Excrement treatment material and its manufacturing method

Abstract

To provide an excrement treatment material preventing dust accumulated in a packaging bag from being easily released outside the packaging bag, and manufacturing method thereof.SOLUTION: An excrement treatment material 1 includes a plurality of granules 10, and a packaging bag 20. The plurality of granules 10 are granules for treating excrement, The plurality of granules 10 are stored in the packaging bag 20. A charge amount of an inner surface of the packaging bag 20 is larger than the charge amount of the outer surface of the packaging bag 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an excrement treating material and a method for producing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] An example of a conventional excrement treatment material is that described in Patent Document 1. The excrement treatment material described in this document includes a plurality of granular bodies that absorb and treat animal or human excrement. These granular bodies are shipped together housed in a single packaging bag. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-158253 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Packing multiple granular materials in a packaging bag like this facilitates the transportation and storage of excrement treatment materials. However, during transportation, the granular materials may collide with each other, causing some of the granular materials to peel off. The peeled-off parts turn into dust and accumulate inside the packaging bag. This creates a problem in that when removing the granular materials from the packaging bag after opening it, the dust is released outside the bag along with the granular materials.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an excrement treatment material that prevents dust accumulated inside a packaging bag from being released outside the packaging bag, and a method for manufacturing the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The excrement treatment material according to the present invention comprises a plurality of granular bodies for treating excrement and a packaging bag containing the plurality of granular bodies, and is characterized in that the amount of charge on the inner surface of the packaging bag is greater than the amount of charge on the outer surface of the packaging bag.

[0007] This excrement treatment material is provided with a packaging bag whose inner surface is electrically charged more than its outer surface. By increasing the amount of charge on the inner surface of the packaging bag in this way, even if part of the granular material contained in the packaging bag peels off and turns into dust, the dust is more likely to be adsorbed to the inner surface of the packaging bag. Therefore, when the granular material is removed from the packaging bag after opening, the dust is less likely to be released outside the packaging bag.

[0008] In addition, the method for manufacturing excrement treatment material according to the present invention includes a granular material forming step of forming a plurality of granular materials for treating excrement, and a granular material containing step of containing the plurality of granular materials formed in the granular material forming step in a packaging bag, and is characterized in that the amount of charge on the inner surface of the packaging bag is greater than the amount of charge on the outer surface of the packaging bag.

[0009] In this manufacturing method, a packaging bag is used in which the amount of charge on the inner surface is greater than the amount of charge on the outer surface. By increasing the amount of charge on the inner surface of the packaging bag in this way, even if some of the granular material contained in the packaging bag peels off and becomes dust, the dust is more likely to be adsorbed to the inner surface of the packaging bag in the manufactured excrement treatment material. Therefore, when the granular material is removed from the packaging bag after opening, the dust is less likely to be released outside the packaging bag. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, an excrement treating material in which dust accumulated in a packaging bag is less likely to be released to the outside of the packaging bag, and a method for manufacturing the same are realized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing an embodiment of an excrement treating material according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a granular material 10. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a plan view showing one embodiment of an excrement treatment material according to the present invention. The excrement treatment material 1 is used to treat animal or human excrement, and comprises a plurality of granular materials 10 and a packaging bag 20. For ease of viewing, Fig. 1 shows the interior of the packaging bag 20 in a transparent form. The packaging bag 20 may actually be transparent or opaque.

[0014] The plurality of granules 10 are granules for treating excrement. Each granule 10 is configured to guide excrement into the granule 10. In this embodiment, the granules 10 have water absorption properties and absorb excrement to treat the excrement. For the granules 10 to be considered to have water absorption properties, the liquid passage rate measured by the following test must be less than 60%. First, 50 g of the granules 10 (sample) are placed on a sieve with an inner diameter of 10 cm and a mesh size of 1 mm. An empty beaker is placed below the sieve. Then, 30 ml of water is dropped onto the sample over 10 seconds using a syringe with an outer barrel inner diameter of 3 cm and a tip inner diameter of 4 mm (a 60 ml syringe manufactured by Terumo Corporation). After leaving it for 1 minute, the amount of water in the beaker is measured. The liquid passage rate is the ratio of the measured amount of water to the amount of water dropped (30 ml). That is, if the amount of water in the beaker is less than 18 ml, the liquid passage rate is less than 60%, and therefore it can be said that the granular material 10 has water absorption properties.

[0015] The particle size of each granular material 10 is, for example, 5 mm or more and 20 mm or less. Here, the particle size of each granular material 10 is defined as the diameter of the smallest sphere that can contain the granular material 10. The excrement treatment material 1 is used, for example, in a state where a plurality of granular materials 10 are laid in a box-shaped toilet.

