JP7664766B2 - Apparatus and method for improving the apparatus for producing solid cosmetics, and method for producing solid cosmetics - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing solid cosmetics, a method for improving the same, and a method for producing solid cosmetics.

The general manufacturing methods for solid cosmetics such as eye shadow and foundation are the dry method or the wet method. The dry method is, for example, a method in which a mixture of powder and oil, which are cosmetic ingredients, is compressed and molded into a filling object. The wet method is, for example, a method in which a volatile liquid medium such as water or alcohol is mixed with the powder and oil, which are cosmetic ingredients, to form a slurry, which is filled into a container and then the liquid medium is removed.

Such wet manufacturing methods include a filling method (so-called front filling) in which the filling object is filled from the top opening of the filling container, and a manufacturing method (so-called back filling) in which a slurry containing a cosmetic is filled from a filling hole on the bottom of a dish-shaped container. Patent Document 1 discloses a manufacturing method in which the slurry is back-filled, the opening on the top of the container is blocked with a tool capable of removing the solvent, and the solvent in the slurry is removed by suction (Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 2 discloses a solid cosmetic manufacturing device that is provided with various mechanisms, such as a filling pressure adjustment mechanism, a pump suck-back mechanism, and a filling nozzle shutoff valve mechanism, for the purpose of reducing the occurrence of flow marks and cracks and thereby reducing defects in the appearance of the solid cosmetic.

Patent document 3 discloses a cosmetic filling device in which an elastic member is attached to the tip of the nozzle body in order to prevent leakage of the cosmetic. The document also discloses that this elastic member is designed to seal the cosmetic flow path by elastically deforming upon contact with the container when the nozzle body is biased toward the container.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 56-128107 JP 2013-1667 A JP 2015-77990 A

When filling a container with a cosmetic slurry by the above-mentioned back-filling method, the cosmetic may adhere to the area around the through-hole in the bottom of the container after filling. If the container is subjected to subsequent processes in this state, the manufacturing equipment that comes into contact with the bottom of the container may become contaminated by the deposits from the bottom of the container, and the cosmetic may easily crack or break due to the solidified and adhered cosmetic around the through-hole of the container. The technologies in Patent Documents 1 to 3 cannot be said to be sufficient in terms of solving both of these issues.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a manufacturing device and manufacturing method that prevents solidified cosmetic slurry from adhering to the bottom of a container when the cosmetic slurry is filled into the container by backfilling.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a solid cosmetic product.
The manufacturing device preferably includes a nozzle for ejecting a cosmetic slurry.
The manufacturing apparatus is preferably configured so that the slurry can be discharged from the nozzle to fill the container with the slurry through a filling hole provided in the bottom of the container.
The manufacturing apparatus is preferably improved by adding a flow control member.
The flow control member is preferably disposed at the tip of the nozzle and has an opening that communicates between the inside and the outside of the nozzle at least when the slurry is discharged.
The flow control member is preferably configured such that the openings have a cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the slurry that increases or decreases depending on the pressure generated when the slurry is discharged.
The flow control member is preferably configured such that the cross-sectional area of the opening when the slurry is not being discharged is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the nozzle.
It is preferable that the manufacturing apparatus is configured so that the slurry can be filled into the container through the flow path and the filling hole by ejecting the slurry from the nozzle while the flow control member is in contact with a filling hole provided at the bottom of the container.

The present invention also relates to a method for improving an apparatus for producing a solid cosmetic product.
It is also preferable that the manufacturing device includes a nozzle for ejecting a cosmetic slurry.
The manufacturing apparatus is preferably configured so that the slurry can be discharged from the nozzle to fill the container with the slurry through a filling hole provided in the bottom of the container.
The improvement method preferably includes a step of improving the manufacturing apparatus by providing a flow control member at the tip of the nozzle in the manufacturing apparatus.
The flow control member preferably has an opening that communicates between the inside and the outside of the nozzle at least when the slurry is discharged.
The flow control member is preferably configured such that the openings have a cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the slurry that increases or decreases depending on the pressure generated when the slurry is discharged.
The flow control member is preferably configured such that the cross-sectional area of the opening when the slurry is not being discharged is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the nozzle.

The present invention also relates to a method for producing a solid cosmetic preparation.
It is also preferable that the manufacturing method uses a solid cosmetic manufacturing device that is equipped with a nozzle for discharging a cosmetic slurry, and is configured so that the slurry can be discharged from the nozzle to fill a container through a filling hole provided at the bottom of the container.
In the above-mentioned manufacturing method, it is preferable to dispose a flow control member at the tip of the nozzle, the flow control member having an opening that communicates between the inside and the outside of the nozzle at least when the slurry is discharged.
It is preferable that the manufacturing method includes a step of ejecting the slurry from the nozzle while the flow control member is in contact with a filling hole provided at the bottom of a container, thereby filling the slurry into the container through the opening and the filling hole, and solidifying the filled slurry.
The flow control member is preferably configured such that the openings have a cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the slurry that increases or decreases depending on the pressure generated when the slurry is discharged.
The flow control member is preferably configured such that the cross-sectional area of the opening when the slurry is not being discharged is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the nozzle.
In the manufacturing method, it is preferable that the flow control member and the filling hole are brought into contact with each other, and the slurry is discharged to expand the flow path, and then the slurry is filled into the container.

According to the present invention, when filling a container with cosmetic slurry, the solidified slurry is less likely to adhere to the bottom of the container, and the cosmetic is less likely to crack or break.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of a filling section constituting a part of the manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention together with a container. FIG. 2(a) is an enlarged view of a cross-sectional view of a main portion of an embodiment of a flow control member, showing an embodiment of a nozzle tip and its vicinity in a state where a slurry is not being ejected, and FIG. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the flow control member taken along line II in FIG. 2(a). 3(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main portion of the flow control member of FIG. 2(a) showing an embodiment of the nozzle tip and its vicinity in a state in which a slurry is being discharged, and FIG. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the flow control member along line II-II of FIG. 3(a). Figure 4(a) is an enlarged view of a cross-section of a schematic embodiment of the nozzle tip and its vicinity in a non-slurry discharge state in another embodiment of the flow control member, and Figure 4(b) is an enlarged view of a cross-section of a schematic embodiment of the nozzle tip and its vicinity in a slurry discharge state in the embodiment of Figure 4(a). 5(a) to (d) are cross-sectional views each showing a schematic diagram of one embodiment of each step according to the manufacturing method of the present invention using the manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 6(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views that typically show one embodiment of a process for attaching a flow control member to a nozzle that constitutes a manufacturing apparatus.

