DEVICE AND METHOD FOR FORMING BRISTLE BUNDLES, BRUSH MAKING MACHINE, USE OF A DEVICE FOR FORMING BRISTLE BUNDLES, BRUSH, COMPUTER PROGRAM AND COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM

Description

[0001] 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.

[0002] From German patent application DE 23 13 572 A, a method and a device for manufacturing brushes and the like are known. In this method, a plurality of synthetic bristles are inserted into a hollow mold, the cavity of which is defined. A movable pin is moved substantially concentrically to these bristles and along their longitudinal axis to an inner position within the mold. This effectively divides the interior of the mold into two cavities, creating a substantially empty space located substantially in the center of the bristles. The ends of the bristles are heated in one of these cavities to substantially melt the portions of the bristles within that cavity. Subsequently, a pressure plate is inserted into the substantially molten bristle material.The melted bristle material then hardens, forming a brush or bristle structure. The resulting brush or bristle is then removed from the mold.

[0003] A method for manufacturing brushes and a corresponding apparatus are known from DE 10 2012 010 415 A1. In the manufacturing of brushes according to this method, several tufts of bristles are stuffed into an opening provided in a bristle carrier of a brush to be manufactured, without the tufts of bristles being brought together outside in a guide plate.

[0004] A toothbrush is known from DE 10 2007 014 675 A1. The toothbrush has a handle and a brush head comprising at least a first and a second bristle carrier. The bristle carriers are spaced apart from each other and movable relative to each other. The first bristle carrier is located adjacent to the handle and carries several bristle bundles. The second bristle carrier carries only a single bristle bundle, which is arranged centrally in line with the longitudinal axis of the handle.

[0005] From DE 10 2016 004 500 A1, a bristle unit with a bristle field, a brush with a bristle unit, and a device and a method for manufacturing a bristle unit are known. The bristle unit comprises a carrier plate having a plurality of perforations extending through the carrier plate. The perforations have a retaining section with a constant cross-section along its longitudinal axis and accommodate bristle bundles. In a bristle field of the bristle unit, at least one of the bristle bundles is an inclined bristle bundle, arranged in an angular position at an acute angle to the longitudinal axis of its associated perforation, fused in this angular position, and attached to the carrier plate.

[0006] Brushes, such as toothbrushes, are offered in a wide variety for a multitude of uses. The primary difference between these brushes lies in their design. This design can also encompass technical aspects of the brushes, positively influencing their performance. Consequently, the design of the brushes is a key purchasing criterion for consumers.

[0007] Accordingly, brush manufacturers are increasingly striving to personalize their brushes through elaborate designs to make them more appealing to consumers. For example, it has become common practice to equip brushes with bristles made of differently colored filaments, or to design the handles and heads of the brushes differently in terms of shape and color. Different materials are also combined to personalize the brushes.

[0008] Although there are various ways to design brushes, there is still a need for ways to personalize brushes.

[0009] The object of the invention is therefore to expand the existing design possibilities for the individualization of brushes.

[0010] To solve this problem, a device for forming bristle bundles is proposed, comprising the means and features of the independent claim directed to such a device. In particular, a device for forming bristle bundles is proposed, comprising at least one bundle pocket for receiving at least one bristle bundle and a heating device for heating the at least one bundle pocket. The bundle pocket is provided with an insertion opening for a bristle bundle and with at least one lateral recess. At least one bristle bundle can be inserted into the bundle pocket through the insertion opening. A displacement element of the device for profiling a bristle bundle inserted into the bundle pocket can be inserted into the bundle pocket through the lateral recess.

[0011] The device is equipped, by means of the bundle pocket, to transform a bundle of bristles inserted into the bundle pocket from an undeformed initial shape into a desired target shape under the influence of heat, which is emitted from the heating device onto the bundle pocket and thus also onto the bundle of bristles contained therein.

[0012] In this way, a device for shaping bristle bundles is created that allows for the individualization of bristle bundles and thus ultimately expands the design possibilities for customizing brushes equipped with the shaped bristle bundles. Furthermore, the device according to the invention also offers the possibility of improving the effectiveness of bristle bundles by imprinting a technically effective shape. Depending on the application, it is conceivable to shape the bristle bundles into a wide variety of forms. For example, it is conceivable to produce particularly tapered bristle bundles, bristle bundles whose bristle filaments follow a helical path, or bristle bundles that have a first cross-sectional shape at one end and a second cross-sectional shape at the other end, while the cross-section of the bristle bundle changes smoothly from the first end to the second end.

[0013] The bristle bundle inserted into the device's bundle pocket is imprinted with the shape determined by the bundle pocket. Thus, the undeformed bristle bundle, before being inserted into the bundle pocket, may, for example, have a cylindrical or slightly conical initial shape. If the bundle pocket, and in particular a receptacle within the bundle pocket into which the bristle bundle is inserted, has a shape that deviates from this initial shape, the bristle bundle will be forced to adapt its shape or form to the shape determined by the bundle pocket upon insertion.

[0014] The heat from the heating device, transferred via the bundle pocket to the bristle bundle contained within, fixes the shape the bristle bundle has assumed within the pocket. This heat effectively stress-relieves the bristle bundle held in its deformed state within the pocket. Under the influence of the heat, the bristle filaments of the bundle, held in their deformed state by and / or within the pocket, can change their structure accordingly, ultimately fixing the altered shape of the bristle bundle.

[0015] The displacement device can be inserted into the bundle pocket through the lateral opening, positioning itself between the bristle filaments of at least one bristle bundle within the pocket. The displacement device laterally displaces the bristle filaments of the bristle bundle. This creates a recess within the bristle bundle. The heat emitted by the heating device ensures that the recess created by the displacement device within the bristle bundle remains intact even after the bristle bundle is removed from the pocket. It can be advantageous to leave the displacement device in its displacement position within the bundle pocket while the pocket and the bristle bundle within it are heated by the heating device.According to the invention, the displacement means can be inserted transversely or at right angles to an insertion direction of a bristle bundle into the bundle pocket.

[0016] Using the device for shaping bristle bundles, it is possible to produce particularly elaborate bristle bundles, which allow for a high degree of individualization of brushes equipped with them.

