JP7706944B2 - Apparatus for producing solid cosmetics, method for improving apparatus for producing solid cosmetics, and method for producing solid cosmetics - Google Patents

Description

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

For solid cosmetics such as eye shadow and foundation, the dry method or the wet method is generally used as a manufacturing method. The dry method is, for example, a method of compressing and molding a filling object in which a powder and an oil are mixed. The wet method is, for example, a method of mixing the powder and oil to be filled with a volatile liquid medium such as water or alcohol to form a slurry, filling a container, and then removing the liquid medium. Such wet method 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 formed in 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 2 also discloses a solid cosmetic manufacturing device that includes a pump for discharging the cosmetic, a tube connected to the pump for distributing the cosmetic, and a pressure detection means for detecting the pressure of the cosmetic in the tube, as a device for carrying out the bag filling. When the pressure of the cosmetic detected by the pressure detection means exceeds a predetermined threshold, the manufacturing device is controlled so that the pump stops filling the cosmetic when the cosmetic filling is detected by a detection unit that detects the completion of the cosmetic filling.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 56-128107 JP 2013-153788 A

If the amount of slurry filled into a container varies, the appearance, hardness, and other qualities of the product will vary, so a stable filling of the slurry is required for a manufacturing device that produces solid cosmetics. The manufacturing device described in Patent Document 2 stops the pump based on the pressure inside the tube connected to the container to control the amount of slurry filled into the container. However, even if the pump is stopped, there is a time lag until the pump completely stops, so the pressure inside the tube may continue to rise and the pressure may exceed the threshold and overshoot. This overshoot may affect the quality of the solid cosmetic, so there is a risk of quality variation. In addition, the degree of overshoot tends to change depending on the operating conditions such as the pump flow rate and the composition of the slurry. This creates the trouble of having to try and error to find conditions to stabilize filling for each operating condition and slurry composition. The technologies described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have insufficient pressure stability during filling, and also insufficient stability of the quality of the solid cosmetic.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an apparatus for manufacturing solid cosmetics, an improvement method for the apparatus for manufacturing solid cosmetics, and a method for manufacturing solid cosmetics that can eliminate the drawbacks of the prior art described above.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing solid cosmetics, which includes a pump that discharges a cosmetic slurry and a tube that circulates the slurry from the discharge port of the pump, and which fills the slurry into the cosmetic container through a filling hole provided in the bottom of the cosmetic container via the tube.
The manufacturing apparatus has been improved, and the improvement includes the addition of a filling control mechanism.
The filling control mechanism includes a three-way valve attached to the tube for changing the flow path of the slurry, a control tube for circulating the slurry, a filling state detection means for detecting the filling state of the slurry in the cosmetic container, and a control means for controlling the filling based on the filling state.
The tube is a flow path for the slurry, and constitutes a first flow path and a second flow path as described below, and the control tube is a flow path for the slurry, and constitutes a third flow path as described below.
First flow path: a flow path connecting the discharge port of the pump and the three-way valve. Second flow path: a flow path connecting the three-way valve and the filling hole. Third flow path: a flow path connecting the three-way valve and the slurry inlet of the pump. The control means is equipped with a switching unit that switches the flow path of the slurry from the second flow path to the third flow path by the three-way valve as soon as the filling state detected by the filling state detection means reaches a predetermined state.

The present invention also relates to an improved method for manufacturing a solid cosmetic product, comprising a pump for discharging a cosmetic slurry and a tube for distributing the slurry from the discharge port of the pump, and for filling the slurry into the cosmetic container through a filling hole provided in the bottom of the cosmetic container via the tube.
The improvement method includes the step of improving the manufacturing equipment and adding a fill control mechanism to the manufacturing equipment.
The filling control mechanism includes a three-way valve attached to the tube for changing the flow path of the slurry, a control tube for circulating the slurry, a filling state detection means for detecting the filling state of the slurry in the cosmetic container, and a control means for controlling the filling based on the filling state.
The tube is a flow path for the slurry, and constitutes a first flow path and a second flow path as described below, and the control tube is a flow path for the slurry, and constitutes a third flow path as described below.
First flow path: a flow path connecting the discharge port of the pump and the three-way valve. Second flow path: a flow path connecting the three-way valve and the filling hole. Third flow path: a flow path connecting the three-way valve and the slurry inlet of the pump. The control means is equipped with a switching unit that switches the flow path of the slurry from the second flow path to the third flow path by the three-way valve as soon as the filling state detected by the filling state detection means reaches a predetermined state.

The present invention also relates to a method for producing a solid cosmetic product using a filling device that includes a pump that discharges a cosmetic slurry and a tube that distributes the slurry from the discharge port of the pump, and that fills the slurry into the cosmetic container through a filling hole provided in the bottom of the cosmetic container via the tube.
The filling device is provided with a filling control mechanism, and the filling is controlled by using the filling control mechanism.
The filling control mechanism includes a three-way valve attached to the tube for changing the flow path of the slurry, a control tube for circulating the slurry, and a filling status detection means for detecting the filling status of the slurry in the cosmetic container.
The tube is a flow path for the slurry, and constitutes a first flow path and a second flow path as described below, and the control tube is a flow path for the slurry, and constitutes a third flow path as described below.
First flow path: a flow path connecting the discharge port of the pump and the three-way valve. Second flow path: a flow path connecting the three-way valve and the filling hole. Third flow path: a flow path connecting the three-way valve and the slurry inlet of the pump. In the manufacturing method, the flow path of the slurry is switched from the second flow path to the third flow path by the three-way valve as soon as the filling state detected by the filling state detection means reaches a predetermined state.

According to the solid cosmetic production apparatus and the method for improving the solid cosmetic production apparatus of the present invention, even if the operating conditions or the composition of the slurry are changed, the slurry can be stably filled into the container, and the quality of the solid cosmetic can be stabilized.
According to the method for producing a solid cosmetic product of the present invention, even if the operating conditions or the composition of the slurry are changed, the slurry can be stably filled into the container, and the quality of the solid cosmetic product can be stabilized.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing one embodiment of the apparatus for producing a solid cosmetic product of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control means shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a graph showing a pressure change in the second flow passage controlled by switching the three-way valve shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a graph showing pressure changes in the second flow passage controlled by switching the three-way valve shown in FIG. 1 and the adjustment instruction unit shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of a method for producing a solid cosmetic product using the production apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an adjustment process executed by the adjustment instruction unit shown in FIG.

The solid cosmetic manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is a filling apparatus that fills a cosmetic container with a slurry (hereinafter simply referred to as "slurry of cosmetic" or "slurry") in which cosmetic ingredients such as powder and oil, which are the raw materials of the cosmetic, are mixed with a volatile liquid medium such as water or alcohol to produce a solid cosmetic. The present invention will be described below based on a preferred embodiment with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the solid cosmetic manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention. The solid cosmetic manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "apparatus 1") is an apparatus that fills a cosmetic container 23 with a slurry 10 to produce a solid cosmetic. FIG. 1 shows only the main parts of the apparatus 1, and does not show the entire configuration of the apparatus 1.
The solid cosmetic produced in this embodiment is a powdered solid cosmetic such as eye shadow or foundation. The slurry 10 in this embodiment is configured to contain cosmetic ingredients and a dispersion medium that disperses the cosmetic ingredients. The dispersion medium in this embodiment is a volatile solvent. Details of the slurry 10, such as the composition, will be described later.

