Self-adhesive cleaning agent unit with different height maxima

Abstract

The invention relates to a self-adhesive cleaning agent unit (10) comprising a moulded body (20) having a planar or convex lower side (21) and an opposite upper side (22), wherein the upper side and lower sides touch each other at a peripheral edge (23) of the moulded body. The moulded body (20) has a maximum length along a longitudinal axis (L), a maximum width along a width axis (B) and a maximum height along a depth axis (T), wherein the maximum length is greater than the maximum width and greater than the maximum height, wherein the height of the moulded body has at least three local maxima (30, 31, 32, 33) along the longitudinal axis, of which exactly two maxima (30, 33) are arranged at the end side along the longitudinal axis and each remaining maximum (31, 32) is arranged on the inner side. The height of each inner-side maximum is greater than the height of each of the two opposite end-side maxima. The invention also relates to a corresponding use and a corresponding production method.

Description

[0001] Henkel AG & Co. KGaA Dr. Koenigstein 2024-11-07

[0002] Self-adhesive cleaning unit with varying maximum levels

[0003] Conventional toilets often have a rim attached to the upper edge of the toilet bowl. This is a horizontal rim that runs partially or completely along the upper inner edge of the toilet bowl and often has a downward-sloping rim on the inside.

[0004] The flushing mechanism of these toilets ensures that the flushing water is directed through the rim to efficiently clean the inner surface of the toilet bowl. The rim helps to distribute the water evenly, thus guaranteeing thorough cleaning. It also serves as a splash guard and provides privacy, but is often cumbersome to clean.

[0005] Newer rimless toilets, also known as "rim-free toilets" or "rimless toilets," differ in their design from conventional toilets with a rim. These modern toilets are characterized by the absence, or minimal dimensions, of a horizontal rim or a downward-sloping rim on the upper inner edge of the toilet bowl.

[0006] The flushing technology in rimless toilets is designed so that the flushing water effectively reaches the entire inner surface of the toilet bowl without splashing and in a consistent manner. The rimless design offers several advantages. Firstly, it makes cleaning easier, as there is no rim where deposits and bacteria can accumulate. This contributes to a more hygienic environment and reduces cleaning effort.

[0007] Toilet cleaning blocks, also known as toilet blocks, have long been used for cleaning, disinfecting, and fragrance toilets under the rim (so-called "rim blocks") and in the cistern ("in-tank blocks" or "cistern blocks"). In recent years, aesthetics and performance have become increasingly important. This has led, for example, to the development of solid, gel, or liquid toilet bowl fresheners, some of which are offered in multi-chamber containers, thus combining a cleaning agent dispensed when the toilet is flushed with continuous room fragrance.

[0008] The familiar toilet cleaning blocks are generally designed for the geometries and flushing water flows of classic rimmed toilets. Due to the different construction and, in particular, the different flushing water flow, these solutions are less suitable for rimless toilets. Cleaning with toilet blocks in single- or multi-chamber dispensers is therefore often ineffective in modern toilets. 2024PF00229

[0009] 2

[0010] Solutions for cleaning toilet bowls are also known from the prior art, in which a cleaning product is applied to the surface of the toilet bowl.

[0011] EP 2 141 221 A1 discloses an adhesive cleaning product comprising a substantially flat adhesive surface for adhesion to a surface, such as the wall of the toilet bowl, and an opposing active surface, preferably rounded, facing outwards and exposed to the action of water flow, for example, the flushing water of the toilet.

[0012] EP 3 164 479 A1 shows a self-adhesive cleaning block with a first surface configured to adhere to a surface to be cleaned, and with a second opposing surface from which an integrally formed handle extends.

[0013] However, existing cleaning blocks are unsuitable for cleanly separating several adjacent preparations side by side, i.e., separating them with a smooth surface. Such separation is desirable so that only a straight dividing line is visible on the surface, and not a blurred transition or a curved line between two preparations. Therefore, there is a need for cleaning products that overcome these disadvantages.

[0014] These problems are solved by a self-adhesive cleaning unit comprising a molded body with a planar or convex underside and an opposing top side, wherein the top and bottom sides touch at a circumferential edge of the molded body, wherein the molded body has a maximum length L along a longitudinal axis, a maximum width B along a width axis, and a maximum height C along a depth axis, wherein the maximum length is greater than the maximum width and greater than the maximum height, wherein the height of the molded body has at least three local maxima along the longitudinal axis, of which exactly two maxima are located end-side along the longitudinal axis and each remaining maximum is located on the inside, wherein the height of each inside maxima is greater than the height of each of the two end-side maxima.

