DE202021103575U1 - Unit dose capsule - Google Patents

Abstract

A unit dose capsule (101) for treating a substrate, the capsule (101) comprising first (102), second (103) and third (104) chambers containing a substrate treatment composition, wherein: the capsule (101) of two Sheets of water-soluble film is formed, wherein the two film webs are sealed to one another to form a sealing web lying in a sealing plane, the first (102), the second (103) and the third (104) chamber being arranged generally in the sealing plane and a first , describe the second and third chamber base area on the sealing plane, the combined area of the base area of the second (103) and third (104) chambers being 0.8 to 2.5 times the area of the base area of the first chamber (102 ) amounts to.

Description

Field of invention

The present invention relates to a unit dose capsule containing a substrate treatment composition for treating a substrate and in particular for treating fabric or dishes.

Background of the invention

Water-soluble multi-chamber capsules for cleaning agents made from water-soluble film are known. The water soluble film is typically polyvinyl alcohol. The preferred method of making capsules involves thermoforming the film. Thermoforming is a process in which a first film web is subjected to a shaping process in order to form depressions in the film. The process involves heating the film to soften it and also applying a vacuum to hold the film in the molds. The wells are then filled. The capsules are completed by placing a second sheet over the filled wells and sealing it with the first sheet of film around the edges of the wells to form a flat sealing sheet.

The relaxation of the first film then typically leads to the applied second web bulging when the vacuum is removed from the first film web in the mold. The capsules are cut apart so that part of the flat sealing sheet remains as a peripheral "skirt" around each capsule when it is removed from the mold. Although the sealing sheet is flat when in the mold, it can deform a little when it is removed from the mold. Likewise, after removal from the mold, the profile of the capsule usually relaxes slightly away from a “perfectly shaped” profile. Insofar as reference is made in this application to flat sealing webs and / or a sealing plane assigned to the sealing web, this refers to a sealing web which is flat. Similarly, where reference is made in this application to aspects of the shape or configuration of a capsule, it refers to capsules that are formed into molds having that shape or configuration. Nonetheless, some aspects of the shape and configuration may be embodied in the capsule itself, for example as a result of the relaxation of the foil associated with each compartment and the action of the liquid compositions within the compartments.

Multi-compartment capsules are suitable for dispensing main detergent compositions to automatic washing machines and even for hand washing applications. Although a multi-chamber configuration is more difficult to manufacture than a single chamber, it can be chosen because components of the detergent composition must be mixed at the point of use and / or are less stable when stored together. It can also give the capsule an aesthetic appearance, since the various chambers can be filled with different-looking contents.

Water-soluble multi-chamber capsules for detergents comprising 2 to 5 chambers, which are obtained by thermoforming a water-soluble film, are shown in FIG EP1375637 and EP1394065 (Unilever) revealed. One compartment may contain a liquid portion of the detergent composition and another compartment may contain a granulated portion of the composition, such as bleach or water softener. A problem with capsules whose chambers are covered by a flat sealing sheet 104 that extends across the capsule, as described in most of the disclosed embodiments, is that they are slack because they fold up along the flat seal, causing part of the capsule to sag. This folding has been found to be problematic for handling and a flaccid capsule is not popular with consumers.

The product sold as "Tide Pods" or "Ariel Pods" is assembled from two thermoformed "capsules" to form a multi-chamber capsule, with a first "capsule" with two smaller liquid chambers connected with foldable flat seals, then used to seal (Closing) a larger chamber is used. This stacked configuration prevents the seals from folding. However, this approach suffers from the disadvantages of a complex manufacturing process and the presence of a sealing area with three layers of foil. To avoid dissolution problems resulting from such three-ply seals, it is necessary to use a thinner film than normal, which leads to problems with leakage due to pin-holing of the thinner film elsewhere in the capsules manufacturing leads.

Polyvinyl alcohol film cannot completely prevent the contents of one liquid chamber from migrating to another. In any capsule, in which a liquid chamber is separated from other components by only a single thin layer of polyvinyl alcohol film, the ability to effectively separate components that must be kept separate until use is essential, inevitably impaired. In the case of the “Tide Pod” capsule, for example, only the contents of the two smaller liquid chambers can be viewed as effectively separated.

WO 2014/170882 (Rideau) discloses three-chamber capsules in which the chambers are arranged in such a way that only one seal runs from one side of the product to the other. The designs usually consist of a central chamber that is not only accompanied by, but actually surrounded by, side chambers. This is a solution to the sagging problem with multi-chamber capsules. The only design where the seal runs from side to side without dividing is 14th , which represents a two-chamber system. In all other designs a central chamber is used to provide stability against the problem of sagging.

The sagging problem also applies to the commercially available “3-in-1” capsule sold by EI Corte Ingles (Spain), which is shown schematically in 3 you can see. This capsule 301 has a rectangular hem 302 and three straight-sided chambers of essentially the same size 303 , 304 , 305 .

Another problem in the "real world" with water-soluble detergent capsules, including those used in automatic washing machines, is that consumers do not carefully read the instructions for use and therefore may misuse them. It is known that they put the capsule in the dosing drawer of the washing machine, even though it should be put directly into the drum, and it is also known that they use the capsules in overloaded water-saving washing machines, in which the capsule may then be a comparatively small one Amount of water exposed. Rapid and complete dissolution of the capsule and mixing of the compositions from different chambers is therefore important. Indeed, incomplete dissolution of the water-soluble film can be a problem, especially if the peripheral seam - which is comparatively thick because it is formed from two webs of film - is wide and / or has substantial corners. Incomplete dissolution can lead to film residues remaining on the garments. In fact, if the film adheres to a garment in the early stages of a wash cycle or when the capsule is placed on the garments to be washed, dissolution can be made even more difficult as the adherent or partially embedded film becomes more difficult to dissolve. The problem of the film sticking or entangling a garment can be greater if the hem is wide and / or has extensive corners.

WO2018 / 086834 (Unilever) aims to address one or more of the above problems and / or provide improved capsules, particularly those related to material and energy efficiency in manufacture, handling, consumer experience and performance during use.

It turns out that there are many problems in the production of capsules, especially the speed, leaks can often be observed during transport. Although the capsules have been in use for a while, it is common to find that there are problems with cleaning performance, such as capsules getting caught in clothing, resulting in inadequate cleaning and stained clothing. It is often found that capsules are either too fragile and often tear before they are used for their intended purpose, or are sometimes too saggy for them to fold and leak.

Summary of the invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a unit dose capsule for treating a substrate, the capsule comprising first, second and third chambers containing a substrate treatment composition, the capsule being formed from two webs of water soluble film, the two film webs are sealed together to form a sealing web lying in a sealing plane, the first, the second and the third chambers being arranged generally in the sealing plane and describing a first, second and third chamber base area on the sealing plane, the combined area of the base areas of the second and third chambers is 0.8 to 2.5 times the area of the base of the first chamber.