[0017] The bundle pocket can have two opposing, lateral cutouts. These two cutouts can be arranged on the bundle pocket such that a receiving space within the bundle pocket, into which at least one bristle bundle can be inserted, lies between the two cutouts. The displacement element of the device can be inserted through one cutout, through the receiving space of the bundle pocket, and exit through the other cutout. This ensures that the displacement element completely penetrates the bundle pocket, particularly its receiving space, and thereby creates the desired recess within the bristle bundle by displacing the bristle filaments of a bristle bundle located within the bundle pocket.

[0018] At least one of the openings in the bundle pocket can be so large that it creates a recess in the bristle bundle, which is bounded on the one hand by a first closed bundle section that lies between the recess and a free end of the bristle bundle, and on the other hand by a second closed bundle section that lies between the recess and a bristle-bearing end of the bristle bundle.

[0019] The closed bundle section located adjacent to the free end of the bristle bundle, as well as the closed bundle section located adjacent to the bristle-bearing end of the bristle bundle, may, for example, have a length that is 5% of the total length of the bristle bundle, measured in the longitudinal direction of the bristle filaments of the bristle bundle.

[0020] Applied to the bundle pocket, this can mean that a first closed or breakout-free section of the bundle pocket, which is arranged between the breakout and the insertion opening of the bundle pocket, and a second closed or breakout-free section of the bundle pocket, which is arranged between the breakout and an end of the bundle pocket opposite the insertion opening of the bundle pocket, each have a length of at least 5% of the total length of the bundle pocket.

[0021] In one embodiment of the device, at least one opening of the bundle pocket can have a length measured between the insertion opening of the bundle pocket and an end of the bundle pocket arranged opposite the insertion opening of the bundle pocket, which 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.

[0022] To close at least one opening of the bundle pocket while a bristle bundle is being inserted into the pocket, it can be advantageous for the device to have at least one closing means. The closing means of the device can be configured to close at least one lateral opening of the at least one bundle pocket, at least temporarily. The closing means can effectively prevent bristle filaments of a bristle bundle inserted into the bundle pocket from being accidentally pushed out of or becoming dislodged from the opening of the bundle pocket.

[0023] The problem is also solved by a device for forming bristle bundles of a brush's bristle arrangement, which has the means and features of the independent claim directed to such a device. In particular, to solve the problem, a device for forming bristle bundles of a brush's bristle arrangement, comprising 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. The heating device can be used to heat bristle bundles placed in the bundle receptacles.The bundle holders are bundle-forming and designed to reshape bristle bundles inserted into the bundle holders compared to their shape before insertion into the bundle holders under the influence of heat emitted by the heating device, in order to fix the shape of the bristle bundles inserted into the bundle holders as determined by the bundle holders.

[0024] The bundle holes can be grouped together in at least one group, with each group comprising a number of bundle receptacles corresponding to a number of bristle bundles of a bristle assembly whose bristle bundles are to be reshaped by the device. In this way, all bristle bundles of a brush's bristle assembly can be reshaped in a single operation using the device for brush customization.

[0025] For this purpose, the bundle holders are arranged within a group in the same way as the bristle bundles in the bristle arrangement of the brush to be processed.

[0026] At least one bundle holder of the device's bundle pocket can have at least two cross-sections axially spaced apart from each other with respect to a longitudinal axis of the bundle holders, which differ from each other in shape and / or size. In this way, a device is created that allows for a wide variety of brush customization.

[0027] In one embodiment of the device described above, a bundle receptacle of the bundle pocket has an insertion channel that opens into at least two downstream channels of the bundle receptacles. Such a device can be used to form bristle bundles that spread out along their length. The downstream channels of the bundle receptacles can have longitudinal axes that are aligned with each other at a defined angle, in particular at an acute angle. For example, a bristle bundle with a Y-shaped form can be formed in this way.

[0028] In one embodiment of the device described above, at least one bundle receptacle of the bundle pocket has a bundle receptacle section defined by the lateral surfaces of two cones or truncated cones. The longitudinal center axes of the cones or truncated cones may be congruent. The cones or truncated cones may have different radii. Such a device can be used to produce a bristle bundle with a chalice-shaped bundle section.

[0029] In one embodiment of the device described above, at least one bundle receptacle of the bundle pocket can fan out or spread out, particularly starting from a cross-section of the bundle receptacles, preferably in a cup-shaped and / or conical manner.

[0030] To produce bristle bundles that are combined in a bundle section, the bundle pocket of the device can have at least two bundle receptacles that lead into a common bundle receptacle section.

[0031] To produce bristle bundles that are combined in a bundle section, the bundle pocket can, for example, also have at least one bundle receptacle designed to receive at least two bristle bundles and / or which includes a common bundle receptacle section for at least two bristle bundles.

[0032] To facilitate the fastest possible reshaping of bristle bundles, at least one bundle pocket can have at least one heat exchange element that promotes heat exchange. With the help of this heat exchange element, the bundle pocket can be heated more quickly by the heating device to the temperature required for reshaping the bristle bundles. After successful reshaping of a bristle bundle, the heat exchange element can also accelerate the cooling of the bundle pocket and the bristle bundle within it.

[0033] A cooling and / or heating fin and / or a cooling and / or heating lamella can serve as a heat exchange element, for example.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally to at least one heat exchange element, the bundled pouch can have a surface structure that promotes heat exchange. For example, it is possible to provide the outer surface of the bundled pouch with a surface roughness Ra of 1.6 µm to 50 µm. This surface roughness increases the outer surface area of ​​the bundled pouch, which accelerates heat absorption when the bundled pouch is heated as well as heat dissipation when it cools down.

[0035] For preferably fully automated handling of bristle bundles and / or bundle pockets when using the device, it 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.

[0036] 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 each. The bundle pocket and / or a bristle bundle held by the bundle gripper can be vibrated by means of the at least one vibrator. The vibrations allow the bristle filaments of the at least one bristle bundle to slide more easily into the bundle pocket.

[0037] The device may have a guide for a bundle gripper, for example the one already mentioned, a guide for the at least one displacement means and / or a guide for the at least one closure means of the device already mentioned.

[0038] To enable uniform and / or rapid heating of the bundle pocket for forming bristle bundles, at least one bundle pocket can have a wall with a constant and preferably as thin a wall thickness as possible. An inner contour of the bundle pocket can be adapted to an outer contour of the bundle pocket. An outer contour of the bundle pocket can coincide with an inner contour of the bundle pocket.