[0015] A local maximum can also be called a hill, and a local minimum a valley. Local maxima are also called maxima, and local minima a minimum. Within the scope of this invention, it is irrelevant whether a local maximum is also an (absolute) maximum and whether a local minimum is also an (absolute) minimum. In all cases, minima and maxima of the height of the molded body are meant, i.e., the distance between the top and bottom surfaces at a point along the longitudinal axis. 2024PF00229

[0016] 3

[0017] A segment is a section of the geometric body containing exactly one maximum and bounded by the surrounding edge and the adjacent minimum(s). The boundary at a minimum is formed by the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at that minimum. For maxima located on the inside, a segment is the area between the two adjacent minima; for maxima located at the ends, it is the area up to the one adjacent minimum. Along the width axis, all segments are bounded by the surrounding edge.

[0018] By appropriately selecting the height of the respective maxima, the shaped body is divided into segments with a local maximum at each local minimum by cutting planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, whereby the volumes of all segments are identical.

[0019] Because each inner maximum has a greater height, i.e., a greater distance from the bottom, than each end-facing maximum, exactly the same amount of preparation can be accommodated in all segments of the molded body along its longitudinal axis, while simultaneously achieving a straight separation plane between the preparations in adjacent segments.

[0020] Each end segment is limited by a minimum in only one direction along the longitudinal axis, and by the surrounding edge in the opposite direction along the longitudinal axis. Each inner segment, however, is limited by minima on two opposite sides. Therefore, each end segment has an end piece extending to the edge, which is not present in inner segments. Consequently, the volume of the molded body, which is located in the end piece of end segments, must be accommodated differently in inner segments. According to the invention, this is achieved by the greater height of each inner segment, i.e., the greater distance between the top and bottom surfaces at their respective maximums.

[0021] Preferably, at least two adjacent maxima are separated along the longitudinal axis by a minimum, at whose position along the longitudinal axis in the molded body two different preparations border each other.

[0022] This ensures that, especially when the preparations contain different colors or other visually perceptible different substances or compositions, straight lines are visible at the transitions between two segments, namely the intersection of the separating plane running through the molded body with the top and bottom.

[0023] Furthermore, the molded body is particularly flexible because two interfaces meet precisely at the minima, which are more prone to bending than the maxima. Moreover, the 2024PF00229

[0024] 4

[0025] Production is then simplified. In a first step, at least one portion of a first preparation and a second portion of a second, different preparation can be placed next to each other, and in a later step, the preparations can be formed into the shaped body using a press mold. According to the invention, both portions can then have exactly the same volume and yet be separated at their minima by smooth planes.

[0026] Since the maximum length is greater than the maximum width and also greater than the maximum height, the molded body – and thus also the cleaning unit – has an essentially elongated shape. In other words, it is a strip with peaks, where local maxima correspond to the peaks and local minima to the valleys.

[0027] One embodiment of the invention provides that the height of the molded body has four local maxima along its longitudinal axis. This achieves an ideal compromise between ease of handling through its compact design and flexibility through the three minima between the four maxima. The improved flexibility reduces the likelihood of air inclusions when the cleaning agent unit is applied to a concavely curved surface.

[0028] The cleaning agent unit may also contain a water-soluble film, for example made of PVA, which at least partially encloses the molded body.

[0029] The molded body may contain, among other things, one or more preparations with active ingredients for cleaning, perfume and / or for coloring the rinsing water.

[0030] Preferably, the maximum length of the molded body is at least 2, preferably 3, preferably 4, preferably 5 times greater than its maximum width.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the height of the molded body has three or more local maxima along the longitudinal axis, preferably four or more, more preferably five or more.

[0032] This allows more preparation to be incorporated into the molded body, namely in the maxima, while simultaneously increasing flexibility, namely through the minima.

[0033] The preferred feature is that the top surface of the self-adhesive cleaning unit is free of steps. In other words, the top surface is continuous and free of breaks. This prevents the molded part from breaking at steps, specifically at the edges of steps, when deformed. A continuous top surface is achieved, for example, when the radius of curvature of the 2024PF00229

[0034] 5

[0035] The top surface is larger than 1 cm at any point away from the surrounding edge, or in any case larger than 1 mm.

[0036] Preferably, the molded body is mirror-symmetrical about the plane spanned by the longitudinal axis and the depth axis. Further preferably, the maximum length of the molded body is at least 2, preferably 3, preferably 4, preferably 5 times greater than its maximum width. Such an elongated cleaning agent unit is easy to handle manually and, due to its symmetry, can be positioned in a toilet bowl regardless of its orientation.

