Brush seal punching process

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for punching a brush seal (100) using a punching wheel, referred to as the wheel (600). The brush seal comprises: a longitudinal base (110) including: first (111) and second (112) faces, first (114) and second (115) longitudinal sections, and bristles (120) extending from the first face. The wheel includes, in a first annular section (603), a series of teeth (602). The method comprises: positioning the brush seal relative to the wheel such that: the second face is opposite the wheel, the first longitudinal section is opposite the first annular section, applying pressure to the brush seal against the wheel, and rotating the wheel so as to cause the second face to be punched by each of its teeth. Figure 4 illustrates this in the abstract.

Description

Title of the invention: Method for punching a brush seal Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a device for punching a brush seal for sliding frames, such as sliding windows or French windows. The invention relates more particularly to brush seals used to ensure sealing between an opening and a frame of sliding frames. Prior art

[0002] Conventionally, sliding frames, for example windows or French windows, are equipped with so-called brush seals, at the opening level, to ensure air and water tightness between the opening and the frame. The brush seal generally comprises a longitudinal base and polypropylene bristles which extend from one face of said longitudinal base. The longitudinal base of the brush seal must be slid into a longitudinal groove made in the profiles constituting the opening and remain immobilized in the longitudinal groove, while remaining removable, as specified in standard NF EN 14351-1+A2 of October 2016 currently in force.

[0003] One of the current techniques used consists of punctually punching, at regular intervals, the longitudinal base of the joint using a punch actuated by an electric jack to punctually widen the base and allow the joint to be better held in the groove of the profile. The punches on the longitudinal base are currently spaced from each other by around 50 cm.

[0004] The punch is integrated into an assembly comprising a machine for inserting the brush seal 100 into the profile 200. The machine conventionally comprises a carriage configured to move, at a predefined speed, along the profile, pulling on the brush seal, one end of which has been previously inserted into the groove of the profile. The carriage must be stopped to allow the punching of the longitudinal base before the part of the base which has just been punched is inserted into the groove. The carriage is thus stopped every 50 cm to allow this punching.

[0005] Although this technique generally allows the brush seal to be held correctly in the groove of the profile and it remains removable, the hold of the brush seal can sometimes prove insufficient and the cycle times prove too long. Presentation of the invention

[0006] The present invention aims to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0007] To this end, the present invention proposes a method for continuously punching a brush seal for a sliding window or French window, by means of a punching wheel,

[0008] said brush seal comprising: - a longitudinal base: • comprising a first face and a second opposite face, and • having a longitudinal median line delimiting a first longitudinal part and a second longitudinal part, - bristles extending from the first face of the longitudinal base,

[0009] said punching wheel comprising, at an outer periphery, in a first annular section, a first series of circumferentially aligned teeth,

[0010] said punching method comprising: - a step a) of positioning the brush seal relative to the punching wheel so that the second face of the brush seal comes opposite the punching wheel and the first longitudinal part of the longitudinal base of the brush seal comes opposite the first annular section, - a step b) of pressurizing the brush seal against the punching wheel, - a step c) of rotating the punching wheel so that the rotation of the punching wheel simultaneously causes the brush seal to move and the second face of the longitudinal base of the brush seal to be punched at the first longitudinal part by each tooth of the first series of teeth.

[0011] The punching method according to the invention thus advantageously makes it possible to carry out punchings on the first longitudinal part of the longitudinal base of the brush seal continuously, and with a reduced spacing between two punches compared to the point punching method of the prior art.

[0012] The deformation of the longitudinal base of the brush seal, caused by the more regular and more numerous punchings obtained by the punching method according to the invention, advantageously creates a friction force that is lower than the tensile force exerted to slide the punched brush seal in a longitudinal groove of a sliding window or French window profile, but sufficient to prevent the brush seal from sliding in the longitudinal groove of said profile when the brush seal is not subjected to any tensile force.

[0013] In particular embodiments, the method may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in all technically possible combinations.