The present invention will be described below based on a preferred embodiment. The manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of the present invention are capable of suitably manufacturing a solid cosmetic product in which a cosmetic product is filled in a container.

The manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of the present invention preferably employ a configuration that is capable of using a container that has a bottom and is open at the top, and filling the container from the bottom side with a slurry (in this specification, this is also simply referred to as a "slurry of the cosmetic" or "slurry") containing cosmetic ingredients including solid powders and oils and a liquid dispersion medium through a filling hole, which is a through hole provided in the bottom of the container. This method is known as back-filling in this technical field. By adopting this filling method, it is easy to produce solid cosmetics having a three-dimensional shape, the desired solid cosmetic can be produced in a manner suitable for automation by machine, and productivity can be improved.
As long as the present invention is configured to allow so-called back-filling, it is not precluded from further adopting a configuration that allows the cosmetic to be filled from the upper side of the container, but it is preferable to only perform back-filling.
As the dispersion medium for the slurry, it is preferable to use a volatile solvent, which will be described later.

The present invention is suitably applicable to filling a container with a cosmetic-containing slurry at 20°C and 1 atmosphere, and then solidifying the slurry. The cosmetic-containing slurry preferably contains solids and liquids at 20°C and 1 atmosphere. Examples of such slurries include slurries in which solid and powder-like cosmetic materials containing pigments, oils, etc. are dispersed in a liquid dispersion medium. Details of the constituent materials of the cosmetic slurry will be described later.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. In Figure 1, a manufacturing apparatus 10 is shown together with a container 80.
The container 80 used in this embodiment has a bottom 81 and an upper opening 82, and is provided with a filling hole 85 which is a through hole provided in the bottom 81. A single filling hole 85 may be provided, or multiple filling holes 85 may be provided. The container 80 of this embodiment has a side wall portion which is smoothly connected and erected from the periphery of the bottom, and is capable of filling and holding a slurry L containing a cosmetic in a space surrounded by the upper surface of the bottom and the inner wall of the side wall portion.

As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the manufacturing apparatus 10 includes a nozzle 20 and a flow control member 30 arranged to cover the tip of the nozzle 20. The manufacturing apparatus 10 is configured to fill the container 80 with the slurry L by ejecting the slurry L from the nozzle 20 while the flow control member 30 is in contact with the filling hole 85. In addition, the manufacturing apparatus 10 preferably includes a filling jig 40.

It is also preferable that the manufacturing apparatus 10 further includes a lifting mechanism (not shown) for independently displacing the position of the nozzle 20 and the position of the filling jig 40 up and down. This allows the distance between the nozzle 20 and the filling jig 40 and the container 80, and the degree of contact between each member to be adjusted. In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the manufacturing apparatus 10 may also include a member for fixing the nozzle 20 and the filling jig 40 in a predetermined position, and a container transport mechanism (not shown). These can be ordinary ones used in the relevant field. Although not shown, the manufacturing apparatus of the present invention further includes a pump for pumping the slurry L and a tube for circulating the slurry L. One end of the tube is connected to the pump, and the other end is connected to the nozzle 20 described later, and the pump and the nozzle 20 are each connected via the tube.

The nozzle 20 is a tubular member that discharges the slurry L toward the container. The nozzle 20 has a flow path for the slurry as a space formed therein along the flow direction (indicated by symbol R in FIG. 1 ). At least one nozzle 20 is provided, and a single nozzle or a plurality of nozzles 20 may be provided in correspondence with the number of the filling holes 85 of the container 80.
One end of the nozzle 20 constitutes a discharge port for the slurry, and the other end is connected so as to communicate with a slurry supply unit (not shown). The slurry supply unit is configured such that pressure for discharging the slurry L is applied under the control of a supply pump constituting the supply unit, and a predetermined amount of the slurry L is continuously or discontinuously supplied to the discharge port of the nozzle through a tube (not shown), or the supply is stopped.

The nozzle 20 may be cylindrical in shape such that the cross-sectional area (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "cross-sectional area") in a cross-sectional view in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the flow direction R does not change substantially when viewed along the flow direction R of the slurry L, or the inner diameter of the nozzle 20 may narrow continuously or stepwise, or widen continuously or stepwise, toward the flow direction R. In either case, the cross-sectional shape of the nozzle 20 is preferably a perfect circle for both the outer shape and the flow path shape (internal cross-sectional shape) from the viewpoint of pressure uniformity.
The material of which the nozzle is made is not particularly limited, and for example, metal, plastic, etc. can be used.

One of the features of the manufacturing apparatus 10 is that it is an improvement over the conventional manufacturing apparatuses, in that it includes a flow control member 30. The flow control member 30 is a member disposed so as to cover the tip of the nozzle 20.
In the flow control member 30, in its natural state, an opening 31 is formed when viewed in cross section in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the flow direction R. The opening 31 forms a space that communicates with the inside and outside of the nozzle at least when the slurry L is discharged. The opening 31 in this embodiment is a space formed to extend along the flow direction R, and communicates with the nozzle 20 to form a flow path for the slurry L. This allows the slurry L discharged from the nozzle 20 to be filled into the container 80 via the opening 31 and the filling hole 85.

In this specification, the term "opening" includes an opening that is visible in its natural state, as well as a form having a substantially closed notch (so-called slit) in its natural state. In either form, when the slurry L is discharged, it is at least a through hole that communicates between the inside and outside of the nozzle. When it is in the form of an opening, the inside and outside of the nozzle are in communication both in the natural state of the flow control member 30 and when the slurry L is discharged. When it is in the form of a slit, the inside and outside of the nozzle are not in communication in the natural state of the flow control member 30, but are in communication when the slurry L is discharged. In addition, it is preferable that this opening is formed continuously over the entire area along the flow direction R of the flow control member 30 in its natural state.

Like the nozzle 20, the opening 31 may be cylindrical with a cross-sectional area that does not change substantially along the flow direction R, or the cross-sectional area may narrow or widen continuously or stepwise toward the flow direction R. From the viewpoint of improving the cutting of the slurry L after the slurry L is discharged and preventing the slurry L from unintentionally adhering to the bottom of the container, it is preferable that the cross-sectional area of the opening 31 in its natural state becomes smaller toward the tip of the nozzle (i.e., the flow direction R). In either case, the cross-sectional shape of the opening 31 in its natural state is preferably a perfect circle from the viewpoint of uniformity of the applied pressure.
In the present embodiment, the flow control member 30 is disposed so that, in its natural state, it matches the cross-sectional outer shape of the nozzle 20. In addition, in the present embodiment, the flow control member 30 has a tip that is convex outward in a cross-sectional view along the axial direction, but is not limited to this shape and the tip may be flat.

