Mischsystem-Set

Abstract

The invention relates to a mixing system set for the production of a cleaning agent, comprising - a mixing system with several liquid containers (1) and a mixing unit (2) designed to mix the liquids from the several liquid containers (1), - a housing (3) in which the mixing system is housed, - an outlet for dispensing the cleaning agent produced by the mixing system through the mixing of several liquids, - a multi-function unit (4) arranged on the housing (3) and comprising a selection device (5) by means of which a user can select the cleaning agent to be produced, wherein the multi-function unit (4) is translationally movable between a first position in which the selection device (5) can be actuated by the user and a second position relative to the housing (3) in which the multi-function unit (4) fixes a vessel (6) provided at the outlet for filling with the cleaning agent produced.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mixing system set. In particular, the invention relates to a mixing system set comprising a mixing system with a plurality of liquid containers and a mixing unit configured to mix the liquids from the plurality of liquid containers to produce the cleaning agent, a housing in which the mixing system is housed, and an outlet for discharging the cleaning agent produced by mixing the liquids by means of the mixing system.

[0002] Household appliances such as coffee machines are known to be designed to dispense various liquids. This requires user interaction, which allows the type, quantity, and composition of the medium to be produced to be digitally selected and the dispensing to be initiated through analog, mechanical interaction. However, separating the digital and mechanical interaction into different components can lead to confusion and increased complexity in the interaction. It is therefore desirable to combine the digital interaction and the analog operation of the system on one and the same component, so that the user can perform the entire interaction on a single component. In addition, it is important that a container to be filled cannot be removed or tip over during dispensing.

[0003] The invention therefore addresses the problem of providing a mixing system set with which the user can interact easily and intuitively to obtain the desired cleaning agent. Furthermore, a container filled with the system should be able to be filled without any safety risks.

[0004] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a mixing system set having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention emerge from the following subclaims.

[0005] The advantages achievable with the invention are that, through a combination of the selection device and mechanical elements, the interaction for the user can be found in a single component. This makes a rather complex interaction very easy to understand and prevents user confusion when using the mixing system set. Furthermore, a container to be filled with the cleaning agent is secured during filling so that it cannot tip over and / or be removed before the filling process is complete. This is particularly advantageous because, in the case of a cleaning agent, the user may come into contact with substances that are irritants to the skin and / or the respiratory tract. By securing the container during the filling process, contact between the user and the cleaning agent and / or its components is avoided or at least reduced.

[0006] The invention relates to a mixing system set for producing a cleaning agent, comprising - a mixing system with several liquid containers and a mixing unit designed to mix the liquids from the several liquid containers, - a housing in which the mixing system is housed, - an outlet for discharging the cleaning agent produced by the mixing system by mixing the plurality of liquids, - a multi-function unit which is arranged on the housing and has a selection device by means of which a user can make a selection of the cleaning agent to be produced, wherein the multi-function unit is movable in translation, in particular in the vertical direction, between a first position in which the selection device can be actuated by the user, and a second position relative to the housing, in which position the multi-function unit fixes a vessel provided at the outlet for filling with the produced cleaning agent.

[0007] The multifunctional unit is integrated into the mixing system set as a single assembly, with which the user must interact to trigger, dose, and receive the cleaning agent. Therefore, the multifunctional unit fulfills at least these three functions. The multifunctional unit is preferably arranged in a front, upper area of ​​the mixing system set. Position and direction specifications refer to a normal operating position of the mixing system set. The selection device is preferably arranged on the top of the multifunctional unit in a plan view. The first position is preferably above the second position.

