Method for manufacturing a detergent portion unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a detergent portion unit comprising a dimensionally stable solid gel, said method comprising the steps of: i) providing a detergent-containing and gelling agent-containing mixture; ii) feeding the detergent-containing and gelling agent-containing mixture to a shaping device; iii) passing the detergent-containing and gelling agent-containing mixture through the shaping device such that the detergent-containing and gelling agent-containing mixture is at least partially solidified in the shaping device and a solid gel strand is formed; iv) discharging the solid gel strand from the shaping device and further transporting said strand by means of a transport device comprising a) at least one movable conveying element, and b) at least two side elements that are opposite to one another and can be moved synchronously with the movable conveying element, wherein - the conveying element and the side elements form a conveying path on which the solid gel strand is moved by means of the conveying element and is laterally delimited by means of the side element, and - the side elements have embossing elements which project into the conveying path and create an embossment into the surface of the solid gel strand after the solid gel strand has been discharged from the shaping device.

Description

[0001] .Method for producing a detergent portion unit'

[0002] The present invention relates to a process for producing a detergent portion unit comprising a gel body.

[0003] The packaging and distribution of detergents and cleaning agents are constantly evolving. For some time now, a key focus has been on convenient dosing of detergents and cleaning agents for consumers and simplifying the steps required to carry out a washing or cleaning process. One technical solution is 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 detergent tablets, which can be designed as single- or multi-phase products.

[0004] To produce the 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 deep-drawing process. In an alternative process, a water-soluble polymer is formed into a receiving container using injection molding.

[0005] The water-soluble packaging material used to package the filled detergent portion units is generally hygroscopic. The water absorption capacity and tendency of the packaging material during production, packaging, storage, and subsequent use by the consumer can lead to portion units adhering to the surfaces of machines or packaging materials and preventing optimal conveyance, or to adjacent portion units sticking together, for example, in shared outer packaging. To prevent this tendency of the water-soluble portion units to adhere, it is possible to modify their surface properties by applying a powder. Powdering the water-soluble detergent portion units, in turn, requires an additional process step.

[0006] The water-soluble packaging materials used generally do not have any washing or cleaning properties, and therefore do not contribute to the product's effectiveness. Reducing the proportion of packaging in the total weight of the detergent portion units would therefore not result in any loss of performance and would be welcome for reasons of sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

[0007] Finally, the washing performance achieved by the detergent dosage unit is directly related to its dissolution properties. Especially in view of the increasing use of cold-wash processes, it is preferable to keep the thickness of the water-soluble film material contained in the detergent dosage unit as low as possible in order to accelerate the dissolution process. However, reducing the thickness of the surrounding film material simultaneously results in reduced mechanical stability of the dosage units. Overcoming this apparent dichotomy between mechanical stability and dissolution rate using water-soluble film-packaged detergent dosage units remains a relevant consideration in the development of water-soluble detergent dosage units.

[0008] An alternative to the previously described sachets is offered by detergent tablets, although sufficient mechanical stability and a high dissolution rate are incompatible in a similar way to the case of sachets.

[0009] An alternative to fully compressed detergent tablets is offered by multiphase detergent portion units, for example in the form of core tablets, which, in addition to a tableted body, also contain wax or gel phases. For example, European patent EP 1 032 642 B1 describes detergent tablets comprising a compressed phase and a non-compressed gel phase, and processes for their production.

[0010] Against the background of the previously described prior art, the application was based on the objective of providing efficient processes for the production of rapidly dissolving detergent portion units that exhibit high product and storage stability, are easy to package using minimal packaging materials, and appeal to the consumer through an appealing olfactory, visual, and / or tactile quality. The detergent portion units should exhibit high product performance and be easy and safe to handle for the consumer.

[0011] A first subject matter of the application is a method for producing a detergent portion unit comprising a dimensionally stable gel body, comprising the steps: i) providing a mixture containing detergent-active substance and gel-forming agent; ii) feeding the mixture containing detergent-active substance and gel-forming agent to a forming device; iii) passing the mixture containing detergent-active substance and gel-forming agent through the forming device with at least partial solidification of the mixture containing detergent-active substance and gel-forming agent in the forming device and formation of a gel body strand; iv) discharging the gel body strand from the forming device and further transporting it by means of a transport device comprising a) at least one movable conveying element;b) at least two side elements which are opposite one another and which can be moved synchronously with the movable conveying element, the conveying element and the side elements forming a conveying path on which the gel body strand is moved by means of the conveying element and is laterally delimited by means of the side element, and the side elements have embossed elements which project into the conveying path and, after the gel body strand has been discharged from the forming device, are embossed into the surface of the gel body strand.

[0012] The term "detergent portion unit" describes a packaging containing a measured portion of a detergent or cleaning agent. Detergent portion units therefore refer to packaging for both textile washing and packaging for cleaning hard surfaces such as ceramics, glass, metal, or tiles. The detergent portion unit preferably has a weight of 14 g to 42 g, preferably 18 g to 38 g, and in particular 20 g to 34 g.

[0013] The detergent portion unit comprises a gel body. The detergent portion unit can consist of the gel body. In this case, the gel body preferably has a weight of 14 g to 42 g, preferably 18 g to 38 g, in particular 20 g to 34 g. If the detergent portion unit comprises further components in addition to the gel body, the weight of the gel body is preferably 10 g to 28 g, preferably 12 g to 23 g, and in particular 15 g to 20 g.

