Litter for system toilet and method for producing 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 litter for use in system toilets and a method for producing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] A system toilet is known as a toilet for animals such as cats and dogs. In the system toilet, system toilet sand (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 contains a plurality of granular materials. Each of the plurality of granular materials includes a core portion including 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 made of a water-stopping material that has water absorption and is viscous in a water-absorbing state. The animal system toilet includes an upper container having a plurality of holes on the bottom surface and in which animal toilet sand is laid, and a lower container in which a liquid-absorbing member is laid. Of these, the bottom surface portion of the upper container having a plurality of holes (through holes) has a portion formed in a grate shape, and therefore, hereinafter, the grate-shaped portion is also referred to as the grate portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-100310 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is known that cats are originally creatures that live in the desert. The inventor's research has revealed for the first time that cats can naturally excrete on sand or on sand-like materials with small grains, which is a remnant of their past life on sand, but if the grains are large, they do not want to excrete on the sand-like material, probably because they recognize them as stones or rocks rather than sand and feel uncomfortable.

[0005] Therefore, if the grain size of the litter in a system litter box is large, the cat may not enter the system litter box, or may not excrete even if it does enter the box. This may result in problems such as damage to the cat's health or the cat may excrete in unexpected places, resulting in additional cleaning burden for the owner.

[0006] On the other hand, in more than 95% of system toilets widely available on the market, the opening width of each of the multiple holes in the slatted area is 2.3 to 2.7 mm. Therefore, if the size of the litter particles is small, the litter may get stuck in the holes and cause clogging, or may fall downward from the holes. If the litter becomes clogged, problems may occur, such as urine accumulating in the slatted area or old litter stuck in the slatted area becoming difficult to remove when cleaning the system toilet. Furthermore, if the litter falls downward from the holes, the litter may not be able to perform its original function.

[0007] In this way, if the grains of the litter are too large, there is a risk that the cat will not excrete in the system litter box, and if the grains of the litter are too small, there is a risk that the litter will clog the multiple holes in the slats of the system litter box.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide litter that allows cats to easily excrete in a system litter box while preventing the litter from clogging the multiple holes in the slats of the system litter box, and a method for manufacturing the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is system toilet sand for use in a system toilet, comprising a plurality of granular objects, each of which has a particle size of 6.0 mm or less, and the proportion of granular objects among the plurality of granular objects, either the particle size or the particle length of which is less than 3.2 mm, is 6% or less.

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

[0011] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a manufacturing method for system toilet sand for use in a system toilet, the method comprising: a forming step of forming a plurality of second granules; and an obtaining step of removing second granules of a predetermined size from the plurality of second granules to obtain the plurality of first granules, wherein each of the plurality of first granules has a particle size of 6.0 mm or less, and the proportion of granules among the plurality of first granules, either the particle size or the particle length of which is smaller than 3.2 mm, is 6% or less. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide litter and a manufacturing method thereof that allows cats to easily excrete in a system litter box and prevents the litter from clogging the multiple holes in the slats of the system litter box. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a system toilet that uses litter box litter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the upper container of the system toilet of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a partial plan view showing the configuration of the bottom surface of the upper container in FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of granular material of litter according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The present embodiment relates to the following aspects. [Aspect 1] Litter for a system toilet, comprising a plurality of granular objects, each of which has a particle size of 6.0 mm or less, and the proportion of granular objects among the plurality of granular objects, either the particle size or the particle length of which is less than 3.2 mm, is 6% or less.

[0015] According to the inventor's study, cats can naturally excrete on sand or on sand-like surfaces with small grains, so they are accustomed to excreting on sand or on sand-like surfaces with small grains (hereinafter, also referred to as "high habituation"). However, cats do not like to excrete on sand-like surfaces with large grains, so they are not accustomed to excreting on sand-like surfaces with large grains (hereinafter, also referred to as "low habituation"). Therefore, in the litter for the system litter box of the present invention, the particle size of each of the plurality of granular objects is adjusted to 6.0 mm or less, so that the size is easily accustomed to the cat. As a result, in the system litter box using the litter for the system litter box of the present invention, it is possible to make it easier for the cat to excrete. At the same time, in the litter for the system litter box of the present invention, the ratio of small granular objects, in which either the particle size or the particle length is less than 3.2 mm, among the plurality of granular objects is reduced to 6% or less (however, by number %). Therefore, the size of each of the plurality of granular objects is generally larger than the size of each of the plurality of holes (through holes) in the lattice part of the litter box of the system litter box (e.g., opening width: 2.3 to 2.7 mm). As a result, in the system litter box using the litter for the system litter box of the present invention, it is possible to make it difficult for the litter for the system litter box of the present invention to get stuck in the plurality of holes in the lattice part. Therefore, it is possible to make the cat excrete appropriately in the system litter box, and to prevent the litter for the system litter box of the system litter box from clogging the plurality of holes in the lattice part of the system litter box of the system litter box.

[0016] [Aspect 2] Litter for the system litter box according to aspect 1, wherein the proportion of granules having a granule length of 3.5 to 10 mm is 85% or more among the plurality of granules. In the litter sand for the system litter box of this invention, the size of the granular objects is generally (85% or more by number) 10 mm or less. In other words, the granular objects contain almost no large granular objects and are of a size that is easily accustomed to by cats. This makes it easier for cats to excrete in a system litter box using the litter sand for the system litter box of this invention. At the same time, the size of the granular objects is generally (85% or more) 3.5 mm or more. In other words, the granular objects contain almost no small granular objects and are larger than the multiple holes in the grate portion of the system litter box of this invention. This makes it more difficult for the litter sand for the system litter box of this invention to get stuck in the multiple holes in the grate portion of the system litter box of this invention.

[0017] [Aspect 3] The apparent specific gravity of the plurality of granules is 1.00 to 1.50 g / cm 3 The litter for a system litter box according to Aspect 1 or 2, In the toilet sand for this system toilet, the apparent specific gravity of the multiple granules is 1.00 to 1.50 g / cm 3 This is close to the apparent specific gravity of sand, and is a value with which cats are highly accustomed. As a result, it is possible to make it easier for cats to excrete in a system litter box using this system litter box. In addition, because the apparent specific gravity is high, the system litter box litter is less likely to scatter outside the system litter box. This allows cats to excrete properly in the system litter box, and the area around the system litter box can be kept hygienic.

