Cartridge for a cosmetic pen
The cartridge design for cosmetic pencils addresses overtightening issues by decoupling the threaded nut from the rotating sleeve at a defined position, reducing damage and simplifying assembly through a locking mechanism, ensuring safe and easy operation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-02
AI Technical Summary
Conventional cosmetic pencils with retractable tips are prone to damage due to overtightening of threaded components during assembly or use, and users often fail to recognize when over-tightening is imminent.
A cartridge design featuring a threaded nut and rotating sleeve that decouple upon reaching a defined end position, preventing further rotation-induced damage by decoupling the nut from the sleeve, and a locking mechanism that engages automatically when the cartridge and handle are assembled.
Reduces the risk of damage from overtightening by ensuring the threaded components do not transmit force beyond a defined position, allowing users to recognize the fully retracted state and simplifying assembly without complex mechanisms.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a cartridge for a cosmetic stick according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a cosmetic stick according to the preamble of claim 22. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
[0002] In the field of decorative cosmetics, various application tools are used to precisely apply coloring substances. A particularly common type is the cosmetic pencil, which can be equipped with retractable cosmetic leads and is used, for example, to apply eyeliner. The cosmetic lead is usually housed in a cartridge containing a cartridge sleeve. One advantage of such retractable leads is that a separate sharpener is not required. To allow the lead to be extended and retracted, conventional cartridge sleeves are generally equipped with a threaded mechanism, enabling convenient adjustment of the lead by turning. STATE OF THE ART
[0003] Cosmetic pencils and cartridges for cosmetic pencils with extendable cosmetic tips are already known in the prior art. However, a recurring problem arises: when extending or retracting the cosmetic tip, it can over-tighten, causing damage to the threads and / or other functional elements of the cartridge.
[0004] Cosmetic pencils are typically designed with a relatively delicate structure – partly for aesthetic reasons, and partly to allow for compact transport, such as in a small handbag. However, this design means that the components, and especially the threads, can only withstand limited mechanical stress before damage occurs. At the same time, it is often difficult for the user to recognize when over-tightening is imminent.
[0005] In the worst-case scenario, such overtightening occurs during the initial assembly of the cartridge sleeve. Since the threads are subjected to stress for the first time during this process, overtightening and subsequent malfunctions can occur even during assembly. THE TASK UNDERLYING THE INVENTION
[0006] In view of this, the object of the invention is to provide a cartridge for a cosmetic pen that facilitates initial assembly and reduces the risk of damage in case of overtightening of the threaded components. INVENTIONAL SOLUTION
[0007] According to the invention, this problem is solved by the features of the main claim directed to the cartridge.
[0008] Accordingly, the problem is solved with a cartridge for a cosmetic pencil. The cartridge contains a cosmetic lead held by a lead holder, which can be extended or retracted from a cartridge sleeve by means of the lead holder. The lead holder can be driven by a threaded nut mounted on a rotating sleeve. The threaded nut interacts with the rotating sleeve in such a way that a rotation of the rotating sleeve in one direction results in a translational displacement of the threaded nut in the same direction. Conversely, a rotation of the rotating sleeve in the opposite direction results in a translational displacement of the threaded nut in the opposite direction.The cartridge is characterized by the fact that at least the threaded nut and the rotating sleeve are designed such that, upon reaching a defined end position of the threaded nut, a further rotation of the rotating sleeve of less than 360° in the second direction leads to a decoupling of the threaded nut from the rotating sleeve. This decoupling occurs in such a way that, until the threaded nut and the rotating sleeve are re-coupled, there is essentially no force transmission from the rotating sleeve to the threaded nut in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rotating sleeve.
[0009] The rotation of the rotary sleeve therefore controls the insertion and retraction of the cosmetic refill from the cartridge.
[0010] Once the threaded nut is in its final position, in which the cosmetic refill is also fully retracted, further rotation of the rotary sleeve in the second direction no longer results in a translational displacement of the threaded nut. Although a force is initially still transmitted from the rotary sleeve to the threaded nut, this is the over-rotation mentioned earlier.
[0011] However, this power transmission leads to a decoupling of the threaded nut from the rotating sleeve within less than one further full rotation of the rotating sleeve from the moment the threaded nut reaches its final position.
[0012] If the threaded nut is decoupled from the rotating sleeve, then during further rotation of the rotating sleeve in the second direction, no force is initially transmitted from the rotating sleeve to the threaded nut in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rotating sleeve. Therefore, there is no risk of damage.
[0013] The user can feel the rotation without any force being transmitted. They therefore recognize that the threaded nut has been disengaged and that no further rotation is necessary, as the cosmetic refill is now in its fully retracted position.
[0014] Only when the rotating shaft continues to rotate after decoupling does the threaded nut finally couple with the rotating shaft again, and consequently, force is transmitted again in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rotating shaft to the threaded nut.
[0015] The term “opposite direction” of the translational displacement of the threaded nut refers to the first direction of displacement of the threaded nut.
