Patent Grant
12114768
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
The sectional illustration of the bundle pocket 3 according to
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
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
The pictogram shown in
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.
The pictogram shown in
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
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
The apparatus 1 is thus specified for forming the bristle bundle 2, proceeding from a non-deformed initial shape which can be seen in
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.
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
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
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
According to
The bundle pocket 3 shown in
The brush 32 shown in
In the bundle pocket 3 depicted in
In the use of the bundle pocket 3 shown in
In the use of the bundle pocket 3 shown in
The bundle receptacles 40 of the bundle pocket 3 illustrated in
The sectional illustration of the bundle pocket 3 according to
The apparatuses 1 for forming bristle bundles 2, the former shown at least in component parts in
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
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
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.
The brush manufacturing machine 18 as well as the apparatus 1 for forming bristle bundles 2 are used for manufacturing brushes 32.
The computer-readable medium 51 in the shown exemplary embodiment according to
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.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2019/078605 | 10/21/2019 | WO |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2020/083849 | 4/30/2020 | WO | A |
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