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 surfactant-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; v) cutting the solid gel strand to length by means of ultrasonic cutting such that a solid gel is formed.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a detergent portion unit comprising a gel body.

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

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

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

[0005] The water-soluble packaging materials used are generally not detergent- or cleaning-active and therefore do not contribute to the product's effectiveness. Reducing the packaging content relative to the total weight of the detergent portion units would thus not result in any loss of performance and would be welcome from both a sustainability and economic perspective.

[0006] Ultimately, the washing performance achieved by the detergent portion unit is directly related to its dissolution properties. Especially with the increasing use of cold washing processes, it is advantageous to minimize the thickness of the water-soluble film material contained within the detergent portion unit to accelerate the dissolution process. However, reducing the thickness of the surrounding film material simultaneously reduces the mechanical stability of the portion units. Overcoming this apparent dichotomy between mechanical stability and dissolution speed by means of detergent dosing units packaged in water-soluble films remains a relevant consideration in the development of water-soluble detergent portion units.

[0007] An alternative to the portion packs described above are detergent tablets, but in this case, sufficient mechanical stability and high dissolution rate are similarly incompatible, just as in the case of the portion packs.

[0008] An alternative to fully compressed detergent tablets are 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 an uncompressed gel phase, and methods for their manufacture.

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

[0010] A first subject matter of the application is a process for manufacturing a detergent portion unit, comprising a dimensionally stable gel body, comprising the steps: i) Providing a mixture containing a surfactant and a gelling agent; ii) Feeding the mixture containing the surfactant and a gelling agent to a forming device; iii) Passing the mixture containing the surfactant and a gelling agent through the forming device, at least partially solidifying the mixture containing the surfactant and a gelling agent within the forming device and forming a gel body strand; iv) Discharging 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; v) Cutting the gel body strand to length by ultrasonic cutting, forming a gel body. wherein the forming device is an outlet opening or the forming device is designed as a tube, one end of which serves as an inlet opening for the mixture containing the washing active ingredient and gelling agent, and the other end of which serves as an outlet opening for the gel strand, wherein the

[0011] The outlet opening determines the cross-sectional area of ​​the exiting gel strand. The term "detergent portion unit" describes a packaging form in which a measured portion of a detergent or cleaning agent is present. Detergent portion units therefore refer to packaging forms for both textile laundry and hard surfaces such as ceramic, glass, metal, or tiles. A detergent portion unit preferably weighs between 14 g and 42 g, more preferably between 18 g and 38 g, and particularly between 20 g and 34 g.

[0012] The detergent portion unit comprises a gel body. The detergent portion unit can consist solely of the gel body. In this case, the gel body preferably weighs between 14 g and 42 g, more preferably between 18 g and 38 g, and particularly between 20 g and 34 g. If the detergent portion unit comprises other components besides the gel body, the weight of the gel body is preferably between 10 g and 28 g, more preferably between 12 g and 23 g, and particularly between 15 g and 20 g.

[0013] Gel bodies are defined as bodies that exhibit elastic deformation behavior under the influence of force. Dimensionally stable bodies are those that possess intrinsic dimensional stability, enabling them to assume a non-disintegrating spatial shape under normal conditions of manufacture, storage, transport, and handling by the consumer, whereby this spatial shape remains unchanged under the aforementioned conditions even over extended periods, preferably 4 weeks, particularly preferably 8 weeks, and especially 32 weeks. That is, under the normal conditions of manufacture, storage, transport, and handling by the consumer, the material remains in the spatial-geometric shape determined by the manufacturing process, i.e., it does not degrade.

[0014] The process is particularly suitable for the production of gel bodies with a high surfactant content. In preferred embodiments, the mixture containing the washing active and gelling agent contains, based on its total weight, 20 to 60 wt.%, preferably 25 to 55 wt.%, and particularly 30 to 50 wt.% surfactant.

[0015] For the manufacturability and subsequent dissolution 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 mixtures containing surfactants and gelling agents 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 still contain dye.

[0017] Preferred gel bodies are transparent. A gel body is considered "transparent" if, in the wavelength range of 410 to 800 nm, it exhibits a transmission above 50%, preferably above 60%, and particularly above 80% at at least one wavelength, preferably 600 nm. The transmission is determined by VIS spectrometry at a sample temperature of 20°C and a cuvette length of 10 mm.

[0018] For the production and subsequent storage and transport properties of the gel bodies, it has proven advantageous to use low-molecular-weight gelling agents with a molar mass of up to 2000 g / mol in the gel body, wherein their weight fraction to the total weight of the gel body is preferably less than 5 wt.%, more 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 are particularly evident in the processing of these low-molecular-weight gelling agents with their specific gelling properties. Therefore, it is further preferred if the mixture containing the surfactant and the gelling agent contains low-molecular-weight gelling agents with a molar mass of up to 2000 g / mol, wherein their weight fraction to the total weight of the mixture is preferably less than 5 wt.%, more preferably 0.1 to 5 wt.%, and particularly preferably 0.1 to 2.5 wt.%.

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

[0020] Furthermore, gelling agents are preferably suitable which have a structure containing at least one hydrocarbon structural unit with 6 to 20 carbon atoms (preferably at least one carbocyclic, aromatic structural unit) and additionally an organic structural unit covalently bonded to the aforementioned hydrocarbon unit, which has at least two groups selected from -OH, -NH-, or mixtures thereof.

[0021] Particularly preferred gel bodies are characterized in that said gel bodies contain at least one benzylidenealditol compound of formula (GB-I) as a gelling agent. wherein *- for a covalent single bond between an oxygen atom of the alditol backbone and the intended residue, n for 0 or 1, preferably 1, m for 0 or 1, preferably 1, R 1< , R 2< and R 3< independently of each other represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C 1-C 4 alkyl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydroxy group, a -C(=O)-NH-NH 2 group, a -NH-C(=O)-(C 2-C 4 alkyl) group, a C 1-C 4 alkoxy group, a C 1-C 4 alkoxy-C 2-C 4 alkyl group, two of the residues together with the residue molecule form a 5- or 6-membered ring, R 4< , R 5< and R 6< independently of each other represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl group, a cyano group, a nitro group, an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydroxy group, a -C(=O)-NH-NH2 group, a -NH-C(=O)-(C2-C4 alkyl) group, a C1-C4 alkoxy group,a C1-C4 alkoxy-C2-C4 alkyl group, two of the residues together with the rest molecule forming a 5- or 6-membered ring.

