Cleaning tablet with integrated pre-cleaner system, manufacturing process and use

Abstract

Cleaning tablet with an alkaline cleaner for cleaning commercial dishwashers, ovens, grills, combi ovens, large cooking containers and degreasing systems in commercial kitchens. comprehensively a main cleaning system for a main wash cycle of a machine and an integrated pre-cleaner system that begins to take effect in a pre-wash cycle of the machine, wherein the main cleaning system and the pre-cleaning system are contained in at least partially separate compartments, and where the pre-cleaning system accounts for 10 to 30% of the total cleaner tablet, wherein the main cleaning system comprises a retarder, wherein the retarder comprises a hydrophobic substance selected from waxes, stearates, fatty acid alkanolamides, carboxymethylcelluloses, gelatin and pyrogenic silicas, and / or wherein the pre-cleaner system comprises a disintegration accelerator or dissolution accelerator in the tablet matrix, wherein the disintegration accelerator or the dissolution accelerator is selected from starch or starch derivatives, cellulose or cellulose derivatives, alginates, saccharides or cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidones, and where the cleaning tablet has a pH value greater than 11 in an aqueous solution of at least 1%.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning tablet suitable for cleaning kitchen appliances such as commercial dishwashers, ovens, grills, combi ovens, large cooking containers and degreasing systems from the commercial kitchen sector.

[0002] Various cleaning agents for heavily soiled surfaces and cooking appliances are available on the market, based on different active ingredients. A fundamental distinction is made between acidic and alkaline cleaning systems. Alkaline cleaning systems include weakly alkaline and highly alkaline cleaning agents. A conventional machine cleaner for cleaning hard surfaces, based on a neutral to alkaline formula, is described, for example, in European Patent Application EP 1 600 497 A1. The alkaline system of this cleaner includes, for example, sodium hydroxide, soda, sodium metasilicate, and pentasodium tripolyphosphate in a weight fraction of 78–97%.

[0003] DE 100 32 611 A1 relates to cleaning agents, in particular machine dishwashing detergents, with controlled release of at least one active ingredient in the cleaning process and at least one active ingredient in the post-treatment process.

[0004] DE 100 03 429 A1 describes washing, rinsing or cleaning agents which have a system which allows a controlled release of at least one active ingredient in the washing, rinsing, cleaning and post-treatment process, as well as methods for the manufacture of the agents.

[0005] DE 196 32 283 A 1 discloses the use of lipases in low-alkaline pre-rinsing agents for machine dishwashing. These agents assist bleaching systems in removing tea stains.

[0006] DE 35 41 147 A1 relates to cleaning agent compacts, in particular for the machine cleaning of dishes, a process for the production of the cleaning agent compacts and the use of these compacts in the automatic pre-rinse and cleaning process of household dishwashers.

[0007] One object of the invention is to improve the cleaning power and cleaning efficiency of such a tablet-shaped cleaning agent, a manufacturing process for such a tablet-shaped cleaning agent, and its use for cleaning kitchen equipment from the commercial kitchen sector.

[0008] The problem described here is solved firstly by a cleaning tablet according to claim 1, a manufacturing process for such a cleaning tablet according to claim 13 and secondly by a use of the cleaning tablet according to claim 15.

[0009] Such a cleaning tablet according to the invention, comprising an alkaline cleaner for cleaning kitchen appliances, particularly those from commercial kitchens, which in some cases exhibit heavy soiling containing grease and / or protein, includes a main cleaning system for a main wash cycle of a machine and an integrated pre-cleaning system that begins to take effect in a pre-wash cycle of the machine. wherein the main cleaning system and the pre-cleaning system are contained in at least partially separate compartments, and where the pre-cleaning system accounts for 10 to 30% of the total cleaner tablet, wherein the main purification system comprises a retarder, and / or wherein the pre-purification system comprises a disintegration accelerator or dissolution accelerator in the tablet matrix, wherein the retarding agent comprises a hydrophobic substance selected from waxes, stearates, fatty acid alkanolamides, carboxymethylcelluloses, gelatin and pyrogenic silicas, wherein the disintegration accelerator or the dissolution accelerator is selected from starch or starch derivatives, cellulose or cellulose derivatives, alginates, saccharides or cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidones, and where the cleaning tablet has a pH value greater than 11 in an aqueous solution of at least 1%.