1. a. Platzieren einer ersten Bahn aus wasserlöslicher Polyvinylalkohol-Folie über eine Form mit Sätzen von Kavitäten, wobei jeder Satz drei Kavitäten umfasst, die auf der Versiegelungsebene in Umfangsrichtung hintereinander angeordnet sind, wobei die kombinierte Fläche der Grundflächen der zweiten und der dritten Kammer das 0,8- bis 2,5-fache der Fläche der Grundfläche der ersten Kammer beträgt;
2. b. Erwärmen und Anlegen eines Vakuums an die Folie, um die Folie in die Kavitäten zu formen und sie an Ort und Stelle zu halten, um drei Vertiefungen in der Folie zu bilden; eine erste Vertiefung, die zweite Vertiefung und eine dritte Vertiefung, wobei die drei Vertiefungen durch die Folie mit jeweiligen seitlichen Vertiefungen verbunden sind;
3. c. Einfüllen von drei verschiedenen Teilen einer Substratbehandlungszusammensetzung in die drei Vertiefungen, wobei die drei Teile zusammen eine vollständige Substratbehandlungszusammensetzung bilden;
4. d. Versiegeln einer zweiten Folienbahn mit der ersten Folienbahn über den gebildeten Vertiefungen, um die Versiegelungsbahn zu bilden, die einen peripheren Versiegelungssaum und Versiegelungsbahnen zwischen den Kammern umfasst; und
5. e. Schneiden zwischen den Kapseln, so dass eine Reihe von Dreikammerkapseln gebildet wird, wobei jede Kapsel einen Teil einer Substratbehandlungszusammensetzung in drei Kammern enthält.

A method of making a unit dose capsule ( 101 ) according to the first aspect, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

1. a. Placing a first sheet of water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol film over a mold with sets of cavities, each set comprising three cavities arranged circumferentially one behind the other on the sealing plane, the combined area of the base areas of the second and third chambers being 0.8 - is up to 2.5 times the area of the base of the first chamber;
2. b. Heat and apply a vacuum to the foil to shape the foil into the cavities and holding them in place to form three indentations in the sheet; a first depression, the second depression and a third depression, the three depressions being connected by the film to respective lateral depressions;
3. c. Pouring three different parts of a substrate treatment composition into the three wells, the three parts together forming a complete substrate treatment composition;
4. d. Sealing a second web of film to the first web of film over the formed depressions to form the sealing web which includes a peripheral sealing seam and sealing webs between the chambers; and
5. e. Cutting between capsules to form a series of three compartment capsules, each capsule containing a portion of a substrate treatment composition in three compartments.

These and other aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent upon review of the following detailed description and examples.

Figure list

• 1 Figure 3 is a perspective view of the capsule according to the present invention;
• 2 Figure 3 is a top plan view of the capsule according to the present invention;
• 3 FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the FIG 1 shown capsule, shown along the line II-II in 1 ;
• 4th Figure 3 is a side view of the capsule;
• 5 Figure 3 is a perspective view of a three cavity mold in accordance with the present invention;

Detailed description of the invention

Except in the examples or if explicitly stated otherwise, all numbers in this description, the amounts of materials or reaction conditions, physical properties of materials and / or the use may be understood as modified by the word “about”.

It should be noted that when specifying any value range, any specific upper value can be linked to any specific lower value.

For the avoidance of doubt, the word “comprising” is intended to mean “including”, but not necessarily “consisting of” or “composed of”. In other words, the steps or options listed do not have to be exhaustive.

The disclosure of the invention as found here is to be understood to cover all embodiments as can be found in the claims as being multi-dependent, notwithstanding the fact that claims may be without multiple dependency or redundancy are found.

If a feature is disclosed in relation to a certain aspect of the invention (e.g. a product according to the invention), it is to be assumed that this disclosure also applies mutatis mutandis to every other aspect of the invention (e.g. a method according to the invention).

“Unit-dose capsule” described herein is a capsule that is preferably intended for single use, preferably for washing clothes or for washing dishes, and more preferably for washing clothes.

The expression "area expansion ratio" as described here is the area of the film above the sealing plane to the area of the base of the chambers, which lies in the sealing plane.

The present invention provides a unit dose capsule for treating a substrate, the capsule comprising first, second and third chambers containing a substrate treatment composition, the capsule being formed from two webs of water soluble film, the two webs of film forming one in a sealing plane lying sealing web are sealed together, wherein the first, the second and the third chambers are arranged generally in the sealing plane and a first, second and third chamber base on the Describe the sealing level, the combined area of the base of the second and third chambers being 0.8 to 2.5 times the area of the base of the first chamber.

The capsule preferably comprises a first, second and a third chamber which contain a substrate treatment composition, the capsule being formed from two webs of water-soluble film, the two film webs being sealed to one another to form a sealing web lying in a sealing plane, the first, the second and the third chambers are arranged in the sealing plane and describe a first, second and third chamber base area on the sealing plane, the combined area of the base area of the second and third chambers being 0.8 to 2.5 times the area of the The base area of the first chamber is.

The inventors have surprisingly found that ensuring that the area of the combined base area of the second and third chambers is 0.8 to 2.5 times the area of the base area of the first chamber, many advantages over substantially the same size Chambers or the choice of floor space on a random basis. It was found that the unit dose capsule according to the present invention was very stable during manufacture, transport and use by the consumer, since the capsule was much more robust, at the same time the capsule acquired useful properties to accurately accommodate the contents of the chambers correct time during the wash cycle. It has been found that a deviation from the size of the base areas according to the present invention leads to unsatisfactory washing results, and when the combined area of the base area of the second and third compartments is greater than 2.5 times the area of the base area of the first compartment or less than 0.8, the resulting capsule is a limp capsule which is very prone to folding and consequently leading to leaks and breakage and poor washing results.

Unit dose capsule

Aspects of the invention described herein provide a unit dose capsule for treating a substrate, the capsule comprising first, second and third chambers containing a substrate treatment composition, the capsule being formed from two webs of water-soluble film underlying two webs of film Forming a sealing web lying in a sealing plane are sealed together, wherein the first, the second and the third chamber are arranged generally in the sealing plane and describe a first, second and third chamber base on the sealing plane, the combined area of the base of the second and the third chamber is 0.8 to 2.5 times the area of the base of the first chamber. The capsule preferably comprises a first, second and a third chamber which contain a substrate treatment composition, the capsule being formed from two webs of water-soluble film, the two film webs being sealed to one another to form a sealing web lying in a sealing plane, the first, the second and the third chambers are generally disposed in the sealing plane and define first, second and third chamber bases on the sealing plane, the combined area of the bases of the second and third chambers being 0.8 to 2.5 times the area the base of the first chamber.

It is preferred that the size of the base area of the chamber, which lies in the sealing plane, increases linearly. In other words, the three chambers have base areas such as large, medium and small, i.e. the chambers preferably do not have bases of the same size and particularly preferably large, medium and small.

It is preferred that the base areas of the chambers which are located in the sealing plane have the largest dimension in the range from 10 mm to 60 mm.

It is preferred that the sealing web can comprise a generally square, rectangular, hexagonal or annular peripheral sealing web, wherein the sealing web preferably comprises a generally annular or square sealing web that defines the periphery of the capsule, and more preferably a square sealing web that extends extends over the capsule and serves to connect the chambers and separate the contents of the chambers.

It is preferred that the sealing web comprises a generally annular or square sealing web, the sealing web defining an outwardly facing edge of each of the three chambers, the profile of the outwardly facing edge of each of the three chambers being substantially continuously curved. That is, each outwardly facing edge is curved over substantially its entire length.

