Production method for detergent or cleaning agent portion units

Abstract

A method for producing a portioned washing or cleaning agent unit, comprising the steps of: i) providing a mold with at least one mold cavity; ii) feeding a first water-soluble film into the mold cavity; iii) forming the first water-soluble film into the mold cavity to create a receiving chamber; iv) filling the receiving chamber with at least one washing or cleaning active composition to create a receiving chamber that is at least partially filled; v) feeding a second water-soluble film; vi) sealing the receiving chamber that is at least partially filled with the second water-soluble film to create a portioned washing or cleaning agent unit comprising a water-soluble coating;vii) Transport of the washing or cleaning agent portion unit by means of a transport device through a shrink tunnel and shrinking of the water-soluble film of the washing or cleaning agent portion unit in the shrink tunnel, forming a pre-shrunk washing or cleaning agent portion unit; viii) Cooling of the pre-shrunk washing or cleaning agent portion unit on a cooling section outside the first shrink tunnel; ix) Transport of the pre-shrunk washing or cleaning agent portion unit by means of a transport device through a shrink tunnel and shrinking of the water-soluble film of the pre-shrunk washing or cleaning agent portion unit in the shrink tunnel, forming a shrunken washing or cleaning agent portion unit.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a process for producing washing or cleaning agent portion units coated with water-soluble film. In particular, the application relates to a multi-stage production process in which the water-soluble film is repeatedly shrunk.

[0002] The packaging and distribution of detergents and cleaning agents are subject to constantly changing requirements. For some time now, a key focus has been on convenient dosing of detergents and cleaning agents by the consumer and simplifying the steps required to carry out a washing or cleaning process. One solution is pre-portioned detergents or cleaning agents, for example, foil pouches with one or more compartments for solid or liquid compositions. From a technical perspective, a key focus is on the development and production of liquid or gel detergents suitable for packaging in water-soluble foil pouches.

[0003] To be commercially successful, a detergent or cleaning agent portion unit must meet consumer interests in the best possible way. A key means of communicating product quality and product promise is the appearance and feel of the portion unit. This applies in particular to water-soluble film pouches, whose soluble films are usually transparent and allow a view of the solid or liquid detergent or cleaning agent contained. Especially with multi-phase detergents or cleaning agents, the communication of product quality and product promise is supported by clear phase boundaries within a portion unit and a largely identical structural design and visual impression of identical portion units. The film pouches also preferably have a firm handle and low mechanical deformability, i.e. they are not flabby.

[0004] The production of detergent or cleaning agent portion units with water-soluble film packaging is usually carried out using a sequential process in which the water-soluble film and the detergent ingredients are combined to form a portion unit.

[0005] The international patent application WO 2002 / 16205 A1 describes processes for producing washing and cleaning agents in the form of tightly filled water-soluble film bags.

[0006] The granted European patent EP 2 944 578 B1 describes a method for encasing washing or cleaning agent tablets using a shrunk-on water-soluble film.

[0007] Patent DE 23 64 565 A1 further discloses steps i) to vi) and step ix) of independent claim 1.

[0008] The object of the present application was to provide an efficient process for the production of washing or cleaning agent portion units, the products of which are characterized by an appealing appearance and feel.

[0009] To achieve this object, a method for producing a washing or cleaning agent portion unit is provided, comprising the steps: i) Providing a mold with at least one mold cavity; ii) Feeding a first water-soluble film to the mold cavity; iii) Forming the first water-soluble film into the mold cavity to form a receiving chamber; iv) Filling the receiving chamber with at least one washing or cleaning-active composition to form an at least partially filled receiving chamber; v) Feeding a second water-soluble film; vi) Sealing the at least partially filled receiving chamber with the second water-soluble film to form a washing or cleaning agent portion unit comprising a water-soluble wrapping; vii) Transporting the washing or cleaning agent portion unit by means of a transport device through a shrink tunnel and shrinking the water-soluble film of the washing or cleaning agent portion unit in the shrink tunnel to form a pre-shrunk washing or cleaning agent portion unit;viii) cooling the pre-shrunk detergent or cleaning agent portion unit on a cooling section outside the first shrink tunnel; ix) transporting the pre-shrunk detergent or cleaning agent portion unit by means of a transport device through a shrink tunnel and shrinking the water-soluble film of the pre-shrunk detergent or cleaning agent portion unit in the shrink tunnel to form a shrunken detergent or cleaning agent portion unit.