[0016] The threaded nut is "coupled" to the rotating sleeve when, as a result of the rotating sleeve's rotation, an axial force parallel to the sleeve's longitudinal axis is exerted on the threaded nut. The threaded nut is "decoupled" from the rotating sleeve when, as a result of the sleeve's rotation, no axial force parallel to the sleeve's longitudinal axis is exerted on the threaded nut. The terms "coupled" and "engaged" can be used synonymously. The same applies to the terms "decoupled" and "not engaged."
[0017] The "second direction of rotation" refers to the direction of rotation of the rotating sleeve that results in a translational movement of the threaded nut along the longitudinal axis of the rotating sleeve, away from the end of the cartridge where the opening is located through which the cosmetic refill is inserted and retracted during operation. The "first direction of rotation" is the opposite direction of rotation to the second direction of rotation.
[0018] The "second direction" of the translational displacement of the threaded nut is the direction away from the end of the cartridge facing the surface to which the cosmetic is to be applied. The "first direction" of the translational displacement is the opposite direction of displacement. ANOTHER PROBLEM UNDERLYING THE INVENTION
[0019] Furthermore, the object of the invention is to provide a cosmetic stick in which the risk of damage in the event of overtightening of the threaded components is reduced. THE FURTHER INVENTIONAL SOLUTION
[0020] The aforementioned problem is solved by a cosmetic pen with a handle and a cartridge according to the invention. The cosmetic pen is characterized in that the cartridge sleeve preferably has at least one coupling section on its outer circumferential surface, which engages with a complementary locking element of the handle. The coupling section is designed such that the locking occurs automatically as soon as the cartridge and the handle are pushed together along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. The locking mechanism is preferably designed so that it can be pulled apart again by hand in the direction of the longitudinal axis.
[0021] With this type of cosmetic pencil, the risk of damage due to over-twisting is significantly reduced compared to conventional cosmetic pencils with a retractable cosmetic tip.
[0022] The term "coupling section" encompasses both a single coupling element, such as a groove or a shaft shoulder for forming a positive connection, and a plurality of coupling elements which together cause the locking with the handle. PREFERRED DESIGN OPTIONS
[0023] There are a number of possibilities to design the invention in such a way as to further improve its effectiveness or usability.
[0024] It is therefore particularly preferred that the threaded nut includes an internal thread which, at least when the threaded nut is not in its end position, engages with an external thread of the rotating sleeve.
[0025] Rotation of the rotating sleeve then exerts a force on the threaded nut. If the design of the threaded nut and / or the cartridge sleeve prevents the threaded nut from rotating around the longitudinal axis of the rotating sleeve along its length, this force results in a translational movement of the threaded nut relative to the rotating sleeve along its longitudinal axis. This movement of the nut can be used to move the lead holder, along with the cosmetic lead, relative to the rotating sleeve in the direction of its longitudinal axis. Depending on the direction of movement, the cosmetic lead is either extended or retracted.
[0026] In another preferred embodiment, the rotating sleeve and the threaded nut are designed such that, in its final position, the threaded nut's end face rests directly or indirectly against the rotating sleeve. This end face is the one facing away from the end of the cosmetic tip intended for applying makeup.
[0027] The threaded nut therefore rests against the rotating sleeve in its final position, parallel to its longitudinal axis, so that no further translational movement of the threaded nut towards the contact surface is possible relative to the rotating sleeve. Ideally, a shoulder on the rotating sleeve forms a corresponding contact surface. The end face of the threaded nut does not necessarily have to be in direct contact with the contact surface of the rotating sleeve. For example, it is also conceivable that the threaded nut rests with its end face against another element, which in turn is supported by the contact surface of the rotating sleeve.
[0028] In another preferred embodiment, the threaded nut is prevented from rotating relative to the rotating sleeve by a positive locking connection with a component of the cartridge adjacent to it in a radially outward direction.
[0029] This prevents the threaded nut and the rotating sleeve from rotating around the latter's longitudinal axis when the threaded nut and rotating sleeve are engaged. Ideally, this is achieved through a positive-locking connection with the inside of the cartridge sleeve, while still allowing translational movement of the threaded nut relative to the cartridge sleeve along the cartridge sleeve's longitudinal axis. In the assembled state, the longitudinal axes of the cartridge sleeve, the rotating sleeve, and the threaded nut run parallel and ideally coaxially to each other.
[0030] The term "radially outwards" describes a direction whose direction vector runs orthogonally through the outer circumferential surface of the threaded nut, starting from the longitudinal axis of the threaded nut.
[0031] Ideally, the threaded nut has at least one rib on its circumferential surface that runs parallel to its longitudinal axis. When the threaded nut is installed, this rib is positively engaged in a corresponding groove in the cartridge sleeve.
[0032] This prevents the threaded nut from rotating relative to the cartridge sleeve. Rotation of the rotating sleeve then leads, at least as long as the threaded nut and the rotating sleeve are engaged, to a translational movement of the threaded nut along the longitudinal axis of rotation.
