Single-dose detergent unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a single dose detergent unit, comprising a) a dimensionally stable gel body b) a cover substance in the form of a compressed moulded body which is different from the dimensionally stable gel and which partially covers the surface of the dimensionally stable gel body, wherein i) the compressed moulded body has an underside and an upper side which are connected to one another by an outer surface and ii) the compressed moulded body has at least one spatial diagonal, which connects two points lying opposite one another on the outer surface of the pressed moulded body, wherein the density of the pressed moulded body changes at least twice along the spatial diagonals in such a way that the density initially increases and subsequently decreases again. The invention also relates to a method for the production thereof and washing and cleaning methosds using these washing agent portion units.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a detergent portion unit comprising a gel body and a rigid coating substance at least partially covering the gel body. The application further relates to a method for producing this detergent portion unit and washing methods for textiles or dishes using such a detergent portion unit.

[0002] The packaging and presentation of detergents and cleaning agents are subject to constantly changing requirements. For some time now, a major focus has been on convenient dosing by the consumer and simplifying the steps required for washing or cleaning. One technical solution is offered by pre-portioned detergents or cleaning agents, for example, water-soluble containers with one or more compartments for powdered or liquid detergents or cleaning agents. Another technical solution is offered by detergent tablets, which can be single- or multi-phase. WO02086047 A1 discloses a three-layer detergent tablet with a viscoelastic middle layer.

[0003] To manufacture water-soluble containers, water-soluble polymers are typically formed into receiving chambers, which are then filled with a detergent or cleaning agent and finally sealed. The receiving chambers can be produced, for example, from water-soluble polymer films using a thermoforming process. Alternatively, a water-soluble polymer is injection-molded into a receiving container.

[0004] The water-soluble packaging material used for the filled detergent portion units is generally hygroscopic. The water absorption tendency and capacity of the packaging material can lead to portion units adhering to machine or packaging surfaces during manufacturing, packaging, storage, and subsequent use by the consumer. This can result in portion units not being optimally conveyed, or adjacent portion units, for example, within a shared outer package, sticking together. To prevent this adhesion of the water-soluble portion units, their surface properties can be modified by applying a powder. However, powdering the water-soluble detergent portion units requires an additional process step.

[0005] Due to the portioning process using water-soluble packaging, unlike conventional solid detergent powders, the fragrances added to the detergent or cleaning agent are only very limitedly noticeable or not noticeable at all in single-serve units. In response to this, detergent products are marketed whose outer packaging, for example, is coated with fragrance-containing adhesives, thus giving the consumer a scent impression of the detergent or cleaning agent inside.

[0006] The water-soluble packaging materials used are generally not detergent- or cleaning-active and therefore do not contribute to the product's effectiveness. Reducing the packaging content relative to the total weight of the detergent portions would thus not result in any loss of performance and would be welcome from both a sustainability and economic perspective.

[0007] Ultimately, the washing performance achieved by the detergent portion unit is directly related to its dissolution properties. Especially with the increasing use of cold washing processes, it is advantageous to minimize the thickness of the water-soluble film material contained within the detergent portion unit to accelerate the dissolution process. However, reducing the thickness of the surrounding film material simultaneously reduces the mechanical stability of the portion units. Overcoming this apparent dichotomy between mechanical stability and dissolution speed by means of detergent dosing units packaged in water-soluble films remains a relevant consideration in the development of water-soluble detergent portion units.

[0008] An alternative to the portion packs described above are detergent tablets, but in this case, sufficient mechanical stability and high dissolution rate are similarly incompatible, just as in the case of the portion packs.

[0009] Against the background of the previously described prior art, the application aimed to provide detergent portion units that can be manufactured using simplified processes, possess high product and storage stability, can be easily packaged using minimal amounts of packaging material, and appeal to consumers through an attractive odor, appearance, and / or feel. Finally, the detergent portion units should offer high product performance and be easy and safe for consumers to handle.

[0010] A detergent portion unit according to the invention and the present claims is suitable for solving these tasks.

[0011] The term "detergent portion unit" describes a form of packaging in which a measured portion of a detergent or cleaning agent is contained. Detergent portion units therefore refer to packaging for both textiles and hard surfaces such as ceramics, glass, metal, or tiles. A detergent portion unit preferably weighs between 14 g and 42 g, more preferably between 20 g and 38 g, and particularly between 24 g and 34 g.

[0012] The detergent portion unit according to the invention comprises a dimensionally stable gel and a specific coating substance in the form of two tablets that at least partially covers this gel.

[0013] Gel bodies are defined as bodies that exhibit elastic deformation behavior under the influence of force. Dimensionally stable bodies are those that possess intrinsic dimensional stability, enabling them to maintain a non-disintegrating spatial shape under normal manufacturing, storage, transport, and consumer handling conditions. This spatial shape must remain unchanged under these conditions for extended periods, preferably 4 weeks, particularly preferably 8 weeks, and especially 32 weeks. In other words, under normal manufacturing, storage, transport, and consumer handling conditions, the body must retain the spatial-geometric shape determined by the manufacturing process, i.e., it must not degrade.

[0014] A "molded body" is a single body that stabilizes itself in its imprinted shape.