The cosmetic container 23 of this embodiment (hereinafter, simply referred to as "container" 23) is a dish-shaped container having a recess with one side open. A filling hole penetrating the bottom is formed in the bottom of the recess of the container 23. The inner diameter of the filling hole is not particularly limited. From the viewpoint of making filling easier, the inner diameter of the filling hole 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 4.5 mm or less, even more preferably 4.0 mm or less, in terms of diameter.
The internal volume of the container 23 (i.e., the volume of the recess) can be appropriately changed depending on the desired volume of the solid cosmetic material, but is preferably 0.5 ^cm3 or more and preferably 20 ^cm3 or less.
The depth of the recess in the container 23 is preferably 1.0 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more, and even more preferably 2.0 mm or more, and is preferably 20 mm or less, more preferably 15 mm or less, and even more preferably 10 mm or less.
The material of the container 23 is not particularly limited, and for example, metal, plastic, etc. can be used.

The device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a back-filling mechanism and a filling control mechanism, which includes a pump 15 that discharges the slurry 10, tubes 11, 12, and 14 that circulate the slurry 10, and a filling mechanism 20 that fills the inside of the container 23 with the slurry 10 through a filling hole. The back-filling mechanism has a similar configuration to a conventional filling device that fills the slurry 10 through a filling hole provided in the bottom of the container. The device 1 of this embodiment is an improvement over the conventional filling device equipped with a back-filling mechanism, with the addition of a filling control mechanism. The filling control mechanism will be described later.

The pump 15 provided in the back-filling mechanism of this embodiment is a hopper-integrated pump in which the pump body 16 and the hopper 15a for storing the slurry 10 are integrated. The pump body 16 is located below the hopper 15a having an internal storage space for storing the slurry 10, and the inside of the pump body 16 is connected to the storage space. In this embodiment, the pump body 16 is provided at the discharge port of the hopper 15a. The pump 15 uses the pump body 16 to send the slurry 10 in the hopper 15a to the filling mechanism 20 (described later) through the tubes 11 and 12. In the pump 15 of this embodiment, a motor 15c provided above the hopper 15a and the pump body 16 are connected by a connecting rod, and the pump body 16 is operated by driving the motor 15c. The pump body 16 can be any pump such as a mono pump (single-shaft eccentric screw pump), a piston pump, a tube pump, a gear pump, or a diaphragm pump.
The pump 15 stores the slurry 10 sent from a third flow path F3 (described later) in a hopper 15a. The hopper 15a has a slurry inlet 15b connected to the third flow path F3. The apparatus 1 also includes a slurry supply unit (not shown) that continuously or intermittently supplies the slurry 10 to the hopper 15a.

The backfilling mechanism of this embodiment includes a filling mechanism 20 that fills the container 23 with the slurry 10 through a filling hole (not shown) provided at the bottom of the container 23. The filling mechanism 20 of this embodiment includes a nozzle 21 that is inserted into or abuts against the filling hole of the container 23, and fills the container 23 with the slurry 10 delivered from the pump 15 via the tubes 11, 12 and the nozzle 21. The opening of the nozzle 21 may be provided with a valve (not shown) that opens and closes the opening, and in that case, the valve is maintained in an open state while the nozzle 21 is inserted into the filling hole.

The filling mechanism 20 of the present embodiment includes an intervening sheet 27 disposed on the opening side of the recess of the container 23, and a filling jig 25 that presses the slurry 10 in the container 23 while sucking up the volatile solvent contained in the slurry 10. In the filling mechanism 20, the intervening sheet 27 is disposed so as to cover the opening of the recess of the container 23, and the filling jig 25 is further disposed on the intervening sheet 27.
The filling jig 25 has one or more, preferably five or more, more preferably ten or more suction holes (not shown) connected to a separate vacuum pump on its lower surface. The filling jig 25 is configured to be able to suck and remove the liquid (volatile solvent) contained in the slurry 10 while pressing (compressing) the slurry 10 in the container 23 with the lower surface of the filling jig 25 via the intervening sheet 27. When the filling jig 25 is pressed, the intervening sheet 27 and the filling jig 25 are in contact with each other, but when the filling jig 25 is not pressed, the intervening sheet 27 and the filling jig 25 are not in contact with each other.
The filling mechanism 20 fills the container 23 with the slurry 10 through a filling hole formed in the bottom of the container 23, and suctions the inside of the recess of the container 23 with a filling jig 25. After filling with the slurry 10, the filling mechanism 20 further presses the slurry 10 filled in the recess of the container 23 with the filling jig 25 through the intervening sheet 27, while sucking the volatile solvent contained in the slurry 10 with the filling jig 25. As a result, the slurry 10 in the container 23 solidifies, and a solid cosmetic product is obtained.
It is also preferable that the filling mechanism 20 further includes an elevation mechanism (not shown) for independently vertically displacing the positions of the nozzle 21 and the filling jig 25. This makes it possible to adjust the distance between the nozzle 21 and the container 23 and the filling jig 25, and the degree of contact between each member.

The bag-filling mechanism of this embodiment is controlled by the control means 5 included in the filling control mechanism described below. Specifically, the opening and closing of the nozzle 21 and the operation of the pump 15 are controlled by the control means 5.

The filling control mechanism of this embodiment includes a three-way valve 3 that changes the flow path of the slurry 10, a control tube 13 that circulates the slurry 10, a filling state detection means 4 that detects the filling state of the slurry 10, and a control means 5 that controls the filling of the slurry 10 based on the filling state.

The device 1 has multiple flow paths for the slurry 10 formed by tubes 11, 12, 14 or a control tube 13. The three-way valve 3 provided in the filling control mechanism switches the flow path for the slurry 10. The three-way valve 3 switches between a second flow path F2 and a third flow path F3 branched from a first flow path F1 described below. The switching valve provided in the three-way valve 3 can be a known opening and closing valve such as a globe valve, a needle valve, a bellows valve, a ball valve, an angle valve, a butterfly valve, a gate valve, or a diaphragm valve. The switching of the flow paths in the three-way valve 3 is controlled by a control means 5.

A preferred embodiment of the three-way valve 3 is, for example, one that includes a cylindrical valve body 30 with an L-shaped passage bent at 90° provided therein (see FIG. 1). In this three-way valve 3, the passage in the valve body 30 connects the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2, or connects the first flow path F1 and the third flow path F3, by rotating the valve body 30 around its central axis. In other words, by rotating the valve body 30, it is possible to switch between the second flow path F2 and the third flow path F3. The rotation of this valve body 30 is controlled by an electric actuator 31 provided on its central axis.