[0018] [Aspect 4] Litter for the system litter box according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3, wherein the proportion of granules having a mass per granule of 0.065 g or more among the plurality of granules is 55% or more. In the present system litter, the proportion of granules with a mass of 0.065 g or more per particle is increased to 55% or more (number %) among the multiple granules, bringing the mass of the granules closer to the mass of sand, making it more familiar to cats. This makes it easier for cats to excrete in the system litter box using the present system litter. In addition, because the mass per particle is large, the present system litter is less likely to scatter outside the system litter box. This allows cats to excrete properly in the system litter box, and the area around the system litter box can be kept hygienic.

[0019] [Aspect 5] Litter for the system litter box according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the void ratio between the granules in the plurality of granules is 45% by volume or less. In the present system litter, the gap ratio between the multiple granules is set to 45% or less by volume. By making the gaps smaller, the sinking of the system litter when a cat steps on the system litter is reduced, making the feel closer to that of sand, and making the litter more familiar to the cat. This makes it easier for cats to excrete in the system litter using the system litter. In addition, by making the gaps smaller, the multiple granules are less likely to move around each other, so it is possible to prevent the granules from moving around each other and filling the gaps, which would prevent urine from passing through the gaps and moving downward. This prevents excrement from accumulating between the granules, which would cause a strong urine or feces odor.

[0020] [Aspect 6] Aspect 6. Litter for the system litter box according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the angle of repose of the plurality of granules is 50 degrees or less. In the present system litter, the angle of repose of the multiple granular materials is set to 50 degrees or less, which reduces the sinking of the litter when a cat steps on the system litter, making the litter feel closer to that of sand and making it more familiar to the cat. This makes it easier for cats to excrete in the system litter using the present system litter. Furthermore, by making the angle of repose smaller, the granular materials can easily cover the entire stool, preventing the stool odor from dispersing.

[0021] [Aspect 7] Aspect 7. The system litter for a litter box according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of granules comprises an odor adsorbing material. In this system litter box litter, the multiple granules contain odor-absorbing materials, which suppress the spread of urine and feces odors, and even after long-term use, the litter box remains close to its original state, free of excrement and odor, and maintains a highly familiar state for cats. This makes it easier for cats to excrete in system litter boxes that use this system litter box litter.

[0022] [Aspect 8] 8. The system litter of claim 7, wherein the odor adsorbing material comprises an inorganic porous material. In the system litter of this system litter box, the odor adsorption material contains an inorganic porous material, which makes the composition of the granules closer to the composition of sand, making it more familiar to cats. This makes it easier for cats to excrete in the system litter box using this system litter box.

[0023] [Aspect 9] Aspect 9. Litter for the system litter box according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the water absorption capacity of the plurality of granules is less than 160%. In the present system litter, the water absorption ratio of the multiple granules is set to less than 160%, which prevents the granules from absorbing urine and swelling, and prevents them from deviating from the state of the sand, allowing the cat to maintain a high level of familiarity with the litter. This makes it easier for cats to excrete in the system litter box using the present system litter. In addition, by setting the water absorption ratio low, even if the present system litter box litter is used for a long period of time, the granules will retain urine, preventing the urine from producing bad odors or harmful substances due to the influence of microorganisms.

[0024] [Aspect 10] Litter for a system litter box according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the disintegration rate of each of the plurality of granules is less than 0.5 mL. In this system toilet sand, the disintegration property of each of the multiple granules is set to less than 0.5 mL, making it difficult for the granules to disintegrate after absorbing urine and preventing the granules from disintegrating and getting stuck in the multiple holes in the toilet slats of the system toilet.

[0025] [Aspect 11] A system toilet kit comprising: a system toilet; litter for the system toilet according to any one of aspects 1 to 10; and an excrement disposal sheet. In the system toilet obtained by assembling this system toilet kit, the system toilet sand described in any one of aspects 1 to 10 above is laid down, so that the above-mentioned functional effects that the system toilet sand can exert can be achieved.

[0026] [Aspect 12] A manufacturing method for system toilet sand for use in a system toilet, the method comprising: a forming step of forming a plurality of second granular objects; and 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, wherein each of the plurality of first granular objects has a particle size of 6.0 mm or less, and the proportion of granular objects among the plurality of first granular objects that have either a particle size or a particle length that is smaller than 3.2 mm is 6% or less. The litter sand for the system litter box manufactured by the method for manufacturing litter sand for the system litter box used in the present system litter box can achieve the same effects as the litter sand for the system litter box described in aspect 1 above.

[0027] Hereinafter, litter for use in a system litter box (hereinafter simply referred to as "litter") according to an embodiment of the present invention and a method for producing the same will be described.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a system toilet 1 using litter according to an embodiment. The system toilet 1 includes an upper container 4 having a plurality of holes on the bottom surface thereof, on which litter 10 is laid, and a lower container 6 arranged below the upper container 4 and on which an excrement disposal sheet 20 is arranged. The bottom surface of the upper container 4 has a porous structure or a mesh structure having a plurality of holes (through holes). This structure has a function of permeating (draining) liquid excrement (e.g. urine), that is, a function of a grate (a grate), so that the bottom surface is also referred to as a grate portion below. The configuration of the bottom surface, i.e., the grate portion, will be described later. In this embodiment, the system toilet 1 further includes a cover 2 arranged above the upper container 4, which limits the entrance and exit of animals and suppresses scattering of excrement and litter 10.

[0029] The system toilet 1 is configured so that liquid waste (e.g. urine) excreted from an animal (e.g. cat) passes through the litter 10 without being absorbed much by the litter 10, and is absorbed and held by the excrement treatment sheet 20 located below the litter 10. Therefore, immediately after an animal excretes, the excrement and its odor are absorbed by the excrement treatment sheet 20, suppressing the odor, and the litter 10 can suppress the odor from spreading. Furthermore, in the system toilet 1, the litter 10 does not absorb the excrement and form clumps, so the frequency of replacing the litter 10 can be reduced compared to litter made of conventional absorbent granules. Furthermore, even if the animal scratches the sand after excreting, the excrement is less likely to stick to the animal's feet. Furthermore, in the system toilet 1, the bottom surface of the upper container 4 on which the litter 10 is laid is positioned away from the excrement treatment sheet 20. This has the advantage that even if an animal stands on the litter 10 after excreting, the excrement treatment sheet 20 is not subjected to the load of the animal's weight, and excrement absorbed by the excrement treatment sheet 20 is less likely to flow back.

