Cartridge for a cosmetic pen

Abstract

A cartridge for a cosmetic pen includes a cartridge body, a cosmetic refill, and a refill adapter that drives – and preferably retains – the end of the cosmetic refill. The cosmetic refill can be pushed out of the cartridge body by means of the refill adapter. A drive sleeve is rotatably mounted within the cartridge body, the sleeve forming an external thread upon which a threaded nut can move translationally between the drive sleeve and the cartridge body, and the threaded nut drives the refill adapter when the drive sleeve rotates within the cartridge body.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a cartridge for a cosmetic pen.TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Known refill systems for cosmetic pens use cosmetic refills (or refills) that are mounted in cartridges in such a way that they can be extended. For this purpose, the bodies of the cartridges (also: cartridge bodies) regularly have an internal thread. By means of this internal thread, the refills can be extended and, in most cases, retracted again by turning. The exterior of the cartridge bodies is generally not visually appealing, or can only be made so with great effort. This is because the internal thread causes the local wall thickness of the cartridge body to vary greatly, and thus also the required cooling time. This prevents, during injection molding, a visually flawless decorative surface from being formed practically by itself.

[0003] For this reason, in the refill systems known to date, the cartridges or cartridge bodies are either laboriously treated (finished) on the outside, or the refillable pin forms a jacket tube in which the cartridge disappears – at least almost – completely.

[0004] The former is expensive. The latter is not universally accepted, as it becomes more difficult to see at first glance how the cartridge should be correctly installed, and because over time, dirt from graphite residue can accumulate on the inner surface of the jacket tube, which is almost impossible to remove.OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The aim is to find a refill solution for cosmetic pens that is as easy to use as possible and does not pose a risk of unpleasant contamination in the long term.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The underlying problem is solved according to the invention.

[0007] For this purpose, a cartridge for a cosmetic pen is proposed. This cartridge is used in the narrower sense to “load” a cosmetic pen and, in the broader sense, can constitute at least most of a cosmetic pen. In addition to the cartridge, preferably only a rotatable handpiece at the end of the cartridge facing away from the tip of the refill is required to operate and hold the cosmetic pen, and preferably a cap to protect the cosmetic refill.

[0008] The cartridge preferably comprises a cartridge body and a cosmetic refill and is provided with a refill adapter that drives the end of the cosmetic refill facing away from the application tip and preferably holds the cosmetic refill. The cartridge body preferably forms at least the majority of the cartridge housing, which accommodates the rest of the cartridge components. In this case, the cosmetic refill can be pushed out of the cartridge body by means of the refill adapter.

[0009] The cartridge according to the invention is characterized in that a drive sleeve is rotatably mounted in the cartridge body, which forms an external thread on which a threaded nut can move translationally and is located between the drive sleeve and the cartridge body, whereby the threaded nut drives the refill adapter when the drive sleeve rotates in the cartridge body.

[0010] According to the invention, the circumferential wall of the cartridge body can be designed with a much more uniform wall thickness than before. This means that it can be given a very high-quality outer shell surface during injection molding, which does not have to be hidden in a shell tube of the refillable pen, but is permanently suitable as an attractive visible surface and is then regularly renewed from time to time when the next cartridge is inserted, which is also very satisfactory from a hygienic point of view.

[0011] A preferred further embodiment of the cartridge is that the threaded nut cannot rotate relative to the cartridge body at all or only to an insignificant degree. “Not more than insignificantly” means, in the sense of the invention, that the threaded nut can be rotated by a maximum of 10°, preferably even a maximum of 5°, in both directions before further rotation is blocked. For this purpose, the inner surface of the cartridge body preferably has at least a local flattening that interacts with a complementary flattening on the outer surface of the threaded nut. Ideally, the said inner and outer surfaces are interacting polygonal surfaces. The cross-section of the inner surface of the cartridge body and the outer surface of the threaded nut is therefore preferably polygonal. The edges of the polygonal cross-section thus extend in three dimensions to form polygonal surfaces, which then interact with each other. This design allows for an almost unchanged wall thickness, as only minimal flattening is necessary for a polygon.

[0012] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the drive sleeve is mounted at its tip and at its end in the cartridge body and forms an annular gap between it and the cartridge body in between. The drive sleeve is thus mounted either directly or indirectly in the cartridge body at its tip and its end. This results in a defined bearing of the drive sleeve in the cartridge body, whereby the annular gap between them can be used to accommodate the threaded nut.

[0013] In addition, it is particularly preferred if the drive sleeve is slotted over most of its length and preferably over its entire length, preferably with at least one axial slot. This slot is preferably provided at least in the area of the external thread of the drive sleeve. This axial slot preferably runs axially along the outer surface of the drive sleeve and is preferably unslotted in the area of the end facing away from the tip of the refill. The slit is required to accommodate the refill adapter, whereby the unslit end ideally forms a stop for the refill adapter and / or the threaded nut, which prevents them from being turned back further.