[0039] The insertion of bristle bundles into the bundle pocket is facilitated if the insertion opening of at least one bundle pocket is equipped with an insertion funnel. The bundle pocket can also form or be a monolithic unit, preferably of homogeneous material. Particularly high design freedom regarding the shape of the bundle pocket can be achieved if the bundle pocket is 3D printed. In this way, the bundle pockets can have particularly complex internal structures. For example, bundle pockets are conceivable that have a helical internal structure for receiving a bristle bundle and that, due to their shape, impose a helical target shape on a bristle bundle arranged within for forming.

[0040] Depending on the application, it can be advantageous to subsequently process bristle bundles formed using the bundle pocket. For this purpose, the at least one bundle pocket of the device can have an exit opening, which is preferably located in or on one side of the bundle pocket opposite the insertion opening. Free filament ends of a bristle bundle arranged in the bundle pocket can protrude from this exit opening and be accessible for post-processing, for example, milling and / or grinding.

[0041] It may 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.

[0042] To accelerate the cooling of the bundle pocket and a bundle of bristles contained therein, the device may also include a cooling device.

[0043] In one embodiment of the device, the heating element extends over an area covering a circular segment with an angular range between 180° and 270°. A cooling element of the device, for example the one mentioned previously, can extend over an area covering a circular segment with an angular range between 180° and 90°.

[0044] In one embodiment of the device, the heating device comprises a heating plate, preferably extending over an area covering a circular segment with an angular range, for example, between 180° and 270°. A cooling device of the device, for example the one already mentioned, can comprise a cooling plate, preferably extending over an area covering a circular segment with an angular range, for example, between 180° and 90°.

[0045] This type of heating and cooling device is particularly suitable for use in a brush manufacturing machine, such as the one described in more detail below, which has a rotary indexing table by means of which bundle pockets and bristle bundles contained therein can be transported between different stations of the brush manufacturing machine.

[0046] The aforementioned problem is also solved by a method for forming bristle bundles, which has the means and features of the independent claim directed to such a method. In particular, a method for forming bristle bundles is proposed to solve the problem, in which at least one bristle bundle is formed from an undeformed initial shape into a desired target shape, wherein bristle filaments of the bristle bundle are displaced, preferably laterally, by means of a displacement device to produce a recess in the bristle bundle. Subsequently, the bristle bundle is heated to fix the target shape of the bristle bundle and thus the recess produced in the bristle bundle.In this way, a bristle bundle can be created that is individualized on the one hand due to its altered shape and on the other hand due to the recess created within the bristle bundle, resulting in brushes equipped with such a bristle bundle having a special appearance.

[0047] In one embodiment of the method, a recess can be created within the bristle bundle, arranged between a first closed bundle section and a second closed bundle section. The first closed bundle section can adjoin a free end of the bristle bundle. The second closed bundle section can adjoin a bristle carrier end and / or a handle end of the bristle bundle. Furthermore, in one embodiment of the method, a recess can be created in the bristle bundle that has a closed cross-section defined and / or enclosed by bristle filaments of the bristle bundle and / or is defined and bounded by bristle filaments of the bristle bundle.

[0048] To carry out the method, the claimed device for forming a bristle bundle, which has been described in detail above and is claimed in the protective claims directed to such a device, can be used.

[0049] The aforementioned problem is also solved by a method for forming bristle bundles of a brush bristle assembly comprising at least two bristle bundles, which includes the means and features of the independent claim directed to such a method. In particular, it is proposed that, in such a method, at least one of the bristle bundles of the brush bristle assembly is formed such that it has two bundle cross-sections axially spaced apart from each other with respect to its longitudinal axis, which differ from each other in shape and / or size. Alternatively or additionally, it is provided according to the invention that at least two bristle bundles of the brush bristle assembly are combined in a common bundle section. This can be done, in particular, at the free ends of the bristle bundles.

[0050] The aforementioned task is ultimately also solved by a method for forming bristle bundles of a bristle arrangement of a brush comprising at least two bristle bundles, wherein at least one bristle bundle is given a helical, conical, frustoconical or chalice-shaped form.

[0051] The aforementioned task is ultimately also solved by a method for forming bristle bundles of a bristle arrangement of a brush comprising at least two bristle bundles, wherein at least one bristle bundle is spread out.

[0052] The aforementioned problem is also solved by a brush-making machine that has the means and features of the independent claim directed to such a brush-making machine. In particular, to solve the problem, a brush-making machine is thus proposed that has at least one device for forming bristle bundles according to one of the claims directed to such a device.

[0053] The brush manufacturing machine can have a rotary indexing table for receiving and transporting bundle pockets containing bristle bundles. Preferably, the rotary indexing table has four arms, each arranged at a 90° angle to one another. The brush manufacturing machine can also have an input station for feeding bundle pockets containing bristle bundles, a bundle profiling station, preferably at which the device for forming bristle bundles is arranged, and / or a bundle melting station at which anchoring or fastening heads of the bristle bundles can be produced by melting the bristle bundles.

[0054] Furthermore, the brush manufacturing machine can be equipped with a removal station for extracting bundled pouches and / or at least one further processing station. All of the aforementioned stations can be arranged on or around the rotary indexing table.

[0055] Using the rotary indexing table and its preferably four arms, bundle pockets filled with bristle bundles can be transported in a timed manner to the individual stations of the brush manufacturing machine, and the bristle bundles contained therein can be processed at these stations.

[0056] Furthermore, the aforementioned problem is also solved by the use of a device for forming bristle bundles in the manufacture of brushes, which has the means and features of at least one of the claims directed to such a device.

[0057] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a brush with the features of the independent claim directed to a brush. In particular, a brush is proposed which has at least one bundle of bristles provided with at least one recess.

[0058] The recess in the at least one bristle bundle of the brush can have a closed cross-section defined by the bristle filaments of the bristle bundle. According to the invention, the recess in the at least one bristle bundle of the brush is arranged between a first closed bundle section and a second closed bundle section of the bristle bundle. The first closed bundle section borders a free end of the bristle bundle. The second closed bundle section borders a bristle carrier-side or handle-side end of the bristle bundle.

[0059] On the one hand, the recess can be bounded by the first closed section of the bristle bundle, and on the other hand, by the second closed section. Thus, the recess can ultimately be defined and laterally bounded by bristle filaments of the bristle bundle that surround the recess, preferably in a closed ring. Therefore, the recess in the bristle bundle can also be described as a window or cutout formed within the bristle bundle. The recess can be laterally surrounded and bounded by a closed ring or frame of bristle filaments from the bristle bundle.