It is preferred that the chambers have a concave indentation on the side where the chamber faces other chambers, and preferably inward, facing a central axis of the capsule, and each chamber has a convex portion. It is preferred that the chambers have a concave indentation on the side where the chamber faces other chambers, and preferably inward, facing a central axis of the capsule, and each chamber has a convex portion facing the periphery of the capsule . The term "central axis" as used herein refers to an imaginary axis that passes through the center of the capsule perpendicular to the direction of the sealing plane.

It is preferred that the chambers are shaped so that they utilize the maximum space of the capsule so that the indentation of one chamber receives the indentation of another. The chambers can have any shape, and The base areas of the chambers, which are located in the sealing plane, are preferably teardrop-shaped, comma-shaped, leaf-shaped, yin-and-yang-shaped or similar and can all have different shapes or the same shapes, but different sizes, or a combination of different shapes, it is particularly preferred that all three chambers have the same shape.

It is preferred that the first chamber is droplet-shaped with a tapered end portion at the top, a bulbous portion at the bottom, a concave indentation facing the central axis of the capsule, and a convex portion facing the periphery of the capsule; the second chamber is shaped so that it conforms to a concave indentation of the first chamber and is at least partially arranged therein, and the third is arranged to at least partially receive the bulbous portion of the first chamber.

It is particularly preferred that the second chamber is droplet-shaped, with a tapered end section at the top, a bulbous section at the bottom, a concave indentation facing the central axis of the capsule, and a convex section facing the periphery of the capsule, so that the bulbous section of the second chamber is at least partially accommodated in the concave indentation of the first chamber.

It is most preferred that the third chamber is droplet-shaped and has a tapered end section at the top, a bulbous section at the bottom, a concave indentation facing the central axis of the capsule, and a convex section facing the periphery of the capsule, has, so that at least partially the bulbous portion of the first chamber is accommodated in the concave indentation of the third chamber.

The terms “chambers” and “base areas” are used in various places in the present application, the word chamber being used to mean the 3D chamber, while the word “base area” denotes its 2D shape on the sealing plane.

It is particularly preferred that the three chambers and their bases are in place. It is preferred that the chambers are arranged one behind the other in the sealing plane in the circumferential direction. More preferably, the three chambers are arranged in an annular or chain-like manner in the circumferential direction.

It is preferred that the chambers have a bulbous end portion and a tapered end portion. In a particularly preferred embodiment, if the three chambers are leaf-shaped, teardrop-shaped or similar, with a tapered upper section, a bulbous section below and a concave and convex side, the bulbous section of one chamber sits in the concave indentation of another and the top of one chamber is near the lower bulbous portion of another.

It is preferred that the chambers have a shape in cross section in the sealing plane (i.e., as defined by the peripheral sealing sheet and the inner sealing sheet) that is teardrop-shaped. The drop shape of the first lateral chamber is expediently inverted with respect to the drop shape of the second lateral chamber.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first chamber is large, the second chamber is small and the third chamber is medium-sized.

It is preferred that the sealing web comprise a generally annular or square sealing web or seam. The shape of the outwardly facing edge of the peripheral sealing sheet generally corresponds to the cutting pattern used to separate the capsules prior to removal from the mold.

It is preferred that the sealing sheet comprises a peripheral sealing seam, inter-chamber sealing sheets between the chambers, whereby the chambers are separated from one another, and a central sealing sheet.

It is preferred that in the capsule of the present invention, the capsule has a planar asymmetry across the sealing plane.

In embodiments, the three chambers are essentially the same shape. The orientation of the three chambers can be the same or different. It is preferred that the chambers have substantially the same shape and different orientations, so that the shape of the first chamber is inverted with respect to the shape of the third chamber and the second chamber is arranged in the remaining space on the sealing plane.

It is preferred that the unit dose capsule of the present invention have a weight in the range of 5 to 60 g, preferably 5 to 40 g, and more preferably between 7 to 30 g.

It is particularly preferred that the general shape of the base areas for the first, second and third chambers is essentially identical. The general shape of the base is more preferably identical for the first, second and third chambers.

It is preferred that the combined volume of the second and third chambers is 0.8 to 2.3 times, and more preferably 0.9 to 2 times the volume of the first chamber.

It is preferred that the sealing sheet comprises a peripheral sealing seam, inter-chamber sealing sheets between chambers, thereby separating the chambers from one another, and a central sealing sheet.

It is preferred that the chambers are arranged radially around the central sealing track in a sealing plane.

It is preferred that the footprints of the first, second and third chambers are essentially identical. The footprints of the first, second and third chambers are more preferably identical.

It is preferred that the chambers have an average area expansion ratio in the range of 1.5-4.

It is preferred that the average seal width between the chambers is in the range of 0.3 to 3 mm.

It is preferred that in the capsule of the present invention the chambers are arranged radially around the central sealing track on a sealing plane.

It is preferred that in the capsule of the present invention, the capsule has a planar asymmetry across the sealing plane.

It is preferred that, in the capsule of the present invention, the size of the base area of the chamber lying in the sealing plane increases linearly from the smallest to the largest chamber.

In the capsule of the present invention, it is preferable that the chambers are arranged one behind the other in a circumferential direction.

It is preferred that, in the capsule of the present invention, the greatest height of the largest chamber to the smallest chamber is in the range of 1:05 to 3.

It is preferred that, in the capsule of the present invention, the base areas of the chambers which are located in the sealing plane have the largest dimension in the range from 10 mm to 60 mm.

It is preferred that, in the capsule of the present invention, the volume of the three chambers increases linearly from the smallest to the largest chamber.

It is preferred that, in the capsule of the present invention, the volume of the substrate treatment composition in the three chambers increases linearly from the smallest to the largest chamber.

procedure

We also described a method of making a capsule as described herein, wherein an array of molds comprises at least a first and second series of molds and each mold comprises cavities, with water-soluble film being provided in each cavity to form wells for receiving a liquid composition the array of molds moving in a process direction to pass under a filling station, and the filling station dispensing liquid composition into the recesses of the moving molds, wherein at least one filling device of the filling station fills a recess in a mold of the first row, itself moved substantially perpendicular to the process direction, and then fills a recess in a shape of the second row.

volume

In embodiments, the first chamber has a larger volume than each of the second and third chambers. It is particularly preferred that the first chamber is large and holds the largest volume of the substrate treatment composition, the second chamber is small and holds the smallest volume of the substrate treatment composition and the third chamber is medium in size and holds more substrate treatment composition than the second chamber and less than the third chamber.

It is preferred that the height of the chamber with the largest volume to that of the chamber with the smallest volume be in the range of 1:05 to 4.

The volume is expediently calculated on the basis of the volume of the corresponding cavity in the mold used to manufacture the capsule. The volume includes both liquid composition and gas.

In embodiments, the volume of the first chamber is 3 ml, suitably 4 ml, 5 ml, 6 ml or 7 ml. In embodiments, the volume of the first chamber is 15 ml, 13 ml, 12 ml, 10 ml or 9 ml. In embodiments, the volume of the central chamber is in the range of 3 to 15 ml, 4 to 13 ml, 5 to 12 ml, 6 to 10 ml or 7 to 9 ml.

In embodiments, the volume of the second chamber is 1 ml, suitably 1.5 ml, 2 ml, 2.5 ml or 2.75 ml. In embodiments, the volume of the second chamber is 10 ml, 9 ml , ≤ 8 ml, ≤ 8.5 ml or ≤ 7 ml.

In embodiments, the volume of the central chamber ranges from 1 to 10 ml, 1.5 to 9 ml, 2 to 8 ml, 2.5 to 8.5 ml, or 2.75 to 7 ml.

