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(11) | EP 4 091 500 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | APPLICATOR WITH A 3D PRINTED APPLICATOR COMPONENT ATTACHED IN A SPECIAL WAY |
| (57) The invention relates to an applicator (1) for applying a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical
product to skin or hair or an adhesive to any substrate comprising at least one first
applicator component (2) made of polymer material and having a 3D printed texture
as a result of its manufacture by 3D printing, and comprising at least one second
applicator component (3) materially bonded to the first applicator component (2),
characterized in that a joining material (11) is interposed between the first (2)
and the second applicator component (3), in which said joining material (11) is made
of the same polymer material family as the first applicator component (2) and in which
the said joining material (11), when the first (2) and the second applicator component
(3) are joined, has been introduced in its uncured state between the first (2) and
the second applicator component (3) and has subsequently been brought to cure and
thereby joins the applicator components (2, 3) to one another, whereby the same type
of chemical linkage exists between the joining material (11) and the first applicator
component (2) as it exists within the first applicator component (2) and whereby a
chemical linkage and/or a mechanically form-fitting bond is also existing between
the joining material (11) and the second applicator component (3).
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[0001] The invention relates to an applicator for applying a cosmetic, a care product, a pharmaceutical or an adhesive according to the generic concept of claim 1 and to a method for manufacturing such an applicator.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
[0002] Driven by the continuous development of injection moulding technology, applicators with sophisticated applicator elements are more in demand than ever. In the meantime, there is an increasing demand for complex applicator elements, such as multiple forked bristles or bristles with local perforations or the like, which exceed even the manufacturing possibilities that can be realised using modern injection moulding technology.
[0003] As a result, it is now becoming increasingly popular to manufacture sophisticated applicators using 3D printing.
[0004] Applicators integrally 3D printed from a single material are of limited use. The handle becomes too soft if a material - that is ideal for the bristles - is uncompromisingly chosen, too, for the printing of the handle. On the other hand, the bristles are too hard if, out of consideration of the needs for the handle and its minimum bending stiffness, a harder material is chosen than is actually recommended for 3D printing of the bristles.
[0005] It would be desirable to print different materials integrally in one step. However, the current state of the art does not allow different materials to be printed without further ado. This is especially the case when the ideal 3D printing process for applicator printing is chosen - which is 3D printing from the liquid phase.
[0006] In practice, it is therefore not possible to print one-piece applicators in one step that have sections with different material properties - such as a handle or bristle carrier made of a very stiff polymer material and bristles attached to a bristle carrier element made of a very soft, flexible and supple material. It is even more difficult to make a handle from a stiff polymer material that carries different bristle carrier elements made from different flexible materials in sections.
[0007] Because of this, it is still common practice to mount applicators that use a 3D printed bristle carrier on the handle. This causes some effort.
THE PROBLEM UNDERLYING THE INVENTION
[0008] The invention is based on the problem of providing an applicator which has at least one 3D printed applicator component which can be mounted with less effort - than previously necessary - on a second applicator component which is manufactured elsewhere, or which is also 3D printed but consists of a different material.
THE SOLUTION ACCORDING TO THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, a fully fabricated, ready-to-use applicator for applying a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical product to the skin or hair or an adhesive to any substrate is proposed.
[0011] The applicator according to the invention is characterized by the fact that it consists of at least one first applicator component made of polymer material. This applicator component has been manufactured by 3D printing. It has a corresponding physical texture, namely that special free surface which is particularly evenly stepped compared to the normal roughness. Said stepping is formed by the adjacent pixels exposed on the surface. The surface thus shows a so called 3D printed texture.
[0012] The applicator according to the invention is further characterized in that it comprises at least one second applicator component which is materially connected to the first applicator component. According to the invention, the joining material between the first and the second applicator component is made of the same polymer material family as the first applicator component, i.e. from a 3D printing material. During the joining of the first and the second applicator component, this joining material was introduced or inserted between the first and the second applicator component in its uncured state. It was then subsequently cured or solidified/cured, for example by application of radiation and/or thermally conducted heat. This connects the applicator components to each other.
