Metal compact case

Abstract

The compact case of the present invention may include an upper case and a lower case, a hinge unit that rotatably connects the upper case and the lower case to enable opening and closing, and a button unit that mutually locks or unlocks the upper case and the lower case by external force of a user, and a metal pattern may be formed on at least one of the upper case, the lower case, and the button unit.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a metal compact case that is manufactured using a metal material in particular and can achieve a luxurious and sophisticated metal appearance through a composite surface treatment process such as plating, painting, and laser processing. Background Technology

[0002] High-end cosmetic brands apply various materials and surface treatment technologies to differentiate their compact cases from competitors' products. To feature gold logos or trim decorations on glossy materials such as black, they often use high-quality plastic with gold plating or gold-plated logos. In other words, while the gold logo applied to a black background creates a sophisticated metallic feel, the compact cases themselves are mostly made of lightweight specialty plastic.

[0003] This is because plastic materials such as ABS, AS, SAN, and PP have been used as the main materials for compact cases due to the advantages of lightweight and inexpensive plastic-based cases.

[0004] However, as movements emphasizing eco-friendliness and sustainability have recently gained momentum, particularly within the global cosmetics industry, the industrial demand to reduce plastic usage is rapidly increasing. In the cosmetics packaging sector, single-use plastic cases that are discarded within a short period have been identified as a major cause of environmental pollution, leading to heightened interest among both consumers and brands in recyclable and long-lasting materials. The problem to be solved

[0005] In order to solve the problem that conventional cosmetic compact cases are mainly made based on special plastic materials, which causes environmental pollution and durability limitations, the present invention comprises a compact case body made of a metal material such as brass, and forms layers such as plating or coating on the metal case, and then selectively removes some layers such as the coating layer by laser processing to expose a metal edge or metal pattern to the outside, thereby providing an aesthetic effect of a sophisticated metal appearance, such as a sophisticated gloss or metal material effect.

[0006] Thus, by utilizing a metal material as the body of the compact case, the present invention can provide a cosmetic compact that reduces plastic usage and offers an eco-friendly structure that is easy to recycle, while simultaneously improving durability and structural strength. means of solving the problem

[0007] The compact case of the present invention may include an upper case and a lower case, a hinge unit that rotatably connects the upper case and the lower case to enable opening and closing, and a button unit that mutually locks or unlocks the upper case and the lower case by external force of a user, and a metal pattern may be formed on at least one of the upper case, the lower case, and the button unit. Effects of the invention

[0008] The present invention has the advantage of enabling the realization of luxurious metal edges or metal patterns by selectively removing the coating layer through laser processing after plating or coating on the surface of a metal material, and improving aesthetic quality without complex processes or separate parts, even while using metal as the main material without plastic.

[0009] By utilizing a metal case, the present invention can be more resistant to external impact compared to plastic and possess relatively high resistance to scratches and wear. Furthermore, the case of the present invention can prevent corrosion and discoloration from the external environment through plating and coating treatments following metal processing (CNC, press, etc.), and can maintain appearance quality even after long-term use. In addition, major mechanical parts such as hinges, hooks, and buttons are also precision-machined from metal, enabling stable operation due to the robustness of the metal material even after thousands of opening and closing cycles. Moreover, the external pattern, which is prone to falling off during long-term use, is made of metal in the present invention, thereby significantly improving durability. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the compact case of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an example of the closed state (a) and open state (b) of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the method for manufacturing a compact case of the present invention. Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram of the process of forming a metal pattern of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0011] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the metal compact case (100) of the present invention and the method of manufacturing the same will be described.

[0012] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the compact case (100) may include at least one of an upper case (110), a lower case (130), a hinge unit (150) that rotatably connects the upper case (110) and the lower case (130) to enable opening and closing, and a button unit (170) that can mutually lock or unlock the upper case (110) and the lower case (130) by external force of a user.

[0013] The metal compact case (100) of the present invention may form a metal pattern (400) to add sophistication and enhance aesthetics to the parts exposed to the outside, such as the upper case (110), lower case (130), and button unit (170). To this end, the present invention may form a plating layer (230) such as copper or gold based on a base part (210) made of a metal material such as brass (S110), and may form a coating layer (250) for full color realization on the plating layer (230) (S130). A portion of the coating layer (250) may be removed using a processing part (300) including a laser, etc. (S140).