In embodiments, the volume of the third chamber is ≥ 3 ml, suitably ≥ 4 ml, ≥ 4.5 ml, ≥ 5.5 ml or ≥ 6.5 ml.

In embodiments, the volume of the third chamber is 10 ml, 9 ml, 8.5 ml, 8 ml or 7.5 ml. In embodiments, the volume of the central chamber is in the range from 3 to 10 ml, 4 to 9 ml, 4.5 to 8.5 ml, 5.5 to 8 ml or 6.5 to 7.5 ml.

In embodiments, the total chamber volume (total volume of all three chambers) is preferably in the range from 10 to 36 ml, more preferably in the range from 12 to 30 ml, even more preferably in the range from 13 to 25 ml.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the volume of the first chamber is in the range from 5 to 12 ml; the volume of the second chamber in the range from 1.5 to 9 ml and the volume of the third chamber in the range from 4 to 9 ml.

It is preferred that the combined volume of the second and third chambers is 0.8 to 2.3 times, and more preferably 0.9 to 2 times the volume of the first chamber.

Each chamber is designed to contain a substrate treatment composition and a gas. It is preferred that each chamber is filled with at least 60% by volume of the substrate treatment composition, more preferably 72% and most preferably 73%, it is further preferred that each chamber is at most up to 95%, more preferably up to 90% and most preferably until 88% of the total volume of the chamber is filled. It is preferred that the substrate treatment compositions fill the volume of each chamber in the range of 70 to 95%, more preferably 72 to 90%, and most preferably 73 to 88% of the total volume of the chamber.

It is preferred that each chamber is filled with at least 3% by volume of the gas, more preferably 7% and most preferably 13%, it is further preferred that each chamber is at most 30%, more preferably 28% and most preferably is filled to 25% of the total volume of the chamber. It is preferred that the gas fill the volume of each chamber in the range of 3 to 30%, more preferably 7 to 28%, and most preferably 13 to 88% of the total volume of the chamber.

Dimensions and shape

In embodiments, each of the three chambers extends across the sealing plane so that the portion of each chamber furthest from the sealing plane lies in a direction perpendicular to the sealing plane.

In embodiments, each of the chambers extends ≥ 4 mm, ≥ 6 mm, ≥ 7 mm, ≥ 8 mm or ≥ 9 mm, and expediently ≤ 30 mm, ≤ 25 mm or ≤ 22 mm above the sealing plane, measured in a direction perpendicular to Sealing level. As noted elsewhere, the terms "above" and "below" are relative, not absolute, and are used accordingly; here they can be understood to refer to opposite directions perpendicular to the sealing plane.

It is preferred that the capsule is cuboid or hexoidal and more preferably cuboid. It is preferred that the length and width of the cuboid is in the range from 70 to 20 mm, more preferably from 60 to 30 mm and most preferably from 55 to 35 mm. It is further preferred that the depth of the cuboid is in the range between 7 and 30 mm, more preferably from 10 to 25 mm and most preferably from 12 to 20 mm.

The three chambers

In embodiments, the outwardly facing edges of each of the three chambers are curved, expediently essentially continuously curved.

In embodiments, the curvature and arrangement of the outwardly facing edges are such that an approximate imaginary circle is defined. In embodiments, the curvature of at least a major portion of each of the outwardly facing edges of each chamber substantially matches the curvature of the imaginary circle.

The configurations of the chambers described here can help to quickly provide a detergent solution in a washing machine, which contains all three parts of the substrate treatment composition. In particular, if they are placed approximately flat over, for example, dirty clothes in the drum of a washing machine, the subsequent rising water level caused by the (partial) filling of the drum with water at the beginning of the washing cycle can result in the simultaneous dissolution and / or dispersion of all three Effect parts of the liquid composition from their respective chambers. Even if water is introduced into the drum in some other way, it is likely that all three chambers will be exposed to the water just introduced so that the dissolution and dispersion of all three chambers and their contents will begin at about the same time. In washing cycles in which the drum is moved during the filling stage to move the garments, the capsule, even if it is inverted, will similarly present all three compartments to the water.

Another advantage of the configurations described herein is that only two webs of water soluble film are required to provide three chambers. Furthermore, a significantly larger surface area is presented for each of the three chambers, so that faster dissolution could be achieved compared to, for example, capsules which require three layers of water-soluble film and / or in which the chambers have a wall or a considerable area in common, whereby the wall or surface is not accessible to the water, resulting in slower and / or uneven dissolution and / or dispersion of the compositions and the wall material in use.

The water soluble film

As described herein, two water-soluble films are used to make the capsule: a first film is applied to the cavity of the mold to form depressions, the depressions are filled with substrate treatment composition and gas, and a second film is filled on top of the mold Depressions applied to contain the substrate treatment composition and thereby form the chambers.

In embodiments, the thickness of the first film (before thermoforming) is from 50 to 150 micrometers, from 60 to 120 micrometers, or from 80 to 100 micrometers. After capsule manufacture, the average thickness of the first film is generally 30 to 120 micrometers or 50 to 100 micrometers, and more preferably 70 to 100 micrometers.

The second sheet is typically of a type similar to that used for the first sheet, but preferably somewhat thinner. Thus, in embodiments, the second film is thinner than the first film. In embodiments, the ratio of the thickness of the first film to the thickness of the second film is from 1: 1 to 2: 1.

It is preferred that the thickness of the second sheet (before thermoforming) is from 20 to 100 micrometers, from 50 to 90 micrometers, or from 60 to 85 micrometers.

It is preferred that the water-soluble film comprises polyvinyl alcohol or a polyvinyl alcohol derivative. Such film materials can be produced, for example, by a blown or cast process.

The water-soluble film can also contain plasticizers, antifoams, antioxidants, surfactants, fragrances and the like.

Versieaelungsbahn

It is preferred that the sealing strip comprises a generally ring-shaped or square sealing strip which surrounds all three chambers, preferably arranged one behind the other in the sealing plane, preferably in the circumferential direction.

Two webs of water-soluble film are sealed together to form a sealing web lying on a sealing plane, which forms the sealing web, the sealing web having a peripheral sealing seam, preferably a generally annular or square sealing web, which surrounds all three chambers, inter-chamber sealing webs between the chambers, which thereby separate the chambers from one another, and has a central sealing strip, the average width of the inter-chamber sealing strips being in the range from 0.3 to 3 mm.

Peripheral sealing sheet

In embodiments, the peripheral sealing web or the peripheral sealing seam has an area of 1500 mm ² , 1400 mm ² , 1300 mm ² , 1200 mm ² , 1100 mm ² or 1000 mm ² . A smaller hem area (also referred to as a flange area) is desirable for the reasons explained here, namely because of the lower waste and the lower likelihood of undesirable residues, as well as because of the improved consumer perception and the handling experience.

In embodiments, the maximum width of the seam is 12 mm, 10 mm, 9 mm, 8 mm or 7 mm. The width of the peripheral sealing sheet at any point on the periphery of the capsule is the distance between the outermost one Edge of the chamber which defines the inner edge of the annular path at this point, and the outermost edge of the peripheral path at this point, measured radially on an imaginary line extending from the center of the capsule in the sealing plane to this outermost edge.