[0022] Due to the stereochemistry of the alditols, it should be noted that, according to the invention, both the aforementioned benzylidenealditols in the L-configuration or in the D-configuration, or a mixture of both, are suitable. Due to their natural availability, the benzylidenealditol compounds in the D-configuration are preferably used according to the invention. It has proven preferable if the alditol backbone of the benzylidenealditol compound contained in the molded body according to formula (GB-I) is derived from D-glucitol, D-mannitol, D-arabinitol, D-ribitol, D-xylitol, L-glucitol, L-mannitol, L-arabinitol, L-ribitol, or L-xylitol.

[0023] Particularly preferred are such gel bodies which are characterized in that R 1< , R 2< , R 3< , R 4< , R 5< and R 6< according to benzylidenealditol compound of formula (GB-I) independently represent a hydrogen atom, methyl, ethyl, chlorine, fluorine or methoxy, preferably a hydrogen atom.

[0024] n according to the benzylidenealditol compound of the formula (GB-I) preferably stands for 1.

[0025] m according to the benzylidenealditol compound formula (GB-I) preferably stands for 1.

[0026] The gel body most preferably contains at least one compound of formula (GB-I1) as a benzylidenealditol compound of formula (GB-I). wherein R< 1< , R< 2< , R< 3< , R< 4< , R< 5< and R< 6< are defined as in formula (I). Most preferably, according to formula (GB-I1), R< 1< , R< 2< , R< 3< , R< 4< , R< 5< and R< 6< represent independently a hydrogen atom, methyl, ethyl, chlorine, fluorine or methoxy, preferably a hydrogen atom.

[0027] The benzylidenealditol compound of formula (GB-I) is most preferably selected from 1,3:2,4-Di-O-benzylidene-D-sorbitol; 1,3:2,4-Di-O-(p-methylbenzylidene)-D-sorbitol; 1,3:2,4-Di-O-(p-chlorobenzylidene)-D-sorbitol; 1,3:2,4-Di-O-(2,4-dimethylbenzylidene)-D-sorbitol; 1,3:2,4-Di-O-(p-ethylbenzylidene)-D-sorbitol; 1,3:2,4-Di-O-(3,4-dimethylbenzylidene)-D-sorbitol or mixtures thereof.

[0028] Preferred gel bodies contain as a gelling agent at least one 2,5-diketopiperazine compound of formula (GB-II) wherein R1<, R2<, R3< and R4< independently represent a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, a (C1-C6) alkyl group, a (C2-C6) alkenyl group, a (C2-C6) acyl group, a (C2-C6) acyloxy group, a (C1-C6) alkoxy group, an amino group, a (C2-C6) acylamino group, a (C1-C6) alkylaminocarbonyl group, an aryl group, an aroyl group, an aroyloxy group, an aryloxy group, an aryl-(C1-C4) alkyloxy group, an aryl-(C1-C3) alkyl group, a heteroaryl group, a heteroaryl-(C1-C3) alkyl group, a (C 1-C4)-hydroxyalkyl group, a (C1-C4)-aminoalkyl group, a carboxy-(C1-C3)-alkyl group, wherein at least two of the residues R1< to R4< can form a 5- or 6-membered ring together with the remaining molecule, R5< represents a hydrogen atom, a linear (C1 to C6)-alkyl group, a branched (C3 to C10)-alkyl group, a (C3 to C6)-cycloalkyl group, a (C2-C6)-alkenyl group,a (C2-C6)-alkynyl group, a (C1-C4)-hydroxyalkyl group, a (C1-C4)-alkoxy-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, a (C1-C4)-acyloxy-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an aryloxy-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an O-(aryl-(C1-C4)-alkyl)oxy-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, a (C1-C4)-alkylsulfanyl-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an aryl group, an aryl-(C1-C3)-alkyl group, a heteroaryl group, a heteroaryl-(C1-C3)-alkyl group, a (C1-C4)-hydroxyalkyl group, a (C1-C4)-aminoalkyl group, an N-(C1-C4)-alkylamino-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an N,N-(C1-C4)-dialkylamino-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an N-(C2-C8)-acylamino-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an N-(C2-C8)-acyl-N-(C1-C4)-alkylamino-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an N-(C2-C8)-aroyl-N-(C1-C4)-alkylamino-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an N,N-(C2-C8)-diacylamino-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, a N-(aryl-(C1-C4)-alkyl)amino-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an N,N-Di(aryl-(C1-C4)-alkyl)amino-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, a (C1-C4)-carboxyalkyl group, a (C1-C4)-alkoxycarbonyl-(C1-C3)-alkyl group, a (C1-C4)-acyloxy-(C1-C3)-alkyl group, a guanidino-(C1-C3)-alkyl group, an aminocarbonyl-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an N-(C1-C4)-alkylaminocarbonyl-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an N,N-Di((C1-C4)-alkyl)aminocarbonyl-(C1-C4)-alkyl group, an N-(C2-C8 )-Acylaminocarbonyl-(C 1 -C 4 )-alkyl group, an N,N-(C 2 -C 8 )-diacylaminocarbonyl-(C 1 -C 4 )-alkyl group, an N-(C 2 -C 8 )-acyl-N-(C 1 -C 4 )-alkylaminocarbonyl-(C 1 -C 4 )-alkyl group, an N-(aryl-(C 1 -C 4 )-alkyl)aminocarbonyl-(C 1 -C 4 )-alkyl group, an N-(aryl-(C 1 -C 4 )-alkyl)-N-(C 1 -C 6 )-alkylaminocarbonyl-(C 1 -C 4 )-alkyl group or one N,N-Di(aryl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl)aminocarbonyl-(C 1 -C 4 )alkyl group. ,

[0029] According to the invention, it is preferred if R3< and R4< represent a hydrogen atom according to formula (GB-II). It is particularly preferred if R2<, R3<, and R4< represent a hydrogen atom according to formula (GB-II). Therefore, particularly preferred molded bodies according to the invention contain at least one 2,5-diketopiperazine compound according to formula (GB-IIa). wherein R 1< and R 5< are defined as under formula (GB-II) (vide supra).

