Production method for washing or cleaning agent tablets

Abstract

A process for producing a washing or cleaning agent tablet or a washing or cleaning agent tablet phase, comprising the steps of: i) providing a first powdered premix containing, based on its total weight a) 15 to 55% by weight of sodium carbonate; b) 8 to 32% by weight of sodium percarbonate; c) 8 to 30% by weight of methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) and its salts; d) 0.2 to 8% by weight of non-ionic surfactant; e) 2 to 18% by weight of washing or cleaning-active polymer; f) 0 to 2% by weight.-% citrate; by mixing its components; ii) optionally storing the powdered premix; iii) feeding the powdered premix to a dosing device of a tablet press; iv) dosing the powdered premix into the die of the die table of the tablet press; v) compressing the powdered premix in the die with a pressing force of 15 to 50 kN; vi) ejecting the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase from the die; vii) optionally packaging the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase.

Description

[0001] The present application relates to a process for producing washing or cleaning agent tablets. In particular, the application relates to a multi-stage production process in which a specific powdered premix is ​​compressed into a washing or cleaning agent tablet or a washing or cleaning agent tablet phase.

[0002] 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 by the consumer and simplifying the steps required to carry out a washing or cleaning process. One solution is pre-portioned detergents and cleaning agents, for example, foil pouches with one or more compartments for solid or liquid preparations, or detergent or cleaning agent tablets.

[0003] The advantages of solid pre-portioned washing or cleaning agents include the significant reduction of non-washing or non-cleaning solvents and, in the case of tablets or cast bodies, the temporally stable spatial form.

[0004] Detergent or cleaning agent tablets are used in the machine cleaning of textiles or tableware. The detergent or cleaning agent tablets are introduced into the aqueous washing or cleaning solution, for example, via a dosing drawer, a dosing chamber, or a dosing aid. Key to the washing or cleaning effect of the tablet is its rapid disintegration in the aqueous solution and the rapid release of the washing or cleaning active ingredients contained in the tablet. The aim of a process for producing detergent or cleaning agent tablets is therefore generally to provide a tablet that is, on the one hand, sufficiently hard not to break during packaging, transport, or handling by the consumer, but, on the other hand, disintegrates quickly in the aqueous washing or cleaning solution.

[0005] The European patent application EP 711 828 A2 describes the production of washing or cleaning agent tablets by tabletting premixes containing binders.

[0006] Tablet hardness is essentially determined by the force applied when compressing the powdered premix. As the force increases, tablet hardness increases, but its tendency to disintegrate decreases. One goal of developing processes for producing detergent or cleaning agent tablets is therefore to provide powdered premixes for tabletting that can be compressed into stable detergent or cleaning agent tablets even with minimal force. These premixes should be produced using cost-effective and low-energy-intensive methods. In particular, the tablet premix should be tablettable after production without storage or tempering, but should be storable in the event of intermediate storage and, for example, retain its free-flowing properties and not harden during intermediate storage.

[0007] Against this background, the object of the application was to provide a process for the efficient production of washing or cleaning agent tablets, which enables the production of tablets with sufficient hardness and, at the same time, good disintegration properties in a simple and efficient manner.

[0008] To achieve this object, a process for producing a washing or cleaning agent tablet or a washing or cleaning agent tablet phase is suitable, comprising the steps: i) Providing a first powdered premix containing, based on its total weight, a) 15 to 55 wt.% sodium carbonate; b) 8 to 32 wt.% sodium percarbonate; c) 8 to 30 wt.% methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) and its salts; d) 0.2 to 8 wt.% non-ionic surfactant; e) 2 to 18 wt.% washing or cleaning-active polymer; f) 0 to 2 wt.% citrate; by mixing its constituents; ii) optionally storing the powdered premix; iii) feeding the powdered premix to a metering device of a tablet press; iv) metering the powdered premix into the die of the die table of the tablet press; v) compressing the powdered premix in the die with a pressing force of 15 to 50 kN.vi) ejecting the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase from the die; vii) optionally packaging the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase.

[0009] The described process is used to produce washing or cleaning agent tablets, for example, single-phase, two-phase, three-phase, or four-phase washing or cleaning agent tablets. One phase, two phases, three phases, or all phases of the washing or cleaning agent tablets can be produced using this process. However, the process is also used to produce washing or cleaning agent phases that are subsequently further processed into a washing or cleaning agent, for example, by filling a recess located in the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase or by combining it with a powder, a gel, or a liquid.

[0010] Surprisingly, it has been found that the specific composition of the tablet premix used eliminates the need for storage, as is required, for example, for comparable formulations based on alternative builders. Even without such storage, the premix is ​​free-flowing and transportable and suitable for processing in a tablet press. In particular, compared to formulations based on alternative builders, the premix exhibits a reduced tendency to adhere to container walls and tabletting tools such as punches or dies. Tableting processes using this premix are therefore characterized by low production rejects due to defective tablets and shorter maintenance times.

[0011] Furthermore, the specific tablet premix enables the production of washing or cleaning agent tablets or washing or cleaning agent tablet phases with high hardnesses even at low pressing forces while at the same time ensuring sufficient disintegration times in aqueous liquors.

[0012] The process is characterized by the use of a tablet premix with specific proportions of builders.

[0013] A first mandatory builder is sodium carbonate, which is contained in the premix in a proportion of 15 to 55 wt.%, based on its total weight. With regard to the technical advantages described above, it has proven advantageous for the first powdered premix to contain 25 to 55 wt.%, preferably 30 to 50 wt.%, of sodium carbonate, based on its total weight.

[0014] The properties of the first powdered premix can be further improved by the particle diameter of the builders used. The weight fraction of sodium carbonate particles with a particle diameter of 125 to 2000 µm in the first powdered premix is ​​therefore preferably more than 70 wt.%, particularly preferably more than 80 wt.%, and especially more than 85 wt. Very particular preference is given to first powdered premixes in which the weight fraction of sodium carbonate particles with a particle diameter of 200 to 1600 µm is more than 85 wt.%.

