet and the back sheet. The front sheet is made of a resin film having a plurality of openings penetrating the front sheet along its thickness direction.

[0029] As mentioned above, the maintainability of the pet toilet system can be improved because the absorbent pad can be easily replaced.

[0030] Invention Effects

[0031] According to various embodiments of the present invention, the absorbent sheet can be easily replaced. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a pet toilet system according to one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 2 It is a decompositional representation Figure 1 A 3D view of the main components of a pet toilet system.

[0034] Figure 3 It is a pet toilet system along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line AA.

[0035] Figure 4 It is an enlarged representation Figure 3 A partial sectional view.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of the base plate.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a 3D view of the middle frame.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a bottom view of the middle frame.

[0039] Figure 8 It is a 3D view of the upper frame.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a bottom view of the top frame.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a side view of the main toilet building.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a schematic top view of the absorbent sheet.

[0043] Figure 12 It is along Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the BB line.

[0044] Figure 13 It is along Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the CC line.

[0045] Figure 14 This is a top view of the cover sheet.

[0046] Figure 15 This is a top view showing an enlarged portion of the permeable pad. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions are omitted. For ease of understanding, some parts may be simplified or exaggerated in the drawings, and the dimensions are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0048] Hereinafter, a pet system toilet (hereinafter referred to as "system toilet") including an absorbent sheet for pets according to one embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a system toilet 1 according to one embodiment. Figure 2 It is a three-dimensional view showing the main components of the toilet system 1 in a decomposed manner. Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view along line AA. Figure 4 It is an enlarged representation Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the fitting part of the toilet system 1 shown.

[0049] Figures 1-4 The toilet system 1 shown is a pet excretion device. In this specification, "pet" broadly includes vertebrates and invertebrates, typically including pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and hamsters. Typically, the toilet system 1 is installed indoors for pets kept indoors, providing an excretion space. Pet excrement is typically urine, but also includes low-viscosity feces, saliva, blood, and other bodily fluids.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the system toilet 1 includes a toilet body 2, an absorbent sheet 3 with water-absorbing properties, and a permeable mat 4 disposed on the absorbent sheet 3. The toilet body 2 holds the absorbent sheet 3 and the permeable mat 4.

[0051] Furthermore, in the following description, the stacking direction of the absorbent sheet 3 and the permeable pad 4 will be referred to as the "vertical direction Z," and the two directions perpendicular to the vertical direction Z will be referred to as the "width direction X" and the "depth direction Y," respectively. Figure 1In the embodiment shown, the width direction X is a first direction parallel to the long side of the toilet body 2, and the depth direction Y is a second direction parallel to the short side of the toilet body 2. Furthermore, the direction from the absorbent sheet 3 toward the permeable pad 4 is referred to as "upper," and the direction from the permeable pad 4 toward the absorbent sheet 3 is referred to as "lower."

[0052] The toilet body 2 is a device for holding the absorbent sheet 3 and the permeable mat 4. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the toilet body 2 includes a base plate 11, a middle frame 12 disposed on the base plate 11, and an upper frame 13 disposed on the middle frame 12. The base plate 11, the middle frame 12, and the upper frame 13 are formed, for example, by molding thermoplastic resin and are flexible. As described later, the base plate 11, the middle frame 12, and the upper frame 13 can be disassembled and reassembled with each other in the vertical direction Z.

[0053] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional view of the base plate 11 of the main toilet body 2. (See diagram below.) Figure 5 As shown, when viewed from the vertical direction Z, the base plate portion 11 has a generally rectangular bottom portion 21 with the width direction X as its long side and an outer edge portion 22 surrounding the bottom portion 21. The bottom portion 21 has an upper surface 23 for mounting the absorbent sheet 3. The upper surface 23 of the bottom portion 21 has a concave-convex shape. Specifically, the upper surface 23 has a plurality of recesses 23a that are recessed downwards and convex portions 23b that are raised upwards. The plurality of recesses 23a are arranged in a two-dimensional manner along the width direction X and the depth direction Y. When viewed from the vertical direction Z, the plurality of recesses 23a are each formed into a quadrilateral shape (square shape). The convex portions 23b are formed into a grid shape that divides the plurality of recesses 23a.

[0054] When viewed from above in the Z-direction, the outer edge 22 is formed in a generally rectangular frame shape, arranged to surround the bottom surface 21. Typically, the outer edge 22 is integrally formed with the bottom surface 21 using thermoplastic resin. The outer edge 22 has: a sidewall portion 24 that rises upward from the outer edge of the bottom surface 21; an inner peripheral portion 25 that extends outward from the upper end of the sidewall portion 24; and an outer peripheral portion 26 that extends outward from the outer edge of the inner peripheral portion 25. The sidewall portion 24 functions to block urine that is excreted onto the bottom surface 21 via the permeable pad 4 and the absorbent sheet 3. A notch (not shown) may also be formed in the sidewall portion 24 to allow urine that has entered the fitting recess 27 (described later) to return to the bottom surface.

[0055] The inner peripheral portion 25 is located on the outer side of the side wall portion 24, and has an upper surface 25a positioned above the upper surface 23 of the bottom portion 21 (see reference). Figure 4A fitting recess (first fitting recess) 27 is formed in the inner peripheral portion 25, recessed downward from the upper surface 25a of the inner peripheral portion 25. When viewed from the vertical direction Z, the fitting recess 27 is a generally rectangular groove formed in the area between the side wall portion 24 and the outer peripheral portion 26. The bottom of the fitting recess 27 is positioned above the upper surface 23 of the bottom portion 21 and below the upper surface 25a of the inner peripheral portion 25.

[0056] The outer peripheral portion 26 is located outside the inner peripheral portion 25 and has an upper surface 26a positioned above the upper surface 25a of the inner peripheral portion 25. A pair of ends of the outer peripheral portion 26 in the depth direction Y have cutout portions 26b formed by cutting a portion of the outer peripheral portion 26 towards the depth direction Y. A columnar connecting portion 28 is provided in the cutout portion 26b. The connecting portion 28 extends along the width direction X and its two ends are connected to the outer peripheral portion 26.

[0057] Figure 6 This is a 3D view of the middle frame section 12. Figure 7 This is a bottom view of the middle frame portion 12. When viewed from the top and bottom (Z), the middle frame portion 12 has a generally rectangular frame shape and is detachably mounted on the outer edge 22 of the base plate portion 11. The middle frame portion 12 includes an inner peripheral portion 31 and an outer peripheral portion 32 disposed outside the inner peripheral portion 31. When the middle frame portion 12 is mounted on the base plate portion 11, the inner peripheral portion 31 of the middle frame portion 12 is positioned above the inner peripheral portion 25 of the base plate portion 11, and the outer peripheral portion 32 of the middle frame portion 12 is positioned above the outer peripheral portion 26 of the base plate portion 11.