The openings 31 in the flow control member 30 are configured so that their cross-sectional area increases or decreases according to the pressure generated when the slurry L is discharged. It is also preferable that the increase or decrease in the cross-sectional area changes continuously according to the change in pressure generated when the slurry L is discharged. Specifically, it is preferable that the openings 31 in the flow control member 30 are configured so that the cross-sectional area when the slurry L is not being discharged is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the flow path when the slurry L is being discharged.

When the above-mentioned cross-sectional area relationship is satisfied, the cross-sectional area of the aperture 31 in the non-discharged state of the slurry L may be in a state in which the aperture 31 is maintained open so that the cross-sectional area exceeds zero (i.e., the aperture 31 is not blocked), or alternatively, the cross-sectional area of the aperture 31 in the non-discharged state of the slurry L may be zero (i.e., the aperture 31 is blocked).

Examples of such flow control members 30 include various elastic members that can be elastically deformed, valves that can be displaced only in the flow direction R of the slurry (so-called check valves), shutter valves, butterfly valves, and other movable valves themselves, or members that include one or more of these.

When an elastic member is used as the flow control member 30, the elastic member may be, for example, one or more selected from sponge, rubber, and the like.
Examples of sponges include porous materials obtained by foaming synthetic resins or natural resins, such as urethane rubber, polyethylene, melamine, natural rubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, and fluororubber.
Examples of rubber that can be used include natural rubber, isoprene rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, acrylonitrile rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, and polysulfurized rubber.

Of these, the elastic member is preferably nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, urethane rubber, or fluororubber, and more preferably silicone rubber. By using these rubbers as the elastic member, the appearance of the contents filled in the container can be improved, further improving the appearance of the product.

From the viewpoint of preventing the filled object from adhering to the lower part of the container, the rubber hardness (Shore A) of the elastic member measured in accordance with ISO 7619 is preferably 20 degrees or more, more preferably 30 degrees or more, even more preferably 45 degrees or more, and is preferably 70 degrees or less, more preferably 65 degrees or less, even more preferably 60 degrees or less.
From the same viewpoint, the thickness of the elastic member in the lateral direction perpendicular to the flow direction R is preferably 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 1.0 mm or more, and is preferably 4.0 mm or less, more preferably 3.0 mm or less.

When a movable valve is used as the flow control member 30, the material of the valve is not particularly limited as long as it does not affect the composition of the slurry, and metal, plastic, etc., can be used. The valve may be opened and closed passively in response to pressure changes when the slurry is being discharged or not. Alternatively, the valve may be configured as an electrically movable valve by installing a detection mechanism that detects voltage changes or pressure changes when the slurry is being discharged or not, and electrically controlling whether or not the valve is opened or closed, or the degree to which it is opened, based on an electrical signal transmitted from the detection mechanism.

2 and 3 show an example of an embodiment of the flow control member 30 using an elastic member. In the flow control member 30 according to this embodiment, the openings 31 are kept open in their natural state (i.e., the openings 31 are not blocked). However, the following description is also applicable in the case where the openings 31 are blocked in their natural state.

2(a) and 2(b), before the discharge of the slurry L, at the end of the discharge, or when the discharge is stopped, pressure is not reduced or generated, so that the openings 31 in this state are in a state of being contracted inward in cross-sectional view compared to the state during discharge. As a result, the cross-sectional area of the openings 31 in this state is the cross-sectional area in the natural state, or is reduced continuously or stepwise compared to the cross-sectional area of the openings 31 when the slurry L is discharged.
3(a) and 3(b), when the slurry L is discharged to the outside, a flow pressure is generated, and a pressure from the inside to the outside in a cross-sectional view is applied to the elastic member serving as the flow control member 30, so that the openings 31 in this state are elastically deformed and become more open than in their natural state. As a result, the cross-sectional area of the openings 31 in this state increases continuously or stepwise from the cross-sectional area of the openings 31 in their natural state.

As another embodiment of the flow control member 30, an example using a check valve as a movable valve is shown in FIG. 4. In the flow control member 30 according to this embodiment, the aperture 31 is closed by the valve in its natural state. However, the following explanation can be applied even if the aperture 31 is not closed in its natural state by changing the dimensions of the valve or controlling the open/close state of the valve.

In detail, as shown in FIG. 4(a), before the discharge of the slurry L, at the end of the discharge, or when the discharge is stopped, the pressure is not reduced or generated, so the valve 35 is closed and the opening 31 in this state is blocked.
On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4 (b), when the slurry L is discharged to the outside, a flow pressure is generated, and pressure from the inside to the outside in the flow direction in cross-sectional view is applied to the valve 35 in the flow control member 30, so that the valve 35 opens in the flow direction R, and in that state the opening 31 becomes wider than its natural state.
As a result, the cross-sectional area of the opening 31 when the slurry L is being discharged increases continuously or stepwise compared to the cross-sectional area of the opening 31 in its natural state, and the cross-sectional area when the slurry is not being discharged becomes zero or is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the opening 31 when the slurry is being discharged.

With regard to the relationship between the cross-sectional area A1 of the aperture 31 in its natural state and the cross-sectional area A2 of the nozzle 20, it is preferable that the cross-sectional area A1 of the aperture 31 in its natural state is smaller than the cross-sectional area A2 of the nozzle 20 in the flow path.
In detail, the percentage (100×A1/A2) of the cross-sectional area A1 of the opening 31 in its natural state to the cross-sectional area A2 of the nozzle 20 is preferably 0% or more, more preferably 10% or more, even more preferably 20% or more, still more preferably 30% or more, and is preferably 90% or less, more preferably 80% or less, and even more preferably 70% or less. By setting such a ratio, it is possible to increase the efficiency of filling the slurry L into the container and further improve the appearance of the product.
The relationship between the cross-sectional areas of the nozzle 20 and the opening 31 described above is based on the cross-sectional area of the internal space which is the flow path of the slurry L.

