WC STONE COMPRISING TWO DIFFERENT COMPOSITIONS

Description

[0001] Toilet cleaning blocks, also known as toilet blocks, have long been used to clean, disinfect, and scent toilets under the bowl (so-called rim blocks) and in the cistern (in-tank blocks or cistern blocks). In recent years, aesthetics and performance have become increasingly important. This has led, for example, to the development of solid, gel, or liquid fragrance rinses, some of which are offered in multi-chamber containers, thus combining a cleaning agent released when the toilet is flushed with a permanent room fragrance.

[0002] Typically, a rim block is formed from a single composition. The composition is extruded, the strand is cut, and the strand is formed if necessary.

[0003] Rim blocks with two different compositions have also been known for some time. This makes it possible to combine different active ingredients, such as dyes, fragrances in the form of perfume oils, or biocides in the toilet block. A toilet block with multiple compositions can produce a different release profile than is possible with a toilet block with one composition. By using at least two compositions, a first active ingredient can be used in the first composition and a second active ingredient in the second composition. If, for example, only the first active ingredient is compatible with the first composition, ieIf, for chemical or physicochemical reasons, the second active ingredient cannot be used in the first composition, both active ingredients can still be used in the toilet block by using an additional second composition containing the second active ingredient.

[0004] Rim blocks with two different compositions are known from the prior art. However, these blocks are obtained by concentric coextrusion, with the strand being subsequently cut. Such toilet blocks have a shell and an inner core. No further forming step is required. Due to the geometry of the two compositions, the shell dissolves first. This results in a relatively strong release of the first active ingredient at the beginning of use and a stronger release of the second active ingredient at a later point in time. As a rule, however, a consistent release of both active ingredients over essentially the entire period of use is desired. Such coextruded rim blocks are unsuitable for this purpose.

[0005] DE 10 2015 215 135 A1 describes toilet blocks that consist of at least one mass and a core.

[0006] It was therefore desirable to provide a shapely and aesthetic toilet block that can contain different active ingredients and that is flushed evenly throughout its entire service life and swells as little as possible.

[0007] The object is achieved by a toilet block according to the invention having at least a first composition and a second composition, wherein the first composition differs from the second composition and the production of the toilet block comprises a non-concentric coextrusion step, wherein the first composition is in spatial contact with a partial region of the side wall of the passage and the second composition is in spatial contact with another partial region of the side wall. In a forming step, the extrudate is formed into a sphere (502) using a rolling machine and the toilet block thus essentially has a spherical geometry, wherein the two compositions are interwoven with one another on the surface in a streak-like manner.

[0008] In the context of the present invention, the term extrusion refers to a process in which one or more compositions are pressed out of an opening, preferably continuously, under pressure. The opening is also known to those skilled in the art as a profile die. The resulting body with the cross-section of the opening is called the extrudate.

[0009] In the context of the present invention, the term coextrusion refers to an extrusion process wherein at least a first composition and a second composition are brought together in an extrusion head or also called an extruder head.

[0010] The extruder head forms a passage, one end of which is formed by a profile die through which the combined compositions can exit as extrudate.

[0011] During extrusion, there is essentially no complete homogeneous mixing of the first composition and the second composition in the extrusion head. In other words, the first composition and the second composition remain intact to the extent that they can still be distinguished from one another in the extrudate. This does not preclude the possibility that slight mixing or blending of the compositions may occur in the contact area between the first composition and the second composition.

[0012] The passage in the extruder head has a side wall. The first composition and the second composition are combined in the extruder head such that the first composition is in spatial contact with one portion of the side wall of the extruder head and the second composition is in spatial contact with another portion of the side wall of the extruder head.

[0013] Such an arrangement differs in particular from a concentric coextrusion, in which a first composition is in complete spatial contact with the side wall of the extruder head and a second composition is extruded concentrically within the first composition, i.e., the second composition is not in spatial contact with the side wall of the extruder head. In the extrudate, the second composition is thus concentrically enclosed by the first composition. The extrudate according to the invention, and thus also the toilet block according to the invention, thus differ significantly from such a concentric extrudate known from the prior art.

[0014] Toilet blocks according to the preceding paragraphs are preferred, wherein the first composition comprises a first active ingredient and the second composition comprises a second active ingredient, wherein the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient differ from each other.

[0015] Preferably, the first active ingredient is a first dye and the second active ingredient is a second dye.

