Cosmetic manufacturing method

Abstract

A cosmetic material production method according to the present invention comprises cutting a powder-provided rod-like cosmetic material (13) into multiple cosmetic material units (14) and positioning and arranging said cosmetic material units (14) so as to be positioned at prescribed positions. With this configuration, it becomes possible to arrange the cosmetic material units (14) with high precision, and to improve precision of design and pattern of a cosmetic material (1) formed by arrangement of the multiple cosmetic material units (14), whereby the quality of the cosmetic material (1) can be improved.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a cosmetic. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of a conventional method for producing cosmetics, for example, the method described in Patent Document 1 below is known.

[0003] In brief, in this cosmetic manufacturing method, two or more powdered stick-shaped cosmetics, each of which has powdered cosmetic material attached to the outer periphery of a stick-shaped cosmetic material, are placed in a rectangular cylindrical container, and a predetermined amount of each of these stick-shaped cosmetics is extruded from the container and cut in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stick-shaped cosmetic material to form a solid cosmetic product. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5891469 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, some solid cosmetics have been formed with patterns or designs by arranging multiple unit cosmetic products that form the solid cosmetic product. However, in the conventional cosmetic manufacturing methods, no consideration is given to the positioning of the powder-attached stick cosmetic product when it is placed in a container. As a result, it is difficult to ensure sufficient precision in the patterns or designs formed by arranging the multiple unit cosmetic products, which results in a deterioration in the quality of the cosmetic product, and there is still room for improvement.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention was devised in consideration of the technical problems with the conventional cosmetic manufacturing methods described above, and aims to provide a cosmetic manufacturing method that enables multiple unit cosmetic materials to be arranged with high precision, thereby improving the quality of the cosmetic materials. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the method for producing a cosmetic according to the present invention includes a cosmetic cutting step of forming a cosmetic into a stick shape, cutting the stick-shaped cosmetic into small pieces to form a plurality of unit cosmetic pieces, and a cosmetic arranging step of positioning and arranging each of the plurality of unit cosmetic pieces in a predetermined position after the cosmetic cutting step.

[0008] According to the present invention, a stick-shaped cosmetic product is cut into a plurality of unit cosmetic products, and these unit cosmetic products are then positioned and arranged in predetermined locations. This allows the plurality of unit cosmetic products to be arranged with precision, improving the precision of the design or pattern formed by the arrangement of the plurality of unit cosmetic products, and improving the quality of the cosmetic product.

[0009] In the cosmetic manufacturing method according to the present invention, the positioning means for the multiple unit cosmetics in the cosmetic placement step may be manually performed by an operator using, for example, a jig with a partition, or the positioning may be automatically performed by an automatic machine such as a robot based on a pre-stored placement program.

[0010] In another aspect of the method for producing a cosmetic, it is preferable that in the cosmetic arranging step, the plurality of unit cosmetics are positioned and arranged on a tray via a jig having a partition.

[0011] Thus, according to the present invention, in the cosmetic material arrangement step, by positioning and arranging multiple unit cosmetics using a jig with partitions, it becomes possible for a worker to mechanically and accurately arrange multiple unit cosmetics manually, without relying on automation such as a robot, etc. This makes it possible to reduce capital investment related to cosmetic material production and achieve the positioning and arrangement of the multiple unit cosmetics at low production costs.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the method for producing the cosmetic, after forming the stick-shaped cosmetic, and before the cosmetic cutting step, it is desirable to further include a powder application step in which powder cosmetic is applied to each outer peripheral surface of the stick-shaped cosmetic, and in the powder application step, the stick-shaped cosmetic is rolled on the powder cosmetic to apply the powder cosmetic to the outer peripheral surface of the stick-shaped cosmetic.

[0013] Thus, according to the present invention, a powder-coated stick cosmetic is formed by rolling a stick cosmetic on a powder cosmetic, which makes it possible to evenly adhere the powder cosmetic to the outer periphery of the stick cosmetic, thereby improving the quality of the cosmetic.

[0014] In yet another aspect of the method for producing the cosmetic, the stick-shaped cosmetic is transported in a state in which it is placed in parallel in the direction of travel of the conveyor on which the powder cosmetic is laid, and during this transport, a pressing force is applied from the side opposite the conveyor, and as the conveyor moves in this pressed state, the stick-shaped cosmetic rotates on the powder cosmetic laid on the conveyor, causing the powder cosmetic to automatically adhere to the outer periphery of the stick-shaped cosmetic.