The tubes 11, 12 of the back-filling mechanism, together with a control tube 13 of the filling control mechanism, form a flow path for the slurry 10. Specifically, the tubes 11, 12 form a first flow path F1 and a second flow path F2, which will be described below, and the control tube 13 forms a third flow path F3, which will be described below (see FIG. 1).
First flow path F1: A flow path connecting the discharge port of the pump 15 and the three-way valve 3 Second flow path F2: A flow path connecting the three-way valve 3 and the filling hole of the container 23 Third flow path F3: A flow path connecting the three-way valve 3 and the slurry inlet of the pump 15 When filling the container 23 with the slurry 10, the three-way valve 3 communicates with the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2, and the slurry 10 is sent from the pump 15 to the container 23 through the first flow path F1, the three-way valve 3, and the second flow path F2. In addition, when the filling state described later reaches a predetermined state, the three-way valve 3 communicates with the first flow path F1 and the third flow path F3, and the slurry 10 is sent from the pump 15 to the pump 15 through the first flow path F1, the three-way valve 3, and the third flow path F3. That is, the slurry 10 discharged from the pump 15 becomes a circulation path that returns to the pump 15 again.

The device 1 of this embodiment further includes a pressure reduction path F4 formed by a tube 14.
Pressure reduction path F4: A path branching off from the second flow path F2 and connecting the second flow path F2 to an outlet. The pressure reduction path F4 branches off from the second flow path F2 via a three-way joint 17 and is a path for discharging the slurry 10 to reduce the pressure in the second flow path F2, discharging excess slurry 10 to the outside.
The device 1 of this embodiment is provided with a two-way valve 18 in the middle of the depressurization path F4. In the device 1, the pressure in the second flow path F2 is released by opening the valve in the two-way valve 18. At this time, the excess slurry 10 may be sent to the depressurization path F4 and discharged to the outside, but the second flow path F2 is still filled with the slurry 10, making it possible to stably and continuously fill the container 23 with the slurry 10. The two-way valve 18 opens and closes the depressurization path F4. By opening the depressurization path F4 to release the pressure in the second flow path F2, the slurry 10 is prevented from leaking from the nozzle 21 due to residual pressure before filling the next container 23. During this depressurization, the second flow path F2 is not in communication with the first flow path F1.

In this embodiment, the materials of the tubes 11, 12, 14 and the control tube 13 are not particularly limited, and any material can be used. Examples of materials for the tubes include nylon, polyurethane, Teflon (registered trademark), etc.

The inner diameters of tubes 11, 12, 14 and control tube 13 are not particularly limited, but when controlling the pressure in second flow path F2 as a detection target for the filling state described below, from the viewpoint of further improving the accuracy of the control, the inner diameter is preferably 4 mm or more, more preferably 6 mm or more, even more preferably 8 mm or more, and preferably 30 mm or less, more preferably 20 mm or less, even more preferably 10 mm or less, and preferably 4 mm or more to 30 mm or less, more preferably 6 mm or more to 20 mm or less, even more preferably 8 mm or more to 10 mm or less.

The filling state detection means 4 detects the filling state of the slurry 10 in the container 23. More specifically, the filling state detection means 4 measures a physical quantity that changes according to the amount of the slurry 10 filled in the container 23. The filling state can be grasped by the measured value of this physical quantity. The physical quantity can be the filling pressure of the slurry 10, the flow rate, the pump torque, or parameters that indirectly indicate these. Examples of the parameters include the pressure in the second flow path that indirectly indicates the filling pressure, and the rotation speed of the pump that indirectly indicates the flow rate. Fluctuations in these parameters can indicate changes in the filling state. The filling state detection means 4 is provided at any point in the device 1 where the physical quantities including the parameters can be measured.

The filling state detection means 4 in this embodiment is a pressure detection means 40 that detects the pressure of the slurry 10 flowing inside the tube 12 that forms the second flow path F2. That is, the pressure detection means 40 is provided in the second flow path F2 and measures the pressure in the second flow path F2. The pressure in the second flow path F2 reflects the filling pressure of the slurry 10 and changes depending on the amount of the slurry 10 filled in the container 23. A known pressure gauge can be used for the pressure detection means 40. The pressure value in the second flow path F2 measured by the pressure detection means 40 is transmitted to the control means 5 provided in the filling control mechanism.

Figure 2 shows the configuration of the control means 5 of this embodiment. The control means 5 of this embodiment includes a filling state information acquisition unit 50, a switching unit 51, a filling unit 52, and an adjustment instruction unit 55. The control means 5 is electrically connected to the pump 15 (pump body 16) and two-way valve 18 of the backfilling mechanism, as well as the three-way valve 3 and filling state detection means 4 (pressure detection means 40) of the filling control mechanism, and controls their operation. The control of each part in the control means 5 is configured to include a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., and is realized, for example, by the CPU expanding a program stored in the ROM or disk into the RAM and executing it. The control may be realized by an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). Furthermore, the control may be realized by a combination of an ASIC and an FPGA.

The filling state information acquisition unit 50 acquires information about the filling state of the slurry 10 measured by the filling state detection means 4. In this embodiment, the pressure value of the second flow path F2 measured by the pressure detection means 40 is acquired, and the data of the pressure value is stored in a chronological order. The filling state information acquisition unit 50 acquires this pressure value in real time when the device 1 is in operation. Hereinafter, data in which physical quantities indicating the filling state, such as pressure values, are stored in a chronological order is also referred to simply as "filling state data". The filling state information acquisition unit 50 stores the filling state data in a storage unit (not shown). The filling state information acquisition unit 50 also controls the filling state data, such as writing the filling state data to the storage unit and controlling the reading of the filling state data from the storage unit.

The filling unit 52 controls the discharge of the slurry 10 by the pump 15, and fills the slurry 10 into the container 23 via the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2. Specifically, the filling unit 52 controls the operation (ON, OFF) of the pump 15, and controls the discharge of the slurry 10 from the nozzle 21, i.e., the filling of the slurry 10 into the container 23.

The switching unit 51 switches the flow path of the slurry 10 from the second flow path F2 to the third flow path F3 by the three-way valve 3 at the same time when the filling state detected by the filling state detection means 4 reaches a predetermined state. In this embodiment, the switching unit 51 performs the switching at the same time when the pressure in the second flow path F2 detected by the pressure detection means 40 reaches a predetermined value. Specifically, depending on the pressure in the second flow path F2, the switching unit 51 controls the switching from the communication between the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2 in the three-way valve 3 (filling path) to the communication between the first flow path F1 and the third flow path F3 (circulation path). The switching of the flow path in the three-way valve 3 is performed by opening and closing the valve. Since such opening and closing is performed in a very short time, the switching unit 51 controls the opening degree of the valve to be fully open or fully closed.

In the device 1 of this embodiment, after switching from the second flow path F2 to the third flow path F3, when the pressure in the second flow path F2 reaches a predetermined pressure or a predetermined time has elapsed, the switching unit 51 opens the valve in the two-way valve 18, i.e., opens the decompression path F4. This releases the pressure in the second flow path F2 and decompresses the flow path F2. Also, when the pressure in the second flow path F2 returns to atmospheric pressure and the slurry 10 does not leak from the nozzle 21, the switching unit 51 closes the two-way valve 18 and closes the decompression path F4. The timing of opening and closing the valve in the two-way valve 18 varies depending on the liquid properties such as the viscosity of the slurry 10. Therefore, before starting continuous operation, visually check in advance at what pressure the second flow path F2 reaches or how much time has elapsed after the first switching T1 before the slurry 10 does not leak, and set the timing of opening and closing the valve in the two-way valve 18. In addition, the switching unit 51 controls the opening degree of the valve to be fully open or fully closed.