[0014] Gel bodies are bodies that exhibit elastic deformation behavior under the application of force. Bodies are considered dimensionally stable if they have an intrinsic shape stability that enables them to assume a non-disintegrating spatial shape under normal conditions of production, storage, transport, and handling by the consumer. This spatial shape does not change under these conditions even over a prolonged period, preferably 4 weeks, more preferably 8 weeks, and especially 32 weeks. This means that under the normal conditions of production, storage, transport, and handling by the consumer, they remain in the spatial-geometric shape determined by production, i.e., they do not melt.

[0015] The process is particularly suitable for the manufacture of gel bodies with a high surfactant content. In preferred embodiments, the detergent-containing and gel-forming agent-containing mixture contains, based on its total weight, 20 to 60 wt.%, preferably 25 to 55 wt.%, and in particular 30 to 50 wt.% surfactant. For the producibility and subsequent dissolving power 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. Accordingly, preferred detergent-containing and gel-forming agent-containing mixtures also contain, based on their total weight, 15 to 35 wt.%, preferably 20 to 30 wt.% of an aqueous-organic solvent.

[0016] Preferred gel bodies also contain dye.

[0017] Preferred gel bodies are transparent. "Transparent" refers to gel bodies that exhibit a transmission of more than 50%, preferably more than 60%, and especially more than 80% in the wavelength range from 410 to 800 nm at at least one wavelength, preferably at 600 nm. Transmission is determined using VIS spectrometry at a sample temperature of 20°C and a cuvette length of 10 mm.

[0018] For the production and subsequent storage and transport properties of the gel bodies, it has proven advantageous to use low molecular weight gel formers with a molar mass of up to 2000 g / mol in the gel body, wherein the weight proportion of said gel former in 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.%. Furthermore, the advantages of the process according to the invention become apparent in particular when processing these low molecular weight gel formers with their specific gelling properties, which is why it is further preferred if the detergent-containing and gel former-containing mixture contains low molecular weight gel formers with a molar mass of up to 2000 g / mol, wherein the weight proportion of said gel former in the total weight of the mixture is preferably less than 5 wt.%, preferably 0.1 to 5 wt.%, particularly preferably 0.1 to 2.5 wt.%.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the low-molecular-weight gelling agent has a water solubility of less than 0.1 g / L (20°C). The solubility of the organic gelling agent is determined at 20°C in double-distilled, demineralized water.

[0020] Furthermore, gel formers are preferably suitable which have a structure containing at least one hydrocarbon structural unit having 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.

[0021] Particularly preferred gel bodies are characterized in that said gel bodies contain at least one benzylidene alditol compound of the formula (GB-I) as gelling agent

[0022] wherein

[0023] *- represents a covalent single bond between an oxygen atom of the alditol backbone and the intended radical, n represents 0 or 1, preferably 1, m represents 0 or 1, preferably 1,

[0024] R 1 , R 2 and R 3 independently of one another represents 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 radicals together with the residual molecule form a 5- or 6-membered ring,

[0025] R 4 , R 5 and R eindependently of one another represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a Ci-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 Ci-C4 alkoxy group, a Ci-C4 alkoxy-C2-C4 alkyl group, two of the radicals together with the residual molecule form a 5- or 6-membered ring.

[0026] Due to the stereochemistry of the alditols, it should be noted that both the said benzylidene alditols in the L-configuration or in the D-configuration, or a mixture of both, are suitable according to the invention. Due to their natural availability, the benzylidene alditol compounds in the D-configuration are preferably used according to the invention. It has been found to be preferred if the alditol backbone of the benzylidene alditol compound according to formula (GB-I) contained in the shaped body is derived from D-glucitol, D-mannitol, D-arabinitol, D-ribitol, D-xylitol, L-glucitol, L-mannitol, L-arabinitol, L-ribitol, or L-xylitol.

[0027] Particularly preferred are those gel bodies which are characterized in that R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R eaccording to the benzylidenealditol compound of the formula (GB-I), independently of one another, represents a hydrogen atom, methyl, ethyl, chlorine, fluorine or methoxy, preferably a hydrogen atom. n according to the benzylidenealditol compound of the formula (GB-I) preferably represents 1. m according to the benzylidenealditol compound of the formula (GB-I) preferably represents 1.

[0028] Most preferably, the gel body contains as benzylidene alditol compound of formula (GB-I) at least one compound of formula (GB-11) where R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R e as defined in formula (I). Most preferably, according to formula (GB-11) R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 and R e independently of one another represent a hydrogen atom, methyl, ethyl, chlorine, fluorine or methoxy, preferably a hydrogen atom.

[0029] Most preferably, the benzylidene alditol compound of formula (GB-I) is selected from 1,3:2,4-di-G-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.

[0030] Preferred gel bodies contain as gelling agent at least one 2,5-diketopiperazine compound of the formula (GB-I I) wherein

[0031] R 1 , R 2 , R 3 and R 4independently of one another represent a hydrogen atom, a hydroxy group, a (Ci-Ce)-alkyl group, a (C2-Ce)-alkenyl group, a (C2-C6)-acyl group, a (C2-C6)-acyloxy group, a (Ci-Ce)-alkoxy group, an amino group, a (C2-C6)-acylamino group, a (Ci-C6)-alkylaminocarbonyl group, an aryl group, an aroyl group, an aroyloxy group, an aryloxy group, an aryl-(Ci-C4)-alkyloxy group, an aryl-(Ci-C3)-alkyl group, a heteroaryl group, a heteroaryl-(Ci-C3)-alkyl group, a (C1-C4)-hydroxyalkyl group, a (Ci-C4)-aminoalkyl group, a carboxy-(Ci-C3)-alkyl group, where at least two of the radicals R 1 to R 4 together with the remaining molecule can form a 5 or 6-membered ring,