[0030] The system toilet 1, litter sand 10, and excrement disposal sheet 20 can also be bundled together to form a system toilet kit that includes these. In the system toilet 1 obtained by assembling this system toilet kit, the litter sand 10 is laid out, and therefore the effects that can be exerted by the litter sand 10, which will be described later, can be exerted.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of the upper container 4 of the system toilet 1 of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a partial plan view showing the configuration of the bottom portion 40 (slat portion) of the upper container 4 of FIG. 2. The bottom portion 40 includes a base 42 and a plurality of holes 41 provided in the base 42. In this embodiment, the base 42 has a shape of a substantially rectangular thin plate in a plan view. In a plan view, the holes 41 have a shape of a rectangle (long side (length) b × short side (width) a; the short side is a semicircular arc) that is long in the vertical direction. In this 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 holes 41 are arranged in a lattice shape in the base 42 at intervals c1 in the horizontal direction and intervals c2 in the vertical direction in a plan view. In this embodiment, the bottom portion 40 is a slat portion formed in a slat shape having a plurality of holes 41. However, the shape of the base 42 in a plan view is not limited to this example, and may be other shapes (for example, a circle, an ellipse, a polygon). The shape of the hole 41 in a plan view is not limited to this example, and may be other shapes (for example, a circle, an ellipse, a diamond). The arrangement of the multiple holes 41 in a plan view is not limited to this example, and may be other arrangements (for example, a staggered arrangement).

[0032] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a granular material 10a of the litter 10 according to the embodiment. The litter 10 includes a plurality of granular materials 10a. In this embodiment, the granular material 10a has a cylindrical shape (particle diameter D at the bottom surface × grain length L). However, the granular material 10a may not strictly have a cylindrical shape because the side or bottom surface may be deformed, for example, broken at the broken line 10x shown by the broken line, due to impact during production or transportation. In such a case, the shape of the granular material 10a is considered to be a cylindrical shape that can contain the granular material 10a in a minimum volume. However, the shape of the granular material 10a is not limited to this example, and may be other shapes (for example, a sphere, an ellipsoid, a polyhedron). Even in this case, the following description of the granular material 10a may be applied by considering the shape of the granular material 10a as a cylindrical shape that can contain the granular material 10a in a minimum volume.

[0033] Each of the plurality of granular materials 10a has a particle diameter D of 6.0 mm or less. Among the plurality of granular materials 10a, the proportion (number) of granular materials having either a particle diameter D or a particle length L, whichever is smaller, of less than 3.2 mm is 6% or less.

[0034] According to the inventor's study, cats can naturally excrete on sand or on sand-like materials with small grains, so they are accustomed to excreting on sand or on sand-like materials with small grains (hereinafter, also referred to as "high habituation"). However, cats do not like to excrete on sand-like materials with large grains, so they are not accustomed to excreting on sand-like materials with large grains (hereinafter, also referred to as "low habituation"). Therefore, in the litter box 10 for the system litter box, the particle size of each of the multiple granular materials 10a is made small, at 6.0 mm or less, so that the size is highly accustomed to cats. This makes it easier for cats to excrete in the system litter box 1 using the litter box 10. It is considered that cats judge habituation based on the feel of their feet, the smell, etc.

[0035] On the other hand, according to the inventor's research, when the width of the hole in the lattice part is 2.3 to 2.7 mm, it has been found that by making the smaller of the particle diameter or particle length 3.2 mm or more (at least about 115% of the hole width), it is possible to prevent the granular material from getting stuck in the hole or falling out of the hole. Therefore, in the litter 10, the ratio of the granular material 10a having the smaller of the particle diameter D or particle length L of less than 3.2 mm is reduced to 6 (number) % or less. In other words, the size of most of the granular material 10a is made larger than the size of each of the holes 41 in the bottom part 40 (lattice part) of the system toilet 1. As a result, in the system toilet 1 using the litter 10, it is possible to make it difficult for the granular material 10a of the litter 10 to get stuck in the holes 41 in the lattice part (bottom part 40). In this way, the litter 10 allows cats to properly excrete in the system litter box 1, and also prevents the litter 10 from clogging the holes 41 in the slatted part (bottom part 40) of the system litter box 1.

[0036] From the viewpoint of obtaining the above-mentioned effect, the proportion (number) of granules 10a having either a particle diameter D or a particle length L, whichever is smaller, less than 3.2 mm among the plurality of granules 10a is preferably 3% or less, and more preferably 1% or less.

[0037] The proportion (number) of granules 10a in which the larger of particle diameter D or particle length L is less than 3.5 mm may be preferably 6% or less, and preferably 3% or less. In this way, the smaller the proportion of the number of granules in which the larger of particle diameter D or particle length L is less than 3.5 mm, the larger the size of each of the majority of the granules 10a can be made larger than the size (width a: 2.3 to 2.7 mm) of the holes 41 in the bottom surface portion 40. This makes it possible to prevent the litter 10 from clogging the holes 41.

[0038] Furthermore, the proportion (number) of granules 10a in which the larger of particle diameter D or particle length L is less than 3.2 mm may be 6% or less (preferably 3% or less). In this way, the smaller the proportion of the number of granules in which the larger of particle diameter D or particle length L is less than 3.2 mm, the larger the size of each of the majority of the granules 10a can be made larger than the size of the holes 41 in the bottom surface portion 40, and the more likely it is that the litter 10 will clog the holes 41.

[0039] The method for measuring (calculating) the number distribution of particle lengths of the granular materials of the litter is as follows: In this embodiment, the granular materials are cylindrical with roughly the same diameter, so the number distribution of particle diameters is not measured. <Number distribution of grain length> (1) The particle size (diameter) of each of the granular objects to be evaluated is measured using a vernier caliper, and the average value per 100 granular objects is regarded as the average particle size of the granular objects. (2) Place multiple granular objects to be evaluated on the scanner so that the granular objects do not come into contact with each other. Since the granular objects are cylindrical, they are placed on their sides. (3) Scan images of multiple particles are captured. (4) The scanned image is binarized using software, and continuous areas are treated as single granules, and the area of ​​each granule when laid on its side is calculated. (5) Using the software, calculate the grain length for each grain using the average grain size obtained in (1) above as the grain size, where the grain length is the length at the center of the grain size. (6) Based on the particle length of each of the obtained granular materials, the particle length is classified into classes, for example, with classes set every 0.5 mm (for example: 0-0.5 mm, 0.5-1.0 mm, ...). However, there is no particular limit to the scanner, and examples thereof include a general printer. There is no particular limit to the software, and examples thereof include the free software "ImageJ."

