Toilet sand for system toilet and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

To provide a toilet sand that enables a cat to readily excrete in a system toilet and can suppress clogging of a plurality of holes in a drain board part of the system toilet with the toilet sand, and to provide a method for manufacturing the same.SOLUTION: Toilet sand for a system toilet includes a plurality of granular materials and is used for a system toilet. Each of the granular materials has a grain size of 6.0 mm or less. In the plurality of granular materials, the ratio of the granular materials in which a smaller of the grain size and the grain length is less than 3.2 mm is 6% or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to toilet sand for a system toilet and a method for manufacturing the same.

Background Art

[0002] A system toilet is known as a toilet for animals such as cats and dogs. In that system toilet, toilet sand for a system toilet (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "toilet sand") is used. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an animal system toilet and animal toilet sand. The animal toilet sand includes a plurality of granular materials. Each of the plurality of granular materials includes a core portion composed of an inorganic porous material and a binder that integrally fixes the inorganic porous material, and a water-stopping coating layer formed on the surface of the core portion and composed of a water-absorbing material having water absorption and viscosity in a water-absorbed state. The animal system toilet includes an upper container having a plurality of holes in the bottom surface and on which the animal toilet sand is laid, and a lower container on which a liquid-absorbing member is laid. Among these, since the bottom surface portion of the upper container having a plurality of holes (through holes) has a portion formed in a bamboo mat shape, hereinafter, the portion formed in the bamboo mat shape is also referred to as a bamboo mat portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Cats are originally known to be creatures that live in the desert. According to the inventor's research, due to the remnants of living on sand, cats can naturally excrete on sand or on sand-like substances with small particle sizes. However, even on sand-like substances, if the particle size is large, for some reason, they seem to recognize it as stones or rocks instead of sand and feel uncomfortable, and thus are reluctant to excrete. This is the first time this has been discovered this time.

[0005] Therefore, when the particle size of the toilet sand in the system toilet is large, there is a possibility that the cat will not enter the system toilet or will not excrete even if it enters. If this happens, problems such as causing harm to the cat's health, the cat excreting in unexpected places, and adding an additional cleaning burden to the owner may occur.

[0006] On the other hand, in more than 95% of the system toilets widely available in the world, the opening width at each of the plurality of holes in the sieve part is 2.3 - 2.7 mm. Therefore, when the particle size of the toilet sand is small, the toilet sand may get stuck in the holes and cause clogging, or may fall downward from the holes. When the toilet sand clogs, problems such as urine accumulating in the sieve part or the old toilet sand stuck in the sieve part being difficult to remove during the cleaning of the system toilet may occur. Also, when the toilet sand falls downward from the holes, a problem may occur where the original function of the toilet sand cannot be fulfilled.

[0007] Thus, if the particle size of the toilet sand is large, there is a possibility that the cat will not excrete in the system toilet, and if the particle size of the toilet sand is small, there is a possibility that the toilet sand will clog the plurality of holes in the sieve part of the system toilet.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide toilet sand and a method for manufacturing the same that can allow a cat to easily excrete in a system toilet and suppress the toilet sand from clogging the plurality of holes in the sieve part of the system toilet.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is toilet sand for a system toilet used in a system toilet, which contains a plurality of granular materials. Each of the plurality of granular materials has a particle size of 6.0 mm or less, and among the plurality of granular materials, the proportion of granular materials with either the particle size or the particle length being less than 3.2 mm is 6% or less. This is the toilet sand for a system toilet.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is a system toilet kit comprising a system toilet, the above-mentioned toilet sand for a system toilet, and an excrement treatment sheet.

[0011] Still another aspect of the present invention is a method for manufacturing toilet sand for a system toilet used in a system toilet, which contains a plurality of first granular materials. The method includes a forming step of forming a plurality of second granular materials, and an obtaining step of removing second granular materials of a predetermined size from the plurality of second granular materials to obtain the plurality of first granular materials. Each of the plurality of first granular materials has a particle size of 6.0 mm or less, and among the plurality of first granular materials, the proportion of granular materials with either the particle size or the particle length being less than 3.2 mm is 6% or less. This is the manufacturing method.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide toilet sand and a manufacturing method thereof that can easily cause a cat to excrete in a system toilet and suppress the clogging of the toilet sand in a plurality of holes in the snail part of the system toilet.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] This embodiment relates to the following aspects. [Aspect 1] Toilet sand for a system toilet used in a system toilet, including a plurality of granular materials, wherein each of the plurality of granular materials has a particle size of 6.0 mm or less, and among the plurality of granular materials, the proportion of the granular materials with the smaller of the particle size or the particle length less than 3.2 mm is 6% or less.

[0015] According to the inventor's study, cats can naturally excrete on sand or sandy materials with a small particle size, so it can be said that they are used to excreting on sand or sandy materials with a small particle size (hereinafter, also referred to as "high familiarity"). However, cats do not want to excrete on sandy materials with a large particle size, so it can be said that they are not used to excreting on sandy materials with a large particle size (hereinafter, also referred to as "low familiarity"). Therefore, in the case of the toilet sand for the system toilet of the present system, the particle size of each of the plurality of particulate matters is made as small as 6.0 mm or less, thereby adjusting to a size that is highly familiar to cats. As a result, in the system toilet using the toilet sand for the system toilet of the present system, it is possible to make it easier for cats to excrete. At the same time, in the toilet sand for the system toilet of the present system, the proportion of small particulate matters with a particle size or particle length of less than 3.2 mm, which is the smaller of the two, is reduced to 6% or less (however, the percentage by number). Therefore, the size of each of the plurality of particulate matters is generally made larger than the size of each of the plurality of holes (through holes) in the corrugated part of the system toilet for the system toilet (example: opening width: 2.3 to 2.7 mm). As a result, in the system toilet using the toilet sand for the system toilet of the present system, it is possible to make it difficult for the toilet sand for the system toilet to fit into the plurality of holes in the corrugated part. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately excrete in the system toilet by cats, and it is possible to suppress clogging of the toilet sand for the system toilet in the plurality of holes in the corrugated part of the system toilet.

[0016] [Aspect 2] The toilet sand for the system toilet according to Aspect 1, wherein the proportion of particulate matters having a particle length of 3.5 to 10 mm among the plurality of particulate matters is 85% or more. In the toilet sand for the system toilet of the present system, the size of the plurality of particulate matters is generally (85% or more by number) 10 mm or less. That is, the plurality of particulate matters hardly contain large particulate matters and have a size that is highly familiar to cats. As a result, in the system toilet using the toilet sand for the system toilet of the present system, it is possible to make it easier for cats to excrete. At the same time, the size of the plurality of particulate matters is generally (85% or more) 3.5 mm or more. That is, the plurality of particulate matters hardly contain small particulate matters and are larger than the plurality of holes in the corrugated part of the system toilet. As a result, in the system toilet using the toilet sand for the system toilet of the present system, it is possible to make it more difficult for the toilet sand for the system toilet to fit into the plurality of holes in the corrugated part.