[0016] Each granule 10 is made primarily of an organic material. Here, the "main material" of each granule 10 refers to the material that makes up the granule 10 and accounts for the largest proportion by weight of the granule 10. Examples of such organic materials include paper, used tea leaves, plastics, and soybean curd refuse. Each granule 10 may be made solely of organic materials, or may be made of organic and inorganic materials.

[0017] Papers refer to materials mainly composed of pulp. Examples of papers include ordinary paper, as well as PVC wallpaper classification (paper obtained by classifying PVC wallpaper), fluff pulp, papermaking sludge, pulp sludge, etc. Examples of plastics that can be used include disposable diaper classification (plastic obtained by classifying disposable diapers). The bean curd refuse is preferably dried bean curd refuse.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing granules 10. Each granule 10 has a core 12 and a coating 14. The core 12 is formed into a granular shape. Examples of the granular shape include a sphere, a cylinder, and an ellipsoid. The core 12 has the function of absorbing and retaining excrement (particularly urine). The core 12 is mainly made of an organic material. The core 12 may or may not contain an adhesive material. Examples of adhesive materials that can be used include water-absorbent polymers, starch, CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose), PVA (polyvinyl alcohol), and dextrin. The water-absorbent polymer is, for example, sodium polyacrylate.

[0019] The coating 14 covers the core 12. The coating 14 may cover the entire surface of the core 12, or may cover only a portion of the surface of the core 12. The coating 14 has the function of adhering the granular material 10 that has absorbed excrement during use to form a mass. The coating 14 contains an adhesive material. The coating 14 is also primarily made of an organic material.

[0020] Returning to FIG. 1 , a plurality of granular materials 10 are contained in a packaging bag 20. The amount of charge on the inner surface of the packaging bag 20 (the surface facing the granular materials 10) is greater than the amount of charge on the outer surface of the packaging bag 20 (the surface exposed to the outside of the packaging bag 20). The amount of charge on the inner surface of the packaging bag 20 is preferably at least twice, and more preferably at least five times, the amount of charge on the outer surface of the packaging bag 20. Furthermore, it is preferable that most of the inner surface of the packaging bag 20 (more than 50% of the entire area of ​​the inner surface) is in a charged state, and it is particularly preferable that the entire inner surface of the packaging bag 20 is in a charged state. The inner surface of the packaging bag 20 may be positively or negatively charged. The amount of charge on the inner surface of the packaging bag 20 is preferably 2 kV or more, and more preferably 5 kV or more.

[0021] The charge amount on the outer surface of the packaging bag 20 is preferably 1 kV or less. The outer surface of the packaging bag 20 may or may not be in a charged state. In the former case, the outer surface of the packaging bag 20 may be positively or negatively charged. In the latter case, the charge amount on the outer surface of the packaging bag 20 is 0. Note that when the inner surface of the packaging bag 20 is charged (charge amount > 0) and the outer surface is not charged (charge amount = 0), this is also included in the case where "the charge amount on the inner surface is 5 times or more the charge amount on the outer surface."

[0022] In this embodiment, plastic such as polyethylene is used as the material for the packaging bag 20. The packaging bag 20 is made of two sheets (plastic sheets) with their peripheral edges bonded together. The packaging bag 20 is sealed by bonding the peripheral edges of the two sheets together in this manner. Each sheet may have a single-layer structure made of only one plastic film, or may have a multi-layer structure in which multiple plastic films are laminated. In the latter case, the multiple plastic films may be made of the same plastic material, or may be made of different plastic materials.

[0023] Next, an example of a method for manufacturing the excrement treating material 1 will be described as an embodiment of the method for manufacturing the excrement treating material according to the present invention. This manufacturing method includes a granular material forming step, an electrification treatment step, and a granular material containing step.

[0024] The granule forming process is a process for forming a plurality of granules 10. This process includes a core forming process and a coating forming process. The core forming process is a process for forming a plurality of cores 12. In the core forming process, a granulation device is used to granulate the material to be granulated (one or more materials that constitute the cores 12) to form granules that will become the cores 12. Prior to granulation, the material to be granulated is subjected to pretreatment such as pulverization, kneading, and addition of water, as necessary. As the granulation device, for example, an extrusion granulator can be used.

[0025] The coating portion forming step is a step of forming a coating portion 14 so as to cover each core portion 12 formed in the core portion forming step. In the coating portion forming step, a coating device or the like is used to adhere a powder coating material (one or more materials that constitute the coating portion 14) to the surface of each core portion 12, thereby forming the coating portion 14. The coating material can be adhered by, for example, scattering or spraying. After that, post-processing such as sieving and drying can be performed as necessary. As a result of the above, a plurality of granular bodies 10 are obtained.

