A container for at least two flowable preparations

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container (1) for containing at least two flowable formulations, comprising a first cavity (2a) for storing at least a first flowable formulation, a second cavity (2b) for storing a second flowable formulation, and a coupling surface (3) for a releasable interlocking connection to a metering device, wherein the second cavity (2b) is at least partially surrounded by the first cavity (2a), the first cavity (2a) and the second cavity (2b) are substantially collapsible, and the first cavity (2a) and the second cavity (2b) are fluidly isolated from each other.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for containing at least two flowable formulations, comprising a first cavity for storing at least a first flowable formulation, a second cavity for storing a second flowable formulation, and a coupling surface for releasably interlocking with a metering device. [Background technology]

[0002] DE 10 2018 126 625 B4 discloses a container for use in a water-conducting domestic appliance. A cartridge designed in this way is suitable for use in a holding device of a washing machine, such as a metering drawer. A disadvantage of this solution is that the cartridge cannot be placed directly in the washing machine tub. Such a container does not allow targeted metering directly in the washing machine tub.

[0003] Direct metering in the tub can be carried out independently of the washing machine's rinse cycle, thus greatly increasing metering options and accuracy. However, containers known from the prior art are not designed to withstand the strong mechanical loads acting on them in the tub during washing and spin-drying, so that if the container is damaged, there is a risk that the flowable formulation will be discharged in an undesirable manner, or that said formulation can be introduced into the tub, but accurate metering is not guaranteed, even at negative pressure.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a container for at least two types of flowable formulations, which can be removably connected in an interlocking connection with a metering device for dispensing into a washing machine, which is leak-proof even when subjected to large forces, and at the same time maintains its functionality.

[0005] According to the invention, in order to achieve the proposed object, a container according to the features of claim 1 is proposed.

[0006] Advantageous and further embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] According to the present invention, a container for at least two flowable formulations is provided, the container comprising a first cavity for storing at least a first flowable formulation, a second cavity for storing a second flowable formulation, and a coupling surface for detachably coupling with a metering device. The metering device is suitable for dispensing the flowable formulation into a water-conducting household appliance, such as a washing machine, preferably into the tub of a washing machine. The flowable formulation may, for example, comprise a cleaning agent, a fragrance, a bleaching agent, or a dissolving agent. The coupling surface simplifies a detachable interlockin connection to the metering device, thus offering the advantage that the container can be replaced after it has been emptied. The interlockin connection also prevents unwanted leakage of the flowable formulation. The second cavity is at least partially surrounded by the first cavity and can be inserted therein. The first and second cavities are fluidly separated from each other so that the first and second flowable formulations do not mix. This is particularly advantageous when the flowable formulations react with each other when in contact. Separate storage prevents the loss of efficacy even before release. Moreover, the desired interaction, which would be reduced in the long term if the formulations were stored together, can be achieved by dispensing the flowable formulations together and allowing them to take effect together only outside the container. The first and second cavities are substantially collapsible, which has the advantage that the cavities can withstand the effects of large external forces. In this context, a collapsible cavity is understood to mean a cavity that is not flexurally rigid and can reversibly change its shape. The flexibility of the material reduces the risk of the cavity breaking and at the same time reduces the undesired ejection of the flowable formulation from the cavity. The color and / or translucency of the first cavity is independent of the color and / or translucency of the second cavity and can be adapted to the particular flowable formulation to be stored. It is also conceivable that the container comprises two or more cavities for storing two or more flowable formulations.It is further contemplated that the same flowable formulation may be stored in both the first and second cavities.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second cavities can be connected to the connecting surface in a detachable interlocking connection. In this way, the connecting surface of the container serves as a link between the metering device and the cavity. The interlocking connection ensures that the cavity is sealed and that no unwanted discharge of the free-flowing connection occurs. It is also conceivable that the cavity cannot be detachably connected to the connecting surface. The advantage of a detachable connection is that the consumer himself can refill the cavity as soon as it is empty. However, in this case the manufacturer cannot guarantee that no user error will occur. Therefore, there are also advantages to a non-detachable connection, in order to prevent accidental access to the contents of the cavity, especially by small children.