[0015] In addition to sodium carbonate, the first powdered premix contains 8 to 32 wt.% sodium percarbonate as a second optional component. Industrially preferred powdered premixes contain, based on their total weight, 10 to 30 wt.%, in particular 12 to 28 wt.% sodium percarbonate.

[0016] As previously described for sodium carbonate, the particle diameter of the sodium percarbonate also has an additional influence on the properties relevant for storage, transport, and tabletting of the premix. For this reason, the weight fraction of sodium percarbonate particles with a particle diameter of 125 to 2000 µm in the powdered premix is ​​preferably more than 70 wt.%, particularly preferably more than 80 wt.%, and in particular more than 85 wt.%. It is very particularly preferred if the weight fraction of sodium percarbonate particles with a particle diameter of 200 to 1600 µm in the powdered premix is ​​more than 85 wt.%.

[0017] The third essential component of the first powdered premix is ​​methylglycinediacetic acid, with a weight fraction of 8 to 32 wt.%. Due to their storage, transport, and tabletting properties, preferred premixes contain, based on their total weight, 10 to 32 wt.%, particularly preferably 12 to 30 wt.%, of methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) and its salts.

[0018] The first particulate premix further contains nonionic surfactant, preferably in weight proportions of 0.4 to 7 wt%, in particular 0.8 to 6 wt%.

[0019] Suitable non-ionic surfactants are preferably solid at room temperature. Non-ionic surfactants with a melting point above 30°C, especially in the range of 40 to 60°C, have proven particularly suitable. The melting point of the surfactant (in °C) is determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) according to ISO standard 11357. For the purposes of the invention, the melting point is considered to be the peak temperature determined by DSC in the second heating run. This is the temperature at which the apex / maximum deflection (on the y-axis) is present in the DSC diagram. If multiple peaks—within 5% of the maximum deflection observed in the second heating run—are present in a surfactant (commercial product), the temperature of the first peak is considered the melting point according to the invention.

[0020] Suitable surfactants are, in particular, linear, saturated fatty acid alcohol ethoxylates with 14 to 18 C atoms in the alkyl chain and 10 to 100 ethylene oxide units, which are preferably not end-capped.

[0021] Non-ionic surfactants of the formula R 1< O[CH 2 CH(CH 3 )O] x [CH 2 CH 2 O] y [CH 2 CH(CH 3 )O] z R 2< have proven particularly suitable, in which R 1< represents a linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon radical having 4 to 22 carbon atoms, R 2< represents a preferably hydroxylated, linear or branched hydrocarbon radical having 2 to 26 carbon atoms, x and z represent values ​​from 0 to 40 and y represents a value of at least 15.

[0022] The non-ionic surfactant is particularly preferably selected from the group of compounds having the general formula C 4-22 -CH(OH)CH 2 O-(EO) 20-120 -C 2-26 , in particular from the group of compounds having the general formula C 8-12 fatty alcohol (EO) 22-2-hydroxydecyl ether or C 4-22 fatty alcohol (EO) 40-80 -2-hydroxyalkyl ether.

[0023] To further improve the storage, transport and tabletting properties of the premix, it is advantageous to adjust the weight ratio of sodium carbonate and sodium percarbonate and methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) and their salts to nonionic surfactant in the first powdered premix to a range above 6:1, preferably above 12:1 and in particular above 18:1.

[0024] Preferred first powdered premixes contain, based on their total weight, less than 1 wt.%, preferably less than 0.5 wt.%, particularly preferably less than 0.1 wt.% and in particular no anionic surfactant.

[0025] As a fifth essential component, the first powdered premix comprises 2 to 18 wt.% of washing or cleaning-active polymer, with preference being given to powdered premixes which contain, based on their total weight, 5 to 16 wt.%, preferably 8 to 15 wt.% of washing or cleaning-active polymer.

[0026] The group of washing or cleaning-active polymers includes, in particular, polycarboxylates. The washing or cleaning-active agent is preferably selected from the group of polycarboxylates, preferably from the group of homopolymeric polycarboxylates.

[0027] Alternatively or in combination with the homopolymeric polycarboxylates, preferred powdered premixes contain copolymeric polycarboxylates, particularly preferably from the group of copolymeric polycarboxylates containing sulfonic acid groups and in particular from the group of hydrophobically modified copolymeric polycarboxylates containing sulfonic acid groups.

[0028] The copolymers can have two, three, four, or more different monomer units. Preferred copolymeric polysulfonates contain, in addition to monomer(s) containing sulfonic acid groups, at least one monomer from the group of unsaturated carboxylic acids.

[0029] As unsaturated carboxylic acid(s) it is / are particularly preferred to use unsaturated carboxylic acids of the formula R 1< (R 2< )C=C(R 3< )COOH, in which R 1< to R 3< independently of one another represent -H, -CH 3 , a straight-chain or branched saturated alkyl radical having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, a straight-chain or branched, mono- or polyunsaturated alkenyl radical having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, alkyl or alkenyl radicals substituted by -NH 2 , -OH or -COOH as defined above or represent -COOH or -COOR 4<, where R 4< is a saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 12 carbon atoms.

[0030] Particularly preferred unsaturated carboxylic acids are acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ethacrylic acid, α-chloroacrylic acid, α-cyanoacrylic acid, crotonic acid, α-phenylacrylic acid, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, citraconic acid, methylenemalonic acid, sorbic acid, cinnamic acid, or mixtures thereof. Unsaturated dicarboxylic acids can, of course, also be used.

