Liquid cleaning compositions with separate components for laundry and kits thereof and cleaning methods for automatic washing machines - Patents.com

Abstract

A fluid cleaning composition and laundry cleaning kit thereof having four separate components is disclosed. The four components are contained in separate tanks of a washing machine equipped with a program for selection, dosing and differential delivery, and the separate components have the following formulations: Component 1 - a cleaning formulation with a pH range of 4.0 to 12.0, which has high cleaning effectiveness in a wash program at a temperature range of 40°C to 60°C and has specific action on cotton fabrics, especially white clothing; Component 2 - a cleaning formulation with a pH range of 8.0 to 12.0, which has high cleaning effectiveness in a wash program at a temperature range of 15°C to 40°C and has specific action on synthetic, colored and animal-derived fabrics; Component 3 - an enzyme-based stain removal formulation based on at least protease and lipase, and optionally amylase, stabilized with sorbitol and calcium chloride, which has a pH range of 5.0 to 6.0, preferably 5.0 to 5.5; and Component 4 - a post-wash conditioning formulation with a pH range of 2.0 to 4.0.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid cleaning composition comprising a plurality of separate concentrated components, the composition being intended for laundry washing in an automatic washing machine having separate tanks for each of said separate components of the cleaning composition according to the various characteristics of the individual laundry required by the user, and having a program for selecting and metering the various separate components of the cleaning composition.

[0002] The cleaning composition is arranged so that the various separate components can be introduced into the washing chamber of the washing machine at predetermined times in the wash cycle by appropriate selection, metering and delivery devices provided with the washing machine.

[0003] In this specification and hereinafter, the term "liquid cleaning composition having separate components" means that a composition consists of at least two liquid phase components that are used simultaneously and / or sequentially in carrying out a complete laundry wash cycle in a washing machine to obtain cleaning and subsequent conditioning of the fabrics of the washed items. [Background technology]

[0004] Home laundry in developed markets is now mostly carried out with the help of washing machines.

[0005] Suitable detergent products for such washing machines have long been available on the market, which have complex and versatile formulations, such as liquids or powders, and can be introduced into the washing chamber of the washing machine by a dispensing device with manual or automatic programming.

[0006] However, consumers often have to wash items made from specialized materials for which they find all-purpose detergents to be largely ineffective and / or harmful to the fabric.

[0007] Thus, the market for household laundry detergents is expanding with a wide variety of products with performance optimized for specific groups of fabrics and / or item colors.

[0008] Therefore, most consumers are forced to purchase and use multiple products to meet all their needs, for example, products for white items, colored items, wool items, synthetic items, and sports items.

[0009] In contrast to the above, the use of a single product may, on the one hand, present a risk of damaging items made of more delicate fibers, indeed resulting in significant deterioration by the product with higher cleaning and bleaching effects, and, on the other hand, reduced effectiveness on less delicate items with stubborn soil stains.

[0010] This first group of detergent products is further expanded by other types of products used to perform specific functions during the wash, such as stain removers to remove the most stubborn stains or stains of an organic nature, fabric softeners, fragrances or special additives for conditioning natural fibers.

[0011] If this variety of cleaning products allows, on the one hand, to carry out effective cleaning of various types of fabrics and stains, it naturally also implies, on the other hand, several drawbacks, such as increased complexity of supply for the consumer, increased bulkiness in the rooms of the home where the cleaning is carried out, specific skills in their use, suboptimal long-term storage which results in the loss of the cleaning effect, especially of the enzymatic components of the detergents, and finally, the risk of using an inappropriate product when the available stock is not complete but there is still an urgency to carry out a laundry wash.

[0012] Another drawback of this traditional mode of using laundry cleaning products stems from the fact that laundry is washed much more frequently today than in the past, and therefore high cleaning power is needed less frequently than ever before. Consequently, some components of detergents on the market are overdosed relative to normal laundry requirements, unnecessarily increasing the environmental impact of the product.

[0013] Furthermore, it should be noted that the highest degreasing effect of each individual surfactant forming the detergent occurs in a different, clearly defined temperature range, and therefore, commercially available all-purpose cleaning product compositions must be able to perform their cleaning activity over the entire range of possible temperatures for the various items to be washed, and must necessarily contain multiple surfactants, however, this may result in some of those surfactants proving to be less effective or useless when based on the temperature of the wash program selected by the consumer, thus representing a waste of money.

[0014] To address these various problems, washing machines with multiple separate tanks have recently begun to appear on the market, where each separate tank contains a concentrated component, is simpler to configure, and each tank has a different function.This division therefore allows for multiple washing cycles, where the dosage of various components is automatically performed at different times during the washing cycle (a well-known and already widespread example is Miele's TwinDos washing machine), calibrated based on the type of washing performed and the type of items to be washed.Therefore, each component can be used in the correct amount without requiring user intervention, and can achieve optimized results for each washing cycle.

[0015] Patent documents 1 to 9 (CN108951007, DE102016106777, WO2015 / 143820, EP2566943, EP2524079, EP2196574, EP1995368, US7784310, EP474848) disclose solutions for washing machines or methods of using washing machines, providing multiple tanks for separate washing ingredients, which are automatically dosed during successive wash cycles.

[0016] With regard to specific types of cleaning compositions having separate components for use in said multiple tank washing machines, the current prior art is illustratively represented by the patent documents briefly annotated below.