[0014] In particular embodiments, when the punching wheel comprises, at the level of the outer periphery, in a second annular section, a second series of circumferentially aligned teeth, the method is such that: - during step a), the second longitudinal part of the longitudinal base of the brush seal comes opposite the second annular section, - during step c), the rotation of the punching wheel also causes the punching, at the level of the second longitudinal part, of the second face of the longitudinal base of the brush seal by each tooth of the second series of teeth.

[0015] The punching method according to the invention thus advantageously makes it possible to carry out punchings on both the first longitudinal part and the second longitudinal part of the longitudinal base of the brush seal continuously and simultaneously.

[0016] Preferably, the teeth of the second series of teeth are arranged in a staggered manner with the teeth of the first series of teeth. Thus, the punchings made at the first longitudinal part of the longitudinal base are staggered with those made at the second longitudinal part.

[0017] The invention also relates to a punching device for implementing the punching method according to at least one of its embodiments, comprising the punching wheel. The punching wheel advantageously makes it possible to ensure the punching of the longitudinal base of the brush seal at a predefined speed and to guarantee the spacing between two punches on the longitudinal base. In addition, depending on the diameter of the punching wheel and depending on the number of teeth in the first series of teeth, where appropriate on the second series of teeth, it is possible to adapt the spacing between two punches on the first longitudinal part, where appropriate the second longitudinal part, of the longitudinal base of the brush seal.

[0018] In particular embodiments, the punching device may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

[0019] In particular embodiments, the punching device comprises a punching die facing a portion of the periphery of the punching wheel and a member for locking the punching die. Such a punching device makes it possible to guarantee the pressure exerted on the brush seal during its punching by the punching wheel.

[0020] In particular embodiments, the punching die comprises a recess opposite a portion of the periphery of the punching wheel.

[0021] In particular embodiments, the punching die comprises a first through-hole intended to receive the brush seal, and passing through the recess. The first through-hole and the punching wheel are arranged relative to each other. the other such that the first annular section of the punching wheel is opposite the first longitudinal part of the longitudinal base of the brush seal. Such an arrangement advantageously makes it possible to guarantee the positioning of the punches on said first longitudinal part. Brief description of the figures

[0022] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the following figures:

[0023] [Fig-1] illustrates a schematic representation of a sectional view of a brush seal before the punching process according to the invention;

[0024] [Fig.2] shows a schematic representation of a perspective view from below of the brush seal before the punching process;

[0025] [Fig.3] shows a schematic representation of a perspective view from below of an example of a brush seal after the punching process;

[0026] [Fig.4] shows a schematic representation of a perspective view from below of another example of a brush seal after the punching process;

[0027] [Fig.5] represents a photograph of an example of a brush seal after the punching process;

[0028] [Fig.6] schematically represents a perspective view of a punching device suitable for implementing the method of punching a brush seal;

[0029] [Fig.7] schematically represents a sectional view of a part of the punching device of [Fig.6];

[0030] [Fig.8] schematically represents a perspective view of a punching wheel of the punching device of [Fig.6];

[0031] [Fig.9] represents a cross-sectional view of the punching wheel of the [Fig.8] ;

[0032] [Fig. 10] schematically represents a photograph of an example of a profile of an opening frame comprising two facing brush seals.

[0033] In these figures, identical numerical references from one figure to another designate identical or similar elements. Furthermore, for reasons of clarity, the drawings are not to scale, unless otherwise indicated. Description of the embodiments

[0034] Figures 1 and 2 show different views of an example of a brush seal 100 prior to the punching method according to the invention.

[0035] The brush seal 100 conventionally comprises a longitudinal base 110 and bristles 120 extending from said longitudinal base.