[0030] It has proven preferable if the residue R 1< according to formula (GB-II) and according to formula (GB-IIa) binds in the para position of the phenyl ring. Therefore, for the purposes of the present invention, those shaped bodies according to the invention are preferred which contain at least one 2,5-diketopiperazine compound according to formula (GB-IIb). wherein R1< and R5< are defined as above under formula (GB-II) (see above). The numbers 3 and 6 positioned at the ring atoms in formula (GB-IIb) merely mark, for illustrative purposes, positions 3 and 6 of the diketopiperazine ring, as they are generally used within the scope of the invention for naming all 2,5-diketopiperazines according to the invention.

[0031] The 2,5-diketopiperazine compounds of formula (GB-II) exhibit chiral centers at least at the carbon atoms of positions 3 and 6 of the 2,5-diketopiperazine ring. The numbering of ring positions 3 and 6 is illustrated by way of example in formula (GB-IIb). The 2,5-diketopiperazine compound of formula (GB-II) of the compositions according to the invention is preferably, with respect to the stereochemistry of the carbon atoms at positions 3 and 6 of the 2,5-diketopiperazine ring, the configurational isomer 3S,6S, 3R,6S, 3S,6R, 3R,6R or mixtures thereof, particularly preferably 3S,6S.

[0032] Preferred gel bodies contain at least one 2,5-diketopiperazine compound of formula (GB-II) as a gelling agent, selected from 3-benzyl-6-carboxyethyl-2,5-diketopiperazine, 3-benzyl-6-carboxymethyl-2,5-diketopiperazine, 3-benzyl-6-(p-hydroxybenzyl)-2,5-diketopiperazine, 3-benzyl-6-iso-propyl-2,5-diketopiperazine, 3-benzyl-6-(4-aminobutyl)-2,5-diketopiperazine, 3,6-di(benzyl)-2,5-diketopiperazine, 3,6-di(p-hydroxybenzyl)-2,5-diketopiperazine, 3,6-di(p-(benzyloxy)benzyl)-2,5-diketopiperazine, 3-Benzyl-6-(4-imidazolyl)methyl-2,5-diketopiperazine, 3-Benzyl-6-methyl-2,5-diketopiperazine, 3-Benzyl-6-(2-(benzyloxycarbonyl)ethyl)-2,5-diketopiperazine, or mixtures thereof. Compounds with the aforementioned configurational isomers are particularly suitable for selection.

[0033] It is also possible that the gel bodies according to the invention contain, as gelling agents, a) at least one diarylamidocystin compound of formula (GB-III). wherein X+< independently represents a hydrogen atom or an equivalent of a cation, R1<, R2<, R3< and R4< independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-C4 alkyl group, a C1-C4 alkoxy group, a C2-C4 hydroxyalkyl group, a hydroxyl group, an amino group, an N-(C1-C4 alkyl)amino group, an N,N-di(C1-C4 alkyl)amino group, an N-(C2-C4 hydroxyalkyl)amino group, an N,N-di(C2-C4 hydroxyalkyl)amino group, or R1< with R2< or R3< with R4< forms a 5- or 6-membered annealed ring, which in turn is bonded with at least one group consisting of a C1-C4 alkyl group, a C1-C4 alkoxy group, C 2-C4-hydroxyalkyl group, hydroxyl group, amino group, N-(C1-C4-alkyl)amino group, N,N-Di(C1-C4-alkyl)amino group, N-(C2-C4-hydroxyalkyl)amino group, N,N-Di(C2-C4-hydroxyalkyl)amino group.

[0034] 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.

[0035] The gel bodies in question may contain at least one compound of the formula (GB-III) in which R 1< , R 2< , R 3< and R 4< independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C 1 -C 4 alkyl group, a C 1 -C 4 alkoxy group, a C 2 -C 4 hydroxyalkyl group, a hydroxyl group, or R 1< with R 2< or R 3< with R 4< forms a 5- or 6-membered annealed ring, which in turn may each be substituted with at least one group consisting of a C 1 -C 4 alkyl group, a C 1 -C 4 alkoxy group, a C 2 -C 4 hydroxyalkyl group, or a hydroxyl group. In particular, such shaped bodies are especially suitable which contain as diarylamidocystine compound of the formula (GB-III) N,N'-dibenzoylcystine (R 1< = R 2< = R 3< = R 4< = hydrogen atom; X +< = independently of each other for hydrogen atom or an equivalent of a cation), in particular N,N'-dibenzoyl-L-cystine.

[0036] The N-(C 8 -C 24 )-hydrocarbylglyconamide compounds suitable as gelling agents a) preferably have the formula (GB-IV) where n 2 to 4, preferably 3 or 4, in particular 4, is; R 1< is selected from hydrogen, C 1 - C 16 alkyl groups, C 1 - C 3 hydroxy or methoxyalkyl groups, preferably C 1 - C 3 alkyl, hydroxyalkyl or methoxyalkyl groups, particularly preferably methyl; R 2< is selected from C 8 -C 24 alkyl groups, C 8 -C 24 monoalkenyl groups, C 8 -C 24 dialkenyl groups, C 8 -C 24 trialkenyl groups, C 8 -C 24 hydroxyalkyl groups, C 8 -C 24 hydroxyalkenyl groups, C 1 -C 3 hydroxyalkyl groups or methoxy-C 1 -C 3 alkyl groups, preferably C 8 -C 18 alkyl groups and mixtures thereof, more preferably C 8 , C 10 , C 12 , C 14 , C 16 and C 18 alkyl groups and mixtures thereof, most preferably C 12 and C 14 alkyl groups or a mixture thereof.

[0037] In particularly preferred embodiments, the remainder A residue derived from a glycuronic acid, in particular the glycuronic acid of a hexose (n=4). Glucuronic acid is a particularly preferred residue. R1< is preferably H or a short-chain alkyl residue, in particular methyl. R2< is preferably a long-chain alkyl residue, for example a C8-C18 alkyl residue.