[0017] [Aspect 3] The apparent specific gravity of the plurality of granular materials is 1.00 to 1.50 g / cm 3 The toilet sand for a system toilet according to Embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the toilet sand is as described above. In the toilet sand for a system toilet of the present system toilet, the apparent specific gravity of the plurality of granular materials is 1.00 to 1.50 g / cm 3 which is close to the apparent specific gravity of sand and has a high inertia value for cats. Thereby, in the system toilet using the toilet sand for a system toilet of the present invention, it is possible to make it easier for cats to excrete. In addition, since the apparent specific gravity is high, it is possible to prevent the toilet sand for a system toilet from scattering outside the system toilet. Therefore, it is possible to make cats excrete appropriately in the system toilet and keep the surroundings of the system toilet in a sanitary state.

[0018] [Embodiment 4] The toilet sand for a system toilet according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the ratio of the granular materials having a mass per grain of 0.065 g or more among the plurality of granular materials is 55% or more. In the toilet sand for a system toilet of the present system toilet, by increasing the ratio of the granular materials having a mass per grain of 0.065 g or more among the plurality of granular materials to 55% or more (however, in terms of the number of grains), the mass of the granular materials is made closer to the mass of the sand, resulting in a high inertia value for cats. Thereby, in the system toilet using the toilet sand for a system toilet of the present invention, it is possible to make it easier for cats to excrete. In addition, since the mass per grain is large, it is possible to prevent the toilet sand for a system toilet from scattering outside the system toilet. Therefore, it is possible to make cats excrete appropriately in the system toilet and keep the surroundings of the system toilet in a sanitary state.

[0019] [Embodiment 5] The toilet sand for a system toilet according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the void fraction between the granular materials in the plurality of granular materials is 45% by volume or less. In the toilet sand for this system toilet, the porosity between the particulate matters in the plurality of particulate matters is reduced to 45% or less by volume, and by reducing the gaps, when a cat steps on the toilet sand for this system toilet, the sinking is reduced, approaching the feel of sand, and making it a state with high familiarity for the cat. Thereby, in the system toilet using the toilet sand for this system toilet, it is possible to make it easier for the cat to excrete. Also, by reducing the gaps, it becomes difficult for the plurality of particulate matters to move relative to each other, so it is possible to suppress the situation where the particulate matters move relative to each other and fill the gaps, inhibiting the urine from passing through the gaps and moving downward. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the situation where excrement accumulates between the particulate matters and the urine odor and feces odor become strong.

[0020] [Aspect 6] The angle of repose of the plurality of particulate matters is 50 degrees or less, and the toilet sand for a system toilet according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5. In the toilet sand for this system toilet, by making the angle of repose of the plurality of particulate matters as small as 50 degrees or less, when a cat steps on the toilet sand for this system toilet, the sinking is reduced, approaching the feel of sand, and making it a state with high familiarity for the cat. Thereby, in the system toilet using the toilet sand for this system toilet, it is possible to make it easier for the cat to excrete. Also, by reducing the angle of repose, it becomes easier to cover the entire feces with the particulate matters, and it is possible to suppress the dispersion of the feces odor.

[0021] [Aspect 7] The plurality of particulate matters include an odor adsorption material, and the toilet sand for a system toilet according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6. In the toilet sand for this system toilet, since the plurality of particulate matters include an odor adsorption material, it suppresses the diffusion of urine odor and feces odor, and even when used for a long period, it approaches the state of the original sand without excrement and its odor, maintaining a state with high familiarity for the cat. Thereby, in the system toilet using the toilet sand for this system toilet, it is possible to make it easier for the cat to excrete.

[0022] [Aspect 8] The odor adsorption material includes an inorganic porous material, and the toilet sand for a system toilet according to Aspect 7. In the toilet sand for the system toilet, since the odor adsorption material includes an inorganic porous material, the composition of the granular material is made closer to the composition of sand, making it a state highly familiar to cats. Thereby, in the system toilet using the toilet sand for the system toilet, it is possible to make it easier for cats to excrete.

[0023] [Aspect 9] The water absorption ratio of the plurality of granular materials is less than 160%, and the toilet sand for a system toilet according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8. In the toilet sand for the system toilet, by setting the water absorption ratio of the plurality of granular materials to less than 160%, it is possible to suppress the granular materials from absorbing urine and swelling, and suppress deviation from the state of sand, thereby maintaining a state highly familiar to cats. Thereby, in the system toilet using the toilet sand for the system toilet, it is possible to make it easier for cats to excrete. Also, by reducing the water absorption ratio, even when the toilet sand for the system toilet is used for a long period of time, it is possible to suppress the situation where the granular materials retain urine and the urine generates bad odors and harmful substances due to the influence of microorganisms and the like.

[0024] [Aspect 10] The disintegration property of each of the plurality of granular materials is less than 0.5 mL, and the toilet sand for a system toilet according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9. In the toilet sand for the system toilet, by setting the disintegration property of each of the plurality of granular materials to less than 0.5 mL, it is possible to make it difficult for the granular materials to disintegrate after absorbing urine, and suppress the granular materials from disintegrating and fitting into the plurality of holes in the grating part of the toilet for the system toilet.

[0025] [Aspect 11] A system toilet kit including a system toilet, the toilet sand for a system toilet according to any one of Aspects 1 to 10, and an excrement treatment sheet. In the system toilet obtained by assembling the present system toilet kit, since the toilet sand for the system toilet described in any one of the above aspects 1 to 10 is laid, the above-described effects that the toilet sand for the system toilet can exhibit can be achieved.

[0026] [Aspect 12] A method for manufacturing toilet sand for a system toilet used in a system toilet, the method including a forming step of forming a plurality of second particulate matters, and an obtaining step of removing second particulate matters having a predetermined size from the plurality of second particulate matters to obtain the plurality of first particulate matters, wherein each particle size of the plurality of first particulate matters is 6.0 mm or less, and among the plurality of first particulate matters, the proportion of particulate matters having a particle size or particle length smaller than 3.2 mm is 6% or less. The toilet sand for a system toilet manufactured by the method for manufacturing toilet sand for a system toilet used in the present system toilet can exhibit the same effects as the toilet sand for a system toilet described in the above aspect 1.

[0027] Hereinafter, a toilet sand for a system toilet (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "toilet sand") according to an embodiment of the present invention and a method for manufacturing the same will be described.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a system toilet 1 using toilet sand according to an embodiment. The system toilet 1 includes an upper container 4 having a plurality of holes in the bottom surface thereof, and a toilet sand 10 laid on the bottom surface thereof, and a lower container 6 disposed below the upper container 4 and in which an excrement treatment sheet 20 is disposed. The bottom surface of the upper container 4 has a porous structure or a mesh structure having a plurality of holes (through holes). Since the structure has a function of allowing liquid excrement (example: urine) to permeate (cutting off moisture), that is, a function of a snowshoe (a bamboo mat), hereinafter, the bottom surface is also referred to as a snowshoe portion. The configuration of the bottom surface, that is, the snowshoe portion, will be described later. In the present embodiment, the system toilet 1 further includes a cover 2 disposed above the upper container 4 to limit the entrance and exit of animals and suppress the scattering of excrement and toilet sand 10.

