EP0888448B1 - Cleaning concentrate - Google Patents

Abstract

The aim is to improve the ease of handling, storage life and ruggedness of a cleaning concentrate used for producing usable aqueous cleaning solutions in cleaning agent storage tanks of cleaning machines, in particular high-pressure cleaners, spray extraction systems and the like. To that end it is proposed that the cleaning concentrate should include a component which releases gas on contact with water and the cleaning concentrate should be packed in measured doses in water-soluble capsules.

Description

The invention relates to a detergent concentrate for the Manufacture of ready-to-use aqueous cleaning agent solutions in detergent storage tanks of cleaning machines, in particular Pressure washers, spray extraction devices or the like.

Previously known detergent concentrates are either in larger containers in highly concentrated aqueous solution, partly also portioned, or in powder or tablet form offered in portions packed.

The concentrated form of detergents attains the distribution of ready-to-use detergent solutions more important because of the distribution of the concentrates a lot of storage and transportation capacity as well packaging material can also be saved.

On the other hand, detergent concentrates have the disadvantage that they require greater care in the application so that the Operators of the respective cleaning machines with the Do not touch the concentrate. Similarly problematic sees it with the childproof packaging of the detergent concentrates out.

The object of the invention is a detergent concentrate propose which is simple and without endangering people manageable, easy to store and sufficiently robust for the Handling is.

This object is achieved according to the invention with a detergent concentrate of the type described in that solved the detergent concentrate is in contact with water gas-releasing component and that the detergent concentrate in portions in a water-soluble coating is packed.

A particular problem in the provision of an inventive Detergent concentrate results from the alignment of the detergent concentrate for use in detergent storage tanks of cleaning machines, in particular High-pressure cleaners and spray extraction devices or the like, which have to be carefully avoided that solid particles in the ready-to-use cleaning agent solutions remain, which are relatively quick to clog metering devices, Spray nozzles, etc. lead or at least the cleaning effect the machine.

Water soluble coverings for washing additives for washing Textiles are known per se (cf. DE-A 34 15 880). With these water-soluble envelopes in the form of bags are used, to increase the washing performance of detergents the bleaching effect contain so-called bleach activators, which enhance the bleaching effect of per compounds Moisture entry and thus before premature deactivation protect the bleaching effect. The wrapping has with these Washing additives time, during the entire washing process dissolve in the washing machine so that the related Pressure washers, spray extraction devices or the like pending problems here are completely irrelevant.

The dissolution times for the washing additives in this context specified in the prior art, amount to safe and complete dissolution of the washing additives at least 15 min at a temperature of 30 ° C. that the washing liquor is constantly in motion during the washing process is held, which is the dissolution of the envelope in significant Dimensions supported.

In the case of the detergent concentrates according to the invention The intended application is often water with a temperature used from only 15 to 18 ° C, with the result that to be on the safe side, significantly longer dissolution times should be. However, such long dissolution times are when using detergent concentrates in high pressure cleaners, Spray extraction devices, etc. not acceptable because different like washing textiles in a washing machine not already during the phase of dissolving the detergent concentrate can be worked, but only after complete resolution, especially the wrapping, a problem-free Processable cleaning agent solution without solids content can be obtained. In addition, these exist No possibility to put the cleaning solution into the device To keep moving or in any other way for mixing to care.

It was found all the more surprising that the dissolution behavior of the detergent concentrate, i.e. especially its wrapping, thereby significantly improved and acceptable Minutes can be shortened if that Detergent concentrate a gas-releasing in contact with water Component is added. It is important that the Wrapping the detergent concentrate in admixed Contact is present, but the envelope from one to the Cleaning agent concentrate applied coating different is.

This gas-releasing component leads to the fact that as soon as the Detergent concentrate inside the casing comes into contact with water, i.e. when forming the first Leakage in the envelope, gas is released, which the Wrapping inflates and finally blows up and the detergent concentrate completely exposed to the surrounding water. The increased gas development that occurs leads to a Stirring effect, which is the dissolution of the water-soluble coating, but also the other components of the concentrate, greatly accelerated.

