DE102018210373A1 - Method of making a brush seal - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for producing a brush seal (1) which has wire pieces or fibers (3) held on a carrier (2), in which method i) two longitudinal carriers (4.1, 4.2) are arranged at a distance from one another such that along one common feed axis (22) are aligned; ii) with a winding unit (23) a wire or filament (24) is wound around the two longitudinal beams (4.1,4.2); iii) during the winding according to item ii.) the winding unit (23) and the longitudinal members (4.1,4.2) are displaced relative to one another along the feed axis (22); iv) the wire or the filament (24) is then fixed in position on at least one of the longitudinal members (4.1,4.2); andv) then dividing the wire or filament (24) into the pieces of wire or fibers (3); wherein the winding unit (23) rotates around the feed axis (22) in a stationary coordinate system when the two longitudinal beams (4.1, 4.2) are wrapped in accordance with number ii).

Description

Technical field

The present invention relates to a method for producing a brush seal which has wire pieces or fibers held on a carrier.

State of the art

A brush seal can be used in an aircraft engine, for example, to seal a moving component against the gas flow in the engine. The wire pieces or fibers each extend angled away from the carrier and, during operation, rest with their free ends on the component to be sealed, for example to seal the shaft.

Presentation of the invention

The present invention is based on the technical problem of specifying a particularly advantageous method for producing a brush seal.

This is achieved according to the invention with the method according to claim 1. In this case, a wire or filament is wound with a winding unit around two longitudinal beams, which are arranged at a distance from one another and are oriented essentially parallel to one another and to a feed axis. A special feature is that the winding unit rotates around the two longitudinal beams or the feed axis in a fixed coordinate system, for example in the assembly or production hall. The side members and the winding unit are additionally offset relative to one another along the feed axis, which results in a spiral wrap. Since the winding unit is moved around the side members, the process can be easily set up as an endless process. The longitudinal beams can, for example, be kept in stock and fed continuously.

An endless process can already be advantageous due to the higher throughput or the lower number of required interventions or handling steps. Brush seals can in principle be made with any length of the carrier, which means fewer interfaces and is advantageous in terms of tightness. With longitudinal beams turned in the winding unit, however, only longitudinal beams of limited length could be inserted and wrapped. Sometimes it has to be broken up several times, which means effort and encourages leaks.

Preferred refinements can be found in the dependent claims and the entire disclosure, the distinction between the method itself and a corresponding production system or brush seal not always being made in the description of the features; in any case, the disclosure is to be read implicitly with regard to all claim categories.

A wire is preferably provided as the longitudinal beam, which can have a diameter of at least 1 mm or 1.2 mm, for example as a thick wire (with possible upper limits at, for example, at most 2 mm, 1.6 mm or 1.4 mm). If a brush seal is made with pieces of wire, which is generally preferred, a thin wire can preferably be used for wrapping. For example, this can have a diameter of at most 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.2 mm or 0.15 mm (with possible lower limits for at least 0.04 mm or 0.07 mm). If the brush seal is alternatively made with fibers, these can preferably be flame-retardant fibers, such as aramid fibers (which are fed in as filament, which can also include a filament yarn).

With the winding unit, several wires / filaments can also be wound around the longitudinal beams at the same time, which can result in a uniform winding and increase the throughput. In general, the wound wire or filament is fixed in position after the wrapping, preferably with a clamp body (see below in detail). In principle, it is also conceivable to fix the position on only one of the side members, so that the other only serves as a support in production. However, it is preferred to fix the position on both longitudinal members and to produce a seal therefrom.

In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal beams are displaced along the feed axis in the stationary coordinate system during the wrapping. This is advantageous with regard to the endless process, the winding unit can then rotate about a fixed axis of rotation, the longitudinal members are passed through. In general, the "feed axis" lies in the middle between the side members, where they are wrapped, and is Oriented parallel to the feed direction (and therefore usually also parallel to the longitudinal beams, at least within the scope of technically customary accuracy).