[0010] The process according to the invention serves the efficient production of detergent and cleaning agent portion units with an appealing appearance and feel. The portion units are characterized by a firm grip. The outer surface of the enclosing water-soluble film is smoother than portion units produced using alternative processes.

[0011] In step i) of the process, a mold with at least one mold cavity is provided. Due to the high efficiency and good reproducibility of deep-drawing processes for water-soluble films, the mold and the mold cavity are preferably a deep-drawing die with at least one cavity.

[0012] The deep-drawing die itself can be designed in the form of a horizontally rotating belt or a rotating drum. The use of a deep-drawing die with at least one cavity based on a horizontally rotating conveyor belt is preferred.

[0013] In step ii) of the process, a first water-soluble film is fed into the mold cavity. In a preferred embodiment, a thermoplastic water-soluble film is fed in step ii).

[0014] The water-soluble film can be fed continuously or discontinuously. To increase process efficiency, a continuous process is preferred. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the process, the first water-soluble film is transported continuously in step ii). With regard to process economy and process safety, it is preferred to feed the first water-soluble film in step ii) at a speed of 0.04 m / s, preferably above 0.08 m / s.

[0015] The water-soluble film may comprise one or more structurally different water-soluble polymers. Particularly suitable water-soluble polymers for the first water-soluble film are polymers from the group of (optionally acetalized) polyvinyl alcohols (PVAL) and their copolymers.

[0016] Water-soluble films for producing the portion unit are preferably based on a polyvinyl alcohol or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer whose molecular weight is preferably in the range from 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 especially from 40,000 to 80,000 gmol-1. Preferred water-soluble films comprise at least 30 wt.%, preferably at least 50 wt.%, and especially at least 70 wt.% polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinyl alcohol copolymers.

[0017] The preparation of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl alcohol copolymers generally involves the hydrolysis of intermediate polyvinyl acetate. 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%.

[0018] Preferred polyvinyl alcohol copolymers comprise, in addition to vinyl alcohol, an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, its salt, or its ester. Particularly preferably, such polyvinyl alcohol copolymers contain, in addition to 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. Other suitable monomers include ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, for example, itaconic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0019] Suitable water-soluble films for use in the portion units according to the invention are films sold by MonoSol LLC, for example, under the designation M8630, M8720, M8310, C8400, or M8900. Other suitable films include films designated Solublon ®< PT, Solublon ®< GA, Solublon ®< KC, or Solublon ®< KL by Aicello Chemical Europe GmbH, or the VF-HP films from Kuraray and the Hi-Selon series from Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation.

[0020] The first water-soluble film supplied in step ii) preferably has a thickness of 60 to 2000 µm, preferably of 60 to 800 µm and in particular of 60 to 200 µm.

[0021] The water-soluble film can be formed into the mold cavity in step iii) in a manner known to those skilled in the art. Both cold and hot forming processes can be used. The film can also be formed into the mold cavity under the action of a force, for example, its weight, the force of a stamp, or a vacuum. Due to the advantageous process results achieved, it is preferred if the first water-soluble film is formed under the action of heat in step iii). Reproducibly good results have been achieved, in particular, by heating the first film and subsequently vacuum forming it.

[0022] Molding is preferably preceded by an optional pretreatment of the film with heat and / or solvent. The water-soluble film can then be molded into the cavity, as described, using a tool, by applying a vacuum, by applying compressed air, and / or by applying its own weight.

[0023] Among the deep-drawing processes, those processes are preferred in which the water-soluble film is transported above the cavities of a deep-drawing die and is formed into the die recesses by the action of compressed air on the upper side of the film or by the action of a vacuum on the underside of the film, particularly preferably under the simultaneous action of compressed air and vacuum. Particularly advantageous processes are characterized by the fact that the film is pretreated by the action of heat and / or solvents before forming.

