WO2020083848A2

WO2020083848A2 - 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

Info

Publication number: WO2020083848A2
Application number: PCT/EP2019/078604
Authority: WO
Inventors: Marc König; Ingo Kumpf; Florian Kiefer
Original assignee: Zahoransky Ag
Priority date: 2018-10-22
Filing date: 2019-10-21
Publication date: 2020-04-30
Also published as: WO2020083848A3

Abstract

The invention relates to improvements in the technical field of producing and designing brushes. Inter alia, an apparatus (1) for forming bristle bundles (2) is proposed as an improvement. The apparatus (1) comprises at least one bundle pocket (3), that is suitable to receive a bristle bundle (2) to be formed. The bundle pocket (3) comprises a common bundle receiving section (50) for uniting at least two bristle bundles (2). The bundle pocket (3) and the bristle bundle (2) located therein are heated by the heating device (4) in the apparatus (1) in order to fix the shape of the bristle bundle (2) defined by the bundle pocket (3) and the displacement device (7).

Description

Device and method for forming bristle bundles, brush production machine, use of a device for forming bristle bundles, brush, computer program and computer-readable medium

The invention relates to a device and a method for forming bristle bundles, a brush manufacturing machine with such a device and the use of such a device in the manufacture of brushes.

Brushing, e.g. Toothbrushes are available in a wide variety for a wide variety of applications. The brushes on offer stand out significantly from one another due to their design. The design can also concern technical aspects of the brushes, which can have a positive influence on the properties of the brushes. Last but not least, it is not least the design of the brushes that constitutes an essential purchase criterion from the consumer's point of view.

Accordingly, brush manufacturers are making increasing efforts to individualize the brushes they offer through elaborate design in order to make the brushes more attractive to consumers. It has become common practice, for example, to provide brushes with bristle trimmings made of differently colored bristle filaments or to design the brush handles and brush heads of the brushes differently in terms of their shape and color. Different materials are also combined to customize the brushes.

So although there are various ways of designing brushes, there is a further need for options for customizing brushes.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide the design options available so far for individualizing brushes expand .

To solve this problem, a device for forming bristle bundles is proposed, which has the means and features of the independent claim directed to such a device.

To solve the problem, therefore, in particular

Device for forming bristle bundles of a bristle stock of a brush, which comprises at least two bristle bundles, is proposed, the device at least one

Bundle bag with at least two trained therein

Has bundle receptacles and a heating device with which bristle bundles introduced into the bundle receptacles can be heated. The bundle receptacles are bundle-forming and are set up to reshape bristle bundles introduced into the bundle receptacles in comparison to their shape before being introduced into the bundle receptacles under the action of the heat emitted by the heating device, in order to shape the shape of the bundle receptacles introduced into the bundle receptacles

Fix bristle bundle. The bundle pocket points

According to the invention, at least two bundle receptacles which open into a common bundle receptacle section. Additionally or alternatively, the bundle bag can have at least one

Have bundle receptacle that is set up to receive at least two bristle bundles and a common one

Bundle receiving section for at least two bristle bundles comprises. In this way it is possible to create a brush with a bristle trim that has at least two bristle bundles that are combined in a common bundle section.

The heating device can be set up to heat the at least one bundle pocket. In one embodiment, the bundle pocket is with an insertion opening for a Bristle bundle and provided with at least one lateral breakout. At least one bristle bundle can be inserted into the bundle pocket through the insertion opening of the bundle pocket. Through the lateral opening of the bundle pocket, a displacer of the device for profiling a bristle bundle inserted into the bundle pocket can be introduced into the bundle pocket.

The device is set up by means of the bundle pocket to transform a bundle of bristles inserted into the bundle pocket, starting from an undeformed initial shape, into a desired target shape under the influence of heat, which is emitted by the heating device on the bundle pocket and thus also on the bristle bundle located therein .

In this way, a device for forming bristle bundles is created, which allows individualization of bristle bundles and thus ultimately expands the design options for individualizing brushes that are equipped with the shaped bristle bundles. In addition, the device according to the invention also offers the possibility of improving the effectiveness of bristle bundles by embossing a technically effective shape. Depending on the application, it is conceivable to bring the bristle bundles into different shapes. It is conceivable, for example, particularly tapered bristle bundles, bristle bundles whose bristle filaments follow a helical line, or bristle bundles which have a first cross-sectional shape at one end and a second cross-sectional shape at their second end, while the cross section of the bristle bundle progresses from the first end fluidly changed towards the second end.

The one inserted into the bundle pocket of the device Bristle bundle is embossed with the shape specified by the bundle pocket. For example, the still undeformed bristle bundle, before it is introduced into the bundle pocket, can have a cylindrical or slightly conical initial shape. If the bundle pocket, in particular a receptacle for the bundle pocket into which the bristle bundle is inserted, has a shape that deviates from this initial shape, the bristle bundle forcibly adapts its shape or shape when inserted into the bundle pocket to the shape specified by the bundle pocket.

By means of the heat of the heating device emitted via the bundle pocket on the at least one bristle bundle contained therein, the shape predetermined by the bundle pocket, which the bristle bundle located in the bundle pocket has assumed, can be fixed. The heat emitted by the heating device causes a kind of stress relieving of the bristle bundle which is deformed in the bundle pocket. For example, the bristle filaments of the bristle bundle, which are kept deformed by and / or in the bundle pocket, can change their structure accordingly under the action of heat, as a result of which the changed shape of the bristle bundle can ultimately be fixed.

The displacer can be introduced into the bundle pocket and thereby between bristle filaments of the at least one bristle bundle located in the bundle pocket via the lateral opening of the bundle pocket. Bristle filaments of the bristle bundle are laterally displaced by the displacer. With the aid of the displacer, the bristle bundle located in the bundle pocket can be provided with a recess formed within the bristle bundle. The heat emitted by the heating device has the effect that the recess created by the displacer within the bristle bundle is retained after the bristle bundle has been removed from the bundle pocket. It can be advantageous here be to leave the displacer in its displacement position within the bundle pocket, while the bundle pocket and the bristle bundle located therein are heated by means of the heating device. The displacer can be inserted and / or inserted transversely or at right angles to an insertion direction of a bristle bundle into the bundle pocket.

With the device for forming bristle bundles, bristle bundles can be produced which are particularly complex and which allow a high degree of individualization of the brushes equipped with them.

The bundle bag can have two opposite cutouts. The two cutouts can be arranged on the bundle pocket in such a way that a receiving space of the bundle pocket, into which the at least one bundle of bristles can be inserted, lies between the two cutouts. The displacer of the device can be inserted through one cutout through the receiving space of the bundle bag and can emerge from the bundle bag through the other cutout. This ensures that the displacement means completely protrudes through the bundle pocket, in particular its receiving space, and thereby produces the desired recess within the bristle bundle by displacing the bristle filaments of a bristle bundle located in the bundle pocket.

The at least one cutout of the bundle pocket can be so large that it creates a recess in the bristle bundle, on the one hand through a first closed bundle section that lies between the recess and a free end of the bristle bundle, and on the other hand through a second closed bundle section that between the recess and a bristle carrier end of Bristle bundle is limited.

The closed bundle section, which is arranged adjacent to the free end of the bristle bundle, as well as the closed bundle section, which is arranged adjacent to the bristle carrier-side end of the bristle bundle, can have, for example, a length which is 5% of a total length of the bristle bundle, measured in the longitudinal direction of the bristle filaments of the bristle bundle.

When transferred to the bundle bag, this can mean that a first closed or breakout-free section of the bundle bag, which is arranged between the cutout and the insertion opening of the bundle bag, and a second closed or breakout-free section of the bundle bag, which is between the breakout and one of the insertion opening of the bundle bag opposite end of the bundle bag is arranged, each have a length of at least 5% of a total length of the bundle bag.

In one embodiment of the device, the at least one cutout of the bundle bag can have a length measured between the insertion opening of the bundle bag and an end of the bundle bag arranged opposite the insertion opening of the bundle bag, which length is between 10% and 90% or 95%, in particular between 50% and 90 % of the total length of the bundle pocket measured in the same direction is.

In order to be able to close the at least one cutout of the bundle pocket while a bristle bundle is being inserted into the bundle pocket, it can be advantageous if the device has at least one closure means. The closure means of the device can be set up to prevent the at least one lateral outbreak of the at least one To close the bundle bag at least temporarily. The closure means can effectively prevent bristle filaments of a bundle of bristles inserted into the bundle pocket from being accidentally pushed out of the breakout of the bundle pocket or from falling out.