[0038] Compounds of formula (GB-IV1) are therefore particularly preferred. where R 2< has the meanings given for formula (GB-IV).

[0039] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one low-molecular-weight gelling agent in the mixture containing the detergent and gelling agent is selected from the group consisting of cyclic dipeptides, cyclic dipeptide derivatives, and dibenzylidene sorbitols. Due to its technical properties, the at least one gelling agent in the mixture containing the detergent and gelling agent is particularly preferred: dibenzylidene sorbitol (DBS).

[0040] The mixture containing the surfactant and gelling agent is provided in step i) of the process. This mixture can be provided continuously or batchwise, with continuous provision being preferred due to the resulting process efficiency. The mixture can be provided, for example, by means of a mixer. Static and dynamic mixers are suitable as mixing elements.

[0041] The mixture containing washing active ingredients and gelling agents preferably has a temperature above 23°C, preferably in the range of 23°C to 60°C.

[0042] In the same way as process step i), the feeding of the mixture containing the washing active ingredient and the gelling agent to the forming device in step ii) is preferably carried out continuously.

[0043] Preferably, the mixture containing washing active ingredients and gelling agents is introduced into the forming device at a filling rate of 20 ml / s to 800 ml / s.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the passage of the mixture containing the washing active ingredient and the gelling agent through the forming device in step iii) also takes place continuously.

[0045] Suitable forming devices include those known to those skilled in the art for forming strands. A process in which the mixture is continuously forced out of a forming opening under pressure is particularly preferred.

[0046] The forming device can be designed as a structurally separate unit. Alternatively, the forming device can be structurally integrated into a mixer that provides the mixture containing the detergent active ingredient and the gelling agent.

[0047] In its simplest embodiment, a sufficiently stable exit opening is used as the forming device. The opening area of ​​this exit opening determines the cross-sectional area of ​​the exiting extruded strand.

[0048] In a further developed embodiment, the forming device is designed as a tube, one end of which serves as an inlet opening for the mixture containing the detergent and gelling agent, and the other end as an outlet opening for the extruded strand. Again, the opening area of ​​the outlet determines the cross-sectional area of ​​the exiting extruded strand. Preferably, the opening area of ​​the tube and its cross-sectional area are identical.

[0049] In a further development, the forming device comprises a tube and an outlet nozzle connected to this tube in an interchangeable manner.

[0050] If the forming device and the device by which the mixture containing the washing active ingredient and gelling agent is provided are designed as separate devices, the mixture containing the washing active ingredient and gelling agent is preferably guided through a supply line after exiting the latter device and before entering the forming device.

[0051] If the mixture containing the detergent and gelling agent is fed through a feed line after its preparation 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 flow velocity of the mixture containing the detergent and gelling agent will be lower when exiting the feed line into the forming device than when exiting the forming device. The opposite is true if the cross-sectional area of ​​the feed line is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the forming device.By implementing different flow rates in the feed line and forming device, the curing behavior of the mixture containing washing active ingredients and gelling agents can be influenced appropriately.

[0052] The time interval between the provision of the mixture containing the washing active and gelling agents and its entry into the forming device is preferably 1 to 20 seconds, particularly preferably 5 to 40 seconds. This applies especially to process configurations in which the mixing device and the forming device are designed separately.

[0053] To accelerate solidification or to facilitate further packaging, the mixture containing the washing active ingredient and gelling agent is preferably cooled in step iii). Cooling preferably takes place under defined climatic conditions, in which, in addition to the temperature, the humidity in the process chamber is also monitored and controlled.

[0054] The discharge of the gel strand from the forming device in step iv) preferably takes place continuously.

[0055] Following extraction, the gel strand is transported further by means of a transport device. The transport device preferably moves the gel strand at a speed of 0.05 m / s to 3 m / s, particularly preferably from 0.8 to 2.2 m / s.

[0056] The transport device used comprises at least one movable conveying element. Suitable conveying elements include, for example, continuous or lamellar conveyor belts or roller conveyors, with the use of continuous conveyor belts being particularly preferred. The use of modular conveyor belts based on conveyor chain links is especially preferred.

[0057] In a preferred method variant, the transport device comprises, in addition to the conveying element, b) 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 laterally limited by means of the side element, and the side elements have embossing elements which project into the conveying path and are imprinted into the surface of the gel body strand after the gel body strand has been discharged from the forming device.

[0058] The side elements that laterally limit the conveying path are preferably movable synchronously with the conveying element and synchronously with each other.

[0059] The embossing elements of the two side elements are preferably arranged opposite each other. Preferred side elements have interchangeable embossing elements. The use of interchangeable embossing elements increases process efficiency, for example, in connection with cleaning the process equipment or when changing product formats.

[0060] For the process control and the effective embossing of the gel body strand, it has proven advantageous if the gel body strand, in the case of 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.

[0061] For the same reasons, it is preferred if the conveying path has a width b perpendicular to the conveying direction and the embossing elements project into the conveying path perpendicular to the conveying direction by 0.05 b to 0.5 b, preferably by 0.1 b to 0.4 b, particularly preferably by 0.15 b to 0.3 b.

[0062] To achieve a 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.

[0063] The embossing elements can be designed in different ways, but the surface of the embossing elements is preferably smooth to prevent adhesion and has no indentations or undercuts.

[0064] Embossing elements have proven particularly effective when they taper at least partially in a spatial direction orthogonal to the side elements and parallel to the transport surface. Embossing elements with a triangular cross-section parallel to the transport surface are especially preferred.

[0065] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the embossing elements have a triangular cross-section parallel to the transport surface, comprising a base parallel to its respective side element and two isosceles legs. Particularly preferred is the use of embossing elements that have a triangular cross-section parallel to the transport surface, a base parallel to its respective side element, and two concave isosceles legs.

[0066] The embossing elements are preferably withdrawn from the gel strand after a period of 1 to 50 seconds, preferably 1 to 25 seconds and particularly 1 to 15 seconds.

[0067] The extruded strand emerging from the forming device is cut to length by ultrasonic cutting in step v) to form individual gel bodies. When using the previously described embossing elements, the gel body strand is preferably cut to length in the area of ​​the embossing.