[0024] The effect of heat and / or solvents on the water-soluble film serves to facilitate its plastic deformation. The film can be heated, for example, by thermal radiation, hot air, or, particularly preferably, by direct contact with a hot plate. The duration of the heat treatment and the temperature of the thermal radiation, hot air, or hot plate surface used naturally depend on the type of coating material used. For water-soluble or water-dispersible materials such as PVA-containing polymers or copolymers, a temperature between 90 and 130°C, in particular between 105 and 115°C, is preferred. The duration of the heat treatment, in particular the contact time when using a hot plate, is preferably between 0.1 and 7 seconds, particularly preferably between 0.2 and 6 seconds, and in particular between 0.3 and 4 seconds.Contact times below one second, especially in the range of 400 to 900 milliseconds, preferably between 500 and 800 milliseconds, have proven particularly advantageous for polyvinyl alcohol materials.

[0025] For reasons of process efficiency, the process according to the invention is designed such that not just a single detergent portion unit is produced in one process run, but rather a plurality of detergent portion units are produced in parallel. Preferably, in step iii), a sheet-like structure with at least 14, preferably at least 20, receptacles is formed from the first water-soluble film.

[0026] In this sheet-like structure, the receiving chambers formed are preferably arranged in rows. With regard to subsequent filling, the receiving chambers formed in step iii) are arranged in rows that are orthogonal to the transport direction of the water-soluble film.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment, in step iii) a sheet-like structure is formed in which the receiving chambers are arranged in rows which run orthogonally to the transport direction of the water-soluble film and are offset from one another by one third of the width of a receiving container, preferably by half the width of a receiving container.

[0028] In the sheet-like structure, the receiving chambers are preferably arranged such that each receiving container is adjacent to at least one intermediate region, which in turn is surrounded by three receiving chambers.

[0029] In step iv) of the method, the receiving chamber is at least partially filled with a washing or cleaning-active composition. Washing or cleaning-active compositions known to those skilled in the art are generally suitable for filling, with flowable compositions, such as powders or liquids, being preferred due to their ease of portioning. To ensure complete filling of the base area of ​​the receiving chamber and to further improve the appearance and feel of the detergent dosing unit, the receiving chamber is preferably filled with a hardening liquid in step iv). Suitable hardening liquids include, for example, melts or gels, which harden upon cooling and / or due to progressive gelation.

[0030] The number of flowable compositions, preferably curing flowable compositions, in particular curing flowable gel phases, introduced into the receiving chamber can vary. For example, in step iv) of the process, only a single flowable composition can be introduced into the receiving chamber. Alternatively, and due to the increased formulation freedom and improved product appearance, two flowable compositions or three flowable compositions or four flowable compositions can be introduced into the receiving chamber in step iv). The two, three, four, or more flowable compositions preferably differ in their composition and, for example, comprise different active ingredients, have different active ingredient contents, or have different colors.

[0031] If, in step iv), more than one flowable composition, for example, two, three, or four flowable compositions, are introduced into the receiving chamber, these two, three, or four flowable compositions are preferably introduced into the receiving chamber in such a way that they are not in direct contact with each other. This procedure avoids undesirable reactions between individual active ingredients contained in the different flowable compositions and improves the product's appearance.

[0032] Alternatively or in combination with the curing flowable composition, the receiving chamber can be filled with a powder in step iv).

[0033] For the efficient filling of the receiving chambers with the powder, it has proven advantageous if the powder has a flowability of greater than 40%, preferably greater than 50%, in particular greater than 60%, based on the standard.

[0034] The flowability of the powder refers to its ability to flow freely under its own weight. Flowability is determined by measuring the flow time of 1000 ml of cleaning agent powder from a standardized, initially closed trickle test funnel with an outlet of 16.5 mm diameter. This is done by measuring the time required for the granular mixture, in particular the powdery phase, preferably the powder and / or granules, e.g. the powder, to flow completely out after the outlet is opened. This is compared with the flow rate (in seconds) of a standard test sand, the flow rate of which is defined as 100%. The defined sand mixture for calibrating the trickle test apparatus is dry sea sand. Sea sand with a particle diameter of 0.4 to 0.8 mm is used. This is available, for example, from Carl Roth, Germany, CAS No. [14808-60-7].For drying, the sea sand is dried for 24 hours at 60 °C in a drying cabinet on a plate with a maximum layer height of 2 cm.