[0016] Toilet blocks according to the preceding paragraphs are preferred, wherein the first active ingredient is a first fragrance and the second active ingredient is a second fragrance.

[0017] The invention preferably comprises a toilet block and a method for producing a toilet block, wherein the production of the toilet block comprises a shaping step after the coextrusion step.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the compositions form the surface of the toilet block in substantially equal proportions.

[0019] The toilet block according to the present invention preferably has at least C 2 symmetry, i.e. the block is symmetrical in that at least one twofold axis of rotation is present as a symmetry element. The invention preferably further comprises a toilet block and a method for producing a toilet block, wherein the toilet block is rotationally symmetrical, wherein at least one C ∞ axis (C infinity axis) is present as a symmetry element, although geometries with higher symmetry are of course also included (for example several C ∞ axes). A preferred geometry is the cylinder, which can be rinsed evenly due to its rotationally symmetrical geometry, i.e. the water can drain evenly in particular over the cylinder surface. Such symmetry is particularly preferred for a toilet block which comprises two compositions which form the surface of the toilet block in essentially equal proportions.In conjunction with the symmetry of the toilet block, this results in a simultaneous release of both compounds into the flush water. This contrasts with a concentric geometry, in which the outer shell is flushed first, followed by the core of the cylinder.

[0020] A spherical shape is particularly preferred because its symmetrical geometry allows the toilet block to be flushed essentially evenly, meaning the water can drain evenly on all sides. This symmetry is particularly preferred for a toilet block that comprises two compounds that make up the surface of the toilet block in essentially equal proportions. In conjunction with the symmetry of the toilet block, this results in a simultaneous release of both compounds into the flush water.

[0021] The invention preferably comprises a toilet block and a method for producing a toilet block, wherein the extrudate is formed into a sphere by the forming step and the toilet block thus essentially has a spherical geometry.

[0022] Typically, a consistent release of both active ingredients is desired over essentially the entire period of use. A spheronizing step "interweaves" the two compositions on the surface, creating a streak-like interweaving and thus completely uniform distribution across the surface. Such a distribution of the compositions on the surface of the stone can be achieved, in particular, by simultaneously cutting and spheronizing a cylindrical (non-concentric) coextrudate.

[0023] A spherical shape is also particularly preferred because of its highly symmetrical geometry, which allows for even flushing. Flushing water is directed evenly along the surface of the sphere, making even contact with the entire surface of the spherical block.

[0024] The invention preferably comprises a toilet block and a method for producing a toilet block, wherein the extrudate is cut into smaller units.

[0025] The invention preferably comprises a toilet block and a method for producing a toilet block, wherein the extrudate is cut into smaller units of approximately equal size.

[0026] The invention preferably comprises a toilet block and a method for producing a toilet block, wherein the passage is substantially cylindrical. The circumference of the partial cylinder of the extrudate corresponding to the first composition can be different from the circumference of the partial cylinder corresponding to the second composition. This allows the appearance and release profile of the toilet block to be tailored. For example, it is possible for the first composition to form a partial cylinder with 3 / 4 of a circle's circumference and the second composition to form a partial cylinder with 1 / 4 of a circle's circumference. It is also possible, for example, for the first composition to form a partial cylinder with 2 / 3 of a circle's circumference and the second composition to form a partial cylinder with 1 / 3 of a circle's circumference. However, it is preferred that the two compositions each form a half cylinder.In other words, if the passage is substantially cylindrical, the extrusion strand preferably has half cylinders of the same size.

[0027] In addition to a cylindrical strand geometry, other geometries are also possible, such as triangular, rectangular, star-shaped, or other figurative shapes. This eliminates the need for an additional forming step. Advantageously, such variations allow for a tailored release profile for active ingredients in the first composition compared to the second composition.

[0028] The invention preferably comprises a toilet block and a method for producing a toilet block, wherein the partial area of the side wall of the passage with which the first composition is in contact and the partial area of the side wall of the passage with which the second composition is in contact have a substantially equal area.

[0029] Dividing a cylinder by a plane containing its axis results in two congruent half-cylinders. As with a cylinder, the radius and height determine the half-cylinder. If the passage is essentially cylindrical, the extrusion strand will have half-cylinders of equal size.

[0030] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a device comprising at least one toilet block according to one of the claims, wherein the at least one toilet block is present in a chamber of the device, wherein the device can be attached to the rim of a toilet.

