Apparatus and method for improving the apparatus for producing solid cosmetics, and method for producing solid cosmetics

Abstract

To provide such a manufacturing device and a manufacturing method of a solid cosmetic that a solidified slurry hardly adheres to a container lower part when filling the container with the slurry of a cosmetic.SOLUTION: A manufacturing device 10 of a solid cosmetic has a nozzle 20 for discharging a slurry L of the cosmetic. The slurry L is discharged by the nozzle and is put into a container 80 through a filling hole 85 disposed at the bottom of the container. The manufacturing device 10 comprises a flow control member 30 which is disposed at a tip of a nozzle and has an opening 31 extending in the flow direction of the slurry. The flow control member 30 increases / decreases a cross-sectional area in the direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the opening 31 in accordance with a pressure generated when the slurry is discharged, and a cross-sectional area of the opening 31 in a non-discharge state of the slurry is smaller than that of an opening 31 in a discharge state of the slurry. The slurry is put into the container in a state where the flow control member 30 is brought into contact with the filling hole 85.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a solid cosmetic product, an improvement method therefor, and a method for producing a solid cosmetic product. [Background technology]

[0002] Dry or wet methods are commonly used for producing solid cosmetics such as eye shadow and foundation. The dry method is, for example, a method in which a mixture of powder and oil, which are cosmetic ingredients, is compressed and molded into a filling target. The wet method is, for example, a method in which a volatile liquid medium such as water or alcohol is mixed with the powder and oil, which are cosmetic ingredients, to form a slurry, which is then filled into a container, and the liquid medium is then removed.

[0003] Such wet manufacturing methods include a filling method (so-called front filling) in which the filling target is filled through an upper opening of a filling container, and a manufacturing method (so-called back filling) in which a slurry containing a cosmetic is filled through a filling hole provided on the bottom of a dish-shaped container.Patent Document 1 discloses a manufacturing method in which the slurry is back-filled, the opening on the top surface of the container is closed with a jig capable of removing the solvent, and the solvent in the slurry is removed by suction (Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a solid cosmetic production device that is provided with various mechanisms such as a filling pressure adjustment mechanism, a pump suck-back mechanism, and a filling nozzle shut-off valve mechanism, with the aim of reducing the occurrence of flow marks, cracks, and the like and thereby reducing defects in the appearance of the solid cosmetic.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses a cosmetic filling device in which an elastic member is attached to the tip of the nozzle body for the purpose of preventing leakage of the cosmetic. The document also discloses that this elastic member is designed to seal the flow path of the cosmetic by elastically deforming upon contact with the container when the nozzle body is biased toward the container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 56-128107 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-1667 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-77990 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] When a cosmetic slurry is filled into a container by the above-described back-filling method, the cosmetic may adhere to the periphery of the through-hole in the lower part of the container after filling. If the container is subjected to subsequent processes in this state, the manufacturing equipment that comes into contact with the lower part of the container may become contaminated with the adhered material from the lower part of the container, or the cosmetic may easily crack or break due to the solidified and adhered cosmetic around the through-hole in the container. The technologies of Patent Documents 1 to 3 cannot be said to be sufficient in terms of solving both of these problems.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method that, when filling a container with cosmetic slurry by back-filling, makes it difficult for solidified cosmetic slurry to adhere to the bottom of the container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a solid cosmetic product. The manufacturing device preferably includes a nozzle for ejecting a cosmetic slurry. The manufacturing apparatus is preferably configured so that the slurry can be discharged from the nozzle to fill the container with the slurry through a filling hole provided in the bottom of the container. The manufacturing apparatus is preferably improved by adding a flow control member. The flow control member is preferably disposed at the tip of the nozzle and has an opening that communicates the inside and outside of the nozzle at least when the slurry is being discharged. The flow control member is preferably configured so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the openings in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the slurry increases or decreases according to the pressure generated when the slurry is discharged. The flow control member is preferably configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening when the slurry is not being discharged is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the nozzle. It is preferable that the manufacturing apparatus is configured so that the slurry can be filled into the container through the flow path and the filling hole by ejecting the slurry from the nozzle while the flow control member is in contact with a filling hole provided at the bottom of the container.

[0010] The present invention also relates to a method for improving an apparatus for producing a solid cosmetic product. It is also preferable that the manufacturing device includes a nozzle for ejecting the cosmetic slurry. The manufacturing apparatus is preferably configured so that the slurry can be discharged from the nozzle to fill the container with the slurry through a filling hole provided in the bottom of the container. The improvement method preferably includes a step of improving the manufacturing apparatus by arranging a flow control member at the tip of the nozzle in the manufacturing apparatus. The flow control member preferably has an opening that communicates the inside and outside of the nozzle at least when the slurry is discharged. The flow control member is preferably configured so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the openings in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the slurry increases or decreases according to the pressure generated when the slurry is discharged. The flow control member is preferably configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening when the slurry is not being discharged is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the nozzle.

[0011] The present invention also relates to a method for producing a solid cosmetic product. It is also preferable that the manufacturing method uses a solid cosmetic manufacturing device that is equipped with a nozzle for discharging a cosmetic slurry, and is configured so that the slurry can be filled into a container through a filling hole provided in the bottom of the container by discharging the slurry from the nozzle. In the manufacturing method, it is preferable to dispose a flow control member at the tip of the nozzle, the flow control member having an opening that communicates the inside and outside of the nozzle at least when the slurry is discharged. It is preferable that the manufacturing method includes a step of ejecting the slurry from the nozzle while the flow control member is in contact with a filling hole provided at the bottom of the container, thereby filling the slurry into the container through the opening and the filling hole, and solidifying the filled slurry. The flow control member is preferably configured so that the cross-sectional area of ​​the openings in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the slurry increases or decreases according to the pressure generated when the slurry is discharged. The flow control member is preferably configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening when the slurry is not being discharged is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the nozzle. In the manufacturing method, it is preferable that the flow control member and the filling hole are brought into contact with each other, and the slurry is discharged to widen the flow path, and then the slurry is filled into the container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, when a cosmetic slurry is filled into a container, the solidified slurry is less likely to adhere to the bottom of the container, and cracks or breaks in the cosmetic are less likely to occur. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a filling unit constituting a part of a manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, together with a container. [Figure 2]Figure 2(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of an embodiment of a flow control member, showing a nozzle tip and its vicinity in a non-slurry ejection state, and Figure 2(b) is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the flow control member taken along line II in Figure 2(a). [Figure 3] Figure 3(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of the flow control member of Figure 2(a), showing a schematic embodiment of the nozzle tip and its vicinity in the state of discharging slurry, and Figure 3(b) is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic form of the flow control member along line II-II of Figure 3(a). [Figure 4] Figure 4(a) is an enlarged view of a cross-section of a main part of another embodiment of the flow control member, showing a schematic view of the nozzle tip and its vicinity in a non-slurry ejection state, and Figure 4(b) is an enlarged view of a cross-section of a main part of the embodiment of Figure 4(a), showing a schematic view of the nozzle tip and its vicinity in a slurry ejection state. [Figure 5] 5(a) to 5(d) are cross-sectional views schematically illustrating one embodiment of each step according to the manufacturing method of the present invention using the manufacturing apparatus of FIG. [Figure 6] 6(a) and 6(b) are cross-sectional views that schematically show one embodiment of a step of attaching a flow control member to a nozzle that constitutes a manufacturing apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments. The manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of the present invention are capable of suitably manufacturing a solid cosmetic product in which a cosmetic product is filled in a container.