[0060] The first closed section of the bristle bundle can be located between the recess and a free end of the bristle bundle. The second closed section of the bristle bundle can be located between the recess and either the bristle carrier or handle end of the bristle bundle.

[0061] The length of the first closed bundle section and / or the length of the second closed bundle section can each be at least 5% of the total length of the bristle bundle measured in the longitudinal direction of the bristle bundle.

[0062] At least one bundle of bristles of the brush can be connected to a bristle carrier of the brush. The brush can furthermore have a handle, which in one embodiment of the brush, in particular, can be integrally connected to the bristle carrier of the brush.

[0063] In this case, at least one bristle bundle of the brush can be reshaped by means of a device and / or according to a method as previously explained in detail and claimed in one of the claims directed to such a device or method.

[0064] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a brush with a bristle covering comprising at least two bristle bundles, at least one of which has two cross-sections axially spaced apart with respect to its longitudinal axis, which differ from each other in terms of shape and / or size.

[0065] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a brush with a bristle arrangement comprising at least two bristle bundles, wherein at least two bristle bundles of the bristle arrangement are combined in a common bundle section. This common bundle section can be formed at the free ends of the combined bristle bundles. The bristle bundles can have a section adjacent to the common bundle section in which they are separated from one another, thus remaining recognizable as separate bristle bundles.

[0066] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a brush with a bristle arrangement comprising at least two bristle bundles, wherein the bristle arrangement has at least one helical, conical, frustoconical and / or cup-shaped bristle bundle.

[0067] The invention further relates to a computer program comprising commands that cause the brush manufacturing machine claimed in claims 22 to 24 to execute the method claimed in claims 19 to 21 using a control unit of the brush manufacturing machine.

[0068] 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 provided to the end user. The computer-readable medium can also be a data storage device in a cloud. This makes it possible to keep the computer program up-to-date in the cloud, adapt it as needed, and load it from there. The computer-readable medium can therefore be cloud-based and / or a data storage device that is hosted in the cloud and / or accessible via a cloud.

[0069] The device and / or the brush-making machine may have a preferably wireless data interface. Via this preferably wireless data interface, the device and / or the brush-making machine may establish a data connection to a computer-readable medium on which the computer program is stored, in order to read the computer program. Subsequently, it is possible to execute the method as described above, preferably automatically and / or autonomously, on the brush-making machine and / or on the device.

[0070] It is particularly advantageous if the brush manufacturing machine and / or the device for it is / are configured, preferably automatically or autonomously, to establish a data connection to a computer-readable medium, in particular to a cloud-based data storage system, which then functions as a computer-readable medium within the meaning of claim 33. This is done with the aim of reading the computer program stored there and thereby enabling the brush manufacturing machine and / or the device to carry out the method according to the invention. Communication with the cloud and the cloud-based data storage system can take place via a network, for example, via the internet.

[0071] The invention will now be described in more detail using an exemplary embodiment, but is not limited to this embodiment. Further exemplary embodiments result from combining the features of one or more claims with each other and / or in combination with one or more features of the exemplary embodiment. The following are shown in a partly highly schematic representation: Figures 1 to 12 : highly schematic representations of a device according to the invention for forming bristle bundles to illustrate the forming process that can be carried out using the device, Figure 13 : a perspective view of a brush with a bundle of bristles, which is formed using the in the Figures 1 to 12 The device shown was transformed, Figure 14 : 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: a perspective view of another embodiment of a bundle pocket of a device for forming bristle bundles, wherein the bundle pocket has a number of differently shaped bundle receptacles corresponding to the number of bristle bundles in a bristle arrangement of a brush, Figure 16 : a frontal view of the in Figure 15 shown bundle bag Figure 17 : one along the intersection line A - A from Figure 16 Cutaway side view of the in the Figures 15 and 16 illustrated bundle bag Figure 18 : a perspective view of a toothbrush, whose bristle bundles are aligned with those in the Figures 15 to 17 The bundle pocket shown was reshaped, Figure 19 : a perspective bottom view of another embodiment of a bundle bag, as well as Figure 20 : a perspective view of a brush, whose bristle bundles are aligned with the in Figure 20 The bundle pocket shown was reshaped.

[0072] In the following description of the figures, elements that are identical in function will be given identical reference symbols even if they differ in design or shape.

[0073] The Figures 1 to 17 and 19 Figure 1 shows at least parts of different embodiments of a device, designated as a whole by 1, for forming bristle bundles 2. The device 1 comprises at least one bundle pocket 3. The bundle pocket 3 serves to receive at least one bristle bundle 2. For receiving a bristle bundle 2, the bundle pocket 3 has at least one bundle receptacle 40. The device 1 further comprises a heating device 4, which is characterized by the zigzag hatching in Figure 14 The marked area is shown in a highly schematic form. The heating device 4 serves to heat at least one bundle pocket 3 and a bristle bundle 2 positioned in the bundle pocket 3.

[0074] 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 in the Figures 1 to 12 The illustrated device 1 has two lateral recesses 6. Through these lateral recesses 6, a displacement element 7 of the device 1 can be inserted into the bundle pocket 3 to profile a bristle bundle 2 that has been inserted into the bundle pocket 3. Figures 6 to 9 illustrate the use of displacement agent 7.

[0075] The device 1 is configured by the bundle pocket 3 to hold a bristle bundle 2 inserted into the bundle pocket 3, starting from an undeformed initial shape, which is in the Figures 1 to 3 It can be seen that, under the influence of heat emitted by the heating device 4 onto the bundle pocket 2 and the bristle bundle 2 arranged therein, the bristle bundle is transformed into a deformed, desired target shape. The result of the forming process is a bristle bundle 2, such as that found, for example, in Figure 13 shown.

[0076] The two openings 6 of the bundle pocket 3 are opposite each other, so that the displacing agent 7 can be pushed through the bundle pocket 3 to create a recess 29 within the bristle bundle 2 (see Figures 6 to 9 In this process, the bristle bundle 2 is profiled or deformed accordingly, and the recess 29 is created, which is particularly well suited to Figure 13 can be seen.

[0077] To prevent bristle filaments from escaping from the bristle bundle 2 when the bristle bundle 2 is inserted into the bundle pocket 3 through the initially open openings 6, the device 1 has two closing means 8. The two closing means 8 can be used to temporarily close the two lateral openings 6 of the bundle pocket 3.