[0008] The mixing system is preferably designed to dose one or more of the multiple liquids depending on the cleaning agent selected by the user. For this purpose, the liquids each contain different components, as described below. The housing can be constructed in several parts.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the multi-function unit has a rotary push-button switch which, when turned, is designed to enable the selection of the cleaning agent and, when pressed, to allow the translational movement of the multi-function unit from the first position to the second position. The multi-function unit preferably includes an interaction concept which has a rotary push-button switch with the selection device and a mechanical element with a push-push mechanism. In the plan view, the rotary push-button switch is preferably attached to the top of the multi-function unit and the entire multi-function unit can be pressed downwards. Once the user has selected the desired cleaning agent using the selection device, they can preferably press the multi-function unit downwards.This then locks a container positioned below it, and preferably the filling of the container with the cleaning agent selected by the user is then automatically initiated. The multifunctional unit is preferably designed to automatically lock the container to be filled. This means that the user only needs to move the multifunctional unit to the second position, but no longer needs to interact with the mixing system set or the container to lock the container.

[0010] The multifunctional unit preferably has a display configured to show cleaning agents to be selected. This means that the selection device is configured as a display. The rotary push-button preferably functions as a display. The user preferably selects the medium to be produced on the display by turning the rotary push-button to the position of the desired cleaning agent. The display is preferably configured to show information about which position is assigned to which cleaning agent. The display is preferably touchscreen-free. The user can select the desired cleaning agent by turning the switch. A touch function is therefore unnecessary.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the multifunctional unit is designed to automatically fill the container with the cleaning agent selected by the user after the container has been secured in the second position. The user does not need to restart the filling process after moving the multifunctional unit to the second position. This simplifies operation.

[0012] The multifunctional unit is preferably movable translationally, in particular in the vertical direction, from the second position to a third position and is designed to move automatically from the third position to the first position. The third position is preferably located below the second position. The mixing system set preferably has a push-push mechanism. The push-push mechanism is designed to move the multifunctional unit from the second position to the third position to the first position by pressing the multifunctional unit. By pressing the multifunctional unit from the second position to the third position, the filling process is preferably aborted. The multifunctional unit therefore fulfils several functions due to its ability to be arranged in the three positions: selection of the cleaning agent, securing the vessel to be filled and returning to the initial state, in particular optionally switching off after the filling process.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the multifunctional unit can be automatically moved from the second position to the first position after the container has been filled with the cleaning agent selected by the user. This signals to the user that the filling process is complete. Furthermore, the user does not need to interact further with the mixing system set after the filling process is complete.

[0014] Alternatively, or additionally, preferably, after filling the container with the cleaning agent selected by the user, the selection device is automatically set to a predefined start position. This eliminates the need for the user to further interact with the mixing system set after the filling process is complete. Instead, it is designed to switch itself off.

[0015] Preferably, the first position, the second position, and the third position are each located underneath one another, relative to a normal operating position of the mixing system set. This further simplifies operation. This allows the user to push the multifunctional unit from the first to the second position and from the second to the third position. This provides a simple and intuitive component to operate.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the multifunctional unit is cylindrical, making it an easy-to-handle and aesthetically pleasing component.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, the multifunctional unit is preferably partially enclosed by the housing. Thus, the part of the housing surrounding the multifunctional unit can serve as a support for it.

[0018] Preferably, the cleaning agent produced is a grill cleaner, oven cleaner, kitchen and / or power cleaner, floor cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, hand dishwashing liquid, glass cleaner, toilet cleaner, bathroom cleaner or descaler, depending on predetermined mixing ratios of the liquids.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the mixing system set comprises multiple liquid containers for separately storing multiple liquids. The separately stored liquids preferably include a surfactant component, a solvent component, an acidic component, an alkaline component, and / or water. The advantages are that several, a large number, or at least ten of the most commonly used cleaning agents can be easily prepared on-site by the user using as few components as possible. This provides for needs-based production and use of the cleaning agents.