[0014] Through this series of processes, a metallic gold accent can be applied to the outer edge or logo portion of the metal compact case (100). For example, the gold metal can be designed to be exposed to the outside on the edges (410, 420) or button portion (430) of the metal compact case (100) which is painted (S130) in black or red. From this, the present invention can provide a sophisticated color contrast while preserving the durability and luster of the metal.

[0015] In this way, the key to the metal pattern (400) for the border or button, etc., may be the selective removal of the surface (250) painted on the plating layer (230).

[0016] As the material for the base portion (210), a metal material such as a brass alloy with excellent machinability and plating properties may be selected, and it may be manufactured into a case shape by precision machining such as CNC. Subsequently, a uniform metal layer (230) may be formed over the entire case (100) by plating a material such as gold, which is to be finally exposed to the outside as a metal pattern (400) on the surface of the base portion (210). An under-plating layer such as copper or nickel may be added below the exposed plating layer (230).

[0017] A paint coating of a desired color can be sprayed onto the inside or outside of the case (100) and coated on the plated metal surface, and the part to be exposed with a metal pattern (400), such as gold, may be covered with the same paint layer (250) so that it can be exposed later.

[0018] Through processing (S140) by the processing unit (300), a portion of the coating layer (250) can be precisely removed, and the hidden metal plating layer (230) underneath can be exposed. In one embodiment, using a laser (300) allows only the coated layer (250) to be selectively evaporated or removed, so that the edges of the exposed metal pattern (400) can be processed cleanly and accurately. At this time, the laser (300) is precisely controlled so as not to damage the metal plating layer (230) almost, so that only the upper coated coating layer (250) is removed, and thus the metallic gloss of the lower plating layer (230) can be maintained. Among the overall colors of the compact case (100), such as black, the natural gold border or button pattern of the metal pattern (400) can be clearly visible, providing a strong visual contrast effect.

[0019] If necessary, a transparent coating such as clear lacquer can be additionally applied to the metal part (230) exposed to the processing part (300) to maintain gloss or improve durability.

[0020] In this way, the metal compact case (100) of the present invention can achieve two or more color combinations without additionally combining separate parts such as conventional separate frames.

[0021] A method for manufacturing a compact case including a process of forming a metal pattern according to FIGS. 3 and 4 is described in its entirety.

[0022] The method for manufacturing a compact case (100) of the present invention may include at least one of a base processing and pretreatment step (S110), a metal plating step (S120), a painting step (S130), a laser cutting step (S140), a clearing process step (S150), and an assembly step (S160).

[0023] In the base part processing and pretreatment step (S110), a metal raw material such as brass can be precisely machined by CNC milling or press processing to form an upper case (110), a lower case (130), a hinge unit (150), a button unit (170), etc. Subsequently, to increase the adhesion of the plating (S120) or painting (S130) performed thereafter, the surface of the base part (210) can be polished to make it smooth, and then cleaned, or oils such as grease, lubricants, and fingerprints remaining on the metal surface can be removed, thereby removing oxides or contaminants remaining on the surface of the base part (210).

[0024] The base part (210), which is the main body of the compact case, can be made of a metal material such as brass or aluminum. Brass has excellent mechanical strength and machinability, making it suitable for precise external processing, and the subtle luster inherent to the metal harmonizes with plating and painting to realize a luxurious appearance. Aluminum allows for lightweighting while having excellent corrosion resistance, and it is compatible with electroplating and various surface treatment technologies, so it can maintain stable quality in indoor and outdoor environments.

[0025] The metal material that can be adopted as the material for the compact case body (210) is not limited to brass or aluminum. For example, stainless steel material may be included to allow for the expression of various metal textures such as fine barrel processing, sanding, and hairline, while maintaining excellent rigidity and being lighter than aluminum. Magnesium alloy may be included when ultra-lightweight and high durability are required. Other materials such as zinc alloy and nickel alloy may also be included depending on specific design or durability conditions.