[0031] Among the sulfonic acid group-containing monomers, those of the formula R 5< (R 6< )C=C(R 7< )-X-SO 3 H are preferred, in which R 5< to R 7< independently of one another represent -H, -CH 3 , a straight-chain or branched saturated alkyl radical having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, a straight-chain or branched, mono- or polyunsaturated alkenyl radical having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, alkyl or alkenyl radicals substituted by -NH 2 , -OH or -COOH or -COOH or -COOR 4<, where R 4< is a saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and X represents an optionally present spacer group selected from -(CH 2 ) n - with n = 0 to 4, -COO-(CH 2 ) k - with k = 1 to 6, -C(O)-NH-C(CH 3 ) 2 -, -C(O)-NH-C(CH 3 ) 2 -CH 2 - and -C(O)-NH-CH(CH 3 )-CH 2 -

[0032] Preferred among these monomers are those of the formulas H 2 C=CH-X-SO 3 H, H 2 C=C(CH 3 )-X-SO 3 H or HO 3 SX-(R 6< )C=C(R 7< )-X-SO 3 H, in which R 6< and R 7< are independently selected from -H, -CH 3 , -CH 2 CH 3 , -CH 2 CH 2 CH 3 and -CH(CH 3 ) 2 and X represents an optionally present spacer group selected from -(CH 2 ) n - with n = 0 to 4, -COO-(CH 2 ) k - with k = 1 to 6, -C(O)-NH-C(CH 3 ) 2 -, -C(O)-NH-C(CH 3 ) 2 -CH 2 - and -C(O)-NH-CH(CH 3 )-CH 2 -.

[0033] Particularly preferred monomers containing sulfonic acid groups are 1-acrylamido-1-propanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-propanesulfonic acid, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, 2-methacrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, 3-methacrylamido-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid, allylsulfonic acid, methallylsulfonic acid, allyloxybenzenesulfonic acid, methallyloxybenzenesulfonic acid, 2-hydroxy-3-(2-propenyloxy)propanesulfonic acid, 2-methyl-2-propen1-sulfonic acid, styrenesulfonic acid, vinylsulfonic acid, 3-sulfopropyl acrylate, 3-sulfopropyl methacrylate, sulfomethacrylamide, sulfomethylmethacrylamide and mixtures of the acids mentioned or their water-soluble salts. In the polymers, the sulfonic acid groups may be present in completely or partially neutralized form, i.e. the acidic hydrogen atom of the sulfonic acid group in some or all of the sulfonic acid groups may be exchanged for metal ions, preferably alkali metal ions and in particular for sodium ions.The use of partially or fully neutralized copolymers containing sulfonic acid groups is preferred according to the invention.

[0034] The monomer distribution of the copolymers preferably used according to the invention is preferably 5 to 95 wt.% in the case of copolymers which contain only carboxylic acid group-containing monomers and sulfonic acid group-containing monomers, particularly preferably 50 to 90 wt.% and 10 to 50 wt.% in the proportion of sulfonic acid group-containing monomer, and the proportion of carboxylic acid group-containing monomer is preferably 10 to 50 wt.%. The monomers are preferably selected from those mentioned above. The molar mass of the sulfo copolymers preferably used according to the invention can be varied in order to adapt the properties of the polymers to the desired intended use. Preferred cleaning agents are characterized in that the copolymers have molar masses of 2000 to 200,000 g mol -1< , preferably of 4000 to 25,000 g mol -1< and in particular of 5000 to 15,000 g mol -1<.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment, the copolymers comprise, in addition to the carboxyl-containing monomer and the sulfonic acid-containing monomer, at least one nonionic, preferably hydrophobic monomer. The use of these hydrophobically modified polymers has been shown to improve, in particular, the rinse performance of dishwashing detergents according to the invention.

[0036] Particularly preferably, the powdery first premix comprises an anionic copolymer, wherein the anionic copolymer is a copolymer comprising i) monomers containing carboxylic acid groups ii) monomers containing sulfonic acid groups iii) non-ionic monomers, in particular hydrophobic monomers.

[0037] Monomers of the general formula R 1< (R 2< )C=C(R 3< )-XR 4< are preferably used as non-ionic monomers, in which R 1< to R 3< independently of one another represent -H, -CH 3 or -C 2 H 5, X represents an optionally present spacer group selected from -CH 2 -, -C(O)O- and - C(O)-NH-, and R 4< represents a straight-chain or branched saturated alkyl radical having 2 to 22 carbon atoms or an unsaturated, preferably aromatic radical having 6 to 22 carbon atoms.

[0038] Particularly preferred non-ionic monomers are butene, isobutene, pentene, 3-methylbutene, 2-methylbutene, cyclopentene, hexene, hexene-1, 2-methylpentene-1, 3-methylpentene-1, cyclohexene, methylcyclopentene, cycloheptene, methylcyclohexene, 2,4,4-trimethylpentene-1, 2,4,4-trimethylpentene-2,2,3-dimethylhexene-1, 2,4-dimethylhexene-1, 2,5-dimethylhexene-1, 3,5-dimethylhexene-1, 4,4-dimethylhexane-1, ethylcyclohexyne, 1-octene, α-olefins having 10 or more carbon atoms such as 1-decene, 1-dodecene, 1-Hexadecene, 1-Octadecene and C 22 - α-Olefin, 2-Styrene, α-Methylstyrene, 3-Methylstyrene, 4-Propylstyrene, 4-Cyclohexylstyrene, 4-Dodecylstyrene, 2-Ethyl-4-Benzylstyrene, 1-Vinylnaphthalene, 2-Vinylnaphthalene, Methyl acrylate, Ethyl acrylate, Propyl acrylate, Butyl acrylate, Pentyl acrylate, Hexyl acrylate, Methyl methacrylate, N-(Methyl)acrylamide, 2-Ethylhexyl acrylate, 2-Ethylhexyl methacrylate, N-(2-Ethylhexyl)acrylamide, Octyl acrylate,Octyl methacrylate, , N- (Octyl)acrylamide, lauryl acrylate, lauryl methacrylate, N-(lauryl)acrylamide, stearyl acrylate, stearyl methacrylate, N-(stearyl)acrylamide, behenyl acrylate, behenyl methacrylate and N-(behenyl)acrylamide or mixtures thereof, in particular acrylic acid, ethyl acrylate, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS) and mixtures thereof.

[0039] The weight proportion of the washing or cleaning active ingredient from the group of homopolymeric polycarboxylates and copolymeric polyacrylates containing sulfonic acid groups in the total weight of the first powdery premix is ​​preferably 2 to 18 wt.%, particularly preferably 5 to 16 wt.% and in particular 8 to 15 wt.%.

[0040] Preferred first particulate premixes are characterized by low formulation complexity, apart from the optional components described above.