[0026] The charging process is a process of charging the packaging bag 20 so that the amount of charge on the inner surface is greater than the amount of charge on the outer surface. This process is carried out before the granular material storing process. In the charging process, for example, the inner surface of the packaging bag 20 is subjected to a charging process, thereby making the inner surface statically charged. At this time, the outer surface of the packaging bag 20 may or may not also be subjected to a charging process. For example, a corona charging method or a friction charging method can be used for the charging process. The charging process may be carried out before the packaging bag 20 is formed (before the two sheets that make up the packaging bag 20 are bonded together) or after the packaging bag 20 is formed.

[0027] In the charging treatment step, it is preferable to charge the packaging bag 20 so that the charge amount on the inner surface is at least twice that of the outer surface, and it is more preferable to charge the packaging bag 20 so that the charge amount on the inner surface is at least five times that of the outer surface. In the charging treatment step, the inner surface of the packaging bag 20 may be positively or negatively charged. In the charging treatment step, it is preferable to charge the packaging bag 20 so that the charge amount on the inner surface is at least 2 kV, and it is more preferable to charge the packaging bag 20 so that the charge amount on the outer surface is at most 1 kV.

[0028] The granular material containing step is a step of containing a plurality of granular materials 10 formed in the granular material forming step in a packaging bag 20. The packaging bag 20 has been subjected to an electrification treatment in the electrification treatment step. In the granular material containing step, a predetermined amount (e.g., 7 liters) of granular materials 10 is placed in the packaging bag 20 with the top end open using a filling machine or the like. Thereafter, the top end of the packaging bag 20 is closed to seal the packaging bag 20. In this manner, the excrement treatment material 1 is obtained.

[0029] The effects of this embodiment will be explained. In this embodiment, a packaging bag 20 is used in which the amount of charge on the inner surface is greater than the amount of charge on the outer surface. By increasing the amount of charge on the inner surface of the packaging bag 20 in this way, even if part of the granular material 10 contained in the packaging bag 20 peels off and turns into dust, the dust is more likely to be attracted to the inner surface of the packaging bag 20 by electrostatic force. Therefore, when the granular material 10 is removed from the packaging bag 20 after opening, the dust is less likely to be released outside the packaging bag 20. Therefore, an excrement treatment material 1 in which dust accumulated in the packaging bag 20 is less likely to be released outside the packaging bag 20, and a manufacturing method thereof, have been realized.

[0030] On the other hand, by reducing the amount of charge on the outer surface of the packaging bag 20, dust particles in the air can be made less likely to adhere to the outer surface.

[0031] Thus, it is preferable that the amount of charge on the inner surface of the packaging bag 20 is large, while it is preferable that the amount of charge on the outer surface is small. From this perspective, the amount of charge on the inner surface is preferably at least two times, and more preferably at least five times, the amount of charge on the outer surface.

[0032] Prior to the granular material containing step, a charging step is carried out to charge the packaging bag 20. By carrying out this charging step, the packaging bag 20 can be charged under desired conditions (difference in charge amount between the inner and outer surfaces, positive / negative charge on each surface, charge amount on each surface, etc.).

[0033] The larger the electrically charged portion of the inner surface of the packaging bag 20, the more dust is likely to be adsorbed to the inner surface. From this perspective, it is preferable that most of the inner surface of the packaging bag 20 is electrically charged, and it is particularly preferable that the entire inner surface is electrically charged.

[0034] When the inner surface of the packaging bag 20 is negatively charged, it is easy to realize a packaging bag 20 with an electrically charged inner surface, because the plastic used as the material for the packaging bag 20 has the property of easily becoming negatively charged.

[0035] The greater the charge on the inner surface of the packaging bag 20, the greater the dust adsorption effect. From this perspective, the charge on the inner surface is preferably 2 kV or more, and more preferably 5 kV or more. On the other hand, if the charge is too high, it may be difficult to charge the inner surface of the packaging bag 20 to the desired charge level. From this perspective, the charge on the inner surface of the packaging bag 20 is preferably 100 kV or less.

[0036] The smaller the amount of charge on the outer surface of the packaging bag 20, the greater the effect of preventing dust from adhering. From this perspective, the amount of charge on the outer surface is preferably 1 kV or less.

[0037] Each granule 10 is made primarily of organic matter. This allows for the production of granules 10 that are suitable for incineration. If the granules 10 are suitable for incineration, the used excrement treatment material 1 can be disposed of as combustible waste, improving convenience for users. If the granules 10 are made solely of organic matter, then it is possible to produce granules 10 that are particularly suitable for incineration.