[0078] The Figures 1 and 2 The two closure devices 8 are shown in their initial position. A comparison of the Figures 1, 2 and 3This illustrates how the two closure elements 8 are moved from their initial position into their closed position against the bundle pocket 3 in order to temporarily close the two lateral cutouts 6. The two closure elements 8 are designed as profile pins, each having 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 elements 8, they form an almost flush surface with the inner surfaces of the bundle pocket 3. This facilitates the insertion of the bristle bundle 2 into the bundle pocket 3.

[0079] Once the two locking devices 8 have assumed their closed position, the prepared bristle bundle 2 can be inserted through the insertion opening 5 into the bundle pocket 3. This is in Figure 4 depicted.

[0080] The bundled compartment 3 shown in the figures is equipped with several heat exchange elements 9. The heat exchange elements 9 facilitate heat absorption during the heating phase and heat release during a cooling phase. The heat exchange elements 9 are designed as cooling-heating fins.

[0081] The device 1 also includes a bundle gripper 10 and a bundle pocket gripper 11. Both the bundle gripper 10 and the bundle pocket gripper 11 are movable between a starting position and a processing position. The bundle gripper 10 serves to pick up a bundle of bristles 2 from the starting position (compare Figures 1 to 3 ) to move into a processing position and thereby insert the bristle bundle 2 into the bundle pocket 3.

[0082] The bundle pocket gripper 11 can be used to hold the bundle pocket 3 and reposition it as needed. Both the bundle gripper 10 and the bundle pocket gripper 11 are each associated with a vibrator 12. The vibrators 12 are used to vibrate the bundle pocket 3 on the one hand and a bristle bundle 2 on the other when the bristle bundle 2 is inserted into the bundle pocket 3. This facilitates the bristle bundle 2 sliding into the bundle pocket 3.

[0083] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of bundle pocket 3. The cross-sectional view illustrates that bundle pocket 3 has a wall 13 with an approximately constant wall thickness. An inner contour of bundle pocket 3 is aligned with an outer contour of bundle pocket 3.

[0084] The sectional view of bundle pocket 3 according to Figure 2Figure 1 further shows that the insertion opening 5 of the bundle pocket 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.

[0085] The bundle pocket 3 of the device 1 shown in the figures exists as a materially homogeneous, monolithic unit that is 3D-printed. Bundle pockets 3 with comparatively complex pocket geometries can be produced using a 3D printing process.

[0086] The in the Figures 11 and 12 The illustrated embodiment of a bundle pocket 3 has an outlet opening 15 on its side opposite the insertion opening 5 into 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. 12Although the bristle bundle 2 is then arranged within the bundle pocket 3, the free ends of the bristle filaments are thus accessible for further processing.

[0087] For processing the bristle filaments of a bristle bundle 2 located in the bundle pocket 3, the device 1 is equipped with at least one processing means 16. The in Figure 11 The machining tool 16, shown in a highly schematic way, is a milling cutter 16 with which the bristle filaments can be trimmed at their free ends 31.

[0088] The in Figure 9The pictogram shown indicates that the device 1 has a cooling device 17 in addition to its heating device 4. The cooling device 17 allows the bundle pocket 3 and the bristle bundle 2 contained therein to be actively cooled. This is done to cool the bristle bundle 2 as quickly as possible to a temperature required for further processing after successful forming.

[0089] The device 1 further comprises several guides 30 that define adjustment paths for the displacement means 7, the closure means 8, the bundle body 10, and the processing means 16. In the embodiment of the device 1 shown in the figures, the guides 30 are greatly simplified and depicted as guide slots 30.

[0090] Figure 5 Figure 1 now shows the device after the bristle bundle 2 has been inserted into the bundle pocket 3. Figure 6The displacing element 7, here a profiled displacing pin, can be seen. The displacing element 7 is initially inserted into the bundle pocket 3 through the first opening 6. This causes bristle filaments of the bristle bundle 2 located in the bundle pocket 3 to be displaced laterally. The displacing element 7 is further inserted into the bundle pocket 3 until it exits the bundle pocket 3 through the second opening 6 (see Figure 7 ).

[0091] The in Figure 8 The pictogram shown illustrates that the heating device 4 is then activated 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 fix the target shape of the bristle bundle 2 specified by the bundle pocket 3 and the displacement medium 7.

[0092] Once the bristle bundle 2 has been heated for a sufficient time, the heating device 4 can be deactivated and the cooling device 17 of the device 1 can be switched on to actively cool the bundle pocket 3 and the bristle bundle 2 contained therein (see Figure 9 ).

[0093] The displacement element 7 is then pulled out of the bundle pocket 3 and the deformed bristle bundle 2 is removed from the bundle pocket 3. For this purpose, the bundle body 10 is moved back to its initial position along its guide 30 (see Figure 10 The recess 29 created in the bristle bundle 2 with the help of the displacement agent 7 can be clearly seen here.

[0094] Thus, the device 1 is designed to move the bristle bundle 2 from an undeformed initial shape, which is e.g. in the Figures 1 to 3The bristle bundle 2 is reshaped into a desired target shape. In this process, the bristle filaments of the bristle bundle 2 are displaced, particularly laterally, by means of the displacement agent 7 to create the recess 29. The bristle bundle 2 is then heated to fix the target shape of the bristle bundle 2 and thus the recess 29 created in the bristle bundle 2.

[0095] Figure 13 Finally, a brush 32 is shown, whose single bristle bundle 2 is connected to the one in the Figures 1 to 12 The bristle bundle 2 was formed in the device 1 shown. The recess 29 created within the bristle bundle 2 during the forming process is clearly visible. The bristle bundle 2 is connected to a bristle carrier 33 of the brush 32, which simultaneously serves as the handle 34 of the brush 32. The brush 32 can also be referred to as a paintbrush, since it has only one bristle bundle 2.

[0096] Figure 13Figure 2 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, at 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 a bristle-bearing or handle-side end 38 of the bristle bundle 2.

[0097] The first closed bundle section 35 and the second closed bundle section 36 of the bristle bundle 2 each have a length that corresponds to at least 5% of the 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 window within the bristle bundle 2, which is laterally surrounded and thus bounded by a ring or frame of bristle filaments of the bristle bundle 2.