[0041] Preferred first powdered premixes contain, based on their total weight, less than 1 wt.%, preferably less than 0.5 wt.%, particularly preferably less than 0.1 wt.%, and in particular no citrate. Eliminating the use of citrate has proven particularly advantageous for the storage, transport, and tabletting properties of the premix.

[0042] Preferred first particulate premixes further preferably contain no phosphate. Preferably, the first particulate premix is ​​furthermore free of phosphonate.

[0043] As stated above, the washing or cleaning agent tablets or a washing or cleaning agent tablet phase produced by the described process are characterized by good disintegration properties in aqueous liquors, while having a hardness sufficient for storage, transport, and use. Due to these advantageous properties, the washing or cleaning agent tablets or a washing or cleaning agent tablet phase produced by the described process require neither the addition of tableting aids from the group of polyethylene glycols nor disintegration aids from the group of disintegrants.

[0044] In preferred process variants, the first powdered premix, based on its total weight, therefore contains less than 2 wt.%, preferably less than 1 wt.%, particularly preferably less than 0.1 wt.% and in particular no tabletting aid from the group of polyethylene glycols.

[0045] Likewise, the first powdered premix, in preferred process variants based on its total weight, contains less than 2 wt.%, preferably less than 1 wt.%, particularly preferably less than 0.1 wt.% and in particular no disintegration aid from the group of disintegrants, in particular cellulose-based disintegrants, and effervescent systems.

[0046] The addition of enzyme preparations has proven advantageous for the washing and cleaning effect. The weight proportion of the enzyme preparation in the total weight of the first powdered premix is ​​preferably 0.2 to 4 wt.%, particularly preferably 0.4 to 3 wt.%, and especially 0.8 to 2.5 wt.%. The use of encapsulated, mechanically sensitive enzyme preparations is particularly preferred for this process due to the low pressing force required.

[0047] The composition of some of the preferred detergent tablets or detergent tablet phases can be found in the following tables (data in wt.% based on the total weight of the preparation unless otherwise stated. The symbol "-" stands for "free from".) formula 1 Formula 2 Formula 3 Formula 4 Sodium carbonate 15 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 30 to 50 Sodium percarbonate 8 to 32 10 to 30 10 to 30 12 to 28 Methylglycinediacetic acid and its salts 8 to 32 25 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 non-ionic surfactant 0.2 to 8 0.4 to 7 0.8 to 6 0.8 to 6 washing or cleaning-active polymer 2 to 18 5 to 16 8 to 15 8 to 15 Citrate 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 0.5 -- Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 6 Formula 7 Formula 8 Formula 9 Sodium carbonate 15 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 30 to 50 Sodium percarbonate 8 to 32 10 to 30 10 to 30 12 to 28 Methylglycinediacetic acid and its salts 8 to 32 25 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 non-ionic surfactant 1)< 0.2 to 8 0.4 to 7 0.8 to 6 0.8 to 6 washing or cleaning-active polymer 2 to 18 5 to 16 8 to 15 8 to 15 Citrate 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 0.5 -- Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 11 Formula 12 Formula 13 Formula 14 Sodium carbonate 15 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 30 to 50 Sodium percarbonate 8 to 32 10 to 30 10 to 30 12 to 28 Methylglycinediacetic acid and its salts 8 to 32 25 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 non-ionic surfactant 0.2 to 8 0.4 to 7 0.8 to 6 0.8 to 6 washing or cleaning-active polymer 2)< 2 to 18 5 to 16 8 to 15 8 to 15 Citrate 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 0.5 -- Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 16 Formula 17 Formula 18 Formula 19 Sodium carbonate 15 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 30 to 50 Sodium percarbonate 8 to 32 10 to 30 10 to 30 12 to 28 Methylglycinediacetic acid and its salts 8 to 32 25 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 non-ionic surfactant 1)< 0.2 to 8 0.4 to 7 0.8 to 6 0.8 to 6 washing or cleaning-active polymer 2)< 2 to 18 5 to 16 8 to 15 8 to 15 Citrate 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 0.5 -- Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 21 Formula 22 Formula 23 Formula 24 Sodium carbonate 15 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 30 to 50 Sodium percarbonate 8 to 32 10 to 30 10 to 30 12 to 28 Methylglycinediacetic acid and its salts 8 to 32 25 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 non-ionic surfactant 0.2 to 8 0.4 to 7 0.8 to 6 0.8 to 6 washing or cleaning-active polymer 2 to 18 5 to 16 8 to 15 8 to 15 Citrate 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 0.5 -- Phosphate, phosphonate -- -- -- -- Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 26 Formula 27 Formula 28 Formula 29 Sodium carbonate 15 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 30 to 50 Sodium percarbonate 8 to 32 10 to 30 10 to 30 12 to 28 Methylglycinediacetic acid and its salts 8 to 32 25 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 non-ionic surfactant 1)< 0.2 to 8 0.4 to 7 0.8 to 6 0.8 to 6 washing or cleaning-active polymer 2 to 18 5 to 16 8 to 15 8 to 15 Citrate 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 0.5 -- Phosphate, phosphonate -- -- -- -- Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 31 Formula 32 Formula 33 Formula 34 Sodium carbonate 15 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 30 to 50 Sodium percarbonate 8 to 32 10 to 30 10 to 30 12 to 28 Methylglycinediacetic acid and its salts 8 to 32 25 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 non-ionic surfactant 0.2 to 8 0.4 to 7 0.8 to 6 0.8 to 6 washing or cleaning-active polymer 2)< 2 to 18 5 to 16 8 to 15 8 to 15 Citrate 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 0.5 -- Phosphate, phosphonate -- -- -- -- Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 36 Formula 37 Formula 38 Formula 39 Sodium carbonate 15 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 30 to 50 Sodium percarbonate 8 to 32 10 to 30 10 to 30 12 to 28 Methylglycinediacetic acid and its salts 8 to 32 25 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 non-ionic surfactant 1)< 0.2 to 8 0.4 to 7 0.8 to 6 0.8 to 6 washing or cleaning-active polymer 2)< 2 to 18 5 to 16 8 to 15 8 to 15 Citrate 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 0.5 -- Phosphate, phosphonate -- -- -- -- Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 41 Formula 42 Formula 43 Formula 44 Sodium carbonate 15 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 30 to 50 Sodium percarbonate 8 to 32 10 to 30 10 to 30 12 to 28 Methylglycinediacetic acid and its salts 8 to 32 25 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 non-ionic surfactant 0.2 to 8 0.4 to 7 0.8 to 6 0.8 to 6 washing or cleaning-active polymer 2 to 18 5 to 16 8 to 15 8 to 15 Citrate 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 0.5 -- Phosphate, phosphonate -- -- -- -- Polyethylene glycol 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 0.1 -- Disintegration aids 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 0.1 -- Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 46 Formula 47 Formula 48 Formula 49 Sodium carbonate 15 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 30 to 50 Sodium percarbonate 8 to 32 10 to 30 10 to 30 12 to 28 Methylglycinediacetic acid and its salts 8 to 32 25 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 non-ionic surfactant 1)< 0.2 to 8 0.4 to 7 0.8 to 6 0.8 to 6 washing or cleaning-active polymer 2 to 18 5 to 16 8 to 15 8 to 15 Citrate 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 0.5 -- Phosphate, phosphonate -- -- -- -- Polyethylene glycol 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 0.1 -- Disintegration aids 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 0.1 -- Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 51 Formula 52 Formula 53 Formula 54 Sodium carbonate 15 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 30 to 50 Sodium percarbonate 8 to 32 10 to 30 10 to 30 12 to 28 Methylglycinediacetic acid and its salts 8 to 32 25 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 non-ionic surfactant 0.2 to 8 0.4 to 7 0.8 to 6 0.8 to 6 washing or cleaning-active polymer 2)< 2 to 18 5 to 16 8 to 15 8 to 15 Citrate 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 0.5 -- Phosphate, phosphonate -- -- -- -- Polyethylene glycol 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 0.1 -- Disintegration aids 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 0.1 -- Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 Formula 56 Formula 57 Formula 58 Formula 59 Sodium carbonate 15 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 30 to 50 Sodium percarbonate 8 to 32 10 to 30 10 to 30 12 to 28 Methylglycinediacetic acid and its salts 8 to 32 25 to 55 25 to 55 25 to 55 non-ionic surfactant 1)< 0.2 to 8 0.4 to 7 0.8 to 6 0.8 to 6 washing or cleaning-active polymer 2)< 2 to 18 5 to 16 8 to 15 8 to 15 Citrate 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 0.5 -- Phosphate, phosphonate -- -- -- -- Polyethylene glycol 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 0.1 -- Disintegration aids 0 to 2 0 to 1 0 to 0.1 -- Misc to 100 to 100 to 100 to 100 1)< non-ionic surfactant selected from the group of compounds with the general formula C 4-22 -CH(OH)CH 2 O-(EO) 20-120 -C 2-26 , in particular from the group of compounds with the general formula C 8-12 fatty alcohol-(EO) 22-2-hydroxydecyl ether or C 4-22 fatty alcohol-(EO) 40-80 -2-hydroxyalkyl ether 2)< washing or cleaning-active polymer from the group of homopolymeric polycarboxylates and hydrophobically modified copolymeric polycarboxylates containing sulfonic acid groups