[0014] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the refill adapter has a first actuator which protrudes through the said slit in the drive sleeve into the area of the threaded nut. The first actuator thus preferably protrudes radially outward into the annular gap between the drive sleeve and the cartridge body. In this way, the threaded nut can push the refill adapter forward in such a way that the refill is extended from the cartridge body, whereby this actuator is preferably rigid.

[0015] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the refill adapter has a second actuator which protrudes through the aforementioned slot in the drive sleeve into the area of the threaded nut and which is designed in such a way that it can be passed over by the threaded nut in order to engage in a snapping manner with the threaded nut.

[0016] The second actuator is thus designed to be flexible in (only) one direction, so that the threaded nut presses the second actuator downwards during initial assembly, thereby passing over it, and after passing over it, it engages in a snapping manner between the first and second actuators and is caught there. In this way, when the threaded nut moves accordingly, it can pull the closure back into the cartridge body. This provides in a simple manner a mechanism for both extracting and retracting the refill.

[0017] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the cosmetic refill, in its unused, not yet shortened state, is spaced from the inner surface of the drive sleeve over most of its length in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

[0018] In addition, it is particularly preferred if the cartridge body forms a centering bearing for the drive sleeve at its end facing the tip of the refill, preferably by tapering, ideally conically on the inside. In this way, a centering for the drive sleeve can be created in the cartridge body in a simple manner.

[0019] It is also particularly preferable if the drive sleeve tapers at its end facing the tip of the refill, thus forming a sliding bearing for the cosmetic refill that preferably has a centering effect. This provides in a simple manner means of centering and guiding the cosmetic refill in the drive sleeve. The sliding surfaces of the sliding bearing are preferably cylindrical, among other things in order to be able to compensate for a length tolerance.

[0020] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the drive sleeve and the cartridge body interlock at their ends facing the tip of the refill in such a way that the cartridge body locally presses against or at least blocks the slot of the drive sleeve, i.e., at least prevents it from widening during operation. Although this allows the slot to be used to insert the refill adapter; but the slot does not interfere with the operation of the cartridge.

[0021] Furthermore, it is particularly preferable if the slot in the drive sleeve becomes narrower in the circumferential direction at the end facing the refill tip than in the rest, preferably in the entire rest of the refill sleeve, and ideally so narrow that the edges of the slot come into contact with each other and can thus limit the pressure that the drive sleeve can exert on the classified material in this area.

[0022] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the drive sleeve has a coupling section at its end facing away from the tip of the refill, preferably designed as a toothed or ribbed wheel, for form-fitting coupling of a rotary mechanism of a handpiece by means of rails in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. In this way, in a simple manner a handpiece can be mounted on the cartridge, which can be used on the one hand as a handle and on the other hand as an actuating element of the rotary mechanism of the cartridge for pushing out and retracting the cosmetic refill. In this way, the handpiece can also be easily removed again, for example to replace the cartridge.

[0023] It is also particularly preferable if the drive sleeve at its end facing away from the tip of the refill, has means for engaging by snapping which are designed in such a way that the drive sleeve can be locked to the cartridge body in such a way that, on the one hand, it is immobilized in the cartridge in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cartridge and, on the other hand, remains rotatable relative to the cartridge. For this purpose, the cartridge body preferably has a corresponding projection on the inside, preferably a circumferential projection, with which the means for engaging by snapping lock. In this way, axial slipping of the drive sleeve out of the cartridge body can be prevented in a simple manner.

[0024] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the external thread of the drive sleeve is interrupted not only by the slot but also by at least one additional groove that does not pass radially through the drive sleeve. Preferably, this groove runs axially on the outer surface of the drive sleeve. Any dirt that has penetrated into the thread area can accumulate in this groove without significantly impairing the smooth running of the thread.

[0025] Further modes of operation, advantages, and design options are apparent from the figure-supported description of the embodiment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a side view of the cartridge according to the invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a sectional side view of the cartridge according to the invention, analogous to FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the cartridge according to the invention from FIG. 1, with the individual components being partially transparent.

[0029] FIG. 4 shows a drive sleeve in three-dimensional view.

[0030] FIG. 5 shows the drive sleeve from FIG. 4 in a sectional side view.

[0031] FIG. 6 shows the drive sleeve from FIG. 4 in a top view.

[0032] FIG. 7 shows the drive sleeve from FIG. 4 in a rear view.

[0033] FIG. 8 shows a refill adapter in three-dimensional view.

[0034] FIG. 9 shows the refill adapter from FIG. 8 in a three-dimensional view that differs from FIG. 8.

[0035] FIG. 10 shows the refill adapter from FIG. 8 in a sectional side view.

