Absorbent sheets and system toilets

Abstract

To provide an absorbent sheet for a pet and a system toilet for pet, which allow a user to easily and accurately grasp the health state of a pet.SOLUTION: An absorbent sheet (100) for a pet is used for a system toilet for a pet which comprises: an excrement reception part (110) which has a bottom part (112) capable of storing toilet sand (150) and having a hole part (h); and a sheet storage part (120) disposed below the bottom part, for storing an absorbent sheet which absorbs urine of a pet after passing through the hole part. The absorbent sheet has an indicator (50) which indicates a health state of the pet by coloration based on the urine. A length of the indicator in plan view of the absorbent sheet is longer than a minimum width of the hole part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent sheet for pets used in a system toilet for pets, and to a system toilet for pets. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, absorbent sheets for pets have become known that have indicators that use color change based on urine so that illnesses in pets can be detected early (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] For example, when a pet urinates on an absorbent sheet laid on the floor of a pet toilet or on a flooring, the pet's urine comes into contact with the indicator. By visually checking the indicator, which changes color based on the urine, a user can easily understand the health condition of the pet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-68591 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, when a pet excretes on the absorbent sheet, the pet directly touches the absorbent sheet, and therefore dirt on the pet (e.g., the pet's legs) may come into contact with the indicator. Also, when a pet excretes feces on the absorbent sheet, the feces may come into contact with the indicator.

[0006] The indicator may change color when it comes into contact with dirt or feces from a pet, and the user may misinterpret the pet's health condition when they see the indicator change color due to dirt or feces, rather than urine, which differs from the actual health condition.

[0007] Even if dirt or feces do not come into direct contact with the indicator, the visibility of the indicator may be reduced by, for example, adhering to a top sheet that is arranged in a position overlapping the indicator in the thickness direction, and the user may misinterpret the health condition of the pet because the user cannot accurately see the colored indicator.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and provides an absorbent sheet and system toilet for pets that enable users to easily and accurately grasp the health condition of their pet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The pet absorbent sheet according to one embodiment is used in a system toilet for pets, the system toilet having an excrement receiving section capable of receiving litter and having a bottom with holes, and a sheet receiving section disposed below the bottom and receiving an absorbent sheet for absorbing pet urine that has passed through the holes. The absorbent sheet has an indicator that indicates the health condition of the pet by changing color based on the urine. The length of the indicator in a plan view of the absorbent sheet is longer than the minimum width of the holes.