[0015] The manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of the present invention preferably employ a configuration that allows for the use of a container that has a bottom and an open top, and that can be filled from the bottom side of the container through a filling hole, which is a through-hole provided in the bottom of the container, with a slurry (herein, this will also be referred to simply as a "cosmetic slurry" or "slurry") containing cosmetic ingredients including solid powders and oils and a liquid dispersion medium. This method is known in this technical field as back-filling. By employing this filling method, it is easy to produce solid cosmetics that have a three-dimensional shape, it is possible to produce the desired solid cosmetic that is suitable for automation by machine, and it is possible to obtain the effects of improving productivity. In the present invention, as long as the container is configured to be applicable to so-called back-filling, it is not precluded from further adopting a configuration that allows the cosmetic to be filled from the top side of the container, but it is preferable to only perform back-filling. As the dispersion medium for the slurry, it is preferable to use a volatile solvent, which will be described later.

[0016] The present invention is suitable for filling a container with a cosmetic-containing slurry at 20°C and 1 atmosphere, and then solidifying the slurry. The cosmetic-containing slurry preferably contains a solid and a liquid at 20°C and 1 atmosphere. Examples of such slurries include slurries in which solid and powdery cosmetic materials containing pigments, oils, etc. are dispersed in a liquid dispersion medium. Details of the constituent materials of the cosmetic slurry will be described later.

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. In Figure 1, a manufacturing apparatus 10 is shown together with a container 80. The container 80 used in this embodiment has a bottom 81 and an upper opening 82, and is provided with a filling hole 85, which is a through-hole provided in the bottom 81. A single filling hole 85 may be provided, or multiple filling holes 85 may be provided. The container 80 of this embodiment has a side wall that stands upright and smoothly connects to the periphery of the bottom, and is designed so that a slurry L containing a cosmetic can be filled and held in the space surrounded by the upper surface of the bottom and the inner wall of the side wall.

[0018] 1 to 6, the manufacturing apparatus 10 includes a nozzle 20 and a flow control member 30 arranged to cover the tip of the nozzle 20. The manufacturing apparatus 10 is configured so that the slurry L can be filled into the container 80 by discharging the slurry L from the nozzle 20 while the flow control member 30 is in contact with the filling hole 85. In addition, the manufacturing apparatus 10 preferably includes a filling jig 40.

[0019] It is also preferable that the manufacturing apparatus 10 further includes an elevation mechanism (not shown) for independently moving the nozzle 20 and the filling jig 40 up and down. This allows adjustment of the distance between the nozzle 20 and the filling jig 40 and the container 80, as well as the degree of contact between each component. In addition to the above-described configuration, the manufacturing apparatus 10 may also include components for fixing the nozzle 20 and the filling jig 40 in predetermined positions, as well as a container transport mechanism (not shown). These components may be conventional components used in the relevant field. Although not shown, the manufacturing apparatus of the present invention further includes a pump for pressure-feeding the slurry L and a tube for circulating the slurry L. One end of the tube is connected to the pump, and the other end is connected to the nozzle 20 (described later), with the pump and the nozzle 20 communicating with each other via the tube.

[0020] The nozzle 20 is a tubular member that discharges the slurry L toward the container. The nozzle 20 has a flow path for the slurry as a space formed inside it, which is formed along the direction of flow (indicated by symbol R in FIG. 1). At least one nozzle 20 is provided, and a single nozzle 20 or multiple nozzles 20 may be provided corresponding to the number of filling holes 85 of the container 80. One end of the nozzle 20 forms a discharge port for the slurry, and the other end is connected so as to communicate with a slurry supply unit (not shown). The slurry supply unit is configured such that pressure for discharging the slurry L is applied under the control of a supply pump constituting the supply unit, and a predetermined amount of the slurry L is continuously or discontinuously supplied to the discharge port of the nozzle via a tube (not shown), or the supply is stopped.

[0021] The nozzle 20 may be cylindrical in shape, with a cross-sectional area (hereinafter also simply referred to as "cross-sectional area") that does not change substantially when viewed along the flow direction R of the slurry L, in a horizontal cross-section perpendicular to the flow direction R, or the inner diameter of the nozzle 20 may narrow continuously or stepwise, or widen continuously or stepwise, toward the flow direction R. In either case, the cross-sectional shape of the nozzle 20 is preferably a perfect circle for both the outer shape and the flow path shape (internal cross-sectional shape) from the viewpoint of pressure uniformity. The material of which the nozzle is made is not particularly limited, and for example, metal or plastic can be used.

[0022] One of the features of the manufacturing apparatus 10 is that it is an improvement over conventional manufacturing apparatuses, and is equipped with a flow control member 30. The flow control member 30 is a member disposed so as to cover the tip of the nozzle 20. In its natural state, the flow control member 30 has an opening 31 formed when viewed in cross section in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the flow direction R. The opening 31 forms a space that communicates with the inside and outside of the nozzle at least when the slurry L is being discharged. The opening 31 in this embodiment is a space that is formed to extend along the flow direction R, and communicates with the nozzle 20 to form a flow path for the slurry L. This allows the slurry L discharged from the nozzle 20 to be filled into the container 80 via the opening 31 and the filling hole 85.