[0037] A further preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the molded body is manually deformable, preferably manually plastically deformable. Plastically deformable means that the molded body has low elasticity and retains its position after deformation. Manually deformable means that even small forces are sufficient to deform the molded body. The preparation in the molded body, for example, has a flexibility that is determined as follows: A cuboid test specimen 2 mm thick and 20 mm wide is moved 100 mm over an edge at 20°C. After 20 seconds, the displacement by which the outer edge moves downwards from the horizontal is determined. Optionally, the test specimen can also be located between two PVA films (28 µm thick), and the displacement is determined in the same way. A test specimen without a PVA film is deflected downwards by 10 mm. With a PVA film, the displacement is 3 mm.

[0038] The top and bottom surfaces are ideally positioned to touch along a single circumferential edge of the mold. In other words, there is only this one circumferential edge, and no inner edge, meaning no gap or hole inside the mold. With such molds, it is particularly important that no air bubbles are trapped inside.

[0039] An improvement of the invention provides that the height of the molded body has two inflection points between a maximum and an adjacent minimum. The slope or derivative of the height along the length thus exhibits a local minimum between a minimum and an adjacent maximum. This creates a kind of plateau along the length of the molded body's height. This additionally results in improved volume in the vicinity of the maxima and improved flexibility in the vicinity of the minima.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the molded body comprises at least one alkyl polyglycoside (APG) as a surfactant. This is a nonionic surfactant and belongs to the sugar surfactants. Surprisingly, the use of APG imparts plastic deformability to the body. This makes the body easier to shape during manufacturing. 2024PF00229

[0041] 6 and conforms appropriately to the surface when used. In particular, the use of APG allows the maxima to be formed cleanly and reliably, thus improving the rinsing properties and the mechanical properties of the body.

[0042] Preferably, at least one APG is present in an amount of at least 5 wt.% in the composition of the cleaning agent unit, preferably in an amount of 5 wt.% to 20 wt.%.

[0043] In a process for producing a self-adhesive cleaning agent unit, in a first step at least one portion of a preparation is placed next to a second portion of the same or a different preparation, whereby these may or may not touch each other. The portions are preferably substantially spherical. In a subsequent step, for example immediately thereafter, the preparations are deformed into the shaped body using a mold. Preferably, the centers of the portions lie at their respective local maxima, and the centers between two pairwise adjacent portions lie at their respective minima. All portions preferably have the same volume relative to each other, both before and after deformation.

[0044] Furthermore, a use of the cleaning unit is described in which it is applied with the planar or convex underside to a moistened surface, in particular a concave surface, preferably in a toilet bowl.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment, the cleaning agent unit is packaged in a packaging unit which consists essentially of a recyclable material, for example a recyclable fibrous material such as paper, preferably free of fossil synthetic polymer materials.

[0046] The features of the respective embodiments are not limited to these, but can be combined with one another according to the invention. In particular, any described cleaning agent unit can be used in the described packaging unit.

[0047] The invention according to various embodiments is explained below with reference to the figures. In detail, the figures show:

[0048] Figure 1: A self-adhesive cleaning agent unit according to the invention

[0049] Figure 2: A schematic cross-section through a self-adhesive cleaning agent unit according to the invention 2024PF00229

[0050] 7

[0051] Figure 1 shows a self-adhesive cleaning agent unit 10 with a molded body 20 containing at least one active ingredient. This body has a planar underside 21 (not shown) and an opposing top side 22, the top and bottom sides touching at exactly one circumferential edge 23 of the molded body. There is no second edge within the molded body. The molded body is enclosed by a water-soluble PVA film (not shown).

[0052] The molded body 20 has a maximum length along a longitudinal axis L, a maximum width along a transverse axis B, and a maximum height along a depth axis T, where the maximum length is greater than the maximum width and greater than the maximum height. The molded body 20, and thus the cleaning unit 10, is therefore elongated. Furthermore, the molded body 20 is mirror-symmetric about a plane spanned by the longitudinal axis and the depth axis, which is perpendicular to the transverse plane.

[0053] The height of the molded body exhibits four local maxima 30, 31, 32, 33 along its longitudinal axis, as can be seen in this central cross-section perpendicular to the lateral axis. This means, firstly, that the molded body 20 has a larger volume in the regions of the maxima and thus contains more preparation, and secondly, that the molded body is particularly easily plastically deformable manually at the points between two adjacent maxima, especially at the points of the minima 36, ​​37, 38. This allows the cleaning agent unit to be easily positioned against a concavely curved surface. The minima divide the molded body into segments, resulting in two inner segments with maxima 31, 32 and two end segments with maxima 30, 33. Each inner segment is bounded by the edge 23 and two minima, while the two end segments are bounded by the edge 23 and a minimum.