[0058] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown, the inner peripheral portion 31 has a fitting protrusion (first fitting protrusion) 33 and a fitting recess (second fitting recess) 34. The fitting protrusion 33 is formed along the inner edge of the middle frame portion 12 and has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from below. The fitting protrusion 33 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the middle frame portion 12 (towards the base plate portion 11). The fitting protrusion 33 is positioned opposite to the fitting recess 27 of the bottom portion 21 and can engage with the fitting recess 27. When the fitting protrusion 33 engages with the fitting recess 27, the base plate portion 11 and the middle frame portion 12 are connected, and the horizontal displacement (width direction X and depth direction Y) of the base plate portion 11 and the middle frame portion 12 can be suppressed. The fitting recess 27 and the fitting protrusion 33 constitute a lower fitting structure 10 connecting the base plate portion 11 and the middle frame portion 12.

[0059] The fitting recess 34 is recessed downward from the upper surface of the inner peripheral portion 31. The fitting recess 34 is a generally rectangular groove, positioned outside the fitting protrusion 33 when viewed from the vertical direction Z. Alternatively, when viewed from the vertical direction Z, the depth of the fitting recess 34 (the vertical distance Z from the upper surface of the inner peripheral portion 31 to the bottom of the fitting recess 34) may be greater than the depth of the fitting recess 27 (the vertical distance Z from the upper surface 25a of the inner peripheral portion 25 to the bottom of the fitting recess 27).

[0060] One or more openings 37 may also be formed at the bottom of the fitting recess 34 (see reference). Figure 7 Multiple openings 37 are through holes that penetrate the middle frame portion 12 along the thickness direction (vertical direction Z), allowing urine entering the fitting recess 34 to be discharged towards the bottom portion 21.

[0061] The outer periphery 32 of the middle frame portion 12 has an outer peripheral protrusion 35. The outer peripheral protrusion 35 is formed along the outer edge of the middle frame portion 12. When viewed from below, the outer peripheral protrusion 35 has a generally rectangular shape and protrudes downward from the outer edge of the middle frame portion 12 (towards the base plate portion 11). Figure 4 As shown, the top end of the outer peripheral protrusion 35 is positioned above the top end of the fitting protrusion 33 and below the bottom of the fitting recess 34. When the fitting protrusion 33 of the middle frame portion 12 is fitted with the fitting recess 27 of the base plate portion 11, the outer peripheral protrusion 35 is supported on the outer peripheral portion 26 of the base plate portion 11.

[0062] The middle frame portion 12 has a pair of first middle frame edges 12A extending along the width direction X and a pair of second middle frame edges 12B extending along the depth direction Y. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the length of the first middle frame edge 12A in the width direction X is longer than the length of the second middle frame edge 12B in the depth direction Y. Alternatively, the width w2 of the second middle frame edge 12B in the width direction X is smaller than the width w1 of the first middle frame edge 12A in the depth direction Y.

[0063] A pair of first middle frame edges 12A have latches (second locking structures) 38 for locking the middle frame portion 12 to the base plate portion 11. The latches 38 include: a latch body 38a extending downward from the outer edge of the pair of first middle frame edges 12A; and a protrusion 38b disposed inside the latch body 38a in the depth direction Y, facing the latch body 38a across a gap 38s (see reference). Figure 7 ).

[0064] The latch body 38a has a first claw portion 38c and a second claw portion 38d. The first claw portion 38c protrudes inward from the inner surface of the latch body 38a in the depth direction Y. The second claw portion 38d protrudes outward from the outer surface of the latch body 38a in the depth direction Y. When the middle frame portion 12 is mounted on the base plate portion 11, the connecting portion 28 of the base plate portion 11 is received in the gap 38s, and the first claw portion 38c is locked to the connecting portion 28 by the elastic deformation of the latch body 38a. Thus, the middle frame portion 12 is fixed to the base plate portion 11.

[0065] Figure 8 This is a 3D view of the upper frame 13. Figure 9 This is a bottom view of the upper frame portion 13. When viewed from the vertical direction Z, the upper frame portion 13 has a generally rectangular frame shape and is detachably mounted on the middle frame portion 12. The upper frame portion 13 has an inner peripheral portion 41 and an outer peripheral portion 42 disposed outside the inner peripheral portion 41. When the upper frame portion 13 is mounted on the middle frame portion 12, the inner peripheral portion 41 of the upper frame portion 13 is positioned above the inner peripheral portion 31 of the middle frame portion 12, and the outer peripheral portion 42 of the upper frame portion 13 is positioned above the outer peripheral portion 32 of the middle frame portion 12.

[0066] The inner peripheral portion 41 of the upper frame portion 13 has an inner peripheral convex portion 43 and a fitting convex portion (second fitting convex portion) 44 (see Figure 4 The inner peripheral protrusion 43 is formed along the inner edge of the upper frame portion 13 and is generally rectangular in shape when viewed from below. The inner peripheral protrusion 43 protrudes downward from the inner edge of the upper frame portion 13 toward the bottom plate portion 11.

[0067] Viewed from below, the fitting protrusion 44 has a generally rectangular shape and is positioned outside the inner peripheral protrusion 43. The fitting protrusion 44 is positioned opposite the fitting recess 34 of the middle frame portion 12, protruding downwards from the lower surface of the upper frame portion 13 toward the fitting recess 34. The fitting protrusion 44 can engage with the fitting recess 34. When the fitting protrusion 44 engages with the fitting recess 34, the middle frame portion 12 and the upper frame portion 13 are connected, suppressing any horizontal displacement (width direction X and depth direction Y) between the middle frame portion 12 and the upper frame portion 13. The fitting recess 34 and the fitting protrusion 44 constitute an upper fitting structure 20 connecting the middle frame portion 12 and the upper frame portion 13.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, when the fitting recess 34 and the fitting protrusion 44 are engaged, the lower end of the inner peripheral protrusion 43 is positioned below the lower end of the fitting protrusion 44. Alternatively, the maximum length of the fitting protrusion 44 of the upper frame portion 13 may be longer than the maximum length of the fitting protrusion 33.

[0069] The outer periphery 42 of the upper frame portion 13 has an outer peripheral protrusion 45. The outer peripheral protrusion 45 is formed along the outer edge of the upper frame portion 13. When viewed from below, the outer peripheral protrusion 45 has a generally rectangular shape and protrudes downwards from the outer edge of the upper frame portion 13 toward the middle frame portion 12. Figure 4 As shown, when the upper frame portion 13 is mounted on the middle frame portion 12 and the fitting protrusion 44 and the fitting recess 34 are engaged, the outer peripheral protrusion 45 of the upper frame portion 13 is supported on the outer peripheral protrusion 35 of the middle frame portion 12.