[0010] A pet toilet system according to another embodiment includes an excrement receiving section having a bottom portion with holes and capable of receiving litter, a sheet receiving section arranged below the bottom portion and receiving an absorbent sheet for absorbing pet urine that has passed through the holes, and an absorbent sheet for pets. The absorbent sheet has an indicator that indicates the pet's health condition by changing color based on the urine. The length of the indicator in a plan view of the absorbent sheet is longer than the minimum width of the holes. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system toilet for pets according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent sheet according to the embodiment, as viewed from the front side (excretory surface side). [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent sheet taken along line F3-F3 in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an absorbent sheet according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an absorbent sheet according to a first modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the absorbent core region of the absorbent sheet according to the second to fourth modified examples, as viewed from the front side (excretory surface side). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] (1) Overview of the embodiment At least the following points will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. The pet absorbent sheet according to the first aspect is used in a pet toilet system having an excrement receiving section having a bottom portion capable of receiving litter and having holes, and a sheet receiving section arranged below the bottom portion and receiving an absorbent sheet that absorbs the pet's urine that has passed through the holes. The absorbent sheet has an indicator that indicates the health condition of the pet by coloring based on the urine. The length of the indicator in a plan view of the absorbent sheet is longer than the minimum width of the holes. Since the absorbent sheet is used in a toilet system, the pet excretes on the excrement receiving section without directly contacting the absorbent sheet. This can prevent the indicator from responding erroneously based on the pet's dirt due to contact with the pet. Even if the pet excretes feces, the litter contained in the excrement receiving section makes it difficult for the feces to reach the absorbent sheet. This can prevent the indicator from responding erroneously based on the feces. Therefore, it can prevent the user from visually recognizing the indicator that is colored differently from the actual health condition due to a false reaction based on something other than urine. The user can be prevented from erroneously understanding the health condition of the pet. In addition, for example, when a pet (e.g., a cat) moves around on the litter or digs up the litter itself, some of the feces may fall through the hole, or the litter itself may fall. The fallen feces or litter may adhere to the absorbent sheet so as to cover the indicator, which may deteriorate the visibility of the indicator. On the other hand, according to the absorbent sheet according to one embodiment, the length of the indicator is longer than the minimum width of the hole. Therefore, when the indicator is placed at a position overlapping the minimum width of the hole, the indicator has an area overlapping with the hole (hereinafter referred to as the overlapping area) and an area not overlapping with the hole (hereinafter referred to as the non-overlapping area). The pet's urine passes through the hole and falls into the overlapping area of ​​the absorbent sheet, and diffuses from the overlapping area to the non-overlapping area. The indicator portion located in the non-overlapping area comes into contact with the diffused urine and changes color. Even if the visibility of the indicator portion located in the overlapping area is deteriorated, the user can accurately grasp the health condition of the pet by visually checking the indicator portion located in the non-overlapping area.The user can easily grasp the health condition of the pet by visually checking the indicator on the pet absorbent sheet without having to apply a test drug indicating the health condition to the urine.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 2 may have the following features in the invention according to embodiment 1. The absorbent sheet has an absorbent core having a SAP-containing layer containing a superabsorbent polymer, and a separation layer disposed between the indicator and the SAP-containing layer in the thickness direction of the absorbent sheet. The presence of the separation layer between the indicator and the SAP layer prevents the indicator from coming into direct contact with the SAP-containing layer. This can prevent the indicator component that undergoes a color reaction from erroneously reacting with protons contained in the superabsorbent polymer. As a result, the indicator that has been colored a different color from the actual health condition due to the erroneous reaction with protons becomes difficult for the user to see, and the user can accurately grasp the health condition of the pet.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 3 may have the following features in the invention according to embodiment 1 or 2. The absorbent sheet may have an absorbent core arranged on the back side of the indicator, and a protective layer arranged between the indicator and the absorbent core in the thickness direction of the absorbent sheet and suppressing liquid absorbed in the absorbent core from returning to the front side. The protective layer can prevent urine once absorbed in the absorbent core from returning to the front side. This can suppress urine that becomes stale over time (e.g., oxidized urine components) from coming into contact with the indicator. As a result, the user is less likely to visually recognize an indicator that is colored differently from the actual health condition, so the user can accurately grasp the health condition of the pet.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 4 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3. The absorbent sheet has an absorbent core, an absorbent core region that overlaps with the absorbent core in the thickness direction, and a non-absorbent core region that does not overlap with the absorbent core in the thickness direction, and the indicator is disposed in the absorbent core region. This allows the user to generally position the absorbent sheet so that the hole is disposed in a position that overlaps with the absorbent core region. As a result, since the indicator is disposed in the absorbent core region, urine that passes through the hole is more likely to come into contact with the indicator.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 5 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4. The absorbent sheet has an absorbent core, an absorbent core region overlapping the absorbent core in the thickness direction, and a non-absorbent core region not overlapping the absorbent core in the thickness direction, and the indicator is disposed in the non-absorbent core region. This makes it difficult for the indicator to come into contact with the superabsorbent polymer even if the absorbent core contains a superabsorbent polymer. This makes it possible to suppress the indicator component that undergoes a color reaction from erroneously reacting with protons contained in the superabsorbent polymer. As a result, it becomes difficult for the user to visually recognize the indicator that has been colored a different color from the actual health condition due to the erroneous reaction with protons, and the user can accurately grasp the health condition of the pet.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 6 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5. The absorbent sheet may have an absorbent core, and the indicator may be disposed in at least both side regions of three regions that are provided when the absorbent core is divided into three in the longitudinal direction. Approximately 70% of all cats that excrete in system litter boxes tend to excrete in one of the two longitudinal regions. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the urine excreted by approximately 70% of cats to come into contact with the indicator.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 7 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6. The absorbent sheet may have an absorbent core, and the indicator may be disposed in at least the central region of the three regions that are provided when the absorbent core is divided into three in the longitudinal direction. Approximately 30% of all cats that excrete in a system litter box tend to excrete in the longitudinal center. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the urine of cats that excrete in the longitudinal center to come into contact with the indicator. In addition, urine excreted on both sides in the longitudinal direction may also reach the longitudinal center region due to diffusion. Therefore, the user can understand the health condition of cats that excrete in the longitudinal center as well as the health condition of cats that excrete on both sides in the longitudinal direction.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 8 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7. The absorbent sheet has an absorbent core, and the indicator is disposed in at least a central region of three regions that are provided when the absorbent core is divided into three in the short-side direction, and the shortest distance in the short-side direction from the end of the absorbent core in the short-side direction to the indicator may be 27.5% or less of the length in the short-side direction of the absorbent core. A typical amount of urine in one urination of a pet often diffuses by 27.5% or more of the length in the short-side direction of the absorbent core. Therefore, even if the pet urinates at the end of the short-side direction of the absorbent core, the urine is likely to reach the indicator by diffusion. By visually checking the indicator where the urine has reached, the user can easily grasp the health condition of the pet.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 9 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of embodiments 1 to 8. The absorbent sheet has an absorbent core, and the indicators are arranged in both of two regions that are provided when the absorbent core is divided into two in the longitudinal direction, and the shortest distance in the longitudinal direction from the indicator arranged in one of the two regions to the indicator arranged in the other of the two regions may be 44% or less of the longitudinal length of the absorbent core. Since a pet urinates in one of the two regions, the urine is likely to come into contact with the indicator in one of the two regions. In addition, if the amount of urine is a typical amount in one urination of a pet, it may diffuse by 44% or more of the longitudinal length of the absorbent core. Therefore, even if the pet urinates near the center of the absorbent core, the urine is likely to reach the indicator due to diffusion. By visually checking the indicator where the urine has reached, the user can easily grasp the health condition of the pet.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 10 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9. The shortest longitudinal distance from the longitudinal end of the absorbent core to the indicator may be 28% or less of the longitudinal length of the absorbent core. Even if a pet urinates at the longitudinal end of the absorbent core, the urine will easily reach the indicator due to diffusion. By visually checking the indicator where the urine has reached, the user can easily grasp the health condition of the pet.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the invention according to embodiment 11 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10. The absorbent core may have an absorbent core, and the indicator may be disposed in both of two regions that are provided when the absorbent core is divided into two in the short-side direction. The shortest distance in the short-side direction from the indicator disposed in one of the two regions to the indicator disposed in the other of the two regions may be 27.5% or less of the short-side length of the absorbent core. A typical amount of urine from a pet during one urination is often diffused by 27.5% or more of the short-side length of the absorbent core. Therefore, even if the pet urinates at the end of the short-side direction of the absorbent core, the urine is likely to reach the indicator due to diffusion. By visually checking the indicator where the urine has reached, the user can easily grasp the health condition of the pet.

[0023] The pet toilet system according to the second aspect has an excrement receiving section capable of receiving litter and having a bottom with holes, a sheet receiving section disposed below the bottom and receiving an absorbent sheet for absorbing pet urine that has passed through the holes, and an absorbent sheet for pets. The absorbent sheet has an indicator that indicates the pet's health condition by changing color based on the urine. The length of the indicator in a plan view of the absorbent sheet is longer than the minimum width of the holes.