[0015] According to the present invention, by applying a pressing force to the stick-shaped cosmetic on the side facing the conveyor on which the powder cosmetic is laid, the power of the conveyor is used to rotate the stick-shaped cosmetic, and the powder cosmetic is automatically adhered to the outer periphery of the stick-shaped cosmetic. By automatically adhering the powder cosmetic to the outer periphery of the stick-shaped cosmetic while the stick-shaped cosmetic is being conveyed in this way, it is possible to omit the powder adhering operation of separately rolling the stick-shaped cosmetic over the powder cosmetic to adhering the powder cosmetic to the outer periphery of the stick-shaped cosmetic, thereby improving the productivity of the cosmetic.

[0016] In yet another aspect of the method for producing the cosmetic material, the pressing force is applied by a pressing jig arranged opposite the conveyor, and the pressing jig is preferably arranged at an angle such that the distance from the conveyor gradually increases in the direction of travel of the conveyor so that the pressing jig comes into contact with the stick-shaped cosmetic material at the end opposite the direction of travel of the conveyor, but does not come into contact with the stick-shaped cosmetic material at the end in the direction of travel of the conveyor.

[0017] According to the present invention, the pressing jig is positioned at an angle so that it comes into contact with the stick-shaped cosmetic material at the end opposite the conveyor's traveling direction, but does not come into contact with the stick-shaped cosmetic material at the end in the conveyor's traveling direction. This makes it possible to smoothly transport the powdered stick-shaped cosmetic material, to which the powdered cosmetic material has been attached at the end opposite the conveyor's traveling direction, in the conveyor's traveling direction. This prevents the powdered stick-shaped cosmetic material from coming into contact with the pressing jig after the powdered cosmetic material has been attached, resulting in a loss of the powdered cosmetic material, and makes it possible to obtain a powdered stick-shaped cosmetic material with a sufficient amount of powdered cosmetic material attached.

[0018] In yet another embodiment of the method for producing a cosmetic, the method further includes a press molding step in which, after the plurality of unit cosmetics have been positioned and arranged in the cosmetic arrangement step, the positioned and arranged plurality of unit cosmetics are press-molded and compacted to obtain a solid cosmetic in which the plurality of unit cosmetics are adhered to one another and formed as an integrated unit; and in the press molding step, after removing the jig, it is desirable to perform pre-molding by pressing the plurality of unit cosmetics positioned and arranged on the tray relatively shallowly, and then perform press molding by pressing the pre-molded plurality of unit cosmetics deeper than in the pre-molding step.

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, in the press molding process, a plurality of units of cosmetic material are premolded by pressing them relatively shallowly before press molding. By performing press molding in two stages, each unit of cosmetic material is pressed in stages, which allows the units of cosmetic material to blend more easily with each other and to adhere well to each other. As a result, the quality of the cosmetic material can be further improved.

[0020] In yet another embodiment of the method for producing a cosmetic, it is desirable to further include, after the press molding step, a surface peeling step of peeling off the surface of the solid cosmetic to expose a cross section of the solid cosmetic.

[0021] As described above, according to the present invention, after the press molding step, the surface of the solid cosmetic product is peeled off to expose the cross section of the solid cosmetic product, which makes it possible to make the patterns and designs that appear on the surface of the solid cosmetic product clearer, thereby further improving the quality of the solid cosmetic product.

[0022] In yet another aspect of the method for producing a cosmetic, it is desirable to further include, after the surface peeling step, a finishing press step in which the exposed cross section is pressed to smooth the surface of the cross section.

[0023] As described above, according to the present invention, after the surface peeling step, the exposed cross section of the solid cosmetic material is pressed with a finishing press to smooth the surface, thereby making it possible to further smooth the surface roughness of the solid cosmetic material and improving the feel of use of the solid cosmetic material. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] According to the present invention, by cutting a stick-shaped cosmetic material into a plurality of unit cosmetic materials and then positioning and arranging each of the unit cosmetic materials, it is possible to arrange each unit cosmetic material with high precision. This improves the precision of the design or pattern formed by arranging the plurality of unit cosmetic materials, thereby improving the quality of the cosmetic material. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a cosmetic according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an outline of the first and second steps of the method for producing a cosmetic according to the present invention, where (a) is a side view and (b) is a plan view. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a third step in the method for producing a cosmetic according to the present invention. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing an outline of a fourth step of the cosmetic manufacturing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a plan view and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1A. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing steps from the fifth step onwards in the cosmetic manufacturing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 1A. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a jig used in a fourth step of a cosmetic manufacturing method according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the fifth and subsequent steps of the cosmetic manufacturing method according to the second embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 10A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the method for producing a cosmetic according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0027] (Cosmetics description) FIG. 1 shows a cosmetic produced by the cosmetic production method according to the present invention.