[0033] Ideally, there are several ribs evenly distributed across the outer circumference of the threaded nut. This ensures a more even force distribution.
[0034] A "rib" is a local elevation on the outer circumferential surface of the threaded nut compared to the adjacent area of the outer circumferential surface.
[0035] Preferably, the rotating sleeve and the threaded nut are designed such that re-coupling of the threaded nut, which has been decoupled from the rotating sleeve, is achieved by rotating the rotating sleeve in the second direction. Since the coupling is accomplished simply by continuing to rotate the rotating sleeve, a complex design with intricate coupling mechanisms can be avoided.
[0036] In another preferred embodiment, the rotating sleeve and the threaded nut are designed such that, after decoupling the threaded nut, the rotating sleeve must be rotated by at least 90°, preferably by at least 180° and ideally by at least 270° in the second direction until the threaded nut is coupled to the rotating sleeve again.
[0037] Therefore, further rotation of the rotating sleeve immediately after the threaded nut is disengaged from the rotating sleeve does not initially result in an axial force being transmitted from the rotating sleeve to the threaded nut. Damage to the cartridge due to over-tightening is not a concern in this state. The user of the cartridge can also usually feel that the threaded nut is not engaged. They then know that the cosmetic refill is in its fully retracted position. Only after a further rotation of at least 90° are the rotating sleeve and the threaded nut brought back into engagement.
[0038] Ideally, the rotating sleeve and the threaded nut are designed in such a way that the re-coupling of the threaded nut, which has been decoupled from the rotating sleeve, is also or exclusively effected by a rotation of the rotating sleeve in the first direction of rotation.
[0039] In particular, if re-coupling can also be achieved by rotating the rotary sleeve in the initial direction of rotation, this significantly simplifies the cartridge's use. The user doesn't need to remember which direction of rotation is correct for re-coupling the threaded nut. The user can therefore rotate the rotary sleeve in any direction.
[0040] In another preferred embodiment, the external thread of the rotating sleeve and the internal thread of the threaded nut are designed such that, in its final position and while still engaged with the rotating sleeve, the threaded nut is engaged with the external thread of the rotating sleeve, but only by less than 1.1 thread turns. Better still, the threaded nut is engaged by less than 0.75 turns, and even better, by less than 0.55 turns. Preferably, however, it is always engaged by more than 0.2 turns, and better still, by more than 0.25 turns.
[0041] This results in the majority of the internal thread of the threaded nut not engaging with the external thread of the rotating sleeve when the threaded nut is in its final position. If the rotating sleeve is then turned further, the remaining, only slightly overlapping threads can be overcome with comparatively little force, thus disengaging the threads and decoupling the threaded nut from the rotating sleeve.
[0042] The term "revolution" or "thread revolution" describes a complete 360° turn of a thread around the longitudinal axis of the rotating sleeve.
[0043] Preferably, the material of the external thread of the rotary sleeve and / or the material of the internal thread of the threaded nut are elastically deformable in such a way that overtightening of the threaded nut is made possible, thereby decoupling the threaded nut from the external thread without damaging the external thread or the internal thread.
[0044] The process of disengaging the threaded nut from the rotating sleeve involves elastic deformation of the internal thread of the nut and / or the external thread of the rotating sleeve. This significantly reduces the risk of cartridge damage due to over-tightening.
[0045] In a further preferred embodiment, the material of the external thread of the rotating sleeve and / or the material of the internal thread of the threaded nut has a modulus of elasticity of less than 10 GPa. Even better is a modulus of elasticity of less than 7 GPa. With such a selected elasticity, the threaded nut can be reliably decoupled from the rotating sleeve without damaging the threads. At the same time, the material possesses sufficient stiffness to ensure precise guidance of the lead holder in the coupled state.
[0046] Ideally, the external thread of the rotary sleeve is traversed by at least one groove, at least in the area of its last turn, but preferably along its entire length. The threads are interrupted by the groove(s). Ideally, the groove extends to the outer circumferential surface of the rotary sleeve. Furthermore, it is conceivable to design at least one of the grooves to be deeper than the thread depth of the external thread of the rotary sleeve.
[0047] The grooves allow dust, pigment residue, or other contaminants to collect during turning, instead of blocking the thread flanks. This reduces clogging of the external thread, ensuring it remains smooth-running for longer. Furthermore, the grooves locally reduce stiffness and allow for slight elastic flexion of the threads when overtightened, preventing damage.
[0048] In a further preferred embodiment, the rotating sleeve has a slot parallel to its longitudinal axis over a predominant and preferably its entire length.
[0049] The axial slot gives the rotary sleeve a defined elasticity. This elasticity allows the rotary sleeve to yield slightly under excessive torque. This reduces the risk of damaging the threads of the rotary sleeve or the threaded nut in case of unintentional overtightening. This increases the service life of the threaded connection and protects the functionality of the cartridge.