[0036] In more detail, the longitudinal base 110 comprises two opposite faces, called first face 111 and second face 112. The longitudinal base 110 is preferably essentially substantially flat and has a constant thickness between the two faces 111, 112. The longitudinal base 110 comprises two longitudinal edges, called first longitudinal edge 116 and second longitudinal edge 117. The longitudinal base preferably has a constant width, between the two longitudinal edges. A longitudinal centerline 113 of the longitudinal base 110 advantageously delimits a first longitudinal portion 114 and a second longitudinal portion 115. The first longitudinal portion 114 is thus defined as the portion of the longitudinal base 110 which extends between the longitudinal centerline 113 and the first longitudinal edge 116. The second longitudinal portion 115 is thus defined as the portion of the longitudinal base 110 which extends between the longitudinal centerline 113 and the second longitudinal edge 117. In an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal base 110 is made of polypropylene.

[0037] The bristles 120 of the brush seal 100 extend from the first face 111 of the longitudinal base 110, substantially at the level of the longitudinal median line 113 of the longitudinal base 110. The 120 bristles are preferably of the same height.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the bristles 120 are made of polypropylene. In an improved embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig.l], the brush seal 100 may comprise a longitudinal film 130, central or not, extending from the first face 111 of the longitudinal base, at the longitudinal median line 113 of the longitudinal base 110. When the longitudinal film 130 is central, the bristles 120 extend symmetrically on either side of said longitudinal central film. The longitudinal film 130 may have the same height as the bristles 130 or may have a height greater than the height of the bristles. In an exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal film 130 is a transparent film made of polypropylene.

[0039] Figures 3 and 4 show two examples of brush seals 100 of [Fig.2] obtained from the punching method according to the invention. The punching method according to the invention advantageously makes it possible to produce, in the longitudinal base 110, from the second face 112, at least one series of punches 140.

[0040] By punching 140, we mean a local recess in the thickness of the longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal 100.

[0041] The punchings 140 made in the longitudinal base 110 advantageously make it possible to locally widen said longitudinal base, along said longitudinal base. The punches 140 of at least one series of punches are preferably regularly spaced apart from each other, as illustrated in [Fig.3] to 5. However, it is possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, to have punches 140 of at least one series of punches spaced irregularly.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], the longitudinal base 110 comprises a first series of punches 140 in the first longitudinal portion 114, preferably close to the first longitudinal edge 116 to locally deform said first longitudinal edge. Preferably, the longitudinal base 110 comprises only one series of punches 140 in the first longitudinal portion 114.

[0043] In another exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 4 or 5, the longitudinal base 110 comprises, from the second face 112: - a first series of punches 140 in the first longitudinal part 114, preferably close to the first longitudinal edge 116 to locally deform said first longitudinal edge, - a second series of punches 140 in the second longitudinal part 115, preferably close to the second longitudinal edge 117 to locally deform said second longitudinal edge.

[0044] Preferably, the longitudinal base 110 comprises only one series of punches 140 in the first longitudinal part 114 and one series of punches 140 in the second longitudinal part 115.

[0045] In the embodiment where the longitudinal base comprises a series of punches 140 in each longitudinal part 114, 115, the punches of the first series of punches are arranged in a staggered manner with those of the second series of punches 140, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0046] To obtain a brush seal 100 with at least one series of punches 140 on its longitudinal base 110, from the punching method which is the subject of the invention, an example of a punching device 500 capable of carrying out the punching method is previously described.

[0047] In a non-limiting manner, the punching device 500 as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 is advantageously intended to punch two brush seals 100 in parallel and simultaneously.

[0048] It is possible, without departing from the scope of the invention, to adapt the punching device 500 so that it can punch a single brush seal, or more than two brush seals 100 in parallel and simultaneously.

[0049] In a first configuration, the punching device is described in the case where it is intended to punch a single brush seal 100.

[0050] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" will be used, in the remainder of the description, with reference to the direction of advancement of the brush seal 100 in the punching device. 500.

[0051] The punching device 500 comprises, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, a punching wheel 600.