[0015] This dimensionally stable body is formed from a molding compound (e.g., a composition) by selectively bringing this molding compound into a predetermined shape, e.g., by pouring a liquid composition into a mold and subsequently hardening the liquid composition, or by compressing a particulate premix, for example, as part of a tableting process.

[0016] The shape of the gel body is generally freely selectable; its side surfaces can, for example, be convex, concave, or flat. However, certain spatial configurations have proven particularly advantageous with regard to the manufacturability, storage, and use of the gel bodies.

[0017] In suitably advantageous detergent portion units, the gel body has a flat underside whose largest diagonal is greater than the height of the gel body. These bodies are not only easy to manufacture, for example by casting, but they can also be packaged simply and compactly and are suitable for dosing via the dosing or dispenser chambers of electronic cleaning devices. Preferably, the gel body has a flat underside whose largest diagonal is more than 1.5 times, preferably more than 2 times, the height of the gel body.

[0018] For manufacturability, for example with regard to demolding the gel body from a mold, it has proven advantageous if the underside of the gel body has no corners. Preferred gel bodies are therefore characterized by oval undersides or, alternatively, by ellipsoidal or round, preferably round, undersides. Such gel bodies with a non-angular underside are also preferred by many consumers due to their appearance. Therefore, gel bodies with a bottom and a top surface connected by a cylindrical outer surface are particularly preferred.

[0019] Advantages regarding space utilization during manufacturing and packaging are achieved through angular undersides. For example, if the gel bodies are cast in the form of sheets which are subsequently cut into gel bodies, angular undersides are advantageous because such gel bodies can be cut without producing any waste and can be packaged in a space-saving manner. In an alternative embodiment, preferred gel bodies therefore have angular undersides, in particular triangular, square, or hexagonal undersides.

[0020] In terms of the manufacture, packaging and use of the detergent portion units, it has also proven advantageous if the gel bodies have a top surface that is parallel to the underside.

[0021] In a first preferred geometric embodiment, the gel body has a bottom and a top surface with the same geometric shape and the same surface area. As previously described, such gel bodies can be easily produced, for example, by casting sheets and subsequently cutting the sheets into individual gel bodies. Furthermore, due to the geometric identity of the bottom and top surfaces, these gel bodies can be more easily oriented in subsequent process steps, during packaging, or during use by the user than gel bodies with lower symmetry. This is particularly true for gel bodies that also have a top surface that is plane-parallel to the bottom surface.Examples of such gel bodies are circular cylinders, elliptical cylinders, parallelepipeds, rhombohedrons, right or oblique prisms, cuboids, or cubes. The group of circular and elliptical cylinders further includes perpendicular circular and elliptical cylinders as well as oblique circular and elliptical cylinders. Due to their ease of production by singulation from a plate, gel bodies in the form of perpendicular circular cylinders, perpendicular elliptical cylinders, right prisms, right cuboids, or cubes are preferred.

[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the gel body has a bottom and a top surface with the same geometric shape, but with different surface areas. Such gel bodies may be preferred due to their attractive appearance or optimized fit, combined with relatively simple manufacturing. Examples of such gel bodies are circular or elliptical cylinders with a convex or concave bottom surface and a flat top surface. Other examples include truncated cones or truncated pyramids.

[0023] In summary, preferred subject matter of the application can be characterized as detergent portion units comprising a gel body with a bottom and a top, wherein the area of ​​the top is 80 to 100%, preferably 90 to 100% and particularly 98 to 100% of the bottom.

[0024] The detergent portion units according to the invention are particularly suitable for the formulation of surfactant-containing compositions, since these compositions tend to adhere and clump together to a particularly high degree, for example, when exposed to moisture. In preferred embodiments, the gel body therefore contains 30 to 70 wt.%, preferably 40 to 60 wt.%, and particularly 45 to 55 wt.% surfactant.

[0025] For the manufacturability and subsequent dissolution properties of the gel bodies, it has proven advantageous if they contain 15 to 35 wt.%, preferably 20 to 30 wt.%, of an aqueous-organic solvent. Preferred gel bodies also contain dye.

[0026] Preferred detergent portion units comprise a transparent gel body. A gel body is defined as "transparent" if, in the wavelength range of 410 to 800 nm, it exhibits a transmission above 20%, preferably above 30%, and particularly above 35% at at least one wavelength, preferably at 600 nm. The transmission is determined by VIS spectrometry at a sample temperature of 20°C and a cuvette length of 10 mm.

[0027] For the production and subsequent storage and transport properties of the gel bodies, it has proven advantageous to use low molecular weight gelling agents with a molar mass of up to 2000 g / mol in the gel body, wherein its weight fraction to the total weight of the gel body is preferably less than 5 wt.%, preferably 0.1 to 5 wt.%, and particularly preferably 0.1 to 2.5 wt.%.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the low-molecular-weight gelling agent has a solubility in water of less than 0.1 g / L (20°C). The solubility of the organic gelling compound is determined at 20°C in double-distilled, demineralized water.

[0029] Furthermore, gelling agents are preferably suitable which have a structure containing at least one hydrocarbon structural unit with 6 to 20 carbon atoms (preferably at least one carbocyclic, aromatic structural unit) and additionally an organic structural unit covalently bonded to the aforementioned hydrocarbon unit, which has at least two groups selected from -OH, -NH-, or mixtures thereof.