[0070] like Figure 8 As shown, the upper frame portion 13 has a pair of first upper frame edges 13A extending along the width direction X and a pair of second upper frame edges 13B extending along the depth direction Y. The length of the pair of first upper frame edges 13A in the width direction X is longer than the length of the pair of second upper frame edges 13B in the depth direction Y. Alternatively, the width w4 of the pair of second upper frame edges 13B in the width direction X may be smaller than the width w3 of the pair of first upper frame edges 13A in the depth direction Y.

[0071] A pair of first upper frame edges 13A have latches (first locking structures) 46 for locking the upper frame portion 13 to the middle frame portion 12. The latches 46 extend downward from the outer edge of the first upper frame edges 13A. An opening 46a is formed in the latches 46 that extends through the latches 46 in the thickness direction (depth direction Y). When the upper frame portion 13 is installed on the middle frame portion 12, the latches 46 elastically deform in a way that expands outward in the depth direction Y while sliding along the outer surface of the latches 38, and the second claw portion 38d of the latches 38 engages with the opening 46a of the latches 46. Thus, the upper frame portion 13 is fixed to the middle frame portion 12. Figure 10 This is a side view of the toilet body 2, which is formed by the engagement of the latch 46 of the upper frame 13 and the latch 38 of the middle frame 12, connecting the bottom plate 11, the middle frame 12 and the upper frame 13.

[0072] like Figure 8 As shown, the upper frame portion 13 has an upper surface 47 that slopes downwards (near the bottom plate portion 11) from the outer edge of the upper frame portion 13 toward the inner edge. The upper surface 47 is a curved surface whose slope angle increases as it approaches the inner edge of the upper frame portion 13. By sloped as described above, when a pet's urine falls onto the upper frame portion 13, the urine can fall along the upper surface 47 toward the bottom surface 21.

[0073] In one embodiment, the upper surface 47 of the upper frame portion 13 may also have an uneven shape. For example, on a pair of first upper frame edges 13A of the upper frame portion 13, a plurality of raised portions (protrusions) 48 extending in the depth direction Y are arranged at equal intervals along the width direction X. Similarly, on a pair of second upper frame edges 13B of the upper frame portion 13, a plurality of raised portions 48 are arranged at equal intervals along the depth direction Y. An inclined surface (recess) 49 is formed between the plurality of raised portions 48 to allow urine to flow toward the absorbent sheet 3. That is, the upper surface 47 of the pair of first upper frame edges 13A has raised portions 48 and inclined surfaces 49 alternately arranged in the width direction X, and the upper surface 47 of the pair of second upper frame edges 13B has raised portions 48 and inclined surfaces 49 alternately arranged in the depth direction Y. The inclined surface 49 is curved downwards as it moves away from the adjacent raised portion 48. That is, since the lowest point is at the center of the inclined surface 49 in the width direction X or depth direction Y, the urine on the upper frame 13 collects at the center of the inclined surface 49 and is guided to the lower surface 21.

[0074] The toilet body 2 contains an absorbent sheet 3 and a permeable mat 4. The absorbent sheet 3 is a thin sheet with absorbent properties, which is placed on the bottom surface 21 of the base plate 11 to absorb the pet's urine. The absorbent sheet 3 and the permeable mat 4 are used in an overlapping manner. Figure 11 This is a schematic top view of absorbent sheet 3. Figure 12 It is along Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of the BB line. Figure 13 It is along Figure 11 A cross-sectional view along the CC line. Figures 11-13 The diagram illustrates mutually perpendicular longitudinal (second direction) V and transverse (first direction) W. When the absorbent sheet 3 is installed on the toilet body 2, the longitudinal V is arranged parallel to the width direction X, and the transverse W is arranged parallel to the depth direction Y.

[0075] The absorbent sheet 3 has a generally rectangular planar shape. The longitudinal direction V is the direction of the long side of the absorbent sheet 3, and the transverse direction W is the direction of the short side of the absorbent sheet 3. The absorbent sheet 3 has dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the toilet body 2. For example, the absorbent sheet 3 has a length of 400mm to 600mm in the longitudinal direction V and a width of 300mm to 500mm in the transverse direction W. The absorbent sheet 3 is held between the base plate portion 11 and the middle frame portion 12 of the toilet body 2.

[0076] like Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, the absorbent sheet 3 comprises: a front sheet 51 disposed on the front side of the absorbent sheet 3; a back sheet 52 disposed on the back side of the absorbent sheet 3; and an absorbent body 53 disposed between the front sheet 51 and the back sheet 52. The front sheet 51 is liquid-permeable and is formed in a generally rectangular shape. The front sheet 51 is made of a resin film having a plurality of openings 51a extending through the front sheet 51 in the thickness direction. Typically, polyethylene or polypropylene is used as the material of the resin film. In addition, the front sheet 51 may also be made of a laminate formed by bonding nonwoven fabric to the resin film, or a waterproof nonwoven fabric. The planar shape of the openings 51a may be circular, elliptical, or polygonal. Pet urine excreted into the absorbent sheet 3 moves toward the absorbent body 53 through the openings 51a formed in the front sheet 51.

[0077] The porosity of the front sheet 51 can be between 19% and 40%. The porosity of the front sheet 51 refers to the total area of ​​the front sheet 51 relative to the area of ​​the individual openings 51a. By setting the porosity of the front sheet 51 to 19% or more, the friction between the permeable pad 4 and the front sheet 51 can be reduced. By setting the porosity of the front sheet 51 to 40% or less, the backflow of urine absorbed by the absorbent core 54 through the openings of the front sheet 51 to the pet's legs is inhibited.

[0078] The back sheet 52 is waterproof and is formed into a generally rectangular shape with substantially the same dimensions as the front sheet 51. Examples of materials for the back sheet 52 include a resin film such as polyethylene or polypropylene, a laminate formed by bonding a nonwoven fabric to the resin film, or a waterproof nonwoven fabric. By placing the liquid-impermeable back sheet 52 on the back side of the absorbent sheet 3, leakage of urine excreted onto the absorbent sheet 3 to the back side is prevented.