[0040] The method for measuring clogging of holes in the grate portion of the litter granules is as follows. <Clogging> (1) A cylindrical container with an inner diameter of 100 mm and a height of 30 mm is placed on a thin plate member having a lattice portion in which 2.7 mm x 8 mm rectangular holes (through holes) are arranged in a grid pattern at 2 mm intervals, so that it does not protrude from the lattice portion of the thin plate member when viewed in a plane. (2) Several granular materials to be evaluated (particle length 6 mm or less) are laid out on a thin plate member inside a cylindrical container to a thickness of 2 cm. (3) The thin plate member on which the granular material and the cylindrical container are placed is placed in a sieve shaker and shaken under the conditions of a shaking width of 1.8 mm, a shaking speed of 60 Hz, and a shaking time of 1 minute. The sieve shaker used is AS-200 manufactured by Retsch. (4) After shaking is complete, the thin plate member is removed from the sieve shaker and tilted approximately 90 degrees on the pad to check the number, particle size, and particle length of the granules remaining stuck in the holes of the thin plate member. If the number of granules remaining stuck in the holes is 5 or more, the granules being evaluated are judged to be easily stuck in the holes (easily clogged), and if the number is less than 5, the granules being evaluated are judged to be difficult to get stuck in the holes (difficult to clog).

[0041] The method for measuring a cat's habituation to litter granules is as follows. <Cat habituation> (1) Prepare two identical system toilets, A and B. Lay the litter A of the present invention in system toilet A, and lay the litter B for comparison in system toilet B. (2) On the first and second of the four measurement days, system toilet A is placed in a relatively front position in the excretion room, and system toilet B is placed in a relatively back position. On the third and fourth days, the positions are reversed, that is, system toilet B is placed in a relatively front position in the excretion room, and system toilet A is placed in a relatively back position. (3) In the measurement, the excretion behavior of two cats is filmed, and the filmed images are used to confirm which system litter box the two cats used. If the cats used a specific litter box in more than 60% of their multiple excretions, it is determined that the cat was familiar with that litter box.

[0042] Of the plurality of granules 10a, the proportion (number) of granules 10a having a granule length L of 3.5 to 10 mm is preferably 85% or more, more preferably 90% or more, and even more preferably 95% or more.

[0043] Thus, the grain length L of most (85% or more) of the granular materials 10a is 10 mm or less. That is, the granular materials 10a contain almost no granular materials that are too large, and therefore have a size that is easily accustomed to by cats. As a result, in the system litter box 1 using the litter litter 10, it is possible to make it easier for cats to excrete. At the same time, the grain length L of most (85% or more) of the granular materials 10a is 3.5 mm or more. That is, the granular materials 10a contain almost no granular materials that are too small, and therefore are larger than the holes 41 in the lattice part of the system litter box 1. As a result, in the system litter box 1 using the litter litter 10, it is possible to make it more difficult for the litter litter 1 to get stuck in the holes 41 in the lattice part, and thus to suppress clogging.

[0044] From a similar viewpoint, the proportion (number) of granules 10a having a grain length L of 3.5 to 7.5 mm is preferably 75% or more, the proportion (number) of granules 10a having a grain length L of 3.5 to 6.5 mm is preferably 50% or more, and the proportion (number) of granules 10a having a grain length L of 6.5 mm or less is preferably 50% or more.

[0045] Of the plurality of granules 10a, the proportion (number) of granules 10a having a particle diameter D of 3.2 to 5.0 mm is preferably 85% or more, more preferably 90% or more, and even more preferably 95% or more.

[0046] Thus, the particle size D of most (85% or more) of the granular materials 10a is 5.0 mm or less. In other words, the granular materials 10a contain almost no granular materials that are too large, and therefore have a size that is highly familiar to cats. As a result, in the system litter box 1 using the litter litter 10, it is possible to make it easier for cats to excrete. At the same time, the particle size D of most (85% or more) of the granular materials 10a is 3.2 mm or more. In other words, the granular materials 10a contain almost no granular materials that are too small, and therefore are larger than the holes 41 in the slatted portion of the system litter box 1. As a result, in the system litter box 1 using the litter litter 10, it is possible to make it more difficult for the litter litter 1 to get stuck in the holes 41 in the slatted portion, and to suppress clogging.

[0047] The apparent specific gravity of the plurality of granular materials 10a is preferably 1.00 to 1.50 g / cm 3 and more preferably 1.00 to 1.30 g / cm 3 , more preferably 1.10 to 1.30 g / cm 3 It is.

[0048] In this way, the apparent specific gravity of the plurality of granular materials 10a (toilet sand 10) is 1.00 to 1.50 g / cm 3This is close to the apparent specific gravity of litter that cats are familiar with. This makes it easier for cats to excrete in the system litter box 1 using the litter box litter 10. At that time, because the litter box litter 10 has a high apparent specific gravity, it is less likely for the litter box litter 10 to scatter outside the system litter box 1. This allows cats to excrete properly in the system litter box 1, and the area around the system litter box 1 can be kept hygienic.

[0049] The method for calculating the apparent specific gravity of granular toilet sand is as follows. <Apparent specific gravity> (1) Using a vernier caliper, measure the particle size (diameter) of 100 granules one by one, and record the average value per 100 granules as the particle size. (2) Using a vernier caliper, measure the longest length of each of the 100 granules in the direction perpendicular to the particle size (diameter). (3) Using a mass measuring device, measure the mass of each of the 100 granular objects. (4) Based on the measured particle size, particle length and mass of the granular material, calculate the apparent specific gravity using the following formula. Apparent specific gravity = (mass of granules) / [π·{(diameter of granules) / 2)} 2 · (Grain length of granules)] The calculated average apparent specific gravity of the 100 granules is taken as the final apparent specific gravity.