[0029] In the system toilet 1, liquid excrement (e.g., urine) excreted by an animal (e.g., a cat) passes through the toilet sand 10 with little being absorbed by the toilet sand 10 and is absorbed and retained in the excrement treatment sheet 20 located below the toilet sand 10. Therefore, immediately after the animal excretes, the excrement treatment sheet 20 can absorb the excrement and its odor, suppress foul odors, and the toilet sand 10 can suppress the diffusion of the foul odor. Also, since the toilet sand 10 in the system toilet 1 does not absorb excrement to form a solid mass, the frequency of replacing the toilet sand 10 can be reduced compared to toilet sand composed of conventional absorption granules. Furthermore, even if the animal performs a scratching action after excretion, it is difficult for excrement to adhere to the animal's feet. Additionally, in the system toilet 1, since the bottom surface of the upper container 4 on which the toilet sand 10 is laid and the excrement treatment sheet 20 are arranged in a separated state, even if the animal stands on the toilet sand 10 after excretion, the excrement treatment sheet 20 is not loaded with the weight of the animal, and there is also the advantage that the excrement absorbed by the excrement treatment sheet 20 is difficult to flow back.

[0030] The system toilet 1, the toilet sand 10, and the excrement treatment sheet 20 can be combined into a system toilet kit including them. In the system toilet 1 obtained by assembling this system toilet kit, since the toilet sand 10 is laid, the effects that the toilet sand 10 can exhibit, which will be described later, can be achieved.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the upper container 4 of the system toilet 1 in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a partial plan view showing the configuration of the bottom surface portion 40 (lattice portion) of the upper container 4 in FIG. 2. The bottom surface portion 40 includes a base portion 42 and a plurality of hole portions 41 provided in the base portion 42. In the present embodiment, the base portion 42 has a shape of a substantially rectangular thin plate in a plan view. The hole portion 41 has a shape of a rectangle (long side (length) b × short side (width) a; the short side is a semi-circular arc) that is long in the vertical direction in a plan view. In the present embodiment, the length b is 10 to 30 mm, the width a is 2.3 to 2.7 mm, and the intervals c1 and c2 are 1 to 3 mm. The plurality of hole portions 41 are arranged in a lattice pattern on the base portion 42 at intervals c1 in the horizontal direction and intervals c2 in the vertical direction in a plan view. In the present embodiment, the bottom surface portion 40 is a lattice portion formed in a lattice (bamboo mat) shape having a plurality of hole portions 41. However, the shape of the base portion 42 in a plan view is not limited to this example, and other shapes (examples: circular, elliptical, polygonal) may be used. Further, the shape of the hole portion 41 in a plan view is not limited to this example, and other shapes (examples: circular, elliptical, rhombic) may be used. Further, the arrangement of the plurality of hole portions 41 in a plan view is not limited to this example, and other arrangements (example: staggered arrangement) may be used.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the granular material 10a of the toilet sand 10 according to the embodiment. The toilet sand 10 contains a plurality of granular materials 10a. In the present embodiment, the granular material 10a has a shape of a cylinder (particle size D of the bottom surface × particle length L). However, since the granular material 10a may be deformed on the side surface or the bottom surface due to impacts during manufacturing or transportation, etc., for example, a break at the broken line 10x shown by the broken line, strictly speaking, it may not be said to have a cylindrical shape. In such a case, the shape of the granular material 10a is regarded as a cylindrical shape that can enclose the granular material 10a with the minimum volume. However, the shape of the granular material 10a is not limited to this example, and other shapes (examples: sphere, ellipsoid, polyhedron) may be used. Even in that case, the following description regarding the granular material 10a can be applied by regarding the shape of the granular material 10a as a cylindrical shape that can enclose the granular material 10a with the minimum volume.

[0033] Each of the plurality of granular materials 10a has a particle size D of 6.0 mm or less. And, among the plurality of granular materials 10a, the proportion (number) of the granular materials in which the smaller of the particle size D or the particle length L is less than 3.2 mm is 6% or less.

[0034] According to the inventor's study, cats can naturally excrete on sand or sandy materials with a small particle size, so it can be said that they are accustomed to excreting on sand or sandy materials with a small particle size (hereinafter, also referred to as "highly accustomed"). However, cats do not want to excrete on sandy materials with a large particle size, so it can be said that they are not accustomed to excreting on sandy materials with a large particle size (hereinafter, also referred to as "lowly accustomed"). Therefore, in the toilet sand 10 for the system toilet, by making the particle size of each of the plurality of granular materials 10a as small as 6.0 mm or less, it is made to a size that is highly accustomed to cats. Thereby, in the system toilet 1 using the toilet sand 10, it is possible to make it easier for cats to excrete. Regarding the accustomedness, it is considered that cats judge by the touch feeling by their feet or the smell.

[0035] On the other hand, according to the inventor's study, when the width of the hole portion of the snail part is 2.3 to 2.7 mm, it has been found that by making the smaller of the particle size or the particle length 3.2 mm or more (at least about 115% or more with respect to the width of the hole portion), it is possible to suppress the granular material from fitting into the hole portion or falling out of the hole portion. Therefore, in the toilet sand 10, the proportion of the granular materials in which the smaller of the particle size D or the particle length L is less than 3.2 mm among the plurality of granular materials 10a is reduced to 6 (number) % or less. That is, the size of most of the plurality of granular materials 10a is made larger than the size of each of the plurality of hole portions 41 of the bottom surface portion 40 (snail part) of the system toilet 1. Thereby, in the system toilet 1 using the toilet sand 10, it is possible to make it difficult for the granular materials 10a of the toilet sand 10 to fit into the plurality of hole portions 41 of the snail part (bottom surface portion 40). In this way, the toilet sand 10 can enable cats to excrete appropriately in the system toilet 1 and can suppress clogging of the toilet sand 10 in the plurality of hole portions 41 in the snail part (bottom surface portion 40) of the system toilet 1.

[0036] From the viewpoint of obtaining the above effects, among the plurality of granular materials 10a, the proportion (number) of the granular materials 10a in which the smaller of the particle size D or the particle length L is less than 3.2 mm is preferably 3% or less, and more preferably 1% or less.

[0037] In addition, the proportion (number) of the granular materials 10a in which the larger of the particle size D or the particle length L is less than 3.5 mm may preferably be 6% or less, and may preferably be 3% or less. Thus, the smaller the proportion of the number of the granular materials in which the larger of the particle size D or the particle length L is less than 3.5 mm, the larger the size of each of most of the plurality of granular materials 10a can be made than the size (width a: 2.3 to 2.7 mm) of the plurality of hole portions 41 on the bottom surface portion 40. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of clogging of the toilet sand 10 in the plurality of hole portions 41.

[0038] Also, the proportion (number) of the granular materials 10a in which the larger of the particle size D or the particle length L is less than 3.2 mm may be 6% or less (preferably 3% or less). Thus, the smaller the proportion of the number of the granular materials in which the larger of the particle size D or the particle length L is less than 3.2 mm, the larger the size of each of most of the plurality of granular materials 10a can be made than the size of the plurality of hole portions 41 on the bottom surface portion 40, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of clogging of the toilet sand 10 in the plurality of hole portions 41.

[0039] However, the method for measuring (calculating) the number distribution of the particle lengths in the granular materials of the toilet sand is as follows. In the present embodiment, since the granular materials are columnar with substantially equal diameters, the number distribution of the particle sizes is not measured. <Number distribution of particle lengths> (1) Measure the particle sizes (diameters) of the plurality of granular materials to be evaluated one by one using a vernier caliper, and take the average value per 100 granular materials as the average particle size of the granular materials. (2) Place the plurality of granular materials to be evaluated on the scanner so that the granular materials do not contact each other. Since the granular materials are columnar, place them in a lying-down state. (3) Capture the scan images of the plurality of granular materials. (4) Use software to binarize the scanned image, treat continuous areas as individual granular materials, and calculate the area of each granular material in a lying-down state one by one. (5) Use software to calculate the grain length of each granular material one by one, taking the average grain size obtained in (1) above as the grain size. However, the grain length is the length at the position of the center of the grain size. (6) Perform classification on the grain length based on the grain length of each of the obtained plurality of granular materials. For example, perform classification (example: set classes every 0.5 mm, such as 0 - 0.5 mm, 0.5 - 1.0 mm,...). However, the scanner is not particularly limited, and for example, a general printer can be mentioned. The software is not particularly limited, and for example, the free software "ImageJ" can be mentioned.

