APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FORMING BRISTLE BUNDLES, BRUSH MANUFACTURING MACHINE, USE OF AN APPARATUS FOR FORMING BRISTLE BUNDLES, BRUSH, COMPUTER PROGRAM AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for forming bristle bundles (2) is provided. The apparatus (1) includes at least one bundle pocket (3), intended to receive a bristle bundle (2) to be formed. The bundle pocket (3) has at least one piercing (6) in the side. A displacement device (7) on the apparatus (1) can be introduced into the bundle pocket (3) through this piercing (6) to create a clearance (29) inside a bristle bundle (2) to be formed. The bundle pocket (3) and the bristle bundle (2) located therein are heated by the heating device (4) in the apparatus (1) to fix the shape of the bristle bundle (2) defined by the bundle pocket (3) and the displacement device (7).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to an apparatus and to a method for forming bristle bundles, to a brush manufacturing machine having an apparatus of this type, as well as to the use of such an apparatus in the manufacture of brushes.

BACKGROUND

A method and an apparatus for manufacturing paintbrushes, brushes and the like are already known from publication DE 23 13 572 A. In the method it is provided that, for manufacturing paintbrushes, brushes and the like, a multiplicity of synthetic bristles are introduced into a hollow mold which is established by a cavity. A movable pin is moved in a manner substantially centric in relation to these bristles and in the longitudinal direction of these bristles to an internal position in this mold. Said pin thus practically divides the interior of this mold into two cavities and generates a substantially empty void which lies so as to be substantially in the center of the bristles. The ends of the bristles are heated in one of these cavities. The objective of the latter is to substantially melt the parts of these bristles in this cavity. A compression plate is subsequently introduced into the substantially molten bristle material. The fused bristle material subsequently solidifies and forms a paintbrush or brush construction. The brush, or the paintbrush, respectively, generated in this way is subsequently removed from the mold.

A method for manufacturing brushes and a corresponding apparatus are already known from DE 10 2012 010 415 A1. In the manufacturing of brushes according to the method it is provided that a plurality of bristle bundles are stuffed into an opening which is present in a bristle carrier of a brush to be manufactured, without the bristle bundles already being brought together outside in a guide plate.

A toothbrush is already known from DE 10 2007 014 675 A1. The toothbrush has a handle and a brush head which comprises at least one first and one second bristle carrier. The bristle carriers are mutually spaced apart and movable relative to one another. The first bristle carrier is disposed so as to neighbor the handle and carries a plurality of bristle bundles. The second bristle carrier carries only a single bristle bundle which is disposed so as to be centric in relation to the extension of the longitudinal axis of the handle.

A bristle unit having a bristle field, a brush having a bristle unit, and an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a bristle unit are already known from DE 10 2016 004 500 A1. The bristle unit comprises a carrier plate which has a plurality of perforations that penetrate the carrier plate. The perforations have a holding portion which along the longitudinal axis thereof has a consistent cross section, and receive bristle bundles. At least one of the bristle bundles in a bristle field of the bristle unit is an oblique bristle bundle which is disposed at an angular position in the perforation assigned to said bristle bundle, at an acute angle in relation to the longitudinal axis of the perforation assigned to said bristle bundle, is fused and fastened to the carrier plate in the selected angular position.

Brushes, for example toothbrushes, are offered in a large variety for the widest range of applications. The brushes offered herein are significantly distinguished from one another by way of their design. The design herein can also relate to technical aspects of the brushes that can positively influence the properties of the brushes. It is thus consequently not least the design of the brushes that represents a substantial buying criterion from the point of view of the consumers.

Accordingly, brush manufacturers increasingly undertake efforts to individualize the brushes offered by said manufacturers by way of a complex design, so as to on account thereof make the brushes more attractive to the consumers. It has become commonplace herein, for example, for brushes to be provided with a bristle complement from bristle filaments of different colors, or else for the brush handles and brush heads of the brushes to be dissimilarly designed in terms of the shape and color thereof. Moreover, different materials are combined with one another in order for the brushes to be individualized.

While there are thus diverse possibilities for designing brushes, there continues to be a demand for possibilities in terms of individualizing brushes.

SUMMARY

It is therefore an object of the invention to widen the pre-existing design possibilities for individualizing brushes.

In order for this object to be achieved, an apparatus for forming bristle bundles which has at least some of the means and features described herein directed toward an apparatus of this type is proposed. In order for this object to be achieved, an apparatus for forming bristle bundles is thereby in particular proposed, said apparatus having at least one bundle pocket for receiving at least one bristle bundle and a heating apparatus for heating the at least one bundle pocket. The bundle pocket is provided with an introduction opening for a bristle bundle and with at least one lateral piercing. At least one bristle bundle can be introduced into the bundle pocket through the introduction opening of the bundle pocket. A displacement means of the apparatus for profiling a bristle bundle that has been introduced into the bundle pocket can be incorporated into the bundle pocket through the lateral piercing of the bundle pocket.

The apparatus by the bundle pocket, proceeding from a non-deformed initial shape, is specified for forming a bristle bundle that has been introduced into the bundle pocket to a desired target shape under the effect of heat which by the heating apparatus is dissipated to the bundle pocket and thus also to the bristle bundle situated therein.

An apparatus for forming bristle bundles that permits an individualization of bristle bundles and thus ultimately widens the design possibilities for individualizing brushes which are equipped with the formed bristle bundles is achieved in this way. The apparatus according to the invention moreover also offers the possibility for improving the effectiveness of bristle bundles by imparting a technically effective shape. Depending on the type of application, it is conceivable for the bristle bundles to be shaped in the most varied ways. For example, it is thus conceivable for bristle bundles which taper in a particularly sharp manner, bristle bundles of which the bristle filaments follow a helical line, or else bristle bundles which at one end thereof have a first cross-sectional shape and at the second end thereof have a second cross-sectional shape while the cross section of the bristle bundle continually varies from the first end toward the second end to be manufactured.

The shape predefined by the bundle pocket is imparted to the bristle bundle that has been introduced into the bundle pocket of the apparatus. The as yet non-deformed bristle bundle, prior to the latter being introduced into the bundle pocket, thus can have a cylindrical or a slightly conical initial shape, for example. Should the bundle pocket, in particular a receptacle of the bundle pocket, into which the bristle bundle is introduced, now have a shape which deviates from this initial shape, the bristle bundle in terms of the shape or design thereof is forcibly adapted to the shape predefined by the bundle pocket when said bristle bundle is introduced into the bundle pocket.

The shape which is predefined by the bundle pocket and which has been assumed by the bristle bundle situated in the bundle pocket can be set by the heat of the heating apparatus that by way of the bundle pocket has been dissipated to the at least one bristle bundle situated in said bundle pocket. The heat dissipated by the heating apparatus has the effect of a kind of low-tension thermal stress relief of the bristle bundle that is held in a deformed manner in the bundle pocket. The bristle filaments of the bristle bundle that are held in a deformed manner in the bundle pocket and/or by the bundle pocket thus can correspondingly change their structure under the effect of the heat, on account of which the varied shaping of the bristle bundle can ultimately be set.

The displacement means can be introduced into the bundle pocket, and herein between bristle filaments of the at least one bristle bundle situated in the bundle pocket, by way of the lateral piercing of the bundle pocket. Bristle filaments of the bristle bundle are laterally displaced on account of the displacement means.