[0052] The punching wheel 600 is illustrated in more detail in Figures 8 and 9. Said punching wheel comprises, at an outer periphery 601, a first series of teeth 602 aligned circumferentially. The first series of teeth 602 is arranged on a first annular section 603 of the punching wheel. The teeth 602 of the first series of teeth have a constant thickness, thickness corresponding to a width of the first annular section 603.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, each tooth 602 of the first series of teeth has, in a cross-sectional plane, a frustoconical profile, with the large base located at the outer periphery 601 of the punching wheel.

[0054] Preferably, the teeth 602 of the first series of teeth are distributed regularly on the outer periphery 601 of the punching wheel 600, on the first annular section 603.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig.8], the first series of teeth 602 comprises six teeth, spaced two by two apart at an angle of 60°.

[0056] The punching wheel 600, as previously described with only the first series of teeth, is intended to punch a brush seal on one of the two longitudinal parts of the longitudinal base 110, as will be described later. The first series of teeth 602 of the punching wheel 600 is for example intended to punch the first longitudinal part 114 of the longitudinal base of the brush seal 100. The thickness of the teeth is advantageously 114.

[0057] The punching wheel 600 is advantageously mounted on a drive shaft 310 connected to a motor 300, as illustrated in [Fig. 6]. The motor 300 is configured to rotate the punching wheel 602 at a predetermined speed, in a direction of advancement of the brush seal 100.

[0058] The punching device 500 comprises, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, a punching die 700. Said punching die is intended to come opposite a part of the outer periphery 601 of the punching wheel 600, over at least the entire width of said punching wheel.

[0059] The punching die 700 is for example in a generally parallelepiped shape. It has a face, called the lower face 701, intended to come opposite a part of the outer periphery 601 of the punching wheel 600. It has a face called the upper face 702 opposite the lower face 701.

[0060] It has a so-called upstream face 703 and a so-called downstream face (not shown).

[0061] The punching die 700 is preferably made of a material suitable to provide structural strength. In one embodiment, the punching die is made of steel.

[0062] The punching die 700 comprises a recess (not shown in the figures), called the lower recess, opposite the part of the outer periphery 601 of the punching wheel 600. The recess extends into the punching die 700 from the lower face 701. The recess is sized to receive a part of the punching wheel 600.

[0063] The punching die 700 comprises a first through-hole 705 for receiving a brush seal 100, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0064] The first through-orifice 705 extends from the upstream face 703 to the downstream face.

[0065] The first through-orifice 705 advantageously passes through the recess.

[0066] The first through orifice 705 advantageously has a T shape, with a sole 715 and a core 725 perpendicular to said sole. The sole 715 is intended to receive the longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal 100 and the core 725 is intended to receive the bristles 120 of said brush seal.

[0067] In the example of [Fig.7], the first through-hole 705 is in the shape of an inverted T.

[0068] The first through-hole 705 is arranged so that the sole 715 is located on the side of the punching wheel 600. Thus, when the brush seal 100 is inserted into the first through-hole, the second face 112 of the longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal faces the punching wheel 600.

[0069] More precisely, the first through-orifice 705 and the punching wheel 600 are arranged relative to each other so that the first annular section 603 of the punching wheel 600 is opposite one of the two longitudinal parts of the longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal 100, for example, the first longitudinal part 114.

[0070] The punching die 700 can move between two positions: a blocking position, also called the low position, and an unlocked position, also called the high position.

[0071] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the punching die 700 in the upper position.

[0072] When the punching die 700 is in the high position, the brush seal 100 can be introduced into the first through-orifice 705. The brush seal 100 is introduced from the upstream face 703 of the punching die 700. The punching wheel 600 is slightly retracted into the recess of the punching die 700. The second face 112 of the longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal 100 is opposite the punching wheel 600. More precisely, the first longitudinal portion 114 of the longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal 100 is opposite the first section annular 603 of the punching wheel 600.

[0073] When the punching die 700 is in the low position, the brush seal 100 is locked against the punching wheel. The punching wheel is further retracted into the recess of the punching die. The second face 112 of the longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal 100 is pressed against the punching wheel 600, only in a circumferential zone of the punching wheel. More precisely, the first longitudinal portion 114 of the longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal 100 is pressed against the first annular section 603 of the punching wheel 600, in the circumferential zone.