[0028] For example, as shown in Figure 1, a cosmetic 1 produced according to the present invention comprises a plurality of unit cosmetic materials 14 of a given color, each arranged in a predetermined position, and these multiple unit cosmetic materials 14 are united to form a single solid cosmetic material. Furthermore, in this cosmetic material 1, the boundaries between each unit cosmetic material 14 are separated by powder cosmetic materials 12 of a given color (a color different from the color of the unit cosmetic materials 14). This cosmetic material 1 is then contained in, for example, a metal storage tray 40, and in a housing (not shown), such as a compact case. The materials of this storage tray 40 and the housing (not shown) can be selected as desired depending on the product specifications, etc.

[0029] [First embodiment] (Explanation of the manufacturing method of cosmetics) FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the first and second steps of the cosmetic manufacturing method according to this embodiment, where (a) is a side view and (b) is a plan view.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, in the first step (stick-shaped cosmetic molding step) of the cosmetic manufacturing method, a powder cosmetic having a predetermined color is formed into a stick shape to mold a stick-shaped cosmetic 11. Note that any method can be used to mold this stick-shaped cosmetic 11, such as press molding or extrusion molding, depending on the specifications of the cosmetic to be manufactured, i.e., the product. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which the stick-shaped cosmetic 11 is formed by extrusion molding.

[0031] That is, in the first step, a roughly cylindrical stick-shaped cosmetic material 11 is molded by an extruder 2. The extruder 2 is vertically arranged, and the powder cosmetic material 10 kneaded inside by a screw 21 is discharged from the lower end of the extruder 2, and this discharged powder cosmetic material 10 is cut to a predetermined length L1 to form a roughly cylindrical stick-shaped cosmetic material 11. Here, the extruder 2 is arranged so as to face the vertically upper side of the conveyor 31 involved in the second step, which will be described later, and the stick-shaped cosmetic material 11 formed in the first step can be placed directly on the conveyor 31 involved in the second step, allowing for continuous transition from the first step to the second step.

[0032] In the first step, it is desirable to provide as many extruders 2 as there are different (number of) colors of the stick-shaped cosmetic material 11 to be formed in that step. In other words, by providing an extruder 2 for each color to form the cosmetic material 1, it becomes unnecessary to change colors using a single extruder 2, thereby improving the productivity of the cosmetic material 1.

[0033] Considering the conveying, rolling, and cutting operations described below, it is desirable for the stick-shaped cosmetic material 11 to have a hardness that allows it to maintain a certain degree of shape. Furthermore, the stick-shaped cosmetic material 11 can be adjusted as needed by adding an appropriate amount of volatile solvent. Furthermore, the stick-shaped cosmetic material 11 may have any desired cross-sectional shape that matches the design or pattern of the cosmetic material, such as a "prism-like" shape in addition to the "cylindrical" shape exemplified in this embodiment. It is desirable for the "predetermined length L1" to be smaller than the width dimension W of the conveyor 31 described below, and a length that allows multiple units of cosmetic material 14 described below to be obtained without waste (with good yield).

[0034] Next, in the second step (powder application step) of the cosmetic manufacturing method, the stick-shaped cosmetic materials 11 formed in the first step are arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval I in the direction of travel of the conveyor 31 (see the arrow in FIG. 2 ) on a conveyor 31 on which powder cosmetic materials 12 have been laid, and the stick-shaped cosmetic materials 11 are rolled on the powder cosmetic materials 12 laid on the conveyor 31, thereby adhering the powder cosmetic materials 12 to the outer periphery of the stick-shaped cosmetic materials 11. The powder cosmetic materials 12 are contained in a powder storage section 30 located at the end of the conveyor 31 opposite the direction of travel, and are supplied onto the conveyor 31 from the bottom of the powder storage section 30. Here, while the present embodiment illustrates an example in which the powder cosmetic material 12 is adhered to the entire outer periphery of the stick-shaped cosmetic material 11, the powder cosmetic material 12 may be adhered not only to the entire outer periphery of the stick-shaped cosmetic material 11, but also to, for example, only a portion of the outer periphery of the stick-shaped cosmetic material 11.

[0035] Specifically, in the second step, a pressing jig 32 is provided midway along the conveyor 31, facing the upper side of the conveyor 31, with a distance D that allows contact with the stick-type cosmetic material 11 transported by the conveyor 31. Here, the pressing jig 32 is arranged in an inclined state so that the distance D from the conveyor 31 gradually increases in the direction of travel of the conveyor 31. This allows the pressing jig 32 to come into contact with the stick-type cosmetic material 11 at the end opposite the direction of travel of the conveyor 31, but not come into contact with the stick-type cosmetic material 11 (powder-containing stick-type cosmetic material 13) at the end in the direction of travel of the conveyor 31.