The bristle bundle that is situated in the bundle pocket, with the aid of the displacement means, can be provided with a clearance that is configured within the bristle bundle. The heat dissipated by the heating apparatus herein has the effect that the clearance generated within the bristle bundle by the displacement means is preserved after the bristle bundle has been removed from the bundle pocket. It can be advantageous herein for the displacement means to be left in the displacement position thereof within the bundle pocket, while the bundle pocket and the bristle bundle situated therein are heated by the heating apparatus. According to the invention, the displacement means is able to be introduced into the bundle pocket transversely or orthogonally to an introduction direction of a bristle bundle.

Bristle bundles of a particularly complex design which enable a high degree of individualization of brushes equipped therewith can thus be generated with the aid of the apparatus for forming bristle bundles.

The bundle pocket can have two mutually opposite lateral piercings. The two piercings can be disposed on the bundle pocket such that a receptacle space of the bundle pocket into which the at least one bristle bundle can be introduced lies between the two piercings. The displacement means of the apparatus by way of the one piercing can be pushed through the receptacle space of the bundle pocket and exit the bundle pocket through the other piercing of said bundle pocket. It is thus ensured that the displacement means completely penetrates through the bundle pocket, in particular the receptacle space thereof, and on account thereof generates the desired clearance within the bristle bundle by displacing the bristle filaments of a bristle bundle situated in the bundle pocket.

The at least one piercing of the bundle pocket can be so large that said piercing generates one clearance in the bristle bundle that is delimited by a first closed bundle portion which lies between the clearance and a free end of the bristle bundle, on the one hand, and by a second closed bundle portion which lies between the clearance and an end of the bristle bundle that is proximal to the bristle carrier, on the other hand.

The closed bundle portion which is disposed so as to neighbor the free end of the bristle bundle, like the closed bundle portion which is disposed so as to neighbor the end of the bristle bundle that is proximal to the bristle carrier, can have a length which, for example, is 5% of an overall length of the bristle bundle when measured in the direction of longitudinal extent of the bristle filaments of the bristle bundle.

When applied to the bundle pocket, this can mean that a first closed portion, or a piercing-free portion, of the bundle pocket that is disposed between the piercing and the introduction opening of the bundle pocket, and a second closed portion, or a piercing-free portion, of the bundle pocket that is disposed between the piercing and an end of the bundle pocket that is disposed so as to be opposite the introduction opening of the bundle pocket, have in each case a length of at least 5% of an overall length of the bundle pocket.

The at least one piercing of the bundle pocket in one embodiment of the apparatus can have a length, measured between the introduction opening of the bundle pocket and an end of the bundle pocket that is disposed opposite the introduction opening of the bundle pocket, which is between 10% and 90% or 95%, in particular between 50% and 90%, of the overall length of the bundle pocket measured in the same direction.

In order to be able to close the at least one piercing of the bundle pocket while a bristle bundle is being introduced into the bundle pocket, it can be advantageous for the apparatus to have at least one closure means. The closure means of the apparatus can be specified for at least temporarily closing the at least one lateral piercing of the at least one bundle pocket. By way of the closure means it can be effectively prevented that bristle filaments of a bristle bundle that has been introduced into the bundle pocket are inadvertently pushed out, or make their way out, of the piercing of the bundle pocket.

The object is also achieved by an apparatus for forming bristle bundles of a bristle complement of a brush, said apparatus having at least some of the means and features described herein directed toward an apparatus of this type. In order for the object to be achieved, an apparatus for forming bristle bundles of a bristle complement of a brush that comprises at least two bristle bundles is thus in particular proposed, said apparatus having at least one bundle pocket having at least two bundle receptacles configured therein and a heating apparatus. Bristle bundles that have been incorporated into the bundle receptacles can be heated by the heating apparatus. The bundle receptacles are bundle-forming and, under the effect of heat dissipated by the heating device, specified for forming bristle bundles that have been incorporated into the bundle receptacles in comparison to the shape of said bristle bundles prior to being introduced into the bundle receptacles so as to set the shaping of the bristle bundles that have been incorporated into the bundle receptacles to the shaping predefined by the bundle receptacles.

The bundle bores herein can be combined in at least one group, wherein a group comprises a number of bundle receptacles that corresponds to a number of bristle bundles of a bristle complement of which the bristle bundles are to be formed by the apparatus. In this way, all of the bristle bundles of the bristle complement of a brush can be formed in one operating step using the apparatus for individualizing the brush.

To this end, the bundle receptacles within one group are expediently disposed like the bristle bundles in the bristle complement of the brush to be machined.

At least one bundle receptacle of the bundle pocket of the apparatus can have at least two cross sections which in terms of a longitudinal axis of the bundle receptacles are axially spaced apart from one another and which differ from one another in terms of shape and/or size. An apparatus which permits a diverse individualization of brushes is achieved in this way.

In one embodiment of the previously described apparatus, a bundle receptacle of the bundle pocket has an introduction duct which opens into at least two ducts of the bundle receptacle that are downstream of the introduction duct. Bristle bundles which spread open in the profile thereof can be formed using such an apparatus. The downstream ducts of the bundle receptacles can have longitudinal axes which are mutually oriented at a defined angle, in particular at an acute angle. A bristle bundle which has a Y-shaped design can thus be formed, for example.

In one embodiment of the previously described apparatus, at least one bundle receptacle of the bundle pocket has a bundle receptacle portion which is defined by the envelope faces of two cones or truncated cones. Longitudinal central axes of the cones or truncated cones herein can be congruent. The cones or truncated cones may have different radii. A bristle bundle having a chalice-shaped bundle portion can be generated using such an apparatus.

In one embodiment of the previously described apparatus, at least one bundle receptacle of the bundle pocket, in particular proceeding from a cross section of the bundle receptacles, can fan out or spread open so as to be preferably chalice-shaped and/or conical.

In order for bristle bundles which are unified with one another in a bundle portion to be generated, the bundle pocket of the apparatus can have at least two bundle receptacles which open into a common bundle receptacle portion.

In order for bristle bundles which are unified with one another in a bundle portion to be generated, the bundle pocket can, by way of example, also have at least one bundle receptacle which is specified for receiving at least two bristle bundles and/or which comprises a common bundle receptacle portion for at least two bristle bundles.

In order for an ideally rapid forming of bristle bundles to be facilitated, the at least one bundle pocket can have at least one heat exchanger element which facilitates an exchange of heat. With the aid of the at least one heat exchanger element of the bundle pocket, the bundle pocket by the heating apparatus can be more rapidly brought to the temperature required for the forming of the bristle bundles. The at least one heat exchanger element of the bundle pocket, upon successful forming of a bristle bundle, can accelerate cooling of the bundle pocket and of a bristle bundle situated therein.

A cooling and/or heating rib and/or a cooling and/or heating fin can serve as the heat exchanger element, for example.

Alternatively or additionally to the at least one heat exchanger element, the bundle pocket can have a surface structure which facilitates an exchange of heat. It is thus possible, for example, for the bundle pocket on the external side thereof to be provided with a surface roughness Ra of 1.6 μm to 50 μm. An external surface of the bundle pocket can be enlarged on account of the surface roughness, this accelerating a take-up of heat when heating the bundle pocket and likewise a heat dissipation when cooling the bundle pocket.

With a view to preferably fully automatic handling of bristle bundles and/or bundle pockets in the use of the apparatus, the latter can have at least one bundle gripper and/or at least one bundle pocket gripper. In one embodiment of the apparatus, the at least one bundle gripper as well as the at least one bundle pocket gripper can be movable between an initial position and a machining position.