[0031] Preferably, the device has at least two, preferably at least three and more preferably at least four toilet blocks.

[0032] A preferred device is described below by way of example. The dispensing device consists of a container having an inlet opening at its top end through which flushing water can enter the container via the flushing water distribution element. The flushing water entering the container dissolves some of the toilet cleaning block stored in the container, whereby the flushing water, now loaded with the corresponding preparation, leaves the container via the outlet opening and is thus dispensed into the interior of the toilet bowl.

[0033] In the embodiment described here, the flush water distribution element is plate-shaped. However, tub-like, slide-like, or ramp-like shapes, as well as any combination thereof, are also possible. The flush water distribution element engages the flush water flow of the toilet bowl, with the main flow direction of the flush water flow usually being downward in the direction of gravity. The flush water flow is broken by the flush water distribution element, which acts similarly to a baffle plate, and distributed across the surface of the flush water distribution element. The surface of the flush water distribution element facing the flush water flow can have liquid-conducting and / or distributing structures, such as transverse and / or longitudinal grooves, capillaries, or grids.

[0034] The flushing water distribution element may further comprise an opening through which flushing water can flow into the inlet opening of the container.

[0035] The toilet basket shown has a holding element by which the toilet basket can be removably attached to the edge of a toilet bowl by a user.

[0036] The holder has a first spring element and a second spring element, wherein, when the toilet flusher is installed in the toilet, the first spring element has a substantially vertical spring travel and the second spring element has a substantially horizontal spring travel, thereby enabling an improved and more flexible fixation of the toilet basket to toilets with different bowl edge thicknesses and designs.

[0037] According to a further embodiment, the dispensing device has a plate-like flush water distribution element which, when the dispensing device is installed in a toilet bowl, extends directly from below the inlet opening of the container in the direction of the toilet rim.

[0038] According to a further embodiment, the passage has an internal cross-sectional area which is preferably approximately 1 to 10 cm 2 and more preferably 2 to 5 cm 2 .

[0039] According to a further embodiment, the passage has an internal diameter which is preferably between 15 mm and 30 mm, more preferably between 15 and 25 mm and more preferably between 18 mm and 22 mm.

[0040] If the toilet block is shaped into a sphere, the sphere volume is preferably 2 cm 3< to 20 cm 3< , more preferably 5 cm 3< to 15 cm 3< and more preferably 8 cm 3< to 9 cm 3< .

[0041] According to a further embodiment, the ball diameter is preferably 10 mm to 40 mm, more preferably 15 mm to 30 mm and more preferably 22 mm to 28 mm.

[0042] According to a further embodiment, the ball weight is preferably 5 to 30 g, more preferably 5 to 20 g and more preferably 10 to 15 g.

[0043] According to a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a solid toilet block comprising a coextrusion step, wherein the at least one first composition and a second composition, before leaving through a profile nozzle, are brought together in a passage of an extrusion head such that the first composition is in spatial contact with a partial region of the side wall of the passage and the second composition is in spatial contact with another partial region of the side wall.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the method is designed such that the method further comprises: at least one cutting step, wherein the forming step cuts the extrudate into smaller units.

[0045] According to a further preferred embodiment, the method is designed such that the method further comprises: at least one cutting step, wherein the extrudate is cut into smaller units by the shaping step. The cutting step preferably takes place substantially simultaneously with a shaping step, wherein the shaping step is preferably a spherizing step. According to a preferred embodiment, the method is designed such that the method further comprises: a shaping step, wherein the extrudate is shaped into a sphere by the shaping step, and the toilet block thus essentially has a spherical geometry.

[0046] Preferably, the strand is cut to dimensions that are similar in all three spatial directions. Subsequent ball forming or spherical shaping is possible, but not mandatory.

[0047] In addition to a cylindrical strand geometry, other geometries are also possible, such as triangular, rectangular, star-shaped, or other figurative shapes. The advantage here is that an additional forming step is eliminated. Furthermore, this also allows for variation in the release profile.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the method is designed such that the cutting step and the forming step are carried out simultaneously. For example, the strand is cut by rotating rollers and simultaneously formed into a ball by the roller die. Such methods are known for extrudates with a single composition from the production of chocolate balls. In the case of the present invention, it was surprisingly found that such methods, in the case of extrudates with two compositions, interweave the two compositions in a streak-like manner.