[0010] A cleaning tablet according to the invention is a single- or multi-phase cleaning system comprising at least one tablet-formable solid phase containing the alkaline cleaning agent as the main cleaning system. This phase is soluble in an aqueous environment and exhibits particularly high solubility during the main wash cycle. Conventional tablet-shaped cleaning agents for use in automatic cleaning programs have thus far been formulated with a solubility that delays the dissolution of the cleaning agent in water to such an extent that even when a pre-rinse cycle is used, sufficient cleaning agent remains available during the main wash or rinse cycle. Tablet formulations specifically designed for the pre-rinse cycle are not known.However, precisely through the special adaptation of a tablet using a separate pre-rinse cleaning system, a significant improvement in the cleaning result could be achieved with the same amount of active ingredient, as is also shown in the examples below.

[0011] The term "integrated pre-cleaner system" is used according to the invention to indicate that a pre-cleaner is used separately from the main cleaner in the cleaning tablet, performing its cleaning function essentially during the pre-rinse cycle. It can be integrated into the main cleaning system for this purpose. "Integrated" in this sense means that the pre-cleaner is advantageously present in a separate phase or compartment, but is detachably or permanently connected to the main cleaning system of the cleaning tablet in its ready-to-use state, for example, also surrounding the alkaline cleaner. Therefore, no separate dosing of the pre-cleaner by the user is necessary. This facilitates the use of the alkaline cleaner, particularly in automated processes.The integrated pre-cleaner system can therefore exist in a separate, readily water-soluble phase, which can be solid, pasty, or liquid, as long as it dissolves essentially completely in water within a sufficiently long timeframe, i.e., already during the pre-rinse cycle. "Essentially completely" means that at least half of the pre-cleaner system dissolves during the pre-rinse cycle under the conditions typically prevailing in the pre-cleaner cycle, such as solvent volume, temperature, etc., and is thus available for cleaning.

[0012] With the cleaning tablet according to the invention, which has an integrated pre-cleaning system, part of the cleaning tablet can dissolve during the pre-rinse cycle of automatic cleaning programs, thus increasing its cleaning effect during the pre-rinse cycle, while the main part of the cleaning tablet remains available for the main rinse cycle due to the delayed solubility of the main cleaning system compared to the pre-cleaning system.

[0013] This prevents the pre-rinse cycle from occurring—as with conventional cleaning tablets—largely without a significant concentration of cleaning agent, thus limiting the effectiveness of dirt removal. Surprisingly, it has been shown that with the same overall composition—that is, without increasing the total amount of active ingredients or substances—the mere availability of some of the active substances during the pre-rinse cycle leads to a significantly improved cleaning result.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, a manufacturing process for such a cleaning tablet is provided, which comprises the following steps: - Mixing the cleaning components, selected from alkali system components, additional cleaning agent components and other matrix components, to produce a basic cleaning mixture, - Dividing the basic cleaner mixture into a main cleaner mixture and a pre-cleaner mixture, - Adding a retarder to the main cleaner mixture to provide a main cleaner compartment, and - Combining the pre-cleaner compartment with the main cleaner compartment.

[0015] This method advantageously allows for the production of a cleaning tablet with improved cleaning power and efficiency for cleaning processes with a pre-rinse stage. This is because, with the same overall composition—that is, without increasing the quantity of active ingredients—the availability of a portion of the active ingredients during the pre-rinse stage alone leads to a significantly improved cleaning result. Furthermore, the efficiency of the cleaning tablet produced in this way can be enhanced even further by adding a disintegration accelerator or dissolution accelerator to the pre-cleaner mixture during its preparation.