[0030] Particularly preferred gel bodies are characterized in that said gel bodies contain at least one benzylidenealditol compound of formula (GB-I) as a gelling agent. wherein *- for a covalent single bond between an oxygen atom of the alditol backbone and the intended residue, n for 0 or 1, preferably 1, m for 0 or 1, preferably 1, R 1< , R 2< and R 3< independently of each other represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C 1-C 4 alkyl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydroxy group, a -C(=O)-NH-NH 2 group, a -NH-C(=O)-(C 2-C 4 alkyl) group, a C 1-C 4 alkoxy group, a C 1-C 4 alkoxy-C 2-C 4 alkyl group, two of the residues together with the residue molecule form a 5- or 6-membered ring, R 4< , R 5< and R 6< independently of each other represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydroxy group, a -C(=O)-NH-NH2 group, a -NH-C(=O)-(C2-C4 alkyl) group, a C1-C4 alkoxy group,a C1-C4 alkoxy-C2-C4 alkyl group, two of the residues together with the rest molecule forming a 5- or 6-membered ring.

[0031] Due to the stereochemistry of the alditols, it should be noted that, according to the invention, both the aforementioned benzylidenealditols in the L-configuration or in the D-configuration, or a mixture of both, are suitable. Due to their natural availability, the benzylidenealditol compounds in the D-configuration are preferably used according to the invention. It has proven preferable if the alditol backbone of the benzylidenealditol compound contained in the molded body according to formula (GB-I) is derived from D-glucitol, D-mannitol, D-arabinitol, D-ribitol, D-xylitol, L-glucitol, L-mannitol, L-arabinitol, L-ribitol, or L-xylitol.

[0032] Particularly preferred are such gel bodies which are characterized in that R 1< , R 2< , R 3< , R 4< , R 5< and R 6< according to benzylidenealditol compound of formula (GB-I) independently represent a hydrogen atom, methyl, ethyl, chlorine, fluorine or methoxy, preferably a hydrogen atom.

[0033] n according to the benzylidenealditol compound of the formula (GB-I) preferably stands for 1.

[0034] m according to the benzylidenealditol compound formula (GB-I) preferably stands for 1. The gel body most preferably contains at least one compound of formula (GB-I1) as a benzylidenealditol compound of formula (GB-I).

[0035] wherein R< 1< , R< 2< , R< 3< , R< 4< , R< 5< and R< 6< are defined as in formula (I). Most preferably, according to formula (GB-I1), R< 1< , R< 2< , R< 3< , R< 4< , R< 5< and R< 6< represent independently a hydrogen atom, methyl, ethyl, chlorine, fluorine or methoxy, preferably a hydrogen atom.

[0036] The benzylidenealditol compound of formula (GB-I) is most preferably selected from 1,3:2,4-Di-O-benzylidene-D-sorbitol; 1,3:2,4-Di-O-(p-methylbenzylidene)-D-sorbitol; 1,3:2,4-Di-O-(p-chlorobenzylidene)-D-sorbitol; 1,3:2,4-Di-O-(2,4-dimethylbenzylidene)-D-sorbitol; 1,3:2,4-Di-O-(p-ethylbenzylidene)-D-sorbitol; 1,3:2,4-Di-O-(3,4-dimethylbenzylidene)-D-sorbitol or mixtures thereof.

[0037] Preferred gel bodies contain as a gelling agent at least one 2,5-diketopiperazine compound of formula (GB-II) wherein R1<, R2<, R3< and R4< independently represent a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a (C1-C6) alkyl group, a (C2-C6) alkenyl group, a (C2-C6) acyl group, a (C2-C6) acyloxy group, a (C1-C6) alkoxy group, an amino group, a (C2-C6) acylamino group, a (C1-C6) alkylaminocarbonyl group, an aryl group, an aroyl group, an aroyloxy group, an aryloxy group, an aryl-(C1-C4) alkyloxy group, an aryl-(C1-C3) alkyl group, a heteroaryl group, a heteroaryl-(C1-C3) alkyl group, a (C 1-C4)-hydroxyalkyl group, a (C1-C4)-aminoalkyl group, a carboxy-(C1-C3)-alkyl group, wherein at least two of the residues R1< to R4< can form a 5- or 6-membered ring together with the remaining molecule, R5< represents a hydrogen atom, a linear (C1 to Cs)-alkyl group, a branched (C3 to C10)-alkyl group, a (C3 to C6)-cycloalkyl group, a (C2-C6)-alkenyl group,a (C2-C6)-alkynyl group, a (C1-C4)-hydroxyalkyl group, a (C1-C4)-alco)cy-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, a (C1-C4)-acyloxy-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an aryloxy-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an O-(aryl-(C1-C4)-alkyl)oxy-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, a (C1-C4)-alkylsulfanyl-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an aryl group, an aryl-(C1-C3)-alkyl group, a heteroaryl group, a heteroaryl-(C1-C3)-alkyl group, a (C1-C4)-hydroxyalkyl group, a (C1-C4)-aminoalkyl group, an N-(C1-C4)-alkylamino-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an N,N-(C1-C4)-dialkylamino-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an N-(C2-C8)-acylamino-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an N-(C2-C8)-acyl-N-(C1-C4)-alkylamino-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an N-(C2-C8)-aroyl-N-(C1-C4)-alkylamino-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an N,N-(C2-C8)-diacylamino-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, a N-(aryl-(C1-C4)-alkyl)amino-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an N,N-Di(aryl-(C1-C4)-alkyl)amino-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, a (C1-C4)-carboxyalkyl group, a (C1-C4)-alkoxycarbonyl-(C1-C3)-alkyl group, a (C1-C4)-acyloxy-(C1-C3)-alkyl group, a guanidino-(C1-C3)-alkyl group, an aminocarbonyl-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an N-(C1-C4)-alkylaminocarbonyl-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an N,N-Di((C1-C4)-alkyl)aminocarbonyl-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an N-(C2-C8 )-Acylaminocarbonyl-(C 1 -C 4 )-alkyl group, an N,N-(C 2 -C 8 )-diacylaminocarbonyl-(C 1 -C 4 )-alkyl group, an N-(C 2 -C 8 )-acyl-N-(C 1 -C 4 )-alkylaminocarbonyl-(C 1 -C 4 )-alkyl group, an N-(aryl-(C 1 -C 4 )-alkyl)aminocarbonyl-(C 1\-C 4 )-alkyl group, an N-(aryl-(C 1 -C 4 )-alkyl)-N-(C 1 -C 6 )-alkylaminocarbonyl-(C 1 -C 4 )-alkyl group or one N,N-Di(aryl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl)aminocarbonyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl group. ,