[0017] To address the issue of enzyme compatibility, WO 2017 / 211697 discloses a cleaning composition supplied in a combination of tanks, where the composition is distributed among a first tank having a component containing an enzymatic protease base, a second tank having a component containing an enzymatic lipase and / or a cellulase base, and a third tank containing a detergent. Alternatively, the detergent can be added to the first or second tank.

[0018] Patent Document 11 (EP 2521811) and its counterpart, Patent Document 12 (US 2013036772), on which the preamble of claim 1 of the present application was based, disclose a washing machine with multiple external tanks connected to the washing machine's internal drum. The multiple tanks include a first tank containing at least enzymes, enzyme stabilizers, and surfactants, which are typical formulations of conventional detergents; a second tank containing at least bleaching agents and complexing agents (which, in turn, are known stain removal and disinfecting formulations); and a third tank containing at least fragrances and / or optical bleaches and / or fabric softeners. The specific compositions disclosed therein do not have novel formulations but merely represent examples of different cleaning complexes, which are delivered according to requirements. The complex contents of each tank are delivered under predetermined conditions, but it is not possible to effectively create a formulation that optimizes the amounts of the components. Furthermore, one of the components contains both enzymes and surfactants, and thus is delivered together during the wash cycle (not unlike the prior art of general detergents), but the two components are predetermined and cannot be adjusted during use. Therefore, in many cases where they are not needed, the (expensive) enzymes exceed their waste threshold, and the presence of animal-derived protein-based materials (such as wool and silk) that are decomposed by the enzymes renders such components useless. Finally, allocating the separate components into three compartments, i.e., in a 1:4:1 ratio (with the highest amount being alkaline bleach), leads to inappropriate use of available volume and is not suitable for application in a washing machine's delivery system, since it does not match the washing requirements (which usually require larger amounts of surfactants and solvents). In particular, as shown in Patent Document 13 (EP 3623524), a solution requiring the components to be integrated into a tank accommodated in the circular area of ​​a washing machine's porthole, allocating the components into three compartments is not optimal for space utilization, considering the average type of items to be washed.Furthermore, the portholes of the washing machine transfer some of the washing heat to the tank of the washing formulation, which causes the tank to no longer have a neutral environment (as can occur if the tank is placed on top of the washing machine).Patent document 14 (EP 2521810) discloses a washing machine including an external multi-tank connected to the internal drum of the washing machine.The multi-tank includes a first tank containing at least one enzyme selected from the group consisting of amylase, mannanase, cellulase, lipase, and / or pectate lyase, and at least one surfactant and / or one complexing agent; a second tank containing at least one protease and one surfactant and / or complexing agent; and a third tank containing at least one fragrance and / or one optical bleach and / or one fabric softener.

[0019] Patent document 15 (WO 2009 / 95003) discloses a washing machine with multiple tanks, each containing a different type of cleaning ingredient. This completely avoids harmful interactions between different types of enzymes and allows for accurate dosing of each ingredient. However, there is a significant drawback in terms of both bulk and recharge frequency and mode: having to manage a large number of different tanks.

[0020] From the above body of prior art, it is clear how the inefficiencies of separate components persist in prior art compositions. In particular, dividing the components is only effective if multiple separate tanks can be managed, while the option of compartmentalizing to only three separate tanks represents a compromise that results in cleaning inefficiencies and little flexibility.

[0021] In particular, the solution proposed in WO 2009 / 9503 to assign each enzyme group to its own tank suffers from the aforementioned drawback of requiring too many tanks for good system efficiency and rapid consumer acceptance, and in fact would not provide sufficient advantages in the current situation of using multiple cleaning compositions suited to each specific laundry situation.Instead, the solution proposed to associate each enzyme group with other components of the cleaning composition with which no adverse interaction effects occur, such as surfactants, bleaches or softeners (as proposed in EP 2 521 811), although it is indeed possible to keep the number of different tanks reasonably small, has the drawback of not being able to independently dose the enzymes and the components associated with them, thus inevitably resulting in the overdosing of the components.

[0022] These challenges are exacerbated when the individual tanks have dimensional constraints, as proposed in patent document 13 (EP 3623524 A1), since they must be housed within compartments of pre-defined geometry. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0023] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Patent Publication No. 108951007 [Patent Document 2] German Patent Publication No. 102016106777 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2015 / 143820 Brochure [Patent Document 4] European Patent Publication No. 2566943 [Patent Document 5] European Patent Publication No. 2524079 [Patent Document 6] European Patent Publication No. 2196574 [Patent Document 7] European Patent Publication No. 1995368 [Patent Document 8] U.S. Patent No. 7,784,310 [Patent Document 9] European Patent No. 474848 [Patent Document 10] International Publication No. 2017 / 211697 Brochure [Patent Document 11] European Patent Publication No. 2521811 [Patent Document 12] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2013036772 [Patent Document 13] European Patent Publication No. 3623524 [Patent Document 14] European Patent Publication No. 2521810 [Patent Document 15] International Publication No. 2009 / 95003 Brochure [Patent Document 16] International Publication No. 2009 / 9503 Brochure Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0024] The object underlying the present invention is therefore to provide a cleaning composition having separate components that are capable of independently dispensing the main components of the composition in a wide range of different wash conditions, while maintaining an overall reasonably small number of separate components and associated relative amounts among the various components suitable for arranging separate tanks that optimize the space available in the circular area of ​​the porthole of a washing machine.The present invention also aims to reduce the total amount of components to a minimum so that the number of wash cycles can be increased up to 75 (average wash load 4.5 kg) independently of the washing machine and without the need to refill the components, in order to reduce the use of plastic materials used to package the washing unit and the associated environmental impact.