[0050] Preferably, the lead holder has a first stop. In the assembled state, the first stop projects radially through the slot of the rotating sleeve. When the cartridge is fully assembled, at least a portion of the threaded nut's end face rests against the first stop.
[0051] The first stop ensures that any translational movement of the threaded nut in the direction in which it rests against the stop is directly transferred to the lead holder. This allows the lead to be extended or retracted precisely and in a controlled manner.
[0052] The term "fully assembled cartridge" means that all components of the cartridge that are essential for its function - in particular the rotating sleeve, threaded nut and lead holder - are assembled in their intended final position.
[0053] In a further preferred embodiment, the lead holder has a second stop which, in the assembled state, projects radially through the slot of the rotating sleeve. The threaded nut is therefore positively connected to the lead holder in the fully assembled state of the cartridge in such a way that a translational movement of the threaded nut parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rotating sleeve causes a corresponding translational movement of the lead holder.
[0054] The second stop ensures that the threaded nut is positively locked to the lead holder in both axial directions. This reliably transfers any translational movement of the threaded nut to the lead holder, regardless of the direction of movement.
[0055] Ideally, at least one of the leads holder's stops is designed so that the threaded nut can be pushed over the stop in the assembly direction, with elastic deformation of the stop. This allows for a simple, axially positive connection between the threaded nut and the leads holder.
[0056] The term "assembly direction" describes the axial direction along the longitudinal axis of the rotating sleeve in which the threaded nut is pushed onto the lead holder and the rotating sleeve when assembling the cartridge.
[0057] In another preferred embodiment, the rotating sleeve is elastically deformable, at least before the mounting of the lead holder, so that the threaded nut can be pushed onto the rotating sleeve to its end position without having to screw the threaded nut onto the rotating sleeve over the entire external thread.
[0058] This allows the sleeve to be slightly compressed when the threaded nut is slid on, temporarily reducing the outer diameter in the area of the external thread. This makes it easy to move the threaded nut over the external thread into its final position during assembly without having to screw it on. This simplifies and speeds up assembly while simultaneously reducing stress and the risk of damaging the threads.
[0059] Preferably, the slot of the rotary sleeve narrows circumferentially in the area of the end of the rotary sleeve facing the end of the cosmetic tip intended for applying makeup. Ideally, the slot is so narrow that its edges come into contact with each other.
[0060] The area of the rotary sleeve where the slot edges abut each other is very well suited for bearing the rotary sleeve. Due to the abutting slot edges in this area – at least when assembled – the rotary sleeve exhibits sufficient rigidity there.
[0061] At the same time, if a suitable material is chosen, the sleeve remains expandable in its unmounted state. It can therefore be widened to insert the lead holder.
[0062] In another preferred embodiment, the lead holder has a spring section that projects radially towards the cavity of the lead holder intended for receiving the cosmetic lead. This is such that inserting the cosmetic lead into the lead holder causes the spring section to exert a spring force on the cosmetic lead. During normal use, this spring force holds the cosmetic lead securely in the lead holder.
[0063] The cosmetic lead is held securely in place by spring force and will not come loose or shift unintentionally during application. The spring section also compensates for manufacturing tolerances in the cosmetic lead and / or the lead holder, ensuring a secure hold even with slightly varying diameters. Furthermore, the lead holder or spring section can be designed to accommodate cosmetic leads of different diameters, depending on requirements.
[0064] Ideally, the rotating sleeve has a coupling section to which a rotating device can be attached. Ideally, the rotating device is the handle of the cosmetic pen or a section of the handle of the cosmetic pen.
[0065] This allows for simple and user-friendly operation of the cartridge. Ideally, the connection between the rotating sleeve and the rotary device is positively engaged. This positive engagement is preferably designed such that, in the coupled state, rotation of the rotating sleeve around its longitudinal axis relative to the rotary device is prevented.
[0066] In another preferred embodiment, the rotating sleeve is rotatably mounted in the cartridge sleeve such that an annular gap exists between the cartridge sleeve and the rotating sleeve. This annular gap allows the cartridge sleeve and rotating sleeve to rotate freely and smoothly relative to each other. This reduces the force required and facilitates precise positioning of the lead.
[0067] Preferably, the cartridge of the cosmetic pen according to the invention is designed such that the locking mechanism of the handle on the cartridge sleeve allows a rotational movement of the cartridge sleeve relative to the handle about the longitudinal axis of the cartridge sleeve. The rotating sleeve is thereby connected to the handle in a rotationally fixed manner via its coupling section.
[0068] This design allows the cosmetic pencil to be held comfortably by the cartridge, while the rotating sleeve is set in motion via the rotating mechanism, which is ideally part of the handle. This enables comfortable and controlled extension and retraction of the cosmetic tip.
[0069] In a further preferred embodiment, the cartridge sleeve has a locking device for snapping on a protective cap that safeguards the lead tip.