[0068] Surprisingly, ultrasonic cutting has proven to be an efficient and reliable method for cutting the gel body strand containing washing active ingredients and gelling agents, even at high throughput.

[0069] The ultrasonic blade is preferably guided through the gel strand in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the transport device to cut the gel strand to length. It is particularly preferred to guide the ultrasonic blade through the gel strand in a direction orthogonal to the underside of the gel strand. With a corresponding process, the ultrasonic blade is guided from the top side to the underside of the gel strand resting on the conveying element.

[0070] In an alternative procedure, the ultrasonic blade is guided through the gel strand in a direction parallel to its underside. In this procedure, the ultrasonic blade is guided from one side surface to the opposite side surface of the gel strand. The top and bottom surfaces of the gel strand are cut simultaneously.

[0071] The cutting edge of the ultrasonic blade can be designed in various ways. However, ultrasonic blades with a straight cutting edge are particularly preferred. While the use of ultrasonic blades with a curved cutting edge represents an alternative due to the multitude of possible spatial shapes of the cut gel bodies, straight cutting edges are preferred because of their higher process efficiency.

[0072] Depending on the design of the ultrasonic blades used, the cut edges obtained by ultrasonic cutting can, for example, have the shape of a plane or a curved surface.

[0073] The shape of the gel body is generally freely selectable; its side surfaces can, for example, be convex, concave, or flat. However, certain spatial configurations have proven particularly advantageous with regard to the manufacturability, storage, and use of the gel bodies.

[0074] In suitably advantageous detergent portion units, the gel body has a flat underside whose largest diagonal is greater than the height of the gel body. These bodies are not only easy to manufacture, for example by casting, but they can also be packaged simply and compactly and are suitable for dosing via the dosing or dispenser chambers of electronic cleaning devices. Preferably, the gel body has a flat underside whose largest diagonal is more than 1.5 times, preferably more than 2 times, the height of the gel body.

[0075] For manufacturability, for example, regarding the demolding of the gel body from a mold, it has proven advantageous if the underside of the gel body has no corners. Preferred gel bodies are therefore characterized by oval undersides or, alternatively, by ellipsoidal or round, preferably round, undersides. Such gel bodies with a non-angular underside are also preferred by many consumers due to their appearance. Therefore, gel bodies with a bottom and a top surface connected by a cylindrical outer surface are particularly preferred.

[0076] Advantages regarding space utilization during manufacturing and packaging are achieved through square bottom surfaces. For example, if the gel bodies are cast in the form of sheets which are subsequently cut into gel bodies, square bottom surfaces are advantageous because such gel bodies can be cut without producing any waste and can be packaged in a space-saving manner. In an alternative embodiment, preferred gel bodies therefore have square bottom surfaces, in particular triangular, square, or hexagonal bottom surfaces. For further processing or packaging, it can be advantageous if the gel body has a square bottom surface with rounded corners.

[0077] In terms of the manufacture, packaging and use of the detergent portion units, it has also proven advantageous if the gel bodies have a top surface that is parallel to the bottom surface.

[0078] In a first preferred geometric embodiment, the gel body has a bottom and a top surface with the same geometric shape and the same surface area. As previously described, such gel bodies can be easily produced, for example, by casting sheets and subsequently cutting the sheets into individual gel bodies. Furthermore, due to the geometric identity of the bottom and top surfaces, these gel bodies can be more easily oriented in subsequent process steps, during packaging, or during use by the user than gel bodies with lower symmetry. This is particularly true for gel bodies that also have a top surface that is plane-parallel to the bottom surface.Examples of such gel bodies are circular cylinders, elliptical cylinders, parallelepipeds, rhombohedrons, right or oblique prisms, cuboids, or cubes. The group of circular and elliptical cylinders further includes perpendicular circular and elliptical cylinders as well as oblique circular and elliptical cylinders. Due to their ease of production by singulation from a plate, gel bodies in the form of perpendicular circular cylinders, perpendicular elliptical cylinders, right prisms, right cuboids, or cubes are preferred.

[0079] In an alternative embodiment, the gel body has a bottom and a top surface with the same geometric shape, but with different surface areas. Such gel bodies may be preferred due to their attractive appearance or optimized fit, combined with relatively simple manufacturing. Examples of such gel bodies are circular or elliptical cylinders with a convex or concave bottom surface and a flat top surface. Other examples include truncated cones or truncated pyramids.

[0080] In summary, preferred subject matter of the application can be characterized as detergent portion units comprising a gel body with a bottom and a top, wherein the area of ​​the top is 80 to 100%, preferably 90 to 100% and particularly 98 to 100% of the bottom.

[0081] For the production of detergent portion units, which include other components besides the gel body, a suitable procedure is to combine the gel body with a pre-made molded body.

[0082] In a preferred method variant, the extracted gel body strand or the cut-to-length gel body is covered with a pre-made shaped body.

[0083] Alternatively, or in combination with covering by means of a molded body, the dimensionally stable gel strand is dispensed onto the top surface of a pre-molded molded body. If the gel strand is dispensed onto a first pre-molded molded body and the side opposite the side covered by the first pre-molded molded body is covered by a second pre-molded molded body, a sandwich-like detergent portion unit is obtained that is particularly advantageous in terms of handling and appearance.

[0084] The molded part can be manufactured in various ways. The use of cast parts has proven to be technically simple. Manufacturing the molded part through casting processes has the advantage that a wide variety of geometries can be produced. Ideally, the cast parts are solidified molten metal.

[0085] Due to their ease of large-scale production, pressed bodies, especially tablets, are particularly preferred as molded bodies.

[0086] Regardless of the manufacturing process used, the molded tablet preferably has a breaking strength of 50 N to 300 N, particularly 50 N to 150 N. This breaking strength ensures, firstly, sufficient stability of the molded tablet during production, transport, and handling by the consumer, and secondly, satisfactory dissolution behavior of the molded tablet in an aqueous solution. The hardness of the molded tablet is measured by deformation until fracture, whereby the force acts on the side surfaces of the molded tablet and the maximum force with which they can withstand is determined. A tablet testing device from Sotax, for example, is suitable for determining the molded tablet hardness.