In order for an introduction of bristle bundles into the at least one bundle pocket of the apparatus to be facilitated, the at least one bundle pocket gripper and/or the at least one bundle gripper, can preferably in each case be assigned one vibrator. The bundle pocket and/or a bristle bundle held by the bundle gripper can be set in vibration with the aid of the at least one vibrator. On account of the vibrations, the bristle filaments of the at least one bristle bundle can slide more easily into the bundle pocket.

The apparatus can have a guide for a bundle gripper, for example the bundle gripper already mentioned above, a guide for the at least one displacement means, and/or a guide for the at least one closure means, already mentioned above, of the apparatus.

In order to be able to uniformly and/or swiftly heat the bundle pocket for forming bristle bundles, the at least one bundle pocket can have a wall having a constant and preferably ideally thin wall thickness. An inner contour of the bundle pocket herein can be adapted to an outer contour of the bundle pocket. An outer contour of the bundle pocket herein can be identical to it in the contour of the bundle pocket.

The introduction of bristle bundles into the bundle pocket is facilitated when the introduction opening of the at least one bundle pocket is provided with an introduction funnel. The bundle pocket can furthermore form or be a preferably materially homogenous, monolithic unit. A particularly high degree of design freedom in terms of the shaping of the bundle pocket can be achieved when the bundle pocket is 3D-printed. In this way, the bundle pockets may have particularly complex internal structures. Bundle pockets which have a helical internal structure for receiving a bristle bundle are thus conceivable, said bundle pockets by virtue of the shaping thereof imparting a helical target shape to a bristle bundle disposed therein for forming.

Depending on the specific application, it can be advantageous for bristle bundles that have been formed with the aid of the bundle pocket to still be post-machined. For this purpose, the at least one bundle pocket of the apparatus can have an exit opening which is preferably disposed in or on a side of the bundle pocket that lies opposite the introduction opening of the bundle pocket. Free filament ends of a bristle bundle that is disposed in the bundle pocket can protrude from the bundle pocket through this exit opening and be accessible for post-machining, for example by machining by cutting and/or grinding.

It can furthermore be advantageous for the apparatus to have at least one machining means, in particular a cutter and/or a grinder, for machining a bristle bundle.

In order for cooling of the bundle pocket and of a bristle bundle situated therein to be accelerated, the apparatus can furthermore have a cooling apparatus.

In one embodiment of the apparatus, the heating apparatus extends across a region which covers an annular segment with an angular range between 180° and 270°. A cooling apparatus of the apparatus, for example the cooling apparatus already mentioned above, can extend across a region which covers an annular segment with an angular range between 180° and 90°.

In one embodiment of the apparatus, the heating apparatus has a heating plate which preferably extends across a region which covers an annular segment with an angular range between 180° and 270°, for example. A cooling apparatus of the apparatus, for example the cooling apparatus already mentioned above, can have a cooling plate which preferably extends across a region which covers an annular segment with an angular range between 180° and 90°, for example.

This type of heating apparatus and cooling apparatus is particularly suitable for use in a brush manufacturing machine as will be described in more detail hereunder and which has a rotary indexing table by which bundle pockets and bristle bundles situated therein can be transported between different stations of the brush manufacturing machine.

The afore-mentioned object is also achieved by a method for forming bristle bundles, said method having at least some of the means and features described herein directed toward such a method. In order for the object to be achieved, a method for forming bristle bundles is thus in particular proposed, in which at least one bristle bundle, proceeding from a non-deformed initial shape, is formed to a desired target shape, wherein bristle filaments of the bristle bundle for generating a clearance in the bristle bundle are, preferably laterally, displaced with the aid of a displacement means. The bristle bundle is subsequently heated so as to set the target shape of the bristle bundle and thus the clearance generated in the bristle bundle. In this way, a bristle bundle which is individualized by virtue of the changed shaping thereof, on the one hand, and by virtue of the clearance generated within the bristle bundle, on the other hand, can be achieved, this leading to brushes which are equipped with such a bristle bundle being imparted a particular appearance.

In one embodiment of the method, a clearance which is disposed between a first closed bundle portion and a second closed bundle portion of the bristle bundle can be generated within the bristle bundle. The first closed bundle portion of the bristle bundle can be adjacent to a free end of the bristle bundle. The second closed bundle portion of the bristle bundle can be adjacent to an end of the bristle bundle that is proximal to the bristle carrier and/or proximal to the handle. Furthermore, in one embodiment of the method, a clearance which has a closed cross section that is defined and/or enclosed by bristle filaments of the bristle bundle, and/or which is defined and delimited by bristle filaments of the bristle bundle, can be generated in the bristle bundle.

The apparatus for forming a bristle bundle, which has been described in detail above and in the description and claims that follow directed toward such an apparatus, can be used for carrying out the method.

The afore-mentioned object is also achieved by a method for forming bristle bundles of a bristle complement of a brush that comprises at least two bristle bundles, said method comprising the means and features of the independent claim directed toward such a method. In particular in order to achieve the object, it is thus proposed, in the case of such a method, that at least one of the bristle bundles of the bristle complement of a brush is formed in such a manner that said bristle bundle in terms of the longitudinal axis thereof has two bundle cross sections which are axially spaced apart from one another and which differ from one another in terms of shape and/or size. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided according to the invention that at least two bristle bundles of the bristle complement of a brush are unified in a common bundle portion. This can take place in particular at the free ends of the bristle bundles.

The afore-mentioned object is finally also achieved by a method for forming bristle bundles of a bristle complement of a brush that comprises at least two bristle bundles, wherein at least one bristle bundle is imparted a helical, conical, frustoconical or chalice-shaped shape.

The afore-mentioned object is finally also achieved by a method for forming bristle bundles of a bristle complement of a brush that comprises at least two bristle bundles, wherein at least one bristle bundle is spread open.

The previously mentioned object is also achieved by a brush manufacturing machine which has at least some of the means and features described herein directed toward such a brush manufacturing machine. In order for the object to be achieved, a brush manufacturing machine which has at least one apparatus for forming bristle bundles according to one or more features described herein directed toward such an apparatus is in particular proposed.

The brush manufacturing machine can have a rotary indexing table for receiving and transporting bundle pockets that are populated with bristle bundles. The rotary indexing table preferably has four arms which are in each case disposed so as to be mutually offset by 90°. The brush manufacturing machine can moreover have an input station for inputting bundle pockets that are populated with bristle bundles, a bundle profiling station on which the apparatus for forming bristle bundles is preferably disposed, and/or a bundle fusing station at anchoring or fastening nodes of the bristle bundles can be generated by fusing the bristle bundles.

The brush manufacturing machine can moreover be equipped with a retrieving station for retrieving bundle pockets and/or at least one further processing station. All of the previously mentioned stations can be disposed on or so as to be distributed about the rotary indexing table.

Bundle pockets that are populated with bristle bundles can be transported in a cycled manner to the individual stations of the brush manufacturing machine, and bristle bundles situated therein can be machined at said stations with the aid of the rotary indexing table and the preferably four arms thereof.

The previously mentioned object is moreover also achieved by the use of an apparatus for forming bristle bundles in the manufacture of brushes, said apparatus having the means and features of at least one of the claims directed toward such an apparatus.

The invention furthermore also relates to a brush having at least some of the features described herein directed toward a brush. A brush is thus in particular proposed, said brush having at least one bristle bundle which is provided with at least one clearance.