[0050] Of the plurality of granules 10a, the proportion (number) of granules having a mass of 0.065 g or more per granule is preferably 55% or more, more preferably 60% or more, and even more preferably 70% or more.

[0051] Thus, the mass per grain of most of the granules 10a (55% or more) is 0.065g or more, which is close to the mass of litter to which cats are accustomed. This makes it easier for cats to excrete in the system litter box 1 using the litter box litter 10. In addition, because the mass per grain is relatively large, the litter box litter 10 is less likely to scatter outside the system litter box 1. This allows cats to excrete appropriately in the system litter box 1, and the area around the system litter box 1 can be kept hygienic.

[0052] From the same viewpoint, the ratio (number) of granules having a mass of 0.060-0.10g per particle among the plurality of granules 10a is preferably 60% or more, more preferably 65% ​​or more, and even more preferably 70% or more. In particular, since the mass of each of the many granules 10a is 0.10g or less, it is not too large and is close to the mass of sand to which cats are accustomed, making it easier for cats to excrete.

[0053] From the same viewpoint, the average mass of each of the granules 10a is preferably 0.08 to 0.095 g, and more preferably 0.085 to 0.095 g, which is close to the mass of sand to which cats are accustomed, and which is heavy enough to prevent scattering outside the system litter box 1.

[0054] The method for measuring the number distribution of the mass of granular materials is as follows. <Mass distribution> (1) Using a vernier caliper, measure the particle size (diameter) of 100 granules one by one, and record the average value per 100 granules as the particle size. (2) Using a vernier caliper, measure the longest length of each of the granules in the direction perpendicular to the particle size (diameter). (3) The volume of each of the multiple granular objects is calculated from the measured particle size and length, and the volume is multiplied by the apparent specific gravity calculated in the <apparent specific gravity> above to calculate the mass of each of the multiple granular objects. (4) Based on the calculated masses of the multiple granular materials, the masses of the granular materials are classified into classes, for example, classes are set in increments of 0.005 g (e.g., 0-0.005 g, 0.005-0.010 g, ...).

[0055] The gap ratio between the granules 10a in the plurality of granules 10a is preferably 45% by volume or less. In this way, in the litter 10, by making the gap ratio between the granules 10a small to 45% by volume or less, the sinking of the cat when stepping on the litter 10 is reduced, making the feel closer to that of sand, and making the litter 10 highly familiar to the cat. This makes it easier for the cat to excrete in the system litter 1 using the litter 10. In addition, by making the gaps smaller, the plurality of granules 10a are less likely to move relative to each other, so that the granules do not move relative to each other and fill the gaps, preventing urine from passing through the gaps and moving downward. This prevents excrement from accumulating between the granules, resulting in a strong urine or feces odor.

[0056] The method for measuring the void ratio is as follows. <Gap rate> (1) Pour the wet granules into a measuring cylinder (Arrow 200 ml measuring cylinder (product number 6-231-07)) up to the 110 cc mark. (2) Fill the graduated cylinder with water up to the 100cc mark. (3) Pour the granular material and water in the measuring cylinder into a colander and measure the amount of water that falls through the colander. This volume is the void ratio (volume %).

[0057] The angle of repose of the granular materials 10a is preferably 50 degrees or less. In this way, in the litter 10, the angle of repose of the granular materials 10a is as small as 50 degrees or less, so that the cat does not sink into the litter 10 when it steps on it, and the feel of the litter 10 is close to that of sand, so that the cat can become accustomed to the litter 10. As a result, in the system litter 1 using the litter 10, it is possible to make the cat more easily excrete. Furthermore, by making the angle of repose small, the granular materials 10a can easily cover the entire feces, and the dispersion of the feces odor can be suppressed. From the same viewpoint, the angle of repose of the granular materials 10a is more preferably 40 to 48 degrees, and even more preferably 42 to 47 degrees. By setting the lower limit at 40 degrees or more, it is possible to suppress the sinking of the cat when it steps on the 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 granules. (2) The granules are dropped from a height of 4 cm onto the bottom (flat surface) of a stainless steel pad to form a pile of granules. (3) Measure the angle between the slope and the base of the granular material and use this as the angle of repose.

[0059] The water absorption ratio of the granular materials 10a is preferably less than 160%, more preferably less than 130%, and even more preferably less than 125%. In this way, in the litter 10, by lowering the water absorption ratio of the granular materials 10a to less than 160%, the granular materials 10a are prevented from absorbing urine and swelling, and are prevented from deviating from the state of sand, so that the litter 10 can maintain a state that is highly familiar to cats. This makes it easier for cats to excrete in the system litter 1 using the litter 10. In addition, by lowering the water absorption ratio, even if the litter 10 is used for a long period of time, the granular materials 10a retain urine, and the urine is prevented from producing bad odors and harmful substances due to the influence of microorganisms, etc.

[0060] The method for measuring the water absorption capacity is as follows. <Water absorption rate> (1) Place 100g (weight before absorbing water) of multiple granules in a container. (2) Pour water into the container so that the granules are fully submerged and leave it for 10 minutes. (3) Transfer multiple granules into a colander to drain the water, then scatter them evenly on the pet sheet, wipe the surface, and leave it for 5 minutes. (4) After leaving it to stand, measure the weight (weight after water absorption). (5) Calculate the water absorption capacity (%) using the following formula. Water absorption rate (%) = (weight after water absorption) / (weight before water absorption) × 100

[0061] The disintegrability of each of the 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. In this way, by reducing the disintegrability of each of the granular materials 10a in the litter 10 to less than 0.5 mL, the granular materials 10a are less likely to disintegrate after absorbing urine. This prevents the granular materials 10a from disintegrating and becoming stuck in the holes 41 in the grate portion of the litter box 1.

[0062] The method for measuring the disintegrability is as follows. <Collapseability> (1) Prepare granular litter with an initial mass of 100 g and place it in a container. However, granular material must not pass through a sieve with 2 mm openings. (2) Pour water into the container so that the granules are completely submerged, and leave it for 5 minutes. (3) Spread the granules evenly on the pet sheet and leave it for 10 minutes. (4) After standing, the granular material was placed in a sieve with 2 mm openings and shaken in a sieve shaker under the following conditions: shaking width 3 mm, shaking speed 60 Hz, shaking time 5 minutes. The sieve shaker used was AS-200 manufactured by Retsch. (5) The volume of granular matter measuring 2 mm or less that passed through the sieve is measured using a measuring cylinder.