[0023] In this specification, the term "opening" includes not only an opening that is visible in its natural state, but also a form having a substantially closed notch (so-called slit) in its natural state. In either form, the opening serves as at least a through-hole that communicates between the inside and outside of the nozzle when the slurry L is being ejected. In the case of an opening, the inside and outside of the nozzle are in communication both in the natural state of the flow control member 30 and when the slurry L is being ejected. In the case of a slit, the opening is not in communication with the inside and outside of the nozzle when the flow control member 30 is in its natural state, but is in communication with the inside and outside of the nozzle when the slurry L is being ejected. Furthermore, it is preferable that the opening be continuously formed over the entire area of ​​the flow control member 30 along the flow direction R in its natural state.

[0024] Similar to the nozzle 20, the opening 31 may be cylindrical in shape with a cross-sectional area that does not change substantially along the flow direction R, or the cross-sectional area may narrow or widen continuously or stepwise along the flow direction R. From the viewpoint of ensuring good separation of the slurry L after ejection and preventing the slurry L from unintentionally adhering to the bottom of the container, it is preferable that the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 31 in its natural state decreases toward the tip of the nozzle (i.e., in the flow direction R). In either case, the cross-sectional shape of the opening 31 in its natural state is preferably a perfect circle from the viewpoint of uniformity of the applied pressure. In this embodiment, the flow control member 30 is disposed so that, in its natural state, it matches the cross-sectional outer shape of the nozzle 20. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flow control member 30 has a tip that is convex outward when viewed in cross section along the axial direction, but this is not limited to this shape, and the tip may also be flat.

[0025] The openings 31 in the flow control member 30 are configured so that their cross-sectional areas increase and decrease according to the pressure generated when the slurry L is discharged. It is also preferable that the increase and decrease in the cross-sectional area continuously change according to the change in the pressure generated when the slurry L is discharged. Specifically, it is preferable that the openings 31 in the flow control member 30 are configured so that the cross-sectional area when the slurry L is not being discharged is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path when the slurry L is being discharged.

[0026] When the above-mentioned cross-sectional area relationship is satisfied, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 31 in the non-discharging state of the slurry L may be in a state in which the opening 31 is maintained in an open state so that the cross-sectional area exceeds zero (i.e., the opening 31 is not blocked), or alternatively, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 31 in the non-discharging state of the slurry L may be zero (i.e., the opening 31 is blocked).

[0027] Examples of such a flow control member 30 include various elastic members that can be elastically deformed, valves that can be displaced only in the flow direction R of the slurry (so-called check valves), shutter valves, butterfly valves, and other movable valves themselves, or members that include one or more of these.

[0028] When an elastic member is used as the flow control member 30, the elastic member may be, for example, one or more selected from sponge, rubber, and the like. Examples of sponges include porous materials made by foaming synthetic resins or natural resins, such as urethane rubber, polyethylene, melamine, natural rubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, and fluororubber. Examples of rubber that can be used include natural rubber, isoprene rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, acrylonitrile rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, and polysulfurized rubber.

[0029] Of these, the elastic member is preferably nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, urethane rubber, or fluororubber, and more preferably silicone rubber. By using these rubbers as the elastic member, the appearance of the contents filled in the container can be improved, and the appearance of the product can be further improved.

[0030] In order to prevent the contents from adhering to the bottom of the container, the rubber hardness (Shore A) of the elastic member measured in accordance with ISO7619 is preferably 20 degrees or more, more preferably 30 degrees or more, even more preferably 45 degrees or more, and is preferably 70 degrees or less, more preferably 65 degrees or less, even more preferably 60 degrees or less. From the same viewpoint, the thickness of the elastic member in the lateral direction perpendicular to the flow direction R is preferably 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 1.0 mm or more, and is preferably 4.0 mm or less, more preferably 3.0 mm or less.

[0031] When a movable valve is used as the flow control member 30, its constituent material is not particularly limited as long as it does not affect the composition of the slurry, and metal, plastic, or the like can be used. The valve may be opened and closed passively in response to pressure changes when the slurry is being discharged or not. Alternatively, the valve may be configured as an electrically movable valve, equipped with a detection mechanism that detects voltage or pressure changes when the slurry is being discharged or not, and the opening and closing or degree of the valve may be electrically controlled based on an electrical signal transmitted from the detection mechanism.

[0032] 2 and 3 show an example in which an elastic member is used as one embodiment of the flow control member 30. In the flow control member 30 according to this embodiment, the openings 31 are maintained open in their natural state (i.e., the openings 31 are not blocked), but the following description is also applicable even if the openings 31 are blocked in their natural state instead.

[0033] 2(a) and 2(b), before discharging the slurry L, at the end of discharging, or when discharging is stopped, pressure is not reduced or generated, and therefore the openings 31 in this state are in a state in which they are contracted inward in cross-sectional view compared to their state during discharging. As a result, the cross-sectional area of ​​the openings 31 in this state is the cross-sectional area in its natural state, or is reduced continuously or stepwise compared to the cross-sectional area of ​​the openings 31 during discharging the slurry L. 3(a) and 3(b), when the slurry L is discharged to the outside, a flow pressure is generated, and a pressure acting from the inside to the outside in a cross-sectional view is applied to the elastic member serving as the flow control member 30, so that the openings 31 in this state are elastically deformed and become more open than in their natural state. As a result, the cross-sectional area of ​​the openings 31 in this state increases continuously or stepwise from the cross-sectional area of ​​the openings 31 in their natural state.

[0034] 4 shows another embodiment of the flow control member 30, in which a check valve is used as the movable valve. In the flow control member 30 according to this embodiment, the opening 31 is closed by the valve in its natural state, but the following description is also applicable to cases in which the opening 31 is not closed in its natural state by changing the dimensions of the valve or controlling the open / close state of the valve.

[0035] In detail, as shown in FIG. 4(a), before the discharge of the slurry L, at the end of the discharge, or when the discharge is stopped, the pressure is not reduced or generated, so the valve 35 is closed and the opening 31 is blocked in this state. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4(b), when the slurry L is discharged to the outside, flow pressure is generated, and pressure from the inside to the outside in the flow direction in cross-sectional view is applied to the valve 35 in the flow control member 30, so that the valve 35 opens in the flow direction R, and in this state the opening 31 becomes wider than in its natural state. As a result, the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 31 when the slurry L is being discharged increases continuously or stepwise compared to the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 31 in its natural state, and the cross-sectional area when the slurry is not being discharged becomes zero or is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 31 when the slurry is being discharged.