[0070] This prevents contamination of the cosmetic tip and the inside of the cartridge, thus improving hygiene during use. It also reduces the risk of internal contaminants causing stiffness or blockage of the rotating elements. Alternatively, the locking mechanism could be designed as friction surfaces, so that the cap, when assembled, is held on the cartridge sleeve not by a form fit, but by friction. LIST OF FIGURES Fig. Figure 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of the cartridge according to the invention in side view. Fig. 2 shows the in Fig. 1. Cartouche shown in longitudinal section. Fig. Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the cartridge without the cartridge sleeve. Fig. 4 shows the cartridge made of Fig. 3 in side view. Fig. 5 shows the cartridge made of Fig. 4 rotated 90° around their longitudinal axis. Fig. Figure 6 shows the rotating sleeve in an isometric view. Fig. Figure 7 shows the rotating sleeve made of Fig. 6 in side view. Fig. Figure 8 shows the rotating sleeve made of Fig. 7 in another isometric view. Fig. Figure 9 shows a section of the rotary sleeve made of Fig. 6 in the detailed view. Fig. Figure 10 shows the threaded nut in an isometric view. Fig. 11 shows the threaded nut made of Fig. 10 in side view. Fig. 12 shows the threaded nut made of Fig. 10 in the front view. Fig. Figure 13 shows the mine holder in an isometric view. Fig. 14 shows the mine holder from Fig. 13 in the side view. Fig. 15 shows the mine holder from Fig. 13 in the front view. PREFERRED EXAMPLES
[0071] The functionality of the invention will be demonstrated by way of example: Fig. 1-15 explained.
[0072] First, the following will be used as a starting point Fig. 1-7 explains the structure of cartridge 1.
[0073] The cartridge 1 consists of a cartridge sleeve 2, inside of which a rotary sleeve 7 is arranged coaxially to the cartridge sleeve 2.
[0074] The rotating sleeve 7 is engaged on one side by a locking element 15, which is designed as a wave-like shoulder on the rotating sleeve 7, in a corresponding groove in the cartridge sleeve 2. In the assembled state, the locking element 15 and the corresponding groove form a positive connection that allows rotation of the rotating sleeve 7 about its longitudinal axis L relative to the cartridge sleeve 2. However, axial displacement of the rotating sleeve 7 along its longitudinal axis L relative to the cartridge sleeve 2 is not permitted – at least not under normal operating conditions when the cartridge 1 is in use.
[0075] On the side facing away from the locking device 15, the rotary sleeve 7 is supported by means of its contact surface 28 on a corresponding contact surface of the cartridge sleeve 2, which serves as a sliding bearing.
[0076] Inside the rotating sleeve 7, a mine holder 17 is mounted. The mine holder 17 is slidable along the longitudinal axis L of the rotating sleeve 7. However, rotation relative to the rotating sleeve 7 about its longitudinal axis L is blocked, since the mine holder 17 protrudes through the slot 8 of the rotating sleeve 7 with its axial stops 18 and 19.
[0077] A threaded nut 22 is provided encompassing the outer circumferential surface 12 of the rotating sleeve 7. The threaded nut 22 rests with its end face 24 against the first axial stop 18 of the lead holder 17 and with its end face facing away from the first end face 24 against the second axial stop 19 of the lead holder 17.
[0078] There is an annular gap 4 between the cartridge sleeve 2 and the rotary sleeve 7.
[0079] Preferably, several longitudinal ribs 23 running parallel to the longitudinal axis of the threaded nut 22 are provided on the circumferential surface 26 of the threaded nut 22. The longitudinal ribs 23 engage in corresponding grooves 3 on the inside of the cartridge sleeve 2. This prevents the threaded nut 22 from rotating relative to the cartridge sleeve 2 about the longitudinal axis L of the rotating sleeve 7.
[0080] In order to move the mine holder 17, which holds a cosmetic mine (not shown), along the longitudinal axis L of the rotating sleeve 7, the rotating sleeve 7 is rotated about its longitudinal axis L.
[0081] If the cartridge sleeve 2 is held in such a way that it cannot rotate relative to the rotating sleeve 7, the longitudinal ribs 23 of the threaded nut 22, which are engaged with the cartridge sleeve 2, prevent the threaded nut 22 from rotating with the rotating sleeve 7 about its longitudinal axis L. Therefore, rotation of the rotating sleeve 7 leads to an axial displacement of the threaded nut 22, at least when the internal thread 27 of the threaded nut 22 is engaged with the external thread 11 of the rotating sleeve and an axial force is exerted by the rotating sleeve 7 on the threaded nut 22.
[0082] Since the threaded nut 22 is positively engaged with the axial stops 18 and 19 of the lead holder 17, the latter follows the displacement of the threaded nut 22 along the longitudinal axis L of the rotating sleeve 7.
[0083] The displacement of the mine holder 17 holding the cosmetic refill therefore results in the cosmetic refill being inserted into or pushed out of the cartridge sleeve 2, depending on the direction of displacement of the mine holder 17.