[0087] Preferred shaped bodies have a flat top surface, the largest diagonal of which is more than 2 times, preferably more than 4 times, the height of the shaped body.

[0088] The shaped bodies used have a width that is orthogonal to the conveying direction and parallel to the transport surface, preferably 90 to 110%, particularly preferably 95 to 105%, of the width of the gel body strand.

[0089] The top surfaces of the molded bodies are preferably angular. Molded bodies with an angular top surface and rounded corners are particularly preferred.

[0090] The embossing elements preferably included by the transport device are advantageously designed in such a way that the gel strand can be embossed in a manner adapted to the shape of the molded body.

[0091] Preferably, the gel strand is discharged onto the upper surfaces of pre-formed molded bodies located on the conveying element, which are arranged in a row 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.

[0092] Alternatively or in combination with this embodiment, the top of the gel body strand located on the conveying element can be covered with prefabricated molded bodies, which are arranged in a row 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.

[0093] In preferred process variants, the embossing elements have a triangular cross-section parallel to the transport surface, comprising a base parallel to their respective side element and two concave isosceles legs, wherein the formed body has a square top surface with rounded corners, the curvature of which corresponds to the curvature of the concave isosceles legs of the cross-section.

[0094] If the gel strand is directed onto shaped bodies and / or covered with shaped bodies, it is preferred to cut the gel strand to length in the area between two adjacent shaped bodies. Ultrasonic cutting has proven to be a particularly efficient, manageable, and trouble-free method for this.

[0095] The molded parts are preferably printed.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment of the detergent portion units, the molded body also contributes to the washing and cleaning effect. Such detergent portion units comprise a molded body which, based on its total weight, contains more than 40% by weight, preferably more than 60% by weight, and particularly preferably more than 80% by weight, of washing or cleaning active ingredient.

[0097] The first group of washing or cleaning active ingredients integrated into the molded body consists of fragrances. Their incorporation into the molded body ensures a perceptible fragrance experience for the consumer, which cannot be guaranteed to the same extent if the fragrances are incorporated into the gel body.

[0098] Another group of washing- or cleaning-active ingredients preferably incorporated into the coating material consists of the base materials, in particular citrates, zeolites, silicates, and carbonates, preferably especially citrates and zeolites. The weight fraction of these active ingredients in the total weight of the coating material is preferably 5 to 60 wt.%, in particular 10 to 50 wt.%. Coating materials containing 5 to 60 wt.%, in particular 10 to 50 wt.%, of zeolite based on their total weight are particularly preferred. These active ingredients not only contribute to the intended washing and cleaning effect but also improve the contour sharpness and durability of the printed image if the surface of the molded part is printed.

[0099] For improved contour sharpness and durability of the printed image, the use of an active ingredient from the group of polymeric detergents or cleaning agents is also advantageous, preferably polymeric detergents 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, carboxymethyl celluloses, or anionic or non-ionic aromatic polyesters. The weight fraction of these cellulose-based active ingredients in the total weight of the coating material is preferably 2 to 50 wt.%.

[0100] The composition of some preferred detergent portion units can be found in the following tables (values ​​in wt% based on the total weight of the gel body or coating substance unless otherwise stated). formula 1 Formula 2 Formula 3 Formula 4 Gel body Total surfactant 30 to 70 40 to 60 40 to 60 45 to 55 Anionic surfactant 20 to 40 20 to 40 25 to 35 25 to 35 Alkylethoxylate 15 to 30 15 to 30 20 to 30 20 to 30 Enzyme preparation 0.2 to 8 0.3 to 6 0.3 to 6 0.3 to 6 organic solvent 5 to 30 5 to 30 10 to 28 10 to 28 Water < 20 1 to 15 2 to 14 3 to 13 Gelling agent 0.1 to 5 0.1 to 5 0.1 to 2.5 0.1 to 2.5 Misc ad 100 ad 100 ad 100 ad 100 Molded body Framework material from the group of citrates, zeolites, silicates and carbonates 5 to 90 50 to 90 50 to 80 50 to 80 Formula 6 Formula 7 Formula 8 Formula 9 Gel body Total surfactant 30 to 70 40 to 60 40 to 60 45 to 55 Anionic surfactant 20 to 40 20 to 40 25 to 35 25 to 35 Alkylethoxylate 15 to 30 15 to 30 20 to 30 20 to 30 Enzyme preparation 0.2 to 8 0.3 to 6 0.3 to 6 0.3 to 6 organic solvent 5 to 30 5 to 30 10 to 28 10 to 28 Water < 20 1 to 15 2 to 14 3 to 13 Gelling agent 0.1 to 5 0.1 to 5 0.1 to 2.5 0.1 to 2.5 Misc ad 100 ad 100 ad 100 ad 100 coating substance Framework material from the group of citrates, zeolites, silicates and carbonates 5 to 90 50 to 90 50 to 80 50 to 80 Cellulose and cellulose derivatives 0.5 to 10 1.0 to 8.0 1.0 to 5.0 1.0 to 5.0 Formula 11 Formula 12 Formula 13 Formula 14 Gel body Total surfactant 30 to 70 40 to 60 40 to 60 45 to 55 Anionic surfactant 20 to 40 20 to 40 25 to 35 25 to 35 Alkylethoxylate 15 to 30 15 to 30 20 to 30 20 to 30 Enzyme preparation 0.2 to 8 0.3 to 6 0.3 to 6 0.3 to 6 organic solvent 5 to 30 5 to 30 10 to 28 10 to 28 Water < 20 1 to 15 2 to 14 3 to 13 Gelling agent 0.1 to 5 0.1 to 5 0.1 to 2.5 0.1 to 2.5 Misc ad 100 ad 100 ad 100 ad 100 coating substance Framework material from the group of citrates and zeolites 10 to 70 20 to 60 20 to 60 30 to 50 Formula 15 Formula 16 Formula 17 Formula 18 Gel body Total surfactant 30 to 70 40 to 60 40 to 60 45 to 55 Anionic surfactant 20 to 40 20 to 40 25 to 35 25 to 35 Alkylethoxylate 15 to 30 15 to 30 20 to 30 20 to 30 Enzyme preparation 0.2 to 8 0.3 to 6 0.3 to 6 0.3 to 6 organic solvent 5 to 30 5 to 30 10 to 28 10 to 28 Water < 20 1 to 15 2 to 14 3 to 13 Gelling agent 0.1 to 5 0.1 to 5 0.1 to 2.5 0.1 to 2.5 Misc ad 100 ad 100 ad 100 ad 100 coating substance Framework material from the group of citrates and zeolites 10 to 70 20 to 60 20 to 60 30 to 50 Cellulose and cellulose derivatives 0.5 to 10 1.0 to 8.0 1.0 to 5.0 1.0 to 5.0