[0098] The Figures 15 to 17 and 19 The figures show bundle pockets 3 of a device 1 suitable for forming bristle bundles 2 of an entire bristle arrangement 39 of a brush 32. A brush 32, namely a toothbrush, whose bristle bundles 2 are formed with the bristles in the Figures 15 to 17 The bundle bag shown in section 3 has been reshaped and is in Figure 18depicted. A brush 32, namely a toothbrush, whose bristle bundles 2 are connected to the in Figures 19 The bundle bag shown in section 3 has been reshaped and is in Figure 20 depicted.

[0099] These bundle pockets 3 have several bundle receptacles 40 into which the bristle bundles 2 of the bristle arrangement 39 of the brush 32 are inserted in order to reshape the bristle bundles 2 for individualization of the brush 32.

[0100] The device 1, with which the in the Figures 15 to 17 and 19 The bundle bags 3 shown, which can be used, also have a heating device 4. It should be mentioned here that the bundle bags 3 shown are also equipped with a heating device 4. Figures 15 to 17 and 19 The bundle bag 3 shown can be used on a device 1 as shown in the Figures 1 to 12 is shown.

[0101] The bundle receptacles 40 of these bundle pockets 3 are designed to form bundles and are configured to reshape the bristle bundles 2 of the bristle arrangement 39, which are inserted into the bundle receptacles 40, compared to their shape before insertion into the bundle receptacles 40, under the influence of heat emitted by the heating device 4. This is done with the aim of fixing the shape of the bristle bundles 2 inserted into the bundle receptacles 40 as determined by the bundle receptacles 40.

[0102] The in the Figures 15 to 17 and 19 Each bundle pocket 3 shown has a group 41 of bundle receptacles 40. In one group 41, the bundle receptacles 40 of the bundle pocket 3 are arranged as the bristle bundles 2 are arranged in the bristle arrangement 39 of the Figure 19 Brush 32 shown. In group 41, as many bundle receptacles 40 are provided as the bristle arrangement 39 of the brush 32 has bristle bundles 2.

[0103] At least two of the bundle receptacles 40 of the bundle pockets 3 each have two cross-sections 42 and 43 axially spaced apart from each other with respect to a longitudinal axis of the respective bundle receptacle 40, which differ from each other in terms of shape and / or size.

[0104] The in the Figures 15 to 17 The bundle pocket 3 shown has a bristle carrier receptacle 44 on its rear side. A bristle carrier 33 of a brush 32, on which the bristle arrangement 39 of the brush 32 is formed, can be positioned in this bristle carrier receptacle 44 to reshape the bristle bundles 2 of the bristle arrangement 39.

[0105] According to Figure 17The bundle receptacle 40c of the bundle pocket 3 has a bundle receptacle section 46, which is defined by the lateral surfaces of two cones or truncated cones. The longitudinal center axes of the cones or truncated cones are congruent, but the cones or truncated cones have different radii. This creates a chalice-shaped bundle receptacle 40c on the bundle pocket 3, which fans out in a chalice shape from its insertion section 44.

[0106] The in the Figures 15 to 17 The bundle pocket 3 shown also has five bundle receptacles 40b, whose longitudinal central axes are helical. The result of the transformation of bristle bundles 2 using these helical bundle receptacles 40 are correspondingly helical bristle bundles 2b, as they are on the bristle carrier 33 of the in Figure 18 Brush 32 shown can be seen. The last of the seven bundle holders 40 of the bundle bag 3, which are in the Figures 15 to 17As shown, a frustoconical bundle receptacle 40a can be formed with which frustoconical bristle bundles 2a can be formed.

[0107] The in Figure 18 The brush 32 shown is a toothbrush and has a total of seven individual bristle bundles 2, five of which, bristle bundles 2b, have a longitudinal axis that is wound along a helical line and can therefore be described as helical bristle bundles 2b. One of the seven bristle bundles 2 is a conical bristle bundle 2a. Another bristle bundle 2 of the bristle arrangement 39 is a chalice-shaped bristle bundle 2c. When shaping the chalice-shaped bristle bundle 2c, it is spread out from its undeformed initial shape towards the chalice shape shown in the figures.

[0108] At the in Figure 19The illustrated bundle pocket 3 has several bundle receptacles 40, which jointly receive two or more bristle bundles 2 and unite them in a common bundle receptacle section 50. These bundle receptacles 40 bring together at least two separate bristle bundles 2 and unite them in the region of their free ends. At their bristle-side ends 38, the bristle bundles 2 are still recognizable as separate bristle bundles even in the fully formed bristle arrangement 39.

[0109] When using the in the Figures 15 to 17 and 19 In the bundle pocket 3 shown, at least one of the bristle bundles 2 of the bristle arrangement 39 of a brush 32 is reshaped such that it has two bundle cross-sections 47 and 48 that are axially spaced apart from each other with respect to its longitudinal axis. These two bundle cross-sections 47 and 48 differ from each other in shape and / or size.

[0110] When using the in Figure 19In the bundle pocket 3 shown, at least two bristle bundles 2 from the bristle arrangement 39 of a brush 32 are combined in the area of ​​their free ends in a common bundle section 49. In the Figure 20 In the brush 32 shown, several groups of, for example, four or five individual bristle bundles 2 are brought together and united into a common bundle section 49.

[0111] The bundle recordings 40 of the in the Figures 15 to 18 The bundle pockets 3 shown are equipped with insertion funnels 14 at their insertion openings 5 ​​for the bristle bundles 2. These insertion funnels 14 facilitate the gentle insertion of the bristle bundles 2 into the bundle receptacles 40 of the bundle pocket 3.

[0112] In particular the sectional view of bundle pocket 3 according to Figure 17clarifies that the frustoconical bundle receptacle 40a is provided with exit openings 15 from which free ends of bristle filaments can emerge and are thus accessible for further processing.

[0113] The in the Figures 1 to 12 and 15 to 17 as well as 19 devices 1 for forming bristle bundles 2, shown at least in part, can be attached to a brush manufacturing machine 18, as described in Figure 14 which is presented in a highly schematic way, can be used. The in Figure 14 The brush manufacturing machine 18 shown comprises a rotary indexing table 19 with a total of four arms 20, each arranged at a 90° offset from the others.

[0114] Each of the arms 20 is designed to hold several cassettes 21, which in turn can hold several bundle pouches 3. The arms 20 are moved in a timed sequence from station to station of the brush manufacturing machine 18. The cassettes 21 and / or individual bundle pouches 3 can be transported between the arms 21 and the individual stations of the brush manufacturing machine 18 by means of handling devices (not shown).