Only then is a cleaning agent concentrate obtained acceptable dissolving times to form usable aqueous Detergent solutions can offer. Here comes the ger cleaning solutions can offer. Here comes the automatic mixing or stirring action of the detergent concentrate of particular importance, since these are in the Detergent storage tanks used by cleaning machines that have to be closed in normal operation and consequently have relatively small openings into which bad Mixers or the like can be introduced. A preparation of usable aqueous cleaning agent solutions outside of the cleaning storage tanks that then with the transfer of the usable cleaning solution come into contact with the detergent storage tank of the operators with the detergent solution is possible, and therefore special precautionary measures must be taken. It is also relative cumbersome and requires that a vessel is available with a content comparable to that of the detergent storage tank.

The detergent concentrates coated in portions according to the invention can be put in the cleaning tank together with the wrapping give in either water already in the amount of desired cleaning agent solution was presented or in the such an amount of water after the introduction of the invention Detergent concentrates are fed. Due to the The detergent concentrate can be wrapped in highly concentrated Form.

The detergent concentrates coated in portions according to the invention also have the advantage that the detergent is precisely dosed for given tank contents, so that with minimal use of cleaning agents, an optimal cleaning effect is achievable. An exact dosage is also for inexperienced consumers no longer a problem.

According to the invention, the cleaning agent concentrate can be used both in be presented in liquid, viscous or dry form, in the case of liquid or flowable form, attention is paid to this however, the concentrate is used as a dry substance. The dry substance can be in powder form as well as and this is preferred in tablet form pressed into the water soluble Wrapping to be packed. The tablet form has opposite the loose powder form has the advantage that it is even more compact is available and more easily combined into larger containers can be.

Preferably the wrapping becomes a kind of foil packaging be, the film in turn is preferably transparent and thereby an optical control of the condition of the tablets and / or powder.

For example, wrappings in which a deep-drawn packaging base with recesses for receiving the portioned detergent concentrate, in particular in tablet form, is provided, whereupon the lower part with a Cover film is sealed. In the event that production-related one for a quick effect of the gas releasing Partly loose contact of the coating with the detergent concentrate there is, the wrapping in another Step shrunk onto the concentrate by heat treatment become.

Preferably, the film packaging is first loosened by one Tablet placed and sealed and then on the detergent concentrate shrunk so that there is close contact between given the foil packaging and the detergent concentrate is. This contact as well as that applied to the tablets Coating ensure that the dissolving process with Greatest possible speed happens as soon as there is a leak is formed in the envelope, the contact of the inside immediately Detergent concentrate with the penetrating from the outside Water is given. This is followed practically momentary bursting of the wrapping by that of the cleaner Water is given. This is followed practically momentary bursting of the casing by the detergent concentrate or its gas-releasing component released gas.

Any water-soluble polymer material can first be used for the coating be used, which to films, especially with Thicknesses of e.g. 10 to 100 µm, can be processed.

Suitable are e.g. Gelatin-based films, however in some cases, their limited storage stability causes problems can.

The coating is preferably based on water-soluble Polyvinyl alcohol or derivatives thereof or for example PVA / vinyl acetate resin blends or blends with other polymers, such as. Polyacrylic acid (see e.g. DE 31 48 931 C). In addition to a satisfactory dissolving behavior the wrapping ensures that when dissolved in aqueous solution passing parts are environmentally compatible. Such materials are described for example in JP-02-163149 A.

In addition, the PVA material can be selected so that it supports cleaning after dissolving in water unfolds by the dissolved PVA material the dirt-carrying capacity of the other detergent components increased.

The gas-releasing component of the detergent concentrate can contain up to 90% by weight or more, based on the total weight of the detergent concentrate, be included. Often, however, much less are sufficient Proportions of the gas-releasing component to form a sufficient stirring and thus dissolution rate to take care of the wrapping. With additions below approx. 20% by weight depending on the nature of the gas releasing component, sometimes insufficient stirring effect in the surrounding detergent solution get more. At least preferred 30% by weight of the gas-releasing component used.

The gas releasing component should normally be 5 1 gas or more per 100 g of detergent concentrate. Prefers is an admixture of the gas releasing component, so that a gas evolution of about 7 l to about 15 l per 100 g Detergent concentrate is observed.