[0074] The punching device 500 comprises, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, a locking member 800 for the punching die 700. Said locking member 800 is configured to move the punching die 700 between the high position and the low position.

[0075] The locking member 800 of the punching device 500 has a so-called open position and a so-called closed position. When the locking member 800 is in the open position, the punching die 700 is in the high position and when the locking member 800 is in the closed position, the punching die 700 is in the low position. Thus, the passage of the locking member from the open position to the closed position causes the punching die 700 to tilt from the high position to the low position. Respectively, the passage of the locking member 800 from the closed position to the open position causes the punching die 700 to tilt from the low position to the high position.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the clamping member 800 comprises a handle 801, operable by an operator, connected to the punching die 700.

[0077] Preferably, and as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, to guarantee the safety of the operator, the punching die 700 and the punching wheel 600 are arranged in a protective casing 510. Said protective casing is preferably removable, in particular to access the punching wheel, for its maintenance.

[0078] The punching device 500 may comprise a guide plate (not shown in the figures), arranged on the downstream face side of the punching die 700, to guide the advancement of the brush seal 100, at the outlet of the protective casing 510.

[0079] In a preferred variant of this first configuration, the punching wheel 600 comprises, at its outer periphery 601, a second series of teeth 604 aligned circumferentially. The second series of teeth 604 is arranged on a second annular section 605 of the punching wheel 600. The teeth 604 of the second series of teeth have a constant thickness, thickness corresponding to a width of the second annular section 605. The width of the second annular section 605 may be identical to or different from the width of the first annular section 603.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig.8], each tooth 604 of the second series of teeth has, in a cross-sectional plane, a frustoconical profile, with the large base located at the outer periphery 601 of the punching wheel. Preferably, the frustoconical profile of the teeth 604 of the second series of teeth is identical to the frustoconical profile of the teeth 602 of the first series of teeth.

[0081] Preferably, the teeth 604 of the second series of teeth are distributed regularly on the outer periphery 601 of the punching wheel 600, on the second annular section 605.

[0082] Preferably, the teeth 604 of the second series of teeth are spaced two by two apart at the same angle as the teeth 602 of the first series of teeth.

[0083] Preferably, the teeth 604 of the second series of teeth are arranged in a staggered manner with the teeth 602 of the first series of teeth.

[0084] The first set of teeth 602 and the second set of teeth 604 form a first pair 606 of sets of teeth.

[0085] In this variant, the punching wheel 600 is intended to punch a brush seal 100 on the two longitudinal parts of the longitudinal base 110. The first series of teeth 602 of the punching wheel 600 is for example intended to punch the first longitudinal part 114 of the longitudinal base of the brush seal 100 and the second series of teeth 604 is intended to punch the second longitudinal part 114.

[0086] Thus, in the punching device 500, the punching wheel 600 is arranged opposite the first through-orifice 705 of the punching die 700 such that: - the first longitudinal part 114 of the longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal 100 is at the level of the first annular section 603 of the punching wheel, - the second longitudinal part 115 of the longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal 100 is at the level of the second annular section 605 of the punching wheel.

[0087] The punching device, as described in the first configuration and its variant, advantageously allows the punching of a brush seal, on at least one longitudinal part of the longitudinal base.

[0088] In a second configuration of the punching device 500, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, said punching device 500 is advantageously intended to punch two 100 brush seals in parallel and simultaneously.

[0089] In this second configuration, the punching die comprises a second through-orifice 706 for receiving a second brush seal 100. The second through-orifice 706 is substantially identical to the first through-orifice 705. The second through-orifice 706 is preferably parallel to the first through-orifice 705. The second through-orifice 706 thus extends from the upstream face 703 to the downstream face of the punching die 700 and passes through the recess of said punching die.

[0090] The punching wheel 600 comprises a second pair 607 of series of teeth. The second pair 607 of series of teeth is preferably identical to the first pair 606 of series of teeth. The second pair 607 of series of teeth thus comprises a first series of teeth 602 and a second series of teeth 604 arranged on two other annular sections.