[0036] FIG. 11 shows a threaded nut in three-dimensional view.

[0037] FIG. 12 shows the threaded nut from FIG. 11 in front view.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] FIGS. 1 to 12 show a preferred embodiment of the cartridge 1 for a cosmetic pen and its components.

[0039] The cartridge 1 comprises a cartridge body 3, a cosmetic refill 4, a refill adapter 5, a drive sleeve 6, and a threaded nut 7 (see FIG. 2).

[0040] The cosmetic refill 4 is hereby attached directly to the refill adapter 5, preferably inserted. The refill adapter 5 preferably holds the cosmetic refill 4 and also drives the cosmetic refill 4 by extracting and retracting it axially when the drive sleeve 6 is rotated.

[0041] For this purpose, the drive sleeve 6 is rotatably mounted and forms an external thread 6a on which a threaded nut 7 can then move translationally, whereby the threaded nut 7 drives the refill adapter 5 when the drive sleeve 6 rotates in the cartridge body 3.

[0042] In order to ensure the function of the cartridge 1 or the cosmetic pen, the cartridge body 3 and the threaded nut 7 must not be able to rotate relative to each other, or only to a negligible extent. This allows the threaded nut 7 to move translationally together with the refill adapter 5 on the external thread 6a of the drive sleeve 6.

[0043] For this purpose, the inner surface of the cartridge body 3 preferably has at least a local flattening 3a, which interacts with a complementary flattening 7a on the outer surface of the threaded nut 7. In the embodiment shown, the cross-section of the outer surface of the threaded nut 7 is therefore polygonal (see FIG. 12) and, accordingly, the cross-section of the inner surface of the cartridge body 3 is also polygonal. FIG. 3 clearly shows the individual flattened areas 3a of this polygonal cross-section, whereby individual tracks are formed in the cartridge body 3 along the partial length of the cartridge body 3. During the initial installation of the threaded nut 7, these tracks accommodate the threaded nut 7 and allow it to slide from the tip of the cartridge body 3 to its end.

[0044] At the end of the cartridge body 3, these grooves preferably run out in a triangular shape. This facilitates insertion during assembly and provides a natural stop for the threaded nut 7.

[0045] The drive sleeve 6 is preferably mounted at its tip and at its end in the cartridge body 3, and between these two mounting points, an annular gap 8 is formed between the drive sleeve 6 and the cartridge body 3. This annular gap 8 is used for the translational movement of the refill adapter 5 and the threaded nut 7. The drive sleeve 6 is also slotted along most of its length, preferably with an axial slot 6b (see FIG. 4). During assembly of the cartridge 1, the refill adapter 5 or its actuators 5a and 5b are inserted into this slot 6b. To allow these actuators 5a and 5b to slide into the slot 6b, the drive sleeve 6 has a preferably V-shaped insertion bevel 6d at its end facing the refill tip 4a (see FIG. 6).

[0046] When assembled, the first actuator 5a and the second actuator 5b protrude radially outward through the aforementioned slot 6b of the drive sleeve 6 into the area of the threaded nut 7. The second actuator 5b is designed to be flexible enough that it can be passed over by the threaded nut 7 on one side in order to engage in a snapping manner with the threaded nut 7. This is important when the cartridge 1 is installed for the first time. Here, the threaded nut 7 pushes this second actuator 5b downwards and thus locks between the two actuators 5a and 5b, allowing the threaded nut 7 to be taken with axially on both sides by the refill adapter 5. To this end, the threaded nut 7 abuts against both or one of the actuators 5a and 5b, at least when the cosmetic refill 4 is extracted and / or retracted.

[0047] The cartridge body 3 has a centering bearing 3b for the drive sleeve 6 at its end facing the refill tip 4a, preferably by tapering, ideally conically on the inside (see FIG. 2).

[0048] The drive sleeve 6, in turn, forms a centering slide bearing for the cosmetic refill 4 at its end facing the tip 4a of the refill by tapering there (see FIG. 5).

[0049] The drive sleeve 6 also has means for engaging by snapping 10 at its end facing away from the refill tip 4a, preferably in the form of a circumferential groove on its outer surface and a corresponding circumferential projection on the inner surface of the cartridge body 3. These means for engaging by snapping 10 are designed in such a way that the drive sleeve 6 can be locked with the cartridge body 3 in such a manner that, on the one hand, it is immobilized in the cartridge 1 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the cartridge and, on the other hand, remains rotatable relative to the cartridge 1. At this very end, the drive sleeve 6 is preferably also pressed further into the cartridge body 3; in the embodiment shown, it is clamped in and preferably also airtightly sealed by a v-shaped outer contour in this area, which is inserted wedge-shaped but thus deforms. Under no circumstances may the rotational movement of the drive sleeve be completely blocked.