[0036] Regarding the relationship between the cross-sectional area A1 of the aperture 31 in its natural state and the cross-sectional area A2 of the nozzle 20, it is preferable that the cross-sectional area A1 of the aperture 31 in its natural state is smaller than the cross-sectional area A2 of the nozzle 20 in its flow path. Specifically, the percentage (100×A1 / A2) of the cross-sectional area A1 of the opening 31 in its natural state to the cross-sectional area A2 of the nozzle 20 is preferably 0% or more, more preferably 10% or more, even more preferably 20% or more, still more preferably 30% or more, and is preferably 90% or less, more preferably 80% or less, and even more preferably 70% or less. Such a ratio can increase the efficiency of filling the slurry L into the container and further improve the appearance of the product. The relationship between the cross-sectional areas of the nozzle 20 and the opening 31 described above is based on the cross-sectional area of ​​the internal space that is the flow path of the slurry L.

[0037] The cross-sectional area A1 of the opening 31 in its natural state can be changed as appropriate depending on the scale of the manufacturing apparatus, the physical properties of the slurry, the discharge pressure, etc., but when it is in a non-blocking form such as a slit, it is 0 mm 2 If in the form of an opening, the cross-sectional area A1 is preferably 0.19 mm 2 More than 0.78mm, preferably 0.78mm 2 or more, preferably 3.14 mm 2 Less than or equal to 1.76 mm, preferably 2 Such a cross-sectional area can increase the efficiency of filling the container with the slurry L, while reducing the occurrence of deposits on the filling hole 85 and its vicinity, further improving the appearance of the product. The cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 31 when the slurry L is discharged can be changed as appropriate depending on the discharge pressure of the slurry L and the material of the flow control member, but it is preferable to configure it so that it is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening 31 in its natural state.

[0038] The cross-sectional area A2 of the flow path provided in the nozzle 20 can be changed as appropriate depending on the scale of the manufacturing apparatus, the physical properties of the slurry, the discharge pressure, etc., but is preferably 0.78 mm 2 More than 3.14mm, preferably 2 or more, preferably 12.56 mm 2 Less than or equal to 19.6mm, preferably 2 Such a cross-sectional area can reduce clogging of the nozzle with the slurry L and increase the efficiency of filling the container with the slurry L.

[0039] When the internal space of the nozzle 20, which serves as a flow path for the slurry L, is circular in cross section, the minimum inner diameter D1 (see FIG. 2(a)) of the nozzle 20 is preferably 0.78 mm or more, more preferably 1.76 mm or more, even more preferably 3.14 mm or more, and is preferably 19.6 mm or less, more preferably 12.5 mm or less, and even more preferably 7.06 mm or less. By having such an inner diameter, clogging of the nozzle with the slurry L can be reduced, and a constant amount of the slurry L can be efficiently discharged.

[0040] The opening dimension of the opening 31 may be 0 mm when the opening is in a closed form such as a slit. When the opening is in a circular cross-sectional form and is unclosed in its natural state, the minimum inner diameter D3 (see FIG. 2(b)) of the opening 31 in its natural state is preferably 0.5 mm or more, more preferably 0.75 mm or more, even more preferably 1.0 mm or more, and preferably 2.0 mm or less, more preferably 1.75 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.5 mm or less. It is also preferable that this minimum inner diameter is satisfied at the discharge end of the slurry L. By having such an inner diameter, the efficiency of filling the slurry into the container can be improved, the slurry can be smoothly discharged after being discharged, and the slurry can be prevented from unintentionally adhering to the bottom of the container.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1 , the manufacturing apparatus 10 preferably includes a filling jig 40. In this embodiment, the filling jig 40 is a member arranged so that its lower surface faces the upper opening 82 of the container 80. The shape of the lower surface of the filling jig 40 in a plan view generally matches the shape of the upper opening 82 of the container 80 in a plan view, and the dimensions of the lower surface of the filling jig 40 in a plan view generally match the internal dimensions of the upper opening 82 in a plan view. Therefore, by arranging the filling jig 40 so that it covers the upper opening 82 during or after filling with the slurry, it is possible to flatten the upper surface of the filled slurry, solidify the slurry, or vertically pressurize the slurry or the filled material. If necessary, the manufacturing apparatus 10 may further include a support member (not shown) located on the bottom side of the container 80 and arranged opposite the filling jig 40. When the support member is provided, the container 80 is placed on the support member, and by moving the filling jig 40 and the support member relatively closer to or farther apart from each other, it is possible to control the amount of slurry L filled (the filling depth in the container 80) or to vertically pressurize or release the pressure on the slurry or filling material.

[0042] 1, the filling jig 40 in this embodiment may have one or more communicating through-holes 41 inside the filling jig 40. One side of the through-hole 41 is open to the underside of the filling jig 40, which is the surface of the filling jig 40 that faces or comes into contact with the slurry L, and the other side is connected to a suction pump (not shown). This allows the liquid contained in the slurry L to be sucked and removed during or after filling with the slurry L. For example, when the slurry L is a slurry containing a liquid and a solid, the liquid can be sucked and removed, leaving the solid in the container and solidifying the slurry.

[0043] One embodiment of a method for producing a solid cosmetic product using the production apparatus 10 having the above-described configuration will be described below with reference to Figures 5(a) to 5(d). This production method includes the steps of placing a flow control member 30 having an opening 31 at the tip of a nozzle 20, using this nozzle 20 to fill a slurry L into a container 80 through a filling hole 85 provided in the bottom 81 of the container 80, and then solidifying the filled slurry L. Components similar to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted. For components not specifically described, the description of the above-described embodiment is applied as appropriate. In this manufacturing method, an example will be described in which the slurry L is a cosmetic slurry in which a solid powder cosmetic is dispersed in a liquid dispersion medium.