[0032] R 5represents a hydrogen atom, a linear (Ci to Ce) alkyl group, a branched (C3 to Cw) alkyl group, a (C3 to C6) cycloalkyl group, a (C2-Ce) alkenyl group, a (C2-C6) alkynyl group, a (Ci-C4) hydroxyalkyl group, a (Ci-C4) alkoxy-(Ci-C4) alkyl group, a (C1-C4) acyloxy-(Ci-C4) alkyl group, an aryloxy-(Ci-C4) alkyl group, an O-(aryl-(Ci-C4) alkyl)oxy-(Ci-C4) alkyl group, a (Ci-C4) alkylsulfanyl-(Ci-C4) alkyl group, an aryl group, an aryl-(Ci-C3) alkyl group, a heteroaryl group, a Heteroaryl-(Ci-C3)-alkyl group, a (C1-C4)-hydroxyalkyl group, a (Ci-C4)-aminoalkyl group, an N-(Ci-C4)-alkylamino-(Ci-C4)-alkyl group, an N,N-(Ci-C4)-dialkylamino-(Ci-C4)-alkyl group, an N-(C2-C8)-acylamino-(Ci-C4)-alkyl group, an N-(C2-C8)-acyl-N-(Ci-C4)-alkylamino-(Ci-C4)-alkyl group, an N-(C2-C8)-aroyl-N-(Ci-C4)-alkylamino-(Ci-C4)-alkyl group, an N,N-(C2-C8)-diacylamino-(Ci-C4)-alkyl group,an N-(aryl-(Ci-C4)-alkyl)amino-(Ci-C4)-alkyl group, an N,N-di(aryl-(Ci-C4)-alkyl)amino-(Ci-C4)-alkyl group, a (Ci-C4)-carboxyalkyl group, a (Ci-C4)-alkoxycarbonyl-(Ci-C3)-alkyl group, a (Ci-C4)-acyloxy-(Ci-C3)-alkyl group, a guanidino-(Ci-C3)-alkyl group, an aminocarbonyl-(Ci-C4)-alkyl group, an N-(Ci-C4)-alkylaminocarbonyl-(Ci-C4)-alkyl group, an N,N-di((Ci-C4)-alkyl)aminocarbonyl-(Ci-C4)-alkyl group, an N-(C2-C8)-acylaminocarbonyl-(Ci- C4) alkyl group, an N,N-(C2-C8)-diacylaminocarbonyl-(Ci-C4)-alkyl group, an N-(C2-Cs)-acyl-N-(Ci-C4)-alkylaminocarbonyl-(Ci-C4)-alkyl group, a N-(aryl-(Ci-C4)-alkyl)aminocarbonyl-(Ci-C4)-alkyl group, an N-(aryl-(Ci-C4)-alkyl)-N-(Ci-C6)-alkylaminocarbonyl-(Ci-C4)-alkyl group or one N,N-Di(aryl-(Ci-C4)-alkyl)aminocarbonyl-(Ci-C4)-alkyl group.,

[0033] It is preferred according to the invention if R 3 and R 4according to formula (GB-II) represents a hydrogen atom. It is particularly preferred according to the invention if R 2 , R 3 and R 4 according to formula (GB-II) represents a hydrogen atom. Therefore, very particularly preferred shaped bodies according to the invention contain at least one 2,5-diketopiperazine compound according to formula (GB-IIa) where R 1 and R 5 as defined under formula (GB-II) (vide supra).

[0034] It has been found to be preferable if the residue R 1 according to formula (GB-II) and according to formula (GB-IIa) in the para-position of the phenyl ring. Therefore, for the purposes of the present invention, preferred shaped bodies according to the invention are those which contain at least one 2,5-diketopiperazine compound according to formula (GB-IIb), (GB-Ilb) where R 1 and R 5as previously defined under formula (GB-II) (vide supra). The numbers 3 and 6 positioned on the ring atoms in formula (GB-IIb) merely mark the

[0035] Positions 3 and 6 of the diketopiperazine ring, as they are generally used within the scope of the invention for the naming of all 2,5-diketopiperazines according to the invention.

[0036] The 2,5-diketopiperazine compounds of formula (GB-II) have 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 was illustrated by way of example in formula (GB-IIb). The 2,5-diketopiperazine compound of formula (GB-II) of the compositions according to the invention is preferably, based on 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.

[0037] Preferred gel bodies contain at least one 2,5-diketopiperazine compound of the formula (GB-

[0038] 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 preferred for selection.

[0039] It is also possible for the gel bodies according to the invention to contain as gelling agents a) at least one diarylamidocystin compound of the formula (GB-III)

[0040] wherein

[0041] X + independently represents a hydrogen atom or an equivalent of a cation,

[0042] R 1 , R 2 , R 3 and R 4 independently of one another 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 R 1 with R 2 or R 3 with R 4forms a 5- or 6-membered fused ring, which in turn can be substituted by at least one group selected from the group consisting of Ci-C4 alkyl group, Ci-C4 alkoxy group, C2-C4 hydroxyalkyl group, hydroxyl group, amino group, N-(Ci-C4 alkyl)amino group, N,N-di(Ci-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] Said gel bodies may contain at least one compound of formula (GB-III) in which R 1 , R 2 , R 3 and R 4independently of one another 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, or R 1 with R 2 or R 3 with R 4 forms a 5- or 6-membered fused ring, which in turn may be substituted by at least one group selected from the group consisting of Ci-C4 alkyl group, Ci-C4 alkoxy group, C2-C4 hydroxyalkyl group, or hydroxyl group. Shaped bodies which are particularly suitable as diarylamidocystine compounds of the formula (GB-III) N,N'-dibenzoylcystine (R 1 = R 2 = R 3 = R 4 = hydrogen atom; X + = independently of one another represent hydrogen atom or an equivalent of a cation), in particular N,N'-dibenzoyl-L-cystine.