[0016] Since the base mixture for both cleaning systems is identical, the inventive method allows for the very material-efficient and cost-effective production of a cleaning tablet. The cleaning power of a cleaning tablet produced with the same amount of active ingredient is significantly improved, in some cases by up to 15 to 25 percent, compared to conventional cleaning tablets that do not include a specially adapted pre-cleaning system.

[0017] Another aspect concerns the use of this cleaning tablet, according to the invention, for cleaning kitchen appliances such as commercial dishwashers, ovens, grills, combi ovens, large cooking containers, and degreasing systems in commercial kitchens. Due to the improved cleaning power, a better cleaning result can be achieved with the same amount of active ingredient in the cleaning tablet compared to conventional cleaning tablets.

[0018] Further preferred embodiments and developments of the cleaning tablet and the manufacturing process according to the invention, as well as the use of such a cleaning tablet, are also described in the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments and examples. The manufacturing process and / or the use can also be designed according to the dependent claims of the cleaning tablet or the manufacturing process according to the invention.

[0019] An alkaline cleaner according to the invention is a cleaning agent that, when dissolved in water (in a 1% solution), establishes an alkaline pH value greater than 11. For the removal or dissolution of fats and proteins from soiled surfaces, adjusting the pH value is often sufficient, and alkaline-based cleaning agents can also exhibit a cleaning effect based on complexing or surfactant groups. Protein-denaturing alkaline substances can also be used as cleaners according to the invention, provided they are effective in an alkaline environment (pH value greater than 11). For use in machine cleaners, a pH value of 11 or 12, preferably 12 to 14, and more preferably 12 to 13, is advantageous, whereas for use in dishwasher programs, a pH value of 7 to 11 is advantageous.The alkaline component and the cleaning component can be combined in a single substance, or they can be separate substances, as long as they are contained together in the alkaline cleaner. Such alkaline cleaners are particularly preferred for machine cleaning, especially for commercial dishwashers, ovens, grills, combi steamers, large cooking vessels, and degreasing systems in commercial kitchens. These machine cleaners are usually distinguished from cleaning agents used in household dishwashers, e.g., for cleaning dishes, cutlery, or glasses, where the pH value is often in the neutral to slightly alkaline range to prevent potential damage to the cleaned items.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning tablet according to the invention can contain the alkaline components in a total amount of 20-80 wt.%, as long as the highly alkaline pH value can be adjusted when used in aqueous solution.

[0021] According to the invention, the main cleaning system and the pre-cleaning system are provided in at least partially separate compartments. Separate compartments or units within the meaning of the invention can, for example, be implemented in so-called combination products, in which the components for an alkaline main cleaning tablet and an alkaline pre-cleaning tablet integrated therein are mixed and compressed separately and only then combined with each other.

[0022] A preferred embodiment of such a cleaning tablet is in the form of a two-phase tablet, preferably in the form of a main cleaning tablet with an integrated pre-cleaning system. Two-phase, as used in the invention, means that at least two phases are present: solid-solid, solid-liquid, or solid-gel. Each phase can form its own compartment, such as a separate tablet or a separate part of a tablet. If a gel-like or liquid phase is present, it is typically contained within a solid shell, for example, a plastic casing or a coating, which separates the at least two phases and dissolves, for example, only upon contact with water.An example of such a separate design is a so-called tab-in-tab variant, in which the pre-cleaning components are provided in a separate, often smaller, tablet, which is then integrated into a main cleaning tablet. In principle, a reverse design is also possible, i.e., a pre-cleaner tablet with an integrated main cleaner. However, since the quantity of the pre-cleaner component is usually smaller than the quantity of the main cleaning component, the first variant is preferred in most applications. Therefore, for the sake of simplicity, this variant will be used in the following, which, unless otherwise stated, also includes the reverse arrangement.