[0044] 5(a) illustrates an example of the state before the slurry L is filled into the container 80. The cosmetic slurry can be easily solidified by removing the dispersion medium, and from the viewpoint of sufficiently achieving suction removal of the dispersion medium while reducing unintended suction of solid powder and contamination of the manufacturing equipment due to direct contact between the filling jig 40 and the filled slurry L, it is preferable to perform the subsequent steps with a cloth 60 interposed between the filling jig 40 and the container 80. The fabric 60 may be a member having voids that allow liquid to pass through in the thickness direction but allow solids to remain in the container, and various types of nonwoven fabrics may be used, for example. As the dispersion medium constituting the slurry L, a volatile solvent as described below is preferably used.

[0045] Next, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the filling jig 40 and the container 80 are brought relatively close to each other, with the bottom surface of the filling jig 40 and the upper opening 82 facing each other with the cloth 60 interposed therebetween. At the same time, or before or after the filling jig 40 approaches, the container 80 and the nozzle 20 are brought relatively close to each other, and the flow control member 30 arranged at the tip of the nozzle 20 and the filling hole 85 provided at the bottom of the container are abutted so that the position of the opening 31 corresponds to the position of the filling hole 85.

[0046] 5(c), the openings 31 in the flow control member 30 are brought into contact with the filling hole 85, and the slurry L is discharged in the flow direction R. The openings 31 are then widened by the pressure generated by the discharge, and the slurry L is filled into the container 80 through the openings 31 and the filling hole 85. At the same time as this, or after the slurry L has been filled, the filling jig 40 is positioned so as to correspond to the position of the upper opening 82, and the liquid V contained in the slurry L is suctioned and removed while the filling jig 40 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the slurry L via the cloth 60. The sucked liquid V passes through the communication hole 41 in the filling jig 40 and is sucked toward the suction pump (not shown). As a result, the slurry L filled in the container loses its fluidity and solidifies as at least a portion of the liquid is removed, becoming a solidified material S. The solidified material S obtained through this process and the slurry L discharged from the nozzle 20 have substantially the same configuration, except for the change in the content of the liquid that serves as the dispersion medium.

[0047] The discharge pressure of the slurry L is preferably 0.1 MPa or more, more preferably 0.15 MPa or more, even more preferably 0.2 MPa or more, and preferably 1.0 MPa or less, more preferably 0.8 MPa or less, even more preferably 0.6 MPa or less. By setting such a discharge pressure, it is possible to increase the filling efficiency of the slurry while reducing overload on the production apparatus. The above-mentioned discharge pressure can be appropriately changed by adjusting, for example, the pressure applied by the pump, the shape and inner diameter of the nozzle 20, or the viscosity of the slurry L.

[0048] The flow rate of the slurry L is preferably 30 mL / min or more, more preferably 60 mL / min or more, even more preferably 90 mL / min or more, and preferably 1000 mL / min or less, more preferably 800 mL / min or less, even more preferably 600 mL / min or less. By setting the flow rate at such a rate, it is possible to reduce overload on the manufacturing equipment while increasing production efficiency. The flow rate can be appropriately changed by adjusting, for example, the pressure applied by the pump, the shape and inner diameter of the nozzle 20, or the viscosity of the slurry L.

[0049] 5(d), after stopping the discharge of the slurry L from the nozzle 20, the filling jig 40, the nozzle 20, and the cloth 60, which is disposed as needed, are each moved relatively away from the container 80, thereby obtaining a filled material containing the solidified material S in the container 80. This solidified material S is a solid cosmetic material that has solidified in the container 80 as an aggregate having a predetermined shape.

[0050] When the discharge of the slurry L from the nozzle 20 stops, pressure is no longer generated during discharge, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the openings 31 in the flow control member 30 decreases to return to its natural state. As a result, if the openings 31 are not blocked in their natural state, the diameter of the openings 31 will roughly match the diameter of the openings 31 in their natural state, and the slurry L will be divided by forming deposits that are thinner than the inner diameter of the nozzle 20, or by blocking the openings 31. If deposits are formed, the deposits will be thin enough to fall off naturally when the nozzle is separated. If the openings 31 are blocked in their natural state, the openings 31 will be blocked, and as a result, the slurry that has adhered near the tip of the nozzle will be cut off, making it difficult for the slurry to adhere to the container. Additionally or alternatively, the openings 31 in the flow control member 30 function to cut or wipe off any remaining slurry adhering to the filling hole 85 and its vicinity, while maintaining the state of the solidified material S filled in the container 80. As a result, by adopting a configuration that is simpler than conventional techniques, in which the flow control member 30 is provided at the nozzle tip, the solidified cosmetic slurry is less likely to adhere to the bottom of the container, improving the appearance of the resulting solid cosmetic. In this regard, for example, the technologies described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 mentioned above have a complex configuration and the diameter of the nozzle tip does not change, so cosmetic slurry remaining or solidified at the nozzle tip may adhere to the container side, or deposits remaining in the filling hole and its vicinity may not be able to be removed, which is likely to cause manufacturing defects and defects in the quality of the resulting product.

[0051] The solidified material S filled in the container 80 may be used as the desired solid cosmetic material as is, or may be further subjected to another process to be used as the desired solid cosmetic material. In order to increase the moldability of the solidified material S, improve its impact resistance during distribution and use, and enhance the feel of the filled material, it is preferable to further perform a pressurizing step in which the solidified material S is pressed in its thickness direction after solidifying the slurry L to obtain the solidified material S filled in the container 80.

[0052] When a pressurization step is further performed, for example, with the nozzle 20 spaced apart, the filling jig 40 is positioned so as to correspond to the position of the upper opening 82, and the filling jig 40 is brought into contact with the upper surface of the solidified material S via the cloth 60, while pressing the solidified material S in the thickness direction. Pressurization of the solidified material S can be performed, for example, by placing the container 80 containing the solidified material S on a support member or plate-like member, and then bringing the filling jig 40 close to the solidified material S, between the filling jig 40 and the support member or plate-like member. At this time, from the viewpoint of further improving the moldability of the solidified material, it is also preferable to further suction and remove the liquid V remaining in the solidified material S while applying pressure with the filling jig 40.