[0048] One of the technical advantages of the described process is the immediate transportability, dosing, and tabletting of the first powdered premixture produced in step i) by mixing its constituents. Due to higher process efficiency and reduced manufacturing costs, process variants are preferred in which the first powdered premixture is stored in step ii) for a period of less than four hours, preferably less than two hours, more preferably less than 30 minutes, and in particular less than 10 minutes. Very particular preference is given to process variants in which the first powdered premixture is prepared in step i) by mixing its constituents and fed directly to the dosing device without storage.

[0049] Even if storage of the powdered premix prior to compression in step v) is not necessary due to the advantageous properties of the premix, storage is still possible without these advantageous properties being lost. Depending on the process or in the event of prolonged process interruptions, for example, during maintenance or repair, such longer storage may be indicated. In a preferred process alternative, storage in step ii) takes place for a period of up to 24 hours, preferably for a period of four to 24 hours, in particular from eight to 24 hours.

[0050] If the powdered premixture is stored in step ii), storage is preferably carried out at a temperature of 10 to 35°C.

[0051] Tableting can be carried out in commercially available tablet presses, which can in principle be equipped with single or double punches. In the latter case, not only the upper punch is used to build up pressure, but the lower punch also moves towards the upper punch during the pressing process, while the upper punch presses downwards. For small production quantities, eccentric tablet presses can be used instead of the preferred rotary tablet press. The punch(s) are attached to an eccentric disc, which in turn is mounted on an axle with a specific rotational speed. The movement of these press punches is comparable to the operation of a conventional four-stroke engine. Compression can be achieved with an upper and lower punch each, but several punches can also be attached to an eccentric disc, with the number of die holes being increased accordingly.Depending on the type, the throughput of eccentric presses varies from a few hundred to a maximum of 3,000 tablets per hour. The preferred method is a rotary tablet press.

[0052] In eccentric presses, the lower punch is generally not moved during the pressing process. One consequence of this is that the resulting tablet exhibits a hardness gradient, meaning that the areas closer to the upper punch are harder than the areas closer to the lower punch.

[0053] In rotary tablet presses, a large number of dies are arranged in a circle on a so-called die table. The number of dies varies between 6 and 55 depending on the model, although larger dies are also commercially available. Each die on the die table is assigned an upper and lower punch, whereby the pressing pressure can be actively generated by just the upper or lower punch, or by both punches. The die table and the punches move around a common vertical axis, with the punches being moved into the positions for filling, compaction, plastic deformation, and ejection during rotation with the help of rail-like curved tracks. At points where a particularly significant raising or lowering of the punches is required (filling, compaction, ejection), these curved tracks are supported by additional low-pressure pieces, low-tension rails, and lifting tracks.

[0054] The filling of the die in step iii) preferably takes place via a rigidly arranged dosing device, for example, the so-called filling shoe, which is connected to a reservoir for the premix. The pressing pressure on the premix can be individually adjusted via the pressing paths for the upper and lower punches, with the pressure buildup occurring as the punch shaft heads roll past adjustable pressure rollers.