[0020] This can reduce plastic waste through reusable containers and reduce product variety by simplifying the range and creating transparency. Users can produce the amount of cleaning agent they require, depending on their individual needs, for example, their apartment size and furnishings, hobbies, car, etc. There is also no need to transport water. Furthermore, preservatives are no longer required because the cleaning agents can be freshly prepared. They do not need to be preserved for months of storage. Furthermore, stabilizers are no longer required because the cleaning agents are used directly. The use of stabilizers, which are normally intended to keep the components of the cleaning agents homogeneous in solution, is not necessary.Using the mixing system set, the user receives the desired cleaning agent in situ and in a simple, user-friendly and safe manner.

[0021] The mixing system set preferably has at least five liquid containers for storing at least five liquids separately from one another. The at least five separately stored liquids preferably include a surfactant component, a solvent component, an acidic component, an alkaline component, and water. Most cleaning agents can be produced using the mixing system set consisting of at least four components and water. The cleaning agents are preferably so-called household cleaners, even if these can be used in the commercial sector. The four essential components are the surfactant component, e.g. a mixture of non-ionic and anionic surfactants, the solvent component, e.g. a mixture of a low-boiling solvent and a high-boiling solvent, the acidic component, e.g.a mixture of at least one organic acid and at least one complexing agent, and the alkaline component, e.g., an alkali carrier such as sodium hydroxide solution, potassium hydroxide solution, monoethanolamine, and / or one or more carbonates. The mixing system set contains the four essential components, for example, separately in containers such as cartridges or drums. Any water required for dilution is readily available at home or at a business location. Each of the four components is preferably liquid and preferably contains water. Each of the components is preferably a concentrate.

[0022] The mixing unit preferably has a mixing section, with each of the multiple components being assigned a dosing point on the mixing section and a pump for dosing the respective component. The mixing system preferably has a control device configured to control the pumps assigned to the respective components at a predetermined time. This ensures an advantageous mixing sequence of the components.

[0023] Because the mixing system first doses the surfactant component and the solvent component together and then mixes the resulting premix with water, the acidic component, and / or the alkaline component, if required, this prevents the surfactant component from forming gel clumps when mixed with water, which are virtually impossible to dissolve or dissolve only very slowly. This further prevents the mixing system from clogging. Furthermore, the use of the mixing system ensures safe application through automatic mixing. This prevents the user from coming into contact with the chemical bonds between the components.

[0024] The predetermined proportions of the components preferably depend on the type of cleaning agent to be produced desired by the user. Proportions of the components can also be zero depending on the type of cleaning agent to be produced. This means that not all cleaning agents to be produced have to contain all four of the above components. The mixing system is preferably designed to dose the surfactant component only in combination with the solvent component. This means that every cleaning agent produced, if it contains the surfactant component, also contains the solvent component. The dosage or use of the solvent component is preferably independent of the use of the surfactant component, so that a cleaning agent produced can contain the solvent component but be surfactant component-free.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, a mixing ratio of the surfactant component to the solvent component is from 10 to 1 to 1 to 10, preferably from 5 to 1 to 1 to 5, more preferably from 5 to 1 to 1 to 1. This further achieves a good cleaning performance of the cleaning agent produced without gel clump formation.

[0026] The mixing system preferably has a mixing section, with each of the multiple components being assigned a dosing point on the mixing section and a pump for dosing the respective component. The mixing system preferably has a control device configured to control the pumps assigned to the respective components at a predetermined time. This ensures an advantageous mixing sequence of the components.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the dosing point assigned to the solvent component is located upstream of the dosing point assigned to the surfactant component on the mixing section. The control device is preferably configured and designed to dose the solvent component in a period that begins at a time before the dosing of the surfactant component and ends at a time after the dosing of the surfactant component has ended. This is achieved by controlling the pump assigned to the respective component. This ensures that the surfactant component and the solvent component are dosed simultaneously. This prevents the surfactant component from mixing only with water and forming gel clumps.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the control device is configured and designed to begin metering water into the mixing section by controlling its associated pumps at a time prior to the metering of the solvent component and the surfactant component. The metering point assigned to the water is preferably located behind the metering point assigned to the solvent component and behind the metering point assigned to the surfactant component on the mixing section. This prevents the surfactant component from forming gel clumps when mixed with water.