The clearance in the at least one bristle bundle of the brush can have a closed cross section that is defined by bristle filaments of the bristle bundle. According to the invention, the clearance is disposed in the at least one bristle bundle of the brush between a first closed bundle portion and a second closed bundle portion of the bristle bundle. The first closed bundle portion is adjacent to a free end of the bristle bundle. The second closed bundle portion is adjacent to an end of the bristle bundle that is proximal to the bristle carrier or proximal to the handle.

The clearance can be delimited by the first closed bundle portion, on the one hand, and by the second closed bundle portion of the bristle bundle, on the other hand. The clearance can thus be ultimately delimited in a defined and lateral manner by bristle filaments of the bristle bundle, said bristle filaments surrounding the clearance in a preferably closed ring. The clearance in the bristle bundle can thus also be referred to as a window or a cutout which is configured within the bristle bundle. The clearance can be laterally surrounded by a closed ring or frame from bristle filaments of the bristle bundle and be delimited on account thereof.

The first closed bundle portion can lie between the clearance and a free end of the bristle bundle. The second closed bundle portion of the bristle bundle can be disposed between the clearance and an end of the bristle bundle that is proximal to the bristle carrier or proximal to the handle.

A length of the first closed bundle portion and/or a length of the second closed bundle portion can in each case be at least 5% of an overall length of the bristle bundle when measured in the direction of longitudinal extent of the bristle bundle.

The at least one bristle bundle of the brush can be connected to a bristle carrier of the brush. The brush can furthermore have a handle which in one embodiment of the brush can be, in particular integrally, connected to the bristle carrier of the brush.

The at least one bristle bundle of the brush herein can be formed by an apparatus and/or by a method as have/has already been previously explained in detail and claimed in one of the claims directed toward such an apparatus, or to such a method, respectively.

The invention furthermore also relates to a brush having a bristle complement that comprises at least two bristle bundles, of which at least one bristle bundle has two cross sections which in terms of the longitudinal axis of said bristle bundle are axially spaced apart from one another and which differ from one another in terms of shape and/or size.

The invention moreover also relates to a brush having a bristle complement that comprises at least two bristle bundles, wherein at least two bristle bundles of the bristle complement are unified in a common bundle portion. This common bundle portion can be configured at the free ends of the bristle bundles that are unified with one another. The bristle bundles can have a portion which is adjacent to the common bundle portion and in which said bristle bundles are separated from one another, thus remaining so as to be identifiable as separate bristle bundles.

The invention moreover also relates to a brush having a bristle complement that comprises at least two bristle bundles, wherein the bristle complement has at least one helical, conical, frustoconical and/or chalice-shaped bristle bundle.

The invention furthermore relates to a computer program which comprises commands which have the effect that the brush manufacturing machine with one or more of the features described herein carries out the method with one or more of the features described herein while using a controller of the brush manufacturing machine.

The invention furthermore relates to a computer-readable medium on which this computer program is stored. The computer-readable medium can be a data carrier which is made available to the final user. The computer-readable medium can also be a data storage in a cloud. It is thus possible for the computer program in the cloud to be kept up to date at all times, to be adapted when required, and to be read from there. The computer-readable medium can thus be cloud-based and/or be a data storage which is provided in the cloud and/or is accessible by way of a cloud.

The apparatus and/or the brush manufacturing machine can have a preferably wireless data interface. The apparatus and/or the brush manufacturing machine by way of said data interface, preferably wireless data interface, can establish a data connection to a computer-readable medium on which the computer program is stored, so as to read the computer program. It is subsequently possible for the method, as previously described, to be preferably automatically and/or autonomously carried out on the brush manufacturing machine and/or on the apparatus.

It is particularly advantageous for the brush manufacturing machine and/or the apparatus to be specified for preferably automatically or autonomously establishing a data connection to a computer-readable medium, in particular to a cloud-based data storage which then functions as a computer-readable medium. The latter with the objective of reading the computer program, which is kept ready there and, on account thereof, of rendering the brush manufacturing machine and/or the apparatus capable of carrying out the method according to the invention. The communication with the cloud and the cloud-based data storage can take place by way of a network, for example by way of the internet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail by an exemplary embodiment but is not limited to this exemplary embodiment. Further exemplary embodiments are derived by combining the features of individual or a plurality of claims with one another and/or in combination with individual or a plurality of features of the exemplary embodiment. In the figures, to some extent in a highly schematic illustration:

FIGS. 1 to 12: show highly schematic illustrations of an apparatus according to the invention for forming bristle bundles, for visualizing the forming procedure that is able to be carried out with the aid of the apparatus;

FIG. 13: shows a perspective illustration of a brush having a bristle bundle which has been formed with the aid of the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 12;

FIG. 14: shows a highly schematic plan view of a brush manufacturing machine according to the invention which at one of the stations thereof has an apparatus for forming bristle bundles;

FIG. 15: shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a bundle pocket of an apparatus for forming bristle bundles, wherein the bundle pocket has a number of dissimilarly shaped bundle receptacles that corresponds to the number of bristle bundles in a bristle complement of a brush;

FIG. 16: shows an end view of the bundle pocket illustrated in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17: shows a lateral view of the bundle pocket depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16, sectioned along the section line A-A from FIG. 16;

FIG. 18: shows a perspective view of a toothbrush of which the bristle bundles have been formed using the bundle pocket illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17;

FIG. 19: shows a perspective view from below of a further embodiment of a bundle pocket; and

FIG. 20: shows a perspective view of a brush of which the bristle bundle has been formed by the bundle pocket illustrated in FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the description of the Figures hereunder, functionally identical or equivalent elements are provided with the same reference signs even in the case of variations in terms of the design or the shaping.

FIGS. 1 to 17 and 19 show at least parts of different embodiments of an apparatus for forming bristle bundles 2, said apparatus in its entirety being referred to by the reference 1. The apparatus 1 comprises at least one bundle pocket 3. The bundle pocket 3 serves for receiving at least one bristle bundle 2. For receiving a bristle bundle 2, the bundle pocket 3 has at least one bundle receptacle 40. The apparatus 1 furthermore comprises a heating apparatus 4 which by the area marked by zigzag hatching is illustrated in a highly schematic manner in FIG. 14. The heating apparatus 4 serves for heating the at least one bundle pocket 3 and a bristle bundle 2 that is positioned in the bundle pocket 3.

A bristle bundle 2 can be introduced into the bundle pocket 3 through an introduction opening 5 of the bundle pocket 3. The bundle pocket 3 of the apparatus 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 12 has two lateral piercings 6. A displacement means 7 of the apparatus 1, for profiling a bristle bundle 2 that has been introduced into the bundle pocket 3, can be introduced into the bundle pocket 3 through the lateral piercings 6. FIGS. 6 to 9 highlight the use of the displacement means 7.

The apparatus 1, under the effect of heat which by the heating apparatus 4 is dissipated to the bundle pocket 2 and the bristle bundle 2 disposed therein, by way of the bundle pocket 3 is specified for forming a bristle bundle 2 that has been introduced into the bundle pocket 3, proceeding from a non-deformed initial shape to a deformed, desired target shape, which can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 3. The result of the forming procedure is a bristle bundle 2 as is shown in FIG. 13, for example.

The two piercings 6 of the bundle pocket 3 lie opposite one another such that the displacement means 7 for generating a clearance 29 within the bristle bundle 2 can be pushed through the bundle pocket 3 (see FIGS. 6 to 9). The bristle bundle 2 herein is correspondingly profiled or deformed, and the clearance 29 which can be particularly readily seen in FIG. 13 is generated.