[0023] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the cleaning tablet according to the invention, the alkaline component can be selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide (NaOH, also known as caustic soda in highly concentrated form), soda (sodium carbonate), and sodium metasilicate. One or a combination of several of these alkaline components, or combinations with additional alkaline agents, can be used in the alkaline cleaning tablet to suit the desired alkalinity. Preferably, these alkaline components are added to the tablet matrix. The invention also covers situations where, during tableting, they are wholly or partially converted into more stable products, such as hydrates or oxides, etc., within the tablet matrix, provided that this conversion is reversible when the cleaning tablet is used in water, thus ensuring the desired alkalinity (also called "basicity").The tablet matrix can also be composed of the alkaline component itself.

[0024] The cleaning effect is preferably enhanced or supported by additional cleaning agents. These additional cleaning agents can be selected from the group consisting of polyphosphates, surfactants, polymers, and phosphonates. All these cleaning agents should preferably be as low-foaming as possible to avoid excessive foaming. Particularly preferred examples of such cleaning agents are sodium tripolyphosphate, pentasodium polyphosphate, and ionic or non-ionic surfactants. Preferred surfactants are fatty alcohol ethoxylates, especially end-capped Plurafac types (e.g., BASF) or fatty amines. Anionic surfactants are conceivable but less relevant because they are often highly foaming. Alkali-stable phosphonates (e.g., salts of nitrile-trismethylenephosphonic acid) of the Sequion type (e.g., Polygon) or Cublen type (e.g., Zschimmer & Schwarz) are also suitable. Polycarboxylates (e.g., [Company Name]) are preferred as polymers.BASF) for application.

[0025] To achieve a tablet form for the cleaning tablet, it may be advantageous for both the main cleaning system and the pre-cleaning system to comprise further matrix components selected from binders, tableting aids, and preservatives. The binders, tableting aids, and preservatives are preferably used in a total amount of no more than 20% by weight, and particularly preferably no more than 10% by weight, based on the entire cleaning tablet.

[0026] The matrix of the main cleaning system advantageously includes a retarder that delays dissolution, allowing the main cleaning component to exert its full effect primarily during the main wash cycle. This time delay can be conveniently controlled by the solubility of the active ingredients or the matrix of the main cleaning system, or it can be temperature-controlled so that significant dissolution of the cleaning components only occurs at elevated temperatures during the main wash cycle. Hydrophobic substances are used to delay the solubility of the main cleaning tablet. These can be mixed into the tablet matrix or applied as a coating to the surface of the tablet component. Examples of such hydrophobic substances are waxes or similar retarders. Substances with a retarder effect include, for example, stearates.Glycerol monostearate, also known under the trade name Cutina (from Cognis), or magnesium stearate, as well as fatty acid alkanolamides, also known under the trade name Comperlan (from Cognis). A delayed-release effect can also be achieved with substances that form a gel upon dissolution. These include, for example, carboxymethylcellulose, gelatin, starch, or pyrogenic silica.

[0027] The matrix of the integrated pre-cleaner system preferably does not contain a retarder, but may include a disintegration or dissolution accelerator to ensure that the pre-cleaner component is effective from the outset, i.e., predominantly during the pre-rinse phase. Disintegration accelerators used in the pre-cleaner component of the cleaning tablet include starch or starch derivatives (e.g., from Colorcon, Ingredion - formerly National Starch), cellulose or cellulose derivatives (e.g., from SE Tylose, J. Rettenmaier & Söhne GmbH & Co. KG), alginates, saccharides, or cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone (e.g., from BASF).

[0028] According to the invention, the pre-cleaner component has a proportion of 10 to 30%, particularly preferably 15 to 25%, of the total cleaner tablet.