[0045] The N-(C8-C24)-hydrocarbylglyconamide compounds suitable as gel formers a) preferably have the formula (GB-IV) where n is 2 to 4, preferably 3 or 4, especially 4;

[0046] R 1 is selected from hydrogen, C1-C18 alkyl radicals, C1-C3 hydroxy or methoxyalkyl radicals, preferably C1-C3 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or methoxyalkyl radicals, particularly preferably methyl;

[0047] R 2 is selected from Cs-C24 alkyl radicals, Cs-C24 monoalkenyl radicals, C8-C24 dialkenyl radicals, C8-C24 trialkenyl radicals, Cs-C24 hydroxyalkyl radicals, Cs-C24 hydroxyalkenyl radicals, C1-C3 hydroxyalkyl radicals or methoxy-Ci-Cs alkyl radicals, preferably Cs-Cis alkyl radicals and mixtures thereof, more preferably Cs, C10, C12, C16, C18, C19 and C21 alkyl radicals and mixtures thereof, most preferably C12 and C20 alkyl radicals or a mixture thereof.

[0048] In particularly preferred embodiments, the radical is HO-CH2-(CHOH) n -C- one of a

[0049] II

[0050] O

[0051] Glycuronic acid, in particular the glycuronic acid of a hexose (n=4), derived residue. Glucuronic acid is particularly preferred here. R 1 is preferably H or a short-chain alkyl radical, especially methyl. R 2 is preferably a long-chain alkyl radical, for example a Cs-Cis alkyl radical.

[0052] Compounds of the formula (GB-IV1) are therefore particularly preferred. where R 2 has the meanings given for formula (GB-IV).

[0053] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one low-molecular-weight gelling agent in the detergent-active and gelling agent-containing mixture is selected from the group consisting of cyclic dipeptides, cyclic dipeptide derivatives, and dibenzylidene sorbitols. Due to its technical effect, the at least one gelling agent in the detergent-active and gelling agent-containing mixture is particularly preferred to be dibenzylidene sorbitol (DBS).

[0054] The mixture containing detergent and gelling agent is prepared in step i) of the process. This mixture can be prepared continuously or discontinuously, with continuous preparation being preferred due to the resulting process efficiency. The mixture can be prepared, for example, using a mixer. Static and dynamic mixers are suitable as mixing elements.

[0055] The mixture containing the detergent and gelling agent preferably has a temperature above 23°C, preferably in the range from 23°C to 60°C. Just as in process step i), the feeding of the mixture containing the detergent and gelling agent to the forming device in step ii) is preferably carried out continuously.

[0056] Preferably, the mixture containing detergent and gelling agent is introduced into the forming device at a filling rate of 20 ml / s to 800 ml / s.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the washing-active substance-containing and gelling agent-containing mixture is also passed through the forming device in step iii) continuously.

[0058] Suitable forming devices are those known to those skilled in the art for forming shaped strands. A particularly preferred method involves continuously pressing the mixture out of a forming opening under pressure.

[0059] The forming device can be designed as a structurally separate device. Alternatively, the forming device can be structurally integrated into a mixer that prepares the mixture containing detergent and gelling agent.

[0060] In its simplest form, a sufficiently stable outlet opening is used as the forming device. The opening area of ​​this outlet opening determines the cross-sectional area of ​​the emerging extruded strand.

[0061] In a further developed embodiment, the forming device is designed as a tube, one end of which serves as the inlet opening for the mixture containing detergent and gelling agent, and the other end of which serves as the outlet opening for the extruded strand. Again, the opening area of ​​the outlet opening determines the cross-sectional area of ​​the emerging extruded strand. Preferably, the opening area of ​​the tube and its cross-sectional area are identical.

[0062] In a further development, the forming device comprises a tube and an outlet nozzle connected to this tube in an interchangeable manner.

[0063] If the forming device and the device by means of which the detergent-active substance-containing and gel-forming agent-containing mixture is provided are designed as separate devices, the detergent-active substance-containing and gel-forming agent-containing mixture is preferably guided through a feed line after exiting the latter device and before entering the forming device. If the detergent-active substance-containing and gel-forming agent-containing mixture is guided through a feed line after its provision and before entering the forming device, the cross-sectional area of ​​the feed line can be the same as or different from the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet opening of the forming device. If the cross-sectional area of ​​the feed line is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet opening of the forming device, the

[0064] Flow rate of the mixture containing detergent and gelling agent when leaving the feed line into the forming device is lower than when leaving the

[0065] Forming device. The opposite is true in cases where the cross-sectional area of ​​the supply line is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the forming device. By implementing different flow velocities in the supply line and the forming device, the curing behavior of the mixture containing detergent and gelling agent can be appropriately influenced.

[0066] The time interval between the preparation of the detergent-containing and gelling agent-containing mixture and its entry into the forming device is preferably 1 to 20 seconds, particularly preferably 5 to 40 seconds. This applies in particular to processes in which the mixing device and forming device are designed separately.

[0067] To accelerate solidification or to facilitate further processing, the mixture containing detergent and gelling agent is preferably cooled in step iii). Cooling preferably takes place under defined climatic conditions, where, in addition to the temperature, the humidity in the process chamber is also monitored and regulated.

[0068] The discharge of the gel body strand from the forming device in step iv) preferably takes place continuously.

[0069] Following discharge, the gel body strand is transported further using a transport device. The transport device preferably moves the gel body strand at a speed of 0.05 m / s to 3 m / s, particularly preferably 0.8 to 2.2 m / s.

[0070] The transport device used comprises at least one movable conveyor element and at least two side elements that are opposite one another and move synchronously with the movable conveyor element.