[0040] The method for measuring clogging of the holes in the sno-cone part related to the granular materials of toilet sand is as follows. <Clogging> (1) Place a cylindrical container with an inner diameter of 100 mm and a height of 30 mm on a thin plate member having a sno-cone part with rectangular holes (through holes) of 2.7 mm × 8 mm arranged in a grid pattern at 2 mm intervals, so that it does not protrude from the sno-cone part of the thin plate member in plan view. (2) Lay a plurality of granular materials (grain length 6 mm or less) to be evaluated on the thin plate member in the cylindrical container so that the thickness is 2 cm. (3) Install the thin plate member on which the granular materials and the cylindrical container are placed on a sieve shaker, and shake it under the conditions of a shaking amplitude of 1.8 mm, a shaking speed of 60 Hz, and a shaking time of 1 minute. Use the AS-200 manufactured by Retsch for the sieve shaker. (4) After the shaking is completed, take out the thin plate member from the sieve shaker, tilt it by about 90 degrees on a pad, and check the number, grain size, and grain length of the granular materials that remain fitted in the holes of the thin plate member. If the number of granular materials that remain fitted in the holes is 5 or more, it is determined that the granular materials to be evaluated are likely to fit (clog) in the holes, and if it is less than 5, it is determined that the granular materials to be evaluated are unlikely to fit (clog) in the holes.

[0041] The method for measuring the inertia of cats with respect to the granular materials of toilet sand is as follows. <Inertia of Cats> (1) Prepare two identical toilet systems A and B. Lay the toilet sand A of the present invention in system toilet A, and lay the toilet sand B for comparison in system toilet B. (2) Among the four measurement days, on the first day and the second day, place system toilet A at a relatively forward position in the excretion room and system toilet B at the back position. On the third day and the fourth day, place them in the reverse positions, that is, place system toilet B at a relatively forward position in the excretion room and system toilet A at the back position. (3) In the measurement, photograph the excretion states of two cats, and confirm from the photographed video which system toilet the two cats excreted in. If excretion is carried out with a specific toilet sand in 60% or more of multiple excretions, it is determined that the toilet sand has high inertia.

[0042] Among the plurality of granular materials 10a, the ratio (number) of the granular materials 10a with a particle length L of 3.5 to 10 mm is preferably 85% or more, more preferably 90% or more, and still more preferably 95% or more.

[0043] Thus, most (85% or more) of the granular materials 10a have a particle length L of 10 mm or less. That is, since the plurality of granular materials 10a contain almost no overly large granular materials, it has a size with high inertia for cats. Thereby, in the system toilet 1 using the toilet sand 10, it is possible to make it easier for cats to excrete. At the same time, most (85% or more) of the granular materials 10a have a particle length L of 3.5 mm or more. That is, since the plurality of granular materials 10a contain almost no overly small granular materials, it is larger than the plurality of hole portions 41 in the corrugated part of the system toilet 1. Thereby, in the system toilet 1 using the toilet sand 10, it is possible to make it more difficult for the toilet sand 1 to fit into the plurality of hole portions 41 in the corrugated part and suppress clogging.

[0044] From the same perspective, the proportion (number) of the particulate matter 10a with a particle length L of 3.5 to 7.5 mm is preferably 75% or more, the proportion (number) of the particulate matter 10a with a particle length L of 3.5 to 6.5 mm is preferably 50% or more, and the proportion (number) of the particulate matter 10a with a particle length L of 6.5 mm or less is preferably 50% or more.

[0045] Among the plurality of particulate matters 10a, the proportion (number) of the particulate matter 10a with a particle diameter D of 3.2 to 5.0 mm is preferably 85% or more, more preferably 90% or more, and still more preferably 95% or more.

[0046] Thus, the particle diameter D of many (85% or more) of the particulate matters 10a is 5.0 mm or less. That is, since the plurality of particulate matters 10a hardly contain particulate matters that are too large, they have a size that is highly familiar to cats. Thereby, in the system toilet 1 using the toilet sand 10, it is possible to make it easier for cats to excrete. At the same time, the particle diameter D of many (85% or more) of the particulate matters 10a is 3.2 mm or more. That is, since the plurality of particulate matters 10a hardly contain particulate matters that are too small, they are larger than the plurality of hole portions 41 in the grid portion of the system toilet 1. Thereby, in the system toilet 1 using the toilet sand 10, it is possible to make it more difficult for the toilet sand 1 to fit into the plurality of hole portions 41 in the grid portion and suppress clogging.

[0047] The apparent specific gravity of the plurality of particulate matters 10a is preferably 1.00 to 1.50 g / cm 3 and more preferably 1.00 to 1.30 g / cm 3 and still more preferably 1.10 to 1.30 g / cm 3 is.

[0048] Thus, the apparent specific gravity of the plurality of particulate matters 10a (toilet sand 10) is 1.00 to 1.50 g / cm 3It is close to the apparent specific gravity of sand that cats are highly accustomed to. Thereby, in the system toilet 1 using the toilet sand 10, it is possible to make it easier for cats to excrete. At that time, since the apparent specific gravity is high, it is possible to prevent the toilet sand 10 from scattering outside the system toilet 1. Therefore, cats can excrete appropriately in the system toilet 1, and the surroundings of the system toilet 1 can be kept in a sanitary state.

[0049] The method for calculating the apparent specific gravity of the particulate matter of the toilet sand is as follows. <Apparent specific gravity> (1) Using calipers, measure the particle size (diameter) of 100 particulate matters one by one, and take the average value per 100 particulate matters as the particle size. (2) Using calipers, measure one by one the longest length among the lengths in the direction perpendicular to the particle size (diameter) of 100 particulate matters. (3) Using a mass measuring device, measure the mass of 100 particulate matters one by one. (4) Based on the measured particle size, particle length, and mass of the particulate matter, calculate the apparent specific gravity using the following formula. Apparent specific gravity =(mass of particulate matter) / [π·{(particle size of particulate matter) / 2)} 2 ·(particle length of particulate matter)] Take the average value of the apparent specific gravity for the 100 particulate matters calculated as the final apparent specific gravity.

[0050] Among the plurality of particulate matters 10a, the ratio (number) of particulate matters with a mass per grain of 0.065 g or more is preferably 55% or more, more preferably 60% or more, and still more preferably 70% or more.

[0051] Thus, the mass per granule of many (more than 55%) of the granules 10a is 0.065 g or more, which is close to the mass of sand that is highly familiar to cats. Thereby, in the system toilet 1 using the toilet sand 10, it is possible to make it easier for cats to excrete. Further, since the mass per granule is relatively large, it is possible to prevent the toilet sand 10 from scattering outside the system toilet 1. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately make a cat excrete in the system toilet 1 and keep the surroundings of the system toilet 1 in a sanitary state.