[0029] A cleaning tablet according to the invention is characterized in that the main component and the pre-cleaner component are at least partially separated. "At least partially separated" means, within the meaning of the invention, that the components are mechanically connected, so that the integrated cleaning tablet contains defined proportions, but are also shaped such that at least the majority of the pre-cleaner is not in direct contact with the main cleaner. This allows the pre-cleaner component to be exposed or, if embedded in the main cleaner component, to be surrounded by an additive, such as a hydrophilic additive, so that the pre-cleaner component can be washed around by water to dissolve the pre-cleaner. The additive can ensure that the water can penetrate the tablet matrix, comprising the main cleaner component, to dissolve the pre-cleaner.

[0030] Preferably, an adhesive agent can be used which holds the pre-cleaner tablet in the matrix of the main cleaner tablet. For example, polyethylene glycol can be used for this purpose. During the manufacturing process of the cleaner tablet according to the invention, this is introduced, for example, in molten form into a cavity of an alkaline cleaner tablet and distributed by pressing a pre-cleaner tablet into this cavity in the spaces formed by the two tablets or also in the open pores of the alkaline cleaner tablet.

[0031] The cleaning tablet according to the invention can preferably be packaged individually or in a defined number in a sealed film, a so-called flow pack (a tubular bag in which the products are placed horizontally into the bag), so that they can be dosed precisely and easily as needed. Individual packaging of each cleaning tablet is particularly preferred, as this prevents or at least reduces the risk to users from highly alkaline ingredients and the deterioration of product quality during storage.

[0032] The cleaning tablet according to the invention can be used for cleaning commercial machines that are usually cleaned with neutral to alkaline cleaning agents. Examples include, in particular, commercial kitchen appliances such as commercial dishwashers, ovens, grills, combi steamers, large cooking containers, and degreasing systems from the commercial kitchen sector. However, this does not fundamentally preclude the use of the cleaning tablets for cleaning standard dishwashers or for soiled individual parts, pots, dishes, etc., that are cleaned more frequently or after each use. Those skilled in the art will know how to reformulate the cleaning components accordingly for such applications if other requirements exist.

[0033] Additionally, further functional compartments or substances, such as a descaling agent, a rinse aid, an ion exchanger, a special cleaning agent for other types of soiling, etc., can be integrated into the cleaning tablet. Separate layers or compartments can be used for this purpose, as long as they are stable in the alkaline environment or are adequately shielded from it.

[0034] The principle of the invention will be explained in more detail below using the drawings as examples. The drawings show: Fig. 1a,b,c a sectional view, top view and perspective side view of a first embodiment of a cleaning tablet according to the invention. Fig. 2a,b,c a sectional view, top view and perspective side view of a second embodiment of a cleaning tablet according to the invention. Fig.3a,b,c a sectional view, top view and perspective side view of a third embodiment of a cleaning tablet according to the invention. Fig. 4a,b,c a sectional view, top view and perspective side view of a fourth embodiment of a cleaning tablet according to the invention. Fig. 5 a side view of a fifth embodiment of a cleaning tablet according to the invention. Fig. 6 a side view of a sixth embodiment of a cleaning tablet according to the invention.

[0035] In Fig. Figure 1a shows a side sectional view of a cleaning tablet 1 according to the invention with an integrated pre-cleaning tablet 3 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 1b and Fig. 1c is cleaning tablet 1 from the Fig. 1a shown in the top view and in the perspective view, where the features are labelled with identical reference symbols.

[0036] The cleaning tablet 1 consists of a larger main cleaning tablet 2 and a smaller pre-cleaning tablet 3. The larger main cleaning tablet 2 contains an alkaline cleaning agent and is composed of a powdered matrix. The alkaline main cleaning tablet 2 has a cylindrical shape with a central round depression 5 in its upper surface. The depression 5 has a diameter approximately half the diameter of the entire cleaning tablet 1. The depth of the depression 5 is approximately half the height of the entire cleaning tablet 1.