The cross-sectional area A1 of the opening 31 in its natural state can be appropriately changed depending on the scale of the production apparatus, the physical properties of the slurry, the discharge pressure, etc., but may be 0 ^mm2 when it is in a non-blocking form such as a slit. When it is in the form of an opening, the cross-sectional area A1 is preferably 0.19 ^mm2 or more, more preferably 0.78 ^mm2 or more, and preferably 3.14 ^mm2 or less, more preferably 1.76 ^mm2 or less. Such a cross-sectional area can increase the efficiency of filling the container with the slurry L while reducing the occurrence of deposits on the filling hole 85 and its vicinity, thereby further improving the appearance of the product.
The cross-sectional area of the opening 31 when the slurry L is discharged can be changed as appropriate depending on the discharge pressure of the slurry L and the material of the flow control member, etc., but it is preferable to configure it so that it is larger than the cross-sectional area of the opening 31 in its natural state.

The cross-sectional area A2 of the flow path provided in the nozzle 20 can be appropriately changed depending on the scale of the production apparatus, the physical properties of the slurry, the discharge pressure, etc., but is preferably 0.78 ^mm2 or more, more preferably 3.14 ^mm2 or more, and is preferably 12.56 ^mm2 or less, more preferably 19.6 ^mm2 or less. By using such a cross-sectional area, clogging of the slurry L in the nozzle can be reduced, and the efficiency of filling the slurry L into the container can be increased.

When the internal space of the nozzle 20, which serves as the flow path for the slurry L, is circular in cross section, the minimum inner diameter D1 (see FIG. 2(a)) of the nozzle 20 is preferably 0.78 mm or more, more preferably 1.76 mm or more, even more preferably 3.14 mm or more, and is preferably 19.6 mm or less, more preferably 12.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 7.06 mm or less. By having such an inner diameter, clogging of the slurry L in the nozzle can be reduced, and a constant amount of the slurry L can be efficiently discharged.

The opening dimension of the opening 31 may be 0 mm when it is in the form of a blockage such as a slit. When the opening is in the form of an opening that is circular in cross section and unblocked in the natural state, the minimum inner diameter D3 (see FIG. 2(b)) of the opening 31 in the natural state is preferably 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 0.75 mm or more, even more preferably 1.0 mm or more, and preferably 2.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.75 mm or less, even more preferably 1.5 mm or less, expressed in diameter. It is also preferable that this minimum inner diameter is satisfied at the discharge end of the slurry L. By having such an inner diameter, it is possible to improve the efficiency of filling the slurry into the container while improving the cutting of the slurry after discharging the slurry, and prevent the slurry from unintentionally adhering to the bottom of the container.

As shown in FIG. 1, the manufacturing apparatus 10 preferably includes a filling jig 40. The filling jig 40 in this embodiment is a member arranged so that its lower surface faces the upper opening 82 of the container 80. The planar shape of the lower surface of the filling jig 40 roughly matches the planar shape of the upper opening 82 of the container 80, and the planar dimensions of the lower surface of the filling jig 40 roughly match the inner dimensions of the upper opening 82 in plan view. Therefore, by arranging the filling jig 40 so that the upper opening 82 is covered during or after filling with the slurry, the upper surface of the filled slurry can be made flat, the slurry can be solidified, or the slurry or the filling material can be pressurized in the vertical direction.
If necessary, the manufacturing apparatus 10 may further include a support member (not shown) located on the bottom side of the container 80 and arranged opposite the filling jig 40. When the support member is provided, the container 80 is placed on the support member, and the filling jig 40 and the support member are moved relatively close to or away from each other, thereby controlling the filling amount of the slurry L (filling thickness in the container 80) or vertically pressurizing or releasing the pressure on the slurry or filling material.

As shown in FIG. 1, the filling jig 40 in this embodiment may have one or more communicating holes 41 inside the filling jig 40. One side of the communicating hole 41 opens to the underside of the filling jig 40, which is the surface of the filling jig 40 that faces or abuts against the slurry L, and the other side is connected to a suction pump (not shown). This allows the liquid contained in the slurry L to be sucked and removed during or after filling with the slurry L. For example, when the slurry L is a slurry containing liquid and solids, the liquid can be sucked and removed to leave the solids in the container and solidify the slurry.

5(a) to 5(d), one embodiment of a method for producing a solid cosmetic product using the production apparatus 10 having the above-mentioned configuration will be described below. This production method includes the steps of arranging a flow control member 30 having an opening 31 at the tip of a nozzle 20, using this nozzle 20 to fill a slurry L into a container 80 through a filling hole 85 provided in a bottom 81 of the container 80, and then solidifying the filled slurry L.
Components similar to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted. For components that are not specifically described, the description of the above-described embodiment is appropriately applied.
In this manufacturing method, an example will be described in which the slurry L is a cosmetic slurry in which a solid, powdery cosmetic is dispersed in a liquid dispersion medium.

5(a) illustrates an example of a state before the slurry L is filled into the container 80. The cosmetic slurry can be easily solidified by removing the dispersion medium, and from the viewpoint of reducing unintended suction of solid powder and contamination of the manufacturing equipment caused by direct contact between the filling jig 40 and the filled slurry L while fully achieving suction and removal of the dispersion medium, it is preferable to perform the subsequent steps with a cloth 60 interposed between the filling jig 40 and the container 80.
The fabric 60 may be a material that allows liquid to pass through in the thickness direction but has voids to the extent that solids remain inside the container. For example, various types of nonwoven fabric may be used.
As the dispersion medium constituting the slurry L, it is preferable to use a volatile solvent described later.

Next, as shown in FIG. 5( b ), the filling jig 40 and the container 80 are brought relatively close to each other, with the bottom surface of the filling jig 40 and the upper opening 82 facing each other with the cloth 60 interposed therebetween.
At the same time, or before or after the filling jig 40 is brought close to the container 80, the container 80 and the nozzle 20 are brought relatively close to each other, and the flow control member 30 arranged at the tip of the nozzle 20 and the filling hole 85 provided in the bottom of the container are abutted so that the position of the opening 31 corresponds to the position of the filling hole 85.

5(c), the slurry L is discharged along the flow direction R with the opening 31 in the flow control member 30 and the filling hole 85 in contact with each other. Then, the opening 31 is expanded by the pressure generated by the discharge, and the slurry L is filled into the container 80 through the opening 31 and the filling hole 85.
At the same time, or after the slurry L is filled, the filling jig 40 is positioned so as to correspond to the position of the upper opening 82, and the liquid V contained in the slurry L is sucked and removed while the filling jig 40 is abutted against the upper surface of the slurry L via the cloth 60. The sucked liquid V passes through the communication hole 41 in the filling jig 40 and is sucked into the suction pump (not shown). As a result, the slurry L filled in the container loses its fluidity and solidifies as at least a portion of the liquid is removed, becoming a solidified material S. The solidified material S obtained through this process and the slurry L discharged from the nozzle 20 have substantially the same configuration, except for the change in the content of the liquid that serves as the dispersion medium.