[0052] From the same viewpoint, among the plurality of granules 10a, the ratio (number) of the granules having a mass per granule of 0.060 to 0.10 g is preferably 60% or more, more preferably 65% or more, and still more preferably 70% or more. In particular, since the mass per granule of many granules 10a is 0.10 g or less, they are not too large and are close to the mass of sand that is highly familiar to cats, and it is possible to make it easier for cats to excrete.

[0053] From the same viewpoint, the average mass per granule of the plurality of granules 10a is preferably 0.08 to 0.095 g, and more preferably 0.085 to 0.095 g. Thereby, it is possible to make the mass close to the mass of sand that is highly familiar to cats and to make the mass heavy so that it is difficult to scatter outside the system toilet 1.

[0054] The method for measuring the number distribution of the mass of the granules is as follows. <Number distribution of mass> (1) Using calipers, measure the particle size (diameter) of 100 granules one by one, and take the average value per 100 granules as the particle size. (2) Using calipers, measure one by one the longest length among the lengths in the direction perpendicular to the particle size (diameter) in a plurality of granules. (3) From the measured particle size and particle length, calculate the volume of each of the plurality of granules, and multiply by the apparent specific gravity calculated by the above <apparent specific gravity> to calculate the mass of each of the plurality of granules. (4) Based on the calculated masses of the plurality of particulate matters, perform a classification of the masses of the particulate matters. For example, perform a classification (illustration: 0 to 0.005 g, 0.005 to 0.010 g, …) where a class is set every 0.005 g.

[0055] The void fraction between the particulate matters 10a in the plurality of particulate matters 10a is preferably 45% by volume or less. Thus, in the toilet sand 10, by making the void fraction between the particulate matters 10a as small as 45% by volume, the sinking when a cat steps on the toilet sand 10 is reduced, approaching the feeling of sand, and making it a state with high familiarity for the cat. Thereby, in the system toilet 1 using the toilet sand 10, it is possible to make it easier for the cat to excrete. Also, by reducing the voids, it becomes difficult for the plurality of particulate matters 10a to move relative to each other, so it is possible to suppress a situation where the particulate matters move relative to each other to fill the voids and urine passes through the voids and moves downward. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a situation where excrement accumulates between the particulate matters and the urine odor and feces odor become strong.

[0056] The method for measuring the void fraction is as follows. <Void fraction> (1) Put the particulate matters in a wet state into a graduated cylinder (Graduated Cylinder 200 ml manufactured by Arrow (Product No. 6 - 231 - 07)) up to the 110 cc graduation line. (2) Pour water into the graduated cylinder up to the 100 cc graduation line. (3) Pour out the particulate matters and water in the graduated cylinder into a strainer, and measure the amount of water that has fallen from the strainer. Let that volume be the void fraction (% by volume).

[0057] The angle of repose of the plurality of granular materials 10a is preferably 50 degrees or less. Thus, in the cat litter 10, since the angle of repose of the plurality of granular materials 10a is as small as 50 degrees or less, the sinking when the cat steps on the cat litter 10 is small, and it can approach the feeling of sand, so that the cat can be in a highly familiar state. Thereby, in the system toilet 1 using the cat litter 10, it is possible to make it easier for the cat to excrete. Further, by reducing the angle of repose, it is possible to easily cover the entire feces with the granular material 10a and suppress the dispersion of the fecal odor. From the same viewpoint, the angle of repose of the plurality of granular materials 10a is more preferably 40 to 48 degrees, and even more preferably 42 to 47 degrees. By setting the lower limit to 40 degrees or more, it is possible to prevent the sinking when the cat steps on the cat litter 10 from becoming too small.

[0058] The method for measuring the angle of repose is as follows. <Angle of repose> (1) Prepare 100 g of granular material. (2) Drop the granular material from a height of 4 cm onto the bottom surface (flat surface) of a stainless-steel pad to form a pile of granular material. (3) Measure the angle between the slope and the bottom surface of the pile of granular material and take it as the angle of repose.

[0059] The water absorption ratio of the plurality of granular materials 10a is preferably less than 160%, more preferably less than 130%, and even more preferably less than 125%. Thus, in the cat litter 10, by keeping the water absorption ratio of the granular material 10a low at less than 160%, it is possible to suppress the granular material 10a from absorbing urine and swelling, and to suppress deviation from the state of sand, so that the cat can maintain a highly familiar state. Thereby, in the system toilet 1 using the cat litter 10, it is possible to make it easier for the cat to excrete. Further, by keeping the water absorption ratio low, even when the cat litter 10 is used for a long time, it is possible to suppress the situation where the granular material 10a retains urine and the urine produces a bad odor and harmful substances due to the influence of microorganisms and the like.

[0060] The method for measuring the water absorption ratio is as follows. <Water absorption ratio> (1) Place 100 g (weight before water absorption) of a plurality of granular materials into a container. (2) Pour water into the container so that the plurality of granular materials are sufficiently immersed, and let stand for 10 minutes. (3) Transfer the plurality of granular materials to a colander to drain the water, then evenly scatter them on a pet sheet, wipe the surface, and let stand for 5 minutes. (4) After standing, measure the weight (weight after water absorption). (5) Calculate the water absorption ratio (%) using the following formula. Water absorption ratio (%) = (weight after water absorption) / (weight before water absorption) × 100

[0061] The disintegration property of each of the plurality of granular materials 10a is preferably less than 0.5 mL, more preferably less than 0.3 mL, and even more preferably less than 0.1 mL. Thus, in the toilet sand 10, by making the disintegration property of each of the plurality of granular materials 10a as low as less than 0.5 mL, it is possible to make it difficult for the granular material 10a to disintegrate after absorbing urine. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the granular material 10a from disintegrating and fitting into the plurality of hole portions 41 of the snowflake portion of the toilet 1.

[0062] The method for measuring the disintegration property is as follows. <Disintegration property> (1) Prepare granular materials of toilet sand with an initial mass of 100 g and place them in a container. However, use granular materials that do not pass through a sieve with a mesh size of 2 mm. (2) Pour water into the container so that the granular materials are sufficiently immersed, and let stand for 5 minutes. (3) Evenly scatter the granular materials on a pet sheet and let stand for 10 minutes. (4) Put the granular materials after standing into a sieve with a mesh size of 2 mm, and shake them under the conditions of a shaking width of 3 mm, a shaking speed of 60 Hz, and a shaking time of 5 minutes using a sieve shaker. The sieve shaker used was the AS - 200 manufactured by Retsch. (5) Measure the volume of the granular materials of 2 mm or less that passed through the sieve using a graduated cylinder.

[0063] The surface roughness of each of the plurality of granular materials 10a is relatively small, and the degree of unevenness is relatively close to the unevenness when sand is pressed. Therefore, the toilet sand 10 can be made into a state with high familiarity for cats. Thereby, in the system toilet 1 using the toilet sand 10, it is possible to make it easier for cats to excrete.

[0064] The granular material 10a of the toilet sand 10 in the embodiment preferably includes a base material and a water-stopping coating layer.

[0065] The base material preferably contains an odor adsorption material capable of absorbing the odor of urine and feces excreted by cats, and further preferably contains a solidifying agent for integrally fixing the odor adsorption material.