Although a narrower seam is desirable for aesthetic and performance reasons, it is nonetheless important that a robust seal is provided and so in embodiments the maximum width of the peripheral sealing web is ≥ 1 mm, ≥ 2 mm, or ≥ 3 mm.

In embodiments in which the outwardly facing edge of the peripheral sealing web is a hexagon, the width of the annular sealing web along at least a major portion of each side of the hexagon is suitably 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm or 4 mm. The said main section of each side of the hexagon is expediently at least 55% of the length of the side of the hexagon, preferably at least 60%. In this way, the width of the annular sealing web (seam) can be narrow around most of the capsule circumference, which further helps to give the consumer a pleasant tactile and visual impression and to minimize the amount of water-soluble film used.

In embodiments in which the outwardly facing edge of the peripheral sealing strip is a square, the width of the annular sealing strip on each side of the square is expediently 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm or 4 mm.

Quite generally and regardless of the shape of the outwardly facing edge of the peripheral sealing web, it is indeed preferred that the width of the peripheral sealing web for the main part of the capsule circumference is 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm or 4 mm. The main part of the circumference of the capsule is expediently at least 55% of the circumferential length, preferably at least 60%.

In embodiments, the outwardly facing edge of the peripheral sealing web is a square or a hexagon. The hexagon can be a regular or an irregular hexagon. Conveniently, the hexagon is a regular hexagon (all sides are the same length).

The peripheral sealing sheet or seam that defines the periphery of the capsule thus gives the capsule a shape such as a square or a hexagon.

In embodiments, the side length for each side of the hexagon is ≥ 20 mm, ≥ 25 mm, ≥ 28 mm, ≥ 30 mm, ≥ 32 mm, ≥ 34 mm, ≥ 35 mm or ≥ 37 mm. In embodiments, the side length for each side of the hexagon is 50 mm, 45 mm, 43 mm, 41 mm or 40 mm. In embodiments, the side length for each side ranges from 30 mm to 45 mm, 32 mm to 42 mm, or 35 mm to 40 mm.

As noted above, the hexagon is suitably a regular hexagon and in embodiments the regular hexagon has a side length in the range of 37 mm to 42 mm, for example about 39 mm.

Other shapes are also envisaged, such as a square, a circle, and an oval.

Sealing width

The inter-chamber sealing sheets between the chambers serve to separate the chambers from one another. The seal width is the sealing sheet spacing between the various chambers or chamber bases and is important to keep the chambers together in the sealing plane.

An average sealing width of the gap sealing web of 5 mm, 4 mm, 3.5 mm or 3 mm is preferred. It is further preferred to have a sealing width of the peripheral sealing web of 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm. It is preferred that the average seal width be in the range of 0.7 to 5 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.3 to 5 mm, more preferably in the range of 0.3 to 4 mm, more preferably 0.4 to 3.5 mm , more preferably from 0.5 mm to 3 mm, and most preferably from 0.7 mm to 3 mm.

Area expansion ratio

The "area expansion ratio" is the area of the film above the sealing plane to the area of the base of the chambers, which lies in the sealing plane. The average area expansion ratio is the average area expansion ratio of the three chambers. The areal expansion ratio has been found to play an important role in the quality and effectiveness of the unit dose capsule.

It is preferable to have an average area expansion ratio of 4.5, 4, 3, or 2.8. It is further preferred to have a sealing width of the peripheral sealing web of 0.8, 1, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2. Preferably the average is Area expansion ratio in the range from 0.8 to 4, more preferably in the range from 1 to 4.5, more preferably in the range from 1.5 to 4, even more preferably from 1.5 to 3, even more preferably from 1.8 to 3 and am most preferably from 2 to 2.8.

Area of the base

The area of the base is the area on the sealing plane that is covered by the base of the respective chambers.

The inventors have surprisingly found that ensuring that the area of the combined base area of the second and third chambers is 0.8 to 2.5 times the area of the base area of the first chamber, many advantages over substantially the same size Chambers or the choice of footprint on a random basis. It was found that the unit dose capsule according to the present invention was very stable during manufacture, transport and use by the consumer because the capsule was more robust, at the same time the capsule acquired useful properties to precisely adjust the contents of the compartments Release time during the wash cycle. It has been found that a deviation from the size of the base areas according to the present invention leads to unsatisfactory washing results, and if the base area of the combined area of the base areas of the second and third chambers is less than 0.8 or greater than 2.5 - times the area of the base area of the first chamber, the resulting capsule is a limp capsule which is very prone to wrinkles and consequently leads to leaks and breakage and poor washing results.

It is preferred that the combined area of the base area of the second and third chambers is 3, 2.8, 2.5 or 2.3 times the area of the base area of the first chamber. It is further preferred that the combined area of the base of the second and third chambers is 0.8, 1, 1.3, 1.5 times the area of the base of the first chamber. It is preferred that the combined area of the base area of the second and third chambers to the base area of the first chamber is 0.8 to 3.0 times, more preferably 0.8 to 2.8 times, and most preferably that 0.8 to 2.5 times the area of the base areas of the second and third chambers together.

Thermoforming process

1. a. Platzieren einer ersten Bahn aus wasserlöslicher Polyvinylalkohol-Folie über eine Form mit Sätzen von Kavitäten, wobei jeder Satz drei Kavitäten umfasst, die auf der Versiegelungsebene in Umfangsrichtung hintereinander angeordnet sind, so dass die Fläche der kombinierten Grundfläche der zweiten und der dritten Kammer das 0,8- bis 2,5-fache der Fläche der Grundfläche der ersten Kammer beträgt;
2. b. Erwärmen und Anlegen eines Vakuums an die Folie, um die Folie in die Kavitäten zu formen und sie an Ort und Stelle zu halten, um drei Vertiefungen in der Folie zu bilden; eine erste Vertiefung, die zweite Vertiefung und eine dritte Vertiefung, wobei die drei Vertiefungen durch die Folie mit jeweiligen seitlichen Vertiefungen verbunden sind;
3. c. Einfüllen von drei verschiedenen Teilen einer Substratbehandlungszusammensetzung in die drei Vertiefungen, wobei die drei Teile zusammen eine vollständige Substratbehandlungszusammensetzung bilden;
4. d. Versiegeln einer zweiten Folienbahn mit der ersten Folienbahn über den gebildeten Vertiefungen, um die Versiegelungsbahn zu bilden, die einen peripheren Versiegelungssaum und Zwischenkammer-Versiegelungsbahnen umfasst; und
5. e. Schneiden zwischen den Kapseln, so dass eine Reihe von Dreikammerkapseln gebildet wird, wobei jede Kapsel einen Teil einer Substratbehandlungszusammensetzung in drei Kammern enthält.

A method of making a unit dose capsule ( 101 ) according to the first aspect, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

1. a. Placing a first web of water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol film over a mold with sets of cavities, each set comprising three cavities which are arranged one behind the other on the sealing plane in the circumferential direction so that the area of the combined base of the second and third chambers is the 0, 8 to 2.5 times the area of the base of the first chamber;
2. b. Heating and applying a vacuum to the foil to form the foil into the cavities and hold them in place to form three indentations in the foil; a first depression, the second depression and a third depression, the three depressions being connected by the film to respective lateral depressions;
3. c. Pouring three different parts of a substrate treatment composition into the three wells, the three parts together forming a complete substrate treatment composition;
4. d. Sealing a second web of film to the first web of film over the formed depressions to form the sealing web including a peripheral sealing seam and interchamber sealing webs; and
5. e. Cutting between capsules to form a series of three compartment capsules, each capsule containing a portion of a substrate treatment composition in three compartments.

