Container For At Least Two Free-Flowing Preparations

Abstract

A container for at least two free-flowing preparations, having at least a first cavity for storing a first free-flowing preparation, a second cavity for storing a second free-flowing preparation, and a coupling plane for detachable interlocking connection to a metering device, wherein the second cavity is at least partially enclosed by the first cavity, the first cavity and the second cavity are substantially collapsible, and the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidically separated from one another.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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, and a coupling plane for detachably interlocking with a metering device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

DE 10 2018 126 625 B4 discloses a container for use in a water-conducting domestic appliance. Cartridges designed in this way are suitable for use in a holding device of a washing machine, such as a metering drawer. The disadvantage of this is that the cartridge cannot be placed directly into the tub of the washing machine. Targeted metering directly within the tub of the washing machine is not possible with such a container.

Metering directly in the tub can be implemented independently of the rinse cycles of the washing machine, which greatly increases metering options and accuracy. However, the containers known from the prior art are either not designed for the strong mechanical loads which act thereon inside a tub during washing and spinning so that there is a risk of undesired discharge of free-flowing preparations if the container is damaged, or said preparations can be introduced into the tub but correct metering even at negative pressure is not ensured.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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 an interlocking, detachable connection with a metering device for dispensing into a washing machine and, even when high forces are applied, remains leakproof and at the same time maintains functionality.

According to the invention, a container according to the features of the claims is proposed in order to achieve the proposed object.

Advantageous embodiments and further embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the claims

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further details of the container according to the invention will be explained below with reference to an embodiment in the drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional profile of a container according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the container according to FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 shows a cross section through an opening in a coupling plane of the container according to FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, a container for at least two free-flowing preparations is provided, which comprises at least a first cavity for storing a first free-flowing preparation, and a second cavity for storing a second free-flowing preparation, and a coupling plane for detachably interlocking with a metering device. The metering device is suitable for dispensing the free-flowing preparations in a water-conducting domestic appliance such as a washing machine, preferably in a tub of a washing machine. Free-flowing preparations can include, for example, cleaning agents, fragrancing agents, bleaching agents or solvents. The coupling plane simplifies the detachable interlocking connection to the metering device and therefore advantageously allows the container to be replaced after being emptied. The interlocking connection also prevents undesired escape of the free-flowing preparations. The second cavity is at least partially enclosed by the first cavity and can be inserted therein. The first and the second cavity are fluidically separated from one another so that the first and second free-flowing preparations do not mix. This is particularly advantageous if the free-flowing preparations react with one another when they come into contact. The separate storage can prevent their effectiveness from being impaired, even before being discharged. In addition, a desired interaction, the effect of which would decrease in the long term if said preparations were stored together, can be achieved in that the free-flowing preparations are dispensed together and only take effect together outside the container. The first and second cavities are substantially collapsible, which has the advantage that the cavities also withstand the effect of high external forces. In this context, a collapsible cavity is understood to mean one which is not flexurally rigid and can reversibly change shape. This material flexibility reduces the risk of the cavities breaking and thus at the same time the undesired discharge of the free-flowing preparations from the cavities. The coloring and/or translucency of the first cavity is/are not dependent on that of the second cavity and is/are adaptable to the particular free-flowing preparation to be stored. It is also conceivable for the container to comprise more than two cavities for storing more than two free-flowing preparations. In addition, it is also conceivable for the same free-flowing preparation to be stored in the first and second cavities.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and the second cavities can be interlockingly detachably connected to the coupling plane. In this way, the coupling plane of the container serves as a link between the metering device and the cavities. The interlocking connection provides a sealed closure of the cavities so that undesired discharge of the free-flowing connections does not occur. It is also conceivable that the cavities cannot be detachably connected to the coupling plane. The advantage of a detachable connection is that consumers themselves can refill the cavities as soon as they are empty. However, in this case, the manufacturer cannot ensure that no user errors will occur, which is why a non-detachable connection also offers advantages, especially with regard to small children who cannot accidentally access the contents of the cavities with this design.

According to a further 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 for targeted emptying of the first and second cavities. The openings can be designed, for example, in the form of valves or membranes so as to ensure controlled emptying.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, a fluidic connection can be established between each opening and the metering device. The fluidic connection between the openings and the metering device makes it possible to pass the first and second free-flowing preparation from the first and second cavities into the metering device. By means of separate openings for each cavity, it is thereby ensured that undesired mixing of the first and second free-flowing preparations cannot take place.

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

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the first and second cavities change their shape under the effect of negative pressure. In contrast to the coupling plane, they have increased flexibility and lower dimensional stability. When emptying the cavities, negative pressure can build up therein which cannot always be equalized 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 in the event that they are not emptied uniformly or simultaneously.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the removal of the liquid preparations is ensured with a gravitational effect of >1 g. Preferably, removal is ensured under a gravitational effect of >10 g, particularly preferably of >100 g, without the container being damaged. It is conceivable that the container is suitable for ensuring removal and stability up a gravitational effect of 750 g. Due to the gravitational effect, for example during washing and spinning in the washing machine, the container is exposed to strong mechanical loads. In a preferred embodiment, even with a higher gravitational effect, said container is therefore suitable for controlled passing of the first and second free-flowing preparation from the first and second cavities into the metering device and from there into the tub of the washing machine.