[0091] In this second configuration, the punching wheel is intended to punch the two brush seals on each longitudinal part of the base.

[0092] Thus, in the punching device 500, the punching wheel 600 is arranged opposite the first and second through-holes 705, 706 of the punching die 700 such that: - the second face of the longitudinal base 110 of one of the two brush seals 100 is at the level of the first pair 606 of series of teeth, - the second face of the longitudinal base 110 of the other brush seal 100 is at the level of the second pair 607 of series of teeth.

[0093] It is also conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, to adapt the punching device 500, in its second configuration, to punch two brush seals 100, in parallel and simultaneously, but only at the level of a single longitudinal part of each brush seal.

[0094] Similarly, it is conceivable, without departing from the scope of the invention, to use two separate punching wheels, mounted on the same drive shaft, each punching wheel comprising a pair of series of teeth.

[0095] The punching method which is the subject of the invention is now described, in the case of punching a single brush seal.

[0096] The punching method comprises a first step of positioning the brush seal 100 relative to the punching wheel 600.

[0097] The brush seal 100 is positioned relative to the punching wheel 600 such that the second face 112 of the longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal 100 faces the punching wheel. More specifically, the brush seal 100 is positioned relative to the punching wheel 600 such that the first longitudinal portion 114 of the longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal 100 faces the first annular section 603 of the punching wheel 600.

[0098] In an example of implementation of this first step, if the handle 801 is not in the open position, the operator actuates the handle 801 to place it in the open position, causing the punching die 700 to move to the high position. A first longitudinal end 118 of the brush seal is then inserted into the first through-orifice of the punching die 700, from the upstream face, and emerges through the downstream face, passing through the recess of said punching die. The longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal 100 is inserted into the sole 715 of the first through-orifice 705 and the bristles 120 of the brush seal 100 are inserted into the core 725 of said first through-orifice. Thus, the second face 112 of the longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal 100, at the level of the first longitudinal part 114, is opposite the first annular section 603 of the punching wheel comprising the first series of teeth 602.

[0099] The brush seal 100 is engaged in the punching die, and is opposite the circumferential zone of the punching wheel 600.

[0100] In a second step, pressure is exerted on the brush seal 100 against the punching wheel 600.

[0101] The pressure exerted on the punching wheel advantageously makes it possible to guarantee that the longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal 100 is held in position against the punching wheel 600.

[0102] In an exemplary implementation of this second step, the punching die is placed in the low position. The operator actuates, for example, the handle 801 from its open position to its closed position, causing the punching die 700 to move to the low position. Moving the punching die 700 to the low position causes the brush seal 100 to move closer to the punching wheel 600 until the second face 112 of the longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal 100 comes into close contact with the punching wheel 600. The second face 112 of the longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal 100, at the first longitudinal portion 114, is against the first annular section 603 of the punching wheel 600. The brush seal 100 can then no longer be manually extracted from the punching die 700.

[0103] In a third step, the punching wheel 600 is rotated.

[0104] The punching wheel is rotated at a predefined constant speed. In an exemplary implementation, the motor 300 of the punching device 500 drives, via the drive shaft 310, the punching wheel 600 on itself.

[0105] The rotation of the punching wheel 600 simultaneously causes: - the movement of the brush seal 100, and - the punching of the second face 112 of the longitudinal base 110 of the seal brush 100.

[0106] The brush seal 100 moves in the punching die 700, from the upstream face 703 towards the downstream face, in the direction of advancement, that is to say in the direction of rotation of the punching wheel.

[0107] Each tooth 602 of the first series of teeth of the first annular section 603 successively creates a punching 140 in the first longitudinal part 114 of the longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal.

[0108] Thus, the brush seal 100 enters the punching die 700 at the upstream face 703, with its longitudinal base 110 not punched, and exits at the downstream face, with the longitudinal base 110 punched on the first longitudinal part 114.