[0026] As such, the present invention can compensate for structural weaknesses or durability limitations seen in conventional plastic compact cases by using a metal material instead of a conventional plastic material through processes such as the base part (210), which is the case body, and gold plating (S120), and can provide the user with a heavier and more stable user experience.

[0027] In the metal plating step (S120), an electroplating process can be performed over the entire metal compact case (100). In one embodiment, materials such as copper, nickel, and gold may be used, or a plating layer (230) may be formed using a multilayer material, such as first plating copper, then securing corrosion resistance and hardness with nickel plating, and finally applying gold plating to give a desired metallic luster.

[0028] In the painting step (S130), painting can be performed on the plated surface. Since the interior of the compact case (100) is the part where contents come into contact with the human body, a wear-resistant coating or color can be applied, and a paint such as black, red, or white can be uniformly sprayed onto the exterior surface of the compact case (100). At this time, the painting layer (250) can also be applied to the area where metal patterns (400), such as edges and buttons, are to be formed. In one embodiment, the interior surface can be uniformly coated with an electrodeposition coating, and the exterior surface can be coated with a high-gloss or matte finish for a sophisticated texture.

[0029] In the laser cutting step (S140), after the coating layer (250) has completely cured, the outer coating layer (250) can be removed along a preset metal pattern (400) by a processing unit (300), such as a laser. When the coating film (250) on the side edge portion of the compact case (100) is precisely removed by the laser (300), the underlying metal plating layer (230), such as gold, can be exposed. The laser output, speed, focus, etc., are controlled so as not to damage the metal plating layer (230), so that only the coating layer (250) can be cut. This laser cutting (S140) can be selectively performed only on the parts of the coating area that require exposure.

[0030] If laser cutting (S140) is not performed, the metal compact case (100) may not be able to neatly form sophisticated metal patterns such as edges through processes such as masking. In other words, the laser cutting process (S140) can play a key role in realizing the luxurious appearance of the metal compact case (100). The metal case (100) is generally coated with a paint (S130), such as black lacquer, after plating (S120), and precise surface removal can be performed on this paint layer (250) to neatly expose specific areas such as a logo, edges, and button periphery with a metallic gloss (S140).

[0031] Traditional methods used to form such visual patterns, such as masking, sandpaper polishing, and pad printing, may make it difficult to ensure fine precision and consistency of the metal surface (400), and the boundary lines may easily become blurred or faded, especially in edge lines or curved areas, and it may be difficult to maintain quality during repeated production.

[0032] On the other hand, by applying a laser cutting process (S140), only the coating layer (250) can be locally and precisely removed, so that the gold plating layer or copper plating layer (230) existing underneath can be exposed with accurate boundaries and shapes. This allows for the realization of a uniform and sophisticated metallic gloss pattern (400), and enables the precise and stable realization of a luxurious appearance, such as border lines, brand logos, or point patterns.

[0034] An embodiment of a processing unit (300) including a laser in a laser cutting process (S140) is described. This processing unit (300) may include a laser output unit, a jig, a rotating unit, a processing control unit, etc. A compact case (100) to form a metal pattern (400) can be placed on the jig. The rotating unit can rotate the jig while the compact case (100) is processed by the laser output unit.

[0035] A compact case (100) mounted on a jig can be mounted so that the upper case (110) or the lower case (130) is positioned vertically, that is, parallel to the vertical direction of the Z-axis. Thus, the jig is rotated by the rotating part along a plane parallel to the vertical direction. At this time, the laser output part can irradiate a laser in a direction parallel to the plane. For example, the laser output head or nozzle can be located on the upper part of the jig, and when the compact case (100) mounted on the jig rotates, a metal pattern (400) along the edge of the compact case (100) can be formed.

[0036] The processing control unit can adjust the laser irradiation time or power of the laser output unit according to the shape of the compact case (100) mounted on the jig or the position where it is irradiated. For example, when the compact case (100) forms a metal pattern (400) on a straight path on four sides and on four corner edges, the output power per hour can be set to a first output power per hour during the straight path on four sides, and the output power per hour can be set to a second output power per hour during the corner edges, and the second output power per hour can be set to be weaker than the first output power per hour.