[0024] (2) Overview of the configuration of the pet toilet system 100 Hereinafter, the absorbent sheet 10 for pets according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, "pet" broadly includes vertebrates and invertebrates, and typically includes pets such as cats, dogs, rabbits, and hamsters. The absorbent sheet for pets according to the present embodiment is preferably an absorbent sheet for cats. In the following description of the drawings, the same or similar parts are given the same or similar symbols. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the ratios of the dimensions are different from the actual ones. Therefore, the specific dimensions should be determined with reference to the following description. In addition, the drawings may include parts with different dimensional relationships and ratios.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system toilet 100 for pets according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 1A is a perspective view of the system toilet 100. FIG. 1B shows the system toilet 100 disassembled and with litter 150 placed therein. FIG. 2 is a plan view of an absorbent sheet according to an embodiment as viewed from the front side (excretion side). FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the absorbent sheet taken along line F3-F3 in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an absorbent sheet 10 according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the absorbent sheet 10 is placed in the system toilet 100. Specifically, the absorbent sheet 10 is stored in a sheet storage unit 120, which will be described later. FIG. 4A is a schematic enlarged view of F4B in FIG. 1. FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of an absorbent sheet used in the system toilet 100 taken along line F4B-F4B in FIG. 4A.

[0026] 1, the system toilet 100 according to this embodiment has at least an excrement receiving section 110 and a sheet receiving section 120. In addition to the excrement receiving section 110 and the sheet receiving section 120, the system toilet 100 may have a cover 130. The system toilet 100 may also have an absorbent sheet 10.

[0027] The excrement receiving portion 110 can store litter 150. The excrement receiving portion 110 has a bottom portion 112 having holes h. As shown in FIG. 1, litter 150 may be placed on the bottom portion 112. This allows the litter 150 to be stored in the excrement receiving portion 110. In this embodiment, the bottom portion 112 has a plurality of holes h. The excrement receiving portion 110 receives excrement above the sheet storage portion 120. The excrement receiving portion 110 guides the excrement to the sheet storage portion 120. The excrement receiving portion 110 may be configured by integrating a storage portion that detachably stores the sheet storage portion 120 with the bottom portion 112. In a modified example, the storage portion and the bottom portion 112 may be separate bodies, and the excrement receiving portion 110 may be configured to be separable. Therefore, the bottom 112 in which the hole h is provided may be removable from the storage section as, for example, a slat-like member. The hole h is sized to allow the feces and litter 150 as waste to pass through without dropping out, and to allow bodily fluids (specifically, urine) as waste to pass through. In order to prevent the feces and litter 150 from dropping out, the minimum width Wmin of the hole h may be, for example, 2 mm or more and 3 mm or less. The minimum width Wmin may be, for example, within the range of 2.3 mm to 2.7 mm. Note that the minimum width Wmin may be the length of the short side when the hole h is rectangular when the system toilet 100 is viewed from above and below. The minimum width Wmin may be the length of the short axis when the hole h is elliptical when the system toilet 100 is viewed from above and below. The minimum width Wmin may be the length of the diameter when the hole h is circular when the system toilet 100 is viewed from above and below.

[0028] The sheet storage section 120 stores the absorbent sheet 10. The sheet storage section 120 is disposed below the bottom portion 112. The sheet storage section 120 has a bottom surface portion 122 and a side wall portion 124. The absorbent sheet 10 is disposed on the bottom surface portion 122. The side wall portion 124 stands up from the bottom surface portion 122 and surrounds the space in which the absorbent sheet 10 is disposed. The sheet storage section 120 may be substantially rectangular in plan view. The sheet storage section 120 may have a longitudinal direction L and an orthogonal direction C perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

[0029] The cover 130 may be attached to the excrement receptacle 110 above the excrement receptacle 110. The cover 130 may surround the periphery of the excrement receptacle 110.

[0030] The absorbent sheet 10 is used in a system toilet 100 for pets. The absorbent sheet 10 may be for pets. The absorbent sheet 10 is generally a flat sheet. One side of the absorbent sheet 10 in the thickness direction T is an excretion surface that receives pet excrement. In this embodiment, the surface that constitutes the excretion surface is referred to as the front side. The other side of the absorbent sheet 10 in the thickness direction T is the surface opposite to the excretion surface. In this embodiment, the surface that constitutes the non-excretion surface is referred to as the back side. Therefore, one side in the thickness direction T is the front side T1, and the other side in the thickness direction T is the back side T2.

[0031] The absorbent sheet 10 has a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 perpendicular to the thickness direction T. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are perpendicular to each other. The first direction D1 and the second direction D2 are directions extending in the planar direction of the absorbent sheet 10. In this embodiment, the first direction D1 is the longitudinal direction in a plan view (i.e., the thickness direction T) of the absorbent sheet 10, and the second direction D2 is a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The length of the absorbent sheet 10 in the first direction D1 may be longer than the length of the absorbent sheet 10 in the second direction D2. In a modified example, the first direction D1 may be the width direction in a plan view, and the second direction D2 may be the longitudinal direction. The length of the absorbent sheet 10 in the first direction D1 may be the same as the length of the absorbent sheet 10 in the second direction D2. The first direction D1 of the absorbent sheet 10 for pets may be arranged along the longitudinal direction L of the sheet storage section 120. Before use, the absorbent sheet 10 may be folded at a folding line FL extending in the second direction D2. The folding line FL may be a line formed by folding the absorbent sheet 10 during manufacturing (for example, when the absorbent sheet 10 is packed in a package). There may be one folding line FL, or multiple folding lines FL may be provided at intervals in the first direction D1. As shown in Fig. 2, in this embodiment, the absorbent sheet 10 has two folding lines FL provided at an interval in the first direction D1.

[0032] 3, the absorbent sheet 10 may include a topsheet 12, a backsheet 14, an absorbent body 30, and an indicator 50. The absorbent body 30 may include an absorbent core 32 and a cover sheet 34.