[0063] The surface roughness of each of the granular materials 10a is relatively small, and the degree of unevenness is relatively close to the unevenness when sand is compressed. This allows the cat to become highly familiar with the litter box litter 10. As a result, the litter box system 1 using the litter box litter 10 makes it easier for the cat to excrete.

[0064] The granular material 10a of the litter 10 of this embodiment preferably comprises a substrate and a water blocking coating layer.

[0065] The substrate preferably includes an odor absorbing material capable of absorbing odors from cat urine and feces, and further includes a solidifying agent that holds the odor absorbing material together.

[0066] In this way, in the litter litter 10, the base material, and therefore the granules 10a, contain an odor-absorbing material, which suppresses the spread of odors from urine and feces excreted by cats. As a result, even when the litter litter 10 is used for a long period of time, it can be made to resemble the original state of the litter, free of excrement and its odor, and the cat can become accustomed to it. As a result, the system litter 1 using the litter litter 10 makes 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 inorganic porous materials include natural minerals (e.g., zeolite, sepiolite, attapulgite, diatomaceous earth, diatomaceous shale), artificial zeolite, silica gel, or a combination of at least two of them. Since inorganic porous materials have the property of adsorbing odors such as ammonia, it is possible to obtain litter with excellent deodorizing performance by forming granular materials mainly from particles of inorganic porous materials. In this way, by including an inorganic porous material in the odor adsorption material, the composition of the granular materials 10a can be made closer to the composition of sand, making it more familiar to cats. This makes it easier for cats to excrete in the system litter box 1 using the litter box 10.

[0068] From the viewpoint of increasing the strength of the granules 10a of the litter 10, it is preferable to use inorganic porous material particles having a small average particle diameter. The average particle diameter of the inorganic porous material particles is, for example, 300 μm or less. The content of the inorganic porous material in the base material of the granules 10a is preferably 50 to 95 mass %. If the content of the inorganic porous material in the base material is less than 50 mass %, the deodorizing effect of the granules 10a may decrease, and if it is more than 95 mass %, the granules 10a may not have sufficient strength.

[0069] Examples of the solidifying agent include inorganic solidifying agents and organic solidifying agents, and inorganic solidifying agents are preferred from the viewpoint of obtaining sufficient strength of the granular material 10a. Examples of the inorganic solidifying agent include cement and non-cement solidifying agents. Cement is a solidifying agent that contains calcium silicate as a main component and hardens by reacting (hydrating) with water. Examples of cement include Portland cement and white cement. A non-cement solidifying agent is a solidifying agent other than cement, that is, a solidifying agent that does not contain calcium silicate as a main component. Examples of the non-cement solidifying agent include dolomite, calcium oxide, calcium sulfate, magnesium oxide, and the like. Of these, it is preferable to use a mixture of a water-hardening solidifying agent containing calcium sulfate and magnesium oxide as main components, which are non-cement solidifying agents, and cement as the inorganic solidifying agent. By using these mixtures as the inorganic solidifying agent, the strength of the granular material can be increased and the increase in pH of the granular material due to the use of cement can be suppressed. By suppressing the increase in pH of the granular material, the generation of ammonia from urine can be suppressed. The content of the solidifying agent in the base material of the granules 10a is preferably 5 to 30% by mass. If the total solidifying agent content is less than 5% by mass, the granules may not have sufficient strength, and if it is more than 30% by mass, the deodorizing effect of the granules may decrease. When an inorganic solidifying agent is used, the content of the non-cement-based solidifying agent in the inorganic solidifying agent is preferably 20% by mass or more. If the content of the non-cement-based solidifying agent is less than 20% by mass, the pH of the granules may not be sufficiently low.

[0070] Furthermore, in addition to the inorganic porous material particles and the inorganic solidifying agent, a pozzolanic substance may be added to the base material. A pozzolanic substance is a general term for fine powders whose main component is silica, and is a substance that reacts with calcium hydroxide to produce insoluble, 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 lowered.

[0071] The water-stopping coating layer is formed on the surface of the substrate and is made of a water-stopping agent that has water absorption and viscosity when it absorbs water. The water-stopping coating layer is formed on the surface of the substrate of the granular material 10a, so that the granular material 10 has excellent liquid permeability. That is, because the water-stopping coating layer is present on the surface of the substrate, most of the liquid excreted when the animal urinates passes between the granular material 10a without being absorbed by the litter 10. However, the liquid remaining on the surface of the granular material 10a is absorbed by the water-stopping agent and is taken up by the substrate over time. Furthermore, the particles of the inorganic porous material are bound together by the water-stopping agent of the water-stopping coating layer formed on the surface of the substrate, so that dust generation from the litter can be prevented. Examples of the water-stopping agent include ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), starch, persimmon tannin, pine resin, gelatin, and a combination of at least two of them. It is more preferable that the water-stopping agent is made of an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. The water-stopping coating layer preferably covers 70% or more of the substrate surface, and more preferably covers 90% or more of the substrate surface. When the water-stopping coating layer covers 90% or more of the substrate surface, the litter 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 use of the litter, and if the thickness is more than 300 μm, it becomes difficult for the substrate to absorb liquid adhering to the surface of the granular material.

[0072] Next, a method for producing the litter 10 according to the embodiment will be described. (1)Mixing process In this embodiment, the base material constituting the granules 10a is granulated from a mixture containing an inorganic porous material and a solidifying agent. To this end, the inorganic porous material and the solidifying agent are first mixed in a predetermined ratio, water is added, and the mixture is stirred and mixed uniformly in a mixer or the like to prevent lumps from forming. (2) Granulation process Next, the resulting mixture is used to granulate the base material. For example, the resulting mixture is granulated into a base material having a predetermined shape and size using various powder granulating devices such as a disk pelleter, a briquette machine, and a tablet press. (3)Curing process Next, the obtained base material is left for a predetermined time to allow the hardening agent to harden. The predetermined time (curing time) varies depending on the temperature, but from the viewpoint of allowing the cement to fully harden, it is preferable to leave it for 72 hours or more. (4) Drying process Next, the sufficiently solidified substrate is dried in a dryer. This drying is performed using, for example, a rotary kiln dryer. The drying is preferably performed so that the moisture content of the substrate is 10% or less. The moisture content is measured by further re-drying the substrate after drying at 110°C for 24 hours, and the difference in the mass of the substrate before and after re-drying is taken as the moisture content of the substrate, which is then divided by the mass of the granular material before re-drying. (5) Coating process Next, the dried substrate is coated with a water-stopping agent 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 substrate with a spray. When the dried substrate is at 80 to 100°C, the solution or dispersion of the water-stopping material is sprayed with a spray, whereby the sprayed water evaporates and a water-stopping coating layer is formed on the substrate surface. This produces a substrate covered with a water-stopping coating layer, i.e., a second granular material. (6) Screening process From the second granules, large and small granules are removed by a sieve with a predetermined mesh size in a sieve process, and the first granules of a predetermined size, i.e., granules 10a, are obtained. In this manner, the litter 10 is produced.