[0029] Preferably, the dosing point associated with the acidic component and / or the dosing point associated with the alkaline component is located downstream of the dosing point associated with water on the mixing section. As a result, the mixture of the surfactant component and the solvent component is already pre-diluted with water when the acidic and / or alkaline component(s) are dosed into the mixing section.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the delivery rates and / or timing of the pumps are the same. Alternatively, the delivery rates and / or timing of the pumps are preferably different. The settings of the delivery rates and / or timing of the pumps are preferably selected such that the mixing ratio of the components to one another is ensured, as predetermined for the particular cleaning agent to be produced.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant component comprises a mixture of nonionic and anionic surfactants. Optionally, the surfactant component also contains amphoteric surfactants and biosurfactants. The surfactant component is more preferably a mixture of nonionic and anionic surfactants with solvent and optionally other excipients, and amphoteric surfactants and biosurfactants may also be optionally included. In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant component contains sodium lauryl ether sulfate, APG (alkyl polyglucoside), rhamnolipid, amine oxide, butoxydiglycol, perfume, enzyme, and water. The surfactant component preferably contains 55.00 to 65 wt.% sodium lauryl ether sulfate in PG (propylene glycol), 15.00 to 25.00 wt.% APG rhamnolipid, 6.00 to 8.00 wt.% amine oxide (30%) (<2.5 active%), 3.00 to 7.00 wt.% butyric diglycol, 0.00 to 1.20 wt.% perfume, up to 1.20 wt.% enzyme and water ad 100.The surfactant component preferably represents a surfactant base for a hand dishwashing detergent, a grill cleaner, an oven cleaner, and a bathroom cleaner in the mixing system set. It also preferably represents a co-base for a kitchen / grill cleaner, a floor cleaner, and an all-purpose cleaner.

[0032] The solvent component preferably comprises a mixture of a low-boiling solvent and a high-boiling solvent, which comprises a maximum of 20 wt.% of the amount of the low-boiling solvent. The low-boiling solvent is, for example, ethanol and / or isopropanol. The high-boiling solvent is, for example, propylene glycol. Optionally, the solvent component can contain further auxiliaries and a surfactant. In a preferred embodiment, the solvent component contains ethanol, propylene glycol monobutyl ether, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, and water. The solvent component preferably contains 85.00 to 92.00 wt.% ethanol, 6.00 to 10.00 wt.% propylene glycol monobutyl ether, 1.50 to 2.50 wt.% sodium lauryl ether sulfate in BG, butylene glycol) and water ad 100. The solvent component in the mixing system set preferably represents a base for a glass cleaner.It also preferably represents a co-base for a hand dishwashing detergent and a solubilizer for the surfactant component.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the acidic component comprises a mixture of at least one organic acid and at least one complexing agent. The at least one organic acid is preferably citric acid, lactic acid, and / or maleic acid. The at least one complexing agent is preferably phosphonic acid and / or one or more aminocarboxylates. The acidic component preferably contains lactic acid, citric acid, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, for example GLDA 47 S (Aako, Leusden, Netherlands) in the form of an acid, phosphonic acid, and water. The acidic component more preferably contains 47.00 to 53.00 wt.% lactic acid, 17.00 to 23.00 wt.% citric acid, 5.00 to 9.00 wt.% GLDA 47 S (acid), 2.00 to 4.00 wt.% phosphonic acid, and water ad 100. The acidic component in the mixing system set preferably represents a basis for a descaler, a bathroom cleaner, and a toilet cleaner.It also preferably represents a co-base for an oven cleaner, a grill cleaner, a kitchen cleaner, a floor cleaner and an all-purpose cleaner.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the alkaline component comprises an alkali carrier. The alkali carrier preferably comprises sodium hydroxide solution, potassium hydroxide solution, monoethanolamine, and / or one or more carbonates. More preferably, the alkaline component comprises a mixture of alkali carriers such as sodium hydroxide solution, potassium hydroxide solution, monoethanolamine, and / or carbonates with other auxiliaries such as complexing agents or surfactants. In a preferred embodiment, the alkaline component contains monoethanolamine, potassium hydroxide solution, sodium hydroxide, gluconate (glyconic acid), phosphonate, amine oxide, and water. The alkaline component preferably contains 37.00 to 43.00 wt.% monoethanolamine, 18.00 to 22.00 wt.% potassium hydroxide solution 45% / sodium hydroxide 50%, 3.00 to 7.00 wt.% gluconate (gluconic acid), 2.50 to 3.50 wt.% phosphonate, 5.50 to 6.50 wt.% amine oxide (30%) and water ad 100.The alkaline component in the mixing system set preferably represents a base for a grill cleaner and an oven cleaner. It also preferably represents a co-base for a bathroom cleaner, a toilet cleaner, a kitchen cleaner, a floor cleaner, and an all-purpose cleaner.