[0053] When the pressurization process is performed, if any deposits originating from the cosmetic slurry L remain around the filling hole 85, the deposits will also be pressurized in the thickness direction, and excessive pressure will be applied to the solidified material S at the position where it overlaps with the deposits in the thickness direction, making the filling material prone to cracks and breakage. In the present production method, as described above, the solidified slurry is less likely to adhere to the bottom of the container, so that even when a pressurization step is performed, cracks or breaks in the packed material due to pressurization are less likely to occur. As a result, this method is particularly advantageous in that it allows for the stable production of high-quality packed materials that have high moldability, impact resistance, and a good feel in use, as well as a good appearance. In contrast, for example, in the techniques described in Patent Documents 2 and 3, deposits tend to remain in the filling hole and its surroundings, making it difficult to prevent cracks and fractures that may occur during the pressurizing process. As a result, the appearance deteriorates and the resulting filling is of poor quality.

[0054] In order to obtain a filling material that has high moldability, impact resistance, and a good feeling of use at a high level, the pressure applied to the solidified material S in the pressurizing process is set to 60 mm 2 The force is preferably 0.3 kN or more, more preferably 0.5 kN or more, and even more preferably 1.0 kN or more, and is preferably 10.0 kN or less, more preferably 8.0 kN or less, and even more preferably 6.0 kN or less.

[0055] From the viewpoint of obtaining a filling that combines high moldability, impact resistance, and a good feel in use at a high level, the pressurizing time in the pressurizing step is preferably 0.5 seconds or more, more preferably 1.0 seconds or more, even more preferably 1.5 seconds or more, provided that the pressure is within the above-mentioned range, and is preferably 20 seconds or less, more preferably 15 seconds or less, even more preferably 10 seconds or less.

[0056] 5(a) to 5(d) and subsequent steps that are performed as necessary, there are no particular limitations on the method of transporting the container 80, but from the perspective of reducing adhesion of cosmetic slurry that has unintentionally solidified and adhered to the filling hole 85 and its vicinity to the manufacturing apparatus and facilitating efficient maintenance of the manufacturing apparatus, it is preferable to employ a transport method that prevents the bottom of the container 80 from coming into contact with other members. One example of such a transport method is a method that uses a pallet as a transport member that can hold the container 80 so that the bottom of the container 80 does not come into contact with other members.

[0057] The desired solid cosmetic product can be obtained through the above steps. One embodiment of the solid cosmetic product is a solid cosmetic product. If necessary, a packaging step can be carried out to place the solid cosmetic product in a packaging bag, a packaging box, or the like, and the solid cosmetic product can be distributed on the market.

[0058] The present invention also provides a method for improving a solid cosmetic production apparatus equipped with a nozzle 20, as well as a method for producing solid cosmetics using the improved production apparatus. Specifically, as shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the production apparatus is improved by attaching a flow control member 30 to the tip of the nozzle 20 (where the flow control member 30 is not provided) using a predetermined method such as joining, screwing, or fitting. The improved production apparatus is then used to carry out the production steps shown in Figures 5(a) to 5(d) described above, as well as pressurizing and packaging steps, if necessary. This method is particularly advantageous in that it allows solid cosmetics with excellent appearance and quality to be obtained by the simple operation of attaching a flow control member 30 to an existing production apparatus.

[0059] Matters applicable to each embodiment will be described below. Unless otherwise specified, the states (three states) of substances described below are based on 1 atmosphere and 20°C.

[0060] The shape of the filling hole 85 in the container 80 in plan view is not limited, but it is preferably a perfect circle and a cylindrical shape with a constant diameter. When filling hole 85 has a circular cross section, the minimum inner diameter of filling hole 85 is preferably 1.0 mm or more, more preferably 1.5 mm or more, even more preferably 2.0 mm or more, and is preferably 5.0 mm or less, more preferably 4.0 mm or less, and even more preferably 3.0 mm or less. Having such an inner diameter increases the efficiency of filling the slurry into the container, improves the separation of the slurry after discharging, and prevents the slurry from unintentionally adhering to the bottom of the container.

[0061] The material of the container 80 is not particularly limited as long as it can achieve the effects of the present invention, and may be, for example, plastic, aluminum, or the like. The internal volume of the container 80 can be changed as appropriate depending on the volume of the intended solid cosmetic product, but is preferably 0.5 cm 3 More than 20cm, preferably 3 The following is the result.

[0062] The viscosity of the slurry used in the present invention 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 viewpoints of improving the uniform dispersion of the materials contained in the slurry and stabilizing the quality, and is preferably 30000 mPa·s or less, more preferably 20000 mPa·s or less, and even more preferably 10000 mPa·s or less, from the viewpoints of improving the dischargeability and making it easier to fill into a container. The viscosity of the above-mentioned slurry is a value measured using a B-type viscometer (TVB-10 type viscometer, manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.) at 25° C. The measurement conditions in this case are rotor No. H3 and a rotation speed of 20 rpm.

[0063] The cosmetic-containing slurry used in the present invention preferably contains powders that are commonly used in cosmetic ingredients, such as color pigments and extender pigments. Examples of color pigments and extender pigments include inorganic powders such as silicic acid, silicic anhydride, magnesium silicate, talc, sericite, mica, kaolin, red iron oxide, clay, bentonite, mica, titanium-coated mica, bismuth oxychloride, zirconium oxide, magnesium oxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, aluminum oxide, calcium sulfate, barium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, iron oxide, ultramarine, chromium oxide, chromium hydroxide, calamine, carbon black, and boron nitride; organic powders such as polyamide, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, polystyrene, polyurethane, vinyl resin, urea resin, phenolic resin, fluororesin, silicone 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 above inorganic powders and the above organic powders. These extender pigments or color pigments may be colored or non-colored (e.g., white or essentially transparent) and may provide one or more of the following effects to the composition or to the skin: color, light diffraction, oil absorption, translucency, opacity, gloss, matte appearance, smoothness, etc.

[0064] The powder content 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 preferably 85% by mass or less, more preferably 80% by mass or less, even more preferably 70% by mass or less. By keeping the content in such a range, when a solid cosmetic preparation is produced, the cosmetic preparation can have good color development. 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 the volume cumulative particle size D50 at 50% by volume of the cumulative volume measured, for example, with a laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution analyzer.

[0065] Examples of oils that can be contained in the slurry include one or more of 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).

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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 such a range, when a solid cosmetic preparation is produced, it is possible to enhance the color development and feel of the cosmetic preparation.