[0079] Absorbent 53 is disposed between the front sheet 51 and the back sheet 52, absorbing urine that has passed through the front sheet 51. Absorbent 53 has a generally rectangular planar shape and is smaller than both the front sheet 51 and the back sheet 52, and is disposed in the center of the absorbent sheet 3. Therefore, as... Figure 11 As shown, the absorbent sheet 3 has an absorbent portion 3a with an absorber 53 disposed between the front sheet 51 and the back sheet 52, and a wing portion 3b without an absorber 53 disposed between the front sheet 51 and the back sheet 52. Viewed in the thickness direction, the absorbent portion 3a is a generally rectangular area disposed in the center of the absorber 53, partially bonded to the front sheet 51 using a hot melt adhesive HM. The wing portion 3b is a rectangular frame-shaped area that adheres to the front sheet 51 and the back sheet 52 without separating them from the absorber 53, formed to surround the absorbent portion 3a. That is, the wing portion 3b is formed along the outer edge of the absorbent sheet 3. Typically, as... Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, in the wing 3b, the front sheet 51 and the back sheet 52 are directly bonded together using hot melt adhesive HM without being separated by the absorber 53.

[0080] The absorbent core 53 comprises an absorbent core 54 containing pulp and a superabsorbent polymer (SAP), and a core-cladding layer 55 covering the surface of the absorbent core. The pulp of the absorbent core 54 may be, for example, chemical pulp, cellulose fibers, rayon, cellulose acetate, or other cellulose fibers. The SAP may be, for example, a starch-based, acrylic-based, or amino acid-based granular or fibrous polymer. The core-cladding layer 55 is wound around the absorbent core 54 in a manner that covers at least a portion of the surface of the absorbent core 54. Typically, the core-cladding layer 55 is made of white, plain-colored cotton paper or nonwoven fabric.

[0081] like Figure 12 As shown, the end face 54a of the absorbent core 54 on the transverse W direction is not covered by the core-cladding layer 55, but is bonded to the front sheet 51 using hot melt adhesive HM. Bonding the end face 54a of the absorbent core 54, which is not covered by the core-cladding layer 55, to the front sheet 51 prevents SAP from overflowing from the end face 54a. Alternatively, the end face 54a of the absorbent core 54 can also be bonded to the back sheet 52 using hot melt adhesive HM.

[0082] On the other hand, such as Figure 13 As shown, the end face 54b of the absorbent core 54 along the longitudinal V is covered by the core cladding layer 55. The core cladding layer 55 is bonded to the front sheet 51 using hot melt adhesive HM. Alternatively, as shown... Figure 13 As shown, when viewed from the thickness direction of the absorbent core 54, a gap 53s is formed between the end face 54b and the wing portion 3b on the longitudinal V of the absorbent core 54. If urine is absorbed by the absorbent core 54, the absorbent core 54 expands and enters the gap 53s. The gap 53s inhibits the peeling of the front sheet 51 and the back sheet 52 of the wing portion 3b by allowing the absorbent core 54 to expand.

[0083] It can also be like Figure 13 As shown, a depletion region 68 is formed in the absorbent core 54, extending laterally along the end face 54b of the absorbent core 54. The depletion region 68 is a region where the density of SAP locally decreases. That is, the proportion of pulp is increased in the depletion region 68. Alternatively, SAP may not exist in the depletion region 68.

[0084] The absorbent sheet 3 has a water retention capacity of 350g or more. The water retention capacity of the absorbent sheet 3 can be measured, for example, by the following steps: First, measure the dry weight of the absorbent sheet 3 using an electronic balance. Next, immerse the absorbent sheet 3 in a 0.9% physiological saline solution for 10 minutes to allow it to absorb the saline solution. Then, remove the absorbent sheet 3 from the saline solution, hang it to air dry for 10 minutes, and measure its wet weight. Next, dehydrate the absorbent sheet 3 using a dehydrator at 763 rpm for 90 seconds, and measure the weight of the dehydrated absorbent sheet 3. Furthermore, the water retention capacity can be obtained by subtracting the dry weight of the absorbent sheet 3 from its dehydrated weight. The water retention capacity of the absorbent sheet 3 can also be referred to as the water retention capacity of the absorbent core 54.

[0085] like Figure 11 As shown, when the absorbent core 54 is divided into three equal regions along the transverse W, and these regions are designated as region 1 61, region 2 62, and region 3 63 from one side of the transverse W, the water retention capacity of region 1 61, region 2 62, and region 3 63 is substantially the same. For example, the difference between the maximum water retention capacity of region 1 61, region 2 62, and region 3 63 and the minimum water retention capacity of region 1 61, region 2 62, and region 3 63 is less than 20g.

[0086] Furthermore, the proportions of the dried weight of pulp in Zone 1 61, Zone 2 62, and Zone 3 63 to the total dried weight of Zone 3 63 are substantially the same, for example, more than 50%. The proportions of the dried weight of SAP in Zone 1 61, Zone 2 62, and Zone 3 63 to the total dried weight of Zone 3 63 are substantially the same, for example, less than 50%. That is, in Zones 1 61, 2 62, and 3 63, the proportion of pulp is higher than the proportion of SAP.

[0087] On the other hand, such as Figure 11As shown, when the absorbent core 54 is divided into three equal regions along the longitudinal direction V, and these regions are sequentially designated as region 4 64, region 5 65, and region 6 66 from one side of the longitudinal direction VW, the water retention capacity of region 4 64, region 5 65, and region 6 66 is locally different. As described above, depletion regions 68 with low SAP density are locally formed in region 4 64 and region 6 66. As a result, the proportion of the dry weight of SAP in region 4 64 to the total dry weight of region 64, and the proportion of the dry weight of SAP in region 6 66 to the total dry weight of region 66 are lower than the proportion of the dry weight of SAP in region 5 65 to the total dry weight of region 5 65. Conversely, the proportion of the dry weight of pulp in region 4 64 to the total dry weight of region 64, and the proportion of the dry weight of pulp in region 6 66 to the total dry weight of region 66 are higher than the proportion of the dry weight of pulp in region 5 65 to the total dry weight of region 5 65. As a result, the water retention of zone 5 65 is, for example, more than 10%, more than 20%, or more than 30% higher than that of zone 4 64 and zone 6 66.

[0088] As described above, in the absorbent core 54, uniform distribution of SAP can be achieved in the transverse direction W, but a deviation in the distribution of SAP occurs in the longitudinal direction V. By making the proportion of pulp in the fourth region 64 and the sixth region 66 higher than that in the fifth region 65, urine excreted into the fifth region 65 can diffuse into the fourth region 64 and the sixth region 66 according to capillary action.

[0089] Alternatively, the distribution of SAP in the absorbent core 54 may also differ in the thickness direction. For example, the absorbent core 54 may include an upper layer located on the front sheet 51 side and a lower layer located on the back sheet 52 side, with the proportion of SAP in the upper layer being higher than that in the lower layer.