[0038] According to the invention, it is preferred if R3< and R4< represent a hydrogen atom according to formula (GB-II). It is particularly preferred if R2<, R3<, and R4< represent a hydrogen atom according to formula (GB-II). Therefore, particularly preferred molded bodies according to the invention contain at least one 2,5-diketopiperazine compound according to formula (GB-Ila). wherein R 1< and R 5< are defined as under formula (GB-II) (vide supra).

[0039] It has proven preferable if the residue R 1< according to formula (GB-II) and according to formula (GB-Ila) binds in the para position of the phenyl ring. Therefore, for the purposes of the present invention, such shaped bodies according to the invention are preferred which contain at least one 2,5-diketopiperazine compound according to formula (GB-Ilb). wherein R1< and R5< are defined as above under formula (GB-II) (see above). The numbers 3 and 6 positioned at the ring atoms in formula (GB-Ilb) merely mark, for illustrative purposes, positions 3 and 6 of the diketopiperazine ring, as they are generally used within the scope of the invention for naming all 2,5-diketopiperazines according to the invention.

[0040] The 2,5-diketopiperazine compounds of formula (GB-II) exhibit chiral centers at least at the carbon atoms of positions 3 and 6 of the 2,5-diketopiperazine ring. The numbering of ring positions 3 and 6 is illustrated by way of example in formula (GB-Ilb). The 2,5-diketopiperazine compound of formula (GB-II) of the compositions according to the invention is preferably, with respect to the stereochemistry of the carbon atoms at positions 3 and 6 of the 2,5-diketopiperazine ring, the configurational isomer 3S,6S, 3R,6S, 3S,6R, 3R,6R or mixtures thereof, particularly preferably 3S,6S.

[0041] Preferred gel bodies contain at least one 2,5-diketopiperazine compound of formula (GB-II) as a gelling agent, selected from 3-benzyl-6-carboxyethyl-2,5-diketopiperazine, 3-benzyl-6-carboxymethyl-2,5-diketopiperazine, 3-benzyl-6-(p-hydroxybenzyl)-2,5-diketopiperazine, 3-benzyl-6-iso-propyl-2,5-diketopiperazine, 3-benzyl-6-(4-aminobutyl)-2,5-diketopiperazine, 3,6-di(benzyl)-2,5-diketopiperazine, 3,6-di(p-hydroxybenzyl)-2,5-diketopiperazine, 3,6-di(p-(benzyloxy)benzyl)-2,5-diketopiperazine, 3-Benzyl-6-(4-imidazolyl)methyl-2,5-diketopiperazine, 3-Benzyl-6-methyl-2,5-diketopiperazine, 3-Benzyl-6-(2-(benzyloxycarbonyl)ethyl)-2,5-diketopiperazine, or mixtures thereof. Compounds with the aforementioned configurational isomers are particularly suitable for selection.

[0042] It is also possible that the gel bodies according to the invention contain, as gelling agents, a) at least one diarylamidocystin compound of formula (GB-III). wherein X+< independently represents a hydrogen atom or an equivalent of a cation, R1<, R2<, R3< and R4< independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl group, a C1-C4 alkoxy group, a C2-C4 hydroxyalkyl group, a hydroxyl group, an amino group, an N-(C1-C4 alkyl)amino group, an N,N-di(C1-C4 alkyl)amino group, an N-(C2-C4 hydroxyalkyl)amino group, an N,N-di(C2-C4 hydroxyalkyl)amino group, or R1< with R2< or R3< with R4< forms a 5- or 6-membered annealed ring, which in turn is bonded with at least one group consisting of a C1-C4 alkyl group, a C1-C4 alkoxy group, C 2-C4-hydroxyalkyl group, hydroxyl group, amino group, N-(C1-C4-alkyl)amino group, N,N-Di(C1-C4-alkyl)amino group, N-(C2-C4-hydroxyalkyl)amino group, N,N-Di(C2-C4-hydroxyalkyl)amino group.