[0050] The external thread 6a of the drive sleeve 6 is preferably interrupted not only by the slot 6b, but also by at least one additional groove 6c that does not pass radially through the drive sleeve 6, in which dirt and / or abrasion is preferably collected (see FIG. 6).

[0051] As mentioned, the embodiment shown in the figures is a cartridge 1 for a cosmetic pen. This cosmetic pen is not shown in the figures, but has at least one additional handpiece. The cartridge body 3 preferably has at least one coupling section 12 on its outer circumferential surface, preferably in the form of at least one projection 12, which engages with a complementary counter-means for engaging by snapping of the handpiece and is designed in such a way that the engagement occurs automatically, i.e. without special attention and without special action, as soon as the cartridge 1 and the handpiece are pushed into each other along the longitudinal axis L of the cartridge 1, the engagement by snapping preferably being designed in such a way that it can be pulled apart again by hand in the direction of the longitudinal axis L.

[0052] FIG. 7 also shows the coupling section 9 of the drive sleeve 6, which it has at its end facing away from the refill tip 4a. This coupling section 9 is preferably designed as a toothed or ribbed wheel in order to enable form-fitting coupling of a rotary mechanism of a handpiece by sliding it in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the cartridge 1, in the sense of an axial coupling.

[0053] The handpiece has a corresponding receptacle for this purpose. When the handpiece is rotated, the coupling section 9 and thus the drive sleeve 6 rotate, and the mechanism described above for extracting and retracting the cosmetic refill 4 is actuated.

[0054] The cartridge 1 is also preferably designed so that only the drive sleeve 6 is fixed by the coupling section 12. The cartridge body 3 also preferably has a flattened section 3c on the outside (see FIG. 1), which enables faster ventilation of the space created when the cartridge 1 is pulled out.

[0055] The cartridge body 3 also preferably has a means for engaging by snapping for locking a cap that protects the tip 4a of the refill. This is not shown in the figures, but is preferably also designed as a circumferential projection on the outer surface of the cartridge body 3.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0038]FIGS. 1 to 12 show a preferred embodiment of the cartridge 1 for a cosmetic pen and its components.

[0039]The cartridge 1 comprises a cartridge body 3, a cosmetic refill 4, a refill adapter 5, a drive sleeve 6, and a threaded nut 7 (see FIG. 2).

[0040]The cosmetic refill 4 is hereby attached directly to the refill adapter 5, preferably inserted. The refill adapter 5 preferably holds the cosmetic refill 4 and also drives the cosmetic refill 4 by extracting and retracting it axially when the drive sleeve 6 is rotated.

[0041]For this purpose, the drive sleeve 6 is rotatably mounted and forms an external thread 6a on which a threaded nut 7 can then move translationally, whereby the threaded nut 7 drives the refill adapter 5 when the drive sleeve 6 rotates in the cartridge body 3.

[0042]In order to ensure the function of the cartridge 1 or the cosmetic pen, the cartridge body 3 and the threaded nut 7 must not be able to rotate relative to each other, or only to a negligible extent. Thi...

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a cartridge for a cosmetic pen.TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Known refill systems for cosmetic pens use cosmetic refills (or refills) that are mounted in cartridges in such a way that they can be extended. For this purpose, the bodies of the cartridges (also: cartridge bodies) regularly have an internal thread. By means of this internal thread, the refills can be extended and, in most cases, retracted again by turning. The exterior of the cartridge bodies is generally not visually appealing, or can only be made so with great effort. This is because the internal thread causes the local wall thickness of the cartridge body to vary greatly, and thus also the required cooling time. This prevents, during injection molding, a visually flawless decorative surface from being formed practically by itself.

[0003] For this reason, in the refill systems known to date, the cartridges or cartridge bodies are either laboriously treated (finished) on the outside, or the refillable pin forms a jacket tube in which the cartridge disappears – at least almost – completely.

[0004] The former is expensive. The latter is not universally accepted, as it becomes more difficult to see at first glance how the cartridge should be correctly installed, and because over time, dirt from graphite residue can accumulate on the inner surface of the jacket tube, which is almost impossible to remove.OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The aim is to find a refill solution for cosmetic pens that is as easy to use as possible and does not pose a risk of unpleasant contamination in the long term.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The underlying problem is solved according to the invention.

[0007] For this purpose, a cartridge for a cosmetic pen is proposed. This cartridge is used in the narrower sense to “load” a cosmetic pen and, in the broader sense, can constitute at least most of a cosmetic pen. In addition to the cartridge, preferably only a rotatable handpiece at the end of the cartridge facing away from the tip of the refill is required to operate and hold the cosmetic pen, and preferably a cap to protect the cosmetic refill.