As already stated above, the object is achieved by a device for forming bristle bundles of a bristle trimming of a brush, which has the means and features of the independent protection claim directed to such a device. In particular, in order to achieve the object, a device for forming bristle bundles of a bristle stock of a brush, which comprises at least two bristle bundles, is proposed which has at least one bundle pocket with at least two bundle receptacles formed therein and a heating device. Bristle bundles introduced into the bundle receptacles can be heated with the heating device. The bundle receptacles are bundle-forming and are set up to reshape bristle bundles introduced into the bundle receptacles in comparison to their shape before being introduced into the bundle receptacles under the action of the heat emitted by the heating device, in order to fix the shape of the bristle bundles introduced into the bundle receptacles.

The bundle holes can be combined in at least one group, a group comprising a number of bundle receptacles, which corresponds to a number of bristle bundles of a bristle stock, the bristle bundles of which are to be formed by the device. In this way, all the bristle bundles of the bristle trimmings of a brush can be reshaped in one work step using the device for individualizing the brush. For this purpose, the bundle receptacles are expediently arranged within a group in the same way as the bristle bundles in the bristle stock of the brush to be processed.

At least one bundle receptacle of the bundle pocket of the device can have at least two cross sections that are axially spaced apart from one another with respect to a longitudinal axis of the bundle receptacles and differ from one another in terms of shape and / or size. In this way, a device is created that allows a variety of individualization of brushes.

In one embodiment of the device described above, a bundle receptacle of the bundle pocket has an insertion channel which opens into at least two channels of the bundle receptacles downstream of the insertion channel. With such a device, bristle bundles can be formed which spread out in their course. The downstream channels of the bundle receptacles can have longitudinal axes which are aligned with one another at a defined angle, in particular at an acute angle. For example, a bundle of bristles can be formed that has a Y-shaped shape.

In one embodiment of the device described above, at least one bundle receptacle of the bundle pocket has a bundle receptacle section which is defined by lateral surfaces of two cones or truncated cones. The longitudinal central axes of the cones or truncated cones can be congruent. The cones or truncated cones can have different radii. With such a device, a bristle bundle with a cup-shaped bundle section can be produced.

In one embodiment of the device described above At least one bundle receptacle of the bundle pocket, in particular starting from a cross section of the bundle receptacles, may fan out or spread out, preferably in the shape of a goblet and / or conically.

In order to produce bristle bundles which are combined with one another in a bundle section, the bundle pocket of the device according to the invention has at least two bundle receptacles which open into a common bundle receptacle section.

To produce bristle bundles which are combined with one another in a bundle section, the bundle pocket according to the invention can additionally or alternatively also have at least one bundle receptacle which is designed to hold at least two bristle bundles and which comprises a common bundle receiving section for at least two bristle bundles.

In order to promote the quickest possible reshaping of bristle bundles, the at least one bundle pocket can have at least one heat exchange element which promotes heat exchange. With the aid of the at least one heat exchange element of the bundle pocket, the bundle pocket can be brought more quickly from the heating device to the temperature required for forming the bristle bundles. The at least one heat exchange element of the bundle pocket can accelerate cooling of the bundle pocket and a bundle of bristles located therein after successfully forming a bristle bundle.

A cooling and / or heating fin and / or a cooling and / or heating lamella can be used as the heat exchange element, for example.

As an alternative or in addition to the at least one heat exchange element, the bundle pocket can have a surface structure which promotes heat exchange. For example, it is possible to provide the bundle bag on the outside with a surface roughness Ra of 1.6 ym to 50 ym. Due to the surface roughness, an outer surface of the bundle bag can be enlarged, which accelerates heat absorption when the bundle bag is heated as well as heat emission when the bundle bag cools down.

For preferably fully automated handling of bristle bundles and / or bundle pockets when using the device, the device can have at least one bundle gripper and / or at least one bundle pocket gripper. In one embodiment of the device, both the at least one bundle gripper and the at least one bundle pocket gripper can be movable between a starting position and a processing position.

In order to facilitate the insertion of bristle bundles into the at least one bundle pocket of the device, a vibrator can be assigned to the at least one bundle pocket gripper and / or the at least one bundle gripper, preferably in each case. With the aid of the at least one vibrator, the bundle pocket and / or a bristle bundle held with the bundle gripper can be set in vibration. The vibrations make it easier for the bristle filaments of the at least one bristle bundle to slide into the bundle pocket.

The device can have a guide for a bundle gripper, for example for the previously mentioned bundle gripper, a guide for the at least one displacement means and / or a guide for the at least one previously mentioned closing means of the device.

In order to be able to heat the bundle pocket for forming bristle bundles evenly and / or rapidly, the at least one bundle pocket has a wall with a constant and preferably thin wall thickness. An inner contour of the bundle pocket can be matched to an outer contour of the bundle pocket. In this case, an outer contour of the bundle pocket can match an inner contour of the bundle pocket.

The insertion of bristle bundles into the bundle pocket is facilitated if the insertion opening of the at least one bundle pocket is provided with an insertion funnel. The bundle bag can furthermore form or be a monolithic unit, preferably of a homogeneous material. A particularly high degree of design freedom with regard to the shape of the bundle bag can be achieved if the bundle bag is 3D printed. In this way, the bundle pockets can have particularly complex inner structures. Bundle bags are conceivable, e.g. have a helical inner structure for receiving a bundle of bristles and, due to their shape, impart a helical target shape to a bundle of bristles arranged for reshaping therein.

Depending on the application, it may be advantageous to subsequently process the bristle bundle formed using the bundle pocket. For this purpose, the at least one bundle pocket of the device can have an outlet opening, which is preferably arranged in or on a side of the bundle pocket opposite the insertion opening of the bundle pocket. Free filament ends of a bristle bundle arranged in the bundle pocket can protrude from the bundle pocket from this outlet opening and be accessible for post-processing, for example for milling and / or grinding processing.

It can also be advantageous if the device has at least one processing means for processing a bundle of bristles, in particular a milling cutter and / or a grinder.

In order to accelerate cooling of the bundle pocket and a bristle bundle located therein, the device can furthermore have a cooling device.

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

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

This type of heating device and cooling device is particularly suitable for use in a brush manufacturing machine, as will be described in more detail below and which has a rotary indexing table, by means of its bundle pockets and bristle bundles located therein between different stations of the

Brush manufacturing machine can be transported. In one embodiment of the device it is provided that it has a bundle spreading device. The

Bundle spreading device is set up, in particular adjacent bristle bundles, before being introduced into the

Bundle bag, especially in the bundle receptacles

spread. This can simplify the insertion of the bristle bundles into the bundle pocket. By spreading the

Bristle bundle a distance between two neighboring bundles can be increased.

The device can also have a moistening device for moistening and / or steaming the bristle bundles. By moistening and / or steaming the bristle bundles, bristle filaments that make up the bristle bundles can be held together. The bristle bundles can at least temporarily take on a more compact shape. This favors insertion of the bristle bundles into the bundle pocket,

especially in the bundle receptacles of the bundle bag.

The device can have a control unit, for example the one already mentioned above, which is set up to control the heating device in such a way that the bristle bundles in the bundle pocket are heated in accordance with defined heat profile curves. The heating device and / or the bundle pocket, here in particular the bundle receptacles, can be set up to heat the bristle bundles by means of heat conduction

mechanical contact, by induction and / or convection, preferably by means of a temperature-controlled fluid, and / or by means of heat radiation.

One, for example the one already mentioned,

The cooling device of the device can be set up to use a temperature-controlled fluid to

to cool in particular by means of compressed air and / or by means of nitrogen. For this purpose, the cooling device can, for example, be a Include cold air gun, a vortex tube and / or a vortex tube.

The bundle bag can be eroded and / or by 3D printing and / or by milling and / or from thin,

layers and / or plates subsequently joined together.

The bundle receptacles of the bundle bag can be one

Surface roughness of at most 6.3 ym. This can favor insertion of the bristle bundles into the bundle receptacles. The bundle recordings can also in

The direction of insertion of the bristle bundles is ground, in particular flow-ground, and / or polished. This can also reduce resistance when inserting the bristle bundles and favor targeted insertion of the bristle bundles into the bundle receptacles. It is also possible for the bundle receptacles to have a surface coating in order to reduce their surface roughness.

The device can have a suction device with which a suppression can be applied to the bundle pocket, in particular to the bundle receptacles. This can also favor insertion of the bristle bundles into the bundle pocket, in particular into the bundle receptacles. The bristle bundles can be placed in the bundle receptacles of the

Bundle bags can be sucked in.

The bundle bag can be perforated, especially on the side. This can result in heat exchange when heating and then cooling the bristle bundles over the

Favor bundle bag. Furthermore, the bundle pocket can have at least one flow channel. It is possible, for example, to use a heated and / or a cooled fluid Feed heat input and / or to cool the bristle bundles through the bundle pocket.