[0043] Each of the stereocenters contained in the compound of formula (GB-III) can independently represent the L- or D-stereoisomer. According to the invention, it is preferred if said cystine compound of formula (GB-III) is derived from the L-stereoisomer of cysteine.

[0044] The gel bodies in question may contain at least one compound of the formula (GB-III) in which R 1< , R 2< , R 3< and R 4< independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C 1 -C 4 alkyl group, a C 1 -C 4 alkoxy group, a C 2 -C 4 hydroxyalkyl group, a hydroxyl group, or R 1< with R 2< or R 3< with R 4< forms a 5- or 6-membered annealed ring, which in turn may each be substituted with at least one group consisting of a C 1 -C 4 alkyl group, a C 1 -C 4 alkoxy group, a C 2 -C 4 hydroxyalkyl group, or a hydroxyl group. In particular, such shaped bodies are especially suitable which contain as diarylamidocystine compound of the formula (GB-III) N,N'-dibenzoylcystine (R 1< = R 2< = R 3< = R 4< = hydrogen atom; X +< = independently of each other for hydrogen atom or an equivalent of a cation), in particular N,N'-dibenzoyl-L-cystine.

[0045] The N-(C 8 -C 24 )-hydrocarbylglyconamide compounds suitable as gelling agents a) preferably have the formula (GB-IV) where n 2 to 4, preferably 3 or 4, in particular 4, is; R 1< is selected from hydrogen, C 1 - C 16 alkyl groups, C 1 - C 3 hydroxy or methoxyalkyl groups, preferably C 1 - C 3 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or methoxyalkyl groups, particularly preferably methyl; R 2< is selected from C 8 -C 24 alkyl groups, C 8 -C 24 monoalkenyl groups, C 8 -C 24 dialkenyl groups, C 8 -C 24 trialkenyl groups, C 8 -C 24 hydroxyalkyl groups, C 8 -C 24 hydroxyalkenyl groups, C 1 -C 3 hydroxyalkyl groups or methoxy-C 1 -C 3 alkyl groups, preferably C 8 -C 18 alkyl groups and mixtures thereof, more preferably C 8 , C 10 , C 12 , C 14 , C 16 and C 18 alkyl groups and mixtures thereof, most preferably C 12 and C 14 alkyl groups or a mixture thereof.

[0046] In particularly preferred embodiments, the remainder one of a

[0047] Glycuronic acid, in particular the glycuronic acid of a hexose (n=4), is a derivative. Glucuronic acid is a particularly preferred derivative. R1< is preferably H or a short-chain alkyl group, especially methyl. R2< is preferably a long-chain alkyl group, for example a C8-C18 alkyl group.

[0048] Compounds of formula (GB-IV1) are therefore particularly preferred. where R 2< has the meanings given for formula (GB-IV).

[0049] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one low-molecular-weight gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of cyclic dipeptides, cyclic dipeptide derivatives, and dibenzylidene sorbitol. Due to its technical properties, the at least one gelling agent dibenzylidene sorbitol (DBS) is particularly preferred.

[0050] In addition to the gel body, the detergent portion unit includes, as another essential component, a water-soluble coating substance which partially covers the gel body.

[0051] For reasons of simplified manufacturing, reduced packaging, and improved aesthetics, detergent portion units are preferred in which the gel body comprises at least 16%, preferably at least 25%, and particularly at least 30% of the total surface area of ​​the detergent portion unit. For the same reasons, it is preferred if the coating substance covers 10 to 70%, preferably 30 to 65%, and particularly 40 to 60% of the surface area of ​​the gel body.

[0052] According to the invention, it is further advantageous if the water-soluble coating substance covers the surface of the gel body on two opposite sides, as this simplifies handling of the detergent portion unit by the consumer. Moreover, this type of surface covering offers advantages with regard to the packaging of the detergent portion units, particularly when packaging multiple detergent portion units together, for example, when the detergent portion units are stacked in an outer package.

[0053] For the aforementioned reasons, detergent portion units are particularly preferred in which the gel body has a bottom and a top surface, and the water-soluble coating substance covers both the bottom and the top surface of the gel body at least partially. Preferably, both the bottom and the top surface of the gel body are covered to at least 40%, more preferably to at least 60%, and particularly to at least 80%.

[0054] In a special embodiment, the gel body has a bottom and a top, and the water-soluble coating substance completely covers both the bottom and the top of the gel body.

[0055] The gel body and the coating substance are bonded together. The coating substance can be prepared in different ways.

[0056] Tablets are used as a coating material due to their ease of large-scale production.