The control of the filling state by the filling unit 52 and the switching unit 51 will be explained with reference to FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the pressure in the second flow path F2, which is the object of the detection of the filling state, is controlled. The filling state data is shown in FIG. 3. In the device 1 of this embodiment, the slurry 10 is filled into each container 1, so the pressure in the second flow path F2 fluctuates periodically as shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, along with the filling state data, a time chart of the operation (ON) of the pump and the timing of switching of the flow path by the switching unit 51 at T1, T2, and T3 are shown.

When filling the container 23 with the slurry 10, the pump 15 is first operated (ON) to send the slurry 10 from the discharge port of the pump 15 to the filling mechanism 20 via the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2. When filling the container 23 with the slurry 10, the three-way valve 3 connects the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2, and the pressure in the second flow path F2 increases according to the flow rate of the slurry 10 sent by the pump 15. In Fig. 3, the rotation speed of the pump 15 is constant, and the pressure in the second flow path F2 increases in proportion to the operation time of the pump 15.
3, when the pressure in the second flow path F2 reaches a predetermined value A (hereinafter also referred to as "set pressure value A"), the switching unit 51 operates and switches the flow path of the slurry 10 from the second flow path F2 to the third flow path F3 by the three-way valve 3. Such switching is also referred to as "first switching T1."

When the first switching T1 is performed, the inflow of the slurry 10 into the second flow path F2 is blocked. The pressure in the second flow path F2 rises above the set pressure value A due to the momentum of the slurry 10, but even after the first switching T1, the nozzle 21 is inserted or abutted in the filling hole of the container 23 in an open state, so the pressure in the second flow path F2 drops due to the suction of the filling jig 25. Although the pressure drops, it is maintained higher than atmospheric pressure. Then, when a predetermined pressure is reached (for example, pressure value C in FIG. 3) or a predetermined time has elapsed, the switching unit 51 operates, opening the two-way valve 18 and opening the reduced pressure path F4 connected to the outlet. As a result, the pressure in the second flow path F2 is reduced at once, and the pressure in the second flow path F2 returns to atmospheric pressure. This switching to the reduced pressure path F4 is also called the "second switching T2". At the time of the second switching T2, the second flow path F2 is not connected to the first flow path F1. In this embodiment, the second flow path F2 is maintained at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure even after the first switch T1 due to an excessive amount of slurry 10 (slurry 10 filling the second flow path F2), but if there is no need to maintain the pressure in the second flow path F2, the first switch T1 and the second switch T2 may be performed at the same time.

The second switching T2 returns the pressure in the second flow path F2 to atmospheric pressure in one go. After that, the nozzle 21 is separated from the filling hole of the container 23, and filling is completed. After that, the filling jig 25 may suck out further volatile solvent from the slurry 10 in the container 23. After such suction, the filled container 23 is transported to another process, and another container 23 is replenished in the filling mechanism 20. When the next empty container 23 is placed in a predetermined position and the preparation of the intervening sheet 27, the filling jig 25, and the nozzle 21 is completed, the switching unit 51 operates to close the valve of the two-way valve 18, close the decompression path F4, and close the communication between the first flow path F1 and the third flow path F3 in the three-way valve 3, thereby connecting the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2. Such switching of the flow paths is also called "third switching T3". At the third switch T3, the flow path downstream of the first flow path F1 switches from the third flow path F3 to the second flow path F2, and the filling of the slurry 10 into the container 23 begins. The device 1 of this embodiment repeats the above operations and controls the filling state (pressure) shown in FIG. 3 to produce a solid cosmetic product. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the pump 15 is continuously operated to fill the container 23 with the slurry 10, but the pump 15 may be set to be turned OFF after the first switch T1 and turned ON before the third switch T3. The switching of the pump between ON and OFF is controlled by the filling unit 52.

Even if the pump 15 is stopped, it takes time for the number of revolutions of the pump 15 to become completely 0 (zero), so the filling state tends to continue to change even after the pump 15 is stopped. In this embodiment, even after the pump 15 is stopped, the slurry 10 flows into the second flow path F2, and the pressure in the second flow path F2 tends to rise significantly above the set pressure value A. In contrast, the device 1 of this embodiment performs the first switching T1 at the same time that the pressure in the second flow path F2 becomes the set pressure value A, thereby instantly blocking the inflow of the slurry 10 into the second flow path F2 and effectively suppressing the pressure in the flow path F2 from excessively rising above the set pressure value A. By performing this first switching T1, even if the pump 15 is continuously operated, it is possible to suppress the filling state of the slurry 10 in the container 23 from excessively changing. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, an excessive pressure rise in the second flow path F2 can be suppressed. The inventors have found that by suppressing the fluctuation range of the filling state (the range of pressure increase in this embodiment) in this way, it is possible to accurately control the amount of slurry 10 filled into container 23, and to effectively stabilize the quality of the filled material (solid cosmetic material) in container 23, such as its hardness. This effect is also called a quality stabilization effect.
Furthermore, it is common to vary the filling speed of the slurry 10 into the container 23 depending on the composition of the slurry 10 and the type of product. The inventors have found that even if the filling speed is varied, the same quality stabilization effect as described above can be obtained by suppressing the fluctuation range of the filling state. The quality stabilization effect is particularly effective in the production of solid cosmetics obtained by sucking a volatile solvent from the slurry 10. Specifically, the variation in the filling amount and hardness of the solid cosmetic is suppressed, and an excellent appearance can be obtained along with stable quality. Such effects are also shown in the examples described below.

When detecting the pressure in the second flow path F2 as the detection target for the filling state, it is preferable that the difference between the maximum pressure value B in the second flow path F2 when the slurry 10 is filled and the set pressure value A is as small as possible. This can further improve the quality stabilization effect.
From the same viewpoint as above, the maximum pressure value B in the second flow path F2 is preferably 170% or less of the set pressure value A, more preferably 150% or less, even more preferably 120% or less, and even more preferably 100%.
From the same viewpoint as above, the difference between the maximum pressure value B in the second flow path F2 and the set pressure value A is preferably 0.07 MPa or less, more preferably 0.05 MPa or less, even more preferably 0.02 MPa or less, and even more preferably 0 MPa.

The control means 5 of this embodiment includes the adjustment instruction unit 55 as described above (see FIG. 2). The adjustment instruction unit 55 adjusts the rotation speed of the pump 15 by one or a combination of two or more types selected from proportional control, differential control, and integral control so that the filling state detected by the filling state detection means 4 asymptotically approaches a predetermined value. In this embodiment, the adjustment instruction unit 55 adjusts the pressure in the second flow path F2 asymptotically approaches a predetermined value. For example, the adjustment instruction unit 55 performs proportional control, proportional differential control, or proportional differential integral control on the difference between the measured value of the pressure in the second flow path F2 and the set pressure value A to control the rotation speed of the pump 15 and control the pressure in the second flow path F2. That is, the adjustment instruction unit 55 feedback controls the rotation speed of the pump 15 based on the actual measured value of the filling state (e.g., the pressure in the second flow path F2). When the rotation speed of the pump 15 is controlled by the adjustment instruction unit 55, the filling state is adjusted to asymptotically approach a predetermined value. In this embodiment, the pressure in the second flow path F2 rises to asymptotically approach the set pressure value A (see FIG. 4). The amount of slurry 10 filled into the container 23 is also controlled by the rotation speed of the pump 15 .
From the viewpoint of further improving the quality stabilization effect, it is preferable for the adjustment instruction unit 55 to perform proportional differential control or proportional integral control on the difference between the measured value of the filling state, such as the pressure in the second flow path F2, and a predetermined value (in this embodiment, the set pressure value A), and it is more preferable for the adjustment instruction unit 55 to perform proportional differential integral control.