In the case of relative displacement, the longitudinal beams are preferably each guided on a series of successive guide rollers and are supported toward one another in the process. The side members are kept at a defined distance, even if they are pulled towards each other during wrapping. In general, the longitudinal beams can have a spacing of at least 20 mm, 30 mm or 40 mm, for example, with possible (independent) upper limits for, for example, a maximum of 200 mm, 150 mm, 100 mm, 80 mm or 60 mm (taken as the smallest distance perpendicular to the feed axis).

In a preferred embodiment, the wire or filament is additionally supported during the wrapping with a guide element which is aligned essentially parallel to the feed axis, but is offset from a plane spanned by the longitudinal members (this plane is generally preferably horizontal). There are preferably two such guide elements on different sides of the plane. When viewed in a section perpendicular to the feed axis, the guide elements together with the longitudinal members then essentially span a square, in particular trapezoidal shape. The additional guidance can be advantageous with regard to the tensile stress resulting from the winding. A respective guide element is preferably supported on a row of successive guide rollers towards the feed axis. A belt or thick wire running on the rollers can then be provided as the guide element, for example.

To fix the position of the wire or filament on the respective longitudinal member, a clamping body is preferably used, which, viewed in section, encloses the longitudinal member and holds the wire or filament positively thereon. For example, a longitudinally slotted, bent pipe or a C-rail can be squeezed around the side member as a clamping body. In a preferred embodiment, the clamping body is provided starting from an endless material, for example held in a sheet metal strip on a roll. For phasing into the endless process, the clamp body is guided to the corresponding longitudinal member in such a way that its clamp body feed direction increasingly approaches its longitudinal direction. Then the clamping body is clamped, for example with one or more appropriately profiled rollers. In order to prevent the wire / filament from tearing when the clamping body is squeezed, the distance between the side members and the squeezing or clamping rollers can decrease slightly. Alternatively or additionally, the distance between the guide elements can also decrease.

In principle, the axis of rotation of the winding unit is preferably parallel to the feed axis, so the wound wire or filament is essentially perpendicular to the respective longitudinal member (the spiral shape is negligible in this regard). In a preferred embodiment, in particular the wire (winding wire) is set at an angle following the position fixation, in that the longitudinal beams are offset relative to one another (in the direction of their longitudinal extension). This offset is preferably achieved in that the longitudinal beams are bent together along a curve line. The curve line lies in a plane spanned by the side members. During bending, the longitudinal member arranged on the inside of the curve is displaced forward in the longitudinal or feed direction with respect to the outside of the curve, which results in the inclined position. The longitudinal members are preferably each guided along a row of successive guide rollers, which are successively tilted for each row.

In a preferred embodiment, annealing is carried out after the inclination, preferably by inductive heating. Flushing with inert gas can prevent the component from tarnishing. The glow point can be set up separately for high temperatures, e.g. by guiding the side members on ceramic rollers. With the glow, the winding wire can be fixed in its inclined position.

In a preferred embodiment, the subdivision into the wire pieces or fibers is carried out with a cutting roller, that is to say also integrated into the endless process. The cutting roller can preferably cut the wire or the filament together with another cutting roller, especially with a certain offset of the cutting surfaces, preferably in the middle of the two longitudinal beams.

The invention also relates to a production system which is set up to carry out a method disclosed here. Part of the manufacturing system is in particular the winding unit, and it can also include the mentioned guide rollers etc. along which the longitudinal beams are guided during operation (and a cutting roller etc.).

The invention further relates to a brush seal that has been manufactured in the manner disclosed herein. This brush seal is brought into a closed ring shape and is characterized by only a single seam, even with circumferential lengths of at least 600 mm, 700 mm, 800 mm, 900 mm or 1000 mm (upper limits can be, for example, at most 10,000 mm or 5000 mm).

list of figures

The invention of an exemplary embodiment is explained in more detail below, wherein the individual features within the framework of the subordinate claims can also be essential to the invention in a different combination, and furthermore no distinction is made in detail between the different claim categories.

• 1 eine Bürstendichtung im Schnitt;
• 2 einen ersten Abschnitt eine Fertigungsanlage zur Herstellung einer Bürstendichtung;
• 3 eine Detailansicht zu 2;
• 4 einen weiteren Abschnitt der Fertigungsanlage, der auf jenen gemäß 2 folgt;
• 5 eine Detailansicht zu 4;
• 6 eine Schneidvorrichtung, die auf den Abschnitt gemäß 4 folgt.