[0066] In this way, in the toilet sand 10, since the base material, and thus the granular material 10a, contains an odor adsorption material, the diffusion of the odor of urine and feces excreted by cats is suppressed. Thereby, even when the toilet sand 10 is used for a long period of time, it can be brought close to the state of the original sand without excrement and its odor, and can be made into a state with high familiarity for cats. Thereby, in the system toilet 1 using the toilet sand 10, it is possible to make it easier for cats to excrete.

[0067] The odor adsorption material preferably contains a porous material, and more preferably contains an inorganic porous material. Examples of the inorganic porous material include natural minerals (exemplified: zeolite, sepiolite, attapulgite, diatomaceous earth, diatomaceous shale), artificial zeolite, silica gel, or a combination of at least two of them. Since the inorganic porous material has the property of adsorbing odors such as ammonia, by forming granular materials mainly composed of particles of the inorganic porous material, toilet sand with excellent deodorizing performance can be obtained. In this way, since the odor adsorption material contains an inorganic porous material, the composition of the granular material 10a can be made close to the composition of sand, and can be made into a state with high familiarity for cats. Thereby, in the system toilet 1 using the toilet sand 10, it is possible to make it easier for cats to excrete.

[0068] For the particles of the inorganic porous material, from the viewpoint of enhancing the strength of the granular material 10a of the toilet sand 10, it is preferable to use those with a small average particle diameter. The average particle diameter of the particles of the inorganic porous material is, for example, 300 μm or less. The content of the inorganic porous material in the base material of the granular material 10a is preferably 50 to 95% by mass. When the content of the inorganic porous material in the base material is less than 50% by mass, the deodorizing effect of the granular material 10a may decrease, and when it is more than 95% by mass, the granular material 10a may not obtain sufficient strength.

[0069] Examples of the curing agent include inorganic curing agents and organic curing agents. From the viewpoint of the granular material 10a obtaining sufficient strength, inorganic curing agents are preferred. Examples of the inorganic curing agent include cement and non-cement-based curing agents. Cement is a curing agent mainly composed of calcium silicate and reacts (hydrates) with water to harden. Examples of cement include Portland cement and white cement. A non-cement-based curing agent is a curing agent other than cement, that is, a curing agent not mainly composed of calcium silicate. Examples of the non-cement-based curing agent include dolomite, calcium oxide, calcium sulfate, magnesium oxide, etc. Among them, as the inorganic curing agent, it is preferable to use a mixture of a water-curable curing agent mainly composed of calcium sulfate and magnesium oxide, which are non-cement-based curing agents, and cement. By using these mixtures as the inorganic curing agent, the strength of the granular material can be increased, and the increase in the pH of the granular material due to the use of cement can be suppressed. By suppressing the increase in the pH of the granular material, the generation of ammonia from urine can be suppressed. The content of the curing agent in the base material of the granular material 10a is preferably 5 to 30% by mass. When the total content of the curing agent is less than 5% by mass, the granular material may not obtain sufficient strength, and when it is more than 30% by mass, the deodorizing effect of the granular material may decrease. When an inorganic curing agent is used, the content of the non-cement-based curing agent in the inorganic curing agent is preferably 20% by mass or more. When the content of the non-cement-based curing agent is less than 20% by mass, the pH of the granular material may not be sufficiently low.

[0070] Furthermore, in addition to the particles of the inorganic porous material and the inorganic curing agent, a pozzolanic substance may be added to the base material. The pozzolanic substance is a general term for fine powders mainly composed of silica, and is a substance that reacts with calcium hydroxide to produce insoluble and stable calcium silicate hydrate. Examples of such pozzolanic substances include silica gel, diatomaceous earth, and diatomaceous shale. By adding these pozzolanic substances, the pH of the granular material can be further reduced.

[0071] The water-stopping coating layer is formed on the surface of the base material and is composed of a water-stopping agent that has water absorption and viscosity in a water-absorbed state. By forming the water-stopping coating layer on the surface of the base material of the granular material 10a, the granular material 10 becomes excellent in liquid permeability. That is, due to the presence of the water-stopping coating layer on the surface of the base material, most of the liquid excreted during urination of animals, etc. passes between the granular materials 10a without being absorbed by the toilet sand 10. However, the liquid remaining on the surface of the granular material 10a is absorbed by the water-stopping agent and taken into the base material over time. Furthermore, the water-stopping agent of the water-stopping coating layer formed on the surface of the base material binds the particles of the inorganic porous material together, so that the generation of dust from the toilet sand can be prevented. Examples of the water-stopping agent include ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), starch, sumac tannin, matsu-yani, gelatin, and combinations of at least two of them. It is more preferable that the water-stopping agent is configured to contain an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. The water-stopping coating layer preferably covers 70% or more of the surface of the base material, and more preferably covers 90% or more of the surface of the base material. By the water-stopping coating layer covering 90% or more of the surface of the base material, the toilet sand exhibits good liquid permeability. The thickness of the water-stopping coating layer is preferably 0.1 to 300 μm, and more preferably 1 to 100 μm. If the thickness of the water-stopping coating layer is less than 0.1 μm, the water-stopping coating layer is likely to peel off or dissolve and disappear during the use of the toilet sand, and if it is thicker than 300 μm, it becomes difficult for the liquid adhering to the surface of the granular material to be taken into the base material.

[0072] Next, a method for manufacturing the toilet sand 10 according to the embodiment will be described. (1) Mixing process In this embodiment, the base material constituting the granular material 10a is granulated from a mixture containing an inorganic porous material and a solidifying agent. For this purpose, first, the inorganic porous material and the solidifying agent are mixed at a predetermined ratio, and after further adding water, they are uniformly stirred and mixed using a mixer or the like so as not to generate lumps. (2) Granulation process Next, the base material is granulated using the obtained mixture. For example, using various powder granulation apparatuses such as a disk pelletizer, a briquetting machine, and a tableting machine, the obtained mixture is granulated into a base material having a predetermined shape and size. (3) Curing process Next, the obtained base material is left for a predetermined time for the solidification of the solidifying agent. The predetermined time (curing time) varies depending on the temperature, but it is preferably carried out for 72 hours or more from the viewpoint of sufficiently solidifying the cement. (4) Drying process Next, the sufficiently solidified base material is dried using a dryer. This drying is carried out, for example, using a rotary kiln dryer. The drying is preferably carried out so that the moisture content of the base material becomes 10% or less. The measurement of the moisture content is carried out by redrying the base material after drying at 110 °C for 24 hours, taking the difference in the mass of the base material before and after redrying as the moisture amount of the base material, and dividing the moisture amount by the mass of the granular material before redrying. (5) Coating process Next, a water-stopping agent is coated on the dried base material to form a water-stopping coating layer. The water-stopping agent is dissolved or dispersed in water in advance, and the solution or dispersion of the water-stopping agent is sprayed onto the base material by spraying. By spraying the solution or dispersion of the water-stopping material in a state where the dried base material is at 80 to 100 °C, the sprayed moisture evaporates, and a water-stopping coating layer is formed on the surface of the base material. Thereby, a base material covered with the water-stopping coating layer, that is, the second granular material is produced. (6) Screening process From the second granular material, granular materials of different sizes are removed by a screening process using a sieve with a predetermined mesh width, and the first granular material having a predetermined size, that is, the granular material 10a is obtained. In this way, the toilet sand 10 is manufactured.

[0073] Here, up to the above (1) mixing step to (5) coating step can be referred to as a forming step for forming a second particulate matter (having the same composition as the first particulate matter but a different particle size (particle length) distribution). Further, the above (6) sieving step can be referred to as an acquisition step for acquiring the first particulate matter (particulate matter 10a).