The discharge pressure of the slurry L is preferably 0.1 MPa or more, more preferably 0.15 MPa or more, even more preferably 0.2 MPa or more, and is preferably 1.0 MPa or less, more preferably 0.8 MPa or less, even more preferably 0.6 MPa or less. By setting such a discharge pressure, it is possible to reduce overload on the manufacturing apparatus while increasing the filling efficiency of the slurry. The above-mentioned discharge pressure can be appropriately changed, for example, by adjusting the pressure applied by the pump, the shape and inner diameter of the nozzle 20, or the viscosity of the slurry L.

The flow rate of the slurry L is preferably 30 mL/min or more, more preferably 60 mL/min or more, even more preferably 90 mL/min or more, and preferably 1000 mL/min or less, more preferably 800 mL/min or less, even more preferably 600 mL/min or less. By setting such a flow rate, it is possible to increase production efficiency while reducing overload on the manufacturing equipment. The above-mentioned flow rate can be appropriately changed by adjusting, for example, the pressure applied by the pump, the shape and inner diameter of the nozzle 20, or the viscosity of the slurry L.

Finally, as shown in FIG. 5(d), after the discharge of the slurry L from the nozzle 20 is stopped, the filling jig 40, the nozzle 20, and the cloth 60, which is disposed as necessary, are each moved relatively away from the container 80 to obtain a filling containing the solidified material S in the container 80. This solidified material S is a solid cosmetic material that has solidified in the container 80 as an aggregate having a predetermined shape.

When the discharge of the slurry L from the nozzle 20 stops, pressure is no longer generated during discharge, and the cross-sectional area of the opening 31 in the flow control member 30 is reduced to the natural state. As a result, when the opening 31 in the natural state is not blocked, the diameter of the opening 31 in the natural state is roughly the same as that of the opening 31, and a deposit that is thinner than the inner diameter of the nozzle 20 is formed, or the opening 31 is blocked, and the slurry L is divided. When a deposit is formed, the deposit is thin enough to naturally fall off when the nozzle is separated. When the opening 31 in the natural state is blocked, the opening 31 is blocked, and the slurry that has adhered to the vicinity of the nozzle tip is cut off, making it difficult for the slurry to adhere to the container side.
Additionally or alternatively, the openings 31 in the flow control member 30 function to cut or wipe off any remaining slurry adhering to the filling hole 85 and its vicinity, while the filled state of the solidified material S in the container 80 is maintained as is. As a result, by adopting a configuration in which the flow control member 30 is provided at the nozzle tip, which is simpler than the conventional technology, the solidified cosmetic slurry is less likely to adhere to the bottom of the container, and the appearance of the resulting solid cosmetic is improved.
In this regard, for example, the technologies described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 mentioned above have a complex configuration and the diameter of the nozzle tip does not change, so that cosmetic slurry remaining at the nozzle tip or solidified therein may adhere to the container side, or adhesions remaining in the filling hole and its vicinity may not be able to be removed, which is likely to cause manufacturing defects and defects in the quality of the obtained product.

The solidified material S filled in the container 80 may be used as the desired solid cosmetic material as is, or may be subjected to a further process to become the desired solid cosmetic material.
From the viewpoint of increasing the moldability of the solidified material S, improving the impact resistance during distribution and use, and enhancing the usability of the filled material, it is preferable to further carry out a pressurizing step in which the solidified material S is pressed in the thickness direction after solidifying the slurry L to obtain the solidified material S filled in the container 80.

When the pressurization step is further performed, for example, the nozzle 20 is separated, the filling jig 40 is positioned so as to correspond to the position of the upper opening 82, and the filling jig 40 is placed against the upper surface of the solidified material S via the cloth 60 while pressing the solidified material S in the thickness direction. Pressurization of the solidified material S can be performed, for example, between the filling jig 40 and the support member or plate-like member by placing the container 80 containing the solidified material S on the support member or plate-like member and bringing the filling jig 40 close to the solidified material S. At this time, from the viewpoint of further improving the moldability of the solidified material, it is also preferable to further suction and remove the liquid V remaining in the solidified material S while pressing with the filling jig 40.

When the pressurizing process is performed, if any deposits originating from the cosmetic slurry L remain around the filling hole 85, the deposits will also be pressurized in the thickness direction, and excessive pressure will be applied to the solidified material S at the position where the deposits overlap in the thickness direction, making the filling material prone to cracks or breakage.
In the present manufacturing method, as described above, the solidified slurry is unlikely to adhere to the bottom of the container, so that even when a pressurizing step is performed, cracks or breaks in the filling material due to pressurization are unlikely to occur. As a result, this method is particularly advantageous in that it is possible to stably manufacture high-quality filling materials that have high moldability, impact resistance, and a good feel in use, as well as a good appearance.
In contrast, for example, in the techniques described in Patent Documents 2 and 3, deposits tend to remain in and around the filling hole, making it difficult to suppress cracks and fractures that may occur during the pressurizing process. As a result, the appearance is deteriorated and the resulting filling is of poor quality.

From the viewpoint of obtaining a filling material that combines high moldability, impact resistance, and good usability at a high level, the pressure applied to the solidified material S in the pressurizing process is preferably 0.3 kN or more, more preferably 0.5 kN or more, and even more preferably 1.0 kN or more per 60 ^mm2 area, and is preferably 10.0 kN or less, more preferably 8.0 kN or less, and even more preferably 6.0 kN or less.

From the viewpoint of obtaining a filling that combines high moldability, impact resistance, and a good usability at a high level, the pressurization time in the pressurization step is preferably 0.5 seconds or more, more preferably 1.0 seconds or more, and even more preferably 1.5 seconds or more, provided that the pressure is within the above-mentioned range, and is preferably 20 seconds or less, more preferably 15 seconds or less, and even more preferably 10 seconds or less.

In each of the steps shown in Figures 5(a) to (d) and in subsequent steps that are performed as necessary, the method of transporting the container 80 is not particularly limited, but from the viewpoint of reducing adhesion of cosmetic slurry that has unintentionally solidified and adhered to the filling hole 85 and its vicinity to the manufacturing equipment and facilitating efficient maintenance of the manufacturing equipment, it is preferable to adopt a transport method that prevents the bottom of the container 80 from coming into contact with other members. One example of such a transport method is a method that uses a pallet that can hold the container 80 so that the bottom of the container 80 does not come into contact with other members as a transport member.