[0057] Regardless of the manufacturing process used, the coating material preferably has a breaking strength of 50 N to 300 N, and particularly of 70 N to 200 N. This breaking strength ensures, firstly, sufficient stability of the coating material during production, transport, and handling by the consumer, and secondly, satisfactory dissolution behavior of the coating material in an aqueous solution. The hardness of the coating material is measured by deformation until fracture, whereby the force is applied to the lateral surfaces of the coating material and the maximum force it can withstand is determined. A tablet testing device from Sotax, for example, is suitable for determining the coating material hardness.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the detergent portion units, their coating material also contributes to the washing and cleaning effect. Such detergent portion units comprise a coating material which, based on its total weight, contains more than 40% by weight, preferably more than 60% by weight, and particularly preferably more than 80% by weight, of washing or cleaning active ingredient.

[0059] The first group of washing or cleaning active ingredients integrated into the coating substance consists of fragrances. Their incorporation into the coating substance ensures a perceptible fragrance experience for the consumer, which cannot be guaranteed to the same extent if the fragrances are incorporated into the gel body.

[0060] Another group of washing- or cleaning-active ingredients preferably incorporated into the coating material consists of the base materials, in particular zeolites, silicates, and carbonates, especially zeolites or carbonates. The weight fraction of these active ingredients in the total weight of the coating material is preferably 5 to 60 wt.%, in particular 10 to 50 wt.%. Coating materials containing 5 to 60 wt.%, in particular 10 to 50 wt.%, of zeolite, based on their total weight, are particularly preferred. These active ingredients not only contribute to the intended washing and cleaning effect but also improve the contour sharpness and durability of the printed image if the coating material surface is printed. In an alternative embodiment, coating materials containing 5 to 60 wt.%, in particular 10 to 50 wt.%, of carbonate, based on their total weight, are preferred.These active ingredients not only increase the intended washing and cleaning effect but also improve the compressibility of the coating material.

[0061] For improved contour sharpness and durability of the printed image, the use of an active ingredient from the group of polymeric washing or cleaning agents, preferably from the group of celluloses and cellulose derivatives, and more specifically from the group of celluloses, microcrystalline celluloses, and carboxymethylcelluloses, is also advantageous. The weight fraction of these cellulose-based active ingredients in the total weight of the coating material is preferably 2 to 50 wt.%.

[0062] To improve print quality, preferred coating materials contain less than 10 wt%, preferably less than 5 wt%, and particularly less than 1 wt% of an organic acid, based on their total weight. Organic acids are defined as active substances that are present in the coating material in acid form, i.e., not in the form of their salts.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the coating material is opaque. Coating materials are defined as "opaque" if, in the wavelength range of 410 to 800 nm, they exhibit a transmission of less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, and particularly less than 1% at at least one wavelength, preferably 600 nm. The transmission is determined by VIS spectrometry at a sample temperature of 20°C and a cuvette length of 10 mm.

[0064] The use of opaque coating substances, especially when combined with transparent gel bodies, creates a product appearance that allows the consumer to distinguish between the surfaces covered by the coating substance and those not covered by it, and to specifically grasp the detergent portion unit, for example when removing it from a container containing several detergent portion units, by the surfaces covered by the coating substance and thus avoid direct contact with the gel body.

[0065] For the aforementioned reasons, the gel body and the coating substance preferably have a color difference ΔE above 20, preferably above 40.

[0066] Due to their optical properties and simpler manufacturing process, preferred encapsulation materials are white, i.e., not colored. The white color of the encapsulation material is particularly suitable for printing.

[0067] As an alternative to a preferably opaque white coating, the coating material can also be colored. Coloring the coating material allows, for example, the visual communication of specific product characteristics, such as its effect or odor. To ensure visual differentiation between the gel body and the coating material, the colored coating material preferably does not have the same color as the gel body. Of course, colored coating materials can also be printed.

[0068] A defining characteristic of a pressed molded body is at least one space diagonal that connects two points opposite each other on the surface of the molded body, whereby the density of the molded body changes at least twice along the space diagonal, first increasing and then decreasing. The space diagonal lies within the volume of the molded body.

[0069] According to the present application, the density of the pressed molded body increases along the space diagonal if the density along the space diagonal increases by at least 5%, preferably by at least 10%. Conversely, the density of the pressed molded body decreases along the space diagonal if the density along the space diagonal decreases by at least 5%, preferably by at least 10%. The density along the space diagonal can be determined, for example, using computed tomography methods.

[0070] For the stability of the detergent portion units, multiple density changes within the molded body have proven advantageous. Preferred detergent portion units therefore have at least one space diagonal connecting two points opposite each other on the surface of the molded body, wherein the density of the molded body changes along the space diagonal at least three times, preferably at least four times, such that the density first increases and then decreases again.

[0071] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pressed molded body has at least two different, mutually orthogonal space diagonals, each connecting two points opposite each other on the lateral surface of the pressed molded body, wherein the density of the pressed molded body changes along the space diagonals at least two, preferably three, and particularly preferably at least four times in such a way that the density first increases and then subsequently decreases.

[0072] The density gradients within the pressed molded body are achieved, for example, by indenting depressions into the bottom or top surface of the molded body. These indentations preferably comprise 10 to 55% of the surface with the depressions.