[0074] As another embodiment, the particulate matter 10a of the toilet sand 10 may contain a pulverized product of a plant-derived material, a synthetic resin, and a water-insoluble inorganic substance.

[0075] Examples of the pulverized product of the plant-derived material include pulverized products derived from woody and herbaceous plants, such as wood powder (pulverized product of wood or bark), seed oil residue, pulverized product of cereal husk, and pulverized product of herb. From the viewpoint of enhancing the moldability and deodorizing property of the particulate matter, it is preferable to use 60% by mass or more of wood powder derived from coniferous trees such as the Cupressaceae, Pinaceae, or Taxodiaceae, and 40% by mass or less of wood powder derived from broad-leaved trees such as the Fagaceae, Ulmaceae, or Betulaceae. The shape of the pulverized product of the plant-derived material includes powdery, granular, needle-like, plate-like, or an aggregate thereof, etc., but from the viewpoints of moldability and handling, the shape is preferably powdery. The content of the pulverized product of the plant-derived material in the present embodiment is preferably 70.0% by mass or more from the viewpoints of the sustainability of the deodorizing effect and the expression of the aroma peculiar to the plant-derived material.

[0076] As the synthetic resin, from the viewpoint of enhancing the shape retention of the granular material, a thermoplastic resin is preferably used. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyamides, vinyl resins such as polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene, acrylic resins such as polyacrylic acid and polymethyl methacrylate, ethylene-propylene copolymers, polyvinyl acetate, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), polyvinyl alcohol, and the like. These synthetic resins may be used alone or in combination. From the viewpoint of enhancing the miscibility with the pulverized material of plant origin, it is preferable to use at least one of polypropylene and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. From the viewpoint of enhancing the shape retention of the granular material, the content of the synthetic resin is preferably 1.0% by mass or more.

[0077] Examples of the water-insoluble inorganic substance include metal oxides and metal hydroxides, such as calcium carbonate, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, aluminum oxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, and the like. These can be used alone or in plurality. Among them, the water-insoluble inorganic substance preferably contains at least one of zinc oxide and titanium oxide. By containing the water-insoluble inorganic substance, the deodorizing effect of excrement can be enhanced. The shape of the water-insoluble inorganic substance can be granular, needle-like, plate-like, columnar, massive, or a combination thereof. Also, it may be crystalline or amorphous. From the viewpoint of handleability, the shape of the water-insoluble inorganic substance is preferably granular. The content of the water-insoluble inorganic substance is preferably 0.1% by mass or more.

[0078] Next, a method for manufacturing the toilet sand 10 according to another embodiment will be described. (1) Mixing step First, a pulverized product of a plant-derived material, a synthetic resin, and a water-insoluble inorganic substance are sufficiently mixed at a predetermined ratio to prepare a mixture. However, the synthetic resin may be mixed as a solid such as powder or granules, or may be mixed in a pre-melted state. The mixing step can be performed using a mixer such as a paddle mixer. (2) Forming step Next, granules are formed using the obtained mixture. For example, using various extrusion molding machines such as a pelletizer or an extruder, the obtained mixture is formed into granules having a predetermined size and shape. Thereby, a second granule is produced. (3) Sieving step From the second granules, granules of different sizes are removed by a sieving step using a sieve with a predetermined mesh width, and a first granule having a predetermined size, that is, granule 10a is obtained. In this way, toilet sand 10 is manufactured.

[0079] Here, up to the above (1) mixing step to (2) forming step, it can be called a forming step for forming a second granule (having the same composition as the first granule but a different particle size (particle length) distribution). Also, the above (3) sieving step can be called an obtaining step for obtaining the first granule (granule 10a).

Example

[0080] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically by exemplifying examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited only to these examples.

[0081] (A) Samples (A-1) Examples 1, 3, Comparative Example 2 (1) Mixing step 75 parts by mass of zeolite, 20 parts by mass of cement, and 5 parts by mass of silica gel were mixed, and further 40 parts by mass of water was added, and the mixture was stirred and mixed with a Redge mixer. (2) Granulation step The stirred and mixed mixture was compressed and granulated using a disk pelletizer (manufactured by Dalton Co., Ltd.). The opening dimension of the disk outlet was 3.5 mm in diameter (Example 1), 5.5 mm (Example 3, Comparative Example 2), the disk thickness was 35 mm, and the effective length was 12 mm. The obtained base material was cylindrical with a particle size of 3.5 mm (Example 1), 5.5 mm (Example 3, Comparative Example 2), and a particle length of 25 mm. (3) Curing process The obtained base material was left at room temperature of 20 degrees for 72 hours to allow the cement to solidify and so on to proceed. (4) Drying process The base material that had undergone the curing process was dried using a rotary kiln dryer until the final moisture content reached 10% or less. In the drying process, shrinkage occurred in some of the granular materials and breakage occurred in some. As a result, the base material obtained after the drying process had a particle size of 3.5 mm (Example 1), 5.5 mm (Example 3, Comparative Example 2), and an average particle length of 9 mm. (5) Coating process EVA was used as the water stop agent. A dispersion in which this water stop material was dispersed in water with a mass 10 times that of the water stop material was applied at 5% by mass based on the mass of the base material. The application was carried out by spraying the dispersion of the water stop agent while stirring and mixing the base material when the base material obtained after the drying process was at a high temperature (100 °C). (6) Sieving process The obtained granular materials were first sieved with a sieve having an aperture of 10 mm × 10 mm to remove granular materials larger than a predetermined size. Then, corresponding to each of Example 1, Example 3, and Comparative Example 2, the aperture was gradually reduced to gradually remove granular materials smaller than a predetermined size. And granular materials of a size within a predetermined range were obtained. In this way, the toilet sands of Example 1, Example 3, and Comparative Example 2 were obtained.

[0082] (A-2) Example 2, Comparative Example 1 (1) Mixing process 80 parts by mass of wood powder as a pulverized product of a plant-derived material, 10 parts by mass of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer as a synthetic resin, and 1 part by mass of calcium carbonate as a water-insoluble inorganic substance were stirred and mixed using a Lodige mixer. (2) Molding process The stirred and mixed mixture was formed into granules using a die with an extrusion hole diameter of 3.5 mm (Example 2), 6.0 mm (Comparative Example 1), and a thickness of 40 mm, and a pelletizer (manufactured by Dalton Co., Ltd.). The obtained granules were columnar, with a particle diameter of 3.5 mm (Example 2), 6.0 mm (Comparative Example 1), and a columnar shape with an average particle length of 10 mm. (3) Sieving step The obtained granules were first sieved with a sieve having a mesh size of 10 mm × 10 mm to remove granules larger than a predetermined size. Then, corresponding to each of Example 2 and Comparative Example 1, the mesh size was gradually reduced to gradually remove granules smaller than a predetermined size. And granules with a size within a predetermined range were obtained. In this way, the toilet sand of Example 2 and Comparative Example 1 was obtained.

[0083] (B) Evaluation Regarding at least one of Examples 1 to 3 and at least one of Comparative Examples 1 to 2, the particle diameter, particle length, and mass of the granules, as well as their number distribution, cat's habituation, apparent specific gravity, porosity, angle of repose, water absorption ratio, and disintegration were evaluated. The respective measurement methods (calculation methods) are as described above.