[0071] Suitable conveyor elements include continuous or slatted conveyor belts or roller conveyors, for example, with continuous conveyor belts being particularly preferred. Modular conveyor belts based on conveyor chain links are particularly preferred. The side elements that laterally define the conveyor path are preferably movable synchronously with the conveyor element and synchronously with each other.

[0072] The embossing elements of the two side elements are preferably arranged opposite each other. Preferred side elements have replaceable embossing elements. The use of replaceable embossing elements increases process efficiency, for example, in connection with cleaning the process device or when changing product formats.

[0073] For the process control and the effective embossing of the gel body strand, it has proven advantageous if the gel body strand, in a conveying path with a width b determined orthogonally to the conveying direction, has a width of 0.7 b to 1 b, preferably of 0.85 b to 1 b, in particular of 0.95 b to 1 b, orthogonally to the conveying direction and parallel to the transport surface.

[0074] For the same reasons, it is preferred if the conveying path has a width b orthogonal to the conveying direction and the embossed elements project into the conveying path orthogonal to the conveying direction from 0.05 b to 0.5 b, preferably from 0.1 b to 0.4 b, particularly preferably from 0.15 b to 0.3 b.

[0075] In order to achieve stable embossing, it is further preferred that the embossing elements, with a height h of the gel body strand determined orthogonally to the transport surface, have a height of 0.8 h to 4 h, preferably of 1 h to 3 h and in particular of 1.1 to 2 h, orthogonally to the transport surface.

[0076] The embossed elements can be designed in different ways, but the surface of the embossed elements is preferably smooth and does not have any notches or undercuts to avoid adhesion.

[0077] Embossed elements that taper at least partially in a spatial direction orthogonal to the side elements and parallel to the transport surface have proven particularly effective. Embossed elements that are plane-parallel to the transport surface are particularly preferred, with a triangular cross-section.

[0078] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the embossed elements have a triangular cross-section, parallel to the transport surface, comprising a base parallel to their respective side element and two isosceles legs. The use of embossed elements that have a triangular cross-section, parallel to the transport surface, a base parallel to their respective side element, and two concave isosceles legs is particularly preferred. The embossed elements are preferably withdrawn from the gel body strand after a period of 1 to 50 seconds, preferably 1 to 25 seconds, and in particular 1 to 15 seconds.

[0079] Following step iv), the extruded strand emerging from the forming device is preferably cut to length in a suitable manner to form individual gel bodies. Cutting is particularly preferably carried out by ultrasonic cutting. Cutting is most preferably carried out in the area of ​​the indentation created by the embossing elements.

[0080] The spatial shape of the gel body is fundamentally freely selectable; its side surfaces can be convex, concave, or flat, for example. However, certain spatial configurations have proven particularly advantageous in terms of manufacturability, storage, and use of the gel bodies.

[0081] In correspondingly 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 produce, for example, by means of a casting process, they can also be packaged easily and in a space-saving manner and are suitable for dosing via the dosing or dispensing chambers of electronic cleaning appliances. It is preferred if 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.

[0082] 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. Corresponding gel bodies with a non-square underside are also preferred by many consumers due to their appearance. Therefore, preferred gel bodies are, for example, those that have a bottom and a top side connected by a cylindrical outer surface.

[0083] Advantages in terms of space utilization during production and packaging are achieved through square undersides. If the gel bodies are cast, for example, in the form of sheets which are subsequently cut into gel bodies, square undersides are advantageous because such gel bodies can be cut without leaving any leftover quantities and can be packaged in a space-saving manner. In an alternative embodiment, preferred gel bodies therefore have square undersides, in particular triangular, square or hexagonal undersides. For further processing or packaging, it can be advantageous if the gel body has a square underside with rounded corners. With regard to the production, packaging and use of the detergent portion units, it has also proven advantageous if the gel bodies have an upper side that is plane-parallel to the underside.

[0084] In a first preferred geometric embodiment, the gel body has a bottom side and a top side which have the same geometric shape, wherein the bottom side and the top side have the same surface area. Corresponding gel bodies can, as already described above, be produced in a simple manner, for example by casting sheets and subsequently cutting the sheets into individual gel bodies. Moreover, these gel bodies can be spatially aligned more easily in any subsequent process steps, during packaging or use by the user due to the geometric identity of the bottom and top sides than gel bodies with a lower body symmetry. This applies in particular to gel bodies which simultaneously have a top side that is plane-parallel to the bottom side.Examples of such gel bodies are circular cylinders, elliptical cylinders, parallelepipeds, rhombohedrons, straight or oblique prisms, cuboids, or cubes. The group of circular cylinders and elliptical cylinders includes vertical circular cylinders and elliptical cylinders, as well as oblique circular cylinders and elliptical cylinders. Due to their ease of production by singulation from a single sheet, gel bodies in the form of vertical circular cylinders, vertical elliptical cylinders, straight prisms, straight cuboids, or cubes are preferred.

[0085] In an alternative embodiment, the gel body has a bottom and a top surface that have the same geometric shape, with the bottom and top surfaces having different surface areas. Such gel bodies may be preferred due to their attractive appearance or optimized fit, coupled with comparatively simple manufacturing. Examples of such gel bodies are circular cylinders or elliptical cylinders with a convex or concave bottom surface and a flat top surface. Further examples are truncated cones or truncated pyramids.

[0086] In summary, preferred subject matters of the application can be characterized as detergent portion units comprising a gel body with a bottom side and a top side, wherein the area of ​​the top side is 80 to 100%, preferably 90 to 100% and in particular 98 to 100% of the bottom side.