[0073] In summary, preferred detergent portion units include a) a dimensionally stable gel body comprising a bottom, a top, and a lateral surface connecting the bottom and the top; b) a covering substance in the form of two pressed molded bodies covering the bottom and top of the dimensionally stable gel body, wherein i) at least one of the pressed molded bodies has a bottom and a top connected by a lateral surface; and ii) this pressed molded body has at least one space diagonal connecting two points opposite each other on the lateral surface of the pressed molded body, wherein the density of the pressed molded body changes at least twice along the space diagonal in the following manner:that the density initially increases and subsequently decreases again, and iii) this compressed body remains adherent to the dimensionally stable gel body on its underside, wherein iv) the top of this compressed body has an indentation covering 10 to 55 percent of its top surface.

[0074] It has also proven technically advantageous if the previously described indentations cover the respective side of the pressed molded body as extensively as possible, which is why detergent portion units are preferred. a) a dimensionally stable gel body comprising a bottom, a top, and a lateral surface connecting the bottom and the top; b) a covering substance in the form of two pressed molded bodies covering the bottom and top of the dimensionally stable gel body, wherein i) at least one of the pressed molded bodies has a bottom and a top connected by a lateral surface; and ii) this pressed molded body has at least one space diagonal connecting two points opposite each other on the lateral surface of the pressed molded body, wherein the density of the pressed molded body changes at least twice along the space diagonal such that the density first increases and then decreases; and iii) this pressed body is furthermore adherent to the dimensionally stable gel body at its bottom.wherein iv) the top surface of this pressed body has an indentation which extends over at least 60%, preferably at least 80% and in particular at least 90% of the length of the top surface and at least 40%, preferably at least 60% and in particular at least 80% of the width of the top surface , include.

[0075] The embossed design preferably has a different color than the surrounding surface of the top. A corresponding detergent portion unit can be obtained by coloring the surface of the embossed design or the surrounding surface of the top. Coloring can be achieved, for example, by applying ink using a printer or rollers.

[0076] For the perceptibility and reinforcing effect of the imprints, it has proven advantageous that the detergent portion unit according to the invention, comprising a) a dimensionally stable gel body comprising a bottom, a top, and a lateral surface connecting the bottom and the top; b) a covering substance in the form of two pressed molded bodies covering the bottom and top of the dimensionally stable gel body, wherein i) at least one of the pressed molded bodies has a bottom and a top connected by a lateral surface; and ii) this pressed molded body has at least one space diagonal connecting two points opposite each other on the lateral surface of the pressed molded body, wherein the density of the pressed molded body changes at least twice along the space diagonal such that the density first increases and then decreases; and iii) this pressed body is furthermore adherent to the dimensionally stable gel body at its bottom.and furthermore iv) the top surface of this pressed body has an indentation the depth of which is between 1% and 40%, preferably between 3% and 30% and particularly between 6% and 20% of the height of the pressed body.

[0077] To improve the integrity of the detergent portion unit, it may have a foil packaging, and it is particularly preferred if each of the detergent portion units has a separate foil packaging.

[0078] If film packaging is used, film packaging made of a water-soluble film material is preferred. The water-soluble film material can comprise one or more structurally different water-soluble polymers. Particularly suitable water-soluble polymers include polymers from the group of (optionally acetalized) polyvinyl alcohols (PVALs) and their copolymers.

[0079] Water-soluble film materials are preferably based on a polyvinyl alcohol or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer whose molecular weight is in the range of 10,000 to 1,000,000 gmol -1< , preferably from 20,000 to 500,000 gmol -1< , particularly preferably from 30,000 to 100,000 gmol -1< and particularly from 40,000 to 80,000 gmol -1< .

[0080] The production of polyvinyl alcohols and polyvinyl alcohol copolymers generally involves the hydrolysis of intermediate polyvinyl acetates. Preferred polyvinyl alcohols and polyvinyl alcohol copolymers have a degree of hydrolysis of 70 to 100 mol%, preferably 80 to 90 mol%, particularly preferably 81 to 89 mol%, and especially 82 to 88 mol%.

[0081] Preferred polyvinyl alcohol copolymers comprise, in addition to vinyl alcohol, an ethylene-unsaturated carboxylic acid, its salt, or its ester. Particularly preferred are such polyvinyl alcohol copolymers containing, besides vinyl alcohol, sulfonic acids such as 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS), acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylic acid esters, methacrylic acid esters, or mixtures thereof; among the esters, C1-4 alkyl esters or hydroxyalkyl esters are preferred. Further monomers include ethylene-unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, for example, itaconic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0082] Due to their availability, ease of processing and biodegradability, film packaging is preferred which consists of at least 40 wt.%, preferably at least 60 wt.% and in particular at least 80 wt.% polyvinyl alcohol.

[0083] To increase the stability of the detergent portion units and to ensure a sufficient fill level in the outer packaging, it is preferred to shrink the film packaging onto the detergent portion units.

[0084] For reasons of sustainability in the design of detergent portion units, it may be advisable to forgo film packaging. Particularly preferred detergent portion units therefore do not have outer packaging made of water-soluble or water-insoluble film material.

[0085] The easy removal of the detergent portion units from the outer packaging can be further facilitated by the orientation of the detergent portion units within the outer packaging. In this context, it has proven advantageous if the detergent portion unit is arranged together with at least one other detergent portion unit in a common outer packaging such that the coating material of at least one detergent portion unit is in direct contact with the gel body or the coating material, preferably the coating material, of another detergent portion unit.