[0038] When each granule 10 is made primarily of paper, the dust generated from the granule 10 is also made primarily of paper. Paper has the property of easily adhering to electrically charged plastic. Therefore, using paper as the primary material of each granule 10 is advantageous in increasing the dust adsorption effect on the inner surface of the packaging bag 20.

[0039] Each granular material 10 has a core 12 and a coating 14. In granular materials 10 having such a structure, dust is likely to be generated due to peeling of the surface layer, i.e., the coating 14. Therefore, the excrement treatment material 1, which can adsorb the dust to the inner surface of the packaging bag 20, is particularly useful.

[0040] Each granular body 10 is configured to guide excrement into the granular body 10. When forming such granular bodies 10, the material to be granulated is granulated under a relatively low pressure. This is because, by lowering the pressure during granulation, many gaps that serve as passages for excrement can be secured within the granular body 10. On the other hand, if the pressure during granulation is low, the granular body 10 becomes brittle, and dust is likely to be generated due to the peeling of parts of the granular body 10. Therefore, an excrement treatment material 1 that can adsorb the dust to the inner surface of the packaging bag 20 is particularly useful.

[0041] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. In the above-described embodiment, a case where plastic is used as the material of the packaging bag 20 is exemplified. However, materials other than plastic may be used as the material of the packaging bag 20.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the case where each of the granules 10 is made mainly of an organic material has been exemplified, but each of the granules 10 may be made mainly of an inorganic material.

[0043] In the above embodiment, each granular material 10 is illustrated as consisting of a core portion 12 and a coating portion 14. However, it is not essential to provide a coating portion 14. That is, the granular material 10 may consist of only a core portion 12. In this case, it is preferable that the core portion 12 contains an adhesive material.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the granular material 10 is exemplified as absorbing excrement to treat the excrement. However, the granular material 10 may be hydrophobic and treat the excrement by allowing the excrement to pass through. For the granular material 10 to be hydrophobic, it is necessary that the liquid permeability measured by the above-mentioned test is 60% or more. When such hydrophobic granular material 10 is used, the excrement passes through the gaps between the granular material 10 and flows downward.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the case where the charging process is performed is exemplified. However, it is not essential to perform the charging process. If the charging process is not performed, for example, a packaging bag 20 that is in a pre-charged state may be used in the granular material containing process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1. Excrement treatment materials 10 Granules 12 Core 14 Covering part 20 packaging bags

Claims

1. a granule forming step of forming a plurality of granules for treating excrement; a granular material containing step of containing the plurality of granular materials formed in the granular material forming step into a packaging bag; a charging step of charging the packaging bag so that the amount of charge on the inner surface of the packaging bag is greater than the amount of charge on the outer surface of the packaging bag, prior to the granular material containing step; A method for producing an excrement treatment material, comprising:

2. The method for producing an excrement treatment material according to claim 1, In the charging step, the packaging bag is charged so that the amount of charge on the inner surface is at least twice the amount of charge on the outer surface.

3. 3. The method for producing an excrement treatment material according to claim 2, In the charging step, the packaging bag is charged so that the amount of charge on the inner surface is at least five times the amount of charge on the outer surface.

4. The method for producing an excrement treatment material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, In the charging step, the inner surface is negatively charged.

5. The method for producing an excrement treatment material according to any one of claims 1 to 4, In the charging step, the packaging bag is charged so that the amount of charge on the inner surface is 2 kV or more.

6. 6. The method for producing an excrement treatment material according to claim 5, In the charging step, the packaging bag is charged so that the amount of charge on the inner surface is 5 kV or more.

7. 7. The method for producing an excrement treatment material according to claim 1, In the charging step, the packaging bag is charged so that the charge on the outer surface is 1 kV or less.

8. The method for producing an excrement treatment material according to any one of claims 1 to 7, In the granular material forming step, the granular materials are formed from organic matter as a main material.

9. 9. The method for producing an excrement treatment material according to claim 8, In the granular material forming step, the granular materials are formed from only organic matter.

10. The method for producing an excrement treatment material according to claim 8 or 9, In the granular material forming step, the granular materials are formed from paper as a main material.

11. The method for producing an excrement treatment material according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The granular material forming step includes: a core forming step of forming a plurality of cores formed into granules; a covering portion forming step of forming covering portions so as to cover the core portions formed in the core portion forming step; A method for producing an excrement treatment material comprising the steps of:

12. The method for producing an excrement treatment material according to any one of claims 1 to 11, In the granular body forming step, the granular body is formed so as to guide the excrement into the interior of the granular body.

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