The device can furthermore have a discharge device, via which fluid heated by the heating device, in particular warm air, can be discharged into the environment. If the device, in particular the heating device, is to be operated in recirculation mode, it can be advantageous if the device, in particular the heating device, is a

has closed system, in particular a circulating air system in which fluid heated by the heating device, in particular heated air, can circulate. The use of a

closed system, for example a recirculation system, can help save energy when heating the bundle pocket and the bristle bundles located therein.

To monitor heat input into the bundle pocket, the device can be one, for example the one previously

have mentioned control unit and / or a control unit.

Furthermore, the device can have at least one temperature sensor with which a temperature of the bundle pocket can be determined. In a preferred embodiment of the device, a plurality of temperature sensors are provided, by means of which the temperature of the bundle pocket at different points

is determinable. A more precise temperature distribution on and / or at least indirectly in the bundle pocket can be determined with several temperature sensors.

When to heat those in the bundle bag

Bristle bundle a tempered fluid is to be used, it may be appropriate if the device has at least one temperature sensor on the heating device and / or in or on an inflow channel and / or in or on an outflow channel. All of the aforementioned temperature sensors can be monitored by the control unit and / or the control unit of the device when monitoring the heat input into the bundle pocket

be used.

In one embodiment of the device, a

Cross-sectional area of a bundle holder at least 20% larger than a total cross-sectional area of individual

Bristle filaments that are to be inserted into this bundle holder. The bundle receptacle thus has an oversize to the bristle bundles, as a result of which the bristle bundles become

can be more easily inserted into the bundle holder.

In one embodiment of the device, at least part of the heating device is integrated into the bundle pocket of the device. This can promote efficient heating of bristle bundles located in the bundle pocket.

The aforementioned object is also achieved by a method for forming bristle bundles, which has the means and features of the independent claim directed to such a method. To achieve the object, a method for forming bristle bundles of a bristle stock of a brush comprising at least two bristle bundles is thus proposed in particular, at least two bristle bundles being combined in a common bundle section. The bristle bundles can in particular be combined at their free ends in a common bundle section.

In one embodiment of the method, at least one bristle bundle can be formed from a non-deformed initial shape into a desired target shape, bristle filaments of the bristle bundle being displaced, preferably laterally, with the aid of a displacer in order to produce a recess in the bristle bundle. The bristle bundle is then heated in order to fix the target shape of the bristle bundle and thus the recess created in the bristle bundle. In this way, a bundle of bristles can be created that is individualized on the one hand due to its changed shape and on the other hand due to the recess created within the bundle of bristles, which means that brushes that are equipped with such a bristle bundle are given a special appearance.

In one embodiment of the method, a recess can be produced within the bristle bundle, which is arranged between a first closed bundle section and a second closed bundle section of the bristle bundle. The first closed bundle section of the bristle bundle can adjoin a free end of the bristle bundle. The second closed bundle section of the bristle bundle can adjoin an end of the bristle bundle on the bristle carrier and / or handle side. Furthermore, in one embodiment of the method, a recess can be produced in the bristle bundle, which has a closed cross section defined and / or bordered by bristle filaments of the bristle bundle and / or which is defined and limited by bristle filaments of the bristle bundle.

The claimed device for forming a bundle of bristles, which has been described in detail above and is claimed in the protective claims directed to such a device, can be used to carry out the method.

In one embodiment of the method, it is proposed that at least one of the bristle bundles of the bristle trimmings of a brush be shaped such that it has two axially spaced apart from one another with respect to its longitudinal axis Has bundle cross sections that differ from one another in terms of shape and / or size.

In one embodiment of the method, at least one bristle bundle can have a helical, conical, frustoconical or goblet shape.

In one embodiment of the method, at least one bundle of bristles can be spread out by the shaping.

In one embodiment of the method it is provided that the bristle bundles are inserted into bundle receptacles of a bundle pocket, in particular a bundle pocket of the device according to one of the claims directed to the device, the bristle bundles preferably being spread and / or steamed and / or moistened before being inserted . As previously stated, the spreading of the

Bristle bundles favor insertion into the bundle receptacles before they are pushed into the bundle receptacles. It is the same with steaming and / or moistening the

Bristle bundle. This favors better cohesion of bristle filaments combined in a bristle bundle. Thus, the bristle bundle can at least temporarily have a more compact shape due to the steaming and / or moistening

get what an introduction to the bundles of the

Bundle bag can favor.

When the bristle bundle of the bristle trim gradually

and / or deformed in groups, this can reduce the cycle time and / or increase the quality of the deformation. For example, it is possible first to deform the inner bundles and then to deform the outer bundles. Both can be done, for example, with two bundle pockets and / or bundle receptacles used in succession. In one embodiment of the

Process are deformed in such a way that, together with their bristle filaments, they together represent a logo and / or image in the bristle trim.

The bristle bundles can be heated in accordance with defined heat profile curves, which can favor reshaping of the bristle bundles and also their fixing.

In one embodiment of the method, the

Bristle bundles are heated by means of a heating device integrated in the bundle pocket. It is also possible to use bristle bundles by means of heat conduction, induction and / or

To heat convection, preferably by means of a tempered fluid, and / or by means of heat radiation. In this context, it can be expedient if the device already explained in detail above has a heating device, at least some of which is integrated into the bundle pocket of the device.

The bristle bundles can be cooled using a temperature-controlled fluid, in particular using compressed air, using nitrogen and / or using ambient air.

To cool the bristle bundles, a cold air gun, also known as a ColdGun, a vortex tube and / or a vortex tube can be used.

In order to be able to insert the bristle bundles more easily into the bundle receptacles, the bundle receptacles of the bundle pocket can be pressurized. The bristle bundles can then be sucked into the bundle receptacles of the bundle pocket by means of negative pressure.

The heat input for heating the bristle bundles can take place via heat-conducting formations, preferably on an outside the bundle bag. The previously mentioned at least one heat exchange element of the bundle pocket can, for example, be used as the heat-conducting formations of the bundle pocket.

In one embodiment of the method, provision is made for heating those located within the bundle pocket

Bristle bundle to conduct a heated fluid, in particular air, through flow channels of the bundle pocket. To cool the bristle bundles located within the bundle pocket, a cooled fluid, in particular air, can be passed through flow channels of the bundle pocket.

In one embodiment of the method, it is provided that a, for example the aforementioned fluid, in particular air, for introducing the heat after heating the

Bristle bundle is released into the environment. However, it is also possible for the fluid used to heat the bristle bundles to be conducted in a closed system, in particular in a circulating air or circulation system. This can reduce the energy requirements of the device used to carry out the method.

A heat input for heating the bristle bundles can be monitored by means of a control unit or a control unit.

In one embodiment of the method, it is provided that a bundle pocket, for example the previously mentioned bundle pocket, which is used for shaping the bristle bundles, is heated to a basic heat above the ambient temperature before the bristle bundles are introduced into the bundle pocket.

The bristle bundles can also be pulled out of a bundle pocket, for example the one mentioned above, used to reshape the bristle bundles, before they become hers have reached the final cooling temperature. This allows the cycle times when performing the method

to reduce .

When carrying out the method, bristle bundles with bristle filaments made of PE, PBT, PA6.10, PA6.12, PA10.10, PA4.10 and / or a mixture and / or a composite of

mentioned materials are used.

The aforementioned object is also achieved by a brush manufacturing machine which has the means and features of the independent claim directed to such a brush manufacturing machine. In particular, a brush production machine is proposed to achieve the object, which has at least one device for forming bristle bundles according to one of the claims directed to such a device.

The brush manufacturing machine can have a rotary indexing table for picking up and transporting bristle bundles

Have bundle pockets. The rotary indexing table preferably has four arms, each offset by 90 ° to one another. The brush production machine can also have an input station for entering bundle pockets equipped with bristle bundles, a bundle profiling station, preferably on which the device for forming bristle bundles is arranged, and / or a bundle melting station, on the anchoring or fastening heads of the bristle bundles by melting the Bristle bundles can be produced.

Furthermore, the brush production machine can be equipped with a removal station for removing bundle pockets and / or at least with a further processing station be. All of the previously mentioned stations can be arranged distributed on or around the rotary indexing table.

With the help of the rotary indexing table and its preferably four arms, bundle pockets equipped with bristle bundles can be transported clocked to the individual stations of the brush production machine and the bristle bundles located therein can be processed on them.

In addition, the aforementioned object is also achieved by using a device for forming bristle bundles in the production of brushes, which device has the means and features of at least one of the claims directed to such a device.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to a brush with the features of the independent claim directed to a brush. In particular, a brush with a bristle stock which comprises at least two bristle bundles is proposed to achieve the object, at least two of the bristle bundles being combined in a common bundle section.

The brush can also have at least one bristle bundle which is provided with at least one recess.