As described here, it is preferred that the cutting (step (e)) expediently comprises cutting according to a hexagonal or square cutting pattern. In embodiments, this step includes providing a cutting device configured to make simultaneous or sequential cuts corresponding to each of the six sides of the hexagon or the four sides of a square. In embodiments, the cutting device has three pairs of parallel blades to effect the cutting of the respective pairs of opposite sides of the hexagon, or it has two pairs of parallel blades to effect the cutting of the respective pairs of opposite sides of the square.

Sealing can be done by any suitable method, such as heat sealing, solvent sealing, or UV sealing. Water sealing is particularly preferred. The water seal can be done by exposing the second sheet of film to moisture is applied before it is sealed with the first film web in order to form the sealing surfaces.

A preferred thermoforming process uses a rotary drum on which the mold cavities are mounted. A vacuum forming machine using such a drum is available from Cloud LLC. The capsules according to the invention can also be produced by thermoforming on a linear arrangement of cavity sections. Machines suitable for this type of process are available from Hoefliger. The following example description focuses on the rotation process. The person skilled in the art can understand how this can be adapted to a method with a linear arrangement without any inventive effort.

Substrate treatment composition

The substrate treatment composition can be any type of cleaning composition for which it is desirable to provide a dose thereof in a water-soluble capsule. The unit dose capsules comprise three different parts of the substrate treatment composition. All three parts are preferably liquid.

Suitable substrate treatment compositions which can be divided into various components for use in the context of the present invention include those which are intended for laundry (cleaning, softening and / or treatment of textiles) or dishwasher washing. Washing compositions, in particular laundry cleaning compositions, are preferred.

The three compartment capsules contain three different parts of a substrate treatment composition which when combined make up the complete substrate treatment composition. By this it is meant that the formulation of each of the parts of the substrate treatment composition is different in either its physical form (e.g. viscosity), its composition, or its color. Sometimes it is sufficient if the parts of the substrate treatment composition differ only slightly from one another, e.g. in color, fragrance, etc. However, often it will be advantageous to have visible differences.

Each of the compartments can contain sequestering agents, enzymes, bleach catalysts, fragrance, water softeners, etc., and other compartments can be filled with liquids, more preferably substrate treatment compositions. By filled it is meant that the chamber contains liquid and gas. The presence of the gas bubble provides some protection from compression of the chamber due to its compressibility. The gas is preferably air which is trapped in the chamber during manufacture.

The fluid containing chambers are separated by the sealing sheet as described herein.

Preferred liquids have a viscosity in the range from 100 to 1000 cPs, more preferably between 200 and 800, further preferably in the range from 250 to 700 and most preferably in the range from 300 to 600.

The liquid composition in each of the chambers preferably has a low water content of less than 20% by weight, more preferably from 0.5 to 18% by weight of water, most preferably from 1 to 17% by weight.

Surfactant

The substrate treatment composition can contain one or more organic surfactants. Many suitable detergent compounds are available and are described in detail in the literature, e.g. in "Surface-Active Agents and Detergents", Volumes I and II, by Schwartz, Perry and Berch. The organic surfactant can be anionic (soap or non-soap), cationic, zwitterionic, amphoteric, nonionic or a mixture of two or more thereof. The preferred organic surfactants are mixtures of soap, synthetic anionic and nonionic non-soap compounds, optionally with amphoteric surfactant.

Anionic surfactant can be present in an amount from 0.5 to 50% by weight, preferably from 2% or 4% by weight up to 30% or 40% by weight of the substrate treatment composition. Suitable examples include alkylbenzenesulfonates, particularly linear sodium alkylbenzenesulfonates having an alkyl chain length of C5-C15; Olefin sulfonates; Alkanesulfonates; Dialkyl sulfosuccinates; and fatty acid ester sulfonates.

Suitable nonionic surfactant compounds include in particular the reaction products of compounds having a hydrophobic group and a reactive hydrogen atom, e.g., aliphatic alcohols, acids, amides or alkylphenols with alkylene oxides, especially ethylene oxide. Special nonionic surfactant compounds are alkyl (C8-22) -phenol-ethylene oxide condensates, the condensation products of linear or branched aliphatic primary or secondary C8-20 alcohols with ethylene oxide, and products from the condensation of ethylene oxide with the reaction products of propylene oxide and ethylene diamine.

In a substrate treatment composition for washing textiles, these organic surfactants preferably comprise 5 to 50% by weight of the substrate treatment composition. In a machine dishwashing detergent composition, organic surfactant is likely to constitute 0.5 to 8% by weight of the substrate treatment composition and preferably consists of nonionic surfactant, either alone or in admixture with anionic surfactant.

Water softeners and masking agents

The substrate treatment composition can contain a so-called detergency builder which serves to remove or sequester calcium and / or magnesium ions in the water. Soluble water softener can be added to the liquid composition. For example sodium citrate or a soluble masking agent, e.g. Dequest 2066, which can also help stabilize the liquid.

The softening or masking material is preferably completely soluble in order to eliminate the possibility of undesirable and unsightly residues on fabrics. For this reason, alkali aluminosilicates are not preferred.

Non-phosphorus water soluble detergency builders can be organic or inorganic. Inorganic builders that may be present include alkali metal carbonate (generally sodium); while organic builders include polycarboxylate polymers such as polyacrylates, acrylic / maleic acid copolymers and acrylic phosphonates, monomeric polycarboxylates such as citrates, gluconates, oxydisuccinates, glycerol mono-, di- and trisuccinates, carboxymethyloxysuccinates, carboxymethyloxy-diminodiacates, carboxymethyloxyloxy. Electrolytes such as sodium carbonate are not preferred because they suppress the solubility of polyvinyl alcohol.

Bleach system

worin R1 und R2 unabhängig ausgewählt sind aus:

• C1-C4-Alkyl,
• C6-C10-Aryl und
• einer Gruppe, die ein Heteroatom enthält, das in der Lage ist, an ein Übergangsmetall zu koordinieren, wobei mindestens eines von R1 und R2 die Gruppe ist, die das Heteroatom enthält; bevorzugt ist mindestens eines von R1 oder R2 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl. Bevorzugter ist der Katalysator einer, bei dem R1 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl ist. Am meisten bevorzugt ist R1 Pyridin-2-ylmethyl und R2 ist Methyl;
• R3 und R4 unabhängig ausgewählt sind aus Wasserstoff, C1-C8-Alkyl, C1-C8-Alkylen-O-C1-C8-alkyl, C1-C8-Alkylen-O-C6-C10-Aryl, C6-C10-Aryl, C1-C8-Hydroxyalkyl und -(CH2)nC(O)OR5;
• worin R5 unabhängig ausgewählt ist aus: Wasserstoff, C1-C4-Alkyl, n von 0 bis 4 ist, und Mischungen davon; bevorzugt R3 = R4 = -C(O)OMe und jedes R unabhängig ausgewählt ist aus: Wasserstoff, F, Cl, Br, Hydroxyl, C1-C4-AlkyO-, -NH-CO-H, -NH-CO-C1-C4-Alkyl, -NH2, -NH-C1-C4-Alkyl und C1-C4-Alkyl; bevorzugt ist jedes R Wasserstoff,
• X ausgewählt ist aus C=O, -[C(R6)2]y-, worin Y von 0 bis 3, bevorzugt 1, ist, jedes R6 unabhängig ausgewählt ist aus Wasserstoff, Hydroxyl, C1-C4-Alkoxy und C1-C4-Alkyl
  
• bevorzugt ist X C=O.