[0025] Finally, a further objective is to propose a group of ingredients that are particularly suitable for maintaining a good effect over a long period of time even under critical temperature conditions, as can be noticed in contact with the portholes of washing machines during exposure to various high temperature wash cycles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0026] The above object is achieved by a cleaning composition comprising a plurality of separate components having the characteristics defined in claim 1. Further preferred characteristics of said cleaning composition are defined in the dependent claims.

[0027] In particular, the present invention resides in formulating cleaning compositions for treating all possible items of clothing and other commonly used textiles made of any type of natural or synthetic fiber and in any soiled or stained condition.

[0028] According to the invention, such a cleaning composition consists of four separate components in a liquid phase, which are sold to the consumer in corresponding containers, and which, when used in combination with one another in a washing machine according to predetermined amounts depending on the type of fabric, the degree of soiling or the presence of stains, allow optimal cleaning and treatment of all types of fibers and items, without the need for the addition or substitution of other laundry products, stain removers or softeners, thus ensuring the versatility of the proposed solution for solving the problems of effective home laundry.

[0029] The integration of the cleaning compositions with separate ingredients of the present invention in washing machines with automatic dosing systems therefore allows for a dramatic reduction in the number of products that must be used in laundry, as well as the area in the home dedicated to maintaining an inventory of such products. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] Further features and advantages of the present invention will in any case become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are given purely by way of non-limiting example and are also illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which represent a schematic diagram of the portholes of a washing machine with four tanks for components according to the invention. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a porthole of a washing machine with four tanks for ingredients according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] In order to solve the above key problems, the applicant has carried out extensive research into the stability of enzymes during storage and into opportunities to optimize the division and amounts of different cleaning ingredients, taking into account the need to process various materials efficiently and to occupy limited space within the compartments in the circular area.

[0032] At the end of these experiments, it was found that by partitioning into four different components, the differentiated volumes of components 1, 2, 3, and 4 shown in Figure 1 could optimally occupy the circular area compartment (Figure 1) in a ratio of 5:4:1:2 to 4:3:1:3, preferably 4.2:3.3:1:2.5.

[0033] Furthermore, it was revealed that under certain pH conditions, different enzymes, especially proteases and lipases, can be maintained as a stable mixed enzyme without significant loss of activity.

[0034] These findings have made it possible to overcome the above-mentioned prior art and to invent a liquid cleaning composition in which all the necessary enzymes are collected in a single component, which allows the other ingredients to be used in a novel way, by dividing the surfactant into two components according to its optimum temperature of activity and the compatibility of the surfactant with the fabric, and adding a fourth component for final conditioning of the fabric, thus inventing the liquid cleaning composition with separate components of the present invention.

[0035] In effect, this allows the two protease- and lipase-based enzymes, as well as any other enzymes that may be required to optimize stain removal power, to remain in a single container of reduced volume (the volume of component 3 in Figure 1), occupying the entire available container volume, and the surfactant component to be moved to a separate, independent container with a larger volume, thereby allowing a better distribution of the various components across four different, independent volumes (compared to known techniques), advantageously separating the components that preferably have to be used in different cleaning conditions (typically enzymes and surfactants).

[0036] Thus, the four separate components that make up the liquid cleaning composition of the present invention have the following general formulation: Component 1 - A cleaning formulation with a pH range of 4.0 to 12.0 that has specific action on cotton items, especially white items; Component 2 - a cleaning formulation with a pH range of 8.0-12.0, with specific action on synthetic, colored, and animal-derived fibers; Component 3 - An enzyme-based stain removal formula with a pH range of 4.0-6.0; Component 4 - A formulation for conditioning fabrics at the end of the washing operation, with a pH range of 1.0 to 4.0.

[0037] The components occupy corresponding volumes designated 1, 2, 3 and 4 in FIG.

[0038] As diagrammed in Figure 1, the ingredients are contained in a cartridge in concentrated form in an amount sufficient to perform a number of cleaning cycles in the range of 50 to 100, taking into account the average frequency of use, and have a higher effectiveness than the average of conventional liquid cleaning products on the market.

[0039] Four cartridges 1-4 of the cleaning composition of the present invention are installed in a special washing machine equipped with a receiving seat with separate drawing units for the four cartridges (as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,999,499). The washing machine is further equipped with an automatic and independent drawing and dosing system for the four components, with a software program that defines the dosing of each individual component depending on the type of soiling and the user's selection of the type of fabric produced. The container's lid cap represents the connection to the dispensing line installed in the washing machine and is equipped with a venting system to balance the internal pressure.

[0040] The present invention is based on the experimental observation that it is possible to maintain the stability and relative cleaning effectiveness of lipase category enzymes in mixtures with certain types of protease enzymes when these enzymes are incorporated into formulations at a pH below 6.0 and using certain solvent mixtures. Preferably, the pH of the formulation should be greater than 4, and even more preferably greater than 5.

[0041] In particular, due to the fact that the component containers may be housed in locations that are potentially exposed to elevated temperatures during the wash cycle, stability over time must be guaranteed not only up to the temperature usually identified in that area as the limit temperature parameter associated with standard storage conditions for detergents (37°C), but even up to approximately 40°C.