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the powders according to the invention have an angle of repose / angle of repose of 26 to 35, of 27 to 34, of 28 to 33, wherein the angle of repose is determined according to the method mentioned below 24 hours after the preparation of the granular mixture of the solid composition, in particular the powdered solid phase, preferably the powder and / or granules, and storage at 20°C. Such angles of repose have the advantage that the filling of the cavities with the at least one solid phase can be carried out comparatively quickly and precisely.

[0036] To determine the angle of repose (also called angle of repose) of the powder, a powder funnel with a 400 ml capacity and a 25 mm diameter outlet is suspended straight from a stand. The funnel is moved upwards using a manually operated knurled wheel at a speed of 80 mm / min, so that the granular mixture, in particular the powdery phase, preferably the powder and / or granules, e.g., the powder, trickles out. This forms a so-called cone of repose. The height and diameter of the cone of repose are determined for the individual particulate phases. The angle of repose is calculated from the quotient of the height and diameter of the cone of repose multiplied by 100.

[0037] Particularly suitable are powders which have a flowability in % of the above-specified standard test substance of greater than 40%, preferably greater than 50%, in particular greater than 55%, particularly preferably greater than 60%, particularly preferably between 63% and 80%, for example between 65% and 75%. Particularly suitable are granular mixtures of a solid composition, in particular powders and / or granules which have a flowability in % of the above-specified standard test substance of greater than 40%, preferably greater than 45%, in particular greater than 50%, particularly preferably greater than 55%, particularly preferably greater than 60%, wherein the flowability measurement is carried out 24 hours after the powder has been produced and stored at 20°C.

[0038] Lower flowability values ​​are not suitable because, from a process engineering perspective, precise dosing of the powder is necessary. In particular, values ​​greater than 50%, in particular greater than 55%, preferably greater than 60% (where the flowability measurement is carried out 24 hours after the powder has been produced and stored at 20 °C) have proven to be advantageous because the good dosability of the granular mixtures, in particular the powdered phases, preferably the powder and / or granules, e.g. powder, results in only small fluctuations in the dosed amount or composition. The more precise dosing leads to consistent product performance and economic losses due to overdosing are thus avoided. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the granular mixtures, in particular the powdered phase, preferably the powder and / or granules, e.g. the powder, are easy to dose, which speeds up the dosing process.Furthermore, such good flowability prevents the powder from getting onto the part of the water-soluble coating that is necessary for producing the sealing seam.

[0039] In a particularly preferred process variant, the receiving chamber is preferably filled successively with a curing liquid and a powder in step iv). If one or more curing flowable compositions have been introduced into the receiving chamber, the powder is preferably filled into the receiving chamber in step iv) such that the surface of the cured flowable composition(s) facing the opening of the receiving chamber is completely covered with powder.

[0040] The degree of filling of the receiving chamber at least partially filled in step iv) is preferably above 20 vol.%, preferably above 50 vol.% and in particular above 80 vol.%.

[0041] With regard to the subsequent optical and haptic properties of the washing or cleaning agent portion unit, it is particularly preferred if the at least partially filled receiving chamber in step iv) has a filling level of 60 to 120 vol.%, preferably of 80 to 110 vol.% and in particular of 90 to 100 vol.%.

[0042] The process is particularly suitable for producing washing or cleaning agent portion units in which the receiving chamber is filled in step iv) with two different washing or cleaning-active compositions in such a way that these different washing or cleaning-active compositions do not mix, at least partially. Corresponding process variants are therefore preferred.

[0043] In step v) of the process, a second water-soluble film is added. As in step ii), in a preferred embodiment, the film added in step v) is also a thermoplastic water-soluble film.