In order to prevent bristle filaments from exiting the bristle bundle 2 from the initially still open piercings 6 when the bristle bundle 2 is introduced into the bundle pocket 3, the apparatus 1 has two closure means 8. The two lateral piercings 6 of the bundle pocket 3 can be temporarily closed with the aid of the two closure means 8.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the two closure means 8 in the initial position thereof. A comparison of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 highlights how the two closure means 8, proceeding from the initial position thereof, are moved to the closing position thereof on the bundle pocket 3, so as to temporarily close the two lateral piercings 6. The two closure means 8 are configured as profiled pins which have in each case an end face 8a . The end faces 8a are adapted to the cross section of the piercings 6 of the bundle pocket 3 such that said end faces 8a in the closure position of the closure means 8 on the bundle pocket 3, conjointly with the internal faces of the bundle pocket 3, form a surface that is almost free of any offset. This facilitates the introduction of the bristle bundle 2 into the bundle pocket 3.

As soon as the two closure means 8 have assumed the closing position thereof, the bristle bundle 2 that has been kept ready can be introduced through the introduction opening 5 into the bundle pocket 3. This is illustrated in FIG. 4.

The bundle pocket 3 illustrated in the Figures is with a plurality of heat exchanger elements 9. The heat exchanger elements 9 facilitate a take-up of heat during the heating phase and a dissipation of heat during a cooling phase. The heat exchanger elements 9 are configured as cooling/heating ribs.

The apparatus 1 moreover has a bundle gripper 10 and a bundle pocket gripper 11. The bundle gripper 10 as well as the bundle pocket gripper 11 are movable between an initial position and a machining position. The bundle gripper 10 serves for moving a bristle bundle 2, proceeding from the initial position (cf. FIGS. 1 to 3), to a machining position and for introducing the bristle bundle 2 into the bundle pocket 3 herein.

The bundle pocket gripper 11 can be used for holding the bundle pocket 3 and for transferring the latter when required. The bundle gripper 10 as well as the bundle pocket gripper 11 is in each case assigned a vibrator 12. The vibrators 12 are used for setting in vibration the bundle pocket 3, on the one hand, and a bristle bundle 2, on the other hand, when the bristle bundle 2 is being introduced into the bundle pocket 3. This facilitates the bristle bundle 2 sliding into the bundle pocket 3.

FIG. 2 shows a sectional illustration of the bundle pocket 3. The sectional illustration highlights that the bundle pocket 3 has a wall 13 with an approximately constant wall thickness. An inner contour of the bundle pocket 3 is adapted to an outer contour of the bundle pocket 3.

The sectional illustration of the bundle pocket 3 according to FIG. 2 furthermore shows that the introduction opening 5 of the bundle pocket 3 is provided with an introduction funnel 14. The introduction funnel 14 facilitates an introduction of bristle bundles 2 into the interior of the bundle pocket 3.

The bundle pocket 3 of the apparatus 1 shown in the Figures is present as a materially homogenous, monolithic unit which is 3D-printed. Bundle pockets 3 having comparatively complex pocket geometries can be generated with the aid of a 3D-printing method.

The embodiment of a bundle pocket 3 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, on the side thereof that lies opposite the introduction opening 5 into the bundle pocket 3, has an exit opening 15. The free ends 31 of bristle filaments of a bristle bundle 2 that has been introduced into the bundle pocket 3 can protrude from this exit opening 15 (see FIG. 12). While the bristle bundle 2 in this instance is disposed within the bundle pocket 3, the free ends of the bristle filaments are in this way accessible for further machining.

For the machining of the bristle filaments of a bristle bundle 2 situated in the bundle pocket 3, the apparatus 1 is equipped with at least one machining means 16. The machining means 16 which is illustrated in a highly schematic manner in FIG. 11 is a cutter 16 by way of which the bristle filaments can be trimmed at the free ends 31 thereof.

The pictogram shown in FIG. 9 indicates that the apparatus 1, apart from the heating apparatus 4 thereof, also has a cooling apparatus 17. The bundle pocket 3 and the bristle bundle 2 situated therein can be actively cooled with the aid of the cooling apparatus 17. The latter, upon successful forming, has the objective of cooling the bristle bundle 2 in an ideally rapid manner to a temperature required for the further machining of said bristle bundle 2.

The apparatus 1 furthermore has a plurality of guides 30 which predefine adjustment paths for the displacement means 7, the closure means 8, the bundle body 10, and the machining means 16. In the exemplary embodiment of the apparatus 1 shown in the Figures, the guides 30 are illustrated in a highly simplified manner as guide slots 30.

FIG. 5 now shows the apparatus 1 once the bristle bundle 2 has been introduced into the bundle pocket 3. The displacement means 7, here a profiled displacement pin, can be seen in FIG. 6. The displacement means 7 is initially introduced into the bundle pocket 3 through the first piercing 6. Bristle filaments of the bristle bundle 2 situated in the bundle pocket 3 are laterally displaced herein. The displacement means 7 is further pushed into the bundle pocket 3 until said displacement means 7 exits from the bundle pocket 3 through the second piercing 6 (see FIG. 7).

The pictogram shown in FIG. 8 highlights that the heating apparatus 4 is subsequently activated so as to heat the bundle pocket 3 and the bristle bundle 2 that in the desired target shape is held within the bundle pocket 3, so as to set the target shape of the bristle bundle 2 as predefined by the bundle pocket 3 and the displacement means 7.

As soon as the bristle bundle 2 has been heated for a sufficient time, the heating apparatus 4 can be deactivated and the cooling apparatus 17 of the apparatus 1 can be switched on so as to actively cool the bundle pocket 3 and the bristle bundle 2 situated therein (see FIG. 9).

The displacement means 7 is subsequently retracted from the bundle pocket 3, and the deformed bristle bundle 2 is removed from the bundle pocket 3. To this end, the bundle body 10 is moved back along the guide 30 thereof to the initial position thereof (see FIG. 10). The supporting action of the displacement means 7 in the clearance 29 generated in the bristle bundle 2 can be clearly seen herein.

The apparatus 1 is thus specified for forming the bristle bundle 2, proceeding from a non-deformed initial shape which can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, for example, to a desired target shape. Bristle filaments of the bristle bundle 2 for generating the clearance 29 herein are in particular laterally displaced with the aid of the displacement means 7. The bristle bundle 2 is subsequently heated so as to set the target shape of the bristle bundle 2 and thus the clearance 29 generated in the bristle bundle 2.

FIG. 13 finally shows a brush 32 of which the single bristle bundle 2 has been shaped using the apparatus 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 12. The clearance 29 which has been generated within the bristle bundle 2 when forming the bristle bundle 2 can be clearly seen. The bristle bundle 2 is connected to a bristle carrier 33 of the brush 32, said bristle carrier 33 simultaneously functioning as the handle 34 of the brush 32. The brush 32 can also be referred to as a paintbrush since the latter has only one bristle bundle 2.

FIG. 13 furthermore shows that the bristle bundle 2 has a first closed bundle portion 35 and a second closed bundle portion 36, the clearance 29 configured in the bristle bundle 2 being disposed therebetween. The first closed bundle portion 35 of the bristle bundle 2 lies between the clearance 29 and a free end 37 of the bristle bundle 2 on which the free ends 31 of the bristle filaments of the bristle bundle 2 are disposed. The second closed bundle portion 36 of the bristle bundle 2 lies between the clearance 29 and an end 38 of the bristle bundle 2 that is proximal to the bristle carrier or proximal to the handle.