[0009] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the connection surface has an opening for removing the first flowable formulation from the first cavity and an opening for removing the second flowable formulation from the second cavity, thereby allowing targeted emptying of the first and second cavities. The openings can be designed, for example in the form of a valve or membrane, to ensure controlled emptying.

[0010] According to a further embodiment of the invention, a fluid connection can be established between each opening and a metering device. The fluid connection between the opening and the metering device allows the first and second flowable formulations to pass from the first and second cavities to the metering device. Providing separate openings for each cavity ensures that no undesired mixing of the first and second flowable formulations occurs.

[0011] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the coupling surface is resistant to deformation, which ensures the dimensional stability of the container and allows for an interlocking connection to the metering device. For example, when the metering device connected to the container is placed in the tub of a washing machine, various forces act on the container during the washing cycle in the spin tub, such as gravity and negative pressure. The coupling surface that is resistant to deformation has the advantage that it only deforms slightly even under strong external influences, so that the fluid connection between the metering device and the cavity is maintained even under these influences and at the same time tightly sealed against unwanted expulsion of the flowable formulation.

[0012] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the first and second cavities change their shape under the effect of negative pressure. In contrast to the interlocking surface, they have increased flexibility but less dimensional stability. When the cavity is emptied, negative pressure can be generated in the cavity, which cannot always be equalized immediately. The flexibility of the shape makes it possible to avoid damage to the cavity. Furthermore, it is also possible for the first and second cavities to change shape independently of each other, for example if they are not emptied uniformly or simultaneously.

[0013] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the removal of the liquid formulation is ensured under the influence of gravity of more than 1 g. Preferably, the removal is ensured under the influence of gravity of more than 10 g, particularly preferably more than 100 g, without damage to the container. The container is considered to be suitable for ensuring removal and stability against the influence of gravity of up to 750 g. Due to the influence of gravity, the container is subjected to strong mechanical loads, for example during washing and spinning in a washing machine. In a preferred embodiment, even under high influence of gravity, the cavity is suitable for passing the first and second flowable formulations from the first and second cavities to the metering device and from there into the washing machine tub in a controlled manner.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the volume ratio of the second cavity to the first cavity is in the range from ≧1:5 to ≦1:20, particularly preferably 1: 15. Ratios from ≧1:1 to ≦1:25 are also conceivable.

[0015] For example, the first cavity can be filled with a flowable formulation in the form of a heavy-duty detergent, while the second cavity stores flowable formulations that are usually only needed in small amounts, such as fragrances and fabric softeners. The total space requirement of the container does not exceed the sum of the volumes of the first and second cavities. The container is preferably large enough to provide the flowable formulation for at least 5 but not more than 25 wash cycles. However, it is also conceivable to provide a container in which the cavity can be filled with only the amount of flowable formulation required for one wash cycle.

[0016] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the container is hemispherical. The interlocking connection with the metering device, which is also hemispherical, results in a sphere whose surface quality is less susceptible to damage even when subjected to large forces, such as in a washing machine tub.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the second flowable formulation contains less than 10% water, preferably less than 5% water, particularly preferably less than 1% water. These may be, for example, flowable preparations with a large amount of solvent to introduce special water-insoluble substances into the washing process, or fragrance solutions, or liquid fragrances themselves. When handling such flowable formulations, more stringent safety measures are required to avoid damage. Storing such flowable formulations in a second cavity at least partially surrounded by the first cavity has the particular advantage that in the event of unintentional release of the second flowable formulation (for example under the effect of excessive centrifugal acceleration forces, such as during a spin cycle in the tub of a washing machine), said formulation escapes into the first cavity and is collected there. As a result, damage to laundry, for example in a metering device, a washing machine, or a washing machine with a container, can be prevented.