[0036] Then, in this second step, when the stick-shaped cosmetic material 11 passes under the pressing jig 32 while being transported on the conveyor 31, a pressing force is applied to the stick-shaped cosmetic material 11 from above by the pressing jig 32, and at the same time, a rotational force (torque) is generated on the stick-shaped cosmetic material 11 from below in the tangential direction of the cross section of the stick-shaped cosmetic material 11 (the direction of travel of the conveyor 31) as the conveyor 31 moves, causing the stick-shaped cosmetic material 11 to rotate on its axis on the powder cosmetic material 12 laid on the conveyor 31. This rotation causes the powder cosmetic material 12 to adhere to the outer periphery of the stick-shaped cosmetic material 11, forming a powder-coated stick-shaped cosmetic material 13. The formed powder-coated stick-shaped cosmetic materials 13 are transported by the conveyor 31 at intervals similar to the interval I, roll on an inclined plate 33 provided sloping downward from the conveyor 31, and are discharged one after another onto a discharge tray 34.

[0037] The application of the powder cosmetic 12 to the stick-shaped cosmetic 11 is not limited to automatic application using the conveyor 31 and pressing jig 32. For example, the powder cosmetic 12 can be applied manually to the outer periphery of the stick-shaped cosmetic 11 by manually rolling (rotating) the stick-shaped cosmetic 11 on top of the powder cosmetic 12 placed on a flat container (tray).

[0038] Furthermore, the powder cosmetic 12 can be in any form, such as powder, granules, aggregates, or slurry, depending on the specifications of the cosmetic 1. The application of the powder cosmetic 12 can also be performed by any method, depending on the form of the powder cosmetic 12. For example, if the powder cosmetic 12 is in a "powder" or "granular" form, the stick-type cosmetic 11 can be rolled on the powder cosmetic 12, or the powder cosmetic 12 can be sprinkled on the rolling stick-type cosmetic 11 to apply the powder cosmetic 12 to the outer periphery of the stick-type cosmetic 11. Furthermore, if the powder cosmetic 12 is in a "slurry" form, the stick-type cosmetic 11 can be rolled on the slurry-type powder cosmetic 12, or the stick-type cosmetic 11 can be immersed in the slurry-type powder cosmetic 12 to apply the powder cosmetic 12 to the outer periphery of the stick-type cosmetic 11.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the third step of the cosmetic manufacturing method according to this embodiment, showing a perspective view of a powdered stick cosmetic 13 and a powdered unit cosmetic 14.

[0040] 3, in the third step (cosmetic cutting step) of the cosmetic manufacturing method, the powdered stick cosmetic 13 discharged onto the discharge tray 34 in the second step is cut into strips of a predetermined length L2 by a cutter CT, thereby forming powdered unit cosmetic materials 14. Note that the "predetermined length L2" is set to a size that is higher than the height of the peripheral wall 402 of the storage tray 40, and that will be the same height as the peripheral wall 402 of the storage tray 40 after the press molding and surface cutting operations described below.

[0041] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the third step exemplifies a mode in which the powder-coated stick cosmetic 13 is cut along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the powder-coated stick cosmetic 13, but the present invention is not limited to this mode, and the powder-coated stick cosmetic 13 can be cut in any direction depending on the pattern or design of the solid cosmetic to be produced. In other words, in the third step, the powder-coated stick cosmetic 13 may be cut in a direction that intersects at a non-perpendicular angle with the longitudinal axis of the powder-coated stick cosmetic 13, or may be cut parallel to the longitudinal axis of the powder-coated stick cosmetic 13.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of the fourth step of the cosmetic manufacturing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 4(a).

[0043] 4, in the fourth step (cosmetic placement step) of the cosmetic manufacturing method, first, a storage tray 40 opening vertically upward is set in a circular recess 410 provided in the central upper surface of a roughly thick plate-shaped holder member 41, and a jig 43 equipped with a partition 430 is inserted vertically from above into the set storage tray 40. Jig 43 is formed so that its diameter tapers in a stepped manner from one end to the other, and is integrally formed with an insertion portion 431 formed with a minimum diameter at the tip end that can be inserted into the storage tray 40, and a base portion 432 formed with a larger diameter at the base end that seats on the upper end of the peripheral wall 402 of the storage tray 40.