[0084] (C) Results (C-1) Number distribution of particle length For the granules of Examples 1, 2, 3, Comparative Examples 1, 2, since the particle diameters were approximately constant at 3.5 mm, 3.5 mm, 5.5 mm, 3.5 mm, and 5.5 mm respectively, only the number distribution of the particle length was evaluated (the number distribution of the particle diameter was not evaluated). As a result, the proportion (number %) of granules with a particle length less than 3.2 mm was 0.57%, 5.16%, and 0.60% in Examples 1 to 3 respectively, which were 6% or less. On the other hand, in Comparative Examples 1 to 2, they were 8.18% and 13.0% respectively, exceeding 6%. Also, the proportion (number %) of granules with a particle length of 3.5 to 10 mm was 98.6%, 94.8%, and 87.4% in Examples 1 to 3 respectively, which were 85% or more. On the other hand, in Comparative Examples 1 to 2, they were 79.3% and 75.1% respectively, below 85%.

[0085] (C-2) Clogging For the granular materials of Examples 1, 2, 3, and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, clogging was evaluated. As a result, in all of Examples 1, 2, and 3, the number was 1 (less than 5), indicating that it was difficult to fit into the holes (difficult to clog), while in both Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the number was 5 (5 or more), indicating that it was easy to fit into the holes (easy to clog).

[0086] (C-3) Inertia of Cats The inertia of cats with respect to toilet sand was compared between Example 1 and Comparative Example 2. Two cats excreted a total of 32 times (17 times and 15 times) in four days. Among them, 26 excretions (81%) were made with the toilet sand of Example 1, and 6 excretions (19%) were made with the toilet sand of Comparative Example 2. Therefore, it was found that the toilet sand of Example 1 had high inertia (〇), and the toilet sand of Comparative Example 2 had low inertia (×). Also, the inertia of cats was compared between Example 3 and Comparative Example 1. Two cats excreted a total of 18 times (8 times and 10 times) in four days. Among them, 11 excretions (61%) were made with the toilet sand of Example 3, and 7 excretions (39%) were made with the toilet sand of Comparative Example 1. Therefore, it was found that the toilet sand of Example 3 had high inertia (〇), and the toilet sand of Comparative Example 1 had low inertia (×). Also, the inertia of cats was compared between Example 2 and Comparative Example 2. Two cats excreted a total of 26 times (19 times and 7 times) in four days. Among them, 19 excretions (73%) were made with the toilet sand of Example 2, and 7 excretions (27%) were made with the toilet sand of Comparative Example 2. Therefore, it was found that the toilet sand of Example 2 had high inertia (〇), and the toilet sand of Comparative Example 1 had low inertia (×).

[0087] (C-4) Parenthesis 1 The results so far are shown in Table 1.

Table 1

[0088] (C-5) Apparent Specific Gravity For Examples 1, 2, 3, and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the apparent specific gravity of the granular material was determined. As a result, they were 1.28 g / cm 3 , 1.06 g / cm 3 , 1.28 g / cm 3 , 0.95 g / cm 3 , 1.26 g / cm 3 respectively, and for at least Examples 1 to 3, they were 1.00 to 1.50 g / cm 3 .

[0089] (C-6) Mass per particle For Examples 1, 2, 3, and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the ratio (number) of granular materials with a mass per particle of 0.065 g or more was determined. As a result, they were 78.8%, 57.0%, 100%, 40.2%, and 97.9% respectively, and for at least Examples 1 to 3, the ratio (number) of granular materials with a mass per particle of 0.065 g or more was 55% or more. For Examples 1, 2, 3, and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the ratio (number) of granular materials with a mass per particle of 0.060 to 0.10 g was determined. As a result, they were 74.4%, 66.9%, 8.39%, 54.3%, and 0.57% respectively, and for at least Examples 1 and 2, the ratio (number) of granular materials with a mass per particle of 0.060 to 0.10 g was 60% or more. Also, for Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, the average mass per particle was determined. As a result, they were 0.090 g and 0.079 g respectively, and for at least Example 1, the average mass per particle was 0.080 g or more.

[0090] (C-7) Void ratio For Examples 1, 2, 3, and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the void ratio was determined. As a result, they were 40.6% by volume, 40.7% by volume, 44.9% by volume, 43.7% by volume, and 44.9% by volume respectively, and for at least Examples 1 to 3, the void ratio was 45% by volume or less.

[0091] (C-8) Angle of repose For Examples 1, 2, and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the angle of repose was determined. As a result, they were 44 degrees, 47 degrees, 41 degrees, 35 degrees, and 39 degrees respectively. For at least Examples 1 to 3, the angle of repose was 50 degrees or less and was between 40 and 48 degrees.

[0092] (C-9) Water absorption ratio For Examples 1, 2, and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the water absorption ratio was determined. As a result, they were 123%, 157%, 121%, 160%, and 121% respectively. For at least Examples 1 to 3, the water absorption ratio was less than 160%.

[0093] (C-10) Disintegration property For Examples 1, 2, and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the disintegration property was determined. As a result, they were 0 mL, 0.1 mL, 0%, 0.5 mL, and 0 mL respectively. For at least Examples 1 to 3, the disintegration property was less than 0.5 mL.

[0094] (C-11) Parentheses 2 The results so far are shown in Table 2.

Table 2

[0095] The toilet sand for a system toilet and the method for manufacturing the toilet sand for a system toilet of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately changed or combined with known technologies within the scope not departing from the object and gist of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

[0096] 1 System toilet 10 Toilet sand for a system toilet 10a Granular material

Claims

1. A system toilet litter containing a plurality of granular materials, the system toilet litter comprising: Each of the plurality of granular objects has a particle size of 6.0 mm or less; Among the plurality of granular objects, the proportion of granular objects having a particle size or a particle length that is smaller than 3.2 mm is 6% or less. Toilet sand for system toilets.

2. Among the plurality of granular objects, the proportion of granular objects having a grain length of 3.5 to 10 mm is 85% or more; The litter for use in a system toilet according to claim 1.

3. The apparent specific gravity of the plurality of granules is 1.00 to 1.50 g / cm ３ That is, 3. Litter for a system toilet according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Among the plurality of granules, the proportion of granules having a mass of 0.065 g or more per granule is 55% or more. The litter for use in a system litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The void ratio between the granules in the plurality of granules is 45% by volume or less. Litter for a system toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The angle of repose of the plurality of granular materials is 50 degrees or less. Litter for a system toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the plurality of particles includes an odor adsorbing material; 7. Litter for a system toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The odor adsorbing material comprises an inorganic porous material; The litter for use in a system toilet according to claim 7.

9. The water absorption capacity of the plurality of granular materials is less than 160%. Litter for a system toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The disintegration rate of each of the plurality of granules is less than 0.5 mL. Litter for a system toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A system toilet kit comprising: a system toilet; the litter for the system toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 10; and an excrement disposal sheet.

12. A method for producing litter for a system toilet, the litter comprising a plurality of first granular objects, the method comprising: forming a plurality of second granules; an obtaining step of removing second granular objects of a predetermined size from the plurality of second granular objects to obtain the plurality of first granular objects; Equipped with The particle size of each of the plurality of first granular objects is 6.0 mm or less, and the proportion of granular objects having a smaller particle size or particle length of less than 3.2 mm among the plurality of first granular objects is 6% or less. Manufacturing method.

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