Through the above steps, the desired solid cosmetic product can be obtained. One embodiment of the solid cosmetic product is a solid cosmetic product. If necessary, a packaging process can be carried out to place the solid cosmetic product in a packaging bag, a packaging box, or the like, and then the product can be distributed on the market.

The present invention also provides a method for improving a manufacturing apparatus for solid cosmetics equipped with a nozzle 20, and a method for manufacturing solid cosmetics using the improved manufacturing apparatus. In detail, as shown in Figs. 6(a) and (b), the manufacturing apparatus to be improved is improved by attaching a flow control member 30 to the tip of the nozzle 20 where the flow control member 30 is not provided, by a predetermined method such as joining, screwing, or fitting. Then, the improved manufacturing apparatus is used to carry out the manufacturing steps shown in Figs. 5(a) to (d) described above, as well as a pressurizing step and a packaging step, if necessary. This method is particularly advantageous in that it allows a solid cosmetic product with excellent appearance and quality to be obtained by the simple operation of attaching a flow control member 30 to an existing manufacturing apparatus.

The following describes matters applicable to each embodiment. Unless otherwise specified, the states (three states) of substances described below are based on 1 atmosphere and 20°C.

The shape of the filling hole 85 in the container 80 in a plan view is not limited, but is preferably a perfect circle and a cylindrical shape with a constant diameter.
When the filling hole 85 has a circular cross section, the minimum inner diameter of the filling hole 85 is preferably 1.0 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more, even more preferably 2.0 mm or more, and is preferably 5.0 mm or less, more preferably 4.0 mm or less, and even more preferably 3.0 mm or less. By having such an inner diameter, it is possible to improve the efficiency of filling the slurry into the container, while improving the cutting of the slurry after it is discharged, and to prevent the slurry from unintentionally adhering to the bottom of the container.

The material of the container 80 is not particularly limited as long as the effects of the present invention are achieved, and for example, plastic, aluminum, etc. can be used.
The internal volume of the container 80 can be appropriately changed depending on the volume of the desired solid cosmetic material, but is preferably 0.5 cm ³ or more and preferably 20 cm ³ or less.

The slurry used in the present invention has a viscosity of preferably 100 mPa·s or more, more preferably 500 mPa·s or more, and even more preferably 1000 mPa·s or more, from the viewpoint of improving the uniform dispersion of the materials contained in the slurry and stabilizing the quality, and has a viscosity of preferably 30,000 mPa·s or less, more preferably 20,000 mPa·s or less, and even more preferably 10,000 mPa·s or less, from the viewpoint of improving the ejection property and making it easier to fill into a container.
The viscosity of the above-mentioned slurry is a value measured using a B-type viscometer (TVB-10 type viscometer, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) at 25° C. The measurement conditions in this case are rotor No. H3 and a rotation speed of 20 rpm.

The cosmetic-containing slurry used in the present invention preferably contains powders that are typically used as cosmetic ingredients, such as color pigments and extender pigments.
Examples of color pigments and extender pigments include inorganic powders such as silicic acid, silicic anhydride, magnesium silicate, talc, sericite, mica, kaolin, red iron oxide, clay, bentonite, mica, titanium-coated mica, bismuth oxychloride, zirconium oxide, magnesium oxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, aluminum oxide, calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, iron oxide, ultramarine, chromium oxide, chromium hydroxide, calamine, carbon black, boron nitride, and complexes thereof; organic powders such as polyamide, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, vinyl resin, urea resin, phenolic resin, fluororesin, silicon resin, acrylic resin, melamine resin, epoxy resin, polycarbonate resin, divinylbenzene-styrene copolymer, silk powder, cellulose, long-chain alkyl phosphate metal salt, N-mono long-chain alkyl acyl basic amino acid, and complexes thereof; and composite powders of the inorganic powders and the organic powders.
These extender or color pigments may be colored or non-colored (e.g., white or essentially transparent) and may provide one or more of the following benefits to the composition or to the skin: color, light diffraction, oil absorption, translucency, opacity, gloss, matte appearance, smoothness, and the like.

The content of the powder in the slurry varies depending on the purpose, but is preferably 20% by mass or more, more preferably 30% by mass or more, even more preferably 40% by mass or more, and is preferably 85% by mass or less, more preferably 80% by mass or less, even more preferably 70% by mass or less. By being in such a range, when a solid cosmetic preparation is produced, good color development as a cosmetic preparation can be enhanced.
From the same viewpoint, the average particle size of the powder in the slurry is preferably 5 μm or more, more preferably 10 μm or more, and preferably 100 μm or less, more preferably 50 μm or less. The average particle size can be, for example, a volume cumulative particle size D50 at a cumulative volume of 50% by volume measured by a laser diffraction/scattering type particle size distribution measuring device.

The oils that may be contained in the slurry include one or more of the following: oils that are liquid at 1 atmosphere and 20°C (hereinafter also referred to as liquid oils) and oils that are solid at 1 atmosphere and 20°C (hereinafter also referred to as solid oils).

Examples of liquid oils include linear or branched hydrocarbon oils such as liquid paraffin and squalane; vegetable oils such as jojoba oil and olive oil, animal oils such as liquid lanolin, ester oils such as monoalcohol fatty acid esters and polyhydric alcohol fatty acid esters; silicone oils such as dimethylpolysiloxane, dimethylcyclopolysiloxane, methylphenylpolysiloxane, methylhydrogenpolysiloxane, and higher alcohol-modified organopolysiloxane; and polymeric alcohols such as polyethylene glycol.
Examples of solid oils include petrolatum, cetanol, stearyl alcohol, and ceramide.

The content of the oil in the slurry varies depending on the purpose, but the total amount is preferably 2% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more, even more preferably 4% by mass or more, and preferably 30% by mass or less, more preferably 25% by mass or less, and even more preferably 20% by mass or less. By keeping the content in this range, it is possible to improve the color development and feel of the cosmetic when a solid cosmetic is produced.

Depending on the type of solid cosmetic preparation desired, the slurry may contain one or more ingredients, such as thickeners, coating agents, surfactants, sugars, polyhydric alcohols, water-soluble polymers, sequestering agents, lower alcohols, amino acids, organic amines, pH adjusters, skin conditioning agents, vitamins, antioxidants, fragrances, preservatives, ultraviolet absorbing agents, and ultraviolet diffusing agents, as appropriate, within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention.
Examples of the ultraviolet absorber include one or more selected from benzophenone derivatives such as dihydroxybenzophenone, dihydroxydimethoxybenzophenone, hydroxymethoxybenzophenone sulfonate, and dihydroxydimethoxybenzophenone disulfonate, and methoxycinnamic acid derivatives such as 2-ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate.
The ultraviolet scattering agent may be one or more of zinc oxide, titanium oxide, silica, and the like, which are made up of fine particles having an average particle size of 0.1 μm or less.