The recess in the at least one bristle bundle of the brush can have a closed cross section defined by bristle filaments of the bristle bundle. The recess in the at least one bristle bundle of the brush can be arranged between a first closed bundle section and a second closed bundle section of the bristle bundle. The first closed bundle section can adjoin a free end of the bristle bundle. The second closed bundle section can be connected to a bristle carrier side or adjoin the handle-side end of the bristle bundle.

On the one hand, the recess can be delimited by the first closed bundle section and on the other hand by the second closed bundle section of the bristle bundle. The recess can ultimately be defined and laterally delimited by bristle filaments of the bristle bundle, which surround the recess, preferably in a closed ring. Thus, the recess in the bristle bundle can also be referred to as a window or cutout which is formed within the bristle bundle. The recess can be laterally surrounded by a closed ring or frame made of bristle filaments of the bristle bundle and thereby limited.

The first closed bundle section can lie between the recess and a free end of the bristle bundle. The second closed bundle section of the bristle bundle can be arranged between the recess and an end of the bristle bundle on the bristle carrier or handle side.

A length of the first closed bundle section and / or a length of the second closed bundle section can each be at least 5% of a total length of the bristle bundle measured in the longitudinal direction 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 also have a handle which, in one embodiment of the brush, can be connected, in particular in one piece, to the bristle carrier of the brush.

The at least one bristle bundle of the brush can be reshaped by means of a device and / or by a method be as they have already been explained in detail above and are claimed in one of the protection claims directed to such a device or to such a method.

The bristle trimming of the brush can comprise at least one bristle bundle which has two cross sections which are axially spaced apart with respect to its longitudinal axis and which differ from one another in terms of shape and / or size.

As already mentioned above, according to the invention at least two bristle bundles of the bristle trimmings of the brush are combined in a common bundle section. This common bundle section can be formed at the free ends of the bristle bundles combined with one another. The bristle bundles can have a section which is adjacent to the common bundle section and in which they are separated from one another, ie remain recognizable as separate bristle bundles.

In one embodiment of the brush, the bristle trim can have a helical, conical, frustoconical and / or goblet-shaped bundle of bristles.

The bristle bundles can have bristle filaments made of PE, PBT, PA6.10, PA6.12, PA10.10, PA4.10 or from one

Mix and / or consist of a composite of the materials mentioned.

The invention further relates to a computer program which comprises instructions which have the effect that the device claimed with the claims directed to the device and / or that claimed with the claims directed to a brush manufacturing machine

Brush making machine which performs the method claimed in the claims directed to a method. The invention further relates to a computer-readable medium on which this computer program is stored. The computer-readable medium can be a data carrier that is made available to the end user. The computer-readable medium can also be a data storage in a cloud. This makes it possible to keep the computer program in the cloud always up to date, adapt it as necessary and read it in from there. The computer-readable medium can thus be cloud-based and / or a data storage that is held in the cloud and / or is accessible via a cloud.

The device and / or the brush production machine can have a preferably wireless data interface. Via this preferably wireless data interface, the device and / or the brush production machine can establish a data connection to a computer-readable medium on which the computer program is stored in order to read in the computer program. It is then possible to carry out the method, as described above, preferably automatically and / or autonomously on the brush production machine and / or on the device.

It is particularly advantageous if the brush production machine and / or the device is / are set up, preferably automatically or autonomously, to establish a data connection to a computer-readable medium, in particular to a cloud-based data storage medium, which then functions as a computer-readable medium within the meaning of claim 32 . This is done with the aim of reading in the computer program which is kept there and thereby enabling the brush production machine and / or the device to carry out the method according to the invention. Communication with the cloud and the cloud-based data storage can be carried out via a network, for example via the Internet.

The invention will now be described in more detail using an exemplary embodiment, but is not restricted to this exemplary embodiment. Further exemplary embodiments result from a combination of the features of individual or a plurality of protection claims with one another and / or in a combination of individual or a plurality of features of the exemplary embodiment. They show in a partially highly schematic representation:

Figures 1 to 12:

highly schematic representations of a device according to the invention for forming bristle bundles to illustrate the shaping process which can be carried out using the device,

Figure 13:

2 shows a perspective illustration of a brush with a bundle of bristles that has been formed using the device shown in FIGS. 1 to 12,

Figure 14:

2 shows a highly schematic top view of a brush manufacturing machine according to the invention, which has a device for forming bristle bundles at one of its stations,

Figure 15:

2 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a bundle pocket of a device for shaping bristle bundles, the bundle pocket having a number of differently shaped bundle receptacles which corresponds to the number of bristle bundles in a bristle stocking of a brush, Figure 16:

10 shows an end view of the bundle bag shown in FIG. 15,

Figure 17:

16 shows a side view of the bundle pocket shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, cut along the section line A - A from FIG. 16,

Figure 18:

2 shows a perspective view of a toothbrush, the bristle bundle of which has been formed with the bundle pocket shown in FIGS. 15 to 17,

Figure 19:

2 shows a perspective bottom view of a further embodiment of a bundle bag,

Figure 20:

a perspective view of a brush, the bristle bundle was formed with the bundle pocket shown in Figure 19, and

Figure 21:

a time-temperature diagram to illustrate a heat curve, according to which bristle bundles can be heated.

In the following description of the figures, the elements that have the same function are given the same reference numerals even in the case of a different design or shape.

Figures 1 to 17 and 19 show at least parts of different embodiments of a device, generally designated 1, for forming bristle bundles 2. Die Device 1 comprises at least one bundle pocket 3. The bundle pocket 3 serves to hold at least one bristle bundle 2. The bundle pocket 3 has at least one bundle holder 40 to hold a bristle bundle 2. The device 1 further comprises a heating device 4, which is shown in a highly schematic manner using the area marked with a zigzag hatching in FIG. 14. The heating device 4 serves to heat the at least one bundle pocket 3 and a bristle bundle 2 positioned in the bundle pocket 3.

A bristle bundle 2 can be inserted into the bundle pocket 3 through an insertion opening 5 of the bundle pocket 3. The bundle pocket 3 of the device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 has two lateral cutouts 6. A displacer 7 of the device 1 for profiling a bundle of bristles 2 inserted into the bundle pocket 3 can be introduced into the bundle pocket 3 through the lateral cutouts 6. FIGS. 6 to 9 illustrate the use of the displacement means 7.

The device 1 is configured by the bundle pocket 3 to start a bristle bundle 2 inserted into the bundle pocket 3, starting from an undeformed initial shape, which can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, under the action of heat from the heating device 4 to the bundle pocket 2 and the bundle of bristles 2 arranged therein is released to be deformed into a deformed, desired target shape. The result of the shaping process is a bristle bundle 2, as shown for example in FIG. 13.

The two outbreaks 6 of the bundle pocket 3 lie opposite each other, so that the displacer 7 can be pushed through the bundle pocket 3 within the bristle bundle 2 to produce a recess 29 (see FIGS. 6 till 9) . The bristle bundle 2 is profiled or deformed accordingly and the recess 29 is produced, which can be seen particularly well in FIG. 13.

In order to prevent bristle filaments of the bristle bundle 2 from escaping when the bristle bundle 2 is inserted into the bundle pocket 3 from the initially open openings 6, the device 1 has two closure means 8. With the aid of the two closure means 8, the two lateral outbreaks 6 of the bundle pocket 3 can be temporarily closed.

Figures 1 and 2 show the two closure means 8 in their starting position. A comparison of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 shows how the two closure means 8 are moved from their starting position into their closed position to the bundle pocket 3 in order to temporarily close the two lateral outbreaks 6. The two closure means 8 are designed as profiled pins, each of which has an end face 8a. The end faces 8a are adapted to the cross-section of the cutouts 6 of the bundle pocket 3, so that in the closed position of the closure means 8 on the bundle pocket 3 together with inner surfaces of the bundle pocket 3 they form an almost offset-free surface. This favors the insertion of the bristle bundle 2 into the bundle pocket 3.

As soon as the two closure means 8 have assumed their closed position, the bristle bundle 2 held ready can be inserted into the bundle pocket 3 through the insertion opening 5. This is shown in Figure 4.

The bundle bag 3 shown in the figures has a plurality of heat exchange elements 9. The heat exchange elements 9 promote heat absorption during the heating phase and heat emission during a cooling phase. The heat exchange elements 9 are designed as cooling-heating fins. The heat exchange elements act as heat-conducting formations on the outer sides of the bundle pocket 3 shown.

The device 1 also has a bundle gripper 10 and a bundle pocket gripper 11. Both the bundle gripper 10 and the bundle pocket gripper 11 can be moved between a starting position and a processing position. The bundle gripper 10 serves to move a bristle bundle 2 from the starting position (compare FIGS. 1 to 3) into a processing position and to insert the bristle bundle 2 into the bundle pocket 3.