[0044] Next, the unit cosmetics 14 of each color are inserted into the storage tray 40 through the multiple insertion holes 433 formed by the dividers 430 of the jig 43, and these unit cosmetics 14 of each color are positioned and arranged in their respective positions. After the positioning and arrangement of these unit cosmetics 14 of each color is complete, the jig 43 is removed from the storage tray 40. Here, this embodiment illustrates an example in which the unit cosmetics 14 of each color are arranged manually by a worker (person) using the jig 43 having the dividers 430.

[0045] In other words, in this fourth step, the unit cosmetics 14 of each color can be arranged automatically using a robot or the like. That is, the arrangement of the unit cosmetics 14 of each color to be arranged in the storage tray 40 can be programmed in advance, and the robot can position and arrange the unit cosmetics 14 of each color in a predetermined position based on this program. Note that when positioning and arranging the unit cosmetics 14 of each color through automation using a robot or the like, the jig 43 equipped with the dividers 430 used for positioning and arranging the unit cosmetics 14 of each color is unnecessary and can be omitted.

[0046] Furthermore, in the fourth step, after the unit cosmetics 14 of each color have been positioned and arranged, the arrangement of the unit cosmetics 14 of each color may be photographed, for example, using a camera (not shown), and the quality of the arrangement of the unit cosmetics 14 of each color may be determined based on the photographed image. Using such a determination means ensures the accuracy of the positioning and arrangement of the unit cosmetics 14 of each color, thereby improving the yield of the cosmetic 1.

[0047] FIG. 5 shows an example of the fifth and subsequent steps of the cosmetic manufacturing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 5(a).

[0048] 5, in the fifth step (press molding step) of the cosmetic manufacturing method, first, the storage tray 40 in which the unit cosmetic materials 14 of each color have been positioned and arranged in the fourth step is set in a press machine 5. This press machine 5 is equipped with a fixed mold 51 formed in a generally cylindrical shape with a mold storage section 510 formed vertically through the center, a movable mold 52 that is slidably accommodated within the mold storage section 510 of the fixed mold 51, a ram cylinder 53 that is arranged vertically below the movable mold 52 and presses the movable mold 52 vertically upward, and a press pad 54 that is arranged vertically opposite the movable mold 52 and contacts the upper end surface of the unit cosmetic materials 14 of each color to press down the upper end surface of the unit cosmetic materials 14.

[0049] Next, when the storage tray 40 is set in the press machine 5, the press pad 54 descends and contacts the upper end surface of each unit cosmetic material 14, and then the ram cylinder 53 rises, pressing the movable mold 52 vertically upward, i.e., toward the press pad 54. As a result, the storage tray 40 rises together with the movable mold 52, and each unit cosmetic material 14 positioned and arranged on this storage tray 40 is sandwiched entirely between the press pad 54. This pressing action then crushes each unit cosmetic material 14, causing them to spread laterally, and as the units of cosmetic material 14 press against each other horizontally, they adhere tightly to each other and become integrated. This forms a unit cosmetic aggregate 15, consisting of unit cosmetic materials 14 of each color integrated together.

[0050] Here, in the fifth step, when pressing each unit cosmetic 14 against the press pad 54, it is desirable to sandwich a paper sheet member ST between each unit cosmetic 14 and the press pad 54. By sandwiching the sheet member ST between each unit cosmetic 14 and the press pad 54 in this way, there is no risk of each unit cosmetic 14 sticking to the press pad 54 during pressing. This makes it possible to form a smooth upper surface of the unit cosmetic assembly 15 after pressing.

[0051] After the fifth step is completed, in the sixth step (surface peeling step) of the cosmetic manufacturing method, the cutter CT is moved horizontally to peel off the top surface of the unit cosmetic assembly 15 that has been crushed by the pressing action, thereby thinly cutting the top end of the unit cosmetic assembly 15. This exposes the cross section of the unit cosmetic assembly 15, and a cosmetic 1 with a smooth surface is formed. Thereafter, the air cylinder 55 rises, pushing the movable mold 52 vertically upward, and the cosmetic 1 is ejected together with the storage tray 40, thereby completing the manufacturing of the cosmetic 1.

[0052] (Effects of this embodiment) In the conventional cosmetic manufacturing method, no consideration is given to the positioning of the powder-coated stick cosmetic when it is placed in a container. As a result, it is difficult to ensure sufficient precision in the patterns and designs formed by the arrangement of the units of the cosmetic, which results in a deterioration in the quality of the cosmetic, and there is still room for improvement.

[0053] In contrast, the cosmetic manufacturing method according to the present embodiment provides the following effects, thereby solving the problems of the conventional cosmetic manufacturing methods.