The first closed bundle portion 35 and the second closed bundle portion 36 of the bristle bundle 2 have in each case a length which corresponds to at least 5% of an overall length of the bristle bundle 2. The overall length of the bristle bundle 2 can be the length of the bristle bundle 2 that can be measured between the bristle carrier 33 and the free end 37 of the bristle bundle 2. The clearance 29 thus forms a cutout or a window within the bristle bundle 2 that is laterally surrounded and thus delimited by a ring or a frame from bristle filaments of the bristle bundle 2.

FIGS. 15 to 17 and 19 show bundle pockets 3 of an apparatus 1 which are suitable for forming bristle bundles 2 of an entire bristle complement 39 of a brush 32. A brush 32, specifically a toothbrush, the bristle bundle 2 thereof having been formed using the bundle pocket 3 shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, is illustrated in FIG. 18. A brush 32, specifically a toothbrush, the bristle bundle 2 thereof having been formed using the bundle pocket 3 shown in FIG. 19, is illustrated in FIG. 20.

These bundle pockets 3 have a plurality of bundle receptacles 40 into which the bristle bundles 2 of the bristle complement 39 of the brush 32 are introduced so as to form the bristle bundles 2 in order for the brush 32 to be individualized.

The apparatus 1 with which the bundle pockets 3 shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 and 19 can be used likewise has a heating apparatus 4. It is to be mentioned at this point that the bundle pocket 3 shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 and 19 can be used on an apparatus 1 as is depicted in FIGS. 1 to 12.

The bundle receptacles 40 of these bundle pockets 3 are configured so as to be bundle-forming and, under the effect of heat dissipated by the heating device 4, specified for forming the bristle bundles 2 of the bristle complement 39 that have been incorporated into the bundle receptacles 40 in comparison to the shape of said bristle bundles prior to being introduced into the bundle receptacles 40. The latter with the objective of setting the shaping of the bristle bundles 2 that have been incorporated into the bundle receptacles 40 as predefined by the bundle receptacles 40.

The bundle pocket 3 which is in each case shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 and 19 has a group 41 of bundle receptacles 40. The bundle receptacles 40 of the bundle pocket 3 in the one group 41 are disposed like the bristle bundles 2 in the bristle complement 39 of the brush 32 shown in FIG. 19. There are as many bundle receptacles 40 provided in the group 41 as there are bristle bundles 2 in the bristle complement 39 of the brush 32.

At least two of the bundle receptacles 40 of the bundle pockets 3 in terms of a longitudinal axis of the respective bundle receptacles 40 have in each case two cross sections 42 and 43 which are axially spaced apart from one another and differ from one another in terms of shape and/or size.

The bundle pocket 3 shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 on the rear side has a bristle carrier receptacle 44. A bristle carrier 33 of a brush 32, on which the bristle complement 39 of the brush 32 is configured, can be positioned in this bristle carrier receptacle 44, in order for the bristle bundle 2 of the bristle complement 39 to be formed.

According to FIG. 17, a bundle receptacle 40c of the bundle pocket 3 has a bundle receptacle portion 46 which is defined by envelope faces of two cones or truncated cones. The longitudinal central axes of the cones or truncated cones, respectively, are congruent but the cones or truncated cones respectively, have different radii. A chalice-shaped bundle receptacle 40c is thus created on the bundle pocket 3, said bundle receptacle 40c , proceeding from the introduction portion 44 thereof, fanning out in a chalice-shaped manner.

The bundle pocket 3 shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 moreover has five bundle receptacles 40b , the longitudinal central axes thereof being helical. The result of the forming of bristle bundles 2 with the aid of these helical bristle receptacles 40 are correspondingly helical bristle bundles 2b as can be seen on the bristle carrier 33 of the brush 32 shown in FIG. 18. The last of the total of seven bundle receptacles 40 of the bundle pocket 3 that is illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17 is a frustoconical bundle receptacle 40a by way of which frustoconical bristle bundles 2a can be formed.

The brush 32 shown in FIG. 18 is a toothbrush and has a total of seven individual bristle bundles 2 of which five bristle bundles 2b have a longitudinal axis which winds along a helical line, said five bristle bundles 2b thus being able to be referred to as helical bristle bundles 2b . One of the seven bristle bundles 2 is a conical bristle bundle 2a . A further bristle bundle 2 of the bristle complement 39 is a chalice-shaped bristle bundle 2c . When forming the chalice-shaped bristle bundle 2c , the latter, proceeding from the non-deformed initial shape thereof, is spread open so as to form the chalice shape shown in the Figures.

In the bundle pocket 3 depicted in FIG. 19 a plurality of bundle receptacles 40 which conjointly receive two or more bristle bundles 2 and unify said bristle bundles 2 in a common bundle receptacle portion 50. These bundle receptacles 40 gather at least two separate bristle bundles 2 and unify the latter in the region of the free ends thereof. The bristle bundles 2, at the ends 38 thereof proximal to the bristle carrier, are also identifiable as separate bristle bundles which are still separated from one another in the completely formed bristle complement 39.

In the use of the bundle pocket 3 shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 and 19, at least one of the bristle bundles 2 of the bristle complement 39 of a brush 32 is formed in such a manner that said bristle bundle 2 in terms of the longitudinal axis thereof has two bundle cross sections 47 and 48 which are axially spaced apart from one another. These two bundle cross sections 47 and 48 differ from one another in terms of shape and/or size.

In the use of the bundle pocket 3 shown in FIG. 19, at least two bristle bundles 2 from the bristle complement 39 of a brush 32 in the region of the free ends thereof are unified in a common bundle portion 49. In the brush 32 shown in FIG. 20, a plurality of groups of, for example, four or else five individual bristle bundles 2 are gathered so as to form a common bundle portion 49 and are unified therein.

The bundle receptacles 40 of the bundle pocket 3 illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 18 at the introduction openings 5 thereof for the bristle bundles 2 are equipped with introduction funnels 14. These introduction funnels 14 facilitate a gentle introduction of the bristle bundles 2 into the bundle receptacles 40 of the bundle pocket 3.

The sectional illustration of the bundle pocket 3 according to FIG. 17 highlights in particular that the frustoconical bundle receptacle 40a is provided with exit openings 15 from which free ends of bristle filaments can exit and, on account thereof, are accessible for further machining.

The apparatuses 1 for forming bristle bundles 2, the former shown at least in component parts in FIGS. 1 to 12 and 15 to 17 and 19, can be used on a brush manufacturing machine 18 as is illustrated in a highly schematic manner in FIG. 14. The brush manufacturing machine 18 shown in FIG. 14 comprises a rotary indexing table 19 having a total of four arms 20 which are in each case disposed so as to be mutually offset by 90°.

Each of the arms 20 is specified for receiving a plurality of cassettes 21 which in turn can receive a plurality of bundle pockets 3. The arms 20 are moved in a cycled manner from one station to another station of the brush manufacturing machine 18. The cassettes 21 and/or individual bundle pockets 3 can be transported between the arms 21 and the individual stations of the brush manufacturing machine 18 with the aid of handling apparatuses which are not illustrated in more detail.