[0101] In summary, this registration provides, among other things, the following items: 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 surfactant and a gelling agent; ii) feeding the mixture containing the surfactant and a gelling agent to a forming device; iii) passing the mixture containing the surfactant and a gelling agent through the forming device, with at least partial solidification of the surfactant and a gelling agent in the forming device and formation of a gel body strand; iv) expelling 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; v) cutting the gel body strand to length by ultrasonic cutting, forming a gel body, wherein the forming device is an outlet opening or the forming device is designed as a tube.1. The method of which one end serves as an inlet opening for the mixture containing the surfactant and gelling agent, and the other end as an outlet opening for the gel strand, the outlet opening defining the cross-sectional area of ​​the exiting gel strand. 2. The method of point 1, wherein the mixture containing the surfactant and gelling agent contains, based on its total weight, 20 to 60 wt.%, preferably 25 to 55 wt.%, and particularly 30 to 50 wt.% surfactant. 3. The method of any of the preceding points, wherein the mixture containing the surfactant and gelling agent contains, based on its total weight, 15 to 35 wt.%, preferably 20 to 30 wt.%, of an aqueous-organic solvent. 4. The method of any of the preceding points, wherein the mixture containing the surfactant and gelling agent contains a low molecular weight gelling agent with a molar mass of up to 2000 g / mol.wherein its weight fraction in the total weight of the mixture is preferably less than 5 wt.%, more preferably 0.1 to 5 wt.%, and particularly preferably 0.1 to 2.5 wt.%. 5. A method according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the mixture containing the surfactant and gelling agent contains a low molecular weight gelling agent selected from the group consisting of cyclic dipeptides, cyclic dipeptide derivatives, and dibenzylidene sorbitols. 6. A method according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the mixture containing the surfactant and gelling agent contains dibenzylidene sorbitol as the low molecular weight gelling agent. 7. A method according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the provision of the mixture containing the surfactant and gelling agent in step i) is continuous. 8. A method according to any one of the preceding points,wherein the mixture containing the detergent and gelling agent has a temperature above 23°C, preferably in the range of 23°C to 60°C. 9. A method according to any of the preceding points, wherein the feeding of the mixture containing the detergent and gelling agent to the forming device in step ii) is continuous. 10. A method according to any of the preceding points, wherein the time interval between the provision of the mixture containing the detergent and gelling agent and its entry into the forming device is 1 to 60 seconds, preferably 5 to 40 seconds. 11. A method according to any of the preceding points, wherein the feeding of the mixture containing the detergent and gelling agent through the forming device in step iii) is continuous. 12. A method according to any of the preceding points,wherein the mixture containing the detergent and gelling agent is introduced into the forming device at a filling rate of 20 ml / s to 800 ml / s. 13. Method according to any of the preceding points, wherein the mixture containing the detergent and gelling agent is guided 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. 14. Method according to any of the preceding points, wherein the mixture containing the detergent and gelling agent is guided 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. Method according to any of the preceding points,wherein the mixture containing the surfactant and gelling agent is guided 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. 16. Method according to any of the preceding points, wherein the mixture containing the surfactant and gelling agent is guided 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. 17. Method according to any of the preceding points, wherein the mixture containing the surfactant and gelling agent is cooled in step iii). 18. Method according to any of the preceding points, wherein the discharge of the gel body strand from the forming device is continuous in step iv). 19. Method according to any of the preceding points, wherein the transport device conveys the gel body strand at a speed of 0.05 m / s to 3 m / s, preferably from 0.8 to 2 m / s.20. Method according to any of the preceding points, wherein the transport device comprises a continuous or lamellar conveyor belt or a roller conveyor, preferably a continuous conveyor belt, as the conveying element. 21. Method according to any of the preceding points, wherein the transport device comprises a modular conveyor belt based on conveyor chain links as the conveying element. 22. Method according to any of the preceding points, wherein the transport device further comprises b) two opposing side elements that move synchronously with the movable conveying element, and 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 bounded by means of the side elements, and the side elements have embossing elements.which project into the conveying path and are imprinted on the surface of the gel strand after the gel strand is discharged from the forming device. 23. Method according to point 22, wherein the side elements are movable synchronously with the conveying element and synchronously with each other. 24. Method according to one of points 22 or 23, wherein the side elements have interchangeable imprinting elements. 25. Method according to one of points 22 to 24, wherein the imprinting elements of the two side elements are arranged opposite each other. 26. Method according to one of points 22 to 25, wherein the conveying path has a width b perpendicular to the conveying direction and the gel strand has a width of 0.7b to 1b, preferably 0.85b to 1b, and in particular 0.95b to 1b, perpendicular to the conveying direction and parallel to the transport surface. 27. Method according to one of points 22 to 26, wherein the conveying path has a width b perpendicular to the conveying direction and the embossing elements are 0,0.5 b to 0.5 b, preferably from 0.1 b to 0.4 b, particularly preferably from 0.15 b to 0.3 b project into the conveying path. 28. Method according to any one of points 22 to 27, wherein the gel body strand has a height h orthogonal to the transport surface and the embossing elements have a height of 0.8 h to 4 h, preferably from 1 h to 3 h and particularly from 1.1 to 2 h, orthogonal to the transport surface. 29. Method according to any one of points 22 to 28, wherein the embossing elements taper at least partially in a spatial direction orthogonal to the side elements and parallel to the transport surface. 30. Method according to any one of points 22 to 29, wherein the embossing elements have a triangular cross-section parallel to the transport surface. 31. Method according to one of points 22 to 30, wherein the embossing elements have a triangular cross-section parallel to the transport surface, comprising a base parallel to its respective side element and two isosceles legs,32. A method according to any one of points 22 to 31, wherein the embossing elements have a triangular cross-section parallel to the transport surface, comprising a base parallel to its respective side element and two concave isosceles legs. 33. A method according to any one of points 22 to 32, wherein the embossing elements are withdrawn from the gel strand after a period of 1 to 50 seconds, preferably 1 to 25 seconds, particularly preferably 1 to 15 seconds. 34. A method according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the gel strand is discharged onto the top side of a pre-formed body located on the conveying element. 35. A method according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the discharged gel strand or the cut gel body is covered with a pre-formed body. 36. A method according to point 34 or 35, wherein the body is a cast body. 37. A method according to any one of points 34 to 36,wherein the molded body is in the form of a pressed body, preferably a tablet. 38. Method according to any one of points 34 to 37, wherein the molded body has a breaking strength of 50 N to 300 N, in particular of 50 N to 150 N. 39. Method according to any one of points 34 to 38, wherein the molded body has a printed design. 40. Method according to any one of points 34 to 39, wherein the molded body contains, based on its total weight, more than 40 wt.%, preferably more than 60 wt.%, particularly preferably more than 80 wt.%, a washing or cleaning active ingredient. 41. Method according to any one of points 34 to 40, wherein the molded body contains a washing or cleaning active ingredient from the group of fragrances. 42. Method according to any one of points 34 to 41, wherein the molded body contains a washing or cleaning active ingredient from the group of base materials, in particular at least one active ingredient from the group of citrates, zeolites, silicates and carbonates,preferably from the group consisting of citrates and zeolites. 43. A method according to any one of points 34 to 42, wherein the molded body contains a polymeric washing or cleaning active ingredient, preferably a polymeric washing or cleaning active ingredient from the group consisting of celluloses and cellulose derivatives, anionic or non-ionic aromatic polyesters, preferably from the group consisting of celluloses, microcrystalline celluloses, carboxymethyl celluloses, or anionic or non-ionic aromatic polyesters. 44. A method according to any one of points 34 to 43, wherein the molded body has a flat top surface, the largest diagonal of which is more than twice, preferably more than four times, the height of the molded body. 45. A method according to any one of points 34 to 44, wherein the molded body has a width orthogonal to the conveying direction and parallel to the conveying surface which is 90 to 110%,preferably corresponds to 95 to 105% of the width of the gel body strand. 46. Method according to any one of points 34 to 45, wherein the molded body has a square top surface, preferably a square top surface with rounded corners. 47. Method according to any one of points 34 to 46, wherein the embossing elements have a triangular cross-section parallel to the transport surface, comprising a base parallel to its respective side element and two concave isosceles legs, and the molded body has a square top surface with rounded corners, the curvature of which corresponds to the curvature of the concave isosceles legs of the cross-section. 48. Method according to any one of points 34 to 47, wherein the gel body strand is discharged onto the top surfaces of pre-formed molded bodies located on the conveying element, which are arranged in a row in the conveying direction such thatthat the embossing elements projecting into the conveying path engage in the space between two shaped bodies arranged one behind the other. 49. Method according to any of the preceding points, wherein the gel body has a weight of 10 g to 28 g, preferably 12 g to 23 g, particularly 15 g to 20 g. 50. Method according to any of the preceding points, wherein the ultrasonic blade is guided through the gel body strand in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the transport device. 51. Method according to any of the preceding points, wherein the ultrasonic blade is guided through the gel body strand in a direction orthogonal to the underside of the gel body strand. 52. Method according to any of the preceding points, wherein the ultrasonic blade is guided through the gel body strand in a direction parallel to the underside of the gel body strand. 53. Method according to any of the preceding points,wherein the ultrasonic blade has a straight cutting edge. 54. Method according to any of the preceding points, wherein the ultrasonic blade has a curved cutting edge. 55. Method according to any of the preceding points, wherein the cut edge obtained by ultrasonic cutting has the form of a plane. 56. Method according to any of the preceding points, wherein the cut edge obtained by ultrasonic cutting has the form of a curved surface. 57. Method according to any of points 22 to 56, wherein the gel body strand is cut to length in the area of ​​the indentation. 58. Method according to any of points 34 to 57, wherein the gel body strand is cut to length in the area between two adjacent mold bodies.

