EP4230786A1 - Container for at least two flowable preparations - Google Patents

Abstract

Container (1) for at least two free-flowing preparations, comprising at least a first cavity (2a) for storing a first free-flowing preparation, a second cavity (2b) for storing a second free-flowing preparation, a coupling plane (3) for the detachable positive connection with a dosing device , wherein the second cavity (2b) is at least partially enclosed by the first cavity (2a), wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are designed to be essentially collapsible and wherein the first cavity (2a) and the second cavity (2b) are fluidly separated from each other are separated.

Description

The invention relates to a container for at least two free-flowing preparations, comprising at least a first cavity for storing a first free-flowing preparation and a second cavity for storing a second free-flowing preparation, as well as a coupling plane for a detachable form-fitting connection to a dosing device.

The DE 10 2018 126 625 B4 shows a container for use in a water-bearing household appliance. Cartridges designed in this way are suitable for use in a receiving device of a washing machine, such as a dispensing drawer, for example. The disadvantage here is that the cartridge cannot be placed directly in the tub of the washing machine. Targeted dosing directly inside the tub of the washing machine is not possible with such a container.

Dosing directly in the tub can be implemented independently of the rinsing cycles of the washing machine, which greatly expands the dosing options and accuracy. However, the containers known from the prior art are either not designed for the strong mechanical loads that act on them during washing and spinning inside a tub, so that there is a risk of free-flowing preparations escaping undesirably if the container is damaged, or they can be introduced into the suds container, but correct dosing even with negative pressure is not guaranteed.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to propose a container for at least two free-flowing preparations which can be brought into a form-fitting, detachable connection with a dosing device and which remains leak-proof even under the influence of high forces and at the same time retains its functionality.

To solve the problem, a container according to the features of claim 1 is proposed according to the invention.

Advantageous refinements and developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a container for at least two free-flowing preparations is provided, which has at least one first cavity for storing a first free-flowing preparation and one second cavity for storing a second free-flowing preparation and a coupling level for the detachable positive connection with a dosing device. The dispensing device can be suitable, for example, for dispensing the free-flowing preparations in a water-bearing household appliance such as a washing machine, preferably in a tub of a washing machine. Flowable preparations can include, for example, detergents, fragrances, bleaches or solvents. The coupling level simplifies the detachable form-fitting connection with the dosing device and thus advantageously enables the container to be exchanged after it has been emptied. The form-fitting connection also prevents the free-flowing preparations from escaping undesirably. The second cavity is at least partially enclosed by the first cavity and can be inserted into it. In this case, the first and the second cavity are fluidically separated from one another, so that the first and second flowable preparation do not mix with one another. This is particularly advantageous when the free-flowing preparations react with one another when they come into contact. By storing them separately, it can be avoided that their effectiveness is already impaired before they are dosed out. In addition, a desired interaction, which would decrease in effect over the long term if stored together, can be achieved in that the free-flowing preparations are metered out together and only develop their joint effect outside of the container. The first and second cavities are designed to be essentially collapsible, which has the advantage that the cavities also withstand the effects of high external forces. In this context, a collapsible cavity is understood to mean one that is not rigid and whose shape can be changed reversibly. This material flexibility reduces the risk of the cavities breaking and, at the same time, the risk of the free-flowing preparations escaping from the cavities. The coloring and/or translucency of the first and second cavity is independent of one another and can be adapted to the respective flowable preparation to be stored. It is also conceivable that the container comprises more than two cavities for storing more than two free-flowing preparations. In addition, it is also conceivable that the same free-flowing preparation is stored in the first and second cavity.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first and the second cavity can be releasably connected to the coupling plane in a form-fitting manner. In this way, the coupling level of the container serves as a link between the dosing device and the cavities. The form-fitting connection offers a tight closure of the cavities, so that the flowable connections do not escape undesirably. It is also conceivable that the cavities cannot be detachably connected to the coupling plane. The advantage of a detachable connection is that consumers can refill the cavities themselves as soon as they are empty. In this case, however, the manufacturer cannot ensure that no user errors occur, which is why a non-detachable connection also offers advantages, especially with regard to this to small children who, in this configuration, cannot inadvertently access the contents of the cavities.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the coupling plane has an opening for removing the first free-flowing preparation from the first cavity and an opening for removing the second free-flowing preparation from the second cavity. This allows targeted emptying of the first and second cavity. The openings can be designed, for example, in the form of valves or membranes in order to be able to ensure controlled emptying.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, a fluidic connection can be established between each opening and the dosing device. The fluidic connection between the openings and the dosing device enables the first and second free-flowing preparation to be emptied from the first and second cavities into the dosing device. Separate openings for each cavity ensure that no undesired mixing of the first and second flowable preparation can take place.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the coupling plane is deformation-resistant. This offers dimensional stability of the container and ensures that it can be connected to the dosing device in a form-fitting manner. If the dosing device connected to the container is placed, for example, in the tub of a washing machine, various forces such as gravity or negative pressure in the rotating tub will act on the container in a washing cycle. The deformation-resistant coupling plane offers the advantage that it deforms only slightly even under strong external influences, which ensures that the fluidic connection between the dosing device and the cavities can also be maintained and at the same time seals tightly against the unwanted escape of free-flowing preparation .