[0084] These processes can be well illustrated by the Fig. 3-7, in which the cartridge 1 is shown in different views without its cartridge sleeve 2.
[0085] To set the rotating sleeve 7 in rotation, it is preferably coupled via its coupling section 13 to a section (not shown) of the handle of a cosmetic pencil. Rotation of the handle about the longitudinal axis L of the rotating sleeve 7 results in a rotational movement of the rotating sleeve 7 due to the positive locking connection with the coupling section 13 of the rotating sleeve 7. If the cartridge sleeve 2 is held in place during the rotation of the handle (not shown) so that it does not rotate, the sliding mechanism of the lead holder 17 described above is activated.
[0086] A coupling section 6 is also provided on the outer circumferential surface 5 of the cartridge sleeve 2, to which the handle (not shown) can be coupled. The coupling is such that a rotational movement of the handle relative to the cartridge sleeve 2 about the longitudinal axis L of the rotating sleeve 7 is possible. At the same time, a positive locking mechanism prevents axial displacement of the handle relative to the cartridge 1 along the longitudinal axis L of the rotating sleeve 7 when the intended force is applied during operation of the cartridge 1.
[0087] In general, and especially regardless of the other features of the embodiment, the following applies to the over-rotation function and the means implementing it: To prevent damage to the cartridge 1 as a result of overtightening the external thread 11 of the rotary sleeve 7 which engages with the internal thread 27 of the threaded nut, an overtightening function is provided.
[0088] Based on the Fig. Figures 6-9 show that the external thread 11 of the rotary sleeve 7 does not extend completely to the shaft shoulder 29 of the rotary sleeve 7. Furthermore, the external thread 11 of the rotary sleeve 7 is interrupted by several grooves 10.
[0089] This results in the external thread 11 having a last turn 16, which is designed as an interrupted single thread tooth.
[0090] Is the threaded nut 22 located in its position in the Fig. In the end position shown in 1-5, the external thread 11 engages with the internal thread 27 of the threaded nut 22 only with this last turn 16.
[0091] Since the mine holder 17 in this end position rests against the rotating sleeve 7 in such a way that a further displacement of the mine holder 17 in the direction of the coupling section 13 of the rotating sleeve 7 is not possible, the threaded nut 22, which rests against the second axial stop 19 of the mine holder 17, cannot be moved further in this direction either.
[0092] If the rotating sleeve 7 nevertheless continues to rotate in the second direction of rotation, i.e., in the direction of rotation of the rotating sleeve 7 that leads to a translational movement of the threaded nut 22 along the longitudinal axis of the rotating sleeve 7 away from the end of the cartridge 2 where the opening is provided through which the cosmetic refill is inserted and retracted during operation, the last turn 16 of the rotating sleeve 7 is elastically deformed. This deformation causes the external thread 11 of the rotating sleeve 7 and the internal thread 27 of the threaded nut 22 to disengage. After this disengagement, the rotating sleeve 7 can therefore continue to rotate without exerting an axial force on the threaded nut 22. This reduces the risk of damage to the cartridge 1.
[0093] If the rotating sleeve 7 is turned back again, i.e. in the first direction of rotation, or if it is turned long enough further in the second direction of rotation, the external thread 11 of the rotating sleeve 7 and the internal thread 27 of the threaded nut 22 come into engagement again under renewed elastic deformation of the last turn 16 of the external thread 11.
[0094] In other words, to put it abstractly, the problem can be solved according to the invention with a thread that can be turned completely (or at least essentially) without damage in such a way that thread partners initially engaged with each other slip off each other in such a way that a skipping of the thread partners takes place, limiting the force exerted by the thread to a non-destructive level, wherein at least one, or preferably all, of the thread partners generally behave reversibly elastically.
[0095] In the following, the focus shifts from what has already been said in general terms back to the exemplary embodiment and the assembly or assembly method of cartridge 1 is explained.
[0096] First, the threaded nut 22 is pushed onto the rotating sleeve 7. This is facilitated by the mounting chamfer 14 of the rotating sleeve 7. Due to the slot 8, the rotating sleeve 7 can be compressed in such a way that the threaded nut 22 can be pushed over the external thread 11 of the rotating sleeve 7 without its internal thread 27 engaging with the external thread 11. This allows for quick and easy assembly of the threaded nut 22.
[0097] The mine holder 17 is then inserted into the interior of the rotating sleeve 7. For this purpose, the rotating sleeve 7 is pulled apart in the area of its opening 30 so that the slot 8 widens and the axial stops 18 and 19 of the mine holder 17 can be pushed through the slot 8.
[0098] To prevent the lead holder 17 from sliding out of the rotating sleeve 7 and to ensure stable storage of the rotating sleeve 7 in the cartridge case 2, the slot 8 is narrower in the area of the opening 30. The slot 8 is so narrow that the edges 9 of the slot 8 abut each other.