[0090] The absorbent sheet 3 may also include a cover sheet 56. The cover sheet 56 is disposed between the front sheet 51 and the absorbent core 54, covering the surface of the absorbent core 54. The cover sheet 56 has a generally rectangular planar shape and has substantially the same dimensions as the absorbent body 53 when viewed in the thickness direction. The cover sheet 56 is made of, for example, cotton paper or non-woven fabric and is liquid-permeable.

[0091] Figure 15 This is a top view of an exemplary cover sheet 56. The cover sheet 56 is at least partially colored. In one embodiment, the cover sheet 56 has a colored area 57a colored in a different color than the front panel 51 and a plurality of uncolored areas 57b. Figure 15 In the middle, for convenience, the shaded area 57a is represented by a shadow.

[0092] Alternatively, the colored area 57a can be colored with a darker shade, when viewed from the thickness direction while superimposed on a standard white board. Brightness in the color system The area is 55 or less. For example, the colored area 57a is colored gray. The colored area 57a is formed in a grid pattern. The area of ​​the colored area 57a in the cover sheet 56 can also be larger than the sum of the areas of the multiple uncolored areas 57b.

[0093] The multiple uncolored areas 57b are square-shaped white areas (the same color as the front panel 51). These uncolored areas 57b are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern along the longitudinal direction V and transverse direction W of the cover sheet 56, formed by a grid-like pattern of colored areas 57a. That is, the multiple uncolored areas 57b are regularly arranged throughout the cover sheet 56. Furthermore, the multiple uncolored areas 57b may also include areas extending along the longitudinal direction V and transverse direction W of the cover sheet 56 across its entire length and width.

[0094] The cover sheet 56 is visually identifiable through the front sheet 51. When a pet urinates into the absorbent sheet 3, the urine is absorbed by the absorbent core 54 through the opening 4a of the front sheet 51 and the cover sheet 56. At this time, the cover sheet 56 turns yellow due to the urine, forming a urine stain. Here, because the colored area 57a of the cover sheet 56 is colored with a darker shade, the urine stain is less likely to be seen by the pet. Therefore, it can prevent the pet from urinating outside the absorbent sheet 3 to avoid the urine stain.

[0095] On the other hand, since the multiple uncolored areas 57b of the cover 56 are not colored, they will turn yellowish if urine adheres to them, making urine stains visually identifiable. By arranging the multiple uncolored areas 57b in a two-dimensional pattern along the longitudinal V and transverse W, although the urine stains cannot be clearly seen, their outlines can be observed. Therefore, users can visually identify the location of their pet's urination.

[0096] In addition, it can also be like Figure 14 As shown, the width d1 of each of the multiple unstained areas 57b in the transverse direction W is more than 2 mm and less than 17 mm. By setting the width d1 of the unstained areas 57b to more than 2 mm and less than 17 mm, urine can easily spread to more than three unstained areas 57b, making it possible to effectively identify the outline of urine stains. This allows the user to determine when to replace the absorbent pad 3. Alternatively, the width d2 between adjacent unstained areas 57b can be less than 40 mm. By setting the width d2 between adjacent unstained areas 57b to less than 40 mm, a portion of the urine is absorbed by the unstained areas 57b, making it easier to identify the outline of urine stains.

[0097] The outer edge of the cover sheet 56 is bonded to the front sheet 51 using hot melt adhesive HM. On the other hand, as... Figure 12 and Figure 13 As shown, the surface of the cover sheet 56 opposite to the front sheet 51 has a non-adhesive region 70 that is not bonded to the front sheet 51. The non-adhesive region 70 is disposed in the central portion of the cover sheet 56. In the non-adhesive region 70, the surfaces of the front sheet 51 and the cover sheet 56 are at least partially unbonded, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the permeability of the front sheet 51. In addition, due to the presence of the non-adhesive region 70, urine that has permeated through the front sheet 51 diffuses into the entire absorbent sheet 3 through the space between the front sheet 51 and the cover sheet 56. Therefore, the absorbent sheet 3 can efficiently absorb urine.

[0098] In addition, Figures 11-14 The example given is that the longitudinal direction V is the long side direction of the absorbent sheet 3 and the transverse direction W is the short side direction of the absorbent sheet 3. However, it is also possible that the longitudinal direction V is the short side direction of the absorbent sheet 3 and the transverse direction W is the long side direction of the absorbent sheet 3.

[0099] The permeable mat 4 is a thin sheet material with a porous structure and water permeability. The permeable mat 4 is held between the middle frame 12 and the upper frame 13 of the toilet body 2 and is used on the absorbent sheet 3. The permeable mat 4 allows pet urine to pass through while preventing urine from flowing back from the absorbent sheet 3. The permeable mat 4 is made of a foaming resin, such as polyurethane resin, with a continuous bubble structure (open-cell structure). Because polyurethane resin has high water resistance, the permeable mat 4 can be repeatedly used without replacement by being made of polyurethane resin. For example, an ether-based polyurethane resin with high tensile strength is used as the polyurethane resin.

[0100] Figure 15 This is a top view showing an enlarged portion of a permeable pad 4 according to one embodiment. (See attached image.) Figure 15 As shown, a plurality of pores 4a are formed in the permeable pad 4, extending through the pad 4 along its thickness direction. Alternatively, when viewed from the thickness direction, there may be 8 to 20 pores 4a per square inch in the permeable pad 4. By setting the number of pores 4a per square inch to 8 to 20, it is possible to ensure liquid permeability while maintaining the rigidity of the permeable pad 4. Furthermore, the opening shape of the pores 4a can be any planar shape, such as circular, elliptical, or polygonal.

[0101] like Figure 3As shown, the permeable mat 4 is used on the absorbent sheet 3. Furthermore, the permeable mat 4 can separate from the absorbent sheet 3 without applying a load. A pet using the system toilet 1 climbs onto the permeable mat 4 to urinate. The pet's urine moves towards the absorbent sheet 3 through the holes 4a formed in the permeable mat 4 and is absorbed by the absorbent body 53 of the absorbent sheet 3. At this time, because the permeable mat 4 prevents the pet's legs from contacting the absorbent sheet 3, the urine absorbed by the absorbent sheet 3 is prevented from flowing back towards the pet's legs.

[0102] If the absorbent sheet 3 is adhered to the permeable pad, the absorbent sheet 3 needs to be replaced after peeling it off by hand from the permeable pad 4. In this case, the user's hands may sometimes get dirty when replacing the absorbent sheet 3, which is unhygienic. In the system toilet 1, the front sheet 51 of the absorbent sheet 3 is made of a resin film that is not easily adhered to the permeable pad 4. Therefore, the absorbent sheet can be separated from the permeable pad even without peeling off the permeable pad 4.