[0033] The top sheet 12 is a sheet having an excretion surface. The top sheet 12 is disposed on the front side T1 of the absorbent body 30. The top sheet 12 may be a liquid-permeable sheet that allows liquids such as pet waste to pass through. The top sheet 12 may be made of, for example, a nonwoven fabric or a woven fabric.

[0034] The top sheet 12 may contain an antibacterial agent. The top sheet 12 may be made of, for example, an air-through nonwoven fabric containing an antibacterial agent. An antibacterial agent may be applied to the top side T1 of the top sheet 12, thereby providing an antibacterial layer on the top side T1 of the top sheet 12. An antibacterial agent may be applied to the back side T2 of the top sheet 12, thereby providing an antibacterial layer on the back side T2 of the top sheet 12. In addition, since the absorbent sheet 10 used in the system toilet 100 does not come into direct contact with the pet when it excretes, even if the top sheet 12 contains an antibacterial agent, it does not adversely affect the pet. In addition, since the top sheet 12 contains an antibacterial agent, even if the absorbent sheet 10 is replaced infrequently, bacteria are less likely to grow on the top sheet 12, and the color of the indicator 50 described later can be easily visually recognized.

[0035] The back sheet 14 is disposed on the back side T2 of the absorber 30. The back sheet 14 may be a liquid-impermeable sheet that does not allow liquids such as pet waste to pass through. The back sheet 14 is not particularly limited, and may be composed of, for example, a resin film sheet.

[0036] The absorbent core 32 may be composed of an absorbent material that absorbs liquids. The absorbent core 32 may include, for example, hydrophilic fibers such as pulp, and superabsorbent polymers (SAP), or a combination thereof.

[0037] In this embodiment, the absorbent core 32 may have a first absorbent core 32A, a second absorbent core 32B, and a third absorbent core 32C. The first absorbent core 32A may be composed of, for example, a layer made of hydrophilic fibers. The second absorbent core 32B may be composed of, for example, a layer made of superabsorbent polymer. The third absorbent core 32C may be composed of, for example, a layer made of superabsorbent polymer and hydrophilic fibers. The second absorbent core 32B and the third absorbent core 32C may be SAP-containing layers since they contain superabsorbent polymer. The absorbent core 32 according to this embodiment is composed of three layers. In a modified example, the absorbent core 32 may be composed of one or two layers, or three or more layers.

[0038] The cover sheet 34 covers the absorbent core 32 in the thickness direction T. The cover sheet 34 may be disposed on the front side T1 of the absorbent core 32 or on the back side T2 of the absorbent core 32. In this embodiment, the cover sheet 34 is disposed so as to sandwich the absorbent core 32 in the thickness direction T. In a modified example, the cover sheet 34 may cover the back side and the side of the absorbent core 32, and be folded back to the front side T1 of the absorbent core 32. The folded back portion of the cover sheet 34 may cover the front side T1 of the absorbent core 32. In another modified example, the cover sheet 34 may cover the front side and the side of the absorbent core 32, and be folded back to the back side T2 of the absorbent core 32. The folded back portion of the cover sheet 34 may cover the back side T2 of the absorbent core 32. The cover sheet 34 is not particularly limited, and may be composed of, for example, a liquid-permeable tissue.

[0039] The top sheet 12 may extend outward from the absorbent core 32 in a plan view of the absorbent sheet 10. The absorbent sheet 10 may have an absorbent core region CR that overlaps with the absorbent core 32 in the thickness direction T, and a non-absorbent core region NCR that does not overlap with the absorbent core 32 in the thickness direction T. The non-absorbent core region NCR may be located outward from the absorbent core region CR in the planar direction. The non-absorbent core region NCR may be provided in at least one of a region outside the absorbent core region CR in the first direction D1 and a region outside the absorbent core region CR in the second direction D2. In the non-absorbent core region NCR, the top sheet 12 and the back sheet 14 may be joined directly, may be joined via a cover sheet 34, or may be joined via another sheet (for example, an intermediate sheet arranged between the top sheet 12 and the absorbent body 30).

[0040] The indicator 50 indicates the health condition of the pet by coloring based on urine. The indicator 50 can detect the health condition based on physical properties and / or chemical properties. The indicator 50 may change from colorless to colored or from one color to another, for example, based on the coloring based on urine. The indicator 50 may change color based on at least one of white blood cells, nitrite, urobilinogen, protein, glucose, ketone body, and bilirubin. The indicator 50 may change color in accordance with the pH of the urine. The indicator 50 may change color based on blood (i.e., occult blood) contained in the urine. The indicator 50 may change color in accordance with the specific gravity of the urine. Therefore, the indicator 50 may be composed of, for example, any of a white blood cell indicator, a nitrite indicator, a urobilinogen indicator, a protein indicator, a glucose indicator, a ketone body indicator, a bilirubin indicator, a pH indicator, an occult blood indicator, and a specific gravity indicator.

[0041] The absorbent sheet 10 may include a functional material 60. The functional material 60 may be, for example, at least one of a fragrance, a deodorant, an antibacterial agent, and a disinfectant. The fragrance may be, for example, a cyclodextrin inclusion compound.

[0042] In the embodiment, the indicator 50 is disposed on the front side T1 of the top sheet 12. The indicator 50 is disposed on the front side T1 of the absorbent core 32. In a modified example, the indicator 50 may be disposed on the back side T2 of the top sheet 12. The indicator 50 may be disposed between the top sheet 12 and the cover sheet 34. The indicator 50 may be disposed between the cover sheet 34 and the absorbent core 32 (e.g., the first absorbent core 32A).