The bundle pocket gripper 11 can be used to hold the bundle pocket 3 and to implement it if necessary. A vibrator 12 is assigned to both the bundle gripper 10 and the bundle pocket gripper 11. The vibrators 12 are used to vibrate the bundle pocket 3 on the one hand and a bristle bundle 2 on the other hand when the bristle bundle 2 is inserted into the bundle pocket 3. This makes it easier for the bristle bundle 2 to slide into the bundle pocket 3.

Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the bundle bag 3. The sectional view shows that the bundle bag 3 has a wall 13 with an approximately constant wall thickness. An inner contour of the bundle pocket 3 is matched to an outer contour of the bundle pocket 3.

The sectional view of the bundle bag 3 according to FIG. 2 further shows that the insertion opening 5 of the bundle bag 3 is provided with an insertion funnel 14. The insertion funnel 14 facilitates the insertion of bristle bundles 2 into the interior of the bundle pocket 3. The bundle pocket 3 of the device 1 shown in the figures is in the form of a homogeneous, monolithic unit which is 3D-printed. Bundle pockets 3 with comparatively complex pocket geometries can be produced with the aid of a 3-D printing process.

The embodiment of a bundle pocket 3 shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 has an outlet opening 15 on its side opposite the insertion opening 5 in the bundle pocket 3. Free ends 31 of bristle filaments of a bristle bundle 2 inserted into the bundle pocket 3 can protrude from this outlet opening 15 (see FIG. 12). Although the bristle bundle 2 is then arranged within the bundle pocket 3, the free ends of the bristle filaments are accessible for further processing in this way.

The device 1 is equipped with at least one processing means 16 for processing the bristle filaments of a bristle bundle 2 located in the bundle pocket 3. The machining means 16 shown in a highly schematic form in FIG. 11 is a milling cutter 16 with which the bristle filaments can be cut at their free ends 31.

The pictogram shown in FIG. 9 indicates that the device 1 has a cooling device 17 in addition to its heating device 4. With the help of the cooling device 17, the bundle pocket 3 and the bristle bundle 2 located therein can be actively cooled. This is done with the aim of cooling the bristle bundle 2 as quickly as possible to a temperature required for its further processing after it has been successfully formed.

The device 1 also has a plurality of guides 30, the adjustment paths for the displacement means 7, the closure means 8, the bundle body 10 and the processing means 16 specify. In the exemplary embodiment of the device 1 shown in the figures, the guides 30 are shown in greatly simplified form as guide slots 30.

Figure 5 now shows the device 1 after the bristle bundle

2 was inserted into the bundle bag 3. The displacement means 7, here a profiled displacement pin, can be seen in FIG. The displacer 7 is first inserted into the bundle pocket 3 through the first cutout 6. Here, bristle filaments of the bristle bundle 2 located in the bundle pocket 3 are laterally displaced. The displacer 7 is pushed further into the bundle pocket 3 until it emerges from the bundle pocket 3 through the second cutout 6 (see FIG. 7).

The pictogram shown in FIG. 8 illustrates that the heating device 4 is then activated in order to heat the bundle pocket 3 and the bristle bundle 2 held in the desired target shape within the bundle pocket 3, in order to achieve the target specified by the bundle pocket 3 and the displacement means 7 -Form the bristle bundle 2 to fix.

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

Then the displacer 7 from the bundle pocket

3 pulled and the deformed bristle bundle 2 removed from the bundle pocket 3. For this purpose, the bundle body 10 is moved back to its starting position along its guide 30 (see FIG. 10). The recess created in the bristle bundle 2 with the aid of the displacer 7 is clear here 29 recognizable.

Thus, the device 1 is set up to start the bristle bundle 2 from an undeformed initial shape, e.g. it can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 3 to convert into a desired target shape. Here, bristle filaments of the bristle bundle 2 are displaced laterally, in particular, to produce the recess 29 with the aid of the displacer 7. The bristle bundle 2 is then heated in order to fix the target shape of the bristle bundle 2 and thus the recess 29 produced in the bristle bundle 2.

FIG. 13 finally shows a brush 32, the only bristle bundle 2 of which has been formed using the device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 12. The recess 29 created within the bristle bundle 2 when the bristle bundle 2 is formed can be clearly seen. The bristle bundle 2 is connected to a bristle carrier 33 of the brush 32, which simultaneously functions as a handle 34 of the brush 32. The brush 32 can also be referred to as a brush, since it has only one bundle of bristles 2.

FIG. 13 further shows that the bristle bundle 2 has a first closed bundle section 35 and a second closed bundle section 36, between which the recess 29 formed in the bristle bundle 2 is arranged. The first closed bundle section 35 of the bristle bundle 2 lies between the recess 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 arranged. The second closed bundle section 36 of the bristle bundle 2 lies between the recess 29 and an end 38 of the bristle bundle 2 on the bristle carrier or handle side. The first closed bundle section 35 and the second closed bundle section 36 of the bristle bundle 2 each have a length which corresponds to at least 5% of a total length of the bristle bundle 2. The total 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 recess 29 thus forms a cutout or a window within the bristle bundle 2, which is laterally surrounded by a ring or frame made of bristle filaments of the bristle bundle 2 and is therefore limited.

FIGS. 15 to 17 and 19 show bundle pockets 3 of a device 1 which are suitable for forming bristle bundles 2 of an entire bristle stock 39 of a brush 32. A brush 32, namely a toothbrush, the bristle bundle 2 of which has been formed with the bundle pocket 3 shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, is shown in FIG. A brush 32, namely a toothbrush, the bristle bundle 2 of which has been formed with the bundle pocket 3 shown in FIG. 19, is shown in FIG.

These bundle pockets 3 have a plurality of bundle receptacles 40, into which the bristle bundles 2 of the bristle trimmings 39 of the brush 32 are inserted in order to shape the bristle bundles 2 for individualizing the brush 32.

The device 1, with which the bundle pockets 3 shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 and 19 can be used, also has a heating device 4. At this point it should be mentioned that the bundle bag 3 shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 and 19 can be used on a device 1 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 12.

The bundle receptacles 40 of these bundle pockets 3 are formed in a bundle-forming manner and set up to reshape the bristle bundles 2 of the bristle trimmings 39 introduced into the bundle receptacles 40 in comparison to their shape before being introduced into the bundle receptacles 40 under the action of heat emitted by the heating device 4. This is done with the aim of fixing the shape of the bristle bundles 2 introduced into the bundle receptacles 40, which is predetermined by the bundle receptacles 40.

The bundle pocket 3 shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 and 19 has a group 41 of bundle receptacles 40. In one group 41, the bundle receptacles 40 of the bundle pocket 3 are arranged in the same way as the bristle bundles 2 in the bristle stock 39 of the brush 32 shown in FIG. 19. In the group 41 there are as many bundle receptacles 40 as the bristle stock 39 of the brush 32 bristle bundle 2 having.

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

The bundle pocket 3 shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 has a bristle holder receptacle 44 on the rear. In this bristle holder receptacle 44, a bristle holder 33 of a brush 32, on which the bristle facing 39 of the brush 32 is formed, can be positioned for reshaping the bristle bundles 2 of the bristle facing 39.

According to FIG. 17, a bundle receptacle 40c of the bundle pocket 3 has a bundle receiving section 46, which is defined by lateral surfaces of two cones or truncated cones. The longitudinal central axes of the cones or truncated cones are congruent, but the cones or truncated cones have different radii. This creates a cup-shaped bundle receptacle 40c on the bundle pocket 3, which starts out in a bell-shaped manner and starts out from its insertion section 44.

The bundle pocket 3 shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 also has five bundle receptacles 40b, the longitudinal central axes of which are helical. The result of the reshaping of bristle bundles 2 with the aid of these helical bundle receptacles 40 are correspondingly helical bristle bundles 2b, as can be seen on the bristle carrier 33 of the brush 32 shown in FIG. The last of a total of seven bundle receptacles 40 of the bundle pocket 3, which is shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, is a frustoconical bundle receptacle 40a with 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 is wound along a helical line, that is to say can be referred to as a helical bristle bundle 2b. One of the seven bristle bundles 2 is a conical bristle bundle 2a. Another bristle bundle 2 of the bristle stock 39 is a cup-shaped bristle bundle 2c. When the cup-shaped bristle bundle 2c is formed, it is spread out from its undeformed initial shape to the cup shape shown in the figures.

In the bundle pocket 3 shown in FIG. 19, a plurality of bundle receptacles 40 are provided which collectively hold two or more bristle bundles 2 and combine them in a common bundle receptacle section 50. These bundle receptacles 40 bring together at least two separate bristle bundles 2 and combine them in the region of their free ends. The bristle bundles 2 are also at their ends 38 on the bristle holder side recognizable separately from each other as separate bundles of bristles in the fully formed bristle trim 39.