[0049] The following examples show possible compositions V1, V2, V3, V4, and V5. All quantities are in wt.%: V1 V2 V3 V4 V5 C 10-13 -lin. Alkylbenzenesulfonate-Na 26 -- 12,4 21 -- Fatty alcohol sulfate-Na -- 7,4 -- -- -- C 12 - Fatty alcohol sulfate-Na -- 17,4 12,4 -- -- C 14-16 -olefinsulfonate-Na 18 -- -- 23 20 C 16-18 fatty alcohol ethoxylate 25 EO 8 17 17 -- 17 Cellulose -- 3 -- -- -- Trisodium citrate dihydrate -- 2 2 0,3 2 Sodium sulfate to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Sodium carbonate -- 0,95 0,95 -- 0,95 C 12-18 fatty acid monoethanolamide -- 8 15 -- 15 Sodium silicate -- -- -- 3 --

[0050] Spherical toilet blocks with a wide variety of combinations of surfactants are now known. The compositions can contain only anionic surfactants, only non-ionic surfactants, or mixtures thereof. Cationic surfactants are also conceivable. The compositions listed are therefore only examples and should not be considered limiting.

[0051] A first composition and a second composition are selected from V1, V2, V3, V4, and V5. Active ingredients are then added to the first composition and the second composition. F1 is a yellow dye and F2 is a blue dye. P1 is a lemon fragrance and P2 is a pine fragrance. By varying the compositions and active ingredients, the following combinations K1 to K5 are obtained: Composition 1 Active ingredients Composition 2 Active ingredients Combination K1 V1 F1 V1 F1 Combination K2 V1 F1, P1 V4 F2, P2 Combination K3 V2 F1, P1 V3 F2 Combination K4 V2 F2, P2 V4 F1, P2 Combination K5 V2 F2, P1 V5 F1, P1 Combination K6 V3 P1 V4 P2

[0052] A solid toilet block is formed therefrom, wherein the production of the toilet block according to the invention comprises a coextrusion step, wherein the first composition is in spatial contact with a partial area of the side wall of a passage of the extruder and the second composition is in spatial contact with another partial area of the side wall.

[0053] The passage of the extruder is essentially cylindrical. The compositions are used in essentially equal proportions, meaning the cylindrical extrudate has two approximately equal volumes. Thus, the compositions each form a half-cylinder, meaning the cylindrical extrusion strand is formed by two half-cylinders of equal size.

[0054] After extrusion, the blocks were subjected to a cutting step and then a forming step. During this forming step, the extrudate was shaped into a sphere, giving the toilet block an essentially spherical geometry. Using the resulting toilet blocks, a device was created with four chambers, each chamber filled with one of the round toilet blocks. The blocks exhibited a clearly visible and evenly structured marbling, meaning that the two compositions were interwoven in a streak-like pattern and occupied approximately equal areas on the surface of the toilet block. Such a toilet block is shown in Figure 5shown. Unlike known spherical stones, which can be obtained by concentric coextrusion and thus possess a core-shell geometry, the stones obtained here enable a uniform release of both compositions into the water, which can flow evenly down the round spherical surface.

[0055] The device is attached to the rim of a toilet and is tested by flushing, whereby an essentially uniform flushing of the two compositions and thus of the different active ingredients can be observed for all toilet blocks.

[0056] The accompanying drawings illustrate the suitable toilet cleaning blocks according to the invention. They show in detail: Fig. 1Concentric coextrusion from the prior art Fig. 2Non-concentric coextrusion according to the invention Fig. 3Device for a non-concentric coextrusion according to the invention Fig. 4WC block according to the invention Fig. 5Another WC block according to the invention List of reference symbols:

[0057] 105 Extruder head 110 Passage of the extruder head 110a Side wall of the extruder head 121 First composition 122 Second composition 205 Extruder head 210 Passage of the extruder head 210a Part of the side wall of the extruder head 220b Part of the side wall of the extruder head 221 First composition 222 Second composition 300 Device for producing the WC block according to the invention 305 Passage of the extruder head 310 Passage of the extruder head 310a Partial region of the side wall of the extruder head 310b Partial region of the side wall of the extruder head 312 Profile nozzle 320b Side wall of the extruder head 321 First composition 322 Second composition 330 Interface 402 WC block obtained without spherical forming step 521 First composition 522 Second composition 502 WC block obtained with spheroidizing step 521 first composition 522 second composition

[0058] Figure 1shows an extruder head (105) having a passage (110) used in a method for producing a solid toilet block according to the prior art. The extruder head provides an extrudate comprising at least a first composition (121) and a second composition (122). The first composition and the second composition differ from one another. The production of the toilet block comprises a coextrusion step which takes place concentrically. In concentric extrusion, the first composition is in spatial contact with the entire side wall of the passage (110a), while the second composition is not in spatial contact with the side wall of the passage.