[0087] For the production of detergent portion units that contain additional components in addition to the gel body, a process in which the gel body is combined with a prefabricated molded body is suitable. In a preferred process variant, the extruded gel body strand or the cut-to-length gel body is covered with a prefabricated molded body.

[0088] Alternatively, or in combination with the covering by a molded body, the dimensionally stable gel body strand is directed onto the top side of a prefabricated molded body. If the gel body strand is directed onto a first prefabricated molded body and the side opposite the side covered by the first prefabricated molded body is covered with a second prefabricated molded body, a sandwich-like detergent portion unit is obtained that is particularly advantageous in terms of handling and appearance.

[0089] The molded body can be manufactured in a variety of ways. The use of cast bodies has proven to be technically feasible and straightforward. The production of the molded body by casting processes has the advantage of allowing the production of a wide variety of geometries. The cast bodies are preferably solidified melts.

[0090] Due to their ease of large-scale production, compressed bodies, especially tablets, are particularly preferred as shaped bodies.

[0091] Regardless of the process used for its production, the tablet preferably has a breaking strength of 50 N to 300 N, in particular 50 N to 150 N. This breaking strength ensures, on the one hand, sufficient stability of the tablet during production, transport, and handling by the consumer, and, on the other hand, satisfactory dissolution behavior of the tablet in an aqueous solution. The hardness of the tablet is measured by deformation until fracture, whereby the force acts on the side surfaces of the tablet and the maximum force it can withstand is determined. A tablet testing device from Sotax, for example, is suitable for determining tablet hardness.

[0092] Preferred shaped bodies have a flat upper side whose largest diagonal is more than 2 times, preferably more than 4 times the height of the shaped body.

[0093] The molded bodies used preferably have a width orthogonal to the conveying direction and parallel to the transport surface which corresponds to 90 to 110%, particularly preferably 95 to 105% of the width of the gel body strand.

[0094] The upper sides of the molded bodies are preferably square. Molded bodies with a square upper side and rounded corners are particularly preferred. The embossing elements included in the transport device are preferably designed in a manner that allows the gel strand to be embossed in a manner adapted to the shape of the molded body.

[0095] It is preferred if the gel body strand is discharged onto the upper sides of prefabricated shaped bodies located on the conveying element, which are arranged in series in the conveying direction in such a way that the embossing elements projecting into the conveying path engage in the space between two shaped bodies arranged one behind the other.

[0096] Alternatively or in combination with this embodiment, the upper side of the gel body strand located on the conveying element can be covered with prefabricated shaped bodies which are arranged in a row in the conveying direction in such a way that the embossed elements projecting into the conveying path engage in the space between two shaped bodies arranged one behind the other.

[0097] In preferred process variants, the embossed elements have a triangular cross-section plane-parallel to the transport surface, comprising a base side parallel to their respective side element and two concave isosceles legs, wherein the shaped body has a square upper side with rounded corners, the curvature of which corresponds to the curvature of the concave isosceles legs of the cross-section.

[0098] The molded bodies are preferably printed.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment of the detergent portion units, the shaped body also contributes to the washing and cleaning action. Corresponding detergent portion units comprise a shaped body that, based on its total weight, contains more than 40% by weight, preferably more than 60% by weight, particularly preferably more than 80% by weight of washing or cleaning active ingredient.

[0100] The first group of active washing or cleaning ingredients integrated into the molded body are fragrances. Their incorporation into the molded body ensures a perceptible fragrance experience for the consumer, which cannot be achieved to the same extent when the fragrances are incorporated into the gel body.

[0101] Another group of washing or cleaning-active ingredients preferably incorporated into the coating substance are the builders, in particular citrates, zeolites, silicates, and carbonates, preferably especially citrates and zeolites. The weight fraction of these active substances in the total weight of the coating substance is preferably 5 to 60 wt.%, in particular 10 to 50 wt. Particularly preferred are coating substances which, based on their total weight, contain 5 to 60 wt.%, in particular 10 to 50 wt.% of zeolite. These active substances not only contribute to the intended washing and cleaning action, but also improve the contour sharpness and durability of the printed image when the molded body surface is printed.

[0102] For the sharpness of the contours and durability of the printed image, the use of active ingredients from the group of polymeric detergent or cleaning agents, preferably polymeric detergent or cleaning agents from the group of celluloses and cellulose derivatives, anionic or non-ionic aromatic polyesters, preferably from the group of celluloses, microcrystalline celluloses, carboxymethylcelluloses, and anionic or non-ionic aromatic polyesters, is also advantageous. The weight proportion of these cellulose-based active ingredients to the total weight of the coating substance is preferably 2 to 50 wt.%.

[0103] The composition of some preferred detergent portion units can be found in the following tables (data in wt.% based on the total weight of the gel body or the coating substance unless otherwise stated).

[0104] In summary, this application provides, among other things, the following items:

[0105] 1. A method for producing a detergent portion unit comprising a dimensionally stable gel body, comprising the steps: i) providing a mixture containing detergent-active substance and gel-forming agent; ii) feeding the mixture containing detergent-active substance and gel-forming agent to a forming device; iii) passing the mixture containing detergent-active substance and gel-forming agent through the forming device with at least partial solidification of the mixture containing detergent-active substance and gel-forming agent in the forming device and formation of a gel body strand; iv) discharging the gel body strand from the forming device and further transporting it by means of a transport device comprising a) at least one movable conveyor element;b) at least two side elements which are opposite one another and which can be moved synchronously with the movable conveying element, the conveying element and the side elements forming a conveying path on which the gel body strand is moved by means of the conveying element and is laterally delimited by means of the side element, and the side elements have embossed elements which project into the conveying path and, after the gel body strand has been discharged from the forming device, are embossed into the surface of the gel body strand.