When using the bundle pocket 3 shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 and 19, at least one of the bristle bundles 2 of the bristle trimmings 39 of a brush 32 is shaped in such a way that it has two bundle cross sections 47 and 48 which are axially spaced apart from one another with respect to its longitudinal axis. These two bundle cross sections 47 and 48 differ from one another in terms of shape and / or size.

When using the bundle pocket 3 shown in FIG. 19, at least two bristle bundles 2 from the bristle stock 39 of a brush 32 are combined in a common bundle section 49 in the region of their free ends. In the brush 32 shown in FIG. 20, several groups of, for example, four or even five individual bristle bundles 2 are brought together to form a common bundle section 49 and are combined therein.

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

In particular, the sectional view of the bundle pocket 3 according to FIG. 17 illustrates that the frustoconical bundle receptacle 40a is provided with outlet openings 15 from which free ends of bristle filaments can emerge and are therefore accessible for further processing.

The devices 1 shown in Figures 1 to 12 and 15 to 17 and 19 at least in parts for molding Bristle bundles 2 can be used on a brush manufacturing machine 18, as shown in a highly schematic manner in FIG. 14. The brush manufacturing machine 18 shown in FIG. 14 comprises a rotary indexing table 19 with a total of four arms 20, each offset by 90 ° to one another.

Each of the arms 20 is designed to hold a plurality of cassettes 21, which in turn can hold a plurality of bundle pockets 3. The arms 20 are moved clocked from station to station of the brush manufacturing machine 18. With the help of handling devices, not shown, 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.

As already mentioned above, the brush production machine 18 has different stations at which bristle bundles 2 can be processed or handled. One of the stations of the brush manufacturing machine 18 is an input station 22. With the aid of the input station 22, bundle pockets 3 equipped with bristle bundles 2 are fed to the arms 20 of the rotary indexing table 19. It should be expressly mentioned that both the bundle pockets 3, which are shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, and the bundle pockets 3, which are shown in FIGS. 15 to 17 and 19, can be used on the brush production machine 18.

The brush production machine 18 has a bundle profiling station 23 offset 90 ° from the input station 22. The device 1 for forming bristle bundles 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 12 is arranged at the bundle profiling station 23 of the brush manufacturing machine 18. 90 ° offset from the bundle profiling station 23, the brush manufacturing machine 18 has a bundle melting station 24. In the bundle melting station 24, the deformed bristle bundles 2 are melted on one side to produce fastening heads. With the aid of the fastening heads, the bristle bundles 2 can later be fastened to a bristle holder of a brush.

A removal station 25 of the brush manufacturing machine 18 is arranged at 90 ° to the bundle melting station 24. With the aid of the removal station 25, processed bristle bundles 2 can be fed to a further processing station 26 arranged downstream of the removal station 25 of the brush manufacturing machine.

FIG. 14 shows a heating plate 27 of the heating device 4, which has the shape of a circular ring segment and is highlighted with a zigzag hatching. The annular segment-shaped heating plate 27 covers an angular range of 270 °. This means that the bundle pockets 3 arranged on the arms 20 and the bristle bundles 2 located therein can be heated or kept at temperature during their transfer from the input station 22 to the bundle melting station 24 using the heating device 4. The annular plate-shaped heating plate 27 of the heating device 4 is followed by a smaller, annular segment-shaped cooling plate 28 of the previously mentioned cooling device 17 of the device 1. The annular segment-shaped cooling plate 28 can cover an angular range of approximately 90 °.

All of the devices 1 shown can be provided with a bundle spreading device which is set up to remove the bristle bundles 2 before they are inserted into the To spread bundle receptacles 40 of the respective bundle pocket 3.

All of the devices 1 shown can have a moistening device for moistening and / or steaming the bristle bundles 2.

All of the devices 1 shown can have a control unit, for example the control unit 54, which is set up to control the heating device 4 in such a way that the bristle bundles 2 in the bundle pocket 3 are heated in accordance with defined heat profile curves. FIG. 21 shows a time-temperature diagram with such a heat curve. In the diagram, a temperature is plotted over time on a contact surface for bristle bundles 2 within a bundle pocket 3. Accordingly, the bristle bundles 2 are heated to a temperature of approximately 174 ° C. within approximately 13.5 seconds. For a period of about 12 seconds, the temperature of the contact surface hardly decreases, as a result of which the bristle bundles 2 are heated. As a result, the shape impressed on the bristle bundles 2 by the bundle pocket 3 is fixed. The contact surface then cools to a temperature of 40 ° C. in about 18 seconds and the thermal shaping of the bristle bundles 2 is complete.

The bundle pockets 3 shown are configured by their bundle receptacles 40 to heat the bristle bundles 2 by heat conduction by means of mechanical contact, by induction and / or convection, preferably by means of a tempered fluid, and / or by means of heat radiation.

In one embodiment, the cooling device 17 of the device 1 is set up to cool the bristle bundles 2 by means of a temperature-controlled fluid, in particular by means of compressed air and / or by means of nitrogen. This is the Cooling device 17 is then equipped, for example, with a cold air gun, with a vortex tube and / or with a vortex tube.

The bundle pockets 3 can be produced by eroding and / or by 3D printing and / or by milling and / or from thin layers and / or plates which are subsequently connected to one another.

The bundle receptacles 40 have a surface roughness of at most 6.3 μm. Furthermore, the bundle receptacles 40 are ground in the direction of insertion of the bristle bundles 2, namely flow-ground and polished. If necessary, they can be provided with a surface coating to further reduce their surface roughness.

The devices 1 shown can be equipped with a suction device with which a suppression can be applied to the bundle pockets 3, in particular to the bundle receptacles 40, in order to facilitate insertion of the bristle bundles 2. The bundle receptacles 40 of the bundle pockets 3 are subjected to a vacuum, whereby the bristle bundles 2 are sucked into the bundle receptacles 40 by means of negative pressure.

The bundle pockets 3 can be perforated on the side and / or have at least one flow channel 56 in order to accelerate heat exchange via the bundle pockets 3. A heated, but also a cooled, fluid can be passed through the flow channel 56 in order to temper the respective bundle pocket 3 and the bristle bundle 2 located therein. Furthermore, at least part of the heating device 4 can be integrated into the bundle pockets 3 shown.

When using heated fluid for tempering in the Bristle bundles located in bundle pockets 3 can be provided with a discharge device, via which fluid heated by the heating device 4, in particular warm air, can be discharged.

However, it is generally more energy-efficient if the device 1 has a closed system, in particular a circulating air system, in which fluid heated by the heating device 4, in particular heated air, circulates.

The control unit 54 and / or a control unit of the device 1 can be used to monitor the heat input into the bundle pockets 3.

The devices 1 shown in the figures can have one or more temperature sensors with which a temperature of the bundle pockets 3 can be determined. The temperature sensors can be arranged at different positions on the bundle pockets 3 in order to determine the temperatures of the bundle pockets 3 at different locations.

The devices 1 can furthermore have at least one temperature sensor on their respective heating device 4 and / or in or on an inflow channel and / or in or on an outflow channel, through which tempered fluid is conducted for heat exchange.

The bundle receptacles 40 are at least 20% larger than a total cross-sectional area of individual bristle filaments that are to be introduced into these bundle receptacles 40.

The bristle bundles 2 of the bristle stock 39 can be deformed step by step and / or in groups. First, the inner bristle bundle 2 and then the outer bristle bundle 2 of the bristle stock 39 can be deformed. The bristle bundles 2 can be spread and / or steamed and / or moistened before being introduced into the bundle receptacles 40. The bristle bundles 2 can be deformed in such a way that they together represent a logo and / or image.

The control unit 54 and / or the heating device 4 of the device 1 can be set in such a way that the bristle bundles 2 are heated using the heating device 4 in accordance with a defined heat curve.

The bristle bundles 2 can also be cooled using a temperature-controlled fluid. The bristle bundles 2 can be cooled in particular by means of compressed air and / or by means of nitrogen and / or by means of ambient air, and / or by means of a cold air gun and / or a vortex tube and / or a vortex tube.

To heat the bristle bundles 2 located within the bundle pockets 3, a heated fluid, in particular air, can be passed through flow channels 56 of the bundle pockets 3. These flow channels 56 can also be used to cool the bristle bundles 2 located within the bundle pockets 3. A cooled fluid, in particular air, is then passed through the flow channels 56 of the bundle pocket 3.

The fluid, in particular the air, for introducing the heat can be released into the environment after heating the bristle bundles 2 and / or guided in a closed system, in particular in a circulating air or circulation system, of the respective device 1.

A heat input into the bundle pockets 3 for heating the bristle bundles 2 can by means of the control unit 54 and corresponding temperature sensors 3 are monitored.

The bundle pockets 3 are heated to a basic heat above the ambient temperature before the bristle bundles 2 are introduced into the bundle receptacles 40. This helps to reduce the cycle times.