[0099] The based on the Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 The clearly visible mounting slope 25 of the mine holder 17 facilitates the insertion of the mine holder 17 into the opening 30 of the rotary sleeve.
[0100] The second axial stop 19 of the lead holder 17 is designed to deform elastically as soon as it is pushed firmly enough against the end face 24 of the threaded nut 22. This allows the lead holder 17 to be slid under the already mounted threaded nut 22 so that the threaded nut 22 ultimately comes to rest with its end face 24 against the first axial stop 18 and the opposite end face of the threaded nut 22 against the second axial stop 19. This creates a positive fit between the threaded nut 22 and the lead holder 17.
[0101] The rotary sleeve 7 is then inserted into the cartridge sleeve 2 together with the threaded nut 22 and the lead holder 17 until the locking device 15 engages in the corresponding groove of the cartridge sleeve 2.
[0102] The cosmetic lead (not shown) is inserted into the cavity 21 of the lead holder 17. This pushes the spring section 20, which projects into the cavity of the lead holder 17, radially outwards. This results in the cosmetic lead being held securely in the cavity 21 of the lead holder 17. GENERAL
[0103] Protection is also claimed for a cartridge 1 – or an applicator equipped therewith – for a cosmetic pencil with a cosmetic lead held by a lead holder 17, which can be extended or retracted from a cartridge sleeve 2 by means of the lead holder 17, wherein the cartridge 1 may additionally have one or more features from the characterizing part of one or more dependent claims and / or from the preceding description. The use of such a cartridge 1 for the application of a lead-filled cosmetic product is also claimed at a later date. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 cartridge for a cosmetic pen 2 cartridge sleeves 3 grooves on the inside 4 annular gap 5 Outer circumference of the cartridge sleeve 6 Coupling section of the cartridge sleeve 7 Rotary sleeve 8 slots 9 edges of the slot 10 Nut 11 external threads 12 Outer circumferential surface of the rotating sleeve 13 Coupling section of the rotary sleeve 14 Mounting angle 15 Resting agents 16 Last turn of the external thread 17 lead holders 18 First axial stop 19 Second axial stop 20 Spring section / Clamping element 21 cavity 22 Threaded nut 23 Longitudinal rib 24 First end face of the threaded nut 25 Mounting angle 26 Circumferential surface of the threaded nut 27 Internal threads of the threaded nut 28 Contact surface of the rotary sleeve 29 Shaft shoulder of the rotary sleeve 30 Opening of the rotary sleeve L Longitudinal axis of the rotating sleeve
Claims
[1] Cartridge (1) for a cosmetic pencil with a cosmetic lead held by a lead holder (17) which can be extended or retracted from a cartridge sleeve (2) by means of the lead holder (17), wherein the lead holder (17) can be driven by a threaded nut (22) mounted on a rotating sleeve (7) and wherein the threaded nut (22) interacts with the rotating sleeve (7) such that a rotation of the rotating sleeve (7) in a first direction leads to a translational displacement of the threaded nut (22) in a first direction and a rotation of the rotating sleeve (7) in a second direction leads to a translational displacement of the threaded nut (22) in the opposite direction, characterized by, that at least the threaded nut (22) and the rotating sleeve (7) are designed such that, upon reaching a defined end position of the threaded nut (22), a further rotation of the rotating sleeve (7) in the second direction leads to such a decoupling of the threaded nut (22) from the rotating sleeve (7) that, until the coupling is renewed, at least substantially no force transmission from the rotating sleeve (7) to the threaded nut (22) takes place in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) of the rotating sleeve (7). [2] Cartridge (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the threaded nut (22) includes an internal thread (27) which, at least when the threaded nut (22) is not in its end position, engages with an external thread (11) of the rotating sleeve (7), ideally in more than just an insignificant engagement, since it can be over-tightened. [3] Cartridge (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the rotating sleeve (7) and the threaded nut (22) are designed such that the threaded nut (22) in its final position bears directly or indirectly against the rotating sleeve (7) with its end face facing away from the end of the cosmetic lead intended for applying makeup. [4] Cartridge (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the threaded nut (22) is prevented from rotating relative to the rotating sleeve (7) by a positive locking connection with a component (2) of the cartridge (1) adjacent to it in a radially outward direction. [5] Cartridge (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the threaded nut (22) has at least one rib (23) on its circumferential surface (26) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the threaded nut (22), which is positively inserted into a corresponding groove (3) of the cartridge sleeve (2) when the threaded nut (22) is mounted. [6] Cartridge (1) preferably according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the rotating sleeve (7) and the threaded nut (22) are designed such that a re-coupling of the threaded nut (22) decoupled from the rotating sleeve (7) is effected by a rotation of the rotating sleeve (7) in the second direction. [7] Cartridge (1) preferably according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the rotating sleeve (7) and the threaded nut (22) are designed such that the rotating sleeve (7) must be rotated in the second direction by at least 90°, preferably by at least 180° and ideally by at least 270° after the threaded nut (22) has been decoupled, until the threaded nut (22) is coupled to the rotating sleeve (7) again. [8] Cartridge (1) according preferably at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the rotating sleeve (7) and the threaded nut (22) are