Because of the simplicity of handling such substances a gas-releasing component is preferably used for where the split gas is carbon dioxide.

In this case, carbon dioxide-releasing components are preferably used used which is a water soluble acid and a comprise water-soluble carbonate, the acid being preferred is selected from citric acid in anhydrous or its Monohydrate form or acid salts thereof and the carbonate is preferably selected from sodium carbonate and sodium hydrogen carbonate.

The gas-releasing component is preferably selected such that that it supports cleaning in the gas elimination reaction Substance releases, in particular complex-forming ligands. Also from this point of view, citric acid is preferred as water soluble acid in the gas releasing described above System used.

The cleaning-supporting effect of the gas elimination reaction released substances can in certain cases, for example in sanitary cleaners, in the cleaning effect completely sufficient so that it is within the scope of the present Invention is quite conceivable, the content of the wrapper exclusively or essentially exclusively from the to form gas-releasing component. Then can the wrapping forming material after its dissolution still the dirt-bearing capacity increase the cleaning solution is one Embodiment even more versatile.

To make the most possible use of the carbonate components it contains in terms of carbon dioxide release citric acid in a molar ratio is preferred to hydrogen carbonate of at least 1: 3 or in a molar ratio for the carbonate content of at least 2: 3.

When using other water-soluble acids, the is recommended Use of analog molar ratios.

The detergent concentrate according to the invention preferably comprises as wash-active substances up to 40% by weight non-ionic Surfactants.

Examples of suitable nonionic surfactants are alkyl polyethylene glycol ethers based on linear C ₁₀ -C ₁₈ fatty alcohols, C ₁₃ -C ₁₅ oxo alcohols reacted with ethylene oxide, liquid alkyl polyethylene glycol ethers based on fatty alcohol, alkyl glycosides and alkyl polyglycosides.

The detergent concentrate can be used as detergent substances comprise up to 40% by weight of anionic surfactants, preferred ones anionic surfactants sodium alkylbenzenesulfonate and fatty alkyl ether sulfates are.

The detergent concentrate, if in tablet form to be compressed, up to 10% by weight of binder as tabletting aid included, in the event that the tablets of an envelope in the form of a coating of a thermoformed film packed with cover film or shrink-wrapped film are, relatively small proportions of binder are sufficient to together with the coating a sufficiently stable tablet form to give the mechanical stress of the Production, packaging, transport to use before Sufficiently withstands the location in the cleaning device.

Examples of suitable binders are polyvinyl pyrrolidone, Polyethylene glycols and carboxymethyl cellulose.

The detergent concentrate can be used as a further component contain up to 40% by weight of builder, in particular in the form of Phosphates, silicates, carboxylates and / or NTA.

In addition, the detergent concentrate can contain up to 5 % By weight foam inhibitors, in particular in the form of silicone oils, Phosphoric acid esters and paraffin oils.

Other possible additives in the detergent concentrate are solubilizers that are up to 20% by weight can, especially in the form of sodium cumene sulfonate.

To prevent children from accidentally taking the cleaning tablets Adding to the detergent concentrate is usually sufficient of up to 0.01% by weight of bitter substances, in particular in the form of benzyldiethyl - [(2,6-xylylcarbamoyl) methyl] ammonium benzoate.

In addition, the detergent concentrate for detergents Contain usual fragrance, color and / or fillers.

The detergent concentrate according to the invention is special suitable for use in the manufacture of ready-to-use Detergent solutions in the detergent storage tanks of high pressure cleaners, spray extraction devices, window washer devices, Etc.

These and other advantages of the invention are set out below explained in more detail with reference to the drawing and the examples.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Reinigungsmittelkonzentrats; und

Figur 2

eine Seitenansicht der Ausführungsform von Figur 1.

The individual shows:

Figure 1

a perspective view of an embodiment of a detergent concentrate according to the invention; and

Figure 2

a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1.

FIG. 1 shows an overall reference number 10 Embodiment of a detergent concentrate according to the invention hereinafter referred to briefly as a tablet, which is a water-soluble Envelope 12 and in the envelope a detergent concentrate compact 14 includes.