[0106] 2. Process according to point 1, wherein the mixture containing detergent and gelling agent contains, based on its total weight, 20 to 60 wt.%, preferably 25 to 55 wt.% and in particular 30 to 50 wt.% surfactant.

[0107] 3. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the detergent-containing and gelling agent-containing mixture contains, based on its total weight, 15 to 35 wt.%, preferably 20 to 30 wt.% of an aqueous-organic solvent.

[0108] 4. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the mixture containing detergent and gelling agent contains low molecular weight gelling agent with a molar mass of up to 2000 g / mol, wherein the weight proportion of the total weight of the mixture is preferably less than

[0109] 5 wt.%, preferably 0.1 to 5 wt.%, particularly preferably 0.1 to 2.5 wt.%. 5. The process according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the detergent-active agent-containing and gel-forming agent-containing mixture contains a low-molecular-weight gel-forming agent selected from the group of cyclic dipeptides, cyclic dipeptide derivatives, and dibenzylidene sorbitols.

[0110] 6. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the detergent-containing and gelling agent-containing mixture contains dibenzylidene sorbitol as low molecular weight gelling agent.

[0111] 7. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the provision of the detergent-containing and gelling agent-containing mixture in step i) takes place continuously.

[0112] 8. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the mixture containing detergent and gelling agent has a temperature above 23°C, preferably in the range from 23°C to 60°C.

[0113] 9. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the feeding of the detergent-containing and gelling agent-containing mixture to the forming device in step ii) takes place continuously.

[0114] 10. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the time period between the provision of the detergent-containing and gelling agent-containing mixture and its entry into the forming device is 1 to 60 seconds, preferably 5 to 40 seconds.

[0115] 11. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the washing-active agent-containing and gelling agent-containing mixture is passed through the forming device in step iii) continuously.

[0116] 12. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the mixture containing detergent and gelling agent is introduced into the forming device at a filling rate of 20 ml / s to 800 ml / s.

[0117] 13. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the mixture containing detergent and gelling agent is passed through a feed line before entering the forming device and the cross-sectional area of ​​the feed line is equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the forming device.

[0118] 14. The method according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the mixture containing detergent and gelling agent is passed through a feed line before entering the forming device, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the feed line differs from the cross-sectional area of ​​the forming device. 15. The method according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the mixture containing detergent and gelling agent is passed through a feed line before entering the forming device, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the feed line is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the forming device.

[0119] 16. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the washing agent-containing and gelling agent-containing material is passed through a feed line before entering the forming device and the cross-sectional area of ​​the feed line is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the forming device.

[0120] 17. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the detergent-active agent-containing and gelling agent-containing mixture is cooled in step iii).

[0121] 18. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the discharge of the gel body strand from the forming device in step iv) takes place continuously.

[0122] 19. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the transport device moves the gel body strand at a speed of 0.05 m / s to 3 m / s, preferably of 0.8 to 2.2 m / s.

[0123] 20. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the transport device has a continuous or lamellar conveyor belt or a roller conveyor, preferably a continuous conveyor belt, as a conveying element.

[0124] 21. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the transport device has a modular conveyor belt based on conveyor chain links as the conveying element.

[0125] 22. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the side elements are movable synchronously with the conveying element and synchronously with each other.

[0126] 23. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the side elements have replaceable embossed elements.

[0127] 24. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the embossed elements of the two

[0128] Side elements are arranged opposite each other.

[0129] 25. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the conveying path is orthogonal to the

[0130] Conveying direction has a width b and the gel body strand orthogonal to the conveying direction and parallel to the transport surface has a width of 0.7 b to 1 b, preferably of 0.85 b to 1 b, in particular of 0.95 b to 1 b.

[0131] 26. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the conveying path has a width b orthogonal to the conveying direction and the embossed elements protrude into the conveying path from 0.05 b to 0.5 b, preferably from 0.1 b to 0.4 b, particularly preferably from 0.15 b to 0.3 b.

[0132] 27. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the gel body strand has a height h orthogonal to the transport surface and the embossed elements have a height of 0.8 h to 4 h, preferably of 1 h to 3 h and in particular of 1.1 to 2 h, orthogonal to the transport surface.

[0133] 28. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the embossed elements taper at least partially in a spatial direction orthogonal to the side elements and parallel to the transport surface.

[0134] 29. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the embossed elements have a triangular cross-section plane-parallel to the transport surface.

[0135] 30. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the embossed elements have a triangular cross-section parallel to the transport surface, comprising a base side parallel to their respective side element and two isosceles legs

[0136] 31. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the embossed elements have a triangular cross-section plane-parallel to the transport surface, comprising a base side parallel to their respective side element and two concave isosceles legs.

[0137] 32. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the embossed elements are pulled out of the gel body strand after a period of 1 to 50 seconds, preferably 1 to 25 seconds, particularly preferably 1 to 15 seconds.

[0138] 33. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the gel body strand is cut to length, preferably in the region of the impression caused by the embossing elements, to form a gel body.

[0139] 34. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the gel body strand is cut to length by ultrasonic cutting to form a gel body.

[0140] 35. The method according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the gel body has a weight of 10 g to 28 g, preferably 12 g to 23 g, in particular 15 g to 20 g. 36. The method according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the gel body strand is discharged onto the upper side of a prefabricated molded body located on the conveying element.

[0141] 37. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the discharged gel body strand or the cut-to-length gel body is covered with a prefabricated molded body.

[0142] 38. Process according to item 36 or 37, wherein the shaped body is in the form of a cast body.

[0143] 39. Process according to one of items 36 to 38, wherein the shaped body is in the form of a pressed body, preferably a tablet.