[0037] A pre-cleaner tablet 3, approximately the same size as the recess, is recessed in the cavity 5. "Approximately the same size as" means that a narrow gap 6 remains between the alkaline main cleaner tablet 2 and the pre-cleaner tablet 3. In the embodiment shown here, the smaller pre-cleaner tablet 3 does not protrude above the top of the cavity 5. However, this can also be configured differently. The gap 6 is optionally filled with an adhesive. The adhesive is preferably applied to the cavity 5 before the pre-cleaner tablet 3 is inserted, and then the pre-cleaner tablet 3 is pressed into place.

[0038] In the Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b and Fig.Figure 2c shows a cleaning tablet according to a second embodiment, in which the main cleaning tablet is located centrally in the recess 5 of the alkaline pre-cleaning tablet 2, so that the alkaline main cleaning tablet 3 is completely surrounded by the alkaline pre-cleaning tablet 2. To produce this tablet, the pre-made main cleaning tablet 3 is placed in the mold before the pre-cleaning tablet 1 is pressed.

[0039] In the Fig. 3a, Fig. 3b and Fig. Figure 3c shows a cleaning tablet according to a third embodiment, in which all features are identical to those in the first embodiment, except that the recess 5 for the pre-cleaner tablet 3 completely penetrates the alkaline main cleaning tablet 2. That is, the alkaline main cleaning tablet 2 surrounds the alkaline cylindrical pre-cleaner tablet 3 in an annular manner.

[0040] In the Fig. 4a, Fig. 4b and Fig. Figure 4c shows a cleaning tablet according to a fourth embodiment, in which all features are identical to those in the first embodiment, except that the recess 5 for the pre-cleaning tablet 3 and the pre-cleaning tablet 3 itself have a largely square cross-section instead of a round cross-section.

[0041] Combinations of the special design of the recess 5 and the pre-cleaner tablet 3 with the variants of the third or fourth embodiment are possible, even if they are not explicitly shown here. Likewise, the external shape of the alkaline main cleaner tablet 2 can deviate from the cross-sections shown here and may, for example, have rectangular, square, oval, or other cross-sections.

[0042] In the Fig.Figure 5 shows a side view of a fifth embodiment of a cleaning tablet according to the invention, in which the main cleaning component is arranged in the first layer 7 and the pre-cleaning component is arranged in the adjacent second layer 8 to produce a two-layer cleaning tablet.

[0043] The Fig. Figure 6 also shows a side view of a multi-layered cleaning tablet with a first layer 7 for the main cleaning component, a second layer 8 for the pre-cleaner component and a third layer 9 for a third component, which in turn may comprise a pre-cleaner component or a third cleaning component or an auxiliary component.

[0044] The present invention will now be further explained with reference to the following exemplary formulations. The percentages are given in weight percent, based on the total amount of the cleaning tablet.

[0045] A basic formulation for the cleaning tablet according to the invention, consisting of a combination of an alkaline cleaning tablet and an alkaline pre-cleaning tablet integrated therein, is composed as follows: Entire cleaning tablet

[0046] Alkalinity is provided by one or a combination of several of the following raw materials: Caustic soda (NaOH) 0 - 70 % Sodium metasilicate 0 - 70 % soda 0 - 70 %

[0047] The following raw materials are available for cleaning purposes, either alone or in any combination: Sodium tripolyphosphate 10 - 30 % Low-foaming surfactants 0,1 - 10 % Polymers 0,1 - 10 % Phosphonates 0,1 - 10 %

[0048] In addition, tableting aids and, as explained above, retardants are used in the main cleaning tablet (main cleaning system), and optionally disintegration aids are used in the pre-cleaning tablet (pre-cleaning system), which ideally together do not make up more than 10% of the composition.