[0018] Further details of the container according to the invention are explained below with reference to the embodiment in the drawing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional profile of a container according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the container of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a cross section of the opening of the connection surface of the container shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a container 1 according to the invention with a first cavity 2a and a second cavity 2b. The second cavity 2b is at least partially surrounded by the first cavity 2a and is located within said first cavity. The cavities 2a,b are interlockingly connected towards the top to a connecting surface 3. The connecting surface tightly seals the two cavities 2a,b. There are two openings 4a,b allowing the two cavities 2a,b to be emptied. The cavities can be emptied separately from each other, since each cavity 2a,b is assigned its own opening 4a,b. For example, detergent is stored in the first cavity 2a and fragrance in the second cavity 2b. The connecting surface 3 is suitable for an interlocking connection to a metering device. The metering device connected to the container 1 can be added directly to the laundry in the tub of the washing machine. During a wash cycle, the metering device meters detergent from the first cavity 2a and during a subsequent wash cycle can remove the fragrance from the second cavity 2b via the opening 4b and release it into the wash tub. In this way, it is ensured that the detergent and the fragrance do not come into contact with each other, and the fragrance remains in the laundry after the wash cycle is finished, resulting in a satisfactory wash result for the user. Even if a large force acts on the container 1 during a wash cycle that would damage the second cavity 2b, the flowable formulation therein can only escape into the first cavity 2a and will not damage the laundry or the metering device.

[0021] Figure 2 shows a plan view of the container 1 of figure 1. The coupling surface 3 at least partially has a light reflecting surface 6, which the measuring device can detect by means of a sensor. Thus, on the one hand, a correct connection between the container 1 and the metering device can be checked to ensure that the container 1 can be emptied correctly via the opening 4, and, on the other hand, the filling level of the flowable formulation stored in the container 1 can be checked. The coupling surface 3 is equipped with suitable means for establishing a fluid connection with the metering device, such as a membrane-like closing device. The coupling surface 3 is also provided with a recess 5 which can be interlocked with a mating part of the metering device in order to enable a secure coupling between the container 1 and the metering device.

[0022] Figure 3 shows a cross section through an opening 4 in the connecting surface 3 of the container of figure 1. The opening extends through the connecting surface 3 into the cavity 2 and allows emptying of the cavity 2 which is closed by the connecting surface 3. In this way, the flowable formulation stored in the cavity 2 enters the metering device and is dispensed from there to the outside in a controlled metered manner. The opening 4 can for example be designed as a valve or a membrane to ensure a controlled discharge. [Explanation of symbols]

[0023] 1 container 2 Cavity 3 Connecting surface 4 Openings 5. Recess 6 Light reflective surface

Claims

1. at least a first cavity containing a first flowable formulation; a second cavity containing a second flowable formulation; a mating surface in releasable interlocking connection with a metering device suitable for dispensing into a tub of a washing machine; the second cavity is at least partially surrounded by the first cavity, the first cavity and the second cavity are designed to be substantially collapsible, the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly isolated from one another, and the first and second cavities are removably connectable via interlocking connections to the mating surfaces. A container containing at least two flowable formulations.

2. The connecting surface has an opening for removing the first flowable formulation from the first cavity and an opening for removing the second flowable formulation from the second cavity. The container of claim 1.

3. a fluid connection can be established between each opening and the metering device, 3. The container of claim 2.

4. The connecting surface is characterized in that it is difficult to deform. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first and second cavities change shape under the influence of negative pressure. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. characterized in that the removal of the flowable formulation under the influence of a gravity greater than 1 g is ensured; The container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. a volume ratio of the second cavity to the first cavity is 1:5 or more and 1:20 or less; The container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The container is hemispherical. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. the second flowable formulation contains less than 10% water; The container according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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