[0008] The cartridge preferably comprises a cartridge body and a cosmetic refill and is provided with a refill adapter that drives the end of the cosmetic refill facing away from the application tip and preferably holds the cosmetic refill. The cartridge body preferably forms at least the majority of the cartridge housing, which accommodates the rest of the cartridge components. In this case, the cosmetic refill can be pushed out of the cartridge body by means of the refill adapter.

[0009] The cartridge according to the invention is characterized in that a drive sleeve is rotatably mounted in the cartridge body, which forms an external thread on which a threaded nut can move translationally and is located between the drive sleeve and the cartridge body, whereby the threaded nut drives the refill adapter when the drive sleeve rotates in the cartridge body.

[0010] According to the invention, the circumferential wall of the cartridge body can be designed with a much more uniform wall thickness than before. This means that it can be given a very high-quality outer shell surface during injection molding, which does not have to be hidden in a shell tube of the refillable pen, but is permanently suitable as an attractive visible surface and is then regularly renewed from time to time when the next cartridge is inserted, which is also very satisfactory from a hygienic point of view.

[0011] A preferred further embodiment of the cartridge is that the threaded nut cannot rotate relative to the cartridge body at all or only to an insignificant degree. “Not more than insignificantly” means, in the sense of the invention, that the threaded nut can be rotated by a maximum of 10°, preferably even a maximum of 5°, in both directions before further rotation is blocked. For this purpose, the inner surface of the cartridge body preferably has at least a local flattening that interacts with a complementary flattening on the outer surface of the threaded nut. Ideally, the said inner and outer surfaces are interacting polygonal surfaces. The cross-section of the inner surface of the cartridge body and the outer surface of the threaded nut is therefore preferably polygonal. The edges of the polygonal cross-section thus extend in three dimensions to form polygonal surfaces, which then interact with each other. This design allows for an almost unchanged wall thickness, as only minimal flattening is necessary for a polygon.

[0012] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the drive sleeve is mounted at its tip and at its end in the cartridge body and forms an annular gap between it and the cartridge body in between. The drive sleeve is thus mounted either directly or indirectly in the cartridge body at its tip and its end. This results in a defined bearing of the drive sleeve in the cartridge body, whereby the annular gap between them can be used to accommodate the threaded nut.

[0013] In addition, it is particularly preferred if the drive sleeve is slotted over most of its length and preferably over its entire length, preferably with at least one axial slot. This slot is preferably provided at least in the area of the external thread of the drive sleeve. This axial slot preferably runs axially along the outer surface of the drive sleeve and is preferably unslotted in the area of the end facing away from the tip of the refill. The slit is required to accommodate the refill adapter, whereby the unslit end ideally forms a stop for the refill adapter and / or the threaded nut, which prevents them from being turned back further.

[0014] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the refill adapter has a first actuator which protrudes through the said slit in the drive sleeve into the area of the threaded nut. The first actuator thus preferably protrudes radially outward into the annular gap between the drive sleeve and the cartridge body. In this way, the threaded nut can push the refill adapter forward in such a way that the refill is extended from the cartridge body, whereby this actuator is preferably rigid.

[0015] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the refill adapter has a second actuator which protrudes through the aforementioned slot in the drive sleeve into the area of the threaded nut and which is designed in such a way that it can be passed over by the threaded nut in order to engage in a snapping manner with the threaded nut.

[0016] The second actuator is thus designed to be flexible in (only) one direction, so that the threaded nut presses the second actuator downwards during initial assembly, thereby passing over it, and after passing over it, it engages in a snapping manner between the first and second actuators and is caught there. In this way, when the threaded nut moves accordingly, it can pull the closure back into the cartridge body. This provides in a simple manner a mechanism for both extracting and retracting the refill.

[0017] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the cosmetic refill, in its unused, not yet shortened state, is spaced from the inner surface of the drive sleeve over most of its length in the direction of its longitudinal axis.

[0018] In addition, it is particularly preferred if the cartridge body forms a centering bearing for the drive sleeve at its end facing the tip of the refill, preferably by tapering, ideally conically on the inside. In this way, a centering for the drive sleeve can be created in the cartridge body in a simple manner.

[0019] It is also particularly preferable if the drive sleeve tapers at its end facing the tip of the refill, thus forming a sliding bearing for the cosmetic refill that preferably has a centering effect. This provides in a simple manner means of centering and guiding the cosmetic refill in the drive sleeve. The sliding surfaces of the sliding bearing are preferably cylindrical, among other things in order to be able to compensate for a length tolerance.

[0020] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the drive sleeve and the cartridge body interlock at their ends facing the tip of the refill in such a way that the cartridge body locally presses against or at least blocks the slot of the drive sleeve, i.e., at least prevents it from widening during operation. Although this allows the slot to be used to insert the refill adapter; but the slot does not interfere with the operation of the cartridge.