[0042] For those containing cleaning surfactants, the separation of this component (identified as the third component above) allows for precise dosing only when necessary and compatible with the type of fabric being treated. Enzymes maintained in a single container without other cleaning ingredients allow for more volume available to dose this third component more per hour, thereby enabling superior stain removal and replacing the use of pre-treats or cleaning additives. Additionally, recovery cleaning of items made of animal-derived materials (wool, silk) can be performed (e.g., by using a second surfactant-based component) using enzymes that are only required in the presence of organic stains, without the consequent damage.

[0043] Instead, first-component cleaning formulations are characterized by a predominance of anionic surfactants that are highly active on plant-derived fabrics, with peak effectiveness at moderately elevated temperatures, e.g., 60° C. Such formulations can further incorporate oxygen-based brighteners to enhance effectiveness against oxidative stains and optical brighteners to maximize whiteness.

[0044] The second component cleaning formulation is characterized by the predominance of nonionic surfactants, with their effectiveness maximizing at temperatures ranging from 15° C. to 30° C. The formulation may contain color stabilizing ingredients and plant proteins to improve the overall hydration of animal-derived fabrics, as well as odor-removing components, to allow optimal cleaning of synthetic and state-of-the-art items.

[0045] The formulation of each of the individual components of the cleaning compositions of the present invention will now be described in more detail.

[0046] [Ingredient 1] Component 1 is based on a concentrated detergent that is most effective at temperatures above 40°C. The detergent system with cleaning effect is mainly a mixture of anionic and nonionic surfactants, with the active agent The active ingredient (hereinafter referred to simply as "active agent")The total amount of surfactants is in the range of 20% to 50%. The mixture must contain anionic and nonionic surfactants such that the ratio of active agents is in the range of 75:25 to 50:50. In the context of this application, reference is made to the amount of active agent, since surfactants (or other substances to be considered) are usually available commercially processed and diluted with water or other vehicles such as alcohols or glycols, which are considered "inactive" ingredients for cleaning purposes.

[0047] To provide maximum effectiveness with equal active agents on cellulosic fiber items and across a wide range of stains, the mixture should preferably consist of a combination of at least four different molecules.

[0048] Preferred anionic surfactant types belong to the group consisting of alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl ether sulfates and alkyl sulfates.

[0049] The preferred alkylbenzene sulfonates are C 10 ~C 15 and are commercially available under the trade names "TENSARIL™" (KLM Oleo), "SOLPHODAC™" (SASOL), "MARLON™" (SASOL), and "CAFLON™" (UNIVAR). Alkyl benzene sulfonates are typically incorporated into formulations in acidic form and neutralized in situ with a strong base such as sodium hydroxide, monoethanolamine, or triethanolamine. The addition of such a base also serves to adjust the pH of the formulation to the desired value.

[0050] Among alkyl ether sulfates, the chain length is C 10 ~C 16and the number of ethoxylation moles is preferably in the range of 1 to 3. Examples of usable raw materials are commercially available under the trade names "ZETESOL (trade name)" (manufactured by Zschimmer & Schwarz), "EMPICOL (trade name)" (manufactured by INNOSPEC), and "TENSAGEX (trade name)" (manufactured by KLM Oleo).

[0051] Further surfactant mixtures are commercially available under the trade names "SULFOPON™" (manufactured by BASF), "SULFETAL™" (manufactured by Zschimer & Schwarz), and "STEPANOL™" (manufactured by STEPAN). 10 ~C 16 The alkyl sulfate may include alkyl sulfates having alkyl chains in the range of

[0052] Among the nonionic surfactants, both primary and secondary ethoxylated fatty alcohols are preferred, with an ethoxylation degree of 7 moles or more and an alkyl chain of 1 to 3 moles, as commercially available, for example, under the trade names LUTENSOL™ (BASF), CAFLON™ (UNIVAR), or EMPILAN™ (INNOSPEC). 10 ~C 18 The range is.

[0053] Other non-ionic surfactants may be selected from the category of alkyl polyglucosides or alkyl polypentosides.

[0054] Soap can be added to the surfactant mixture at a final active concentration in the range of 1-10%. Preferred soaps are derived from olive oil and coconut oil.

[0055] Other types of surfactants can be added to the above surfactant mixtures to stabilize the viscosity or its foaming power, but such additional surfactants do not have a significant effect on improving the cleaning performance of cellulose-derived fibers.

[0056] The mixture must then be added with chelating molecules, sequestering agents and solvents in a manner consistent with cleaning formulations according to known art.

[0057] To enhance the cleaning effect, polymers with dispersing, anti-redeposition, and soil removal functions should be further introduced. Such ingredients can be selected from products on the market under the SOKALAN™ (BASF), TEXCARE™ (CLARIANT), or REPEL-O-TEX™ (SOLVAY) brands. Such ingredients can be present in the formulation in a proportion of 2-10%.

[0058] Considering the primary purpose of component 1 for use on fabrics made of white cellulose fibers, the formulation is enriched with an optical brightener, preferably selected from derivatives of 4,4'-distyrylbiphenyl (DSBP), such as those commercially available under the trademark TINOPAL (BASF). The concentration of such raw materials ranges from 0.05% to 1%.

[0059] The blending is completed with water, and the mixture may also contain other functional ingredients such as fragrances, rheology modifiers, preservatives, and colorants.