[0054] Along the longitudinal axis L, all pairwise adjacent local maxima are separated by a local minimum, at whose position along the longitudinal axis in the molded body 20 two different preparations border each other. In other words, two adjacent segments contain different preparations. Each preparation is bounded by the boundary 23 and one or two planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, located at a minimum or at two minima – not shown here.

[0055] Figure 2 shows a schematic and not to scale cross-section through a self-adhesive cleaning agent unit 10 according to the invention, in a plane perpendicular to the width axis.

[0056] The cleaning agent unit 10 comprises the molded body 20 containing the preparations and a water-soluble PVA film (not shown here) encasing the molded body. 2024PF00229

[0057] 8 Two adjacent local maxima 30, 31; 31, 32; 32, 33 are separated by a local minimum 36; 37; 38, at whose position along the longitudinal axis L in the molded body 20 two different preparations abut each other. The two preparations meet at the dashed line. At each minimum, two adjacent preparations terminate with a flat end face. This configuration facilitates easier handling of the cleaning unit, as it can be more easily bent or folded at the locations of the minima. Manufacturing is also simplified, since different compositions can be placed side by side and deformed accordingly using a press mold.

[0058] The minima 36, ​​37, 38 divide the shaped body into segments. Each segment contains a maximum and is bounded by the circumferential edge 23 and – in the case of the two end segments 30, 33 – by a minimum 36 or 38, respectively, or – in the case of the inner segments 31, 32 – by two minima 36, ​​37 or 37, 38, respectively.

[0059] The end segments with maxima 30, 33 also contain end pieces 40 and 41, respectively, which are not included in the inner segments with maxima 31, 32. In the figure, these end pieces 40, 41 are bounded by dotted lines. Since all segments contain the same amount of preparation, the height of the end segments is less than that of the inner segments. The end segments have a lower height than the inner segments precisely such that the preparation has an identical volume in all segments and the boundary of the preparations in each segment is a straight plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L, shown here by the dashed lines at minima 36, ​​37, 38.

[0060] In the production of the self-adhesive cleaning agent unit 10, four portions of two preparations are placed side by side in a first step, where they may or may not touch each other. The portions are preferably substantially spherical. In a subsequent step, for example immediately thereafter, the preparations are deformed into the molded body 20 using a press mold. Preferably, the centers of the portions lie at their respective local maxima, and the centers between two pairwise adjacent portions lie at their respective minima. Preferably, all portions have the same volume relative to each other, both before and after deformation.Since the end maxima have a lower height than the inner maxima, during pressing preparation from the end portions can be pressed into the end pieces 40, 41, so that the separation between all portions at the locations of the minima 36, ​​37, 38 has the form of a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0061] This means that two adjacent segments in the cleaning unit 10 are visually separated by straight lines on the top 22 and bottom 21, instead of by curved lines or gradients. This is particularly true if at least two adjacent segments contain preparations with different visually perceptible properties, such as colors. 2024PF00229

[0062] 9

[0063] This illustration shows the planar underside 21. It is also clear that the top surface 22 is free of steps. In other words, the top surface 22 is continuous, i.e., free of discontinuities. This prevents the molded body from breaking at steps, specifically at the inward-facing edges of steps, when deformed. A continuous top surface is present, for example, if the radius of curvature of the top surface 22, as in this case, is greater than 4 mm at every point away from the circumferential edge, and in any case greater than 1 mm. The length of the cleaning agent unit is 94 mm. Alternatively, 50 mm to 150 mm is also preferred. The height of the maxima above the underside 21 is 5.6 mm, but can preferably also be 1 mm to 10 mm. The height of the minima above the underside 21 is 2 mm, but can preferably also be 500 mm to 8 mm.

[0064] Although a comparatively high amount of preparation is contained in the mold body at the locations of the maxima 30, 31, 32, 33, it can still be sufficiently deformed along its entire length due to the minima being more easily deformed plastically in order to adapt to a concavely curved surface.

[0065] In this example, the underside 21 is almost flat in the sections between two minima. However, the underside 21 can also be curved, for example, to fit more precisely against a continuously curved surface. The interfaces between two different preparations are located at the points of the minima, indicated here by dashed lines.

[0066] For the application of the self-adhesive cleaning agent unit 10 shown here, it is applied with its originally planar underside 21 to a moistened concave surface of a toilet bowl (not shown here). The cleaning agent unit 10 is then deformed before or during application to the surface according to its concave curvature.