The control of the pressure in the second flow path F2 by the filling unit 52, the switching unit 51, and the adjustment instruction unit 55 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, a time chart of the pump operation (ON) and the timing of the switching of the flow path T1, T2, and T3 by the switching unit 51 are shown together with the filling state data. The same symbols are used for the switching of the flow paths T1, T2, and T3 shown in FIG. 4 that are the same as those in FIG. 3, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. In the device 1 of this embodiment, the slurry 10 is filled into each container 23, so the pressure in the second flow path F2 fluctuates periodically even in the filling state data shown in FIG. 4.

In the filling state data shown in Fig. 4, when the slurry 10 is filled into the container 23, the pump 15 is first operated (ON) to send the slurry 10 from the discharge port of the pump 15 to the filling mechanism 20 via the first flow path F1 and the second flow path F2, as in Fig. 3. In Fig. 4, the rotation speed of the pump 15 is controlled by the adjustment instruction unit 55, so that the pressure in the second flow path F2 increases so as to approach the set pressure value A as the operation time of the pump 15 increases. In other words, the adjustment instruction unit 55 gradually reduces the rotation speed of the pump 15 as the operation time of the pump 15 increases.
When the filling state reaches a predetermined value (when the pressure in the second flow path F2 reaches the set pressure value A in this embodiment), the switching unit 51 operates and a first switching T1 is performed (see FIG. 4).

The rotation speed of the pump 15 is gradually decreased by the adjustment instruction unit 55, so that the pressure in the second flow path F2 becomes the set pressure value A or an approximation thereof. Since the first switching T1 is performed in this state, the pressure in the second flow path F2 is effectively prevented from rising above the set pressure value A, and the pressure in the second flow path F2 can be controlled to the set pressure value A with high precision. By controlling the filling state with high precision in this way, the filling of the solid cosmetic can be more stabilized, and the quality stabilization effect can be further improved.

In FIG. 4, when the first switching T1 is performed, the inflow of the slurry 10 into the second flow path F2 is blocked. The pressure in the second flow path F2 does not rise above the set pressure value A, and the pressure starts to decrease. Even after the first switching T1, the nozzle 21 is inserted or abutted in the filling hole of the container 23 in an open state, so the pressure in the second flow path F2 decreases due to the suction of the filling jig 25. Although the pressure decreases, it is maintained higher than atmospheric pressure. Then, when a predetermined pressure is reached (for example, pressure value C in FIG. 4) or a predetermined time has elapsed, the switching unit 51 operates, opening the two-way valve 18 and opening the decompression path F4 connected to the exhaust port. As a result, the pressure in the second flow path F2 is reduced at once, and the pressure in the second flow path F2 returns to atmospheric pressure. In addition, if it is not necessary to maintain the pressure in the second flow path F2 higher than atmospheric pressure, the first switching T1 and the second switching T2 may be performed at the same timing. Thereafter, the nozzle 21 leaves the filling hole of the container 23, and filling is completed. Thereafter, the filling jig 25 may further suction the volatile solvent from the slurry 10 in the container 23. After such suction, the filled container 23 is transported to another process, and another container 23 is replenished in the filling mechanism 20. When the next empty container 23 is placed in a predetermined position and preparation of the intervening sheet 27, the filling jig 25, and the nozzle 21 is completed, the switching unit 51 is operated to perform the third switching T3, and the flow path downstream of the first flow path F1 is switched from the third flow path F3 to the second flow path F2, and filling of the slurry 10 into the container 23 begins. The device 1 of this embodiment repeats the above operations and controls the filling state (pressure), thereby stably producing a solid cosmetic product (see FIG. 4). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the pump 15 is operated continuously to fill the container 23 with the slurry 10, but the pump 15 may be set to be turned OFF after the first switching T1 and turned ON before the third switching T3. The pump is switched ON and OFF by the filling unit 52.

The device 1 of this embodiment is obtained by the method for improving the solid cosmetic manufacturing device of the present invention. The improvement method of the present invention includes a step of adding a filling control mechanism for switching the flow path of the slurry 10 to a back-filling mechanism equivalent to a conventional filling device. Specifically, a three-way valve 3 and a control tube 13 are installed in the flow path connecting the filling mechanism 20 and the pump 15 in the conventional filling device, and the flow path is branched to provide a first flow path F1, a second flow path F2, and a third flow path F3 (circulation paths), and a filling state detection means 4 is provided at a position where the filling state of the second flow path F2 or the motor of the pump 15, etc. can be detected. In addition, a control means 5 for controlling the first switch T1 is provided.
The control means 5 may be provided by rewriting the program of a control unit originally equipped in a conventional filling device (back-filling mechanism), or may be provided as a separate control unit that cooperates with the control unit. The control means 5 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is a control means that controls not only the filling control mechanism but also the back-filling mechanism. In this case, the control means 5 can be provided by replacing the control unit originally equipped in a conventional filling device (back-filling mechanism) with the control means 5.

Next, a description will be given of a method for producing a solid cosmetic product using the device 1 of this embodiment. The device 1 of this embodiment can execute a production method i in which the filling state information acquisition unit 50 acquires the pressure in the second flow path F2 as information on the filling state, and the switching unit 51 performs a first switching T1 to control switching, and a production method ii in which the filling state information acquisition unit 50 acquires the pressure in the second flow path F2 as information on the filling state, and in addition to the switching control performed by the switching unit 51, the filling state (pressure in the second flow path F2) is controlled by feedback control performed by the adjustment instruction unit 55.
In these manufacturing methods i and ii, the filling state information acquisition unit 50 acquires the pressure measurement value in the second flow path F2 in the filled state in real time and stores the filling state data. For convenience of explanation, the operation of the filling state information acquisition unit 50 will be omitted in the explanation of the flowcharts shown in Figures 5 and 6.

The manufacturing method i will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.
First, in step S1, the filling unit 52 in the control means 5 operates the pump 15. The operation of the pump 15 in step S1 is executed when the first container 23 is set (placed) at a predetermined position, the photoelectric sensor detects the container 23, and the filling unit 52 receives the signal. In the next step S2, it is determined whether the filling state acquired by the filling state information acquisition unit 50 is a predetermined state or not. In this embodiment, it is determined whether the pressure in the second flow path F2 is equal to or greater than the set pressure value A. If it is determined in step S2 that the pressure in the second flow path F2 is not equal to or greater than the set pressure value A, the determination in step S2 is repeated. While the pressure in the second flow path F2 is less than the set pressure value A, the determination in step S2 is executed 151 to 200 times per second. If it is determined in step S2 that the filling state is a predetermined state, the process proceeds to step S3. In this embodiment, if it is determined that the pressure in the second flow path F2 is equal to or greater than the set pressure value A, the process proceeds to step S3.