[0043] As shown in Fig. 3, the absorbent sheet 10 may have a layer of a functional material 60. In this embodiment, the absorbent sheet 10 has, as the functional material 60, a fragrance layer 62 made of a fragrance and an antibacterial layer 64 made of an antibacterial agent. The fragrance layer 62 is disposed between the first absorbent core 32A and the second absorbent core 32B in the thickness direction T. The fragrance layer 62 is disposed between the first absorbent core 32A and the second absorbent core 32B in the thickness direction T. The antibacterial layer 64 is disposed between the second absorbent core 32B and the third absorbent core 32C in the thickness direction T.

[0044] (3) Detailed configuration of indicator 50 The detailed configuration of the indicator 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, when the absorbent sheet 10 is placed in the system toilet 100, in the up-down direction, the absorbent sheet 10 has an overlapping region R1 that is a region that overlaps with the hole h, and a non-overlapping region R2 that is a region that does not overlap with the hole h. The overlapping region R1 has an overlapping region R11 where the indicator 50 is not arranged, and an overlapping region R12 where the indicator 50 is arranged. The non-overlapping region R2 has a non-overlapping region R21 where the indicator 50 is not arranged, and a non-overlapping region R22 where the indicator 50 is arranged.

[0045] The absorbent sheet 10 also has hole regions HR defined by the overlap regions R1 and the regions between the overlap regions R1, and non-hole regions NHR that are regions outside the hole regions HR in the planar direction. The hole regions HR overlap with the holes h or are located between the holes h in a planar view, and therefore are regions that are likely to come into contact with urine that has passed through the holes h.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4A, the length of the indicator 50 in the plan view of the absorbent sheet 10 (for example, length L51 described later) is longer than the minimum width Wmin of the hole h. At least the maximum length of the indicator 50 is required to be longer than the minimum width Wmin of the hole h. The minimum length of the indicator 50 may be longer than the minimum width Wmin of the hole h. Since the absorbent sheet 10 is used in the system toilet 100, the pet excretes on the excrement receiving portion 110 without directly contacting the absorbent sheet. This can prevent the indicator 50 from making a false reaction based on the dirt of the pet due to the contact of the pet. Even if the pet excretes feces, the litter 150 contained in the excrement receiving portion 110 makes it difficult for the feces to reach the absorbent sheet 10. This can prevent the indicator 50 from making a false reaction based on the feces. Therefore, it can prevent the user from visually recognizing the indicator 50 colored in a color different from the actual health condition due to a false reaction based on something other than urine. This prevents the user from misunderstanding the health condition of the pet.

[0047] In addition, for example, when a pet (e.g., a cat) moves around on the litter 150 or digs up the litter 150 itself, some of the feces may fall through the hole h, or the litter 150 itself may fall. The fallen feces or litter 150 may adhere to the absorbent sheet 10 so as to cover the indicator 50, which may deteriorate the visibility of the indicator 50. On the other hand, according to the absorbent sheet 10 according to the embodiment, the length of the indicator 50 is longer than the minimum width Wmin of the hole h. Therefore, when the indicator 50 is placed at a position overlapping the minimum width Wmin of the hole h, the indicator 50 has an area overlapping with the hole h (i.e., the overlapping area R12) and an area not overlapping with the hole h (i.e., the non-overlapping area R22). The pet's urine passes through the hole h and falls into the overlapping area R12 of the absorbent sheet, and is diffused from the overlapping area R12 to the non-overlapping area R22. The indicator portion located in the non-overlapping region R22 changes color upon contact with the diffused urine. Even if the visibility of the indicator portion located in the overlapping region R12 is deteriorated, the user can accurately grasp the health condition of the pet by visually checking the indicator portion located in the non-overlapping region R22. In this way, the user can easily grasp the health condition of the pet by visually checking the indicator 50 of the absorbent sheet 10 without having to attach a test drug indicating the health condition to the urine.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the indicator 50 may extend linearly in a plan view of the absorbent sheet 10. In the present embodiment, the indicator 50 extends in the second direction D2. The indicator 50 may extend continuously or discontinuously. The indicator 50 may be at least one of a solid line, a dotted line, and a broken line. When the indicator 50 is a dotted line or a broken line, the interval between the dots or the interval between the broken lines (i.e., the length of the cut) may be, for example, shorter than the maximum width of the hole h or shorter than the minimum width Wmin of the hole h. In a modified example, at least a part of the indicator 50 may extend in a curved line. The indicator 50 may be configured by a combination of a straight line and a curved line.

[0049] If the indicator 50 is configured as a dotted or dashed line (i.e., a discontinuous line), it is determined whether the length of a virtual line obtained by regarding the indicator 50 as a solid line (i.e., a continuous line) is longer than the minimum width Wmin of the hole h. If the length of the virtual line is longer than the minimum width Wmin of the hole h, the length of the indicator 50 can be considered to be longer than the minimum width Wmin of the hole h.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4A, the length (width) L51 of the indicator 50 may be longer than the minimum width Wmin of the hole h. The length L51 of the indicator 50 may be, for example, 2 mm or more and 10 mm or less. The length L51 of the indicator 50 may be the minimum width of the indicator 50. In this embodiment, the length L51 of the indicator 50 is the length in the first direction D1. The length L51 of the indicator 50 may be the length in the second direction D2.

[0051] The length L52 of the indicator 50 may be longer than the minimum width Wmin of the hole h. The length L52 of the indicator 50 may correspond to the length of one side of the absorbent core 32. The length L51 of the indicator 50 may be, for example, 245 mm or more. In this embodiment, the length L51 of the indicator 50 is the length in the second direction D2. The length L52 of the indicator 50 may be the length in the first direction D1.