designed such that the re-coupling of the threaded nut (22) decoupled from the rotating sleeve (7) is also or exclusively effected by a rotation of the rotating sleeve (7) in the first direction. [9] Cartridge (1) preferably according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the external thread (11) of the rotating sleeve (7) and the internal thread (27) of the threaded nut (22) are designed such that the threaded nut (22) in its final position, in the state not yet decoupled from the rotating sleeve (7), engages with the external thread (11) of the rotating sleeve (7), but only by less than 1.1 turns, preferably less than 0.75 turns, and even better less than 0.55 turns, but preferably always more than 0.2 and better 0.25 turns. [10] Cartridge (1) preferably according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the material of the external thread (11) of the rotary sleeve (7) and / or the material of the internal thread (27) of the threaded nut (22) are elastically deformable in such a way that overtightening of the threaded nut (22) is made possible, whereby the threaded nut (22) is decoupled from the external thread (11) without damaging the external thread (11) or the internal thread (27). [11] Cartridge (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the material of the external thread (11) of the rotary sleeve (7) and / or the material of the internal thread (27) of the threaded nut (22) has a modulus of elasticity of less than 10 GPa, preferably less than 7 GPa. [12] Cartridge (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the external thread (11) of the rotary sleeve (7) is traversed by at least one groove (10) at least in the area of its last turn (16), but preferably throughout. [13] Cartridge (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the rotating sleeve (7) has a slot (8) parallel to its longitudinal axis (L) over a predominant and preferably its entire length. [14] Cartridge (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the lead holder (17) has a first stop (18) which, in the assembled state, projects radially through the slot (8) of the rotating sleeve (7) and against which the threaded nut (22) rests with at least a section of its end face (24) when the cartridge (1) is fully assembled. [15] Cartridge (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the lead holder (17) has a second stop (19) which, in the assembled state, projects radially through the slot (8) of the rotating sleeve (7), so that the threaded nut (22) is positively connected to the lead holder (17) in the fully assembled state of the cartridge (1) in such a way that a translational movement of the threaded nut (22) parallel to the longitudinal axis (L) of the rotating sleeve (7) causes a corresponding translational movement of the lead holder (17). [16] Cartridge (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one of the stops (19) of the lead holder (17) is designed such that the threaded nut (22) can be pushed over the stop (19) in the assembly direction under elastic deformation of the stop (19). [17] Cartridge (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the rotating sleeve (7), at least before the mounting of the lead holder (17), is elastically deformable in such a way that the threaded nut (22) can be pushed onto the rotating sleeve (7) to its end position without the threaded nut (22) having to be screwed onto the rotating sleeve (7) over the entire external thread (11). [18] Cartridge (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the slot (8) of the rotary sleeve (7) becomes narrower in the circumferential direction in the area of the end of the rotary sleeve (7) which is directed towards the end of the cosmetic lead intended for the application of makeup, wherein the slot (8) is ideally so narrow that the edges (9) of the slot (8) come into contact with each other. [19] Cartridge (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the lead holder (17) has a spring section (20) which projects radially in the direction of the cavity (21) of the lead holder (17) intended for receiving the cosmetic lead, such that the insertion of the cosmetic lead into the lead holder (17) causes the spring section (20) to exert a spring force on the cosmetic lead which holds the cosmetic lead securely in the lead holder (17) when used as intended. [20] Cartridge (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the rotating sleeve (7) has a coupling section (13) to which a rotating device, ideally in the form of the handle of the cosmetic pen or a section of the handle of the cosmetic pen, can be coupled in a rotationally fixed manner. [21] Cartridge (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the rotating sleeve (7) is rotatably mounted in the cartridge sleeve (2) such that an annular gap (4) exists between the cartridge sleeve (2) and the rotating sleeve (7). [22] Cosmetic pen with a handle and a cartridge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cartridge sleeve (2) preferably has at least one coupling section (6) on its outer circumferential surface (5) which engages with a complementary locking means of the handle and is designed such that the locking occurs automatically as soon as the cartridge (1) and the handle are pushed into each other along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge, wherein the locking is preferably designed so that it can be pulled apart again by hand in the direction of the longitudinal axis. [23] Cosmetic stick according to the immediately preceding claim, characterized by, that the cartridge (1) is designed such that the locking of the handle on the cartridge sleeve (2) allows a rotational movement of the cartridge sleeve (2) relative to the handle around the longitudinal axis of the cartridge sleeve (2), while the rotating sleeve (7) is connected to the handle in a rotationally fixed manner via its coupling section (13). [24] Cosmetic stick according to one of the two immediately preceding claims, characterized by , that the cartridge case (2) has a locking device for snapping on a protective cap that covers the mine tip.