[0060] Hydrogen peroxide can be added to the final formulation of Component 1 to enhance bleaching action on easily oxidizable stains and also to provide certain disinfecting action. An acidic pH adjuster is essential to maintain a pH level between about 4 and about 12.

[0061] [Component 2] Component 2 is based on a concentrated detergent that is active at low temperatures and is characterized by its excellent softening action on animal-derived fabrics such as wool and silk.

[0062] Like Component 1, Component 2 is also based on a mixed surfactant system of anionic and nonionic surfactants, with the total amount of actives ranging from 30% to 60%. The anionic surfactant is useful for stabilizing ultra-concentrated formulations, although it is not at its most effective at low temperatures. The mixture must therefore contain anionic and nonionic surfactants in an actives ratio ranging from 25:75 to 50:50.

[0063] The anionic surfactants used in component 2 are selected from the same categories as those already cited in component 1. However, the applicant has recognized that completely removing the anionic surfactants of the alkyl sulfate and alkyl ether sulfate categories and replacing them with sulfonated olefins measurably improves the softness and resilience of the item (as experimentally verified through consumer panel tests) and avoids felting due to chemical dehydration of wool. For example, usable sulfonated olefins can be selected from the HOSTAPUR™ (manufactured by CLARIANT), WEYLCLEAN (manufactured by WEYLCHEM), or MERSOLAT™ (manufactured by LANXESS) range of products.

[0064] Preferred nonionic surfactants for the above components are those having an ethoxylation degree of 7 moles or more and a C 10 ~C 18 are commercially available, for example, UTENSOL™ (BASF), CAFLON™ (UNIVAR), EMPILAN™ (INNOSPEC), and alkyl polyglucosides from an unspecified manufacturer.

[0065] Applicants have further determined that the preferred use of glucamides in combination with olefins assists in maintaining the softness of wool fibers.

[0066] Preferably, the formulation further comprises disodium capryloyl glutamate at a concentration of active agent ranging from 1% to 5%, which provides bacteriostatic and adjuvant functions for the elimination of odors from sweat and other body fluids.

[0067] As with component 1, the mixture of component 2 should preferably be added together with the chelating and sequestering molecules.

[0068] In order to improve the cleaning effect, a polymer having dispersing, anti-redeposition and soil removal functions should preferably be further introduced, which can be selected from a range similar to that of the commercial product shown in Component 1, and the concentration used can also be the same, in the range of 2-10%.

[0069] Component 2 is preferably combined with additives that have anti-transfer properties, as these are primarily required for the cleaning process of colored items. Effective solutions can be selected from derivatives of polyvinylpyrrolidone and derivatives of cationic aliphatic polyamines, such as those sold under the trade names SOKALAN™ (BASF), TEXCARE™ (CLARIANT), and REILLINE™ (VERTELLUS).

[0070] The formulation is completed with water, and other functional ingredients such as solvents, fragrances, rheology modifiers, preservatives, colorants, pH adjusters, etc. may be included in the mixture.

[0071] [Component 3] This component essentially contains an enzyme charge, as described above. The enzyme base of the charge contains a mixture of enzymes that are essential for ensuring the stain removal power of the cleaning composition of the present invention, especially for stains of organic origin. The mixture usually contains at least a protease, an amylase, and a lipase. The base may further preferably contain cellulase and / or mannanase.

[0072] The mixture must be stable up to 40°C, and therefore above 37°C, at which temperature the enzyme's stability is tested by the enzyme manufacturer, because storing the container near a porthole exposes the mixture to elevated internal liquid temperatures during high-temperature washes, which can accelerate enzyme degradation.

[0073] Among proteases, the use of subtilisin is particularly recommended in this application. Only some types, especially those provided by manufacturers in a non-pre-stabilized form, are able to achieve the maximum stability over time of component 3. In fact, if the raw material already contains components that stabilize the activity, the overall balance of the necessary mutual stability of all enzymes cannot be achieved, which will have a negative impact on the cleaning effect.

[0074] In particular, less than 20% loss of potency after 12 weeks of conditioning at 40°C has been defined as the optimal experimental accelerated stability result.

[0075] The experimental studies that led to the present invention demonstrated that the stable coexistence of these enzymes in the same formulation, especially between protease and lipase, is optimal when the pH is maintained between 4 and 6, or even better between 5 and 6.

[0076] It has been found that optimal stabilization requires a careful selection of the possible available subtilisin enzymes, taking into account the enzyme co-formulants introduced by the manufacturer into the commercial raw material, the specific stain removal effect, and the decomposition power given to the lipase. In fact, at these pH levels, if the enzymes are not properly mixed, compatibility problems arise between the enzymes, which determine their instability and loss of effectiveness over time.

[0077] Empirical cleaning tests at time zero and at 40°C for up to 12 weeks of accelerated aging with specific monitoring on blood, grass, cocoa, olive oil and sebum stains have highlighted that maximum stability and effectiveness are achieved by blending with subtilisin-type enzymes, preferably those commercially available under the trade names Preferenz™ P100 (available from DU PONT) or LAVERGY™ PRO 104L (available from BASF), while even enzymes recently introduced on the market that perform better in common detergent applications have been found to degrade more quickly.

[0078] The protease in the formulation may contain up to 3% active enzyme protein (acronym aep), preferably up to 2% aep.