[0013] It is characteristic that between the joining material and the first applicator component there is completely or at least among others the same kind of chemical linkage as within the first applicator component. Thus, in the majority of cases, it can be said that printing has virtually continued after the first and the second applicator components have been joined, although usually not on a pixel-by-pixel basis. At the same time, there is also a chemical linkage or bond between the joining material and the second applicator component of the ready-to-use applicator and/or there is a mechanical interlocking connection.
[0014] This way of joining the two applicator components has a decisive advantage. Previously, in order to bond or weld a 3D printed applicator component to or with another applicator component, careful pre-treatment of the bonding or welding surface was required. In particular, it was necessary to carefully remove any adhering but not cured or solidified printing material from the applicator component that had previously been produced by 3D printing and was now to be bonded. Because the same material is used as the bonding material as before for 3D printing, the time-consuming additional step of carefully freeing the just 3D printed applicator component from uncured printing material may be in some cases not necessary. This makes it significantly easier to assemble and securely connect two components 3D printed from different materials or a 3D printed component and a component manufactured elsewhere.
OPTIONS FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The first and/or second applicator component may be designed to be fully or locally permeable to the radiation curing said joining material. The design is then such that the radiation curing said joining material can penetrate into the region of the joining material enclosed between the first and the second applicator components. For this purpose, materials which are "glassy" or partially transparent (opaque) for the corresponding radiation can be used. Not always, but often, these are materials that also appear glassy or opaque to the human eye.
Radiation comprises for example thermal radiation via visible radiation or ultraviolet radiation and beyond that, depending from what is used for curing.
[0016] Alternatively, the first and/or second applicator component(s) is (are) wholly or partially configured as a radiation conductor such that the applicator component so configured directs the radiation curing said bonding material into the region of the joining material enclosed between the first and the second applicator components.
[0017] Alternatively, it is provided that the parting line filled by the joining material is open to the outside and, in particular, is dimensioned in terms of height in such a way that enough radiation can be introduced via it to allow said joining material to cure completely.
[0018] Preferably, the first applicator component is a carrier covered with bristles, application protrusions and/or flock. The second applicator component is then preferably a core connected to a handle. This core may be called a bristle carrier core, an applicator core or a flock carrier core. It is preferably inserted into the first applicator component.
[0019] Ideally, at least one applicator component has one or more discrete recesses, preferably visible to the naked eye, which are filled by the cured joining material and create a positive bond between the joining material and the applicator component concerned. Alternatively or additionally, one or more protrusions are present which are embedded by the cured joining material and create a form-fitting bond between the joining material and the applicator component concerned.
[0020] Ideally, the applicator according to the invention comprises a polymer material, preferably having at least one functional group based on olefin, or amide, or ether, or esther, or urethane, or urethane-acrylate, or urethane-methacrylate, or acrylate. Somewhat more generalized one can say that the inventive applicator for applying a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical product or adhesive comprises or is made of a polymer material based on at least one polyolefin, or at least one polyamide, or at least one polyether, or at least one thermoplastic urethane, or at least one thermoplastic elastomer.
It is particularly advantageous if the first applicator component consists of a polymer material comprising an agent promoting photopolymerization and/or a cross-joining reaction and/or thermal curing, and preferably also the second applicator component consists of a polymer material comprising an agent promoting photopolymerization and/or a cross-joining reaction and/or thermal curing.
[0021] Protection is also claimed for a method of manufacturing an applicator of the type disclosed herein comprising a first applicator component and at least one second applicator component, characterized in that the first applicator component and the second applicator component are brought into abutment against each other with the inclusion of the uncured material from which the first applicator component or the second applicator component has been printed, and, in a next step, the material enclosed between the first and the second applicator component is cured by the application of light and/or heat.
[0022] In particular, a method is claimed comprising the following steps in total:
Production of the digital 3-dimensional model of at least one first applicator component forming an applicator element. Formation of the solid 3-dimensional first applicator component by additive manufacturing process.
Fixing the fixed 3-dimensional applicator component to a portion of a second applicator component, preferably forming a stem end. Further advantages, possible embodiments and modes of operation of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the embodiments.
FIGURE LIST
[0023]
Figure 1 shows the first applicator component, here in the form of a bristle carrier sleeve.
Figure 2 shows the first applicator component before it is joined to the second applicator component, in this case in the form of a bristle carrier core.
Figure 3 shows the situation described in Figure 2 after partial insertion.