[0144] 40. Method according to one of items 36 to 39, wherein the shaped body has a breaking strength of 50 N to 300 N, in particular of 50 N to 150 N.

[0145] 41. Method according to one of items 34 to 38, wherein the shaped body has a print.

[0146] 42. Process according to one of items 36 to 41, wherein the shaped body contains, based on its total weight, more than 40% by weight, preferably more than 60% by weight, particularly preferably more than 80% by weight of washing or cleaning active ingredient.

[0147] 43. Process according to one of items 36 to 42, wherein the shaped body contains a washing or cleaning active ingredient from the group of fragrances.

[0148] 44. Process according to one of items 36 to 43, wherein the shaped body contains a washing or cleaning active ingredient from the group of builders, in particular at least one active ingredient from the group of citrates, zeolites, silicates and carbonates, preferably from the group of citrates and zeolites.

[0149] 45. Process according to one of items 36 to 44, wherein the shaped body contains a polymeric washing or cleaning-active ingredient, preferably a polymeric washing or cleaning-active ingredient from the group of celluloses and cellulose derivatives, anionic or non-ionic aromatic polyesters, preferably from the group of celluloses, microcrystalline celluloses, carboxymethylcelluloses, anionic or non-ionic aromatic polyesters.

[0150] 46. ​​The method according to any one of items 36 to 45, wherein the shaped body has a flat upper side whose largest diagonal is more than 2 times, preferably more than 4 times, the height of the shaped body. 47. The method according to any one of items 36 to 46, wherein the shaped body has a width orthogonal to the conveying direction and parallel to the transport surface that corresponds to 90 to 110%, preferably 95 to 105%, of the width of the gel body strand.

[0151] 48. Method according to one of items 36 to 47, wherein the shaped body has a square top side, preferably a square top side with rounded corners.

[0152] 49. Method according to one of items 36 to 48, wherein the embossed elements have a triangular cross-section parallel to the transport surface, comprising a base side parallel to their respective side element and two concave isosceles legs, and the shaped body has a square upper side with rounded corners, the curvature of which corresponds to the curvature of the concave isosceles legs of the cross-section.

[0153] 50. Method according to one of items 36 to 49, wherein the gel body strand is discharged onto the upper sides of prefabricated shaped bodies located on the conveying element, which are arranged in series in the conveying direction in such a way that the embossing elements projecting into the conveying path engage in the space between two shaped bodies arranged one behind the other.

[0154] 51. Method according to one of items 36 to 50, wherein the upper side of the gel body strand located on the conveying element is covered with prefabricated shaped bodies which are arranged in a row in the conveying direction in such a way that the embossed elements projecting into the conveying path engage in the space between two shaped bodies arranged one behind the other.

[0155] 52. Method according to one of items 36 to 51, wherein the gel body strand is guided out onto the upper sides of first rows of prefabricated shaped bodies located on the conveying element and the upper side of the gel body strand is covered with a second row of prefabricated shaped bodies, and the first row of prefabricated shaped bodies and the second row of prefabricated shaped bodies are arranged such that the embossing elements projecting into the conveying path engage in the spaces between shaped bodies arranged one behind the other.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for producing a detergent portion unit, comprising a dimensionally stable gel body, comprising the steps of: i) providing a mixture containing a detergent active ingredient and a gelling agent; ii) feeding the mixture containing the detergent active ingredient and the gelling agent to a forming device; iii) passing the mixture containing the detergent active ingredient and the gelling agent through the forming device, with at least partial solidification of the mixture containing the detergent active ingredient and the gelling agent occurring in the forming device and forming a gel body strand; iv) removing the gel body strand from the forming device and transporting it further by means of a transport device, comprising a) at least one movable conveying element;b) at least two opposing side elements that move synchronously with the movable conveying element, wherein the conveying element and the side elements form a conveying path on which the gel body strand is moved by means of the conveying element and is laterally limited by means of the side element, and the side elements have embossing elements which project into the conveying path and are embossed into the surface of the gel body strand after the gel body strand has been discharged from the forming device.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the discharge of the gel body strand from the forming device in step iv) is continuous.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the side elements are movable synchronously with the conveying element and synchronously with each other.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the embossing elements of the two side elements are arranged opposite each other.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying path has a width b orthogonal to the conveying direction and the gel body strand has a width of 0.7 b to 1 b, preferably 0.85 b to 1 b, in particular 0.95 b to 1 b, orthogonal to the conveying direction and parallel to the transport surface.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying path has a width b perpendicular to the conveying direction and the embossing elements are arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction. protrude into the conveying path by 0.05 b to 0.5 b, preferably from 0.1 b to 0.4 b, particularly preferably from 0.15 b to 0.3 b.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the embossing elements are withdrawn from the gel body strand after a period of 1 to 50 seconds, preferably 1 to 25 seconds, particularly preferably 1 to 15 seconds.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gel strand is discharged onto the upper surfaces of pre-formed molded bodies located on the conveying element, which are arranged in series in the conveying direction such that the embossing elements projecting into the conveying path engage in the space between two molded bodies arranged one behind the other.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper side of the gel body strand is covered with pre-formed molded bodies which are arranged in a series in the conveying direction such that the embossing elements projecting into the conveying path engage in the space between two molded bodies arranged one behind the other.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gel strand is discharged onto the upper surfaces of first rows of pre-formed molded bodies located on the conveying element and the upper surface of the gel strand is covered with a second row of pre-formed molded bodies, and the first row of pre-formed molded bodies and the second row of pre-formed molded bodies are arranged such that the embossing elements projecting into the conveying path engage in the spaces between molded bodies arranged one behind the other.

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