[0068] Depending on the type of solid cosmetic preparation desired, the slurry may contain one or more ingredients, such as thickeners, film-forming 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 absorbers, and ultraviolet scattering agents, as appropriate, within a range that does not impair the effects of the present invention. Examples of the ultraviolet absorber include one or more selected from benzophenone derivatives such as dihydroxybenzophenone, dihydroxydimethoxybenzophenone, hydroxymethoxybenzophenone sulfonate, and dihydroxydimethoxybenzophenone disulfonate, and methoxycinnamic acid derivatives such as 2-ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. Examples of the ultraviolet scattering agent include 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.

[0069] The slurry preferably further contains a dispersion medium as a liquid. That is, the slurry according to the present disclosure preferably contains at least the above-described pigment-containing powder, an oil agent, and a dispersion medium.

[0070] The dispersion medium may preferably be one or more of substances that are volatile in a liquid state (volatile solvents), such as water, alcohols, and ketones. Suitable alcohols include, for example, monovalent chain aliphatic alcohols having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, monovalent cyclic aliphatic alcohols having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and monovalent aromatic alcohols, such as ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, phenylethyl alcohol, propanol, and pentanol. Suitable ketones include, for example, chain aliphatic ketones having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, cyclic aliphatic ketones having 3 to 6 carbon atoms, and aromatic ketones having 8 to 10 carbon atoms. Specific examples thereof include acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, and acetophenone. From the viewpoint of increasing the efficiency of suction removal in the above-mentioned manufacturing process, it is more preferable to use at least one of water and ethanol as the dispersion medium.

[0071] When the slurry contains a dispersion medium, the content of the dispersion medium in the slurry varies depending on the purpose, but 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 in total. By keeping the content in such a range, the uniform dispersion of the constituent materials of the slurry can be improved, and the handleability can be improved. [Example]

[0072] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0073] Example 1 A solid cosmetic product in which the cosmetic product was filled in a filling container was produced as follows using the production apparatus 10 shown in Figures 1 to 6. The production conditions below were all 1 atmosphere and 20°C.

[0074] <1. Preparation of slurry> First, 13.3% by mass of oil and 1.6% by mass of surfactant were weighed out and heated to 60°C to form a homogeneous oil phase. Next, 0.2% by mass of preservative was added to 33.3% by mass of water heated to 60°C to form a water phase, which was then added to the oil phase and mixed in a homomixer at 6,000 rpm for 5 minutes. The mixture was then cooled with water while stirring with a spatula to obtain an emulsion. 51.6% by mass of pigment-containing powder was added to the resulting emulsion and kneaded in a planetary mixer for 150 seconds to prepare the desired cosmetic slurry. The viscosity of the slurry measured using the above method was 4540 mPa·s at 25°C.

[0075] <2. Manufacturing of solid cosmetics> The prepared cosmetic slurry was filled into a container using a manufacturing device. The container used had a bottom 81 with a thickness of 3.5 mm, an upper opening 82 with internal dimensions of 22.8 mm x 26.5 mm in a plan view of the container 80, and one filling hole 85 with a diameter of 3.0 mm that penetrated the bottom 81 in the thickness direction. The container was filled under the following conditions to produce the desired solid cosmetic. Specifically, a silicone rubber (ZP3-04BS, manufactured by SMC Corporation) was attached to the tip of the nozzle 20, which was made of SUS and had a circular cross-sectional shape with an inner diameter of 3.0 mm and an outer diameter of 4.5 mm, as the flow control member 30. The opening 31 of the flow control member 30 was a circular, unblocked hole with a diameter of 1.8 mm in a natural cross-sectional view, and its cross-sectional area was 2.54 mm. 2 and its percentage relative to the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle was 36%. The cross-sectional area of ​​the openings 31 in the flow control member 30 increased or decreased depending on the pressure generated when the cosmetic slurry was ejected. The rubber hardness (Shore A) of the flow control member 30 measured in accordance with ISO 7619 was 60 degrees.

[0076] Then, with the flow control member 30 and the filling hole 85 in contact with each other, the cosmetic slurry was discharged from the nozzle 20 at a pressure of 0.4 MPa and a flow rate of 166 mL / min, filling the cosmetic slurry into the container 80 through the opening 31 and the filling hole 85. At the same time, the filling jig 40 was pressed against the top opening 82 side of the container 80 with a cloth interposed therebetween, while the dispersion medium was sucked out of the slurry and the filled slurry was solidified. Thereafter, the solidified material is subjected to a pressure of 0.7 kN / 60 mm while the dispersion medium remaining in the solidified material is further removed by suction using the filling jig 40. 2 The sheet was pressed in the thickness direction for 2 seconds at a load of 1000 kJ / cm2 to obtain the desired solid cosmetic preparation.

[0077] Example 2 A solid cosmetic material filled in a container was produced under the same conditions and by the same method as in Example 1, except that the flow control member 30 was changed to nitrile rubber (ZP3-04BN, manufactured by SMC Corporation). In this embodiment, the opening 31 is a perfect circle with a diameter of 1.8 mm in a cross-sectional view in a natural state and is not blocked, and its cross-sectional area is 2.54 mm 2 The percentage of the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle was 36%. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the flow control member 30 increased or decreased depending on the pressure generated when the cosmetic slurry was ejected. The rubber hardness (Shore A) of the flow control member 30 measured in accordance with ISO 7619 was 60 degrees.

[0078] Example 3 A solid cosmetic material filled in a container was produced under the same conditions and by the same method as in Example 1, except that the flow control member 30 was changed to urethane rubber (ZP3-04BU, manufactured by SMC Corporation). In this embodiment, the opening 31 is a perfect circle with a diameter of 1.8 mm in a cross-sectional view in a natural state and is not blocked, and its cross-sectional area is 2.54 mm 2 The percentage of the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle was 36%. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the flow control member 30 increased or decreased depending on the pressure generated when the cosmetic slurry was ejected. The rubber hardness (Shore A) of the flow control member 30 measured in accordance with ISO 7619 was 60 degrees.

[0079] Example 4 A solid cosmetic material filled in a container was produced under the same conditions and by the same method as in Example 1, except that the flow control member 30 was changed to a fluororubber (ZP3-04BF, manufactured by SMC Corporation). In this embodiment, the opening 31 is a perfect circle with a diameter of 1.8 mm in a cross-sectional view in a natural state and is not blocked, and its cross-sectional area is 2.54 mm 2 The percentage of the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle was 36%. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the flow control member 30 increased or decreased depending on the pressure generated when the cosmetic slurry was ejected. The rubber hardness (Shore A) of the flow control member 30 measured in accordance with ISO 7619 was 60 degrees.