In detail shows

• 1 a brush seal in section;
• 2 a first section of a manufacturing system for manufacturing a brush seal;
• 3 a detailed view too 2 ;
• 4 another section of the manufacturing facility that is based on those 2 follows;
• 5 a detailed view too 4 ;
• 6 a cutting device that according to the section 4 follows.

Preferred embodiment of the invention

1 shows a brush seal 1 that on a carrier 2 held pieces of wire or fibers 3 having. The cut is perpendicular to the length of the beam 2 made from a side member 4 is constructed. Around this are the pieces of wire / fibers 3 placed, they are held by a sprag 5 kept to it. With their free ends, they lie on the surface to be sealed 6 on.

2 shows a section of a manufacturing plant 20 in a supervision. There are two side members 4.1 . 4.2 , here two thick wires, at a distance 21 along a feed axis 22 guided. With a winding unit 23 becomes a wire or filament 24 around the side members 4.1 . 4.2 wound. The following is the manufacture of a brush seal 20 with pieces of wire 3 described (but in an analogous way could also be made from a filament 24 a brush seal 1 with fibers 3 produce).

When viewed in the fixed coordinate system of the production hall, the winding unit rotates 23 , with its axis of rotation 25 rests. As the wrapping progresses, the side members become 4.1 . 4.2 linearly offset, in 2 to the left. They are each in a row of successive leadership roles 26.1 . 26.2 supported (schematic, not shown to scale). Furthermore, the wire 24 then on the side members 4.1 . 4.2 position, for which purpose a clamp body 5.1 . 5.2 on the respective side member 4.1 . 4.2 is introduced (with guide roles, not shown). With a respective pinch roller 27.1 . 27.2 the respective sprag 5.1 . 5.2 around the respective side member 4.1 . 4.2 bruised, which is viewed in section according to the arrangement 1 results.

The pinch rollers 27.1 . 27.2 can also be work bikes (serve as feed), but separate work bikes are also possible. The winding unit 23 shows several winding rolls in detail 28.1 . 28.2 on, one wire over each 24.1 . 24.2 is fed. The side members 4.1 . 4.2 are each on a roll 29.1 . 29.2 held and via support rollers 30.1 . 30.2 led to the changing point.

In 2 is also a guide element 32 to see which one around the side members 4.1 . 4.2 coiled wire 24 additionally supports. According to the detailed view 3 are two such leadership elements 32.1 . 32.2 recognizable, each on leadership roles 33.1 . 33.2 run (viewing direction in the feed direction). The leadership roles 33.1 . 33.2 can have a decreasing diameter in the feed direction, so that the tensile load of the wire 24 doesn't get too high. The guide rollers can also be preferred 26.1 . 26.2 be set so that the distance 21 to the pinch rollers 27.1 . 27.2 decreases.

4 shows 2 then bending the side members 4.1 . 4.2 , These are each associated with a series of successive leadership roles 40.1 . 40.2 along a common curve line 41 bent what an offset 42 results. In a row is the wire 24 no longer, as initially, essentially perpendicular to the side members 4.1 . 4.2 oriented, but oblique (here ~ 45 °).

According to the supervision 4 shows 5 a detailed view (viewing direction in the feed direction), the side members 4.1 . 4.2 are both up and down with guide rollers 40.1.1 . 40.1.2 respectively. 40.2.1 . 40.2.2 edged. (The sprags are here and also in 6 Not shown for the sake of clarity.) To fix the inclined position at a glow point 55 (see. 4 ) annealed, e.g. inductive. Then the wire 24 with cutting rollers 60.1 . 60.2 separated, cf. 6 for illustration. The result is two brush seals 20 ,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

brush seal 1 carrier 2 Pieces of wire / fibers 3 longitudinal beams 4 / 4.1 / 4.2 clamping bodies 5 surface 6 manufacturing plant 20 distance 21 feed axis 22 winding unit 23 Wire / filament 24 axis of rotation 25 Guide rollers (side members) 26.1 / 26.2 clamping rollers 27.1 / 27.2 wound rolls 28.1 / 28.2 Rollers (side members) 29.1 / 29.2 Support rollers (side members) 30.1 / 30.2 guide elements 32 / 32.1 / 32.2 Guide roles (guide elements) 33.1 / 33.2 Guide rollers (bending of the side members) 40.1 / 40.2 curved line 41 offset 42 Glühstelle 55 cutting rollers 60