[0054] That is, according to the cosmetic manufacturing method of this embodiment, the powder-attached stick cosmetic 13 is cut into a plurality of unit cosmetic materials 14, and then the unit cosmetic materials 14 are positioned and arranged in predetermined locations. This makes it possible to arrange the plurality of unit cosmetic materials 14 with precision, improving the precision of the design or pattern of the cosmetic material 1 formed by the arrangement of the unit cosmetic materials 14, and improving the quality of the cosmetic material 1.

[0055] Furthermore, in the conventional cosmetic manufacturing method, a predetermined amount of the powdered stick cosmetic contained in the container is pushed out from the end of the container and then cut, making it difficult to place a jig for positioning the powdered stick cosmetic within the container. In other words, if a jig for positioning the powdered stick cosmetic were placed within the container, when the powdered stick cosmetic is pushed out from the end of the container, the jig would also be pushed out along with the powdered stick cosmetic, which could hinder cutting of the powdered stick cosmetic.

[0056] In contrast, in the fourth step of the present embodiment, the plurality of powdered unit cosmetics 14 are positioned and arranged using a jig 43 having a divider 430. This allows a worker to manually position the plurality of powdered unit cosmetics 14 mechanically with high precision, without relying on automation such as a robot (not shown). As a result, it is possible to reduce capital investment required for the production of the cosmetic 1 and achieve the positioning and arrangement of the plurality of powdered unit cosmetics 14 at low production costs.

[0057] Furthermore, in the second step of this embodiment, the stick-type cosmetic 11 is rolled on the powder cosmetic 12, thereby adhering the powder cosmetic 12 to the outer periphery of the stick-type cosmetic 11. This makes it possible to evenly adhere the powder cosmetic 12 to the outer periphery of the stick-type cosmetic 11, thereby improving the quality of the cosmetic 1.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the second step, a pressing force is applied to the stick-type cosmetic 11 from the side facing the conveyor 31 on which the powder cosmetic 12 is laid, thereby using the power of the conveyor 31 to rotate the stick-type cosmetic 11 and automatically attach the powder cosmetic 12 to the outer periphery of the stick-type cosmetic 11. By automatically attaching the powder cosmetic 12 to the outer periphery of the stick-type cosmetic 11 in this way while the stick-type cosmetic 11 is being transported, the powder attachment work of rolling the stick-type cosmetic 11 over the powder cosmetic 12 to attach the powder cosmetic 12 to the outer periphery of the stick-type cosmetic 11 separately can be omitted, thereby improving the productivity of the cosmetic 1.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the second step, the pressing jig 32 is positioned at an angle so that it comes into contact with the stick cosmetic 11 at the end opposite to the traveling direction of the conveyor 31, but does not come into contact with the stick cosmetic 11 (powdered stick cosmetic 13) at the end in the traveling direction of the conveyor 31. This makes it possible to smoothly transport the powdered stick cosmetic 13, to which the powdered cosmetic 12 has been attached at the end opposite to the traveling direction of the conveyor 31, in the traveling direction of the conveyor 31. This prevents the powdered stick cosmetic 13 from coming into contact with the pressing jig 32 after the powdered cosmetic 12 has been attached, resulting in a reduction in the amount of powdered cosmetic 12, and makes it possible to obtain a powdered stick cosmetic 13 with a sufficient amount of powdered cosmetic 12 attached.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the fifth step, the surface of the unit cosmetic assembly 15 formed in the fourth step is peeled off to expose the cross section of the unit cosmetic assembly 15, thereby forming the cosmetic 1. This makes it possible to make the patterns and designs that appear on the surface of the cosmetic 1 more distinct, further improving the quality of the cosmetic 1.

[0061] [Second embodiment] 6 and 7 show a second embodiment of the cosmetic manufacturing method according to the present invention, which is a modification of the first embodiment from step 5 onwards. The basic configuration other than these modifications is the same as that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[0062] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a jig used in the fifth step of the cosmetic manufacturing method according to this embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the fifth step and subsequent steps of the cosmetic manufacturing method according to this embodiment, where (a) is a plan view and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in Fig. 7(a).

[0063] 6 , in this embodiment, in the fourth step of the cosmetic manufacturing method, a storage tray 40 is set in a recess 410 formed in the central upper surface of a holder member 41, and a generally annular side ring 42 having a through-hole 420 formed inside that can receive the storage tray 40 is placed around the outer periphery of the set storage tray 40. Then, a jig 43 having a divider 430 is inserted from vertically above through the through-hole 420 of the side ring 42, and the units of cosmetic material 14 of each color are positioned and placed in the storage tray 40 through the multiple insertion holes 433 formed by the dividers 430 of the jig 43. Then, after the positioning and placement of the units of cosmetic material 14 of each color is completed, the jig 43 is removed from the storage tray 40.