[0055] In step iii) of preferred process variants, the first powdered premix is ​​fed into a filling shoe. Both in the feed lines and in the filling shoe itself, the premix is ​​characterized by low adhesion to the bottom or side walls.

[0056] The dosing of the powdered premix in step iv) is preferably carried out volumetrically.

[0057] The process is preferably used to produce washing or cleaning agent tablets or washing or cleaning agent tablet phases that are suitable for dosing via conventional devices in household washing machines or dishwashers, for example, dispenser drawers or dosing chambers. In this context, process variants are preferred in which the die in step iv) has an opening area of ​​7 to 15 cm², preferably 8 to 12 cm².

[0058] As previously stated, the dies of preferred tablet presses have movable, preferably vertically movable, lower punches. These movable lower punches allow pressure to build up during compression of the premix, but also simplify the production of multiphase tablets. For example, several, preferably different, powdered premixes can be sequentially compressed in one die without ejecting the intermediate products to form a multiphase detergent or cleaning agent tablet. When implementing such a process variant, a movable lower punch enables the die volume to be adjusted during the successive dosing and tabletting processes.

[0059] A preferred process variant for producing a two- or multi-layer washing or cleaning agent tablet comprises the steps: i) Providing a first powdered premixture containing, based on its total weight a) 15 to 55 wt.% sodium carbonate; b) 8 to 32 wt.% sodium percarbonate; c) 8 to 30 wt.% methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) and its salts; d) 0.2 to 8 wt.% non-ionic surfactant; e) 2 to 18 wt.% washing or cleaning-active polymer; f) 0 to 2 wt.-% citrate; by mixing its components; ii) optionally storing the powdered premix; iii) feeding the powdered premix to a dosing device of a tablet press; iv) dosing the powdered premix into the die of the die table of the tablet press onto a washing or cleaning agent tablet located in the die, which was obtained by compressing at least one other powdered premix; v) compressing the powdered premix in the die with a pressing force of 15 to 50 kN to form a two-layer washing or cleaning agent tablet; vi) ejecting the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase from the die; vii) packaging the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase.

[0060] An alternative procedure includes the following steps: i) Providing a first powdered premixture containing, based on its total weight a) 15 to 55 wt.% sodium carbonate; b) 8 to 32 wt.% sodium percarbonate; c) 8 to 30 wt.% methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) and its salts; d) 0.2 to 8 wt.% non-ionic surfactant; e) 2 to 18 wt.% washing or cleaning-active polymer; f) 0 to 2 wt.-% citrate; by mixing its components; ii) optionally storing the powdered premix; iii) feeding the powdered premix to a dosing device of a tablet press; iv) dosing the powdered premix into the die of the die table of the tablet press; v) compressing the powdered premix in the die with a pressing force of 15 to 50 kN and dosing a second powdered premix onto the compressed first powdered premix in the die and subsequent compression to form a two-layer tablet; vi) ejecting the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase from the die; vii) optionally packaging the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase.

[0061] The tabletting of the first powdered premix in step v) is preferably carried out with a compression force of 16 to 36 kN, particularly preferably 17 to 28 kN. These compression forces ensure sufficient tablet hardness while simultaneously maintaining good disintegration properties of the tablets or tablet phases.

[0062] As previously described, the tableting process results in reduced adhesion of powdered premix to the surfaces of the components used. This technical advantage is not limited to the bottom or side walls of feed lines, dosing devices, or dies, but also includes the surfaces of the lower and upper punches, which are in direct contact with the premix during compression.

[0063] To further reduce these adhesions, it may be advantageous if the die has a rotatable lower punch in step iv). Alternatively, or in combination with a rotatable lower punch, at least one of the punches between which the first powdered premix is ​​pressed in step v) can have an adhesion-reducing coating.

[0064] In a further preferred process alternative, at least one of the punches, between which the first powdered premix is ​​compressed in step v), has an insert, preferably a replaceable insert (inlay). This preferably replaceable insert serves, for example, to modify the surface properties of the lower or upper punch. In particular, it is preferred to provide replaceable inserts on the wear-prone surfaces of the lower and upper punches. The mechanically particularly stressed, wear-prone surfaces of the lower and upper punches include, in particular, those surfaces that are in direct contact with the powdered premix during compression in step v).In preferred process variants, at least one of the punches, which is in direct contact with the powdered premix during the compression in step v), has a replaceable insert, preferably a replaceable, malleable insert.

[0065] In addition to modifications to the surface properties, the punches used to compress the powdered premix, particularly the upper punch, can have different shapes that deviate from the usual flat surface. In a preferred process variant, the upper punch has a protrusion. Such a protrusion enables, for example, the production of tablets with surface patterns or depressions.

[0066] After compression in step v), the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase is ejected from the die in step vi) and can then be packaged.

[0067] Primary and secondary packaging materials are suitable for packaging. Primary packaging materials are those used to package individual washing or cleaning agent tablets or washing or cleaning agent tablet phases, while secondary packaging materials are used to package multiple washing or cleaning agent tablets or washing or cleaning agent tablet phases in one container. Primary packaging materials include films, for example; secondary packaging materials include cardboard boxes, plastic containers, or stand-up pouches.

[0068] The washing or cleaning agent tablets or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phases ejected from the die in step vi) require no intermediate storage and are suitable for immediate packaging. Preferably, the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase is packaged in step vii) within 60 minutes, preferably within 20 minutes, and in particular within 5 minutes after the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase is ejected from the die in step vi).

[0069] Even if storage of the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase prior to packaging is not necessary due to the advantageous properties of the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase, storage is nevertheless possible without these advantageous properties being lost. Depending on the process procedure or in the event of prolonged process interruptions, for example during maintenance or repair, such longer storage may be indicated. In a preferred process alternative, the packaging of the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase in step vii) takes place within a period of 48 hours, preferably within a period of 36 hours, particularly preferably within a period of one hour to 24 hours.