[0073] Here, the above-mentioned (1) mixing step to (5) covering step can be regarded as a forming step for forming the second granular material (having the same constitution as the first granular material but a different particle size (particle length) distribution), and the above-mentioned (6) sieving step can be regarded as an obtaining step for obtaining the first granular material (granular material 10a).

[0074] In another embodiment, the granules 10a of the litter 10 may contain ground plant-derived material, synthetic resin, and water-insoluble inorganic matter.

[0075] Examples of the crushed material of plant origin include crushed materials derived from woody plants and herbs, such as wood flour (crushed wood or bark), seed oil residue, crushed grain husk, crushed herbaceous plant, etc. From the viewpoint of improving the moldability and deodorizing properties of the granules, it is preferable to use 60% by mass or more of wood flour derived from coniferous trees such as Cedaraceae, Pinaceae, or Cupressaceae, and 40% by mass or less of wood flour derived from broad-leaved trees such as Fagaceae, Elmaceae, or Betulaceae. The shape of the crushed material of plant origin may be powder, granule, needle, plate, or an aggregate thereof, but from the viewpoint of moldability and handling, the shape is preferably powder. The content of the crushed material of plant origin in this embodiment is preferably 70.0% by mass or more from the viewpoint of sustaining the deodorizing effect and expressing the fragrance unique to the plant-derived material.

[0076] As the synthetic resin, a thermoplastic resin is preferably used from the viewpoint of improving the shape retention of the granular material. 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), and polyvinyl alcohol. These synthetic resins may be used alone or in combination. From the viewpoint of improving the mixability 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 improving 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, and magnesium carbonate. These substances can be used alone or in combination. 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, block-like, or a combination thereof. It may also be crystalline or amorphous. From the viewpoint of handling, 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 producing the litter 10 according to another embodiment will be described. (1)Mixing process First, a mixture is prepared by thoroughly mixing a ground plant-derived material, a synthetic resin, and a water-insoluble inorganic substance in a predetermined ratio. The synthetic resin may be mixed as a solid such as a powder or granules, or may be mixed in a pre-molten state. The mixing step can be carried out using a mixer such as a paddle mixer. (2) Molding process Next, the mixture is formed into granules. For example, the mixture is formed into granules having a predetermined size and shape using various extrusion molding machines such as a pelletizer or an extruder. This produces a second granule. (3) Screening process From the second granules, large and small granules are removed by a sieve with a predetermined mesh size in a sieve process, and the first granules of a predetermined size, i.e., granules 10a, are obtained. In this manner, the litter 10 is produced.

[0079] Here, the above-mentioned (1) mixing step to (2) molding step can be regarded as a forming step for forming the second granular material (having the same constitution as the first granular material but a different particle size (particle length) distribution), and the above-mentioned (3) sieving step can be regarded as an obtaining step for obtaining the first granular material (granular material 10a). EXAMPLES

[0080] The present invention will be described in more detail below by way of examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0081] (A) Sample (A-1) Examples 1, 3, and Comparative Example 2 (1)Mixing process 75 parts by mass of zeolite, 20 parts by mass of cement, and 5 parts by mass of silica gel were mixed, and 40 parts by mass of water was further added thereto, followed by stirring and mixing in a Loedige mixer. (2) Granulation process The stirred and mixed mixture was compressed and granulated using a disk pelleter (manufactured by Dalton Co., Ltd.). The opening dimensions of the disk outlet were 3.5 mm (Example 1) and 5.5 mm (Example 3 and Comparative Example 2) in diameter, 35 mm in disk thickness, and 12 mm in effective length. The obtained base material was cylindrical with a particle diameter of 3.5 mm (Example 1) and 5.5 mm (Example 3 and Comparative Example 2) and a particle length of 25 mm. (3)Curing process The obtained substrate was left at room temperature of 20° C. for 72 hours to allow the cement to harden. (4) Drying process The base material that had undergone the curing process was dried using a rotary kiln dryer until the final moisture content was 10% or less. During the drying process, some of the granules shrunk and some broke. 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 waterproofing agent. This waterproofing agent was dispersed in 10 times the mass of water, and the dispersion was applied at 5% by mass relative to the mass of the substrate. The application was performed by spraying the waterproofing agent dispersion onto the substrate while stirring and mixing it while the substrate obtained after the drying process was still at a high temperature (100°C). (6) Screening process The obtained granules were first sieved through a sieve with 10 mm x 10 mm openings to remove granules larger than a predetermined size, and then the openings were gradually reduced to remove granules smaller than the predetermined size, corresponding to each of Example 1, Example 3, and Comparative Example 2. Granules within the predetermined size range were thus obtained. Thus, the litter of Example 1, Example 3, and Comparative Example 2 was obtained.

[0082] (A-2) Example 2, Comparative Example 1 (1)Mixing process 80 parts by mass of wood flour as a ground plant-derived material, 10 parts by mass of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer as a synthetic resin, and 1 part by mass of calcium carbonate as a water-insoluble inorganic material were stirred and mixed in a Loedige mixer. (2) Molding process The stirred mixture was formed into granules using a die with an extrusion port hole diameter of 3.5 mm (Example 2) or 6.0 mm (Comparative Example 1) and a thickness of 40 mm, and a pelletizer (manufactured by Dalton Co., Ltd.) The obtained granules were cylindrical with a particle diameter of 3.5 mm (Example 2) or 6.0 mm (Comparative Example 1) and an average particle length of 10 mm. (3) Screening process The obtained granules were first sieved through a sieve with 10 mm x 10 mm openings to remove granules larger than a specified size, and then the openings were gradually reduced to gradually remove granules smaller than the specified size, corresponding to each of Example 2 and Comparative Example 1. Granules within the specified size range were thus obtained. In this way, the litter of Example 2 and Comparative Example 1 was obtained.