[0079] In addition to the protease, the formulation contains a lipase selected from those commercially available under the trade names LIPEX™ and LIPEX EVITY™, available from NOVOZYMES, and PREFERENZ™ L, available from DUPONT. The formulation can contain up to 1% aep of lipase.

[0080] In addition to proteases and lipases, the third component formulations can also contain amylase enzymes selected from those commercially available under the trade names AMPLYFY PRIME, STAINZYME, TERAMMYL™, TERMAMYL ULTRA™, available from NOVOZYMES, and PREFERENZ™ S, available from DU PONT. The formulations can contain up to 1% aep, preferably up to 0.5% aep, of amylase. The system can also contain cellulases and mannanases, both at concentrations up to 0.5% aep.

[0081] The third component formulation is finally stabilized by adding a polyol, preferably glycerol or, even better, sorbitol, and a salt selected from calcium chloride and sodium formate. The stabilization system selected must exclude the use of monopropylene glycol (MPG) from the formulation. MPG, whether intentionally added to the formulation or derived from derivatives of commercially available raw materials, should not exceed 10% of the active ingredient. In practice, MPG concentrations greater than 10% overall have been shown to cause chemical and physical instability in the solution, resulting in cloudy mixtures, precipitation of denatured enzymes, and a dramatic reduction in stain removal efficacy.

[0082] [Component 4] The fourth component of the cleaning composition of the present invention is a fabric conditioning product that has been developed to enhance the softness of natural fabrics and significantly reduce static cling on synthetic fabrics. This component formulation typically contains at least a cationic surfactant, preferably from the ester quat category. Such surfactants may be added together with polypropylene glycol or alcohol. The cationic surfactant may be present in a range of active concentrations between 5% and 20%.

[0083] Lactic acid can optionally be added to the formulation at concentrations up to 2% to adjust the pH and emulsion stability. The addition of lactic acid confers bacteriostatic properties to the product, avoiding the need for additional preservatives.

[0084] According to the present invention, when a functionalized inulin polymer is added to component 4, preferably to increase the softness of the item and to a significant extent eliminate the coarseness of cellulose fibers, it is possible to achieve results comparable to those of an inulin-free formulation with a 20% higher concentration of cationic surfactant. Because excessively high concentrations of cationic surfactant on textile fibers can have the undesirable side effect of excessive oiliness and resulting water repellency (particularly troublesome for items intended for water absorption, such as hand towels and bathrobes), limiting the application of cationic surfactant and adding a functionalized inulin derivative results in a significant improvement in the sensory appearance of the washed and conditioned item. Inulin is added to component 4 in an amount of active agent ranging from 0.2% to 2% and can be selected from products commercially available under the trademark QUATIN® (manufactured by ROYAL COSUN).

[0085] It is known that some hydrolyzed or functionalized plant-based proteins derived from wheat and silk exert a softening effect on fabrics superior to lanolin when added at active ingredient levels ranging from 0.1% to 3%. However, the present applicant has demonstrated that the use of plant-based proteins derived from rice, which are conventionally used only in the cosmetics sector, not only affects the hydration and softness of keratin fibers, but also improves the hydration of cellulose fibers and the relaxation of silk and cotton fibers (as can be clearly demonstrated by consumer panel tests), thereby assisting in ironing. These plant-based proteins derived from rice are added to formulations at active ingredient levels ranging from 0.2% to 3.0% and can be selected from commercially available products, such as those under the trademarks GLUADIN® (BASF) and ORYSOL™ (KELISEMA).

[0086] Treatment of items made with animal fibers with component 4 at the end of the washing operation combats dehydration normally caused by the washing process and reduces aging of the fibers due to abrasion.

[0087] The Component 4 formulation may also contain secondary active agents such as silicones, enzymes of the cellulase category, and components active in odor neutralization.

[0088] [Dosage of separate components 1 to 4] The separate components 1-4 described above can be dosed independently during the program. At least one of the cleaning-effective components 1 and 2 must always be dosed per wash cycle, and optionally components 3 and 4 can be added on the basis described below.

[0089] In particular, for a standard laundry load of about 4.5 kg, the dosages of the separate components of the cleaning composition of the present invention are preferably as follows: The total amount of ingredients 1 and 2 should be within the range of 10ml to 40ml; The amount of ingredient 3 should be in the range of 1 ml to 10 ml; The amount of ingredient 4 should be within the range of 5ml to 20ml.

[0090] Components 1, 2 and 3 are dosed in the main cleaning step and can be added to the cleaning solution at the same time or in different steps depending on the cleaning program.

[0091] Additionally, components 1 and 2 can also be dosed during the pre-wash step. Finally, component 4 must be dosed in the final rinse.

[0092] The composition of the ingredients according to the preferred embodiment takes into account the relative dosing requirements found on average in washing machine use, requiring a total volume of less than 4 liters, preferably 3.25 liters, with the volume divided as follows: Ingredient 1: 1250ml Ingredient 2: 1000ml Ingredient 3: 300ml Ingredient 4: 700ml This choice of volume allows for optimal distribution of the containers within the housing of the appliance, allowing for up to 75 washing cycles and avoiding excessive consumption of ingredients at different times, which would make refilling difficult for the user. [Example]

[0093] In the following, some preferred examples of the individual liquid detergent components according to the invention are reported in a detailed and schematic manner, and then, through a process on board the washing machine for selecting, dosing and delivering the four components according to the requirements during the operation cycle of the washing machine, a complex formulation of the detergent composition is created in a technical manner within the scope of the art.