The sheath 12 lies closely against the compact 14 and is preferably shrunk onto this. That way, as soon as a leak has occurred somewhere in the casing 12 is to hit the water directly on the compact 14 and thus the gas elimination reaction with the subsequent explosion start the wrapping 12.

An equivalent to shrinking on the film (in the drawing (not shown) offers a packaging of the tabletted detergent concentrates in tablet or Powder form in the recesses of a thermoformed film, initially a large number of regularly arranged depressions in a film web for taking up the detergent concentrate portions trained, the detergent concentrate in portions the wells entered and then with a cover film is sealed. The individual coated detergent portions can then by punching or cutting isolated or grouped together in card form, however for example, via lines of weakness in the thermoforming film separable, put together to the sales container and with be wrapped.

Depending on the composition of the compact 14 or in general the detergent components contained in the casing can optionally can be achieved by adding foam inhibitors, that on the one hand in the dissolving process and in the release of split gas only a small volume of foam is formed so that the detergent storage tank is not overflows while the solutions on the other hand in use very foaming or in the cleaning devices non-foaming, can be adjusted as desired. All desirable foam effects from high foaming to non-foaming can be adjusted with simultaneous control the foaming volume during the dissolution process of the tablet 10 or the detergent concentrate together with the casing in the storage tank.

Below are some applications for the invention Detergent concentrate described, this using the example the tablet 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 made becomes. The explanations of that shown in Figures 1 and 2 Tablet or its use according to the invention apply of course to any other type of embodiment especially the wrapping of a loose powdered detergent concentrate mixture or even one in liquid or viscous form.

Of course, by dissolving the invention Detergent concentrate in the storage tank of a cleaning device also produced a concentrated application solution which, for example, in the area of high-pressure cleaner use added to a water stream in the application and can be diluted many times over, whereby the detergent concentrate or the one ultimately formed from it Cleaning solution still complete its job Fulfills.

Due to the packaging options in highly concentrated Shape reduces the amount of outer packaging, for example made of cardboard as well as the transport volume and the storage volume 90% less than conventional cleaning agents. The Use of the detergent concentrates according to the invention leaves significantly less waste than conventional waste Medium, because not only the outer packaging is important from the start is dimensioned smaller, but also in that the Wrapping the individual portions of the detergent concentrate dissolve and form part of the cleaning solution and possibly even the cleaning effect increase an increase in dirt-bearing capacity.

In a typical application of the cleaning agent concentrates according to the invention, two 10 g portions in the form of tablets are added to 10 liters of water. Table 1 shows an exemplary recipe for this, the corresponding 10 g tablet splitting off approx. 1 l CO ₂ gas.

In the production of the powdered or tableted according to the invention Detergent concentrates become the powdery ones and solid detergent components mixed together and then the detergent components, if any, are liquid sprayed on.

This raw powder can then be taken in portions in envelopes be packed, with the weight of the portion pack in the range single grams up to several kilograms and more can lie.

Should the detergent concentrate according to the invention in the form of tablets are kept ready, the one made above Detergent powder using a tableting press pressed into tablets according to the specified amount. Usual Tablet sizes are 5, 10, 20 g etc. The tablets are packed with a water-soluble film and thermally welded and shrunk, so that the envelope 12 as in Figures 1 and 2 shown closely abuts the tablet compact 14. The usual tablet sizes go up to 1000 g and tablet diameter of up to 30 cm are very easy to handle.

In the present examples, a film is made of PVA material (Vivinol BS10F from Alcam) used with a thickness of 40 microns. Similar good results are achieved with Vivinol AS5F (40 µm thick) from the same manufacturer. Even faster Dissolution rates for the film are obtained with the only 25 µm thick Vivinol AS15F film.

With the recipe described above (Table 1) for high-pressure cleaners a variety of application areas can be opened up, since the composition of those given in Table 1 Recipe that is a universal cleaner. Can be inserted the detergent concentrate according to the invention e.g. in the Cleaning of cars, motorcycles, garden tools, garden furniture, Sports equipment, stone and metal surfaces, glass, porcelain, plastics and painted surfaces.