Figure 4 shows the arrangement described by the previous Figures after complete unification.
Figure 5 shows the introduction of curing radiation across the gap filled by the joining material.
Figure 6 shows the introduction of the curing radiation via the second applicator component, which is used here as a radiation guide.
Figure 7 shows an embodiment in which the first applicator component is made of several parts.
Figure 8 shows another embodiment in which the first applicator component is open at both ends.
Figure 9 shows an embodiment in which the first applicator component is a flock carrier sleeve and the second applicator component is a flock carrier core, whereby a stop is provided here.
Figure 10 shows the combination of the first and the second applicator components in the embodiment shown in Figure 11.
Figure 11 shows an embodiment according to Figure 9, but without the stop.
Figure 12 shows another embodiment in which the first applicator component is not sleeve- or chuck-shaped.
Figure 13 shows a similar embodiment as Fig. 12, but in which the first applicator component additionally consists of several independent parts.
Figure 14 shows another embodiment that is comparable to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4. Here, the second applicator component in the form of the core is used as a light guide and also has special light guide devices shown here to allow the radiation to exit specifically where it is needed.
Figure 15 serves to further illustrate what is shown in Figure 14.
Figure 16 shows a sketch of the design example of Fig. 14 again, in which the core has a profiling that serves as a form-fit anchorage.
Figure 17 shows a functionally comparable alternative to Figure 16.
Figure 18 shows another embodiment in which the core has several apertures that also serve for positive anchoring.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Figures 1 to 4 show the first embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 shows the finished applicator 1.
[0025] First, the first applicator component 2 of this embodiment is manufactured in the form of a bristle carrier or in the form of a bristle-carrying sleeve. The simple, preferably tapered bristles, as known from injection moulding, may be only shown here as placeholders. Bristles produced by 3D printing will typically have more sophisticated geometries, usually with at least one undercut. The 3D printing of applicators according to the invention is typically carried out from the liquid phase, predominantly hanging. The applicator is thus built up descending from top to bottom. Wherever the radiation used for curing, usually in the form of a laser beam, hits, a pixel is cured from the liquid and welded or connected to the gaggle of pixels created by corresponding previous evaluation operations. This continues until the bristle carrier 2 has the desired shape - for example, the shape shown in Figure 1.
[0026] In some cases, the surface of an applicator component that is to be brought into contact and directly connected to the second applicator component is wetted with the liquid material used for 3D printing of the first applicator component before it can be mounted. In many cases, for example, the second applicator component in the form of the bristle carrier core is dipped accordingly.
[0028] In this embodiment, a preferred type of assembly is shown. The bristle carrier forming the first applicator component here forms a sleeve or sheath which is fitted with the desired bristles on its outer side and into whose inner region, usually in its centre, a bristle carrier core 3 can be inserted. In many cases, this bristle carrier core 3 is an integral part of the stem or handle 4. In some or the majority of cases, the handle 4 is connected to an enlarged handle not shown here. By means of this handle the applicator can be guided by hand. The enlarged handle usually also serves as a closure for the storage container that contains the compound that is applied with the applicator.
[0029] Typically, the applicator components to be joined are matched to each other in such a way that a sufficiently large gap 5 remains between them. The gap 5 is designed to hold sufficient joining material, usually in the form of liquid, to ensure the desired bonding of the first and the second applicator components during the curing process.
[0030] There are different ways to achieve curing of the joining material that lies between the first and the second applicator components.
[0031] A first possibility is shown in Figure 5. The first applicator component consists of a material that is essentially impenetrable or only penetrable to a limited extent for the radiation (including infrared light to ultraviolet light in the widest sense) used for curing. Hence, it is necessary to dimension the gap 5 - especially in its radial height - in such a way that curing can be achieved by targeted radiation along the gap in its longitudinal direction. The whole thing is done as indicated by the two horizontal arrows in Figure 5.
[0032] Alternatively, it is possible to design the second applicator component, here in the form of the bristle carrier core, in such a way that it allows light or other radiation to enter the joint. The same applies, of course, if instead of a bristle carrier core, for example, a flock carrier core is used. This solution is shown in Figure 6, where the second applicator component in the form of the bristle carrier core is designed as a radiation or light guide. The radiation, as defined above, used for curing or, in particular, the light used for curing is preferably irradiated via the front surface of the second applicator component or the bristle carrier core. The latter transmits the radiation used for curing in the area of the interior of the sleeve or the bristle carrier core and releases it there. In this way, rapid curing, usually over a large area, can take place in the area between the first applicator component and the second applicator component.