[0049] The pH value of this alkaline cleaning tablet is adjusted between 11 and 14, and to approximately 12 to 13 for preferred cleaners. Example 1: possible tablet compositions

[0050] In principle, the pre-cleaner tablet and the main cleaning tablet can differ in their active ingredients, which can contribute to optimizing their effectiveness. However, to illustrate the principle of this patent application, a uniform composition of active ingredients will deliberately form the basis for comparing the alkaline cleaning tablet with pre- and main cleaning system against a single-phase tablet with the same composition of active ingredients. Thus, only the effect of dividing the cleaning process into two temporally staggered phases, and not the effect of varying the chemical composition, will be considered.

[0051] The following examples therefore refer to the composition of the active substances. In the single-phase cleaning tablet, retarders are added to prevent a significant portion from dissolving during the pre-cleaning program.

[0052] In the tablet according to the invention, as shown in these examples, 20% of the tablet is used in a separate compartment without a retarder, so that this portion dissolves during the pre-cleaning phase of the automatic cleaning program. However, the total weight of this tablet is the same as that of the conventional, single-phase tablet, so that the same amount of chemicals is used in the cleaning process. Example A Example B Example C Caustic soda (NaOH) 60 % 30 % - Sodium metasilicate - 40 % 60 % soda 14 % 10 % 20 % Sodium tripolyphosphate 20 % 15 % 10 % Non-ionic surfactant 3% 2% 6% polymer 2,5 % 2% 3% Phosphonate 0,5 % 1% 1%

[0053] The chemical composition shows that the alkalinity decreases from example A to C. Consequently, different dosages (number of tablets) are required to achieve the desired cleaning result.

[0054] The cleaning processes were carried out in a commercial cooking appliance with an automatic cleaning program, consisting of a pre-cleaning phase and a main cleaning phase, using standardized stubborn grease and protein-based soiling, which was produced by defined cooking / frying processes with highly seasoned meat.

[0055] The assessment focused on the necessary number of tablets of the same weight required to achieve a defined cleaning result, where the smooth surfaces of the cooking appliance show no visible residual soiling.

[0056] The following matrix results from these cleaning attempts: Example Tablet formulation Required number of cleaning tablets A Conventional, delayed-release monophasic tablet 4 Tablet according to the invention with integrated non-retarded pre-cleaner tablet 3 B Conventional, delayed-release monophasic tablet 5 Tablet according to the invention with integrated non-retarded pre-cleaner tablet 4 C Conventional, delayed-release monophasic tablet 6 Tablet according to the invention with integrated non-retarded pre-cleaner tablet 5

[0057] The matrix shows that the required dosage with the cleaning tablets according to the invention can be reduced by 15 to 25 percent compared to conventional tablets, depending on the active ingredient composition. Example 2: Mode of action of the cleaning tablet according to the invention

[0058] The mode of action of the tablet design according to the invention can be demonstrated by means of a cleaning process in which the active ingredient composition from Example B is used in a commercial cooking appliance with an automatic cleaning program consisting of a pre-cleaner and a main cleaning phase. To demonstrate this, the pre-cleaner component is composed essentially identically to the main cleaning component. Differences exist only with regard to the use of the additives for retarding the main cleaning tablet.

[0059] The cleaning tablet according to the invention consists of a pre-cleaner component and a main cleaning component accordingly. Fig. 1 was compared to a single-phase cleaning tablet with the same overall composition.

[0060] A wash cycle using single-phase, sustained-release cleaning tablets is compared to a wash cycle in which 20% of the active ingredient is incorporated into the larger, sustained-release main cleaning tablets as smaller, non-sustained pre-cleaner tablets. This quantity of non-sustained pre-cleaner tablets ensures that significantly more dirt is removed during the pre-rinse cycle.