[0044] The water-soluble film can be fed continuously or discontinuously. To increase process efficiency, a continuous process is preferred. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the process, the first water-soluble film is transported continuously in step ii). With regard to process economy and process reliability, it is preferred to feed the first water-soluble film in step v) at a speed of 0.04 m / s, preferably above 0.08 m / s.

[0045] The water-soluble film may comprise one or more structurally different water-soluble polymers. Particularly suitable water-soluble polymers for the second water-soluble film are polymers from the group of (optionally acetalized) polyvinyl alcohols (PVAL) and their copolymers.

[0046] Water-soluble films for producing the portion unit are preferably based on a polyvinyl alcohol or a polyvinyl alcohol copolymer whose molecular weight is preferably in the range from 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 especially from 40,000 to 80,000 gmol-1. Preferred water-soluble films comprise at least 30 wt.%, preferably at least 50 wt.%, and especially at least 70 wt.% polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinyl alcohol copolymers.

[0047] The preparation of polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl alcohol copolymers generally involves the hydrolysis of intermediate polyvinyl acetate. 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%.

[0048] Preferred polyvinyl alcohol copolymers comprise, in addition to vinyl alcohol, an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, its salt, or its ester. Particularly preferably, such polyvinyl alcohol copolymers contain, in addition to 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. Other suitable monomers include ethylenically unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, for example, itaconic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, and mixtures thereof.

[0049] Suitable water-soluble films for use in the portion units according to the invention are films sold by MonoSol LLC, for example, under the designation M8630, M8720, M8310, C8400, or M8900. Other suitable films include films designated Solublon ®< PT, Solublon ®< GA, Solublon ®< KC, or Solublon ®< KL by Aicello Chemical Europe GmbH, or the VF-HP films from Kuraray and the Hi-Selon series from Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation.

[0050] The second water-soluble film supplied in step v) preferably has a thickness of 80 µm or less, in particular of 65 µm or less, most preferably of 55 µm or less.

[0051] With regard to the mechanical stability of the single-dose cleaning agent while simultaneously minimizing the use of packaging materials, it is preferred if the ratio of the thickness of the first water-soluble film to the thickness of the second water-soluble film is from 3:1 to 1:1, preferably from 2.5:1 to 1.1:1, in particular from 2:1 to 1.2:1. Preferably, the second water-soluble film added in step v) is thinner than the first water-soluble film added in step ii).

[0052] The at least partially filled receiving chamber is sealed in step vi) of the process. Sealing is preferably carried out under the influence of a solvent or heat.

[0053] Following sealing, the water-soluble film of the detergent or cleaning agent portion unit is shrunk in step vii) of the process. The shrinking of the water-soluble film takes place in a device designed for this purpose, known as a shrink tunnel. A shrink tunnel enables the targeted heating of the water-soluble film surrounding the detergent or cleaning agent portion unit.

[0054] The shrink tunnel features a conveyor system that transports the detergent or cleaning agent portion unit through the shrink tunnel. This conveyor system can, for example, be a revolving conveyor belt.

[0055] Heat transfer in the shrink tunnel can occur, for example, through thermal radiation or hot air. In processes according to the invention, the water-soluble film is preferably shrunk in step vii) by exposure to hot air.

[0056] For process economic reasons, it is preferred if the washing or cleaning agent portion unit in step vii) rests on the transport device with the first water-soluble film.

[0057] In the first shrink tunnel, the hot air preferably has a temperature of 120 to 290°C, preferably 140 to 260°C, and in particular 175 to 230°C. In step vii), the residence time of the washing or cleaning agent portion unit in the shrink tunnel is preferably 1 to 10 seconds, preferably 2 to 6 seconds.

[0058] After exiting the shrink tunnel, the pre-shrunk detergent or cleaning agent portion unit is cooled in step viii). Cooling is preferably carried out using cold air, with the cold air preferably having a temperature of 5 to 35°C, particularly preferably 10 to 30°C, and especially 15 to 25°C.

[0059] The cooling serves to stabilize the shrinking result, allows further rapid processing of the washing or cleaning agent dosing unit and thus prepares the subsequent process steps.