[0064] Here, the side ring 42 has a through hole 420 formed in a stepped diameter shape, and the through hole 420 is provided at the end opposite the storage tray 40 and has a large diameter portion 421 that holds the outer periphery of the peripheral wall 402 of the storage tray 40, a small diameter portion 422 that is formed in a stepped reduced diameter shape relative to the large diameter portion 421 and extends the inner diameter of the peripheral wall 402 of the storage tray 40, and a step portion 423 that is formed between the large diameter portion 421 and the small diameter portion 422 and can be seated on the upper end of the peripheral wall 402 of the storage tray 40.

[0065] In addition, jig 43 is formed so that its diameter decreases in a stepped manner from one end to the other end, and is integrally formed with an insertion portion 431 that is formed with the smallest diameter at the tip end and can be inserted into the inside of storage tray 40, and a base portion 432 that is formed with a larger diameter at the base end and seats on the upper end surface of side ring 42.

[0066] 7 , in this embodiment, in the fifth step, a preliminary press pad 44 is lowered onto the storage tray 40 placed in the recess 410 of the holder member 41 and held by the side ring 42, and the tip of the preliminary press pad 44 is inserted into the through hole 420 of the side ring 42, thereby performing a so-called preliminary press, in which the unit cosmetics 14 of each color positioned and arranged in the storage tray 40 are pressed relatively shallowly. Specifically, the preliminary press is completed when the positioned and arranged unit cosmetics 14 of each color are pressed to an extent that they can come into contact with each other. After the preliminary press is completed, the side ring 42 is removed, the storage tray 40 is removed from the holder member 41, and the storage tray 40 is set in the press machine 5. The configuration of the press machine 5 is the same as in the first embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0067] Next, when the storage tray 40 is set in the press machine 5, the press pad 54 descends and contacts the upper end surface of each unit cosmetic material 14, and then the ram cylinder 53 rises, pressing the movable mold 52 toward the press pad 54. As a result, each unit cosmetic material 14 that has been pre-pressed is sandwiched between the press pad 54 and the press pad 54, and is crushed by the pressing action, causing each unit cosmetic material 14 to further spread laterally and become closely integrated with each other. As a result, a unit cosmetic material assembly 15 is formed in which the unit cosmetic materials 14 of each color are integrated. In the fifth step, as in the first embodiment, it is desirable to sandwich a paper sheet member ST between each unit cosmetic material 14 and the press pad 54.

[0068] Next, after completing the fifth step, in the sixth step of the cosmetic manufacturing method, the upper end of the unit cosmetic material assembly 15 formed in the fifth step is thinly cut by a cutter CT. This exposes the cross section of the unit cosmetic material assembly 15. Next, after completing the sixth step, in the seventh step (finishing press step) of the cosmetic manufacturing method, the cross section of the unit cosmetic material assembly 15 exposed in the sixth step is lightly pressed by a press pad 54, and the cross section of the unit cosmetic material assembly 15 is finish-pressed. This forms a cosmetic material 1 having a smoother surface than the cross section exposed by the cutter CT. Thereafter, the air cylinder 55 rises, pushing the movable mold 52 vertically upward, and the cosmetic material 1 is ejected together with the storage tray 40, completing the production of the cosmetic material 1.

[0069] As described above, in this embodiment, in the fifth step, preforming is performed by pressing the multiple unit cosmetics 14 relatively shallowly before press molding. By pressing the multiple unit cosmetics 14 in two stages in this way, the units of cosmetics 14 are pressed in stages, which makes it easier for the units of cosmetics 14 to blend together and allows the units of cosmetics 14 to adhere well to each other. As a result, the quality of the cosmetic 1 can be further improved.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the sixth step, the exposed cross section of the unit cosmetic aggregate 15 is pressed with a finishing press to smooth the surface, which makes it possible to further smooth the surface roughness of the cosmetic 1 and improves the feel of the cosmetic 1 when used.

[0071] The present invention is not limited to the configurations and aspects exemplified in the above-described embodiments, and can be freely modified depending on the specifications and costs of the target object as long as the configuration can achieve the above-described effects of the present invention.

[0072] In particular, the unit cosmetics 14 that form the cosmetic 1 are not limited to the single color exemplified in each of the above embodiments, but may be multiple colors, for example, two or more colors, and can be changed as desired depending on the pattern or design to be formed on the cosmetic 1.