[0061] The analysis of the cleaning solution reveals the difference: conventional monophasic cleaning tablets Cleaning tablets with integrated pre-cleaner system Rinsing solution pre-cleaning Rinsing solution, main cleaning Rinsing solution Pre-cleaning Rinsing solution, main cleaning Dry mass at 130°C (%) 0,88 2,39 1,43 2,19 refraction 1,4 4,0 2,2 3,8 Transparency in photometry 77,4 80,1 89,5 62,8

[0062] The visual and photometric analysis of the rinsing solutions clearly shows that significantly more dirt is dissolved in the pre-cleaning stage with the cleaning tablet with integrated pre-cleaning system.

[0063] Since the cleaning tablets described in detail above are exemplary embodiments, they can be modified extensively by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, specific embodiments of the cleaning tablets can exist in shapes other than those described here. Likewise, the formulations of the alkaline cleaning tablets can be modified by a person skilled in the art in accordance with the specific exemplary embodiments described above. A person skilled in the art also knows how to adjust the individual weight proportions to the relevant requirements within the framework of the inventive solution to the problem. Furthermore, the use of the indefinite articles "a" or "an" does not preclude the possibility that the relevant features may be present multiple times.

Claims

[1] Cleaning tablet with an alkaline cleaner for cleaning commercial dishwashers, ovens, grills, combi steamers, large cooking containers and degreasing systems from the commercial kitchen sector, comprehensively a main cleaning system for a main wash cycle of a machine and an integrated pre-cleaner system that begins to take effect in a pre-wash cycle of the machine, wherein the main cleaning system and the pre-cleaning system are contained in at least partially separate compartments, and where the pre-cleaning system accounts for 10 to 30% of the total cleaner tablet, wherein the main cleaning system comprises a retarder, wherein the retarder comprises a hydrophobic substance selected from waxes, stearates, fatty acid alkanolamides, carboxymethylcelluloses, gelatin and pyrogenic silicas, and / or wherein the pre-cleaner system comprises a disintegration accelerator or dissolution accelerator in the tablet matrix, wherein the disintegration accelerator or the dissolution accelerator is selected from starch or starch derivatives, cellulose or cellulose derivatives, alginates, saccharides or cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidones, and where the cleaning tablet has a pH value greater than 11 in an aqueous solution of at least 1%. [2] Cleaning tablet according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning tablet is designed in the form of a tablet with at least two phases, in particular in the form of a main cleaning tablet with an integrated pre-cleaning system. [3] Cleaning tablet according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main cleaning system and / or the pre-cleaning system comprises an alkali system consisting of one or more components selected from sodium hydroxide, soda and sodium metasilicate. [4] Cleaning tablet according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main cleaning system and / or the pre-cleaning system comprises at least one additional cleaning agent selected from the group consisting of polyphosphates, surfactants, polymers and phosphonates. [5] Cleaning tablet according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main cleaning system and / or the pre-cleaning system comprise further matrix components selected from binders, tableting aids and preservatives. [6] Cleaning tablet according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retarder agent is provided in the tablet matrix or as a coating on the tablet surface. [7] Manufacturing process for a cleaning tablet according to any one of claims 1 to 6 with an alkaline cleaner for cleaning kitchen equipment from the commercial kitchen sector, comprising the steps - Mixing the cleaning components, selected from alkali system components, additional cleaning agent components, and further matrix components to produce a basic cleaning mixture, - Dividing the basic cleaner mixture into a main cleaner mixture and a pre-cleaner mixture, - Adding a retarder to the main cleaner mixture to provide a main cleaner compartment, and / or - Adding a decomposition accelerator or a dissolution accelerator to the pre-cleaner mixture to provide a pre-cleaner compartment, and - Combining the pre-cleaner compartment with the main cleaner compartment. [8] Use of a cleaning tablet according to any one of claims 1 to 6 with an alkaline cleaner for cleaning kitchen equipment from the commercial kitchen sector, wherein the cleaning tablet comprises a main cleaning system for a main wash cycle of a machine and an integrated pre-cleaning system which begins to take effect in a pre-wash cycle of the machine, wherein the main cleaning system and the pre-cleaning system are included in at least partially separate compartments.

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