[0060] In step viii), the residence time of the pre-shrunk washing or cleaning agent portion unit on the cooling section is 1 to 60 seconds, preferably 5 to 30 seconds.

[0061] To achieve a more uniform shrinking result and a particularly favorable feel and appearance, it has proven helpful to turn the pre-shrunk detergent or cleaning agent portion unit before entering the shrink tunnel in step ix). The detergent or cleaning agent portion unit can be turned manually or mechanically. Turning the detergent or cleaning agent portion unit by machine is preferred.

[0062] In a preferred process variant, the washing or cleaning agent portion unit is turned in such a way that its side pointing in the transport direction during the preceding shrinkage in step vii) faces away from the transport direction in the further step ix).

[0063] In a further preferred method variant, the washing or cleaning agent portion unit is turned in such a way that its underside resting on the transport device during the preceding shrinkage in step vii) forms the upper side of the washing or cleaning agent portion unit facing away from the transport device in the further step ix).

[0064] In a particularly preferred process variant, the washing or cleaning agent portion unit is turned in such a way that the side of which points in the transport direction during the preceding shrinkage in step vii) faces away from the transport direction in the further step ix) and the underside of which rests on the transport device during the preceding shrinkage in step vii) forms the upper side of the washing or cleaning agent portion unit facing away from the transport device in the further step ix).

[0065] Preferably, in step ix), the washing or cleaning agent portion unit lies on the transport device with the second water-soluble film.

[0066] It is particularly preferred if the washing or cleaning agent portion unit, as described above, rests on the transport device in step vii) with the first water-soluble film and in step ix) with the second water-soluble film.

[0067] The heat transfer in step ix) can, as in step vii), be carried out, for example, by thermal radiation or hot air. Preferably, the water-soluble film is shrunk in step ix) by exposure to hot air.

[0068] In the second shrink tunnel, the hot air preferably has a temperature of 120 to 290°C, preferably 140 to 260°C, and in particular 175 to 230°C. The residence time of the washing or cleaning agent portion unit in the shrink tunnel in step ix) is preferably 1 to 10 seconds, preferably 2 to 6 seconds.

[0069] Shrink tunnels known to those skilled in the art are generally suitable for carrying out the shrinking in steps vii) and ix). Preferred shrink tunnels are circulating air shrink tunnels or convection shrink tunnels.

[0070] Shrink tunnels based on the recirculation principle are characterized by high thermal efficiency. In these shrink tunnels, hot air is blown onto the detergent or cleaning agent portion units from below and / or from both sides in the inlet area of ​​the tunnel. The resulting air flow moves in the conveying direction to the outlet area of ​​the tunnel, where the heated air is extracted and recirculated using the recirculation principle.

[0071] Convection shrink tunnels are characterized by their high shrinking performance. The hot air is distributed evenly throughout the shrink tunnel by circulation.

[0072] The shrink tunnels used in step vii) and step ix) may be identical or different from each other. In other words, the washing or cleaning agent portion unit may be transported through the same shrink tunnel in step vii) and step ix), but the shrink tunnels used in step vii) and step ix) may also be different from each other.

[0073] If different shrink tunnels are used for step vii) and step ix), these shrink tunnels may differ, for example, in terms of their design principle and mode of operation. Such a process variant is realized, for example, by combining a circulating air shrink tunnel in one of the process steps with a convection shrink tunnel in the other process step.

[0074] Alternatively, the different shrink tunnels can differ in their process parameters while sharing the same design principle and operating principle. This process variation can be achieved, for example, by using two circulating air shrink tunnels by maintaining different hot air temperatures or dwell times.

[0075] Preferred process variants are therefore characterized in that the residence time of the washing or cleaning agent portion unit in the first shrink tunnel in step vii) differs from the residence time in the second shrink tunnel in step ix) and / or the hot air temperature in the first shrink tunnel in step vii) differs from the hot air temperature in the second shrink tunnel in step ix).