In step S3, the switching unit 51 performs a first switch T1 to switch the flow path of the slurry 10 from the second flow path F2 to the third flow path F3.

When the first switching T1 of step S3 is performed, in this embodiment, the pressure in the second flow path F2 rises once and then falls due to the suction of the volatile solvent by the filling jig 25 (see FIG. 3). In step S4 following step S3, a second switching judgment is performed to judge whether or not to execute the second switching. The criterion for the second switching judgment can be any criterion, such as a pressure change in the second flow path F2 or time management after the first switching. For example, as the second switching judgment, it is judged whether or not the pressure in the second flow path F2 is equal to or lower than the pressure value C, whether or not the pressure in the second flow path F2 has started to decrease, or whether or not a predetermined time has passed after the first switching T1. If it is judged in step S4 that the criterion for the second switching judgment is not met, the judgment of step S4 is repeated. While the criterion is not met in the second switching judgment, the judgment of step S4 is executed 151 to 200 times per second. If it is judged in step S4 that the criterion for the second switching judgment is met, the process proceeds to step S5.
For example, if the criterion for the second switching determination is the time lapse after the first switching T1, in step S4, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after the first switching T1. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the determination in step S4 is repeated, and if the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S5.
When the criterion for the second switching is the pressure value in the second flow path F2, in step S4, it is determined whether or not the pressure in the second flow path F2 is equal to or lower than the pressure value C (see FIG. 3) after the first switching T1. If the pressure is not equal to or lower than the pressure value C, the determination in step S4 is repeated, and if the pressure is equal to or lower than the predetermined pressure value C, the process proceeds to step S5.
The time lapse and the pressure in the second flow path F2 (pressure value C), which are the criteria for determining whether or not the second switching should be performed, are indicators of whether or not the slurry 10 will leak from the nozzle 21 described above, and are set in advance.

In step S5, the switching unit 51 performs the second switching T2 to open the decompression path F4, thereby reducing the pressure in the second flow path F2 all at once (see FIG. 3).
Next, in step S6, it is determined whether the next empty container 23 has been placed in a predetermined position. This determination is made using the same photoelectric sensor as in step S1. If it is determined in step S6 that the empty container 23 has been placed in a predetermined position, the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the filling unit 52 performs a pause process until the intervening sheet 27, the filling jig 25, and the nozzle 21 are ready for filling. When the filling preparation is complete, a signal is transmitted from the filling mechanism 20, which is received by the switching unit 51, and the process proceeds to step S8. The filling mechanism 20 has its operations related to filling controlled by a predetermined control program.
In step S8, the switching unit 51 performs the third switching T3. After step S8, the process returns to step S2, and the operations from step S2 onwards are repeated.
If it is determined in step S6 that the next empty container 23 is not placed in the predetermined position, the filling unit 52 stops the pump 15, and the manufacturing method i ends. In other words, the manufacturing apparatus 1 stops the production of the solid cosmetic product.
In this embodiment, step S7 is a pause process in which the process does not proceed to step S8 until preparation for filling is completed, but instead, the pause process may be performed until a predetermined time has elapsed.

The manufacturing method ii will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.
First, in step S11, the filling unit 52 in the control means 5 operates the pump 15. Step S11 is the same operation as step S1 described above. In the next step S12, it is determined whether the filling state acquired by the filling state information acquisition unit 50 is a predetermined state. In this embodiment, it is determined whether the pressure in the second flow path F2 has reached the set pressure value A. That is, step S12 performs the same determination as step S2 described above. If it is determined in step S12 that the pressure in the second flow path F2 has not reached the set pressure value A, the process proceeds to step S13. In step S13, the adjustment instruction unit 55 adjusts the rotation speed of the pump 15 by one or a combination of two or more types selected from proportional control, differential control, and integral control based on the actual measurement value of the filling state as described above, and performs feedback control. In this embodiment, the rotation speed of the pump 15 is adjusted and feedback controlled by performing proportional control, proportional differential control, proportional integral control, or proportional differential integral control based on the difference between the measurement value of the pressure in the second flow path F2 and the set pressure value A. After this step S13, the process returns to step S12, and the determination of step S12 is executed. Steps S12 and S13 are repeated while the filling state is less than the predetermined value. In this embodiment, while the pressure in the second flow path F2 is less than the set pressure value A, steps S12 and S13 are repeated. Until the pressure in the second flow path F2 reaches the set pressure value A, steps S12 and S13 are executed 151 to 200 times per second. This adjusts the filling state to gradually approach the predetermined value (see FIG. 4). If it is determined in step S12 that the filling state has reached the predetermined state, the process proceeds to step S14. In this embodiment, if it is determined that the pressure in the second flow path F2 has reached the set pressure value A, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, similar to step S3 described above, the switching unit 51 performs a first switching T1 to switch the flow path of the slurry 10 from the second flow path F2 to the third flow path F3. When the first switching T1 in step S14 is performed, in this embodiment, the pressure in the second flow path F2 decreases due to the suction of the volatile solvent by the filling jig 25 (see FIG. 4). In the following step S15, similar to step S4 described above, a second switching T2 is performed. In this second switching judgment, if the above-mentioned judgment criteria are met, the process proceeds to step S16. If the judgment criteria are not met, the judgment in step S15 is repeated in the same manner as step S4.
In step S16, similarly to step S5 described above, the second switch T2 is performed to open the pressure reduction path F4, thereby reducing the pressure in the second flow path F2 all at once (see FIG. 4).

Next, in step S17, similar to step S6 described above, it is determined whether or not the next empty container 23 has been placed at a predetermined position. If it is determined in step S17 that the empty container 23 has been placed at a predetermined position, the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, similar to step S7 described above, the filling unit 52 performs a pause process until the intervening sheet 27, the filling jig 25, and the nozzle 21 are ready for filling. When the filling preparation is complete, the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, similar to step S8 described above, the switching unit 51 performs a third switching T3. After this step S19, the process returns to step S12, and the operations from step S12 onwards are repeated.
If it is determined in step S17 that there is no next container 23, the filling unit 52 stops the pump 15, and the production method ii ends. In other words, the production of the solid cosmetic by the production apparatus 1 is stopped.
In this embodiment, step S18 is a pause process in which the process does not proceed to step S19 until preparation for filling is completed. Alternatively, however, the pause process may be performed until a predetermined time has elapsed.

The slurry 10 according to the present invention will be described in detail. Examples of the slurry 10 include a dispersion liquid, which is a mixture containing cosmetic ingredients and a liquid dispersion medium. Examples of the dispersion liquid include a dispersion liquid in which solid powders, which are cosmetic ingredients, are dispersed in a liquid dispersion medium, and an emulsion in which cosmetic ingredients and a dispersion medium are emulsified. Details of the constituent materials of the slurry will be described later.

From the viewpoint of further improving the quality stabilizing effect, the viscosity of the slurry 10 is 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 making it easier to fill the container, the viscosity of the slurry 10 is preferably 30,000 mPa·s or less, more preferably 20,000 mPa·s or less, and further preferably 10,000 mPa·s or less.
From the viewpoint of further improving the quality stabilizing effect and making it easier to fill into a container, the viscosity of the slurry 10 is preferably 100 mPa·s or more and 30,000 mPa·s or less, more preferably 500 mPa·s or more and 20,000 mPa·s or less, and even more preferably 1,000 mPa·s or more and 10,000 mPa·s or less.
The viscosity of the slurry 10 is a value measured at 25° C. using a B-type viscometer (TVB-10 type viscometer) manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd. The measurement conditions in this case are rotor No. H3 and a rotation speed of 20 rpm.