[0033] In this context, reference is made to the modified embodiment of Figures 14 and 15. Here, the second applicator component is a bristle carrier core into which V-shaped notches or grooves are preferably cut. They serve here as special "radiation emission windows", which allow a part of the radiation suitable for curing, which is coupled in via the free front surface of the bristle carrier core, to escape into the area of the joining material, which lies between the first and the second applicator component. This is indicated by the radiation arrows in Fig.15.
[0034] Alternatively or additionally, it is of course possible to manufacture the first applicator component from a radiation- or light-conducting, transparent or sufficiently opaque material, at least in certain areas. In this way, it is then possible to apply radiation, for example, in a radial direction. The radially directed radiation penetrates the sleeve or the casing of the bristle carrier. In this way, it reaches the area between the bristle carrier and the bristle carrier core in order to harden the joining material located there.
[0035] This design is of particular interest if the bristle carrier core has a shoulder of the type shown in Figure 6, which forms a push-on stop for the sleeve or casing of the bristle carrier 2.
[0036] When the second applicator component, shown here in the form of the bristle carrier core, is inserted into the first applicator component, shown here in the form of the bristle carrier, a pumping effect usually occurs. Air enclosed in the bristle carrier is compressed. As long as there is no other way out, it escapes via the gap 5 between the bristle carrier or its sleeve or casing and the core of the bristle carrier. This effect can be used to ensure that the joining material in the bristle carrier sleeve or sheath - especially if it is in the form of 3D printing fluid - is pressed outwards through the gap 5. In this way it can be achieved that the gap 5 is filled everywhere and evenly with this liquid at the end of the insertion of the bristle carrier core.
[0039] Figure 8 uses a bristle carrier that forms a sleeve open at both ends of the strands or a sheath open at both ends. In this way, the pumping effect is eliminated. In addition, this construction has the advantage that light or other radiation used for curing can be introduced along the gap 5 from both ends for the purpose of curing.
[0040] Another alternative solution for the pumping effect is shown in Figure 7, where the bristle carrier is either completely made of several parts, preferably also of different materials, or provided with local vent holes 6.
[0041] The solutions of the Figures presented so far usually rely on a chemical bond or at least a bonding between the bonding material and the second applicator component, here in the form of the bristle carrier core.
[0042] Alternative constructions for cases in which there is not sufficient chemical bonding or adhesion between the bonding material and, for example, the material of the second applicator component are shown in Figures 15 to 18.
[0043] In Figure 15, the second applicator component in the form of the bristle carrier core has recesses 8, preferably in the radial direction. In these recesses 8, joining material collects which, in the course of its curing, forms complementary protrusions which then permanently rest in the recesses 8 of the bristle carrier core.
[0044] In this way, a positive form fit connection is achieved that provides a firm hold even if there is no adhesion and/or chemical reaction between the connecting material and the second applicator component.
[0045] In Figure 16, the second applicator component, here in the form of the bristle carrier core, has protrusions 9 that are embraced by the joining material. As the joining material cures, these protrusions 9 become permanently embedded in the joining material. In this way, a positive form fit connection is achieved which provides a firm hold between the connecting material and the second applicator component even if no adhesion and/or chemical reaction occurs.
[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the second applicator component can of course have openings that are completely "flooded" by the joining material and then also provide the desired form fit after curing.