[0076] The use of different shrinkage conditions has proven particularly useful in the production of multi-phase detergent or cleaning agent dosing units. In other words, such a process is particularly advantageous if the receiving chamber in step iv) is filled with two different detergent or cleaning agent compositions in such a way that these different detergent or cleaning agent compositions do not mix, at least partially.

[0077] As already described following step vii), the shrunken washing or cleaning agent portion units are cooled following step ix), preferably by means of cold air.

[0078] The final process product is preferably packaged in a sales container after optional conditioning under controlled storage temperature and / or humidity. Examples

[0079] By means of the process according to the invention, washing or cleaning agent portion units were produced which have a first phase and a second phase.

[0080] For this purpose, a water-soluble receiving chamber was created by deep-drawing a PVOH-containing film. A flowable composition was poured into the receiving chamber, which cured after a short time. The cured phase was completely covered with a free-flowing powder. The partially filled receiving chamber was then sealed by applying a second PVOH-containing film and sealing it with a heat seal.

[0081] The composition of some exemplary curing flowable compositions can be found in Table 1 below: Table 1 A B C D E PEG 400 17,9 23,1 23,1 13,9 27,8 PVOH 30% in glycerin 35,7 30,8 30,8 55,6 55,6 1,3 Propanediol - - - 27,8 13,9 glycerin - 15,4 - - - Sulfonic acid-containing acrylate copolymer - 30,8 30,8 - - Xylitol 26,8 - - - Water 10,7 - 15,4 - - Non-ionic surfactant 1 8,9 - - - - Non-ionic surfactant 2 - - - 2,8 2,8

[0082] A general recipe for the free-flowing powder can be found in Table 2. Table 2: % by weight Citrate, sodium salt 15-20 Phosphonate (e.g. HEDP) 2,5-7,5 MGDA, sodium salt 0-25 Disilicate, sodium salt 5-35 soda 10-25 Percarbonate, sodium salt 10-15 Bleach catalyst (preferably Mn-based) 0,02-0,5 Bleach activator (e.g. TAED) 1-3 Non-ionic surfactant(s), e.g. fatty alcohol alkoxylate, preferably 20-40 EO, if necessary endcapped 2,5-10 Polycarboxylate 4 - 10 Cationic copolymer 0 - 0,75 Disintegrant - (e.g. Crosslinked PVP) 0 -1,5 Protease preparation (tq) 1,5-5 Amylase preparation (tq) 0,5-3 Silver protection (benzotriazole) 0-0,5 perfume 0,05-0,25 Dye solution 0,0-1 Zn salt (e.g. acetate) 0,1-0,3 Sodium sulfate 0,0 - 10 Water 0,0-1,5 pH adjuster (e.g. citric acid) 0-1,5 Process aids 0-5

[0083] The sealed detergent or cleaning agent portion units were characterized by low strength and deformed visibly under the influence of their own weight. These sealed detergent or cleaning agent portion units were subsequently subjected to various shrinkage processes 1 to 5: Procedure 1

[0084] The detergent or cleaning agent portion units were treated in a shrink tunnel with hot air at a temperature of 190°C for a period of 5 seconds.

[0085] The resulting shrunken detergent or cleaning agent portion units exhibited improved strength compared to the untreated detergent or cleaning agent portion units. However, this strength was still insufficient. Procedure 2

[0086] The detergent or cleaning agent portion units were treated in a shrink tunnel with hot air at a temperature of 230°C for a period of 5 seconds.

[0087] The resulting shrunken detergent or cleaning agent portion units exhibited improved strength compared to the untreated detergent or cleaning agent portion units. However, this strength was still insufficient. Procedure 3

[0088] The detergent or cleaning agent portion units were treated with hot air at a temperature of 190°C for a period of 5 seconds in a first shrink tunnel. After passing through a cooling section outside the first shrink tunnel, the pre-shrunk detergent or cleaning agent portion units were treated again with hot air at a temperature of 190°C for a period of 5 seconds in a second shrink tunnel. The detergent or cleaning agent portion units were oriented with the cured flowable composition facing downward in both shrink tunnels.