[0103] Specifically, the static friction between the permeable pad 4 and the front sheet 51 is set to 1.1N or less. By setting the static friction between the permeable pad 4 and the front sheet 51 to 1.1N or less, the absorbent sheet 3 can be easily separated from the permeable pad 4.

[0104] Furthermore, when the absorbent sheet 3 is fixed on the test bench, the permeable pad 4 is placed on its front sheet 51, and the test bench is tilted, the front sheet 51 and the permeable pad 4 have a frictional force such that the permeable pad 4 slides on the front sheet 51 and falls off when the test bench is tilted at an angle of 40° or more. When the same test is performed using an absorbent sheet with a non-woven fabric front sheet, even when the test bench is tilted vertically (at 90°), the permeable pad 4 adheres to the front sheet and does not fall off. As described above, since the frictional force between the front sheet 51 of the absorbent sheet 3 and the permeable pad 4 is small, the absorbent sheet 3 can be easily separated from the permeable pad 4.

[0105] Alternatively, test pieces of absorbent sheet 3 and permeable pad 4, each cut to 100mm x 100mm, are prepared. A test piece of permeable pad 4 is overlapped on top of the test piece of absorbent sheet 3. After placing a 3.5kg weight on the permeable pad 4 and allowing it to stand for 5 minutes, the peel strength when peeling the test piece of absorbent sheet 3 from the test piece of permeable pad 4 can also be less than 0.04N. The peel strength can be measured using an Autograph testing apparatus. In this case, the permeable pad can be easily peeled off from the absorbent sheet, and therefore the absorbent sheet 3 can be easily separated from the permeable pad 4.

[0106] Next, the steps for installing the absorbent sheet 3 and the permeable mat 4 onto the toilet body 2 will be described. First, by hand, the latch 38 of the middle frame 12 is opened outward in the width direction X, releasing the engagement between the latch 38 and the connecting portion 28 of the base plate 11. Then, the middle frame 12 is lifted and detached from the base plate 11. Next, the absorbent sheet 3 is placed on the base plate 11 such that the wing portion 3b of the absorbent sheet 3 is disposed on the outer edge portion 22 of the base plate 11. Next, the fitting protrusion 33 of the middle frame 12 is fitted into the fitting recess 27 of the base plate 11, thus installing the middle frame 12 onto the base plate 11. As a result, the wing portion 3b of the absorbent sheet 3 is held between the fitting recess 27 and the fitting protrusion 33. At this time, since the absorbent sheet 3 is pressed by the fitting protrusion 33 in a state where it is deeply inserted into the fitting recess 27, a strong frictional force is applied to the absorbent sheet 3, thus firmly holding the absorbent sheet 3 in place.

[0107] Next, the latch 46 of the upper frame 13 is opened outward in the width direction X, releasing the latch 46 from the latch 38 of the middle frame 12. Then, the upper frame 13 is lifted and detached from the middle frame 12. Next, after placing the permeable pad 4 on the middle frame 12, the fitting protrusion 44 of the upper frame 13 is fitted with the fitting recess 34 of the middle frame 12, thereby installing the upper frame 13 onto the middle frame 12. As a result, the outer edge of the permeable pad 4 is held between the fitting recess 34 and the fitting protrusion 44. At this time, since the permeable pad 4 is pressed by the fitting protrusion 44 with a deeper insertion into the fitting recess 36, a strong frictional force is applied to the permeable pad 4, firmly holding the permeable pad 4 in place. In particular, since the maximum length of the fitting protrusion 44 is longer than the maximum length of the fitting protrusion 33, the retaining force achieved by the upper fitting structure 20 on the permeable pad 4 is greater than the retaining force achieved by the lower fitting structure 10 on the absorbent sheet 3.

[0108] In addition, the permeable pad 4 is pressed downward by the inner circumferential protrusion 43. As a result, a frictional force acts between the permeable pad 4 and the inner circumferential protrusion 43, further improving the holding force of the permeable pad 4.

[0109] When the absorbent sheet 3 and the permeable mat 4 are installed on the toilet body 2, the system toilet 1 can be used. When using the system toilet 1, the pet steps over the relatively narrow second upper frame edge 13B onto the permeable mat 4 to urinate. The pet's urine is absorbed by the absorbent sheet 3 through the permeable mat 4. After urinating, the pet steps over the second upper frame edge 13B to get off the system toilet 1.

[0110] The absorbent pad 3 has high water retention capacity, allowing for multiple uses. For example, the absorbent pad 3 can absorb three days' worth of pet urine. Furthermore, the presence of a permeable pad 4 on the absorbent pad 3 prevents urine absorbed by the pad from flowing back to the pet's legs, even with repeated use. Additionally, the permeable pad 4 reduces the visual visibility of urine stains on the absorbent pad 3, preventing the pet from avoiding using the toilet due to aversion to urine stains. Therefore, the frequency of replacing the absorbent pad 3 can be reduced.

[0111] Next, the procedure for replacing the absorbent pad 3 will be explained. If the pet urinates repeatedly and the absorbent pad 3 needs to be replaced, use your hand to pry open the latch 38 of the middle frame 12 outwards in the width direction X, releasing the latch 38 from the connection portion 28 of the base plate 11. Then, lift the middle frame 12 and detach it from the base plate 11. After replacing the used absorbent pad 3 with a new one, reinstall the middle frame 12 onto the base plate 11. In this way, the user can replace the absorbent pad 3 without directly contacting the permeable mat 4. Therefore, the absorbent pad 3 can be replaced without getting your hands dirty.

[0112] When replacing the permeable pad 4, the upper frame 13 is removed from the middle frame 12 by following the reverse steps as when installing the permeable pad 4, so that the permeable pad 4 can be removed separately from the system toilet 1 for replacement.

[0113] As described above, the absorbent sheet 3 has a front sheet 51 made of a resin film with multiple openings 51a. Since the resin film front sheet 51 is not easily adhered to the resin-made permeable pad 4, the absorbent sheet 3 can be separated from the permeable pad 4 even without forcefully peeling it off. Therefore, the absorbent sheet 3 can be easily replaced.

[0114] In addition, since the absorbent sheet 3 can be easily replaced in the system toilet 1, the maintainability of the pet system toilet 1 can be improved by having the absorbent sheet 3.

[0115] The absorbent sheet 3 and the toilet system 1 of various embodiments have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without changing the spirit of the invention. That is, it should be noted that the above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the present invention.