The slurry 10 preferably contains one or more of a solid such as a powder and an oil as cosmetic ingredients. Examples of cosmetic ingredients include, but are not limited to, makeup cosmetics and UV cosmetics that contain a powder and an oil as cosmetic ingredients.

The slurry 10 preferably contains powders that are typically used in cosmetics, 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 enhance the good color development and feel of the cosmetic when a solid cosmetic is produced.

The slurry may contain one or more components (cosmetic components) 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, depending on the type of solid cosmetic preparation desired and its physical properties such as liquid viscosity, 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.

The slurry preferably contains at least a powder and a liquid medium. For example, the slurry preferably contains at least a powder containing the pigment described above, an oil agent, and a liquid medium.

As the liquid medium, for example, one or more substances having volatility in a liquid state (volatile solvents), such as water, alcohols, and ketones, 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 by the filling jig 25, it is more preferable to use water or ethanol as the liquid medium.

The content of the liquid 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, and even more preferably 60% by mass or less. By being in such a range, the uniform dispersion of the constituent materials of the slurry can be improved while improving the handleability.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be modified as appropriate. In addition, the above-described embodiments may be combined.
For example, the control means 5 in the above-described embodiment includes the adjustment instruction unit 55 , but the control means 5 according to the present invention does not necessarily need to include the adjustment instruction unit 55 .
Further, although the filling mechanism 20 in the above-described embodiment includes one nozzle 21, it may include two or more nozzles 21 instead. That is, the device 1 may be a device that fills the slurry 10 through the multiple nozzles 21 into a container 23 having multiple filling holes formed in the bottom. In this case, the slurry 10 to be filled may be different for each nozzle 21.

In the above embodiment, when the slurry 10 is filled into the container 23, the slurry 10 in the container 23 is sucked by the filling jig 25. However, the slurry 10 may be filled without such suction.
Furthermore, the solid cosmetic material in the above-described embodiment is solidified in a post-process (suction) after the filling of the slurry 10, but the filling material may remain in the form of a slurry. Alternatively, the fluidity may be changed by a process after filling.

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.

[Preparation of slurry]
The slurry 10 was prepared by the following method. First, 13.3% by mass of oil and 1.6% by mass of surfactant were weighed out and heated to 60°C to form 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 form an aqueous phase, which was then added to the oil phase and mixed at 6,000 rpm for 5 minutes with a homomixer. Then, 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 with a planetary centrifugal mixer to prepare the slurry 10. The viscosity of the obtained slurry 10 was 4540 mPa·s at 25°C.

Example 1
The obtained slurry 10 was filled into a container using the device 1 shown in FIG. 1. The container 23 used had a recess with an opening of 22.8 mm x 26.5 mm, a depth of 3.5 mm, and one filling hole with a diameter of 3.0 mm at the bottom. An intervening sheet 27 was placed on the opening side of the recess of the container, and a filling jig 25 was placed on top of it. Next, the nozzle 21 of the device 1 was inserted into the filling hole of the container 23, and the slurry was filled from the filling hole, and at the same time, the volatile solvent of the slurry 10 was sucked while pressing with the filling jig 25 with the intervening sheet 27 sandwiched between them. As a result, the slurry 10 was solidified to obtain an eye shadow, which is a solid cosmetic product. In addition, a pressure detection means 40 was used as the filling state detection means 4. The pressure in the second flow path F2 was measured using this pressure detection means 40. In the device 1 of this embodiment, the first switching T1 was performed at the three-way valve 3 as soon as the filling state reached a predetermined state (as soon as the pressure in the second flow path F2 reached 0.1 MPa), and the flow path of the slurry 10 was switched from the second flow path F2 to the third flow path F3. In filling the slurry 10 in this manner, as shown in Fig. 3, the pump 15 was first operated (ON) and was left in operation. A solid cosmetic was produced by the above operations.

[Examples 2 to 10]
In Examples 2 to 10, when filling the container 23, the rotation speed of the pump was feedback-controlled by the adjustment instruction unit 55. This control was a proportional, differential, and integral control of the difference between the measured pressure in the second flow path F2, which is the object of detection of the filling state, and the set pressure value A shown in Table 1.
In addition to the feedback control, in Examples 3 to 10, one or both of the set pressure value A and the filling flow rate of the slurry 10 shown in Table 1 were made different from those in Example 1.
Except for the above points, a solid cosmetic preparation (eye shadow) was produced in the same manner as in Example 1.

Comparative Examples 1 to 4
In Comparative Examples 1 to 4, the first switch T1 was not performed, and instead, the operation of the pump 15 was stopped (OFF) as soon as the pressure in the second flow path F2 reached the set pressure value A shown in Table 1.
In Comparative Examples 2 to 4, either or both of the set pressure value A and the filling flow rate of the slurry 10 shown in Table 1 were made different from those in Example 1.
Except for the above points, a solid cosmetic preparation (eye shadow) was produced in the same manner as in Example 1.

The production conditions such as the set pressure value A, the maximum pressure value B in the second flow path F2, and the difference between these pressure values (B-A) and the filling flow rate of the slurry 10 in each of the examples and comparative examples are shown in the following Table 1. The filling flow rate (mL/min) of the slurry 10 is the amount of the slurry 10 discharged from the pump 15 per minute.
The hardness and the amount of the solid cosmetic product filled in the container 23 were measured for each of the solid cosmetic products obtained in each of the Examples and Comparative Examples. Such measurements were performed for 10 solid cosmetic products, and the average values were calculated. The average values are shown in Table 1 below as the measurement results.

[Method of measuring hardness]
The hardness of the solid cosmetic material (content in container 23) was measured using a RHEO METER COMPAC-100II (Sun Scientific). The measurement was performed by preparing a tool with a diameter of φ2 mm, setting the table speed to 60 mm/min, and measuring the maximum value when the tool was inserted into the solid cosmetic material to a depth of 1 mm.

[Method of measuring filling amount]
The mass of the solid cosmetic was measured using an electronic balance, and the mass of the container was subtracted from the measured mass to calculate the filling amount.

As is clear from the results shown in Table 1, the difference between the set pressure value A and the maximum pressure value B in the second flow path F2 in Example 1 was 0.02 MPa, and the range of pressure increase was significantly suppressed compared to the methods of stopping the pump 15 in Comparative Examples 1 and 3. These results show that the first switch T1 can effectively suppress the range of fluctuation in the filling state.
Furthermore, in Examples 2 to 10 in which feedback control of the pump rotation speed was performed, there was no difference between the set pressure value A and the maximum pressure value B in the second flow path F2. These results demonstrate that the filling state (pressure in the second flow path F2) can be controlled with high precision by the feedback control.
Furthermore, a comparison of Examples 1 to 4, a comparison of Examples 5 to 7, and a comparison of Examples 8 to 10 demonstrated that even if the filling flow rate (mL/min) of the slurry 10 is changed, the filling amount and hardness of the solid cosmetic can be made substantially uniform by controlling the filling state to a predetermined value. These results suggest that even if the operating conditions and slurry composition are changed for each product, the slurry can be stably filled into the container, and the quality of the solid cosmetic can be stabilized, by controlling the filling state to a predetermined value. In other words, it was demonstrated that the production apparatus, the method for improving the production apparatus, and the method for producing a solid cosmetic of the present invention do not require trial and error to stabilize filling for each operating condition or slurry composition.