The bristle bundles 2 can be pulled out of the bundle pockets 3 even before they have reached their final cooling temperature. This can speed up the process.

The bristle bundles 2 have bristle filaments which can consist of PE, PBT, PA6.10, PA6.12, PA10.10, PA4.10 and / or a mixture and / or a composite of the materials mentioned.

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

FIG. 14 shows that the brush production machine 18 can establish a data connection to a computer-readable medium 51. A computer program is stored on the computer-readable medium 51, which comprises commands which cause the device 1 and / or the brush production 18 to carry out the method described in detail above.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the computer-readable medium 51 is a data storage 52 in a cloud 53. The brush production machine 18 has a control unit 54 which is equipped with a preferably wireless data interface 55. The brush production machine 18 can be operated via the data interface 55 Establish a data connection to the cloud 53 via a network, for example the Internet, in order to address the data store 52 held there and to read out the computer program therefrom.

The invention is concerned with improvements in the technical field of manufacturing and designing brushes. As an improvement, a device 1 for forming bristle bundles 2 is proposed, among other things. The device 1 comprises at least one bundle pocket 3 which is intended to receive a bristle bundle 2 to be formed. The bundle bag 3 has at least one lateral cutout 6. A displacement means 7 of the device 1 can be introduced into the bundle pocket 3 through this cutout 6 in order to produce a recess 29 within a bristle bundle 2 to be formed.

The bundle pocket 3 and the bristle bundle 2 located therein are heated by means of the heating device 4 of the device 1 in order to fix the shape of the bristle bundle 2 predetermined by the bundle pocket 3 and the displacement means 7.

/ List of reference symbols

Reference list

1 device for forming bristle bundles

2 bundles of bristles

2a frustoconical bristle bundle

2b helical bristle bundle

2c cup-shaped bristle bundle

3 bundle bag

4 heating device

5 insertion opening

6 lateral breakout in 3

7 displacers

8 fasteners

8a end faces of 8

9 heat exchange element

10 bundle grabs

11 bundle pocket grippers

12 vibrator

13 wall of 3

14 insertion funnels

15 outlet opening

16 machining tools / milling cutters

17 cooling device

18 brush making machine

19 rotary indexing table

20 arm of 19

21 cassette

22 input station

23 Bundle Profiling Station

24 bundle melting station

25 removal station

26 Processing station

27 heating plate

28 cooling plate

29 recess in 2 30 guide for 7, 8, 10, 16

31 free ends of bristle filaments

32 brush

33 bristle holder

34 handle

35 first closed bundle section

36 second closed bundle section

37 free end of 2

38 bristle holder end of 2

39 bristle trim

40 bundle holder

40a frustoconical bundle holder

40b helical bundle holder

40c cup-shaped bundle holder

41 group of 40

42 first cross section of 40

43 second cross section of 40

44 Bristle holder holder

45 edge of 44

46 Bundle receiving section

47 bundle cross-section

48 bundle cross-section

49 common bundle section

50 common bundle receiving section

51 computer readable medium

52 data memories

53 cloud

54 control unit

55 Data interface

56 flow channel in FIG. 3

/ Expectations

Claims

Expectations

1. Device (1) for forming bristle bundles (2) one

Bristle trim (39) of a brush (32), which comprises at least two bristle bundles (2), the device (1) having at least one bundle pocket (3) with at least two bundle receptacles (40) formed therein and one

Has heating device (4), with which bristle bundles (2) introduced into the bundle receptacles (40) can be heated, the bundle receptacles (40) forming a bundle and being set up to bring bristle bundles (2) introduced into the bundle receptacles (40) in comparison to theirs the insertion into the bundle receptacles (40) present shape under the influence of the heating device (4) to fix the shape given by the bundle receptacles (40) to the shape of the bristle bundles (2) introduced into the bundle receptacles (40), and wherein the Bundle bag (3) has at least two bundle receptacles (40), which are in a common

Bundle receiving section (50) open, and / or wherein the bundle pocket (3) has at least one bundle receptacle (40) which is designed to receive at least two bristle bundles (2) and comprises a common bundle receiving section (50) for at least two bristle bundles (2) .

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the bundle receptacles

(40) are combined in at least one group (41), the group (41) comprising a number of bundle receptacles (40) which corresponds to a number of bristle bundles (2) of a bristle stock (39), the

Bristle bundles (2) are to be formed with the device (1), and / or the bundle receptacles (40) are arranged within the group (41) like that Bristle bundle (2) in the bristle trim (39).

3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one bundle receptacle (40) of the bundle pocket (3) has at least two cross-sections (42, 43) that are axially spaced apart from one another with respect to a longitudinal axis of the bundle receptacle (40) Differentiate shape and / or size.

4. The device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one bundle receptacle (40) of the bundle pocket (3) has an insertion channel which opens into at least two ducts of the bundle receptacle downstream of the insertion duct, and / or wherein the bundle pocket (3) has one Bristle holder receptacle (44), in particular which is delimited by a preferably closed peripheral edge (45).

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one bundle receptacle (40) of the bundle pocket (3) has a bundle receiving section (46) which is defined by lateral surfaces of two cones or truncated cones, the longitudinal central axes of which are congruent and / or which are different Have radii.

6. The device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one bundle receptacle (40) of the bundle pocket (3), in particular starting from a cross section of the bundle receptacle (40), in particular in the shape of a cup and / or conical, fanned out or spread out.

7. The device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one bundle pocket (3) has at least one heat exchange element (9) which favors heat exchange, in particular a cooling and / or heating fin (9) and / or a cooling and / or Heating lamella, and / or with a heat exchange favoring Surface structure is provided, in particular with the bundle pocket (3) on the outside thereof

Surface roughness Ra from 1.6 ym to 50 ym.

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) at least one, preferably between a starting position and one

Processing position movable bundle gripper (10) and / or at least one, preferably between a starting position and a processing position movable bundle pocket gripper (11).

9. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the at least one bundle pocket (3), in particular one or the at least one bundle pocket gripper (11), and / or one or the bundle gripper (10) is assigned a vibrator (12) /are.

10. The device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one bundle pocket (3) has a wall (13) with a constant wall thickness and / or wherein an inner contour of the bundle pocket (3) is matched to an outer contour of the bundle pocket (3) is.

11. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insertion opening (5) is provided with an insertion funnel (14) and / or wherein the bundle pocket (3) forms or is a, preferably materially homogeneous, monolithic unit, in particular 3- D-printed.

12. The device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one bundle pocket (3) has an outlet opening (15), in particular in or on one of the insertion opening (5) of the bundle pocket (3) opposite side of the bundle pocket (3) arranged is.

13. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) has at least one processing means (16) for processing a bundle of bristles (2), in particular a milling cutter and / or a grinder.

14. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) has a cooling device (17) for cooling the at least one bundle pocket (3), and / or wherein the device (1) has a, preferably wireless, data interface ( 55), by means of which the device (1) is set up to establish a data connection to a computer-readable medium (51), which is in particular a data memory (52) in a cloud (53).

15. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating device (4) of the device (1), in particular a heating plate (27) of the heating device (4), extends over a region which is a circular ring segment with an angular range between 180 ° and 270 °, and / or that one or the cooling device (17) of the device (1), in particular a cooling plate (28) of the cooling device (17), extends over a region which is a circular ring segment with an angular range between 180 ° and 90 ° covers.

16. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bundle pocket (3) has at least one insertion opening (5) and at least one lateral cutout (6) through which a displacement means (7) of the device (1) for profiling a the bundle pocket (3) of inserted bristle bundle (2) can be inserted into the bundle pocket (3).

17. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) by means of the bundle pocket (3) is set up to insert a bristle bundle (2) inserted into the bundle pocket (3) starting from an undeformed initial shape into a desired target Form under the influence of heat, which is given off by the heating device (4) to the bundle pocket (3).

18. The device (1) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the bundle pocket (3) has two opposite, side cutouts (6) and / or wherein the device (1) at least one closure means (8) for temporarily closing the at least one side Outbreak (6) which has at least one bundle pocket (3).

19. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) has a bundle spreading device which is set up to insert the bristle bundles (2) before insertion into the bundle pocket (3), in particular into the bundle receptacles (40) spread.

20. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) has a moistening device for moistening and / or steaming the bristle bundles (2).

21. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) has a control unit (54) which is set up to control the heating device (4) so that the bristle bundles (2) in the bundle pocket (3) are heated according to defined heat curve.

22. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating device (4) and / or the bundle pocket (3), in particular the bundle receptacles (40), is / are set up for the bristle bundles (2) by heat conduction by means of mechanical contact, by induction and / or convection, preferably by means of a tempered fluid , and / or to heat by means of heat radiation.