[0052] The indicator 50 may be arranged as one piece or as a plurality of pieces. In the embodiment, three linear indicators 50 are arranged. Thus, the indicator 50 is composed of a first indicator 51, a second indicator 52, and a third indicator 53. In a plan view, the interval L11 between the indicators 50 in the first direction D1 may be, for example, 110 mm or less, or may be 55 mm or less. In addition, the interval L11 between the indicators 50 may be, for example, the minimum length of the indicator 50 or more. In the present embodiment, the interval L11 is equal to or greater than the length L51, which is the minimum length of the indicator 50. This can prevent the indicator 50 from hindering the diffusion of urine. In addition, in a plan view, the length L12 from the indicator 50 to the end of the absorbent core 32 in the first direction D1 may be, for example, 110 mm or less, or may be 55 mm or less. The length L12 may be equal to or greater than the minimum length of the indicator 50. The shortest distance from the longitudinal end of the absorbent core 32 to the indicator 50 may be 14% or less of the longitudinal length of the absorbent core 32 .

[0053] 2, the indicator 50 may be disposed in the absorbent core region CR. A user can generally position the absorbent sheet 10 so that the hole h is positioned so as to overlap the absorbent core region CR. As a result, since the indicator 50 is disposed in the absorbent core region CR, urine that has passed through the hole h is more likely to come into contact with the indicator.

[0054] In a modified example, the indicator 50 may be disposed in the non-absorbent core region NCR. This makes it difficult for the indicator 50 to come into contact with the superabsorbent polymer even if the absorbent core contains a superabsorbent polymer. This makes it possible to suppress the indicator component that undergoes a color reaction from erroneously reacting with the protons contained in the superabsorbent polymer. As a result, the indicator 50 that has been colored a different color from the actual health condition due to the erroneous reaction with the protons becomes difficult for the user to see, so that the user can accurately grasp the health condition of the pet. The indicator 50 may be disposed only in the non-absorbent core region NCR. The indicator 50 may be disposed at a position at least 10 mm or more away from the absorbent core region CR (i.e., the end of the absorbent core 32) in a plan view so as not to react with urine that has diffused from the end of the absorbent core 32. The indicator 50 disposed in the non-absorbent core region NCR does not have to be disposed at a position at least 10 mm or less away from the absorbent core region CR (i.e., the end of the absorbent core 32) in a plan view.

[0055] The indicator 50 may be disposed in at least both side regions of the three regions provided when the absorbent core 32 is divided into three in the first direction D1, which is the longitudinal direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, when the absorbent core 32 is divided into three in the first direction D1, which is the longitudinal direction, a central region CRC and side regions CRS located on both sides of the central region CRC are provided. The indicator 50 may be disposed in each of the side regions. Approximately 70% of all cats that excrete in the system litter box 100 tend to excrete in one of the side regions CRS on both sides in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the indicator 50 to come into contact with urine excreted by approximately 70% of the cats.

[0056] Moreover, the indicator 50 may be disposed in at least the central region CRC, which is the central region among the three regions provided when the absorbent core 32 is divided into three in the first direction D1, which is the longitudinal direction. Approximately 30% of all cats that excrete in the system litter box 100 tend to excrete in the longitudinal center. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the urine of cats excreting in the longitudinal center to come into contact with the indicator. Also, urine excreted on both sides in the longitudinal direction may reach the central region CRC due to diffusion. Therefore, the user can understand the health condition of cats excreting in the longitudinal center as well as the health condition of cats excreting on both sides in the longitudinal direction.

[0057] Also, the indicator 50 may be disposed at a position that does not overlap with the folding line FL. This can prevent the indicator 50 from being broken or peeled off from the absorbent sheet 10 when the absorbent sheet 10 is folded. Also, when the absorbent sheet 10 is folded, the portion of the absorbent sheet 10 on the folding line FL is compressed, and therefore may have a different light transmittance, for example, compared to other portions. Therefore, in a plan view, the color of the portion of the indicator 50 located on the folding line FL after coloring may be visually recognized as different from the color of the portion of the indicator 50 located away from the folding line FL after coloring. By disposing the indicator 50 at a position that does not overlap with the folding line FL, it can prevent the user from erroneously grasping the health condition of the pet.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3, the absorbent sheet 10 may have a separation layer disposed between the indicator 50 and the SAP-containing layer in the thickness direction T of the absorbent sheet 10. The separation layer may be, for example, at least one of the top sheet 12, the cover sheet 34, the absorbent core 32 made of an absorbent material other than the superabsorbent polymer, and the functional material 60. In this embodiment, the top sheet 12, the first absorbent core 32A, and the fragrance layer 62 are the separation layers between the indicator 50 and the second absorbent core 32B corresponding to the SAP-containing layer. The separation layer may be made of tissue or pulp. In this way, the presence of the separation layer between the indicator 50 and the SAP-containing layer prevents the indicator 50 from coming into direct contact with the superabsorbent polymer. This can prevent the indicator component that undergoes a color reaction from erroneously reacting with the protons contained in the superabsorbent polymer. As a result, the indicator 50 that has erroneously reacted with the protons and changed color to a color different from the actual health condition is difficult for the user to see, so the user can accurately grasp the health condition of the pet.