The substrate treatment composition can contain a bleach system. This preferably consists of an air-bleaching catalyst. The catalyst is, for example, a ligand of the formula (I) which is complexed with a transition metal selected from Fe (II) and Fe (III),

wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from:

• C1-C4-alkyl,
• C6-C10 aryl and
• a group containing a heteroatom capable of coordinating to a transition metal, at least one of R1 and R2 being the group containing the heteroatom; at least one of R1 or R2 is preferably pyridin-2-ylmethyl. More preferably the catalyst is one in which R1 is pyridin-2-ylmethyl. Most preferably R1 is pyridin-2-ylmethyl and R2 is methyl;
• R3 and R4 are independently selected from hydrogen, C1-C8-alkyl, C1-C8-alkylene-O-C1-C8-alkyl, C1-C8-alkylene-O-C6-C10-aryl, C6-C10-aryl, C1 -C8-hydroxyalkyl and - (CH2) nC (O) OR5;
• wherein R5 is independently selected from: hydrogen, C1-C4 alkyl, n is from 0 to 4, and mixtures thereof; preferably R3 = R4 = -C (O) OMe and each R is independently selected from: hydrogen, F, Cl, Br, hydroxyl, C1-C4-AlkyO-, -NH-CO-H, -NH-CO-C1- C4-alkyl, -NH2, -NH-C1-C4-alkyl and C1-C4-alkyl; each R is preferably hydrogen,
• X is selected from C = O, - [C (R6) 2] y-, where Y is from 0 to 3, preferably 1, each R6 is independently selected from hydrogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4-alkoxy and C1-C4 -Alkyl
  
• XC = O is preferred.

Most preferred is the catalyst ([Fe (N2py3o) CI] CI) with structure (II): Also known as iron (1+), chloro [rel-1,5-dimethyl (1R, 2S, 4R, 5S) - 9,9-dihydroxy-3-methyl-2,4-di (2-pyridinyl-kN) -7 - [(2-pyridinyl-kN) methyl] -3,7-diazabicyclo [3.3.1] nonane-1, 5-dicarboxylate-kN3, kN7] -, chloride (1: 1), (OC-6-63) [CAS register number 478945-46-9].

In order to avoid possible outgassing of ingredients, it is preferred not to use persalt or peracid bleaching agents in the capsules.

Other optional components

Cleansing enzymes can be used in the compositions.

The compositions may also contain a fluorescent agent (optical brightener), for example Tinopal (trade mark) DMS or Tinopal CBS, available from Ciba-Geigy AG, Basel, Switzerland. Tinopal DMS is disodium 4,4'-bis (2-morpholino-4-anilino-s-triazin-6-ylamino) stilbene disulfonate; and Tinopal CBS is disodium 2,2'-bis (phenylstyryl) disulfonate.

An antifoam agent is advantageously included when organic surfactant is present; especially when the substrate treatment composition is primarily intended for use in drum-type front loading automatic washing machines. Soap is a suitable anti-foam agent.

Further ingredients which can optionally be used in the substrate treatment compositions for laundry according to the invention are deposit inhibitors, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, straight-chain polyvinylpyrrolidone and the cellulose ethers, such as methyl cellulose and ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, fabric softeners; Fragrances; and colored speckles.

Use of capsules

The capsules described herein are suitable for use in a cleaning process, preferably a laundry process. Thus, a further aspect provides the use of capsules as described herein in a cleaning method, in particular a method for laundry. Conveniently, the method involves placing the capsule in the drum of a washing machine prior to the start of a wash cycle.

The unit-dose capsules are particularly suitable for use in washing machines (for textiles) and in dishwashers, among other applications. They can also be used in manual laundry and dishwashing operations. When used, the capsules according to the invention are preferably and expediently placed directly into the liquid that forms the washing liquor or into the area into which this liquid is introduced. The capsule dissolves upon contact with the liquid, thereby releasing the substrate treatment composition from the separate chambers and allowing them to form the desired wash liquor.

It is a particular advantage of the capsules that they can alternatively be placed in a dispensing drawer of the type found in automatic washing machines where water flows through the drawer. It has surprisingly been found that the capsules dispense effectively from such drawers.

Pack containing capsules

The unit dose capsules described herein can be provided in any suitable packaging, e.g., a box or other container. Thus, another aspect of the present invention provides a package containing a plurality of capsules as described herein.

Method of making a capsule

The unit dose capsules described herein can be prepared by any suitable method, and in particular by a method as described herein. Thus, another aspect provides a method of making the capsule described herein.

Capsule obtained by a method of manufacture

Another aspect of the present invention provides a unit dose capsule obtained by the method of making the capsule described herein.

Shape / cavity section

Molds or cavity sections are described herein and are characterized by having cavities configured to provide the unit dose capsules described herein. Thus, a further aspect of the present invention provides a mold or a cavity section for use in the manufacture of a capsule as described herein, characterized in that the cavities of the mold or the cavity section are configured to the shape and configuration of chambers of this capsule to create.

It is preferred that a mold for use in a method for producing capsules as described herein or for attachment to the rotating surface of a cylindrical rotating drum as described herein is provided, the mold comprising a set of three cavities, which are preferably in the sealing plane are arranged one behind the other, preferably in the circumferential direction, and wherein the shape is hexagonal in order to enable a tessellation of a plurality of identical shapes in order to form a tessellated arrangement of shapes.

Drum with arrangement of hexagonal shapes / cavity sections

As described herein, the hexagonal shape of the capsule and associated mold / cavity sections allows tessellation when placed on a surface and this in turn minimizes waste of water soluble film. Thus, another aspect of the present invention provides a cylindrical rotating drum comprising an array of hexagonal shapes or cavity sections as described herein.

In embodiments, the cylindrical rotating drum has an outer surface that, in use, is a rotating surface that rotates in a process direction, with an array of shapes mounted on the outer surface, each shape being a hexagonal shape, the shapes being tessellated so that each hexagonal shape has a pair of opposing sides that are perpendicular to the process direction.

Use of hexagonal cutting pattern in capsule production

Hexagonal shaped capsules and their manufacture are described herein. Thus, a further aspect provides for the use of a hexagonal cutting pattern in the manufacture of multi-compartment capsules which are suitably a unit dose.

Combinations of aspects

A number of suggestions and aspects are described here, the suggestions and aspects being combined to achieve improved or cumulative benefits. Therefore every single aspect can be combined with every other aspect. Likewise, the optional features associated with one of the aspects can apply to each of the other aspects.

Detailed description of the figures

• Jede der Figuren wird nun der Reihe nach besprochen.

The invention will now be further described with reference to the following non-limiting embodiments and with reference to the drawings:

• Each of the figures will now be discussed in turn.

1 Figure 3 is a perspective view of the capsule according to the present invention. 1 Figure 3 illustrates a capsule in accordance with the present invention. Coordinate axes in the x, y and z directions are in 4th to help explain the relative placement of the features of the capsule. Indeed it will 1 discussed herein to aid in understanding the following discussion of the shape and configuration of the three-compartment capsule of the present invention. The capsule 101 from 1 includes a first chamber 102 , a second chamber 103 and a third chamber 104 . The three chambers are arranged on the sealing plane around a central axis in the width direction (x-direction) over the capsule and positioned one behind the other in the circumferential direction. Each of the three chambers 102 , 103 , 104 is elongated in that it has a length (y-direction) that is greater than its width (x-direction). The longitudinal axis of each chamber lies in the y-direction.