According to a further 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 of 1:1 to 1:25 are also conceivable.

For example, the first cavity can be filled with a free-flowing preparation in the form of a heavy-duty detergent, while in the second, a free-flowing preparation is stored, of which smaller amounts are generally required, for example a fragrancing agent or softener. The total space requirement of the container is not greater than the sum of the volumes of the first and second cavities. The cavities are preferably 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 filled with only enough free-flowing preparation for one washing cycle.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the container is hemispherical. An interlocking connection with a metering device, which is also hemispherical, provides a sphere whose surface quality is less susceptible to damage, even when subjected to high forces, for example inside the tub of the washing machine.

According to a further 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, free-flowing preparations containing a high amount of solvent in order to introduce special, non-water-soluble substances into the washing process or solutions of fragrancing agents or liquid fragrancing agents themselves. The handling of such free-flowing preparations requires increased safety precautions in order to avoid damage. The storage of such a free-flowing preparation in the second cavity, which is at least partially surrounded by the first cavity, then has the advantage in particular that, in the event of unintentional discharge of the second free-flowing preparation (for example under the effect of excessive centrifugal acceleration forces, for example during the spin cycle in a tub of a washing machine), said preparation escapes into the first cavity where it is collected. As a result, for example, damage to the metering device, the washing machine or also the laundry in the washing machine with the container, can be prevented.

FIG. 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 enclosed by the first cavity 2a and lies within said first cavity. Toward the top, the cavities 2a, b are interlockingly connected to a coupling plane 3. The coupling plane ensures that the two cavities 2a, b are tightly sealed. It has two openings 4a, b which enable the two cavities 2a, b to be emptied. Since each cavity 2a, b is assigned its own opening 4a, b, the cavities can be emptied separately from one another. A detergent can, for example, be stored in the first cavity 2a, and a fragrancing agent in the second cavity 2b. The coupling plane 3 is suitable for interlockingly connecting to a metering device. The metering device connected to the container 1 can then be added directly to the laundry in a tub of a washing machine. During a washing cycle, the metering device can meter detergent from of the first cavity 2a and, in a subsequent washing cycle, remove the fragrancing agent from the second cavity 2b via the opening 4b and release it to the tub. In this way, it is ensured that the detergent and the fragrancing agent do not come into contact with one another so that the fragrancing agent still exists in the laundry after a cleaning cycle has ended, which represents a satisfactory washing result for the user. If such high forces act on the container 1 during the course of a cleaning cycle such that the second cavity 2b is damaged, the free-flowing preparation therein can only escape into the first cavity 2a and cannot damage the laundry or the metering device.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the container 1 according to FIG. 1. The coupling plane 3 has an at least partially light-reflecting surface 6. The metering device can detect this by means of a sensor. Accordingly, on the one hand, a correct connection between the container 1 and the metering device can be checked in order to ensure correct emptying of the container 1 via the openings 4 and, on the other hand, fill levels of the free-flowing preparations stored in the container 1 can be checked. The coupling plane 3 has suitable means for establishing a fluidic connection to the metering device, such as a closing device in the form of a membrane. The coupling plane 3 also has a recess 5 which can be interlockingly connected to a mating part in the metering device in order to be able to ensure a secure connection between the container 1 and the metering device.

FIG. 3 shows a cross section through the opening 4 of the coupling plane 3 of the container according to FIG. 1. The opening extends through the coupling plane 3 and into the cavity 2 and allows the 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 enter the metering device and be dispensed therefrom in a controlled and metered manner to the outside. The opening 4 can be designed, for example, as a valve or membrane for ensuring controlled emptying.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

• • 1 Container
  • 2 Cavity
  • 3 Coupling plane
  • 4 Opening
  • 5 Recess
  • 6 Light reflecting surface

Claims

1. A container for at least two free-flowing preparations, comprising: at least a first cavity for storing a first free-flowing preparation;a second cavity for storing a second free-flowing preparation;a coupling plane for detachably interlockingly connecting to a metering device suitable for dispensing into the tub of a washing machine, 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 substantially collapsible, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidically separated from one another, and wherein the first and the second cavity can be interlockingly detachably connected to the coupling plane.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein 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.

3. The container according to claim 2, wherein a fluidic connection can be established between each opening and the metering device.

4. The container according to claim 1, wherein the coupling plane is deformation-resistant.

5. The container according to claim 1, wherein the first and second cavities change their shape under the effect of negative pressure.

6. The container according to claim 1, wherein the removal of the free-flowing preparations is ensured under a gravitational effect of >1 g.

7. The container according to claim 1, wherein the volume ratio of the second cavity to the first cavity is in the range between 1:5 and 1:20.

8. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container is hemispherical.

9. The container according to claim 1, wherein the second free-flowing preparation contains less than 10% of water.