23. The device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one or the cooling device (17) of the device (1) is set up to cool the bristle bundles (2) by means of a tempered fluid, in particular by means of compressed air and / or by means of nitrogen , preferably wherein the cooling device (17) comprises a cold air gun, a vortex tube and / or a vortex tube.

24. The device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bundle pocket (3) is produced by eroding and / or by 3D printing and / or by milling and / or from thin layers and / or plates which are subsequently connected to one another.

25. The device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bundle receptacles (40) have a surface roughness of at most 6.3 μm and / or wherein the bundle receptacles (40) in the insertion direction of the

Bristle bundles (2) ground, in particular flow-ground, and / or polished, and / or the bundle receptacles (40) being one

Have surface coating to their

Reduce surface roughness.

26. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) has a suction device with which a suppression can be applied to the bundle pocket (3), in particular to the bundle receptacles (40) To facilitate insertion of the bristle bundle (2).

27. The device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bundle pocket (3), in particular laterally, is perforated and / or has at least one flow channel, and / or wherein at least part of the heating device (4) in the bundle pocket (3) is integrated.

28. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) has a discharge device, via which fluid heated with the heating device (4), in particular warm air, can be discharged, and / or wherein the device (1) , in particular the heating device (4), has a closed system, in particular a circulating air system, in which the

Heater (4) circulates heated fluid, especially heated air.

29. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) for monitoring heat input into the bundle pocket (3) has one or the control unit (54) and / or a control unit.

30. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) has at least one temperature sensor, in particular with which a temperature of the bundle pocket (3) can be determined, preferably a plurality of temperature sensors are provided to measure the temperature of the bundle pocket (3) to determine in different places.

31. The device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (1) has at least one temperature sensor on the heating device (4) and / or in or on an inflow channel and / or in or on an outflow channel.

32. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a cross-sectional area of a bundle receptacle (40) is at least 20% larger than a total cross-sectional area of individual bristle filaments that are to be introduced into this bundle receptacle (40).

33. Method for forming bristle bundles (2) comprising at least two bristle bundles (2)

Bristle trimmings (39) of a brush (32), at least two bristle bundles (2) being combined in a common bundle section (49).

34. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one bristle bundle (2) is converted from a non-deformed initial shape into a desired target shape, bristle filaments of the bristle bundle (2) being used to produce a recess (29) in the bristle bundle (2) a displacer (7) are displaced, after which the bristle bundle (2) is heated in order to fix the target shape of the bristle bundle (2) and thus the recess (29) created in the bristle bundle (2).

35. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a

Recess (29) is produced which is between a first closed bundle section (35), in particular adjoining a free end (37) of the bristle bundle (2), and a second closed bundle section, in particular an end (38) of the bristle bundle (2) on the bristle carrier side. adjacent bundle section (36) of the bristle bundle (2) is arranged, and / or wherein a recess (29) with a closed cross-section defined by bristle filaments of the bristle bundle (2) is produced.

36. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the bristle bundles (2) is reshaped in such a way that it has two bundle cross sections (47, 48) which are axially spaced apart with respect to its longitudinal axis and which differ from one another in terms of shape and / or size, and / or wherein the at least two bristle bundles ( 2) are united at their free ends in a common bundle section (49) and / or wherein at least one bristle bundle (2) is given a helical, conical, frustoconical or cup-shaped shape, and / or at least one bristle bundle (2) is spread apart.

37. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bristle bundles (2) are inserted into bundle receptacles (40) of a bundle pocket (3), in particular a bundle pocket (3) of the device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, preferably wherein the bristle bundles (2) be spread and / or steamed and / or moistened before being introduced into the bundle receptacles (40).

38. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

Bristle bundles (2) of the bristle trimmings (39) are deformed step by step and / or in groups, in particular first inner bristle bundles (2) and then outer bristle bundles (2) of the bristle trimmings (39) being deformed.

39. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein bristle bundles (2) are deformed such that they together represent a logo and / or image.

40. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bristle bundles (2) are heated according to a defined heat curve.

41. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bristle bundles (2) are heated by means of a heating device integrated in the bundle pocket (3) and / or wherein the bristle bundles (2) by means of heat conduction, induction and / or convection, preferably by means of a tempered fluid , and / or heat radiation are heated.

42. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bristle bundles (2) are cooled using a temperature-controlled fluid, in particular by means of compressed air and / or by means of nitrogen and / or by means of ambient air, and / or by means of a cold air gun and / or a vortex tube and / or a vortex tube.

43. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bundle receptacles (40) of one or the bundle pocket (3) are subjected to a vacuum, and / or the bristle bundles (2) are sucked into the bundle receptacles (40) of one or the bundle pocket (3) by means of negative pressure will.

44. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a heat input for heating the bristle bundle (2) via heat-conductive formations, preferably on an outside of the bundle pocket (3).

45. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

Heating the bristle bundles (2) located inside one or the bundle pocket (3) a heated fluid, in particular air, is passed through flow channels of the bundle pocket (3), and / or for cooling the bristle bundles (2) located within the bundle pocket (3) a cooled fluid, in particular air

Flow channels of the bundle bag (3) is passed.

46. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or the fluid, in particular air, for introducing the heat, after heating the bristle bundle (2) released into the environment and / or in a circulating air or circulation system.

47. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a heat input for heating the bristle bundles (2) is monitored by means of a regulating unit or control unit (54).

48. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or the bundle pocket (3) is heated to a basic heat above the ambient temperature before the

Bristle bundle (2) are introduced.

49. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the

Bristle bundles (2) are pulled out of one or the bundle pocket (3) before making their final

Have reached the cooling temperature.

50. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein

Bristle bundle (2) with bristle filaments made of PE, PBT, PA6.10, PA6.12, PA10.10, PA4.10 and / or from one

Mixture and / or from a composite of the materials mentioned.

51. Brush manufacturing machine (18) with at least one device (1) for forming bristle bundles (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

52. Brush manufacturing machine (18) according to the preceding claim, wherein the brush manufacturing machine (18) has a rotary indexing table (19) for receiving and transporting bundle pockets (3) equipped with bristle bundles (2). , in particular wherein the rotary indexing table (19) comprises four arms (20), each offset by 90 ° to one another, and / or wherein the brush production machine (18) preferably has an input station (22) and / or a bundle profiling station (23) which the device (1) for forming bristle bundles (2) is arranged, and / or a bundle melting station (24) and / or a removal station (25) and / or a further processing station (26), which on or around the rotary indexing table (19) is / are distributed.

53. Brush manufacturing machine (18) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the brush manufacturing machine (18) has a, preferably wireless, data interface (55) through which the brush manufacturing machine (18) is set up to establish a data connection to a computer-readable medium (51) , which is in particular a data store (52) in a cloud (53).

54. Use of a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims in the manufacture of brushes (32).

55. Brush (32) with a bristle stock (39) which comprises at least two bristle bundles (2), at least two of the bristle bundles (2) being combined in a common bundle section (49).

56. Brush (32) according to the preceding claim with at least one bristle bundle (2), the bristle bundle (2) has at least one recess (29).

57. Brush (32) according to the preceding claim, wherein the

Recess (29) a closed, of

Bristle filaments of the bristle bundle (2) defined Has cross-section and / or wherein the recess (29) is arranged in the at least one bristle bundle (2) between a first closed bundle section (35) and a second closed bundle section (36) of the bristle bundle (2), preferably with the first closed bundle section ( 35) adjoins a free end (37) of the bristle bundle (2) and / or the second closed bundle section (36) adjoins an end (38) of the bristle bundle (2) on the bristle carrier or handle side.

58. Brush (32) according to the preceding claim, wherein a length of the first closed bundle section (35) and / or a length of the second closed bundle section (36) at least 5% of a total length of the bristle bundle

(2) measured in the longitudinal direction of the

Bristle bundle (2) is.

59. Brush (32) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the brush is a toothbrush, a mascara brush or a broom.

60. Brush (32) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the bristle bundles (2) has two bundle cross-sections (47, 48) which are axially spaced apart with respect to its longitudinal axis and which differ from one another in terms of shape and / or size, and / or at least two

Bristle bundles (2) are combined at their free ends in a common bundle section (49) and / or the bristle stock (39) has at least one helical, conical, truncated cone-shaped and / or cup-shaped bristle bundle (2).

61. Brush (32) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the Bristle bundles (2) have bristle filaments made of PE, PBT, PA6.10, PA6.12, PA10.10, PA4.10 or from one

Mix and / or consist of a composite of the materials mentioned.

62. Computer program, comprising commands that cause the device (1) according to one of the preceding claims and / or the brush manufacturing machine (18) according to one of the preceding claims to execute the method according to one of the preceding claims.

63. Computer-readable medium (51) on which the computer program according to claim 60 is stored, in particular wherein the computer-readable medium (51) is a data store (52) in a cloud (53).

Summary