[0116] For example, in the toilet body 2 described above, a fitting recess 27 is formed in the bottom plate portion 11 and a fitting protrusion 33 is formed in the middle frame portion 12. Alternatively, a locking protrusion can be formed in the bottom plate portion 11 and a fitting recess can be formed in the middle frame portion 12. The middle frame portion 12 is connected to the bottom plate portion 11 by these locking protrusions and fitting recesses fitting together. Similarly, in the toilet body 2 described above, a fitting recess 34 is formed in the middle frame portion 12 and a fitting protrusion 44 is formed in the upper frame portion 13. Alternatively, a locking protrusion can be formed in the middle frame portion 12 and a fitting recess can be formed in the upper frame portion 13. The upper frame portion 13 is connected to the middle frame portion 12 by these locking protrusions and fitting recesses fitting together.

[0117] In the toilet body 2 described above, the length of the pair of first middle frame edges 12A in the width direction X is longer than the length of the pair of second middle frame edges 12B in the depth direction Y. However, it is also possible that the length of the pair of first middle frame edges 12A in the width direction X is shorter than the length of the pair of second middle frame edges 12B in the depth direction Y.

[0118] Furthermore, the configuration of the colored area 57a and the multiple uncolored areas 57b of the cover sheet 56 is not limited to... Figure 14 The example shown illustrates this. The arrangement of the colored area 57a and the multiple uncolored areas 57b can be appropriately designed according to aesthetic requirements. Furthermore, the cover sheet 56 is not necessarily colored.

[0119] This disclosure includes the following.

[0120] [1] An absorbent sheet for pets, which is used in conjunction with a water-permeable pad made of resin having a porous structure, wherein,

[0121] This absorbent sheet has the following characteristics:

[0122] A permeable front sheet that contacts the permeable pad;

[0123] Non-permeable backing sheet; and

[0124] An absorber is disposed between the front sheet and the back sheet.

[0125] The front panel is made of a resin film having a plurality of openings extending through the front panel along its thickness direction.

[0126] [2] According to the absorbent sheet described in [1], wherein,

[0127] The static friction between the permeable pad and the front panel is less than 1.1 N.

[0128] [3] The absorbent sheet according to [1] or [2], wherein,

[0129] The permeable pad is disposed on the front side of the absorbent sheet, such that when the absorbent sheet is tilted at an angle of 40° or more, the permeable pad slides and falls off the front side of the absorbent sheet.

[0130] [4] The absorbent sheet according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein,

[0131] The aperture ratio of the front panel is 19% or more and 40% or less.

[0132] [5] The absorbent sheet according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein,

[0133] Prepare test pieces of the permeable pad and the absorbent sheet, each cut to 100mm × 100mm. Overlay the test piece of the permeable pad on the test piece of the absorbent sheet. Place a 3.5kg weight on the permeable pad and leave it for 5 minutes. The peel strength when peeling the test piece of the absorbent sheet from the test piece of the permeable pad is less than 0.04N.

[0134] [6] The absorbent sheet according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein,

[0135] The absorbent includes an absorbent core containing a water-absorbing polymer and pulp, and a cover sheet disposed between the front sheet and the absorbent core.

[0136] The cover sheet has a colored area that is colored in a different color than the front sheet.

[0137] [7] According to the absorbent sheet described in [6], wherein,

[0138] The cover sheet has multiple uncolored areas.

[0139] The area of ​​the colored region of the cover sheet is larger than the sum of the areas of the plurality of uncolored regions of the cover sheet.

[0140] [8] According to the absorbent sheet described in [7], wherein,

[0141] The plurality of uncolored regions are regularly arranged on the entire cover sheet.

[0142] [9] The absorbent sheet according to [7] or [8], wherein,

[0143] The plurality of uncolored regions are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern along a first direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the absorber and a second direction perpendicular to both the thickness direction and the first direction.

[0144]

[10] The absorbent sheet according to any one of [7] to [9], wherein,

[0145] The width of each of the plurality of uncolored regions in the first direction is more than 2 mm and less than 17 mm.

[0146]

[11] According to the absorbent sheet described in

[10] , wherein,

[0147] The width between adjacent uncolored regions in the plurality of uncolored regions is less than 40 mm.

[0148]

[12] The absorbent sheet according to any one of [6] to

[11] , wherein,

[0149] The surface of the cover sheet opposite to the front sheet has a non-adhesive area that is not bonded to the front sheet.

[0150]

[13] The absorbent sheet according to any one of [1] to

[12] , wherein,

[0151] The absorbent has an absorbent core containing a water-absorbing polymer and pulp, and a core cladding covering a portion of the absorbent core.

[0152] The end face of the absorbent core in the first direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the absorbent is not covered by the core cladding, while the end face of the absorbent core in the second direction perpendicular to both the thickness direction and the first direction is covered by the core cladding.

[0153]

[14] According to the absorbent sheet described in

[13] , wherein,

[0154] The end face of the absorbent core in the first direction is bonded to the front sheet or the back sheet using a hot melt adhesive.

[0155]

[15] The absorbent sheet according to any one of [1] to

[14] , wherein,

[0156] The absorbent sheet has:

[0157] An absorbent portion, wherein the absorbent is disposed between the front sheet and the back sheet; and

[0158] The frame-shaped wings, which are arranged to surround the absorbent portion, are formed by bonding the front sheet and the back sheet together without separating them from the absorbent body.

[0159]

[16] According to the absorbent sheet described in

[15] , wherein,

[0160] A gap is formed between the end face of the absorber in the second direction and the wing.

[0161]

[17] The absorbent sheet according to any one of [1] to

[16] , wherein,

[0162] The absorbent includes an absorbent core containing a water-absorbing polymer and pulp.

[0163] When the absorbent core is divided into three equal parts along a first direction perpendicular to its thickness direction, and these parts are sequentially designated as region 1, region 2, and region 3 starting from one side of the first direction, the difference between the maximum water retention of region 1, region 2, and region 3 and the minimum water retention of region 1, region 2, and region 3 is less than 20g.

[0164] The proportion of the dried weight of the pulp in the first region to the total dried weight of the first region, the proportion of the dried weight of the pulp in the second region to the total dried weight of the second region, and the proportion of the dried weight of the pulp in the third region to the total dried weight of the third region are all greater than 50%.

[0165]

[18] According to the absorbent sheet described in

[17] , wherein,

[0166] When the absorbent core is divided into three equal regions in a second direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and the first direction, and these regions are sequentially designated as region 4, region 5, and region 6 from one side of the second direction, the proportion of the dry weight of the pulp in region 4 to the dry weight of region 6 and the proportion of the dry weight of the pulp in region 6 to the dry weight of region 5 are higher than the proportion of the dry weight of the pulp in region 5 to the dry weight of region 5.