[0037] Alternatively, the laser output unit may irradiate with the same output power per hour, and the processing control unit may adjust the irradiation time according to the shape of the metal pattern (400). For example, when processing a straight surface, the processing control unit may irradiate with a first output power for a first time, and when processing a curve or a curve, it may irradiate with a first output power for a second time that is slower than the first time.

[0039] In the clear process step (S150), a separate post-processing step may be applied to the metal portion (part of the plating layer (230)) exposed to the processing part (300), such as a laser. Since there is a risk of oxidation or discoloration when the exposed gold-plated surface (230) comes into contact with air, a transparent coating or protective lacquer may be applied to the area to maintain gloss while increasing wear resistance. If necessary, the final clear coating may be applied to the entire case area other than the exposed metal pattern (400).

[0040] In the assembly or inspection step (S160), with the coating or decoration completed, a container for contents such as a mirror (114) or a sponge (134), a hinge unit (150), a button unit (170), etc., can be finally assembled. The surface quality, paint adhesion, and condition of the metal pattern (400) surface of the finished metal compact case (100) can be inspected to determine whether it is a good product.

[0041] In FIG. 4, the process of forming the entire metal pattern (400) is as follows.

[0042] A case body (210) can be manufactured using a metal material such as brass (S110), a plating layer (230) can be formed by plating with gold or copper material thereon (S120), and a coating layer (250) can be formed by applying black paint or the like thereon (S130). In this state, at least a portion of the coating layer (250) can be selectively cut using a laser (300) to create an external shape, such as the edge of the upper case (110) or the lower case (130) (S140), thereby exposing the plating layer (230), such as copper or gold, to the outside in that area. A clearing step (S150) may be added after the laser cutting (S140).

[0043] Specifically, the case body (210) can be manufactured using a metal material such as brass, and various other metal materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, and magnesium alloy can also be applied. These metals each have different characteristics and advantages, so they can be selected depending on the purpose of the case, the usage environment, and the design direction.

[0044] Brass possesses a luxurious color and texture inherent to metals, and thus the luxurious appearance can be further enhanced through a plating process (S120) and a painting process (S130). On the surface of the base part (210), which is the metal body, a plating treatment can be performed using a metal material such as gold (Au) or copper (Cu) (S120), thereby forming a high-gloss plating layer (230) to be exposed to the outside. The plating process (S120) is carried out evenly through an electrochemical method, and can enhance the visual sense of luxury while also providing functional effects such as corrosion prevention.

[0045] After plating is completed, a coating layer (250) can be formed by spraying a colored paint, such as a black glossy or matte paint, various inorganic or organic-based paints, for example, urethane, acrylic, silicone resin-based paints, or composite paints mixed with metal pigments, onto it. This coating layer (250) can perform complex functions, such as expressing the color of the exterior, protecting the plating layer (230), controlling gloss, and ensuring scratch resistance. The thickness or properties of the coating layer (250) can be adjusted according to the type of paint used and the curing method, and it may be one of the major processes that determine the final exterior quality.

[0046] In this manner, with the coating (S130) completed, a precise laser (300) can be applied to the externally exposed parts of the upper case (110) or lower case (130), such as the edges, corners, and brand logo locations, to locally remove at least a portion of the coating layer (250). This laser processing (S140) can be controlled so that only the coating layer (250) is removed and the underlying metal plating layer (230) remains exposed without damage. As a result, the plating layer (230), based on various metals or alloys such as gold, copper, nickel, and chrome, is exposed externally in the corresponding area with precise shapes and boundaries, thereby enabling the realization of a luxurious and sophisticated metallic gloss pattern (400).

[0047] In addition, after such laser cutting (S140), a clearing process (S150), such as a top coating or a transparent protective coating, may be additionally performed. This can be composed of various types, such as a UV-curable clear coating, a polyurethane-based transparent coating, or an acrylic-based transparent layer. This clearing process may include the formation of a high-performance finishing layer that provides not only exterior protection but also UV protection, chemical resistance, stain resistance, and even anti-fingerprint properties.