[0067] The solution according to the invention, unlike prior art solutions, takes into account the specific characteristics of rimless toilets. Rimless toilets are toilets designed without a traditional flushing rim. These toilets have a smooth, rimless inner bowl, which facilitates cleaning because less dirt and germs can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas. Rimless toilets have become popular in some countries because they are considered more hygienic and easier to clean.

[0068] The inventive form of the self-adhesive cleaning agent unit takes into account the flow guidance of rim-free toilets in such a way that the design of rim-free toilets is aimed at effectively directing the water flow over the entire inner surface of the 2024PF00229

[0069] 10

[0070] to direct the toilet bowl. The sequence of local maxima according to the invention forces a distributed flow across the molded body and thus improved flushing performance.

[0071] In particular, this will help create efficient flow dynamics as the water flows around the maxima. This can improve cleaning efficiency because the water is distributed evenly across the entire molded part. This minimizes "dead zones" where the water doesn't circulate well. A distributed water flow helps to overcome these dead zones and ensure that all areas of the molded part are reached.

[0072] Furthermore, turbulence is minimized because the flow around the maxima is more uniform. Turbulence can prevent dirt particles from being effectively rinsed away, especially in the case of a lateral water flow as is the case with rimless toilets.

[0073] Even rinsing of the cleaning unit also improves its adhesion to the surface, preventing the adhesion layer – the layer that ensures the cleaning unit adheres to the surface – from being unevenly removed. Even rinsing also contributes to a uniform application of pressure to the surface.

[0074] Uneven water flow can lead to local pressure differences that could cause the adhesive layer to detach unevenly. Uniform rinsing reduces the likelihood of the adhesive layer adhering more strongly in certain areas than others. This helps ensure consistent detachment across the entire surface.

[0075] Overall, the sequence of maxima according to the invention shows a preferred flow through the cleaning agent unit and thus improved rinsing behavior and adhesion.

[0076] The following compositions were used for the molded body: 2024PF00229

[0077] 11

[0078] The compositions, or the molded body, can be coated with a water-soluble film, for example made of PVA.

[0079] 2024PF00229

[0080] 12

[0081] Reference symbol list

[0082] 10 Self-adhesive cleaning unit

[0083] 20 molded bodies

[0084] 21 Underside of molded body

[0085] 22 Top side of molded body

[0086] 30, 31, 32, 33 Maxima

[0087] 36, 37, 38 Minima

[0088] 40, 41 End pieces

Claims

2024PF00229 13 Patentansprüche 1. Self-adhesive cleaning agent unit (10) comprising a molded body (20) having a planar or convex underside (21) and an opposing topside (22), wherein the topside and underside touch at a circumferential edge (23) of the molded body; wherein the molded body (20) has a maximum length along a longitudinal axis (L), a maximum width along a width axis (B), and a maximum height along a depth axis (T), wherein the maximum length is greater than the maximum width and greater than the maximum height, characterized in that the height of the molded body has at least three local maxima (30, 31, 32, 33) along the longitudinal axis, of which exactly two maxima (30, 33) are located at the ends along the longitudinal axis and each remaining maximum (31, 32) is located on the inside, wherein the height of each inside maxima is greater than the height of each of the two opposing end maxima.

2. Self-adhesive cleaning agent unit (10) according to claim 1, wherein, with respect to the height of the molded body along the longitudinal axis (L), at least two adjacent local maxima are separated by a local minimum, at whose position along the longitudinal axis in the molded body (20) two different preparations are adjacent to each other.

3. Self-adhesive cleaning agent unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the molded body has four local maxima (30, 31, 32, 33) along the longitudinal axis.

4. Self-adhesive cleaning unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the top (22) is free of steps.

5. Self-adhesive cleaning agent unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the molded body (20) is mirror-symmetrical over a plane spanned by the longitudinal axis and the depth axis.

6. Self-adhesive cleaning agent unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the molded body (20) is manually deformable, preferably manually plastically deformable.

7. Self-adhesive cleaning agent unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper and lower sides touch at exactly one circumferential edge (23) of the molded body. 2024PF00229 14 8. Self-adhesive cleaning agent unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the height of the molded body (20) has two inflection points between a maximum (30; 31) and an adjacent minimum (36).

9. Method for producing a self-adhesive cleaning agent unit (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which in a first step at least a first portion of a preparation and a second portion of the same or a different preparation are placed next to each other, and in a later step the preparations are formed with a press mold to form the molded body (20).

10. Use of a self-adhesive cleaning agent unit (10) according to one of claims 1-8, wherein the self-adhesive cleaning agent unit (10) is applied with the planar or convex underside (21) to a moistened surface, in particular a concave surface, preferably in a toilet bowl.

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