[0094] [Ingredient 1] [Example 1] 17% C 10 ~ 13 -sec-Alkylbenzene 4-sulfonic acid 2.5% NaOH 8% Lauryl Sulfate (MEA Lauryl Sulfate) 8% Ethoxylated Fatty Alcohols (C 13 -C 15 Alcohol, 7EO) 6% Ethoxylated Fatty Alcohol (Isotridecanol 8EO) 5% Potassium Coconut 5% MMB 2% MGDA (Trilon M liquid) 5% EPEI (Sokalan HP20) 2% fragrance 0.4% Optical Brightener (Tinopal CBS-X) Preservatives and water to 100% as needed pH 9.5~10.5 [Example 2] 20% C 10 ~ 13 -sec-Alkylbenzene 4-sulfonic acid 3.9% MEA 5% Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, 3EO 10% Ethoxylated Fatty Alcohol (C 13 -C 15 Alcohol, 7EO) 8% C 10 -C 16 Alkyl polyglucosides 5% Potassium Coconut 5% MMB 2% MGDA (Trilon M liquid) 6% EPEI (Sokalan HP20) 2% fragrance 0.4% Optical Brightener (Tinopal CBS-X) Preservatives and water to 100% as needed pH 8.5~9.5

[0095] [Component 2] [Example 1] 10% C 10 ~ 13 -sec-Alkylbenzene 4-sulfonic acid 5.05% TEA 6% C 14 ~ 17 -sec-Alkyl sulfonic acid, sodium salt 15% Ethoxylated Fatty Alcohols (C 13 -C 15 Branched and linear alcohols, 7EO) 10% D-glucitol, 1-deoxy-1-(methylamino)-, N-C8 10 Acyl derivatives (D-Glucitol, 1-deoxy-1-(methylamino)-, N-C8-10 acyl derivatives) 5% Potassium Coconut 5% MMB 0.5% MGDA (Trilon M liquid) 4% EPEI (Sokalan HP20) 2% Polyvinylpyrrolidone (Sokalan HP56) 2% fragrance Preservatives and water to 100% as needed pH 8.0-9.0 [Example 2] 10% C 10 ~ 13 -sec-Alkylbenzene 4-sulfonic acid 5.05% TEA 6% C 14 ~ 17 -sec-Alkyl sulfonic acid, sodium salt 20% Ethoxylated Fatty Alcohols (C 13 -C 15 Alcohol, 7EO) 5% D-Glucitol, 1-deoxy-1-(methylamino)-, N-C8 10 Acyl derivatives 5% Disodium Capryloyl Glutamate 5% Potassium Coconut 5% MMB 2% MGDA (Trilon M liquid) 2% EPEI (Sokalan HP20) 2% Polyvinylpyrrolidone (Sokalan HP56) 2% fragrance Preservatives and water to 100% as needed pH 8.0-8.5

[0096] [Component 3] [Example 1] 3% sodium formate 45% sorbitol 2% aep protease (Lavergy PRO 104L) 0.80% aep lipase (Preferenz L100) 0.50% aep amylase (Preferenz S110) 0.03% citric acid Water to reach 100% as needed pH 4.5~5.0 [Example 2] 3% calcium chloride 45% sorbitol 2% aep protease (Lavergy PRO 104L) 0.60% aep lipase (Lipex energy 100L) 0.45% aep amylase (Amplifyprime 100L) 0.30% aep cellulase (Medley Glow 200L) 0.15% aep Mannanase (Mannaway) 0.03% citric acid Water to reach 100% as needed pH 5.0-5.5

[0097] [Component 4] [Example 1] 15% Esterquat (TETRANYL L1 / 90S) 2% Hydrolyzed Rice Protein (ORYSOL) 2% Hydroxypropyltrimonium Inulin (QUATIN 680 TQ-D) 3% Silicone Emulsion (Ersil 66) 3% fragrance 0.6% Lactic Acid (2-Hydroxypropanoic Acid) Water to reach 100% as needed pH 2.0-3.0 [Example 2] 20% Esterquat (TETRANYL L1 / 90S) 1% Hydrolyzed Rice Protein (ORYSOL) 3% Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein (COLTIDE™ HSI) 3% Silicone Emulsion (Ersil 66) 3% fragrance 0.6% Lactic Acid (2-Hydroxypropanoic Acid) Water to reach 100% as needed pH 2.0-3.0

[0098] The dosage of ingredients can be determined by the logic unit installed in the washing machine in the amounts shown in Table 1, based on the specific requirements of various wash cycles. [Table 1]

[0099] As can be seen from the above description, the division into four components and the specific formulation of each component allows for a highly effective cleaning composition to be obtained and for the objectives set out in the introduction to be achieved.

[0100] In effect, the appropriate ingredients are provided in bulk to efficiently occupy a circular area section, automatically achieving the most effective cleaning formula for multiple types of items. The specific composition of the four ingredients allows the properties and amounts of each formula to be optimized, resulting in long-term storage of active ingredients, reduced waste and environmental pollution during the cleaning cycle, and the lowest possible user responsibility.

[0101] Advantageously, the cleaning compositions of the present invention can be used with any washing machine equipped with four independent tanks that will be controlled by appropriate selection, dosing and differentiated delivery programs.