[0115] As mentioned previously, the brush manufacturing machine 18 has 18 different stations where bristle bundles 2 can be processed or handled. One of the stations of the brush manufacturing machine 18 is an input station 22. Using the input station 22, bundle pockets 3 filled with bristle bundles 2 are fed to the arms 20 of the rotary indexing table 19. It should be explicitly mentioned that both the bundle pockets 3, which are in the Figures 1 to 12are shown, as well as the bundle bags 3, which are in the Figures 15 to 17 as well as shown in 19, which can be used on the brush manufacturing machine 18.

[0116] At a 90° angle to input station 22, the brush manufacturing machine 18 has a bundle profiling station 23. The components in the Figures 1 to 12 The device 1 shown for forming bristle bundles 2 is arranged at the bundle profiling station 23 of the brush manufacturing machine 18.

[0117] At a 90° angle to the bundle profiling station 23, the brush manufacturing machine 18 has a bundle melting station 24. In the bundle melting station 24, the formed bristle bundles 2 are melted on one side to produce attachment heads. These attachment heads allow the bristle bundles 2 to be later attached to a bristle carrier of a brush.

[0118] A discharge station 25 of the brush manufacturing machine 18 is arranged at a 90° angle to the bundle melting station 24. Processed bristle bundles 2 can be fed to a further processing station 26 of the brush manufacturing machine located downstream of the discharge station 25 by means of the discharge station 25.

[0119] Figure 14Figure 1 shows a heating plate 27 of the heating device 4, which has the shape of an annular segment and is highlighted with zigzag hatching. The annular segment-shaped heating plate 27 covers an angular range of 270°. This allows the bundle pockets 3 arranged on the arms 20 and the bristle bundles 2 contained therein to be heated or kept at temperature by the heating device 4 during their transfer from the input station 22 to the bundle melting station 24. Adjoining the annular segment-shaped heating plate 27 of the heating device 4 is a comparatively 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°.

[0120] The brush manufacturing machine 18 as well as the device 1 for forming bristle bundles 2 are used for the production of brushes 32.

[0121] Figure 14 This shows that the brush-making 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 includes commands that cause the device 1 and / or the brush-making machine 18 to execute the previously described procedure.

[0122] The computer-readable medium 51 is in the illustrated embodiment according to Figure 14 A data storage device 52 in a cloud 53. The brush manufacturing machine 18 has a control unit 54, which is equipped with a preferably wireless data interface 55. Via the data interface 55, the brush manufacturing machine 18 can establish a data connection to the cloud 53 via a network, for example the Internet, in order to access the data storage device 52 located there and to read the computer program from it.

[0123] The invention relates to improvements in the technical field of brush manufacturing and design. Among other improvements, a device 1 for forming bristle bundles 2 is proposed. The device 1 comprises at least one bundle pocket 3 designed to receive a bristle bundle 2 to be formed. The bundle pocket 3 has at least one lateral recess 6. A displacement element 7 of the device 1 can be inserted into the bundle pocket 3 through this recess 6 to create a recess 29 within the bristle bundle 2 to be formed. The heating element 4 of the device 1 heats the bundle pocket 3 and the bristle bundle 2 contained therein to fix the shape of the bristle bundle 2 determined by the bundle pocket 3 and the displacement element 7. Reference symbol list

[0124] 1 Device for forming bristle bundles 2 Bristle bundle 2 Fructed cone bristle bundle 2 Helix-shaped bristle bundle 2 Cap-shaped bristle bundle 3 Bundle pocket 4 Heating device 5 Inlet opening 6 Lateral cutout in 3 7 Displacement device 8 Closure device 8a End faces of 8 9 Heat exchange element 10 Bundle gripper 11 Bundle pocket gripper 12 Vibrator 13 Wall of 3 14 Inlet funnel 15 Outlet opening 16 Machining device / cutter 17 Cooling device 18 Brush manufacturing 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 Further processing station 27 Heating plate 28 Cooling plate 29 Exclusion in 2 30 Guide for 7, 8, 10,16 31 free ends of bristle filaments 32 brush 33 bristle carrier 34 handle 35 first closed bundle section 36 second closed bundle section 37 free end of 2 38 bristle carrier end of 2 39 bristle arrangement 40 bundle receptacle 40 frustoconical bundle receptacle 40 helix-shaped bundle receptacle 40 cup-shaped bundle receptacle 41 group of 40 42 first cross-section of 40 43 second cross-section of 40 44 bristle carrier receptacle 45 edge of 44 46 bundle receptacle section 47 bundle cross-section 48 bundle cross-section 49 common bundle section 50 common bundle receptacle section 51 computer-readable medium 52 data storage 53 cloud 54 control unit 55 data interface

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for forming bristle bundles (2), wherein the apparatus (1) has at least one bundle pocket (3) for receiving at least one bristle bundle (2) and a heating apparatus (4) for heating the at least one bundle pocket (3), wherein the bundle pocket (3) has at least one introduction opening (5) and at least one lateral piercing (6) through which a displacement means (7) of the apparatus (1) for profiling a bristle bundle (2) inserted into the bundle pocket (3) can be introduced into the bundle pocket (3) transversely or at right angles to an insertion direction of a bristle bundle (2), and wherein the apparatus (1) is set up by means of the bundle pocket (3) to reshape a bristle bundle (2) introduced into the bundle pocket (3) from an undeformed initial shape into a desired target shape under the effect of heat which is emitted from the heating device (4) onto the bundle pocket (3).

2. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bundle pocket (3) has two mutually opposite lateral piercings (6), and / or wherein the apparatus (1) has at least one closure means (8) for temporarily closing the at least one lateral piercing (6) of the at least one bundle pocket (3).

3. The apparatus (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, adapted for forming bristle bundles (2) of a bristle complement (39) of a brush (32) that comprises at least two bristle bundles (2), wherein the apparatus (1) has at least one bundle pocket (3) having at least two bundle receptacles (40) configured therein and a heating apparatus (4) by way of which the bristle bundles (2) that have been incorporated into the bundle receptacles (40) are able to be heated, and wherein the bundle receptacles (40) are bundle-forming and, under the effect of heat dissipated by the heating device (4), specified for forming bristle bundles (2) that have been incorporated into the bundle receptacles (40) in comparison to the shape of said bristle bundles (2) prior to being introduced into the bundle receptacles (40) so as to set the shaping of the bristle bundles (2) that have been incorporated into the bundle receptacles (40) to the shaping predefined by the bundle receptacles (40).