[0080] Example 5 A solid cosmetic product filled in a container was produced under the same conditions and by the same method as in Example 1, except that the opening 31 provided in the flow control member 30 was changed to a perfect circular, unblocked state with a diameter of 1.2 mm when viewed in cross section in its natural state. In this embodiment, the opening 31 has a cross-sectional area of ​​1.44 mm in its natural state. 2 The percentage of the cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle was 16%. The cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the flow control member 30 increased and decreased according to the pressure generated when the cosmetic slurry was ejected.

[0081] Comparative Example 1 A solid cosmetic filled in a container was produced under the same conditions and by the same method as in Example 1, except that the flow control member 30 was changed to nitrile rubber (WRBN8-4-3, manufactured by Misumi Corporation) and the cross-sectional area A1 of the opening in its natural state was made larger than the cross-sectional area A2 of the flow path of the nozzle 20, as shown in Table 1. The rubber hardness (Shore A) of the flow control member 30 measured in accordance with ISO 7619 was 70 degrees.

[0082] [Evaluation of stains on the bottom of the container] The container contents of the solid cosmetic products produced by the methods of the Examples and Comparative Examples were visually evaluated for the degree of staining of the filling hole and its surroundings when viewed from the bottom side of the container, according to the following criteria. A higher score indicates a better result. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0083] <Stain evaluation criteria> 5 points: No stains at all were observed on the bottom of the container. 4 points: Contamination on the bottom of the container is observed over an area of ​​more than 0% and less than 5% of the bottom area. 3 points: Dirt on the bottom of the container is observed over an area of ​​5% to less than 10% of the bottom area. 2 points: Dirt on the bottom of the container is observed over an area of ​​10% to less than 30% of the bottom area. 1 point: Contamination of the bottom of the container is observed over 30% or more of the bottom area.

[0084] [Evaluation of cracks] The container contents of the solid cosmetic products produced by the methods of the Examples and Comparative Examples were visually evaluated for the degree of cracking of the solid cosmetic products when viewed from the top opening of the container according to the following criteria. The higher the evaluation score, the better the result. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0085] <Crack evaluation criteria> 5 points: No cracks are observed on the surface of the molded product. 4 points: Cracks greater than 0 mm but less than 1 mm are observed on the surface of the molded product. 3 points: Cracks of 1 mm or more but less than 2 mm are observed on the surface of the molded product. 2 points: Cracks measuring 2 mm or more but less than 3 mm are observed on the surface of the molded product. 1 point: Cracks of 3 mm or more are observed on the surface of the molded product.

[0086] [Table 1]

[0087] As shown in Table 1, the solid cosmetic produced by the method of the example does not have the solidified cosmetic adhering to the bottom of the container, and a target product with excellent appearance can be produced with high productivity. This means that even when a pressurizing step is further performed, cracks and breaks are unlikely to occur, reducing unintended scattering or falling off of the solid cosmetic, and is advantageous in that a target product can be produced that is easy to handle for consumers and has an appearance that increases their desire to purchase. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10 Manufacturing equipment 20 nozzles 30 Flow control components 31 Open hole 80 containers 85 Filling hole L Cosmetic-containing slurry

Claims

1. A nozzle is provided for discharging a cosmetic slurry, The apparatus for producing a solid cosmetic product is configured so that the slurry can be filled into a container through a filling hole provided in a bottom portion of the container by discharging the slurry from the nozzle, The manufacturing apparatus is improved, and the improvement is characterized by adding a flow control member, the flow control member is disposed at a tip of the nozzle and has an opening that communicates between the inside and the outside of the nozzle at least when the slurry is discharged, The flow control member has a cylindrical shape and the opening extends along the flow direction of the slurry, The opening is open in a natural state, The opening is configured so that a cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to a flow direction of the slurry increases or decreases depending on a pressure generated when the slurry is discharged; and the opening is configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening in a non-discharging state of the slurry is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​a flow path of the nozzle, The solid cosmetic manufacturing apparatus is configured so that the slurry can be filled into the container through the opening and the filling hole by ejecting the slurry from the nozzle while the flow control member is in contact with a filling hole provided at the bottom of the container.

2. A method for improving an apparatus for producing a solid cosmetic product, the apparatus comprising: a nozzle for discharging a cosmetic slurry; and a container configured to fill the slurry into the container through a filling hole provided in the bottom of the container by discharging the slurry from the nozzle, the method comprising the steps of: The method further includes a step of improving the manufacturing apparatus by providing a flow control member at a tip of the nozzle in the manufacturing apparatus, the flow control member has an opening that communicates the inside and the outside of the nozzle at least when the slurry is discharged, The flow control member has a cylindrical opening extending along the flow direction of the slurry, The opening is open in a natural state, The opening is configured so that a cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to a flow direction of the slurry increases or decreases depending on a pressure generated when the slurry is discharged; and The method for improving an apparatus for producing a solid cosmetic product includes using an opening configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening when the slurry is not being ejected is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the nozzle.

3. A nozzle is provided for discharging a cosmetic slurry, A method for producing a solid cosmetic product using an apparatus for producing a solid cosmetic product, the apparatus being configured so that the slurry can be filled into a container through a filling hole provided in a bottom portion of the container by discharging the slurry from the nozzle, a flow control member having an opening that communicates the inside and outside of the nozzle at least when the slurry is discharged is disposed at a tip of the nozzle; discharging the slurry from the nozzle while the flow control member is in contact with a filling hole provided in a bottom part of a container, thereby filling the container with the slurry through the opening and the filling hole, and solidifying the filled slurry; The flow control member has a cylindrical shape and the opening extends along the flow direction of the slurry, The opening is open in a natural state, The opening is configured so that a cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to a flow direction of the slurry increases or decreases depending on a pressure generated when the slurry is discharged; and the opening is configured such that the cross-sectional area of ​​the opening in a non-discharging state of the slurry is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​a flow path of the nozzle, The method for producing a solid cosmetic product includes discharging the slurry while the flow control member and the filling hole are in contact with each other, thereby widening the opening, and filling the slurry into the container.

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