Here, the pressure washer tank is usually with a Liters of water filled, two 10 g tablets with the composition dosed in Table 1, the dissolution time of a few minutes waited (in the present example 4 to 5 min at 40 ° C. warm water), whereupon cleaning is started can. Here, the cleaning liquid that is formed Spray jet of the high-pressure cleaner, which is usually added in the usual devices by means of a dosing regulating device on the high-pressure cleaning device varies from 0-100% for dosing can be.

Another typical application for the cleaning agent concentrates according to the invention is formed by the spray extraction devices, in which, for example, 2 tablets 10 with a weight of 20 g and a recipe as listed in Tables 2 and 3 are mixed with 8 liters of water. A tablet of 20 g according to the recipe in Table 2 releases approx. 1.2 l CO ₂ gas, that in Table 3 approx. 1.6 l CO ₂ gas.

The tablets for spray extraction cleaning according to the invention are as above in connection with the pressure washer tablets manufactured.

The area of application of the cleaning agents in Tables 2 and 3 is particularly in the field of spray extraction cleaning textile coverings, blended fabrics and fully synthetic fibers e.g. of carpets, upholstered furniture, car seats etc.

Here, the spray extraction device tank with the necessary Quantity of water (8 liters in the previous example) filled. It will the necessary number of detergent tablets added and after the dissolution time of only minutes (in the case of the recipe according to Table 2 for approx. 10 min in 40 ° C warm water and according to Table 3 approx. 4 min in 40 ° C warm water) can be done with the spray extraction cleaning be started. This is the cleaning solution used in undiluted form.

The specified dissolution times change little when you use water used at a lower temperature. So it turns out e.g. a dissolution time of approx. 5 min at 15 ° C cold water for the recipe of Table 3.

The considerable differences in the dissolution times of the recipes Tables 2 and 3 show that not only the selection of the water-soluble polymer material of the film for very good dissolution times is crucial, but that beyond that by a suitable formulation of the cleaning concentrate mixture further significant improvements in the resolution times can be achieved are.

In the recipe according to Table 3, it is not just the other that bears Binder for faster dissolution, but also the Choice of the non-ionic surfactant that is used in this recipe Solid is present, while the non-ionic surfactants of the recipe Table 2 are liquid. They probably work liquid surfactants for a rapid division of the active ingredient mixture into small particles with a large target for the Dissolution process counter.

Another area of application is that of window washers, where tablets of 5 g size are preferably used due to the normally smaller size of the storage tank. The 5 g dosage of the detergent concentrate is sufficient for a quantity of 250 ml of water and is listed in detail in Table 4. The dissolution time is 3 minutes in warm water at 30 ° C. This 5 g tablet releases approx. 0.6 l CO ₂ gas during the dissolving process.

This cleaning tablet can also be used in the same way as above High-pressure cleaning tablets are described.

Form special areas of application for the window washers Glass and mirror surfaces, with the storage tank of the cleaning device is filled again with tempered water (250 ml of water in the previous example), a detergent tablet of 5 g added, a few minutes to dissolve the detergent concentrate according to the invention including the casing wait and then start cleaning becomes.

There is a balance between all of the above recipes the detergent components and the foam regulators set so that overflowing of the tank is safely avoided becomes. On the other hand, the detergent solution is used good foaming power in the spray jet of the high-pressure cleaner observed.

Particularly in view of the large number of possible uses mentioned above it is of particular importance that the out the detergent concentrates according to the invention described above ready-to-use cleaning solutions Cold stability up to 0 ° C and heat stability up to Have 50 ° C.

Claims (27)