[0089] The resulting shrunken washing or cleaning agent portion units had improved and sufficient strength compared to the untreated washing or cleaning agent portion units and the washing or cleaning agent portion units treated according to processes 1 and 2. Procedure 4

[0090] The process was carried out as in process 3, but the detergent or cleaning agent portion units were oriented in both shrink tunnels with the cured flowable composition facing upwards.

[0091] The resulting shrunken washing or cleaning agent portion units had improved and sufficient strength compared to the untreated washing or cleaning agent portion units and the washing or cleaning agent portion units treated according to processes 1, 2 and 3. Procedure 5

[0092] The process was carried out as in process 3, but the washing or cleaning agent portion units were oriented with the cured flowable composition facing downwards in the first shrink tunnel and with the cured flowable composition facing upwards in the second shrink tunnel.

[0093] The resulting shrunken washing or cleaning agent portion units had improved and sufficient strength compared to the untreated washing or cleaning agent portion units and the washing or cleaning agent portion units treated according to processes 1, 2, 3 and 4.

[0094] A force-displacement measurement for the detergent or cleaning agent portion units produced according to processes 3, 4 and 5 yielded the following values: Force [N] Distance (mm) Procedure 3 Procedure 4 Procedure 5 1 1,9 1,3 0,8 2 2,1 1,7 1,0 3 2,3 1,8 1,4

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a detergent or cleaning agent portion unit, comprising the steps of: i) Providing a mould with at least one mould cavity; ii) Adding a first water-soluble film to the mould cavity; iii) Moulding the first water-soluble film into the mould cavity to form a receiving chamber; iv) Filling the receiving chamber with at least one washing-active or cleaning-active composition to form an at least partially filled receiving chamber; v) Adding a second water-soluble film; vi) Sealing the at least partially filled receiving chamber with the second water-soluble film to form a detergent or cleaning agent portion unit comprising a water-soluble coating; vii) Transporting the detergent or cleaning agent portion unit by means of a transport device through a shrink tunnel and shrinking the water-soluble film of the detergent or cleaning agent portion unit in the shrink tunnel to form a pre-shrunk detergent or cleaning agent portion unit; viii) Cooling of the pre-shrunk detergent or cleaning agent portion unit on a cooling section outside the first shrink tunnel; ix) Transporting of the pre-shrunk detergent or cleaning agent portion unit by means of a transport device through a shrink tunnel and shrinking of the water-soluble film of the pre-shrunk detergent or cleaning agent portion unit in the shrink tunnel to form a shrunk detergent or cleaning agent portion unit.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the water-soluble film is shrunk in step vii) by the action of hot air.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein the hot air has a temperature of 120 to 290°C, preferably of 140 to 260°C and in particular of 175 to 230°C.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step vii) the dwell time of the detergent or cleaning agent portion unit in the shrink tunnel is 1 to 10 seconds, preferably 2 to 6 seconds.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detergent or cleaning agent portion unit in step vii) rests with the first water-soluble film on the transport device.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pre-shrunk detergent or cleaning agent portion unit is cooled in step viii) by means of cold air.

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein the cold air has a temperature of 5 to 35°C, preferably of 10 to 30°C and in particular of 15 to 25°C.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step viii) the dwell time of the pre-shrunk detergent or cleaning agent portion unit on the cooling section is 1 to 60 seconds, preferably 5 to 30 seconds.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pre-shrunk detergent or cleaning agent portion unit is turned before entering the shrink tunnel in step ix).

10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the water-soluble film is shrunk in step ix) by the action of hot air.

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein the hot air has a temperature of 120 to 290°C, preferably of 140 to 260°C and in particular of 175 to 230°C.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in step ix) the dwell time of the detergent or cleaning agent portion unit in the shrink tunnel is 1 to 10 seconds, preferably 2 to 6 seconds.

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detergent or cleaning agent portion unit in step ix) rests with the second water-soluble film on the transport device.

14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shrinkage in step vii) and / or in step ix) is carried out by means of a circulating air shrinkage tunnel.

15. Method according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the shrinkage in step vii) and / or in step ix) is carried out by means of a convection shrinkage tunnel.