[0070] In a preferred process variant, the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase is enclosed in step vii) by means of a film, for example a non-water-soluble or a water-soluble film. To improve the aesthetics and mechanical stability of the product, a washing or cleaning agent tablet or washing or cleaning agent tablet phase enclosed in a water-soluble film is preferably transported through a shrink tunnel by means of a transport device, and the water-soluble film is shrunk in the shrink tunnel.

[0071] Preferably, following step vi), the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase is packaged in bulk in an outer packaging together with other washing or cleaning agent tablets or washing or cleaning agent tablet phases. As an alternative to bulk packaging, ordered packaging in the outer packaging is also possible. Orderly packaging can be suitable for reducing the amount of packaging material used for the outer packaging. Suitable outer packaging options include, for example, the previously described cardboard boxes, plastic containers, or stand-up pouches. The washing or cleaning agent tablet or washing or cleaning agent tablet phase packaged in the outer packaging can have primary packaging, for example a film packaging as described above.To reduce packaging costs, it may alternatively be preferred for the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase, following step vi), to be packaged in bulk in an outer packaging together with other washing or cleaning agent tablets or washing or cleaning agent tablet phases without further packaging. Alternatively, orderly packaging in the outer packaging is also possible. In this case, orderly packaging in the outer packaging is also possible.

[0072] This registration provides, among other things, the following items: 1. A process for producing a washing or cleaning agent tablet or a washing or cleaning agent tablet phase, comprising the steps of: i) providing a first powdered premix containing, based on its total weight, a) 15 to 55% by weight of sodium carbonate; b) 8 to 32% by weight of sodium percarbonate; c) 8 to 30% by weight of methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) and its salts; d) 0.2 to 8% by weight of non-ionic surfactant; e) 2 to 18% by weight of washing- or cleaning-active polymer; f) 0 to 2% by weight of citrate; by mixing its constituents; ii) optionally storing the powdered premix; iii) feeding the powdered premix to a dosing device of a tablet press; iv) dosing the powdered premix into the die of the die table of the tablet press; v) Pressing the powdered premix in the die with a pressing force of 15 to 50 kN.vi) ejecting the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase from the die; vii) optionally packaging the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase. 2. The process according to item 1, wherein the first powdered premix contains, based on its total weight, 25 to 55 wt.%, preferably 30 to 50 wt.% sodium carbonate. 3. The process according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the weight fraction of sodium carbonate particles with a particle diameter of 125 to 2000 µm in the first powdered premix is ​​more than 70 wt.%, preferably more than 80 wt.%, and in particular more than 85 wt.%. 4. The process according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the weight fraction of sodium carbonate particles with a particle diameter of 200 to 1600 µm in the first powdered premix is ​​more than 85 wt.%.6. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premixture contains, based on its total weight, 10 to 30 wt.%, preferably 12 to 28 wt.% sodium percarbonate. 7. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the weight proportion of the sodium percarbonate particles with a particle diameter of 125 to 2000 µm in the powdered premixture is more than 70 wt.%, preferably more than 80 wt.% and in particular more than 85 wt. 8. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the weight proportion of the sodium percarbonate particles with a particle diameter of 200 to 1600 µm in the powdered premixture is more than 85 wt.%. 9. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the weight proportion of the sodium percarbonate particles with a particle diameter of 200 to 1600 µm in the powdered premixture is more than 85 wt.%. 10. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premixture contains, based on its total weight, 10 to 32 wt.%, preferably 12 to 30 wt.% methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) and its salts. 9.Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premixture contains, based on its total weight, 0.4 to 7 wt.%, preferably 0.8 to 6 wt.% non-ionic surfactant. 10. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group of compounds having the general formula C 4-22 -CH(OH)CH 2 O-(EO) 20-120 -C 2-26 , in particular from the group of compounds having the general formula C 8-12 fatty alcohol (EO) 22-2-hydroxydecyl ether or C 4-22 fatty alcohol (EO) 40-80-2-hydroxyalkyl ether. 11. The method according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premix has a weight ratio of sodium carbonate and sodium percarbonate and methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) and its salts to nonionic surfactant above 6:1, preferably above 12:1, and in particular above 18:1. 12.Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premixture, based on its total weight, contains less than 1 wt. %, preferably less than 0.5 wt. %, particularly preferably less than 0.1 wt. %, and in particular no anionic surfactant. 13. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premixture, based on its total weight, contains 5 to 16 wt. %, preferably 8 to 15 wt. %, of washing- or cleaning-active polymer. 14. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the washing- or cleaning-active polymer is selected from the group of polycarboxylates, preferably from the group of homopolymeric polycarboxylates. 15.Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the washing- or cleaning-active polymer is selected from the group of polycarboxylates, preferably from the group of copolymeric polycarboxylates, particularly preferably from the group of copolymeric polycarboxylates containing sulfonic acid groups, and in particular from the group of hydrophobically modified copolymeric polycarboxylates containing sulfonic acid groups. 16. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premix, based on its total weight, contains less than 1 wt. %, preferably less than 0.5 wt. %, particularly preferably less than 0.1 wt. %, and in particular no citrate. 17. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premix contains no phosphate. 18. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premix contains no phosphonate. 19.Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premix, based on its total weight, contains less than 2 wt. %, preferably less than 1 wt. %, particularly preferably less than 0.1 wt. %, and in particular no tabletting aid from the group of polyethylene glycols. 20. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premix, based on its total weight, contains less than 2 wt. %, preferably less than 1 wt. %, particularly preferably less than 0.1 wt. %, and in particular no disintegration aid from the group of disintegrants, in particular cellulose-based disintegrants, and effervescent systems. 21. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premix, based on its total weight, contains 0.2 to 4 wt. %, preferably 0.4 to 3 wt. %, and in particular 0.8 to 2.5 wt. % enzyme preparation. 22.Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premixture is stored in step ii) for a period of less than four hours, preferably less than two hours, more preferably less than 30 minutes, and in particular less than 10 minutes. 23. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premixture is provided in step i) by mixing its constituents and is fed directly to the dosing device without storage. 24. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premixture is stored in step ii) at a temperature of 10 to 35°C. 25. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein a rotary tablet press is used as the tablet press. 26. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premixture is fed to a filling shoe in step iii). 27.28. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premix is ​​dosed in step iv) by means of volumetric dosing. 28. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the die in step iv) has an opening area of ​​7 to 15 cm 2 , preferably of 8 to 12 cm 2 . 28. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the die in step iv) has a movable, preferably vertically movable lower punch. 30. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the die in step iv) has a rotatable lower punch. 31. Process for producing a two- or multi-layer washing or cleaning agent tablet, comprising the steps of: i) providing a first powdered premix containing, based on its total weight, a) 15 to 55 wt.% sodium carbonate; b) 8 to 32 wt.% sodium percarbonate; c) 8 to 30 wt.% methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) and its salts; d) 0.2 to 8 wt.-% non-ionic surfactant; e) 2 to 18 wt.% washing or cleaning-active polymer; f) 0 to 2 wt.% citrate; by mixing its constituents; ii) optionally storing the powdered premix; iii) feeding the powdered premix to a dosing device of a tablet press; iv) dosing the powdered premix into the die of the die table of the tablet press onto a washing or cleaning agent tablet located in the die, which tablet was obtained by compressing at least one further powdered premix. v) compressing the powdered premix in the die with a pressing force of 15 to 50 kN to form a two-layer washing or cleaning agent tablet; vi) ejecting the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase from the die; vii) optionally packaging the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase. 32.Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premixture is compressed in step v) with a pressing force of 16 to 36 kN, preferably 17 to 28 kN. 33. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premixture is compressed in step v) between the lower punch and the upper punch, and at least one of the punches has a replaceable insert, preferably a malleable insert, which is in direct contact with the powdered premixture during the compression in step v). 34. Method according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premixture is compressed in step v) between the lower punch and the upper punch, and at least one of the punches has an adhesion-reducing coating. 35.Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premixture is pressed in step v) between the lower punch and the upper punch and at least one of the punches has an insert, preferably a replaceable insert. 36. Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the first powdered premixture is pressed in step v) between the lower punch and the upper punch and the upper punch has a protrusion. 37. Process for producing a two-layer washing or cleaning agent tablet, comprising the steps: i) providing a first powdered premixture containing, based on its total weight a) 15 to 55% by weight of sodium carbonate; b) 8 to 32% by weight of sodium percarbonate; c) 8 to 30% by weight of methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) and its salts; d) 0.2 to 8% by weight of non-ionic surfactant; e) 2 to 18% by weight of washing- or cleaning-active polymer; f) 0 to 2% by weight-% citrate; by mixing its components; ii) optionally storing the powdered premix; iii) feeding the powdered premix to a dosing device of a tablet press; iv) dosing the powdered premix into the die of the die table of the tablet press; v) compressing the powdered premix in the die with a pressing force of 15 to 50 kN and dosing a second powdered premix onto the compressed first powdered premix in the die and subsequent compression to form a bilayer tablet; vi) ejecting the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase from the die; vii) optionally packaging the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase. 38.Process according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase is enclosed in step vii) by means of a water-soluble film. 39. Process according to point 38, wherein the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase enclosed in a water-soluble film is transported through a shrink tunnel by means of a transport device, and the water-soluble film is shrunk in the shrink tunnel. 40. Process according to any one of points 1 to 37, wherein the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase is enclosed in step vii) by means of a non-water-soluble film. 41.A method according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the packaging of the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase in step vii) takes place within 60 minutes, preferably within 20 minutes, and in particular within 5 minutes, after the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase is ejected from the die in step vi). 42. A method according to any one of the preceding points, wherein the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase is packaged in bulk in an outer packaging following step vi) together with other washing or cleaning agent tablets or washing or cleaning agent tablet phases. 43.Process according to one of the preceding points, wherein the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase is packaged, following step vi), without further packaging, together with further washing or cleaning agent tablets or washing or cleaning agent tablet phases in bulk in an outer packaging.