[0048] This clearing process (S150) can protect the metal plating layer and surrounding painted surface exposed by the laser (300) and can impart uniform gloss and durability to the entire exterior. Through this, the finished compact case can achieve a precise metal design, a high-quality painted finish, durability, and visual sophistication.

[0049] Accordingly, through a series of processes such as pretreatment, plating, painting, laser removal, and coating, a clear metal exposed portion (400) and a uniformly colored painted portion (250) can coexist on the edge of the metal compact case (100). By selective paint removal (S140) using the laser (300) of the present invention, it is possible to produce a precise pattern without the hassle of having to insert separate parts or perform masking painting.

[0050] In the case of conventional plastic-based compact cases, it may be difficult to express fine edges of design patterns due to limitations in mold structure or film alignment. On the other hand, the present invention can accurately remove the coated surface (250) in micro-units by laser cutting (S140), thereby allowing for the expression of very thin and sophisticated metal edges or lines, and enables precise edge processing such as expressing the contours of metal patterns (400) with a three-dimensional effect, and can have high durability as the metal layer itself is exposed. Explanation of the symbols

[0051] 100... Compact case 110... Top case 114... Mirror 130... Lower case 133... Accommodation Home 150... Hinge unit 170... Button unit 210... Base part 230... Plating layer 250... Coating layer 300... Machining part 400... Metal pattern 410... Top pattern 420... Sub-pattern 430... Button pattern S110... Processing and pretreatment step S120... Metal plating step S130... Painting step S140... Laser cutting step S150... Clearing process step S160... Assembly or inspection step

Claims

Claim 1 A compact case comprising: an upper case and a lower case; a hinge unit that rotatably connects the upper case and the lower case to enable opening and closing; and a button unit that mutually locks or unlocks the upper case and the lower case by external force of a user, wherein at least one of the upper case, the lower case, and the button unit is based on a base part made of metal material, a plating layer is formed on the surface of the base part, a coating layer is formed on the surface of the plating layer, at least a portion of the coating layer is removed so that a portion of the plating layer is exposed to the outside, and the exposed plating layer forms a metal pattern. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 In claim 1, the metal pattern includes the rim of the upper case or lower case, and the rim is a compact case created by laser cutting the coating layer of the upper case or lower case, rather than adding a separate part other than the upper case or lower case. Claim 6 A compact case having two or more colors, wherein, in claim 1, a first color of a metal pattern formed by the plating layer and a second color of the coating layer are exposed to the outside. Claim 7 A compact case according to claim 1, wherein the base portion is a metal raw material that has undergone precision machining such as CNC milling or press processing, and then undergoes a polishing process for subsequent plating or painting processes. Claim 8 A compact case according to claim 1, wherein the plating layer is formed by performing an electroplating process over the entire surface of the base portion, and the material used in the plating process is selected as a metal material exposed to the outside by the metal pattern. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 A compact case according to claim 1, comprising at least one of a laser output unit, a jig on which the upper case or lower case is seated, a rotating unit in which the upper case or lower case rotates the jig by the laser output unit, and a processing unit, wherein the upper case or lower case is positioned vertically and seated on the jig, and the laser output unit irradiates a laser parallel to the rotational plane of the jig to form the metal pattern on the edge of the upper case or lower case. Claim 11 A compact case according to claim 1, comprising at least one of a laser output unit, a jig on which the upper case or lower case is seated, a rotating unit in which the upper case or lower case rotates the jig by the laser output unit, and a processing control unit, wherein the processing control unit sets the laser output unit to a first output power per hour in a straight path of the metal pattern and sets the laser output unit to a second output power per hour lower than the first output power per hour in a curved path of the metal pattern. Claim 12 A compact case according to claim 1, comprising at least one of a laser output unit, a jig on which the upper case or lower case is seated, a rotating unit that rotates the upper case or lower case by the laser output unit, and a processing control unit, wherein the processing control unit sets the laser output unit to irradiate the laser output unit with a first output power for a first time in a straight path of the metal pattern, and sets the laser output unit to irradiate the laser output unit with the first output power for a second time slower than the first time in a curved path of the metal pattern.

Images