It is also preferable that the slurry further contains a dispersion medium as a liquid. In other words, it is preferable that the slurry in this disclosure contains at least the above-mentioned pigment-containing powder, an oil agent, and a dispersion medium.

As the above-mentioned dispersion medium, for example, one or more substances having volatility in a liquid state (volatile solvents), such as water, alcohol, and ketone, can be preferably used.
As the alcohol, for example, a monovalent chain aliphatic alcohol having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, a monovalent cyclic aliphatic alcohol having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, or a monovalent aromatic alcohol is preferably used. Specific examples thereof include ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, phenylethyl alcohol, propanol, and pentanol.
Suitable ketones include, for example, chain aliphatic ketones having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, cyclic aliphatic ketones having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and aromatic ketones having 8 to 10 carbon atoms. Specific examples thereof include acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, and acetophenone.
From the viewpoint of increasing the efficiency of suction removal in the above-mentioned manufacturing process, it is more preferable to use at least one of water and ethanol as the dispersion medium.

When the slurry contains a dispersion medium, the content of the dispersion medium in the slurry varies depending on the purpose, but the total amount is preferably 10% by mass or more, more preferably 20% by mass or more, even more preferably 30% by mass or more, and preferably 75% by mass or less, more preferably 70% by mass or less, even more preferably 60% by mass or less. By being in such a range, it is possible to improve the uniform dispersion of the constituent materials of the slurry while improving the handleability.

The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples.

Example 1
Using the manufacturing apparatus 10 shown in Figures 1 to 6, solid cosmetic products in which the cosmetic product was filled in a filling container were manufactured by the following method. The manufacturing conditions below were 1 atmosphere and 20°C in all cases.

1. Preparation of slurry
First, 13.3% by mass of oil and 1.6% by mass of surfactant were weighed out and heated to 60°C to obtain a uniform oil phase. Next, 0.2% by mass of preservative was added to 33.3% by mass of water heated to 60°C to obtain a water phase, which was then added to the oil phase and mixed for 5 minutes at 6,000 rpm in a homomixer. After that, the mixture was cooled with water while stirring with a spatula to obtain an emulsion. 51.6% by mass of powder containing a pigment was added to the obtained emulsion, and the mixture was kneaded for 150 seconds in a planetary centrifugal mixer to prepare the desired cosmetic slurry. The viscosity of the slurry measured by the above method was 4540 mPa·s at 25°C.

2. Production of solid cosmetics
The prepared cosmetic slurry was filled into a container using a manufacturing device. The container had a bottom 81 with a thickness of 3.5 mm, an upper opening 82 with internal dimensions of 22.8 mm x 26.5 mm in a plan view of the container 80, and one filling hole 85 with a diameter of 3.0 mm penetrating the bottom 81 in the thickness direction. The container was filled under the following conditions to produce the desired solid cosmetic.
Specifically, a silicone rubber (ZP3-04BS, manufactured by SMC) was attached as a flow control member 30 to the tip of a nozzle 20 made of SUS, which had a perfect circle shape in cross section with an inner diameter of 3.0 mm and an outer diameter of 4.5 mm. The opening 31 of the flow control member 30 was in a perfect circle shape with a diameter of 1.8 mm in cross section in a natural state and in an unblocked state, and its cross-sectional area was 2.54 ^mm2 , which was 36% of the cross-sectional area of the nozzle. The cross-sectional area of the opening 31 of the flow control member 30 increased and decreased depending on the pressure generated when the cosmetic slurry was discharged. The rubber hardness (Shore A) of the flow control member 30 measured in accordance with ISO7619 was 60 degrees.

Then, with the flow control member 30 and the filling hole 85 in contact with each other, the cosmetic slurry was discharged from the nozzle 20 at a pressure of 0.4 MPa and a flow rate of 166 mL/min, filling the cosmetic slurry into the container 80 through the opening 31 and the filling hole 85. At the same time, the filling jig 40 was pressed against the upper opening 82 side of the container 80 with a cloth interposed therebetween, while the dispersion medium was sucked out of the slurry, and the filled slurry was solidified.
Thereafter, using the filling jig 40, the solidified material was pressed in the thickness direction for 2 seconds at a load of 0.7 kN/60 ^mm2 while the dispersion medium remaining in the solidified material was further removed by suction, thereby obtaining the desired solid cosmetic preparation.

Example 2
A solid cosmetic material filled in a container was produced under the same conditions and by the same method as in Example 1, except that the flow control member 30 was changed to nitrile rubber (ZP3-04BN, manufactured by SMC Corporation).
In this embodiment, the aperture 31 was a perfect circle with a diameter of 1.8 mm in a cross-sectional view in a natural state and was in an unblocked state, and its cross-sectional area was 2.54 ^mm2 , which was 36% of the cross-sectional area of the nozzle. The cross-sectional area of the flow path of the flow control member 30 increased and decreased according to the pressure generated when the cosmetic slurry was discharged. The rubber hardness (Shore A) of the flow control member 30 measured in accordance with ISO 7619 was 60 degrees.

Example 3
A solid cosmetic material filled in a container was produced under the same conditions and by the same method as in Example 1, except that the flow control member 30 was changed to urethane rubber (manufactured by SMC Corporation, ZP3-04BU).
In this embodiment, the aperture 31 was a perfect circle with a diameter of 1.8 mm in a cross-sectional view in a natural state and was in an unblocked state, and its cross-sectional area was 2.54 ^mm2 , which was 36% of the cross-sectional area of the nozzle. The cross-sectional area of the flow path of the flow control member 30 increased and decreased according to the pressure generated when the cosmetic slurry was discharged. The rubber hardness (Shore A) of the flow control member 30 measured in accordance with ISO 7619 was 60 degrees.

Example 4
A solid cosmetic material filled in a container was produced under the same conditions and by the same method as in Example 1, except that the flow control member 30 was changed to a fluororubber (ZP3-04BF, manufactured by SMC Corporation).
In this embodiment, the aperture 31 was a perfect circle with a diameter of 1.8 mm in a cross-sectional view in a natural state and was in an unblocked state, and its cross-sectional area was 2.54 ^mm2 , which was 36% of the cross-sectional area of the nozzle. The cross-sectional area of the flow path of the flow control member 30 increased and decreased according to the pressure generated when the cosmetic slurry was discharged. The rubber hardness (Shore A) of the flow control member 30 measured in accordance with ISO 7619 was 60 degrees.