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

5. The apparatus (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one bundle receptacle (40) of the bundle pocket (3) has at least two cross sections (42, 43) which in terms of a longitudinal axis of the bundle receptacle (40) are axially spaced apart from one another and which differ from one another in terms of shape and / or size.

6. The apparatus (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one bundle receptacle (40) of the bundle pocket (3) has an introduction duct which opens into at least two ducts of the bundle receptacle that are downstream of the introduction duct, and / or wherein the bundle pocket (3) has a bristle carrier receptacle (44) which is in particular delimited by a preferably closed encircling periphery (45).

7. The apparatus (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one bundle receptacle (40) of the bundle pocket (3) has a bundle receptacle portion (46) which is defined by the envelope faces of two cones or truncated cones, the longitudinal central axes thereof being congruent and / or said two cones or truncated cones having different radii.

8. The apparatus (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one bundle receptacle (40) of the bundle pocket (3), in particular proceeding from a cross section of the bundle receptacle (40), fans out or spreads open so as to be in particular chalice-shaped and / or conical.

9. The apparatus (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bundle pocket (3) has at least two bundle receptacles (40) which open into a common bundle receptacle portion (50), and / or wherein the bundle pocket (3) has at least one bundle receptacle (40) which is specified for receiving at least two bristle bundles (2) and / or which comprises a common bundle receptacle portion (50) for at least two bristle bundles (2).

10. The apparatus (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one bundle pocket (3) has at least one heat exchanger element (9), in particular a cooling and / or heating rib (9) and / or a cooling and / or heating fin, that facilitates an exchange of heat, and / or is provided with a surface structure that facilitates an exchange of heat, in particular wherein the bundle pocket (3) on the external side thereof has a surface roughness Ra of 1.6 µm to 50 µm.

11. The apparatus (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus (1) has at least one bundle gripper (10) that is preferably movable between an initial position and a machining position, and / or at least one bundle pocket gripper (11) that is preferably movable between an initial position and a machining position.

12. The apparatus (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one bundle pocket (3), in particular a or the at least one bundle pocket gripper (11) and / or a or the bundle gripper (10), are / is in each case assigned one vibrator (12).

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

14. The apparatus (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the introduction opening (5) is provided with an introduction funnel (14), and / or wherein the bundle pocket (3) is or forms a monolithic unit which is preferably materially homogenous and in particular 3D-printed.

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

16. The apparatus (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus (1) has at least one machining means (16), in particular a cutter and / or a grinder, for machining a bristle bundle (2).

17. The apparatus (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus (1) has a cooling apparatus (17) for cooling the at least one bundle pocket (3), and / or wherein the apparatus (1) has a preferably wireless data interface (55) by way of which the apparatus (1) is specified for establishing a data connection to a computer-readable medium (51) which is in particular a data storage (52) in a cloud (53).

18. The apparatus (1) as claimed in one of the preceding claims, wherein the heating apparatus (4) of the apparatus (1), in particular a heating plate (27) of the heating apparatus (4), extends across a region which covers an annular segment with an angular range between 180° and 270°, and / or in that a or the cooling apparatus (17) of the apparatus (1), in particular a cooling plate (28) of the cooling apparatus (17) has, extends across a region which covers an annular segment with an angular range between 180° and 90°.

19. A method for forming bristle bundles (2) using an apparatus (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one bristle bundle (2), proceeding from a non-deformed initial shape, is formed to a desired target shape, wherein bristle filaments of the bristle bundle (2) for generating a clearance (29) in the bristle bundle (2) are displaced with the aid of a displacement means (7), whereafter the bristle bundle (2) is heated so as to set the target shape of the bristle bundle (2) and thus the clearance (29) generated in the bristle bundle (2).

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

21. The method as claimed in claim 19 or 20, for forming bristle bundles (2) of a bristle complement (39) of a brush (32) that comprises at least two bristle bundles (2), wherein at least one of the bristle bundles (2) is formed in such a manner that said bristle bundle (2) in terms of the longitudinal axis thereof has two bundle cross sections (47, 48) which are axially spaced apart from one another and which differ from one another in terms of shape and / or size, and / or wherein at least two bristle bundles (2), in particular at the free ends thereof, are unified in a common bundle portion (49), and / or wherein at least one bristle bundle (2) is imparted a helical, conical, frustoconical or chalice-shaped shape, and / or wherein at least one bristle bundle (2) is spread open.

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

23. The brush manufacturing machine (18) as claimed in claim 22, wherein the brush manufacturing machine (18) has a rotary indexing table (19) for receiving and transporting bundle pockets (3) that are populated with bristle bundles (2), wherein the rotary indexing table (19) comprises in particular four arms which are in each case disposed so as to be mutually offset by 90°, and / or wherein the brush manufacturing machine (18) comprises an input station (22) and / or a bundle profiling station (23), preferably on which the apparatus (1) for forming bristle bundles (2) is disposed, and / or a bundle fusing station (24) and / or a retrieving station (25) and / or a further processing station (26) which are / is disposed on or so as to be distributed about the rotary indexing table (19).

24. The brush manufacturing machine (18) as claimed in claim 22 or 23, wherein the brush manufacturing machine (18) has a preferably wireless data interface (55) by way of which the brush manufacturing machine (18) is specified for establishing a data connection to a computer-readable medium (51) which is in particular a data storage (52) in a cloud (53).

25. The use of an apparatus (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 18 in the manufacture of brushes (32).

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

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

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

29. The brush (32) as claimed in one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the at least one bristle bundle (2) is formed by an apparatus (1) as claimed in one of claims 1 to 18 and / or by the method as claimed in one of claims 19 to 21.

30. The brush (32) as claimed in one of claims 26 to 29, having a bristle complement (39) that comprises at least two bristle bundles (2), wherein at least two bristle bundles (2), in particular at the free ends thereof, are unified in a common bundle portion (49).

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

32. A computer program comprising commands which have the effect that the brush manufacturing machine (18) as claimed in one of claims 22 to 24 carries out the method as claimed in one of claims 19 to 21 using a control unit (54) of the brush making machine (18).

33. A computer-readable medium (51) on which the computer program as claimed in claim 32 is stored, in particular wherein the computer-readable medium (51) is a data storage (52) in a cloud (53).