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first and second cavities change their shape when subjected to negative pressure. In contrast to the dome level, they have increased flexibility and lower dimensional stability. When the cavities are emptied, negative pressure can build up in them, which cannot always be compensated for immediately. Due to the shape flexibility, damage to the cavities can be avoided. In addition, it is possible for the first and the second cavity to change their shape independently of one another, for example if they are not emptied uniformly or at the same time.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the removal of the liquid preparations is ensured when the force of gravity is greater than 1g. The removal is preferably ensured with a gravitational effect of >10g, particularly preferably >100g, without the container is damaged. It is conceivable that the container is capable of ensuring dispensing and stability up to 750g of gravity. Due to the effects of gravity, for example during washing and spinning in the washing machine, the container is exposed to strong mechanical loads. In a preferred embodiment, it is therefore also suitable for controlled emptying of the first and second free-flowing preparation from the first and second cavity into the dosing device and from there into the tub of the washing machine, even when the force of gravity is higher.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the volume ratio of the second cavity to the first cavity is in a range between 1:5 and 1:20, particularly preferably 1:15. Ratios from 1:1 to 1:25 are also conceivable.

For example, the first cavity can be filled with a flowable preparation in the form of a heavy-duty detergent, while a flowable preparation is stored in the second, of which smaller amounts are usually required, for example a fragrance or fabric softener. The total volume of the container is not greater than the sum of the volumes of the first and second cavities. The cavities are preferably dimensioned sufficiently large to provide free-flowing preparations for 5 to 25 washing cycles. However, it is also conceivable to provide a container whose cavities can be sufficiently filled with free-flowing preparations for only one wash cycle.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the container is designed in the form of a hemisphere. In a form-fitting connection with a dosing device, which is also designed in the form of a hemisphere, the result is a sphere that is less susceptible to damage in terms of its surface finish, even when exposed to high forces, for example inside the tub of the washing machine.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second free-flowing preparation contains less than 10% water, preferably <5% and particularly preferably <1% water. These can be, for example, highly solvent-based, free-flowing preparations to introduce special, non-water-soluble substances into the washing process, or solutions of fragrances or liquid fragrances themselves. The handling of such free-flowing preparations requires increased safety precautions in order to avoid damage. The storage of such a flowable preparation in the second cavity, which is at least partially surrounded by the first cavity, has the particular advantage that in the event of an unintentional escape of the second flowable preparation (e.g. under the influence of too strong centrifugal acceleration forces, for example in the spin cycle in a tub a washing machine) it escapes into the first cavity and is collected there. Through this For example, damage to the dosing device, the washing machine or the laundry that is in the washing machine with the container can be prevented.

• Figur 1 ein Querschnittsprofil eines erfindungsgemäßen Behälters;
• Figur 2 eine Draufsicht auf den Behälter gemäß Figur 1; und
• Figur 3 ein Querschnitt durch eine Öffnung einer Koppelebene des Behälters gemäß Figur 1.