[0102] However, it is understood that the present invention should not be considered limited to the above-described particular configurations, which constitute only exemplary embodiments thereof, but that various modifications are possible, all within the purview of a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, which is exclusively defined by the appended claims.

[0103] For example, although more or less thick liquid ingredients have always been referred to, it is not excluded that the cleaning composition may also rely, at least in part, on fully dehydrated ingredients, e.g., in powder or small particulate form (and therefore still be fluid so that they can be easily transported into the wash chamber of a washing machine).

Claims

1. 1. A fluid cleaning composition having four separate components contained in separate tanks corresponding to each of the washing machines equipped with a program for the selection, dosing and differentiated delivery of said components according to the various characteristics of each individual laundry batch, said separate components being in the following formulation: Component 1 - a cleaning formulation having a pH range of 4.0 to 12.0, a high cleaning effect in a washing program at a temperature range of 40°C to 60°C, and containing predominantly anionic surfactants with specific action on cotton fabrics; Component 2 - a cleaning formulation having a pH range of 8.0 to 12.0, a high cleaning effect in a washing program at temperatures between 15°C and 40°C, and containing a preponderance of nonionic surfactants with specific action on synthetic, colored and animal-derived fibers; Component 3—an enzyme-based stain removal formulation based on at least a subtilisin-type protease and a lipase, having a pH in the range of 5.0 to 6.0, and stabilized with sorbitol, calcium chloride, and not more than 10% by weight of monopropylene glycol relative to the total amount of said component 3; Component 4—a post-wash conditioning formulation having a pH range of 2.0 to 4.0; and A fluid cleaning composition characterized in that said components are distributed into four different independent volumes and the enzymes and surfactants of said components are separated.

2. 2. The cleaning composition according to claim 1, wherein component 1 comprises a mixture of anionic surfactants and nonionic surfactants in a weight ratio of active ingredients ranging from 75:25 to 50:50, wherein the anionic surfactants are selected from alkyl benzene sulfonates, alkyl ether sulfates, and alkyl sulfates, and the nonionic surfactants are selected from both primary and secondary ethoxylated fatty alcohols, alkyl polyglucosides, or alkyl polypentosides.

3. Component 1 of the cleaning composition according to claim 2 contains, relative to the total amount of component 1, a surfactant whose active ingredient content is in the range of 20% to 50% by mass, a soap whose active ingredient content is in the range of 1% to 10% by mass, a wide variety of additives whose active ingredient content as a whole is in the range of 2% to 10% by mass and has stabilizing, dispersing, preventing redeposition, and stain removing functions, an oxidative bleaching agent and a fluorescent whitening agent whose active ingredient content is in the range of 0.05% to 1% by mass, and water to reach 100% by mass.

4. In the cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, component 2 comprises a mixture of anionic surfactants and nonionic surfactants in a weight ratio of active ingredients in the range of 25:75 to 50:50, the anionic surfactants being selected from alkylbenzene sulfonates and sulfonated olefins, and the nonionic surfactants having an ethoxylation degree of 5 moles or more and a C １０ ~C １８ The cleaning composition is selected from among both primary and secondary ethoxylated fatty alcohols having alkyl chains in the range of

5. 5. The cleaning composition according to claim 4, wherein component 2 contains, relative to the total amount of component 2, a surfactant whose active ingredient amount is within the range of 30% by mass to 60% by mass, an additive whose active ingredient amount is within the range of 1% by mass to 5% by mass and has bacteriostatic function and assists in odor removal, a wide variety of additives whose active ingredient amount is within the range of 2% by mass to 10% by mass overall and has stabilizing function, dispersing function, anti-redeposition function, and stain removing function, and water to reach 100% by mass.

6. 6. A cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein component 3 consists of a mixture of enzymes including protease, lipase and amylase, and further including cellulase and / or mannanase.

7. 7. The cleaning composition according to claim 6, wherein in component 3, the protease content is at most 3% by weight aep, the lipase content is at most 1% by weight aep, the amylase content is at most 0.5% by weight aep, and the cellulase and mannanase contents are each at most 0.5% by weight aep.

8. 10. The cleaning composition of claim 1, wherein component 4 comprises a cationic surfactant of the esterquat category.

9. 9. The cleaning composition according to claim 8, wherein component 4 contains, relative to the total amount of component 4, the cationic surfactant in an amount of active ingredient ranging from 5% to 20% by weight, a lactic acid-based bacteriostatic additive in an amount of active ingredient ranging up to 2% by weight, an inulin-based softening additive in an amount of active ingredient ranging from 5% to 20% by weight, a rice protein-based softening additive in an amount of active ingredient ranging from 0.4% to 3% by weight, and water in an amount ranging up to 100% by weight.

10. 10. The cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein components 1, 2, 3 and 4 are placed in each tank in a volume ratio of 5:4:1:2 to 4:3:1:

3.

11. 1. A laundry cleaning kit comprising four separate cartridges each containing cleaning ingredients, The cleaning ingredients constitute a cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and The cleaning components 1, 2, 3 and 4 are distributed in the cartridge in a volume ratio of 5:4:1:2 to 4:3:1:

3. A laundry cleaning kit comprising:

12. 11. A washing method in a washing machine comprising a detergent washing step in which doses of cleaning ingredients are delivered to a washing chamber from separate cartridges for said cleaning ingredients, the cartridges being housed in compartments defined by portholes in the washing machine and containing the ingredients that make up the cleaning composition according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images