Claims (15)

Method for producing a brush seal (1) which has wire pieces or fibers (3) held on a carrier (2), in which method i) two longitudinal beams (4.1, 4.2) are arranged at a distance from one another such that they are aligned along a common feed axis (22); ii) a wire or filament (24) is wound around the two longitudinal beams (4.1, 4.2) with a winding unit (23); iii) the winding unit (23) and the longitudinal beams (4.1, 4.2) are displaced relative to one another along the feed axis (22) during the winding according to item ii.); iv) the wire or the filament (24) is then fixed in position on at least one of the longitudinal beams (4.1, 4.2); and v) the wire or filament (24) is then divided into the wire pieces or fibers (3); wherein in particular the winding unit (23) rotates around the feed axis (22) in a stationary coordinate system when the two longitudinal beams (4.1, 4.2) are wrapped in accordance with number ii). Procedure according to Claim 1 , in which the two longitudinal beams (4.1,4.2) for the relative displacement according to number iii) are displaced in the fixed coordinate system along the feed axis (22). Procedure according to Claim 2 , in which the two longitudinal beams (4.1, 4.2) are each guided in a row on successive guide rollers (26.1, 26.2) and are each supported toward the feed axis (22) when displaced in the stationary coordinate system. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the wire or the filament (24) is additionally supported during the winding according to item ii) with a guide element (32, 32, 32, 22), which is also aligned along the feed axis (22) however, is offset to a plane spanned by the two longitudinal beams (4.1, 4.2). Procedure according to Claim 4 combined with Claim 2 , in which the guide element (32,32.1,32.2) is guided on successive guide rollers (33.1,33.2) and is supported towards the feed axis (22). Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the wire or the filament (24) for fixing the position according to number iv) is positively clamped to the at least one longitudinal member (4.1,4.2) with a clamping body (5.1,5.2). Procedure according to Claim 6 , in which the clamping body (5.1,5.2) is brought to the at least one longitudinal beam (4.1,4.2) as an endless material with a clamping body feed direction which increasingly approaches the longitudinal direction of the at least one longitudinal beam (4.1.4.2) with decreasing distance and then clamped around it Procedure according to Claim 6 or 7 , in which the clamping body (5.1,5.2) is clamped with a clamping roller (27.1,27.2), a distance (21) between the side members (4.1.4.2) decreasing towards the clamping roller (27.1.27.2). Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the two longitudinal beams (4.1,4.2) after fixing the position of the wire or filament (24) according to number iv) and before dividing into the wire pieces or fibers (3) according to number v) in the longitudinal direction of the at least one longitudinal member are displaced relative to one another and the wire or filament (24) is thus placed obliquely. Procedure according to Claim 9 , in which the two longitudinal beams (4.1,4.2) for the relative displacement according to Claim 9 are bent together along a curve line (41) which lies in a plane spanned by the longitudinal beams (4.1, 4.2). Procedure according to Claim 10 , in which the two longitudinal members (4.1, 4.2) are each guided for bending on successive guide rollers (40.1, 40.2), which are increasingly tilted relative to the feed axis (22) in each row. Procedure according to one of the Claims 9 to 11 , in which annealing is carried out after the wire or filament (24) has been inclined, preferably by inductive heating and / or under a protective gas atmosphere. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the dividing in accordance with number v) is carried out with a cutting roller (60.1, 60.2). Production system (20) with a winding unit (23), which production system (20) is set up to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims. Brush seal (1), produced in a method according to one of the Claims 1 to 13 , which brush seal (1) is brought into a closed ring shape, with a single seam, and has a circumferential length of at least 600 mm.

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