[0059] Figure 2shows an extruder head (205) having a cylindrical passage (210) which is used in a method for producing a solid toilet block according to the invention. The extruder head provides an extrudate comprising at least a first composition (221) and a second composition (222). The first composition and the second composition differ from one another. The production of the toilet block comprises a coextrusion step which takes place non-concentrically. In this extrusion according to the invention, the first composition is in spatial contact with a partial region of the side wall of the passage (210a), while the second composition is in contact with another partial region of the side wall (210b) of the cylindrical passage.

[0060] Figure 3shows a device (300) comprising an extruder head (305) having a passage (310), which is used in a method for producing a solid toilet block according to the invention. The extruder head provides an extrudate comprising at least a first composition (321) and a second composition (322). The first composition and the second composition differ from one another. The production of the toilet block comprises a coextrusion step which takes place non-concentrically. In this extrusion according to the invention, the first composition is in spatial contact with a partial area of the side wall of the passage (310a), while the second composition is in contact with another partial area of the side wall (310b) of the passage. The initially separate strands are combined in the extruder head. The coextruded strand is pressed out of the extruder head through a profile nozzle (312).One or more cutting steps follow. According to the embodiment shown, the method is designed such that the block is divided into smaller units by several cuts. The cuts can be performed simultaneously or at different times.

[0061] Figure 4 shows a toilet block (402) according to the invention, which was produced by means of a coextrusion step that takes place non-concentrically. In the specific embodiment shown, the toilet block consists of two half-cylinders, one half-cylinder consisting of a first composition (421) and the other half-cylinder consisting of a second composition (422). Figure 4 The WC block shown was obtained without a subsequent spherical forming step, ie the cylindrical extrudate was simply cut and thus divided into smaller pieces.

[0062] Figure 5shows a toilet rim (502) according to the invention, which was produced by means of a coextrusion step that takes place non-concentrically. In the embodiment shown, the extrudate, which consists of two half-cylinders, one half-cylinder consisting of a first composition (521) and the other half-cylinder consisting of a second composition (522), was cut into smaller pieces and formed by means of a spheroidizing step, i.e., the cylindrical extrudate was cut and formed into a sphere. A spheroidizing step "interweaves" the two compositions on the surface in such a way that the two compositions are blended together in a streak-like manner and therefore occupy approximately equal areas of the toilet rim's surface.Such a distribution of the compositions on the surface of the block can be achieved, in particular, by simultaneously cutting and spherizing a cylindrical (non-concentric) coextrudate. The cylindrical coextrudate is positioned between two rotating rollers, which "cut" the elongated strand into individual toilet blocks and simultaneously form each block into a sphere. Such processes are known from the field of chocolate ball production. Manufacturers of such machines, known as rolling machines for chocolate balls, include Krüger & Salecker Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG, with the ARM 0252 - 0601 type being particularly preferred.

Claims

1. A solid spherical toilet block (402, 502) comprising at least a first composition ( 221, 321, 421, 521) and a second composition (222, 322, 422, 522), wherein the first composition differs from the second composition and the production of the toilet block comprises a non-concentric coextrusion step, wherein the first composition is in spatial contact with a sub-area of the side wall of the passage (210a, 310a) and the second composition is in spatial contact with another part of the side wall (210b, 310b), wherein, by means of a forming step, the extrudate is formed into a sphere (502) using a rolling machine and the toilet block thus has essentially a spherical geometry, wherein the two compositions are interwoven with each other in a streak-like manner on the surface of the spherical toilet block.

2. Toilet block according to the preceding claim, wherein the first composition (221, 321, 421, 521) comprises at least one first active ingredient and the second composition (222, 322, 422, 522) comprises at least one second active ingredient, wherein the first active ingredient and the second active ingredient are different from each other.

3. Toilet block according to the preceding claim, wherein the first active ingredient is a first dye and the second active ingredient is a second dye.

4. Toilet block according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the first active ingredient is a first fragrance and the second active ingredient is a second fragrance.