[0047] Figures 9 to 11 show a second embodiment of an applicator according to the invention, whereby here, for example, flocking is used as bristles in the broadest sense.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0048]
- 1
- applicator
- 2
- first applicator component e.g. bristle carrier or bristle-carrying sleeve
- 3
- second applicator component, e.g. bristle carrier core
- 4
- handle
- 5
- gap
- 6
- vent hole
- 7
- shoulder serving as a deferral stop
- 8
- recess
- 9
- protrusion
- 10
- breakthrough
- 11
- joining material
MISCELLANEOUS
1. Applicator (1) for applying a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical product to skin or
hair or an adhesive to any substrate comprising at least one first applicator component
(2) made of polymer material and having a 3D printed texture as a result of its manufacture
by 3D printing, and comprising at least one second applicator component (3) materially
bonded to the first applicator component (2), characterized in that a joining material (11) is interposed between the first (2) and the second applicator
component (3), in which said joining material (11) is made of the same polymer material
family as the first applicator component (2) and in which the said joining material
(11), when the first (2) and the second applicator component (3) are joined, has been
introduced in its uncured state between the first (2) and the second applicator component
(3) and has subsequently been brought to cure and thereby joins the applicator components
(2, 3) to one another, whereby the same type of chemical linkage exists between the
joining material (11) and the first applicator component (2) as it exists within the
first applicator component (2) and whereby a chemical linkage and/or a mechanically
form-fitting bond is also existing between the joining material (11) and the second
applicator component (3).
2. Applicator (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and/or second applicator component (2, 3) is/are designed to be wholly
or locally permeable to the radiation curing said bonding material, such that the
radiation curing said bonding material can penetrate into the region of the bonding
material enclosed between the first and the second applicator component (2, 3), and/or
that the first and/or second applicator component (2, 3) is/are designed wholly or
partially as a radiation guide, such that the applicator member(s) so configured conduct
(s) the radiation curing said joining material (11) into the region of the bonding
material enclosed between the first and the second applicator (2, 3) components.
3. Applicator (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the parting line filled by the joining material (11) is open to the outside and dimensioned
in such a way that enough radiation can be introduced via it to allow said joining
material (11) to cure completely.
4. Applicator (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the first applicator component (2) is preferably a carrier fitted with bristles or
application protrusions and the second applicator (3) component is a core which is
preferably connected to a handle (4) and which is preferably inserted into the first
applicator component (2), wherein the second applicator component (3) preferably has
a radiation-conducting property such that thermal radiation, UV light or visible light
can be coupled via it into the region in which the said joining material (11) to be
cured is located between the first and the second applicator component (2, 3).
5. Applicator (1) preferably according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one applicator component (2, 3) has one or more discrete recesses (8) which
are filled by the cured joining material (11) and provide a positive form fit between
the joining material (11) and the applicator component (2, 3) concerned and/or has
one or more protrusions (9) which are embedded by the cured joining material (11)
and provide a positive form fit between the joining material (11) and the applicator
component (2, 3) concerned.
6. Applicator (1) for applying a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical product or adhesive,
according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the polymer material comprises at least one functional group based on olefin, or
amide, or ether, or esther, or urethane, or urethane-acrylate, or urethane-methacrylate,
or acrylate.
7. Applicator (1) for applying a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical product or adhesive,
preferably according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first applicator component
(2) consists of a polymer material comprising an agent promoting photopolymerization
and/or a cross-linking reaction and/or thermal curing and preferably also the second
applicator component (3) consists of a polymer material comprising an agent promoting
photopolymerization and/or a cross-linking reaction and/or thermal curing.
8. Applicator (1) for applying a cosmetic, care or pharmaceutical product or adhesive,
preferably according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle (4) is manufactured by a process other than the additive manufacturing
process.
9. A method of manufacturing an applicator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
which comprises a first applicator component (2) and at least one second applicator
component (3), characterized in that the first applicator component (2) and the second applicator component (3) are brought
into abutment against each other with enclosure of that joining material (11) which
has not yet hardened and from which the first applicator component (2) or the second
applicator component (3) has been printed, and in a next step the joining material
(11) enclosed between the first and the second applicator component (2, 3) is brought
to harden by application of light and/or heat starting preferably a photopolymerization
and/or a cross-linking reaction and/or thermal curing.
10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:
Production of the digital 3-dimensional model of at least one first applicator component (2) forming an applicator element.
Formation of the solid 3-dimensional first applicator component (2) by additive manufacturing process.
Fixing the cured 3-dimensional applicator component (2) to a portion of a second applicator component (3), preferably forming a stem end.
11. Use of an applicator (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, preferably for the
application of a cosmetic and/or health product to eyelashes, eyebrows, eyelids, hair,
lips and cheeks, nails, skin, or mucous membrane; or for the application of a dental
product on teeth or gum.