[0021] Furthermore, it is particularly preferable if the slot in the drive sleeve becomes narrower in the circumferential direction at the end facing the refill tip than in the rest, preferably in the entire rest of the refill sleeve, and ideally so narrow that the edges of the slot come into contact with each other and can thus limit the pressure that the drive sleeve can exert on the classified material in this area.

[0022] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the drive sleeve has a coupling section at its end facing away from the tip of the refill, preferably designed as a toothed or ribbed wheel, for form-fitting coupling of a rotary mechanism of a handpiece by means of rails in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cartridge. In this way, in a simple manner a handpiece can be mounted on the cartridge, which can be used on the one hand as a handle and on the other hand as an actuating element of the rotary mechanism of the cartridge for pushing out and retracting the cosmetic refill. In this way, the handpiece can also be easily removed again, for example to replace the cartridge.

[0023] It is also particularly preferable if the drive sleeve at its end facing away from the tip of the refill, has means for engaging by snapping which are designed in such a way that the drive sleeve can be locked to the cartridge body in such a way that, on the one hand, it is immobilized in the cartridge in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cartridge and, on the other hand, remains rotatable relative to the cartridge. For this purpose, the cartridge body preferably has a corresponding projection on the inside, preferably a circumferential projection, with which the means for engaging by snapping lock. In this way, axial slipping of the drive sleeve out of the cartridge body can be prevented in a simple manner.

[0024] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred if the external thread of the drive sleeve is interrupted not only by the slot but also by at least one additional groove that does not pass radially through the drive sleeve. Preferably, this groove runs axially on the outer surface of the drive sleeve. Any dirt that has penetrated into the thread area can accumulate in this groove without significantly impairing the smooth running of the thread.

[0025] Further modes of operation, advantages, and design options are apparent from the figure-supported description of the embodiment.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a side view of the cartridge according to the invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a sectional side view of the cartridge according to the invention, analogous to FIG. 1.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a three-dimensional view of the cartridge according to the invention from FIG. 1, with the individual components being partially transparent.

[0029] FIG. 4 shows a drive sleeve in three-dimensional view.

[0030] FIG. 5 shows the drive sleeve from FIG. 4 in a sectional side view.

[0031] FIG. 6 shows the drive sleeve from FIG. 4 in a top view.

[0032] FIG. 7 shows the drive sleeve from FIG. 4 in a rear view.

[0033] FIG. 8 shows a refill adapter in three-dimensional view.

[0034] FIG. 9 shows the refill adapter from FIG. 8 in a three-dimensional view that differs from FIG. 8.

[0035] FIG. 10 shows the refill adapter from FIG. 8 in a sectional side view.

[0036] FIG. 11 shows a threaded nut in three-dimensional view.

[0037] FIG. 12 shows the threaded nut from FIG. 11 in front view.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] FIGS. 1 to 12 show a preferred embodiment of the cartridge 1 for a cosmetic pen and its components.

[0039] The cartridge 1 comprises a cartridge body 3, a cosmetic refill 4, a refill adapter 5, a drive sleeve 6, and a threaded nut 7 (see FIG. 2).

[0040] The cosmetic refill 4 is hereby attached directly to the refill adapter 5, preferably inserted. The refill adapter 5 preferably holds the cosmetic refill 4 and also drives the cosmetic refill 4 by extracting and retracting it axially when the drive sleeve 6 is rotated.

[0041] For this purpose, the drive sleeve 6 is rotatably mounted and forms an external thread 6a on which a threaded nut 7 can then move translationally, whereby the threaded nut 7 drives the refill adapter 5 when the drive sleeve 6 rotates in the cartridge body 3.

[0042] In order to ensure the function of the cartridge 1 or the cosmetic pen, the cartridge body 3 and the threaded nut 7 must not be able to rotate relative to each other, or only to a negligible extent. This allows the threaded nut 7 to move translationally together with the refill adapter 5 on the external thread 6a of the drive sleeve 6.

[0043] For this purpose, the inner surface of the cartridge body 3 preferably has at least a local flattening 3a, which interacts with a complementary flattening 7a on the outer surface of the threaded nut 7. In the embodiment shown, the cross-section of the outer surface of the threaded nut 7 is therefore polygonal (see FIG. 12) and, accordingly, the cross-section of the inner surface of the cartridge body 3 is also polygonal. FIG. 3 clearly shows the individual flattened areas 3a of this polygonal cross-section, whereby individual tracks are formed in the cartridge body 3 along the partial length of the cartridge body 3. During the initial installation of the threaded nut 7, these tracks accommodate the threaded nut 7 and allow it to slide from the tip of the cartridge body 3 to its end.

[0044] At the end of the cartridge body 3, these grooves preferably run out in a triangular shape. This facilitates insertion during assembly and provides a natural stop for the threaded nut 7.