[0167]

[19] A pet toilet system, wherein,

[0168] This pet toilet system features:

[0169] The base plate portion has a bottom portion and an outer edge portion surrounding the bottom portion;

[0170] The middle frame portion is disposed on the outer edge portion of the base plate portion;

[0171] The upper frame portion is disposed on the middle frame portion;

[0172] An absorbent sheet, disposed between the base plate and the middle frame, is absorbent; and

[0173] A permeable pad, disposed between the middle frame and the upper frame, has a porous structure.

[0174] The absorbent sheet comprises a permeable front sheet that contacts the permeable pad, a non-permeable back sheet, and an absorbent body disposed between the front sheet and the back sheet.

[0175] The front panel is made of a resin film having a plurality of openings extending through the front panel along its thickness direction.

[0176] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0177] 1. Pet toilet system; 3. Absorbent sheet; 3a. Absorbent section; 3b. Wings; 4. Permeable pad; 11. Base plate; 12. Middle frame; 13. Top frame; 21. Bottom surface; 22. Outer edge; 53s. Gap; 51. Front sheet; 51a. Opening; 52. Back sheet; 53. Absorbent body; 54. Absorbent core; 54a, 54b. End face; 55. Core cladding; 56. Cover sheet; 57a. Colored area; 57b. Uncolored area; 61. Area 1; 62. Area 2; 63. Area 3; 64. Area 4; 65. Area 5; 66. Area 6; 70. Non-bonded area; HM. Hot melt adhesive.

Claims

1. An absorbent sheet for pets, used in conjunction with a porous resin-based permeable pad, wherein... This absorbent sheet has the following characteristics: A permeable front sheet that contacts the permeable pad; Non-permeable backing sheet; and An absorber is disposed between the front sheet and the back sheet. The front panel is made of a resin film having a plurality of openings extending through the front panel along its thickness direction.

2. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1, wherein, The static friction between the permeable pad and the front panel is less than 1.1 N.

3. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1, wherein, The permeable pad is disposed on the front side of the absorbent sheet, such that when the absorbent sheet is tilted at an angle of 40° or more, the permeable pad slides and falls off the front side of the absorbent sheet.

4. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1, wherein, The aperture ratio of the front panel is 19% or more and 40% or less.

5. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1, wherein, Prepare test pieces of the permeable pad and the absorbent sheet, each cut to 100mm × 100mm. Overlay the test piece of the permeable pad on the test piece of the absorbent sheet. Place a 3.5kg weight on the permeable pad and leave it for 5 minutes. The peel strength when peeling the test piece of the absorbent sheet from the test piece of the permeable pad is less than 0.04N.

6. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1, wherein, The absorbent includes an absorbent core containing a water-absorbing polymer and pulp, and a cover sheet disposed between the front sheet and the absorbent core. The cover sheet has a colored area that is colored in a different color than the front sheet.

7. The absorbent sheet according to claim 6, wherein, The cover sheet has multiple uncolored areas. The area of ​​the colored region of the cover sheet is larger than the sum of the areas of the plurality of uncolored regions of the cover sheet.

8. The absorbent sheet according to claim 7, wherein, The plurality of uncolored regions are regularly arranged on the entire cover sheet.

9. The absorbent sheet according to claim 7, wherein, The plurality of uncolored regions are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern along a first direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the absorber and a second direction perpendicular to both the thickness direction and the first direction.

10. The absorbent sheet according to claim 9, wherein, The width of each of the plurality of uncolored regions in the first direction is more than 2 mm and less than 17 mm.

11. The absorbent sheet according to claim 10, wherein, The width between adjacent uncolored regions in the plurality of uncolored regions is less than 40 mm.

12. The absorbent sheet according to claim 6, wherein, The surface of the cover sheet opposite to the front sheet has a non-adhesive area that is not bonded to the front sheet.

13. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1, wherein, The absorbent has an absorbent core containing a water-absorbing polymer and pulp, and a core cladding covering a portion of the absorbent core. The end face of the absorbent core in the first direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the absorbent is not covered by the core cladding, while the end face of the absorbent core in the second direction perpendicular to both the thickness direction and the first direction is covered by the core cladding.

14. The absorbent sheet according to claim 13, wherein, The end face of the absorbent core in the first direction is bonded to the front sheet or the back sheet using a hot melt adhesive.

15. The absorbent sheet according to claim 13, wherein, The absorbent sheet has: An absorbent portion, wherein the absorbent is disposed between the front sheet and the back sheet; and The frame-shaped wings, which are arranged to surround the absorbent portion, are formed by bonding the front sheet and the back sheet together without separating them from the absorbent body.

16. The absorbent sheet according to claim 15, wherein, A gap is formed between the end face of the absorber in the second direction and the wing.

17. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1, wherein, The absorbent includes an absorbent core containing a water-absorbing polymer and pulp. When the absorbent core is divided into three equal parts along a first direction perpendicular to its thickness direction, and these parts are sequentially designated as region 1, region 2, and region 3 starting from one side of the first direction, the difference between the maximum water retention of region 1, region 2, and region 3 and the minimum water retention of region 1, region 2, and region 3 is less than 20g. The proportion of the dried weight of the pulp in the first region to the total dried weight of the first region, the proportion of the dried weight of the pulp in the second region to the total dried weight of the second region, and the proportion of the dried weight of the pulp in the third region to the total dried weight of the third region are all greater than 50%.

18. The absorbent sheet according to claim 17, wherein, When the absorbent core is divided into three equal regions in a second direction perpendicular to the thickness direction and the first direction, and these regions are sequentially designated as region 4, region 5, and region 6 from one side of the second direction, the proportion of the dry weight of the pulp in region 4 to the dry weight of region 6 and the proportion of the dry weight of the pulp in region 6 to the dry weight of region 5 are higher than the proportion of the dry weight of the pulp in region 5 to the dry weight of region 5.

19. A pet toilet system, wherein, This pet toilet system features: The base plate portion has a bottom portion and an outer edge portion surrounding the bottom portion; The middle frame portion is disposed on the outer edge portion of the base plate portion; The upper frame portion is disposed on the middle frame portion; An absorbent sheet, disposed between the base plate and the middle frame, is absorbent; and A permeable pad, disposed between the middle frame and the upper frame, has a porous structure. The absorbent sheet comprises a permeable front sheet that contacts the permeable pad, a non-permeable back sheet, and an absorbent body disposed between the front sheet and the back sheet. The front panel is made of a resin film having a plurality of openings extending through the front panel along its thickness direction.

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