[0035] In addition to the four essential components and possibly water, the mixing system set can contain additional liquids in additional liquid containers, which contain, for example, the following components: The mixing system set preferably also comprises an additional surfactant component. The additional surfactant component preferably contains one or more fatty alcohol ethoxylates.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the mixing system set further comprises a disinfectant. The disinfectant preferably contains one or more quaternary ammonium compounds and / or biocidal amines, preferably bis(3-aminopropyl)dodecylamine. The disinfectant is preferably used for the production of disinfectant cleaning agents such as floor, bathroom, and kitchen cleaners. Furthermore, the disinfectant can also be used as a hand disinfectant.

[0037] The mixing system set preferably further comprises a fragrance component. The fragrance component preferably contains at least one fragrance for scenting the produced cleaning agent and / or for producing room fragrance. The fragrance component may contain solvents in addition to the fragrance(s). However, the fragrance component is preferably a solvent-free perfume microemulsion.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the mixing system set further comprises a viscosity-adjusting component. The viscosity-adjusting component preferably contains one or more compounds that increase the viscosity of the produced cleaning agents.

[0039] An embodiment of the invention is shown schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows schematically and not to scale. Fig. 1 a perspective view of a mixing system set according to the invention; Fig. 2 a partial plan view of the Fig. 1 mixing system set shown; Fig. 3 a further perspective view of a mixing system set according to the invention; Fig. 4 a plan view of the Fig. 1 mixing system set shown; Fig. 5 a side view of the Fig. 1 shown mixing system sets in the first position; and Fig. 6 a side view of the Fig. 1 shown mixing system sets in the second position.

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a mixing system set according to the invention. The mixing system set is designed for producing a cleaning agent. It comprises a mixing system with a plurality of liquid containers (not shown) and a mixing unit 2 designed for mixing the liquids from the plurality of liquid containers. The mixing system set further comprises a housing 3 in which the mixing system is housed, and an outlet (not shown) for discharging a cleaning agent produced by means of the mixing system. Furthermore, the mixing system set comprises a multifunctional unit 4, which is arranged on the housing 3 and has a selection device 5, by means of which a user can select a cleaning agent to be produced.The multi-function unit 4 is translationally movable relative to the housing 3 between a first position in which the selection device 5 can be actuated by the user and a second position in which the multi-function unit 4 fixes a container (not shown) provided at the outlet for filling with the cleaning agent.

[0041] Fig. 2 shows a partial plan view of the Fig. 1. The selection device 5 is arranged on the top side of the multifunctional unit 4.

[0042] Fig. Figure 3 shows a further perspective view of a mixing system set according to the invention. The multifunctional unit 4 is cylindrical. A portion of the housing 3 surrounds the multifunctional unit 4. The multifunctional unit 4 is arranged in a first position in which a user (not shown) can select the desired cleaning agent by rotating the selection device 5, e.g., in the form of a display, into a suitable position. The multifunctional unit 4 has a rotatable switch as the selection device 5.