As has already been mentioned above, the brush manufacturing machine 18 has different stations at which bristle bundles 2 can be machined or handled. One of the stations of the brush manufacturing machine 18 is an input station 22. Bundle pockets 3 that are populated with bristle bundles 2 are supplied to the arms 20 of the rotary indexing table 19 with the aid of the input station 22. It is to be expressly stated that the bundle pockets 3 which are illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 12, as well as the bundle pockets 3 which are illustrated in FIGS. 15 to 17 as well as 19, can be used on the brush manufacturing machine 18.

The brush manufacturing machine 18, in a manner offset by 90° in relation to the input station 22, has a bundle profiling station 23. The apparatus 1 for forming bristle bundles 2, shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, is disposed on the bundle profiling station 23 of the brush manufacturing machine 18.

The brush manufacturing machine 18, in a manner offset by 90° in relation to the bundle profiling station 23, has a bundle fusing station 24. The formed bristle bundles 2 are fused on one side in the bundle fusing station 24 so as to generate fastening nodes. The bristle bundles 2 can later be fastened to a bristle carrier of a brush with the aid of the fastening nodes.

A retrieving station 25 of the brush manufacturing machine 18, in a manner offset by 90° is disposed in relation to the bundle fusing station 24. With the aid of the retrieving station 25, machined bristle bundles 2 can be supplied to a further processing station 26 of the brush manufacturing machine that is disposed downstream of the retrieving station 25.

FIG. 14 shows a heating plate 27 of the heating apparatus 4, said heating plate 27 having the shape of an annular segment and being highlighted with a zigzag hatching. The annular segment-shaped heating plate 27 covers an angular range of 270°. This leads to the bundle pockets 3 being disposed on the arms 20, and bristle bundles 2 situated in said bundle pockets 3 with the aid of the heating apparatus 4, being able to be heated, or held at a temperature, respectively, during the transfer of said bristle bundles 2 from the input station 22 up to the bundle fusing station 24. The annular segment-shaped heating plate 27 of the heating apparatus 4 is adjoined by an annular segment-shaped cooling plate 28 of the already previously mentioned cooling apparatus 17 of the apparatus 1, said cooling plate 28 being smaller in comparison to the heating plate 27. The annular segment-shaped cooling plate 28 can cover an angular range of approximately 90°.

The brush manufacturing machine 18 as well as the apparatus 1 for forming bristle bundles 2 are used for manufacturing brushes 32.

FIG. 14 shows that the brush manufacturing machine 18 can establish a data connection to a computer-readable medium 51. A computer program which comprises commands which have the effect that the apparatus 1 and/or the brush manufacturing 18 carry/carries out the method described in detail above can be stored on the computer-readable medium 51.

The computer-readable medium 51 in the shown exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 14 is a data storage 52 in a cloud 53. The brush manufacturing machine 18 has a controller 54 which is equipped with a preferably wireless data interface 55. The brush manufacturing machine 18 by way of the data interface 55 can establish a data connection to the cloud 53 by way of a network, for example the internet, so as to communicate with the data storage 52 kept available there and to read the computer program from said data storage 52.

The invention relates to improvements in the technical field of the manufacture and design of brushes. An apparatus 1 for forming bristle bundles 2 is inter alia proposed as an improvement. The apparatus 1 comprises at least one bundle pocket 3 which is specified for receiving a bristle bundle 2 to be formed. The bundle pocket 3 has at least one lateral piercing 6. A displacement means 7 of the apparatus 1 can be introduced through this piercing 6 into the bundle pocket 3 so as to generate a clearance 29 within a bristle bundle 2 to be formed. The bundle pocket 3 and the bristle bundle 2 situated therein are heated by the heating apparatus 4 so as to set the shaping of the bristle bundle 2 that is predefined by the bundle pocket 3 and the displacement means 7.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

1 Apparatus for forming bristle bundles

2 Bristle bundle

2 a Frustoconical bristle bundle

2 b Helical bristle bundle

2 c Chalice-shaped bristle bundle

3 Bundle pocket

4 Heating apparatus

5 Introduction opening

6 Lateral piercing in 3

7 Displacement means

8 Closure means

8 a End faces of 8

9 Heat exchanger element

10 Bundle gripper

11 Bundle pocket gripper

12 Vibrator

13 Wall of 3

14 Introduction funnel

15 Exit opening

16 Machining means/cutter

17 Cooling apparatus

18 Brush manufacturing machine

19 Rotary indexing table

20 Arm of 19

21 Cassette

22 Input station

23 Bundle profiling station

24 Bundle fusing station

25 Retrieving station

26 Further processing station

27 Heating plate

28 Cooling plate

29 Clearance in 2

30 Guide for 7, 8, 10, 16

31 Free ends of bristle filaments

32 Brush

33 Bristle carrier

34 Handle

35 First closed bundle portion

36 Second closed bundle portion

37 Free end of 2

38 End of 2 proximal to the bristle carrier

39 Bristle complement

40 Bundle receptacle

40 a Frustoconical bundle receptacle

40 b Helical bundle receptacle

40 c Chalice-shaped bundle receptacle

41 Group of 40

42 First cross section of 40

43 Second cross section of 40

44 Bristle carrier receptacle

45 Periphery of 44

46 Bundle receptacle portion

47 Bundle cross section

48 Bundle cross section

49 Common bundle portion

50 Common bundle receptacle portion

51 Computer-readable medium

52 Data storage

53 Cloud

54 Controller

55 Data interface

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for forming bristle bundles (2), the apparatus (1) comprising: at least one bundle pocket (3) for receiving at least one bristle bundle (2),a heating apparatus (4) for heating the at least one bundle pocket (3),the bundle pocket (3) has at least one introduction opening (5) and at least one lateral cutout (6) therein,a displacement pin (7) configured for profiling a bristle bundle (2) that has been introduced into the bundle pocket (3) is configured to be inserted through the at least one lateral cutout into the bundle pocket (3) transversely or orthogonally to an introduction direction of a bristle bundle (2), such that a bristle bundle (2) that has been introduced into the bundle pocket (3) is adapted to be formed from a non-deformed initial shape to a desired target shape under an effect of heat from the heating apparatus (4) that is adapted to be dissipated to the bundle pocket (3).

2. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of a) the bundle pocket (3) has two mutually opposite ones of the lateral cutouts (6), or b) the apparatus (1) comprises at least one closure pin (8) for temporarily closing the at least one lateral cutout (6) of the at least one bundle pocket (3).

3. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured for forming bristle bundles (2) of a bristle complement (39) of a brush (32) that comprises at least two of the bristle bundles (2), wherein the at least one bundle pocket (3) includes at least two bundle receptacles (40) configured therein and the heating apparatus (4) is configured for heating the at least one bundle pocket (3) and the bristle bundles (2) that have been incorporated into the bundle receptacles (40), the bundle receptacles (40) are bundle-forming and, under the effect of heat dissipated by the heating device (4) on the bundle pocket (3) and thus on the bristle bundles (2) situated therein, are configured to form the bristle bundles (2) that have been incorporated into the bundle receptacles (40) in comparison to a shape of said bristle bundles (2) prior to being introduced into the bundle receptacles (40) to set the shape of the bristle bundles (2) to the shape predefined by the bundle receptacles (40).

4. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the bundle receptacles (40) are combined in at least one group (41), wherein at least one of a) the group (41) comprises a number of bundle receptacles (40) that corresponds to a number of bristle bundles (2) of the bristle complement (39) to be formed by the apparatus (1), or b) the bundle receptacles (40) within the group (41) are disposed like the bristle bundles (2) in the bristle complement (39).

5. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one bundle receptacle (40) of the bundle pocket (3) has at least two cross sections (42, 43) which are axially spaced apart from one another in terms of a longitudinal axis of the bundle receptacle, and which differ from one another in terms of at least one of a shape or size.

6. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 3, wherein at least one of a) the at least one bundle receptacle (40) of the bundle pocket (3) has an introduction duct which opens into at least two ducts of the bundle receptacle that are downstream of the introduction duct, or b) the bundle pocket (3) has a bristle carrier receptacle (44) which is delimited by an encircling periphery (45).

7. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one bundle receptacle (40) of the bundle pocket (3) has a bundle receptacle portion (46) which is defined by envelope faces of two cones or truncated cones, with at least one of longitudinal central axes thereof being congruent or said two cones or truncated cones having different radii.

8. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one bundle receptacle (40) of the bundle pocket (3) fans out or spreads open to be at least one of chalice-shaped or conical.

9. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of a) the bundle pocket (3) has at least two bundle receptacles (40) which open into a common bundle receptacle portion (50), or b) the bundle pocket (3) has at least one bundle receptacle (40) which is configured to receive at least two of the bristle bundles (2) and comprises a common bundle receptacle portion (50) for the at least two bristle bundles (2).

10. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one bundle pocket (3) at least one of a) has at least one heat exchanger element (9) that facilitates a heat exchange, or b) is provided with a surface structure that facilitates a heat exchange.

11. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one of bundle gripper (10) or a bundle pocket gripper (11) that is movable between an initial position and a machining position.

12. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 11, wherein at least one of the at least one bundle pocket (3), the at least one bundle pocket gripper (11), or the bundle gripper (10), is assigned a vibrator (12).

13. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of a) the at least one bundle pocket (3) has a wall (13) having a constant wall thickness, or b) an inner contour of the bundle pocket (3) is adapted to an outer contour of the bundle pocket (3).

14. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of a) an introduction opening (5) is provided with an introduction funnel (14) for the bundle pocket (3), or b the bundle pocket (3) is or forms a monolithic unit which is materially homogenous and 3D-printed.

15. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one bundle pocket (3) has an exit opening (15) which is disposed in or on a side of the bundle pocket (3) that is opposite from an introduction opening (5) of the bundle pocket (3).

16. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one of a cutter or a grinder configured to machine the a bristle bundle (2).

17. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one of a) a cooling apparatus (17) configured to cool the at least one bundle pocket (3), or b) a data interface (55) by which the apparatus (1) is configured to establish a data connection to a computer-readable medium (51).

18. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of a) the heating apparatus (4) extends across a region which covers an annular segment with an angular range between 180° and 270° of the at least one bundle pocket (3), or the apparatus (1) further comprises a cooling apparatus (17) that extends across a region which covers an annular segment with an angular range between 180° and 90°.

19. A method for forming bristle bundles (2) using the apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1, the method comprising forming the at least one bristle bundle (2), proceeding from the non-deformed initial shape, to the desired target shape, displacing bristle filaments of the bristle bundle (2) for generating a clearance (29) in the bristle bundle (2) using the displacement pin (7), and then heating the bristle bundle (2) to set the target shape of the bristle bundle (2) and thus the clearance (29) generated in the bristle bundle (2).

20. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein at least one of a) the clearance (29) is disposed between a first closed bundle portion (35) that is adjacent to a free end (37) of the bristle bundle (2), and a second closed bundle portion (36) of the bristle bundle (2) that is adjacent to an end (38) of the bristle bundle (2) that is proximal to a bristle carrier, or the clearance (29) has a closed cross section defined by the bristle filaments of the bristle bundle (2).

21. A method for forming bristle bundles (2) of a bristle complement (39) of a brush (32) that comprises at least two bristle bundles (2), the method comprising at least one of: forming at least one of the bristle bundles (2) such that said bristle bundle (2) has two bundle cross sections (47, 48) which are axially spaced apart from one another in terms of a longitudinal axis of the bristle bundle and which differ from one another in terms of at least one of a shape or size,unifying at least two of the bristle bundles (2) in a common bundle portion (49), orimparting at least one of the bristle bundles (2) with at least one of a helical, conical, frustoconical,— chalice-shaped, or spread open shape.

22. A brush manufacturing machine (18) having at least one apparatus (1) for forming bristle bundles (2) as claimed in claim 1.

23. The brush manufacturing machine (18) as claimed in claim 22, wherein the brush manufacturing machine (18) further comprises a rotary indexing table (19) configured to receive and transport the bundle pockets (3) that are populated with the bristle bundles (2), the rotary indexing table (19) comprises four arms which are in each case disposed so as to be mutually offset by 90°, and at least one of an input station (22) or a bundle profiling station (23), at least one of a bundle fusing station (24) or a retrieving station (25), and a further processing station (26) which are disposed on or so as to be distributed about the rotary indexing table (19).

24. The brush manufacturing machine (18) as claimed in claim 22, further comprising a data interface (55) by which the brush manufacturing machine (18) is configured to establish a data connection to a computer-readable medium (51).

25. The method of claim 19, wherein the apparatus (1) is used to manufacture brushes (32).

26. A brush (32), comprising: at least one bristle bundle (2) that at least one clearance (29), the clearance (29) in the at least one bristle bundle (2) is disposed between a first closed bundle portion (35) and a second closed bundle portion (36) of the bristle bundle (2),the first closed bundle portion (35) is adjacent to a free end (37) of the bristle bundle (2), andthe second closed bundle portion (36) is adjacent to an end (38) of the bristle bundle (2) that is proximal to a bristle carrier or handle.

27. The brush (32) as claimed in claim 26, wherein the clearance (29) has a closed cross section defined by bristle filaments of the bristle bundle (2).

28. The brush (32) as claimed in claim 27, wherein a length of at least one of the first closed bundle portion (35) or the second closed bundle portion (36) is at least 5% of an overall length of the bristle bundle (2) when measured in a direction of longitudinal extent of the bristle bundle (2).

29. The brush (32) as claimed in claim 26, wherein the at least one bristle bundle (2) is formed by an apparatus (1) comprising: at least one bundle pocket (3) for receiving at least one bristle bundle (2),a heating apparatus (4) for heating the at least one bundle pocket (3),the bundle pocket (3) has at least one introduction opening (5) and at least one lateral cutout (6) therein,a displacement pin (7) configured for profiling the bristle bundle (2) that has been introduced into the bundle pocket (3) is configured to be inserted through the at least one lateral cutout into the bundle pocket (3) transversely or orthogonally to an introduction direction of a bristle bundle (2), such that a bristle bundle (2) that has been introduced into the bundle pocket (3) is adapted to be formed from a non-deformed initial shape to a desired target shape under an effect of heat from the heating apparatus (4) that is adapted to be dissipated to the bundle pocket (3).

30. A brush (32) as claimed in claim 26, further comprising a bristle complement (39) that comprises at least two of the bristle bundles (2), wherein the at least two bristle bundles (2) are unified in a common bundle portion (49).

31. The brush (32) as claimed in claim 30, wherein at least one of a) at least one of the bristle bundles (2) has two bundle cross sections (47, 48) which are axially spaced apart from one another in terms of a longitudinal axis of the bristle bundle and which differ from one another in terms of at least one of a shape or size, or b) the bristle complement (39) has at least one of a helical, conical, frustoconical or chalice-shaped bristle bundle (2).

32. A computer program fixed in a tangible medium comprising commands for directing a controller (54) of the apparatus (1) to carry out the method as claimed in claim 19.

33. (canceled)