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 washing-active and a gel-forming agent; ii) feeding the mixture containing the washing-active and the gel-forming agent to a forming device; iii) passing the mixture containing the washing-active and the gel-forming agent through the conversion device, at least partially solidifying the mixture containing the washing-active and the gel-forming agent in the conversion device and forming a gel body strand; iv) Discharging the gel body strand from the forming device and transporting it further by means of a transport device comprising a) at least one movable conveyor element; v) cutting the gel body strand to length by ultrasonic cutting to form a gel body, wherein the forming device comprises an outlet opening and / or the forming device is designed as a tube, one end of which serves as an inlet opening for the mixture containing surfactant and gel former and the other end of which serves as an outlet opening for the gel body strand, wherein the outlet opening determines the crosssectional area of the emerging gel body strand.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic blade is guided through the gel body strand in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the transport device.

3. Method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the ultrasonic blade is guided through the gel body strand in a direction orthogonal to the underside of the gel body strand.

4. Method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the ultrasonic blade has a straight cutting edge.

5. Method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the cut edge obtained by ultrasonic cutting has the shape of a plane.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the gel body strand is discharged onto the upper side of a prefabricated moulded body located on the conveyor element.

7. Method according to one of the previous claims, wherein the discharged gel body strand is covered with a prefabricated moulded body.

8. Method according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the gel body strand is cut to length in the area between two adjacent moulded bodies.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport device further comprises b) two side elements that are opposite each other and move synchronously with the movable conveyor element, and - the conveyor element and the side elements form a conveyor path on which the gel body strand is moved by means of the conveyor element and is laterally limited by means of the side element, and - the side elements have embossing elements which protrude into the conveyor path and are embossed into the surface of the gel body strand after the gel body strand has been discharged from the forming device.

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein the gel body strand is cut to length in the area of the embossing.

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