Further details of the container according to the invention are explained below using an exemplary embodiment in the drawing. Show it:

• figure 1 a cross-sectional profile of a container according to the invention;
• figure 2 a plan view of the container according to FIG figure 1 ; and
• figure 3 according to a cross section through an opening of a coupling plane of the container figure 1 .

figure 1 shows a container 1 according to the invention, which has a first cavity 2a and a second cavity 2b. The second cavity 2b is at least partially surrounded by the first cavity 2a and lies within it. At the top, the cavities 2a, b are positively connected to a coupling plane 3. The coupling level ensures that the two cavities 2a, b are sealed tightly. It has two openings 4a,b which allow the two cavities 2a,b to be emptied. Because each cavity 2a, b is assigned its own opening 4a, b, the cavities can be emptied separately from one another. A detergent, for example, can be stored in the first cavity 2a and a fragrance in the second cavity 2b. The coupling level 3 is suitable for entering into a positive connection with a dosing device. The metering device connected to the container 1 can then be placed in a tub of a washing machine directly for washing. During a wash cycle, the dosing device can dose detergent out of the first cavity 2a and, in a subsequent rinse cycle, remove the fragrance from the second cavity 2b via the opening 4b and deliver it to the tub. In this way it is ensured that the detergent and the fragrance do not come into contact with one another, so that the fragrance is still present in the laundry after the end of a cleaning cycle, which represents a satisfactory washing result for the user. Should such high forces act on the container 1 in the course of a cleaning cycle that the second cavity 2b is damaged, the free-flowing preparation contained therein can only escape into the first cavity 2a and not damage the laundry or the dosing device.

figure 2 shows a plan view of the container 1 according to FIG figure 1 . The coupling plane 3 has an at least partially light-reflecting surface 6. The dosing device can detect this using a sensor. On the one hand, a correct connection of the container 1 to the dosing device can be checked in order to ensure correct emptying of the container 1 via the openings 4 and, on the other hand, the filling levels of the free-flowing preparations stored in the container 1 can be checked. The coupling level 3 has suitable means for establishing a fluidic connection to the dosing device, such as a closing device in the form of a membrane. The coupling plane 3 also has a depression 5 which can be positively connected to a counterpart in the dosing device in order to be able to ensure a secure connection between the container 1 and the dosing device.

figure 3 shows a cross section through the opening 4 of the coupling plane 3 of the container figure 1 . The opening extends through the coupling plane 3 into the cavity 2 and enables cavity 2, which is otherwise closed by the coupling plane 3, to be emptied. In this way, the free-flowing preparation stored in the cavity 2 can reach the dosing device and from there be controlled and dosed to the outside be given. The opening 4 can be designed, for example, as a valve or membrane in order to be able to ensure controlled emptying.

Reference character list

1

container

2

cavity

3

coupling level

4

opening

5

deepening

6

Light reflecting surface

Claims (10)

Container for at least two flowable preparations, comprising - at least one first cavity for storing a first free-flowing preparation; - A second cavity for storing a second free-flowing preparation; - A coupling level for releasable form-fitting connection with a dosing device; wherein the second cavity is at least partially enclosed by the first cavity, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are designed to be essentially collapsible, and wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidically separated from one another. Container according to Claim 1, characterized in that the first and the second cavity can be releasably connected to the coupling plane in a form-fitting manner. Container according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coupling plane has an opening for removing the first free-flowing preparation from the first cavity and an opening for removing the second free-flowing preparation from the second cavity. Container according to Claim 3, characterized in that a fluidic connection can be established between each opening and the dosing device. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling plane is deformation-resistant. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second cavities change their shape when exposed to negative pressure. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the removal of the free-flowing preparations is ensured with a gravitational effect >1g. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the volume ratio of the second cavity to the first cavity is in a range between 1:5 and 1:20. Container according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container is designed in the form of a hemisphere. Container according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second flowable composition contains less than 10% water.

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