The sealing membrane 105 is formed by fusing, e.g., thermoforming, a first and second sheet of water-soluble film in the manufacture of the capsule. The sealing membrane 105 comprises an annular sealing sheet or seam 106 which lies in the xy plane and is referred to here as the sealing plane. The sealing membrane 105 includes interchamber sealing sheets 1024 , 1034 , 1023 and a central sealing strip 10234 . The average sealing width, which is defined in the context of the invention, is preferably the width of the inter-chamber sealing web.

Each of the three chambers 102 , 103 , 104 extends equally above and below (z-direction) the sealing plane.

It follows from this that the reference to the width of a feature (eg width of a chamber) is a reference to the dimension in the x-direction, which is parallel to the sealing plane (x, y). The reference to the length of a feature (eg length of a chamber or the longitudinal direction or longitudinal axis of a chamber) is a reference to the dimension (direction, axis) in the y-direction. When the depth of a feature is mentioned here or that a feature is “above” or “below” or extends, the dimension (direction, axis) in the z-direction is meant, ie perpendicular to the sealing plane (xy plane). Of course, the terms “above”, “below”, “up”, “down” etc. are relative and not absolute, and they are used here accordingly and for better understanding.

2 FIG. 13 is a top plan view of the capsule according to the present invention and is the same as that shown in FIG 1 is discussed.

3 FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the FIG 1 shown capsule, shown along the line II-II in 1 ; it's another capsule 101 shown according to the present invention, which capsule is largely identical to that in 1 shown capsule.

The capsule 101 includes three discrete chambers 102 , 103 , 104 each of which defines a respective substantially liquid-tight and hermetically sealed chamber intended to receive substrate treatment composition. The three chambers are arranged around in a sealing plane and positioned one behind the other in the circumferential direction.

As can be seen, each chamber is 102 , 103 , 104 is defined between the top and bottom layers of the PVA film and is sealed around their respective periphery by the fusion of the two film layers around them. In particular and with a view to 3 it should be noted that the top and bottom film layers are fused around the three chambers to form a generally annular path 108 to form around all the chambers 102 , 103 , 104 extends and which has a hexagonal outer edge 109 as defined by the above-mentioned cutting process. The top and bottom film layers are also fused together to form a pair of thin additional sheets 1024 , 1034 , 1023 and 10234 to form integral with the annular track 508 are formed and spaced from one another over the capsule 101 extend. Any of the additional lanes 1024 , 1034 , 1023 and 10234 serves to separate the three chambers from each other. The sealing membrane 1024 separates the chambers 102 and 104 off, the sealing membrane 1034 separates the chambers 103 and 104 off, the sealing membrane 1023 separates the chambers 102 and 103 off and the sealing membrane 10234 forms the central sealed area around which the chambers 102 , 103 and 104 are arranged.

As is most evident in 5 can be seen is the first chamber 502 much larger than the two chambers 103 and 104 . The second chamber 103 is the small and the third chamber 104 is the medium-sized chamber. In the particular embodiment shown is the first chamber 102 configured to hold a greater volume of substrate treatment composition than either of the two side chambers 103 and 104 .

As in 5 As can be seen most clearly, the chambers have a bulbous end portion and a tapered end portion. The three chambers 102 , 103 and 104 are teardrop-shaped with a tapered upper section, a bulbous section at the bottom, and a concave and convex side. It can be seen that the first chamber 102 teardrop-shaped with a tapered end portion above, a bulbous portion below, a concave indentation facing the central axis of the capsule, and a convex portion facing the periphery of the capsule; being the second chamber 103 is shaped so that it is at a concave indentation of the first chamber 102 is adapted, and is at least partially arranged therein, and the third chamber 104 is arranged so that it at least partially covers the bulbous portion of the first chamber 102 records.

If you look now 4th so is the capsule 101 shown in the side profile.

production

5 shows a mold or a cavity section 501 used to thermoform a first film to make a unit dose capsule of the present invention. Form 501 has a hexagonal shape (six outer side walls of equal length 605 defining a hexagon) which allows them to be tessellated in a hexagonal arrangement of identical shapes. It can be seen that the first form 502 the shape of a drop with a tapered end portion at the top, a bulbous portion at the bottom, a concave indentation facing the central axis of the capsule, and a convex portion facing the periphery of the capsule; the second form 503 is shaped so that it is at a concave indentation of the first chamber shape 502 is adapted and is at least partially arranged in this, and the third form 504 is arranged so that it is at least partially on the bulbous portion of the first chamber shape 502 is adapted. Each cavity is provided with a number of channels (not shown) to which a vacuum can be applied.

The composition of the first compartment is formulated including the provision of suitable dyes to provide a green color. The second chamber is formulated including the provision of suitable dyes to provide a pink color. The third chamber is formulated including the provision of suitable dyes to provide a blue color. The colors mentioned here are only examples and it any suitable dyes can be used as needed.

The filling station has three filling nozzles, each of which addresses the three chambers.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• EP 1375637 [0005]
• EP 1394065 [0005]
• WO 2014/170882 [0008]
• WO 2018/086834 [0011]

Claims (14)

A unit dose capsule (101) for treating a substrate, the capsule (101) comprising first (102), second (103) and third (104) chambers containing a substrate treatment composition, wherein: the capsule (101) is formed from two webs of water-soluble film, the two film webs being sealed to one another to form a sealing web lying in a sealing plane, the first (102), the second (103) and the third (104) chamber generally in the sealing plane and describe a first, second and third chamber base area on the sealing plane, the combined area of the base area of the second (103) and third (104) chambers being 0.8 to 2.5 times the area the base of the first chamber (102). Capsule (101) Claim 1 wherein the sealing sheet comprises a peripheral sealing seam (108), inter-chamber sealing sheets (1024, 1023, 1034) between chambers, thereby separating the chambers, and a central sealing sheet (10234). Capsule (101) Claim 2 wherein the chambers are arranged radially around the central sealing track (10234) in a sealing plane. Capsule (101) after the Claims 1 and 2 wherein the general shape of the bases of the first, second and third chambers is substantially identical. A capsule (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chambers have an average area expansion ratio in the range 1.5-4. A capsule (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the average seal width between the chambers is in the range 0.3 to 3 mm. A capsule (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the capsule (101) has a planar asymmetry about the sealing plane. A capsule (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the size of the base area of the chamber lying in the sealing plane increases linearly from the smallest to the largest chamber. A capsule (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chambers are arranged one behind the other in a circumferential direction. A capsule (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the greatest height of the largest chamber to the smallest chamber is in the range of 1:05 to 3. Capsule (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bases of the chambers which are located in the sealing plane have the largest dimension in the range from 10 mm to 60 mm. A capsule (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the volume of the three chambers increases in a linear manner from the smallest to the largest chamber. A capsule (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the volume of the substrate treatment composition of the three chambers increases in a linear manner from the smallest to the largest chamber. A capsule (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the combined volume of the second (103) and third (104) chambers is 0.7 to 2.5 times the volume of the first chamber (102).

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