Example 5
A solid cosmetic material filled in a container was produced under the same conditions and by the same method as in Example 1, except that the opening 31 provided in the flow control member 30 was changed to a perfect circular, unblocked state with a diameter of 1.2 mm when viewed in cross section in its natural state.
In this embodiment, the aperture 31 had a cross-sectional area of 1.44 ^mm2 in the natural state, which was 16% of the cross-sectional area of the nozzle. The cross-sectional area of the flow path of the flow control member 30 increased and decreased depending on the pressure generated when the cosmetic slurry was ejected.

Comparative Example 1
A solid cosmetic filled in a container was produced under the same conditions and by the same method as in Example 1, except that the flow control member 30 was changed to nitrile rubber (WRBN8-4-3, manufactured by Misumi Corporation) and the cross-sectional area A1 of the opening in the natural state was made larger than the cross-sectional area A2 of the flow path of the nozzle 20, as shown in Table 1. The rubber hardness (Shore A) of the flow control member 30 measured in accordance with ISO 7619 was 70 degrees.

[Evaluation of stains on the bottom of the container]
The containers filled with solid cosmetics produced by the methods of the Examples and Comparative Examples were visually evaluated for the degree of dirt on the filling hole and its surroundings when viewed from the bottom side of the container, according to the following criteria. The higher the evaluation score, the better the result. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

<Evaluation criteria for stains>
5 points: No stains were observed on the bottom of the container.
4 points: Stains on the bottom of the container are observed in an area greater than 0% and less than 5% of the bottom area.
3 points: Stains on the bottom of the container are observed over an area of 5% or more and less than 10% of the bottom area.
2 points: Stains on the bottom of the container are observed over an area of 10% or more and less than 30% of the bottom area.
1 point: Soiling on the bottom of the container is observed over an area of 30% or more of the bottom area.

[Evaluation of cracks]
The containers filled with solid cosmetics produced by the methods of the Examples and Comparative Examples were visually evaluated for the degree of cracking of the solid cosmetics when viewed from the top opening of the container according to the following criteria. The higher the evaluation score, the better the result. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

<Crack evaluation criteria>
5 points: No cracks were observed on the surface of the molded product.
4 points: Cracks larger than 0 mm and smaller than 1 mm are observed on the surface of the molded product.
3 points: Cracks measuring 1 mm or more and less than 2 mm are observed on the surface of the molded product.
2 points: Cracks measuring 2 mm or more and less than 3 mm are observed on the surface of the molded product.
1 point: Cracks of 3 mm or more are observed on the surface of the molded product.

As shown in Table 1, the solid cosmetic produced by the method of the embodiment does not have the solidified cosmetic adhering to the bottom of the container, and an object with excellent appearance can be produced with high productivity. This is advantageous in that even if a pressurizing process is further performed, cracks and breaks are unlikely to occur, reducing unintended scattering or falling off of the solid cosmetic, and allowing the production of an object with an appearance that is easy for consumers to handle and increases their desire to purchase.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Manufacturing device 20 Nozzle 30 Flow control member 31 Opening 80 Container 85 Filling hole L Cosmetic-containing slurry

Claims (3)

A nozzle is provided for discharging a cosmetic slurry,
The apparatus for producing a solid cosmetic product is configured so that the slurry can be filled into a container through a filling hole provided in a bottom portion of the container by discharging the slurry from the nozzle,
The manufacturing apparatus is improved, and the improvement is characterized by adding a flow control member;
the flow control member is disposed at a tip of the nozzle and has an opening that communicates the inside and outside of the nozzle at least when the slurry is discharged,
The flow control member has a cylindrical shape and the opening extends along the flow direction of the slurry,
The opening is open in a natural state,
the opening is configured such that a cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to a flow direction of the slurry increases or decreases according to a pressure generated when the slurry is discharged, and the opening is configured such that the cross-sectional area of the opening in a non-discharge state of the slurry is smaller than a cross-sectional area of a flow path of the nozzle,
The solid cosmetic manufacturing apparatus is configured so that the slurry can be filled into the container through the opening and the filling hole by ejecting the slurry from the nozzle while the flow control member is in contact with a filling hole provided at the bottom of the container. A method for improving an apparatus for producing a solid cosmetic product, the apparatus comprising: a nozzle for discharging a cosmetic slurry; and a container configured to fill the slurry into the container through a filling hole provided in the bottom of the container by discharging the slurry from the nozzle, the method comprising the steps of:
The method further includes a step of improving the manufacturing apparatus by providing a flow control member at a tip of the nozzle in the manufacturing apparatus,
the flow control member has an opening that communicates the inside and the outside of the nozzle at least when the slurry is discharged,
The flow control member has a cylindrical opening extending along the flow direction of the slurry,
The opening is open in a natural state,
The method for improving an apparatus for producing a solid cosmetic product includes using an opening configured such that a cross-sectional area of the opening in a direction perpendicular to a flow direction of the slurry increases or decreases according to the pressure generated when the slurry is discharged, and the cross-sectional area of the opening when the slurry is not being discharged is smaller than the cross-sectional area of a flow path of the nozzle. A nozzle is provided for discharging a cosmetic slurry,
A method for producing a solid cosmetic product using an apparatus for producing a solid cosmetic product, the apparatus being configured so that the slurry can be filled into a container through a filling hole provided in a bottom portion of the container by discharging the slurry from the nozzle,
a flow control member having an opening that communicates the inside and outside of the nozzle at least when the slurry is discharged is disposed at the tip of the nozzle;
discharging the slurry from the nozzle while the flow control member is in contact with a filling hole provided in a bottom part of a container, thereby filling the container with the slurry through the opening and the filling hole, and solidifying the filled slurry;
The flow control member has a cylindrical shape and the opening extends along the flow direction of the slurry,
The opening is open in a natural state,
the opening is configured such that a cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to a flow direction of the slurry increases or decreases according to a pressure generated when the slurry is discharged, and the opening is configured such that the cross-sectional area of the opening in a non-discharge state of the slurry is smaller than a cross-sectional area of a flow path of the nozzle,
The method for producing a solid cosmetic product includes discharging the slurry while the flow control member and the filling hole are in contact with each other, thereby widening the opening, and filling the slurry into the container.