[0086] To produce the detergent portion units according to the invention, a gel and a water-soluble coating substance are combined to form a detergent dosing unit.

[0087] One preferred method variant includes the following steps: i) Providing a coating material; ii) Providing a gel body; iii) Applying a coating material to the surface of the gel body.

[0088] To provide the coating material in step i) of the process, it is preferred to compress a particulate premixture with a pressing pressure of 5 to 30 kN. In contrast, the provision of the gel body in step ii) is preferably achieved by solidifying a flowable composition. It is particularly preferred to apply a flowable composition to a coating material in step ii), wherein the gel body is formed by subsequent solidification of the flowable composition and adheres to the water-soluble coating material.

[0089] The gel body can be divided into detergent portion units after the application of a water-soluble coating material.

[0090] A final subject matter of the application is a method for textile care or textile cleaning in which a previously described detergent portion unit is introduced into the dosing chamber or the washing drum of a textile washing machine or into the dosing chamber or the interior of a dishwasher.

Claims

1. Detergent portioning unit, comprising a) a dimensionally stable gel body comprising a bottom side, a top side and a shell surface connecting the bottom side and the top side, b) a coating substance in the form of two tablets which cover the underside and the upper side of the dimensionally stable gel body, wherein i) at least one of the tablets has a bottom side and a top side, which are connected to each other by a shell surface, and ii) this tablet has at least one spatial diagonal which connects two points lying opposite one another on the outer surface of the tablet, the density of the tablet changing at least twice along the spatial diagonal in such a way that the density initially increases and then decreases again, and iii) said tablet is further adhered on its underside to the dimensionally stable gel body, wherein iv) the upper surface of this tablet has an indentation whose depth is between 1% and 40% of the height of the tablet.

2. Detergent portioning unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gel body has an underside and an upper side and the water-soluble coating substance covers the entire surface of both the underside and the upper side of the gel body.

3. Detergent portioning unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tablet has at least one space diagonal which connects two points lying opposite one another on the outer surface of the tablet, wherein the density of the tablet changes along the space diagonal at least three times, preferably at least four times, in such a way that the density initially increases and then decreases again.

4. Detergent portioning unit according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tablet has at least two mutually orthogonal space diagonals which are different from one another and which in each case connect two points lying opposite one another on the outer surface of the tablet, wherein the density of the tablet changes along the space diagonals at least twice, preferably three times, particularly preferably at least four times, in such a way that the density initially increases and then decreases again.

5. Detergent portioning unit according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a) a dimensionally stable gel body comprising a bottom side, a top side and a shell surface connecting the bottom side and the top side, b) a coating substance in the form of two tablets which cover the underside and the upper side of the dimensionally stable gel body, wherein i) at least one of the tablets has a bottom side and a top side, which are connected to each other by a shell surface, and ii) this tablet has at least one spatial diagonal which connects two points opposite one another on the lateral surface of the moulded body, the density of the tablet changing at least twice along the spatial diagonal in such a way that the density initially increases and then decreases again, and iii) this tablet is furthermore adhesively bonded to the dimensionally stable gel body on its underside, wherein iv) the upper surface of this tablet has an indentation covering 10 to 55 per cent of its upper surface.

6. Detergent portioning unit according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a) a dimensionally stable gel body comprising a bottom side, a top side and a shell surface connecting the bottom side and the top side, b) a covering substance in the form of two moulded bodies which cover the underside and the upper side of the dimensionally stable gel body, wherein i) at least one of the tablets has a bottom side and a top side, which are connected to each other by a shell surface, and ii) this tablet has at least one spatial diagonal which connects two points opposite one another on the lateral surface of the moulded body, the density of the tablet changing at least twice along the spatial diagonal in such a way that the density initially increases and then decreases again, and iii) this tablet is furthermore adhesively bonded to the dimensionally stable gel body on its underside, wherein iv) the upper side of this tablet has an embossing which extends over at least 60%, preferably at least 80% and in particular at least 90% of the length of the upper side and at least 40%, preferably at least 60% and in particular at least 80% of the width of the upper side.

7. Detergent portioning unit according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a) a dimensionally stable gel body comprising a bottom side, a top side and a shell surface connecting the bottom side and the top side, b) a covering substance in the form of two moulded bodies which cover the underside and the upper side of the dimensionally stable gel body, wherein i) at least one of the tablets has a bottom side and a top side, which are connected to each other by a shell surface, and ii) this tablet has at least one spatial diagonal which connects two points opposite one another on the lateral surface of the moulded body, the density of the tablet changing at least twice along the spatial diagonal in such a way that the density initially increases and then decreases again, and iii) this tablet is furthermore adhesively bonded to the dimensionally stable gel body on its underside, wherein iv) the upper surface of this tablet has an embossing whose depth is between 3% and 30% and in particular between 6% and 20% of the height of the tablet.

8. Process for the production of a detergent portion unit, wherein a gel and a water-soluble coating substance are combined to form a detergent portion unit according to one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Process for textile care or textile cleaning, in which a detergent portion unit according to one of claims 1 to 7 is introduced into the dosing chamber or the washing drum of a textile washing machine or into the dosing chamber or the interior of a dishwashing machine.

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