[0059] (4) Example of changes The modified examples will be described with reference to Figs. 5 and 6. Note that the description of the same parts as those described above will be omitted. Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an absorbent sheet 10 according to a first modified example. Fig. 6 is a plan view of an absorbent core region CR of an absorbent sheet 10 according to a second modified example to a fourth modified example, as viewed from the front side T1 (excretion surface side). Specifically, Fig. 6A is a plan view of an absorbent core region CR of an absorbent sheet 10 according to a second modified example, as viewed from the front side T1, Fig. 6B is a plan view of an absorbent core region CR of an absorbent sheet 10 according to a third modified example, as viewed from the front side T1, and Fig. 6C is a plan view of an absorbent core region CR of an absorbent sheet 10 according to a fourth modified example, as viewed from the front side T1.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5, the absorbent sheet 10 according to the first modified example may have a protective layer 70. The protective layer 70 is disposed between the indicator 50 and the absorbent core 32 in the thickness direction T, and suppresses the liquid absorbed in the absorbent core 32 from returning to the front side T1. The protective layer 70 can prevent urine once absorbed in the absorbent core disposed on the back side T2 of the indicator 50 from returning to the front side T1. This can suppress contact of urine that becomes stale over time (e.g., oxidized urine components) with the indicator 50. As a result, the user is less likely to visually recognize the indicator 50 that is colored in a color different from the actual health condition, and the user can accurately grasp the health condition of the pet.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 5, the protective layer 70 may be in direct contact with the back side T2 of the indicator 50. In a modified example, another member (e.g., a cover sheet 34) may be disposed between the indicator 50 and the protective layer 70. The protective layer 70 is, for example, a perforated film, a dry mesh and / or a nonwoven fabric (e.g., an SMS nonwoven fabric) capable of controlling the flow path. It is preferable that the protective layer 70 overlaps only a part of the absorbent core 32 in the thickness direction T so as not to impair the water absorbency. For example, the area of ​​the protective layer 70 may be 2.0 times or less the area of ​​the indicator 50.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 6A, in the absorbent sheet 10 according to the second modification, the indicator 50 may be disposed in at least the central region CRC, which is the central region among the three regions provided when the absorbent core 32 is divided into three in the short-side direction (i.e., the second direction D2 in FIG. 6A) in a plan view. In this modification, the indicator 50 is also disposed in the side regions CRS on both sides of the central region CRC in the short-side direction. The shortest distance L22 in the short-side direction from the end of the absorbent core 32 in the short-side direction to the indicator 50 may be 27.5% or less of the short-side length of the absorbent core 32. If the amount of urine is a general amount in one urination of a pet, it is likely to be diffused by 27.5% or more of the short-side length of the absorbent core 32. For example, if a pet enters and exits the system toilet 100 from the short-side direction or if the size of the system toilet 100 is large for the pet, the pet may excrete in one of the two regions on both sides in the short-side direction. Therefore, even if a pet urinates on the short end of the absorbent core 32, the urine will easily reach the indicator 50 due to diffusion. By visually checking the indicator where the urine has reached, the user can easily grasp the health condition of the pet.

[0063] The distance L21 between the indicators 50 in the short direction may be 110 mm or less, or may be 55 mm or less. The distance L21 may be, for example, the minimum length of the indicator 50 or more.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 6B, in the absorbent sheet 10 according to the third modified example, the indicators 50 may be arranged in both of two regions that are provided when the absorbent core 32 is divided into two in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the first direction D1 in FIG. 6B) in a plan view. The shortest longitudinal distance L11 from the indicator 50 arranged in the first region CS1, which is one of the two regions, to the indicator 50 arranged in the second region CS2, which is the other of the two regions, may be 44% or less of the longitudinal length of the absorbent core 32. Since a pet urinates in either the first region CS1 or the second region CS2, the urine is likely to come into contact with the indicator 50 in either of the two regions. In addition, if the amount of urine is a typical amount of urine in one urination of a pet, it may diffuse by 44% or more of the longitudinal length of the absorbent core 32. Therefore, even if a pet urinates near the center of the absorbent core 32, the urine is likely to reach the indicator 50 by diffusion. By visually checking the indicator 50 where the urine has reached, the user can easily grasp the health condition of the pet.

[0065] The shortest longitudinal distance L22 from the longitudinal end of the absorbent core 32 to the indicator 50 may be 28% or less of the longitudinal length of the absorbent core 32. Even if a pet urinates at the longitudinal end of the absorbent core 32, the urine will easily reach the indicator due to diffusion. By visually checking the indicator 50 where the urine has reached, the user can easily grasp the health condition of the pet.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 6C, in the absorbent sheet 10 according to the fourth modification, the indicator 50 may be arranged in both of two regions that are provided when the absorbent core 32 is divided into two in the short-side direction in a plan view. The shortest distance in the short-side direction from the indicator 50 arranged in the first region CS1, which is one of the two regions, to the indicator 50 arranged in the second region CS2, which is the other of the two regions, may be 27.5% or less of the short-side length of the absorbent core 32. If the amount of urine is a general amount when a pet urinates once, the urine often diffuses by 27.5% or more of the short-side length of the absorbent core. Therefore, even if the pet urinates at the end of the short-side direction of the absorbent core 32, the urine is likely to reach the indicator 50 due to diffusion. By visually checking the indicator 50 to which the urine has reached, the user can easily grasp the health condition of the pet.

[0067] (5) Examples An example will be described below. As shown in Fig. 6B, the absorbent sheet 10 according to the example is arranged in both of the two regions (i.e., the first region CS1 and the second region CS2) that are provided when the absorbent core 32 is divided in two in the longitudinal direction in a plan view. The distance from one indicator 50 to the other indicator 50 is 50 mm. The distance from the center of the absorbent sheet 10 in the longitudinal direction (first direction D1) to each of the indicators 50 is equal (i.e., 25 mm).

[0068] 25 cc of urine (sample) was dropped over 10 seconds on the absorbent sheet 10 according to the embodiment from a height of 5 cm, which is the average height from the bottom 112 of the system toilet 100 to the absorbent sheet 10, near the center of the hole region HR in the longitudinal direction L. The urine then spread in a circular shape from the center of the longitudinal direction (first direction D1) of the absorbent sheet 10. The spreading radius was about 55 mm. The amount of urine dropped at one time was set to 25 cc, which is the amount of urine voided by a cat of average weight at one time.

[0069] In the absorbent sheet 10 according to the embodiment, the diffused urine reached the indicators 50 in both the first region CS1 and the second region CS2. The indicators 50 changed color upon contact with the diffused urine. In the absorbent sheet 10 according to the embodiment, since the indicators 50 were separated from the position where the urine dripped, it was found that even if feces are excreted together with the urine, the deterioration of visibility due to the feces can be suppressed.