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

[0084] (C) Result (C-1) Number distribution of grain length In the granular materials of Examples 1, 2, and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the particle sizes were roughly constant at 3.5 mm, 3.5 mm, 5.5 mm, 3.5 mm, and 5.5 mm, respectively, so only the number distribution of particle lengths was evaluated (number distribution of particle sizes was not evaluated). As a result, the proportions (number %) of granules with a particle length of less than 3.2 mm were 0.57%, 5.16%, and 0.60%, respectively, in Examples 1 to 3, which were less than 6%. Meanwhile, in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, they were 8.18% and 13.0%, respectively, which were greater than 6%. Also, the proportions (number %) of granules with a particle length of 3.5 to 10 mm were 98.6%, 94.8%, and 87.4%, respectively, which were greater than 85% in Examples 1 to 3. Meanwhile, in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, they were 79.3%, 75.1%, respectively, which were less than 85%.

[0085] (C-2) Clogging When clogging was evaluated for the granular matter of Examples 1, 2, and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, it was found that in Examples 1, 2, and 3, there was only one particle (less than five particles), indicating that the granular matter was unlikely to get stuck in the hole (problematically clogged), while in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, there was only five particles (more than five particles), indicating that the granular matter was likely to get stuck in the hole (problematically clogged).

[0086] (C-3) Cat habituation The cats' habituation to the litter was compared between Example 1 and Comparative Example 2. The two cats defecated a total of 32 times (17 times and 15 times) over four days, but 26 times in total (81%) in the litter of Example 1 and 6 times in total (19%) in the litter of Comparative Example 2. Therefore, it was found that the litter of Example 1 had high habituation (◯) and the litter of Comparative Example 2 had low habituation (×). In addition, the cats' habituation was compared between Example 3 and Comparative Example 1. The two cats defecated a total of 18 times (8 times and 10 times) over four days, but in the litter of Example 3, they defecated a total of 11 times (61%), and in the litter of Comparative Example 1, they defecated a total of 7 times (39%). Therefore, it was found that the litter of Example 3 had high habituation (◯), and the litter of Comparative Example 1 had low habituation (×). In addition, the cats' habituation was compared between Example 2 and Comparative Example 2. The two cats defecated a total of 26 times (19 times and 7 times) over four days, with the litter of Example 2 defecating a total of 19 times (73%) and the litter of Comparative Example 2 defecating a total of 7 times (27%). Therefore, it was found that the litter of Example 2 had high habituation (◯) and the litter of Comparative Example 1 had low habituation (×).

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

[0088] (C-5) Apparent specific gravity The apparent specific gravity of the granular material was determined for Examples 1, 2, and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. The results were 1.28 g / cm 3 , 1.06g / cm 3 ,1.28g / cm 3 ,0.95g / cm 3 ,1.26g / cm 3 and for at least Examples 1 to 3, 1.00 to 1.50 g / cm 3 It was.

[0089] (C-6) Mass per grain The proportion (number) of granules having a mass of 0.065 g or more per particle was determined for Examples 1, 2, and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. The results were 78.8%, 57.0%, 100%, 40.2%, and 97.9%, respectively, and at least for Examples 1 to 3, the proportion (number) of granules having a mass of 0.065 g or more per particle was 55% or more. The proportion (number) of granules with a mass per particle of 0.060 to 0.10 g was determined for Examples 1, 2, and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. The results were 74.4%, 66.9%, 8.39%, 54.3%, and 0.57%, respectively, and at least for Examples 1 and 2, the proportion (number) of granules with a mass per particle of 0.060 to 0.10 g was 60% or more. Further, the average mass per particle was determined for Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. The results were 0.090 g and 0.079 g, respectively, and at least for Example 1, the average mass per particle was 0.080 g or more.

[0090] (C-7) Gap ratio The void ratios were determined for Examples 1, 2, and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. The results were 40.6 volume %, 40.7 volume %, 44.9 volume %, 43.7 volume %, and 44.9 volume %, respectively, and at least for Examples 1 to 3, the void ratio was 45 volume % or less.

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

[0092] (C-9) Water absorption capacity The water absorption capacity was determined for Examples 1, 2, and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. The results were 123%, 157%, 121%, 160%, and 121%, respectively, and at least for Examples 1 to 3, the water absorption capacity was less than 160%.

[0093] (C-10) Collapsibility Disintegrability was measured for Examples 1, 2, and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2. The results were 0 mL, 0.1 mL, 0%, 0.5 mL, and 0 mL, respectively, and at least for Examples 1 to 3, the disintegrability was less than 0.5 mL.

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

[0095] The toilet sand for system toilets and the manufacturing method for toilet sand for system toilets of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified or combined with known technologies within the scope that does not deviate from the object and spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1. System toilet 10. System toilet sand 10a Granular matter

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 smaller diameter or length of less than 3.2 mm is 6% or less; The apparent specific gravity of the plurality of granular materials is 1.00 to 1.50 g / cm 3 ; 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. Among the plurality of granules, the proportion of granules having a mass of 0.065 g or more per granule is 55% or more.

3. Litter for a system toilet according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The void ratio between the granules in the plurality of granules is 45% by volume or less. The litter for use in a system litter box according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. 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 4.

6. the plurality of particles includes an odor adsorbing material; Litter for a system toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The odor adsorbing material comprises an inorganic porous material; The litter for use in a system toilet according to claim 6.

8. 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 7.

9. 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 8.

10. A system toilet kit comprising: a system toilet; the litter for the system toilet according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and an excrement disposal sheet.

11. 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 Each of the plurality of first granular objects has a particle size of 6.0 mm or less, and a ratio of the plurality of first granular objects having a particle size or a particle length, either of which is smaller than 3.2 mm, is 6% or less; The apparent specific gravity of the plurality of granular materials is 1.00 to 1.50 g / cm 3 ; Manufacturing method.

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