Claims

1. A process for producing a washing or cleaning agent tablet or a washing or cleaning agent tablet phase, comprising the steps of: i) providing a first powdered premix containing, based on its total weight a) 15 to 55% by weight of sodium carbonate; b) 8 to 32% by weight of sodium percarbonate; c) 8 to 30% by weight of methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) and its salts; d) 0.2 to 8% by weight of non-ionic surfactant; e) 2 to 18% by weight of washing or cleaning-active polymer; f) 0 to 2% by weight.-% citrate; by mixing its components; ii) optionally storing the powdered premix; iii) feeding the powdered premix to a dosing device of a tablet press; iv) dosing the powdered premix into the die of the die table of the tablet press; v) compressing the powdered premix in the die with a pressing force of 15 to 50 kN; vi) ejecting the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase from the die; vii) optionally packaging the washing or cleaning agent tablet or the washing or cleaning agent tablet phase.

2. Process according to claim 1, wherein the first powdered premix contains, based on its total weight, 25 to 55% by weight, preferably 30 to 50% by weight, of sodium carbonate.

3. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first powdered premix contains, based on its total weight, 10 to 30 wt.%, preferably 12 to 28 wt.%, of sodium percarbonate.

4. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first powdered premix contains, based on its total weight, 10 to 32% by weight, preferably 12 to 30% by weight, of methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) and its salts.

5. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first powdered premix contains, based on its total weight, 0.4 to 7% by weight, preferably 0.8 to 6% by weight, of non-ionic surfactant.

6. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first powdered premixture has a weight ratio of sodium carbonate and sodium percarbonate and methylglycinediacetic acid (MGDA) and its salts to nonionic surfactant above 6:1, preferably above 12:1 and in particular above 18:

1.

7. Process according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first powdered premix contains, based on its total weight, 5 to 16% by weight, preferably 8 to 15% by weight, of washing or cleaning-active polymer.

8. The process according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first powdered premixture is stored in step ii) for a period of less than four hours, preferably less than two hours, more preferably less than 30 minutes and in particular less than 10 minutes.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the die in step iv) has an opening area of ​​7 to 15 cm 2 , preferably from 8 to 12 cm 2 has.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first powdered premix is ​​compressed in step v) with a pressing force of 16 to 36 kN, preferably 17 to 28 kN.

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