1 Apparatus 3 Three-way valve 4 Filling state detection means 5 Control means 10 Slurry 11, 12, 14 Tube 13 Control tube 15 Pump 15a Hopper 15b Slurry inlet 16 Pump body 17 Three-way joint 18 Two-way valve 20 Filling mechanism 21 Nozzle 23 Container 25 Filling jig 27 Intervening sheet 40 Pressure detection means 50 Filling state information acquisition unit 51 Switching unit 52 Filling unit 55 Adjustment instruction unit A Set pressure value B Maximum pressure value F1 First flow path F2 Second flow path F3 Third flow path F4 Pressure reduction path

Claims (6)

A manufacturing device for a solid cosmetic product, comprising: a pump for discharging a cosmetic slurry; and a tube for distributing the slurry from a discharge port of the pump, the device filling the cosmetic container with the slurry through a filling hole provided in a bottom of the cosmetic container via the tube,
The manufacturing apparatus is improved, and the improvement is characterized by adding a filling control mechanism;
The filling control mechanism includes a three-way valve attached to the tube for changing a flow path of the slurry, a control tube for circulating the slurry, a filling state detection means for detecting a filling state of the slurry in the cosmetic container, and a control means for controlling the filling based on the filling state,
The tube is a flow path for the slurry, and constitutes a first flow path and a second flow path as described below, and the control tube is a flow path for the slurry, and constitutes a third flow path as described below,
First flow path: a flow path connecting the discharge port of the pump and the three-way valve. Second flow path: a flow path connecting the three-way valve and the filling hole. Third flow path: a flow path connecting the three-way valve and the slurry inlet of the pump.
The device further includes a tube forming a pressure reduction path and a two-way valve provided in the pressure reduction path.
Pressure reduction channel: A channel that branches off from the second channel and connects the second channel to the exhaust port.
The control means is provided with a switching unit that, under continuous operation of the pump, switches the flow path of the slurry from the second flow path to the third flow path using the three-way valve to block the flow of the slurry into the second flow path when the filling state detected by the filling state detection means reaches a predetermined state , and after the switching, opens the two-way valve to reduce the pressure in the second flow path . The solid cosmetic manufacturing device according to claim 1, wherein the control means further includes an adjustment instruction unit that adjusts the rotational speed of the pump by one or a combination of two or more types of control selected from proportional control, differential control, and integral control so that the filling state detected by the filling state detection means approaches a predetermined value. A method for improving an apparatus for producing solid cosmetics, comprising: a pump for discharging a cosmetic slurry; and a tube for distributing the slurry from a discharge port of the pump; and filling the cosmetic container with the slurry through a filling hole provided in a bottom of the cosmetic container via the tube, comprising:
The method includes the step of improving the manufacturing apparatus and adding a filling control mechanism to the manufacturing apparatus,
The filling control mechanism includes a three-way valve attached to the tube for changing a flow path of the slurry, a control tube for circulating the slurry, a filling state detection means for detecting a filling state of the slurry in the cosmetic container, and a control means for controlling the filling based on the filling state,
The tube is a flow path for the slurry, and constitutes a first flow path and a second flow path as described below, and the control tube is a flow path for the slurry, and constitutes a third flow path as described below,
First flow path: a flow path connecting the discharge port of the pump and the three-way valve. Second flow path: a flow path connecting the three-way valve and the filling hole. Third flow path: a flow path connecting the three-way valve and the slurry inlet of the pump.
The device further includes a tube forming a pressure reduction path and a two-way valve provided in the pressure reduction path.
Pressure reduction channel: A channel that branches off from the second channel and connects the second channel to the exhaust port.
The control means is provided with a switching unit that, under continuous operation of the pump, switches the flow path of the slurry from the second flow path to the third flow path using the three-way valve to block the flow of the slurry into the second flow path at the same time that the filling state detected by the filling state detection means reaches a predetermined state, and after the switching, opens the two-way valve to reduce the pressure in the second flow path . Adding an adjustment instruction unit to the control means,
4. The method for improving an apparatus for producing a solid cosmetic product according to claim 3, wherein the adjustment instruction unit adjusts the rotation speed of the pump by one or a combination of two or more types of control selected from proportional control, differential control, and integral control, so that the filling state detected by the filling state detection means asymptotically approaches a predetermined value. A method for producing a solid cosmetic product using a filling device that includes a pump that discharges a cosmetic slurry and a tube that distributes the slurry from a discharge port of the pump, and fills the cosmetic container with the slurry through a filling hole provided in a bottom of the cosmetic container via the tube, comprising:
The filling device is characterized in that a filling control mechanism is added to the filling device, and the filling is controlled by using the filling control mechanism;
the filling control mechanism is attached to the tube and includes a three-way valve for changing a flow path of the slurry, a control tube for circulating the slurry, and a filling state detection means for detecting a filling state of the slurry in the cosmetic container;
The tube is a flow path for the slurry, and constitutes a first flow path and a second flow path as described below, and the control tube is a flow path for the slurry, and constitutes a third flow path as described below,
First flow path: a flow path connecting the discharge port of the pump and the three-way valve. Second flow path: a flow path connecting the three-way valve and the filling hole. Third flow path: a flow path connecting the three-way valve and the slurry inlet of the pump.
The device further includes a tube forming a pressure reduction path and a two-way valve provided in the pressure reduction path.
Pressure reduction channel: A channel that branches off from the second channel and connects the second channel to the exhaust port.
a filling state detecting means for detecting a filling state of the slurry in the second flow path and a filling state detecting means for detecting a filling state of the slurry in the third flow path and a flow path of the slurry in the second flow path are simultaneously switched from the second flow path to the third flow path and a flow path of the slurry in the third flow path and a flow path of the slurry in the second flow path are simultaneously blocked ... third flow path are simultaneously blocked and a flow path of the slurry in the third flow path and a flow path of the slurry in the third flow path are simultaneously blocked and a flow path of the slurry in the third flow path and a flow path of the slurry in the third flow path are simultaneously blocked and a flow path of the slurry in the third flow path and a flow path of the slurry in the third flow path are simultaneously blocked and a flow path of the slurry in the third flow path and a flow path of the slurry in the third flow path are simultaneously blocked and a flow path of the slurry in the third flow path and a flow path of the slurry in the third flow path and a flow path of the slurry in the third flow path are simultaneously blocked and a flow path of the slurry in the third flow path and a flow path of the slurry in the third flow path and a flow path of the slurry in The method for producing a solid cosmetic product according to claim 5, wherein the rotational speed of the pump is adjusted by one or a combination of two or more types of control selected from proportional control, differential control, and integral control so that the filling state detected by the filling state detection means does not exceed a predetermined value and approaches the predetermined value.