[0073] Furthermore, the application of the powder cosmetic 12 in the second step is not limited to the application to the outer periphery of the stick-shaped cosmetic 11 as exemplified in the above embodiments. For example, the cutting step (third step) of the stick-shaped cosmetic 11 may precede the cutting of the stick-shaped cosmetic 11, and after cutting the stick-shaped cosmetic 11, the powder cosmetic 12 may be applied to the outer periphery of each unit cosmetic 14 obtained by the cutting.

[0074] Furthermore, the means for positioning and arranging the multiple powder-attached unit cosmetics 14 in the fourth step may be a jig 43 having a partition 430 as exemplified in each of the above embodiments, or may be automated using a robot or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1. Cosmetics 11... Stick-type cosmetics 12... Powder cosmetics 13... Powdered stick cosmetics 14... Cosmetics unit 15...Cosmetic unit assembly 2...Extrusion molding machine 21...Screw 30...Powder storage section 31...Conveyor 32...Pressing jig 33…Slanted plate 34...Discharge tray 41...Holder member 42...Side ring 43...Jig 430...Divider 5...Press machine 51…Fixed type 52…Movable type 53...Ram cylinder 54...Press pad 55...Air cylinder CT...cutter

Claims

1. a cosmetic cutting step in which the cosmetic is formed into a stick shape and the stick-shaped cosmetic is cut into small pieces to form a plurality of unit cosmetic products; a cosmetic arranging step of positioning and arranging the plurality of unit cosmetics at predetermined positions on a storage tray having a peripheral wall after the cosmetic cutting step; Including, The plurality of unit cosmetic materials are positioned and arranged with gaps between each of the unit cosmetic materials and between each of the unit cosmetic materials and the peripheral wall, and then press-molded, whereby the unit cosmetic materials are crushed and spread laterally, and the plurality of unit cosmetic materials are pressed against each other in the horizontal direction, thereby adhering and integrating the plurality of unit cosmetic materials. A method for producing a cosmetic comprising the steps of:

2. A method for producing the cosmetic according to claim 1, In the cosmetic placement step, the plurality of unit cosmetics are positioned and placed on the storage tray via a jig having a partition. A method for producing a cosmetic comprising the steps of:

3. A method for producing the cosmetic according to claim 1, The method further includes a powder applying step of applying powder cosmetics to the outer peripheral surfaces of the stick-shaped cosmetic materials after forming the stick-shaped cosmetic materials and before the cosmetic cutting step, In the powder adhesion step, the stick-shaped cosmetic is rolled on the powder cosmetic to adhere the powder cosmetic to the outer peripheral surface of the stick-shaped cosmetic. A method for producing a cosmetic comprising the steps of:

4. A method for producing the cosmetic according to claim 3, The stick-shaped cosmetic materials are conveyed in a state in which they are placed in parallel in the direction of travel of the conveyor on which the powder cosmetic material is laid, and a pressing force is applied from the side facing the conveyor during this conveyance, and as the conveyor moves with this pressing force applied, the stick-shaped cosmetic materials rotate on the powder cosmetic material laid on the conveyor, causing the powder cosmetic material to automatically adhere to the outer periphery of the stick-shaped cosmetic material. A method for producing a cosmetic comprising the steps of:

5. A method for producing the cosmetic according to claim 4, The pressing force is applied by a pressing jig arranged opposite to the conveyor, the pressing jig is disposed at an angle such that the distance from the conveyor gradually increases in the direction of travel of the conveyor so that the pressing jig comes into contact with the stick-shaped cosmetic material at the end opposite to the direction of travel of the conveyor, and does not come into contact with the stick-shaped cosmetic material at the end in the direction of travel of the conveyor. A method for producing a cosmetic comprising the steps of:

6. A method for producing the cosmetic according to claim 2, The method further includes a press molding step of, after positioning and arranging the unit cosmetics in the cosmetic arranging step, press-molding and compacting the positioned and arranged unit cosmetics to obtain a solid cosmetic product in which the unit cosmetics are adhered to each other and integrally formed, In the press molding step, after removing the jig, the unit cosmetic material positioned and arranged on the storage tray is premolded by pressing it relatively shallowly, and then the premolded unit cosmetic material is pressed deeper than in the premolded state by the press molding step. A method for producing a cosmetic comprising the steps of:

7. A method for producing the cosmetic according to claim 6, The method further comprises, after the press molding step, a surface peeling step of peeling off the surface of the solid cosmetic material to expose a cross section of the solid cosmetic material. A method for producing a cosmetic comprising the steps of:

8. A method for producing the cosmetic according to claim 7, After the surface peeling step, a finishing press step is further included in which the exposed cross section is pressed to smooth the surface of the cross section. A method for producing a cosmetic comprising the steps of:

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