[0043] Fig. 4 shows a top view of the Fig. 1 shown mixing system set. The Fig. 4 shows the top view of the Fig. 2 with the difference that the mixing unit 2 arranged behind the multifunctional unit 4 is shown.

[0044] Fig. 5 shows a side view of the Fig. 1 in the first position. A container 6 to be filled with the cleaning agent is arranged below the multifunctional unit 4, which is arranged in the first position.

[0045] Fig. 6 shows a side view of the Fig.1 in a second position. The vessel 6 to be filled with the cleaning agent is arranged below the multi-function unit 4, which is in the second position and locks the vessel 6. The multi-function unit 4 can be moved translationally from the first to the second position by pressing down. It has a turn-push switch which, when turned, is designed to enable the selection of the cleaning agent and, when pressed, to allow the translational movement of the multi-function unit 4 from the first position to the second position. The liquid containers 1 and associated pumps 7 of the mixing system, which are not actually visible in the side view because they are enclosed by the housing 3, are each shown schematically as a single unit.As indicated by arrows, after triggering a filling process in the second position of the multifunctional unit 4, liquids containing components are filled from the liquid containers 1 via the pumps 7 and a mixing section (not shown) in the mixing unit 2 through the outlet into the vessel 6. List of reference symbols 1 liquid container 2 mixing unit 3 housings 4 multifunctional unit 5 Selection device 6 vessels 7 Pump

Claims

[1] Mixing system set for producing a cleaning agent, comprising - a mixing system with a plurality of liquid containers (1) and a mixing unit (2) designed to mix the liquids from the plurality of liquid containers (1), - a housing (3) in which the mixing system is housed, - an outlet for discharging the cleaning agent produced by the mixing system by mixing the plurality of liquids, - a multi-function unit (4) which is arranged on the housing (3) and has a selection device (5) by means of which a user can select the cleaning agent to be produced, wherein the multi-function unit (4) is translationally movable relative to the housing (3) between a first position in which the selection device (5) can be actuated by the user and a second position in which the multi-function unit (4) fixes a vessel (6) provided at the outlet for filling with the produced cleaning agent. [2] Mixing system set according to claim 1, characterized by that the multi-function unit (4) has a rotary-push switch which is designed to enable the selection of the cleaning agent when rotated and to allow the translational movement of the multi-function unit (4) from the first position to the second position when pressed. [3] Mixing system set according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the multifunctional unit (4) has a display which is designed to display selectable cleaning agents. [4] Mixing system set according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the multifunctional unit (4) is designed to automatically fill the vessel (6) with the cleaning agent selected by the user after the vessel (6) has been fixed in the second position. [5] Mixing system set according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the multi-function unit (4) is translationally movable from the second position into a third position and is in particular designed to move automatically from the third position into the first position. [6] Mixing system set according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the multifunctional unit (4) can be automatically moved from the second position to the first position after filling the container (6) with the cleaning agent selected by the user and / or the selection device (5) can be automatically set to a predetermined starting position. [7] Mixing system set according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first position, the second position and the third position are each below each other, based on a normal operating position of the mixing system set. [8] Mixing system set according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the multifunctional unit (4) is cylindrical and / or is partially surrounded by the housing (3). [9] Mixing system set according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the cleaning agent produced is, depending on predetermined mixing ratios of the liquids, a grill cleaner, oven cleaner, kitchen and / or power cleaner, floor cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, hand dishwashing liquid, glass cleaner, toilet cleaner, bathroom cleaner or descaler. [10] Mixing system set according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of liquid containers (1) for storing a plurality of liquids separately from one another, wherein the separately stored liquids include a surfactant component, a solvent component, an acidic component, an alkaline component and / or water.

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