[0045] The drive sleeve 6 is preferably mounted at its tip and at its end in the cartridge body 3, and between these two mounting points, an annular gap 8 is formed between the drive sleeve 6 and the cartridge body 3. This annular gap 8 is used for the translational movement of the refill adapter 5 and the threaded nut 7. The drive sleeve 6 is also slotted along most of its length, preferably with an axial slot 6b (see FIG. 4). During assembly of the cartridge 1, the refill adapter 5 or its actuators 5a and 5b are inserted into this slot 6b. To allow these actuators 5a and 5b to slide into the slot 6b, the drive sleeve 6 has a preferably V-shaped insertion bevel 6d at its end facing the refill tip 4a (see FIG. 6).

[0046] When assembled, the first actuator 5a and the second actuator 5b protrude radially outward through the aforementioned slot 6b of the drive sleeve 6 into the area of the threaded nut 7. The second actuator 5b is designed to be flexible enough that it can be passed over by the threaded nut 7 on one side in order to engage in a snapping manner with the threaded nut 7. This is important when the cartridge 1 is installed for the first time. Here, the threaded nut 7 pushes this second actuator 5b downwards and thus locks between the two actuators 5a and 5b, allowing the threaded nut 7 to be taken with axially on both sides by the refill adapter 5. To this end, the threaded nut 7 abuts against both or one of the actuators 5a and 5b, at least when the cosmetic refill 4 is extracted and / or retracted.

[0047] The cartridge body 3 has a centering bearing 3b for the drive sleeve 6 at its end facing the refill tip 4a, preferably by tapering, ideally conically on the inside (see FIG. 2).

[0048] The drive sleeve 6, in turn, forms a centering slide bearing for the cosmetic refill 4 at its end facing the tip 4a of the refill by tapering there (see FIG. 5).

[0049] The drive sleeve 6 also has means for engaging by snapping 10 at its end facing away from the refill tip 4a, preferably in the form of a circumferential groove on its outer surface and a corresponding circumferential projection on the inner surface of the cartridge body 3. These means for engaging by snapping 10 are designed in such a way that the drive sleeve 6 can be locked with the cartridge body 3 in such a manner that, on the one hand, it is immobilized in the cartridge 1 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the cartridge and, on the other hand, remains rotatable relative to the cartridge 1. At this very end, the drive sleeve 6 is preferably also pressed further into the cartridge body 3; in the embodiment shown, it is clamped in and preferably also airtightly sealed by a v-shaped outer contour in this area, which is inserted wedge-shaped but thus deforms. Under no circumstances may the rotational movement of the drive sleeve be completely blocked.

[0050] The external thread 6a of the drive sleeve 6 is preferably interrupted not only by the slot 6b, but also by at least one additional groove 6c that does not pass radially through the drive sleeve 6, in which dirt and / or abrasion is preferably collected (see FIG. 6).

[0051] As mentioned, the embodiment shown in the figures is a cartridge 1 for a cosmetic pen. This cosmetic pen is not shown in the figures, but has at least one additional handpiece. The cartridge body 3 preferably has at least one coupling section 12 on its outer circumferential surface, preferably in the form of at least one projection 12, which engages with a complementary counter-means for engaging by snapping of the handpiece and is designed in such a way that the engagement occurs automatically, i.e. without special attention and without special action, as soon as the cartridge 1 and the handpiece are pushed into each other along the longitudinal axis L of the cartridge 1, the engagement by snapping preferably being designed in such a way that it can be pulled apart again by hand in the direction of the longitudinal axis L.

[0052] FIG. 7 also shows the coupling section 9 of the drive sleeve 6, which it has at its end facing away from the refill tip 4a. This coupling section 9 is preferably designed as a toothed or ribbed wheel in order to enable form-fitting coupling of a rotary mechanism of a handpiece by sliding it in the direction of the longitudinal axis L of the cartridge 1, in the sense of an axial coupling.

[0053] The handpiece has a corresponding receptacle for this purpose. When the handpiece is rotated, the coupling section 9 and thus the drive sleeve 6 rotate, and the mechanism described above for extracting and retracting the cosmetic refill 4 is actuated.

[0054] The cartridge 1 is also preferably designed so that only the drive sleeve 6 is fixed by the coupling section 12. The cartridge body 3 also preferably has a flattened section 3c on the outside (see FIG. 1), which enables faster ventilation of the space created when the cartridge 1 is pulled out.

[0055] The cartridge body 3 also preferably has a means for engaging by snapping for locking a cap that protects the tip 4a of the refill. This is not shown in the figures, but is preferably also designed as a circumferential projection on the outer surface of the cartridge body 3.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0038]FIGS. 1 to 12 show a preferred embodiment of the cartridge 1 for a cosmetic pen and its components.

[0039]The cartridge 1 comprises a cartridge body 3, a cosmetic refill 4, a refill adapter 5, a drive sleeve 6, and a threaded nut 7 (see FIG. 2).