[0070] (6) Other embodiments The absorbent sheet 10 may have a color contrasting portion that indicates the health condition of the pet after the indicator 50 has changed color. The color contrasting portion may indicate the color of the pet after the indicator 50 has changed color when the pet is healthy, or may indicate the color of the pet after the indicator 50 has changed color when the pet is unhealthy. The user can easily understand the health condition of the pet by comparing the color of the indicator 50 with the color contrasting portion.

[0071] The color contrasting portion may be provided on the top sheet 12. This allows the user to easily visually recognize the color contrasting portion, and makes it easier to accurately grasp the health condition of the pet. The color contrasting portion may also be provided in the non-absorbent core region NCR. This makes it difficult for urine to come into contact with the color contrasting portion, and allows the user to accurately grasp the color of the color contrasting portion.

[0072] When the indicator 50 is disposed in the absorbent core region CR, the color of the indicator 50 may be different from the color of the absorbent body 30. This allows the user to easily grasp the color of the indicator 50 by comparing it with the color of the absorbent body 30 (i.e., using the color of the absorbent body 30 as a reference), and allows the user to accurately identify the color change of the indicator 50. Specifically, the color of the indicator 50 before coloring may be different from the color of the absorbent body 30. This allows the user to easily grasp the position of the indicator 50. The user can position the absorbent sheet 10 so that the indicator 50 is disposed in a position where urination is easy. In addition, the color of the indicator 50 after coloring may be different from the color of the absorbent body 30. This allows the user to easily grasp the position of the indicator 50 after coloring.

[0073] The color of the indicator 50 may be different from the color of the back sheet 14. When the color of the back sheet 14 is visible in a plan view, the user can easily grasp the color of the indicator 50 by comparing it with the color of the back sheet 14 (i.e., using the color of the back sheet 14 as a reference), and can accurately identify the color change of the indicator 50. The color of the back sheet 14 may be different from the color of the indicator 50 before the color change, or may be different from the color of the indicator 50 after the color change.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the indicator 50 extends linearly without intersecting, but this is not limited thereto. The indicator 50 may intersect. This makes it easier for urine to come into contact with the indicator 50 when it spreads.

[0075] Although the present invention has been described in detail using the above-mentioned embodiment, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described in this specification. The present invention can be implemented in modified and altered forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined by the description of the claims. Therefore, the description in this specification is intended to be illustrative and does not have any limiting meaning on the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 10: Absorbent sheet 32: Absorption core 50: Indicator 70 :Protective layer 100: System toilet 110: Waste receiving section 112: Bottom 150: Toilet sand CR: Absorbent core region NCR: Non-absorbing core region h: Hole

Claims

1. An absorbent sheet for pets used in a system toilet for pets, the system having an excrement receiving section that can receive litter and has a bottom with holes, and a sheet receiving section that is disposed below the bottom and receives an absorbent sheet that absorbs pet urine that has passed through the holes, an indicator that indicates the health condition of the pet by coloring based on the urine, An absorbent sheet, wherein the length of the indicator in a plan view of the absorbent sheet is longer than the minimum width of the hole.

2. an absorbent core having an SAP-containing layer containing a superabsorbent polymer; 2. The absorbent sheet of claim 1, further comprising a spacing layer disposed between the indicator and the SAP-containing layer in the thickness direction of the absorbent sheet.

3. an absorbent core disposed on the back side of the indicator; 2. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1, further comprising a protective layer disposed between the indicator and the absorbent core in the thickness direction of the absorbent sheet and preventing liquid absorbed in the absorbent core from returning to the surface side.

4. an absorbent core; an absorbent core region overlapping the absorbent core in the thickness direction; a non-absorbent core region that does not overlap with the absorbent core in the thickness direction, The absorbent sheet according to claim 1 , wherein the indicator is disposed in the absorbent core region.

5. an absorbent core; an absorbent core region overlapping the absorbent core in the thickness direction; a non-absorbent core region that does not overlap with the absorbent core in the thickness direction, The absorbent sheet according to claim 1 , wherein the indicator is disposed in the non-absorbent core region.

6. having an absorbent core, The absorbent sheet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the indicators are arranged in at least both side regions of three regions formed when the absorbent core is divided into three in the longitudinal direction.

7. having an absorbent core, The absorbent sheet according to claim 1 , wherein the indicator is arranged in at least the central region of three regions that are formed when the absorbent core is divided into three longitudinal regions.

8. having an absorbent core, The indicator is disposed in at least a central region of three regions that are provided when the absorbent core is divided into three regions in the short direction, 4. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the shortest distance from the short-side end of the absorbent core to the indicator is 27.5% or less of the short-side length of the absorbent core.

9. having an absorbent core, The indicator is disposed in both of two regions that are provided when the absorbent core is divided into two in the longitudinal direction, 4. The absorbent sheet according to claim 1, wherein the shortest longitudinal distance from the indicator located in one of the two regions to the indicator located in the other of the two regions is 44% or less of the longitudinal length of the absorbent core.

10. 10. The absorbent sheet according to claim 9, wherein the shortest distance in the longitudinal direction from the end of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction to the indicator is 28% or less of the length of the absorbent core in the longitudinal direction.

11. having an absorbent core, The indicators are arranged in both of two regions that are provided when the absorbent core is divided into two in the short direction, An absorbent sheet as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shortest distance in the short direction from the indicator located in one of the two regions to the indicator located in the other of the two regions is 27.5% or less of the short-side length of the absorbent core.

12. an excrement receiving portion capable of receiving litter and having a bottom portion provided with a hole; a sheet storage section disposed below the bottom section and configured to store an absorbent sheet for absorbing pet urine that has passed through the holes; A pet system toilet having the absorbent sheet for pets, the absorbent sheet has an indicator that indicates the health condition of the pet by changing color based on urine; A system toilet, wherein the length of the indicator in a plan view of the absorbent sheet is longer than the minimum width of the hole.

Images