1. Cleaning concentrate for the production of ready to use aqueous cleaning solutions in cleaning agent storage tanks of cleaning machines, in particular high-pressure cleaners, spray extraction apparatus or the like,
   characterised in that the cleaning concentrate comprises a component which releases gas on contact with water, and the cleaning concentrate is packaged in portions in a water-soluble casing in such a way that the casing lies in close contact with the cleaning concentrate, but with the casing being other than a coating applied onto the cleaning concentrate.
2. Cleaning concentrate according to claim 1,
   characterised in that the casing is a preferably transparent foil packaging.
3. Cleaning concentrate according to one of claims 1 or 2,
   characterised in that the casing is a foil packaging shrunk onto the cleaning concentrate.
4. Cleaning concentrate according to one of claims 1 or 2,
   characterised in that the casing is formed from a deep-drawn, preferably dimensionally stable foil forming the lower part of the casing with a depression to receive cleaning concentrate and a foil cover which is sealable to the lower part of the casing.
5. Cleaning concentrate according to one of claims 1 to 4,
   characterised in that the concentrate is present as dry substance.
6. Cleaning concentrate according to claim 5,
   characterised in that the dry substance is pressed in tablet form.
7. Cleaning concentrate according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the casing is made on the basis of water-soluble PVA or derivatives thereof.
8. Cleaning concentrate according to claim 7,
   characterised in that the casing develops a cleaning promoting effect after dissolution in water.
9. Cleaning concentrate according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the gas-releasing component is contained therein in a proportion of 20% by weight or more on the basis of the total weight of the cleaning concentrate.
10. Cleaning concentrate according to claim 9,
    characterised in that the gas-releasing component releases carbon dioxide.
11. Cleaning concentrate according to claim 9 or 10,
    characterised in that the gas-releasing component can release approximately 5 1 of gas or more per 100 g of cleaning concentrate.
12. Cleaning concentrate according to claim 10 or 11,
    characterised in that the carbon dioxide releasing component of the cleaning concentrate comprises a water-soluble acid and a carbonate, the acid preferably being selected from citric acid in anhydrous form or its monohydrate form or acid salts thereof, and the carbonate preferably being selected from sodium carbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate.
13. Cleaning concentrate according to claim 12,
    characterised in that the citric acid is present in the molar ratio to the hydrogen carbonate content of at least 1:3 and in the molar ratio to the carbonate content of at least 2:3.
14. Cleaning concentrate according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the concentrate comprises up to 40% by weight of non-ionic surfactants as detergent substances.
15. Cleaning concentrate according to claim 14,
    characterised in that the non-ionic surfactants comprise alkyl polyethylene glycol ethers on the basis of linear C₁₀-C₁₈ fatty alcohols.
16. Cleaning concentrate according to claim 14 or 15,
    characterised in that the non-ionic surfactants comprise C₁₃-C₁₅ oxo alcohols converted with ethylene oxide, fatty alcohol-based liquid alkyl polyethylene glycol ethers, alkyl glycosides and/or alkyl polyglycosides.
17. Cleaning concentrate according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleaning concentrate comprises up to 40% by weight of anionic surfactants as detergent substances.
18. Cleaning concentrate according to claim 17,
    characterised in that the anionic surfactants comprise sodium alkyl benzene sulphonate and/or fatty alkyl ether sulphates.
19. Cleaning concentrate according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleaning concentrate contains up to 10% by weight of binding agent.
20. Cleaning concentrate according to claim 17,
    characterised in that the binding agent comprises polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and/or carboxymethylcellulose.
21. Cleaning concentrate according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleaning concentrate contains up to 40% by weight of builders, in particular in the form of phosphates, silicates, carboxylates and/or NTA.
22. Cleaning concentrate according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleaning concentrate contains up to 5% by weight of foam inhibitors, in particular in the form of silicone oils, phosphoric esters and/or paraffin oils.
23. Cleaning concentrate according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleaning concentrate comprises up to 20% by weight of solubilizer, in particular in the form of sodium cumene sulphonate.
24. Cleaning concentrate according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleaning concentrate comprises up to 0.01% by weight of bitter substances, in particular in the form of benzyldiethyl-[(2,6-xylylcarbamoyl)-methyl]-ammonium benzoate.
25. Cleaning concentrate according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cleaning concentrate comprises fragrance, colouring and/or filling agents.
26. Use of a cleaning concentrate for the production of a ready to use cleaning agent solution for cleaning machines, wherein the cleaning concentrate comprises a component which releases gas on contact with water, and the cleaning concentrate is packaged in portions in a water-soluble casing and in particular has the features of the cleaning concentrates according to one of claims 1 to 25.
27. Use of a cleaning concentrate according to claim 26 for the production of a ready to use cleaning solution in the storage tank of a cleaning device.

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