[0040]The cosmetic refill 4 is hereby attached directly to the refill adapter 5, preferably inserted. The refill adapter 5 preferably holds the cosmetic refill 4 and also drives the cosmetic refill 4 by extracting and retracting it axially when the drive sleeve 6 is rotated.

[0041]For this purpose, the drive sleeve 6 is rotatably mounted and forms an external thread 6a on which a threaded nut 7 can then move translationally, whereby the threaded nut 7 drives the refill adapter 5 when the drive sleeve 6 rotates in the cartridge body 3.

[0042]In order to ensure the function of the cartridge 1 or the cosmetic pen, the cartridge body 3 and the threaded nut 7 must not be able to rotate relative to each other, or only to a negligible extent. Thi...

Claims

1. A cartridge for a cosmetic pen comprising:a cartridge body;a drive sleeve rotatably mounted in the cartridge body, which forms an external thread on which a threaded nut moves translationally between the drive sleeve and the cartridge body;a cosmetic refill; anda refill adapter that drives and holds an end of the cosmetic refill, wherein the cosmetic refill can be pushed out of the cartridge body using the refill adapter, and wherein the threaded nut drives the refill adapter when the drive sleeve rotates in the cartridge body.

2. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge body interacts with the threaded nut in such a way that the threaded nut cannot rotate relative to the cartridge body, for which purpose an inner surface of the cartridge body has at least a local flattening that interacts with a complementary flattening on an outer surface of the threaded nut.

3. The cartridge according to claim 2, wherein the inner surface of the cartridge body and the outer surface of the threaded nut are polygonal surfaces that interact with each other.

4. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the drive sleeve is mounted at a tip of the drive sleeve and at an end of the drive sleeve in the cartridge body and forms an annular gap between the drive sleeve and the cartridge body.

5. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the drive sleeve is slotted over at least most of a length of the drive sleeve, with at least one axial slot.

6. The cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the refill adapter has a first actuator which protrudes through the at least one axial slot in the drive sleeve into an area of the threaded nut.

7. The cartridge according to claim 6, wherein the refill adapter has a second actuator which protrudes through the at least one axial slot in the drive sleeve into the area of the threaded nut and is designed to be passed over by the threaded nut in order to engage in a snapping manner with the threaded nut.

8. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cosmetic refill is spaced apart from an inner surface of the drive sleeve over most of a length of the cosmetic refill in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

9. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge body forms a centering bearing for the drive sleeve at an end of the cartridge body facing a tip of the cosmetic refill, by tapering conically on an inside of the cartridge body.

10. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the drive sleeve tapers at an end facing a tip of the cosmetic refill and thus forms a centering sliding bearing for the cosmetic refill.

11. The cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the drive sleeve and the cartridge body interlock at their ends facing a tip of the cosmetic refill in such a way that the cartridge body locally presses shut or at least blocks the at least one axial slot of the drive sleeve.

12. The cartridge according to claim 11, wherein the at least one axial slot in the drive sleeve becomes narrower in a circumferential direction at the end facing the tip of the cosmetic refill, and is so narrow that edges of the at least one axial slot come into contact with each other and thus limit a pressure that the drive sleeve exerts on the cosmetic refill in this area.

13. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the drive sleeve forms a coupling section at an end facing away from a tip of the cosmetic refill for form-fitting coupling of a rotary mechanism of a handpiece using rails in a direction of a longitudinal axis of the cartridge.

14. The cartridge according to claim 13, wherein the coupling section comprises a toothed or ribbed wheel.

15. The cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the drive sleeve can engage by snapping at an end facing away from a tip of the cosmetic refill, which is designed in such a way that the drive sleeve engages by snapping to the cartridge body in such a way that the drive sleeve is immobilized in the cartridge in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the cartridge and remains rotatable relative to the cartridge.

16. The cartridge according to claim 5, wherein the external thread of the drive sleeve is interrupted not only by the at least one axial slot but also by at least one additional groove which does not pass radially through the drive sleeve.

17. A cosmetic pen comprising a handpiece and the cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge body has at least one coupling section on an outer circumferential surface, which engages by snapping with a complementary counter-means for engaging by snapping of the handpiece and which is designed in such a way that the engagement by snapping takes place by itself as soon as the cartridge and the handpiece are pushed into each other along a longitudinal axis of the cartridge, the engagement by snapping being designed in such a way that the engagement can be pulled apart again by hand in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

18. The cosmetic pen according to claim 17, wherein the cartridge is designed in such a way that, when the cosmetic pen is used, only the drive sleeve is fixed in a rotary manner by the coupling section.

19. The cosmetic pen according to claim 17, wherein the cartridge body has a means for engaging by snapping a cap protecting a tip of the cosmetic refill.

Images