[0109] The punching method thus advantageously makes it possible to continuously punch the brush seal 100, at its longitudinal base 110. The cycle time for punching a brush seal is considerably reduced.

[0110] In an illustrative example, [Fig.5] is a photograph of a brush seal obtained from the punching method described. The longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal 100 has a thickness of the order of a millimeter and a width of 7 mm. The punching wheel used has a diameter, at the outer periphery, of 50 mm. The punching wheel comprises a first series of teeth 602 comprising six teeth, spaced apart two by two at an angle of 60° and a second series of teeth 604 also comprising six teeth, spaced apart two by two at an angle of 60°. Each tooth in the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth has a large base of 8mm, a small base of 3mm and a height of 2.25mm. The teeth in the first set of teeth are 1mm thick and the teeth in the second set of teeth are 2mm thick. Each tooth of the first series of teeth will thus come to punch the first longitudinal part 114 of the longitudinal base of the brush seal every 26.2 mm, over a width of 1 mm and a length of 3 mm, and each tooth of the second series of teeth will also come to punch the second longitudinal part 115 of the longitudinal base of the brush seal every 26.2 mm, over a width of 2 mm and a length of 3 mm. It can be noted in [Fig. 5] that the punchings 140 in the second longitudinal part 115 are wider than the punchings 140 in the first longitudinal part 114.

[0111] The brush seal 100 is advantageously intended to be inserted into a longitudinal groove 210 of a profile 200, as illustrated in [Fig. 10]. The longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal 100 is intended to be inserted, by sliding, from a longitudinal end 220 of the longitudinal groove 210, into said longitudinal groove. longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal 100, when it is not punched, is sized to fit, with a clearance, into the longitudinal groove 210 of the profile 200. The bristles 120 of the brush seal 100 extend outside the longitudinal groove 210.

[0112] The profile 200 is preferably a profile of an opening of a sliding frame. Such a profile comprises, as illustrated in [Fig. 10], two longitudinal grooves 210 facing each other, each intended to receive a brush seal. The bristles 120 of each brush seal are opposite each other when the brush seals 100 are arranged in the two longitudinal grooves 210 facing each other.

[0113] Before the punching process, the brush seal 100, without punching in the longitudinal base 110, as illustrated in [Fig.2], slides in the longitudinal groove 210 of the profile 200. The brush seal 100 does not remain blocked in the longitudinal groove 210 and comes out of said longitudinal groove if the latter is arranged vertically.

[0114] After the punching operation, the brush seal 100, with the punchings 140 in the longitudinal base 110, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 or 4, is inserted into the longitudinal groove 210 of the profile 200, remains locked in the longitudinal groove and does not come out of the longitudinal groove even if the longitudinal groove is arranged vertically. The punchings 140 made in the longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal generate a deformation of the longitudinal base 100, this deformation being in the form of local widenings of the longitudinal base 100, over the length of said longitudinal base.This deformation of the longitudinal base 110 of the brush seal 100 advantageously creates a friction force that is lower than the tensile force exerted to slide the punched brush seal into the longitudinal groove 210 of the profile 200, but sufficient to prevent said brush seal from sliding into said longitudinal groove of said profile when the brush seal is not subjected to any tensile force. The brush seal thus remains immobilized in the longitudinal groove, while remaining removable if an external intervention, by the operator, pulls on the brush seal 100 to remove it by sliding from the longitudinal groove 210 of the profile 200. The standard NF EN 14351-1+A2 of October 2016 is thus respected.

[0115] The punching device can advantageously be integrated into an assembly comprising a machine intended for inserting the brush seal 100 into the profile 200, an insertion machine known as such.

[0116] The machine conventionally comprises a carriage configured to move along the profile. The carriage moves at a predefined speed. The carriage comprises a clamping member, such as for example a gripper, capable of firmly gripping the bristles of the brush seal.

[0117] The punching device is arranged upstream of the insertion machine.

[0118] The punching process can be integrated into an insertion process.

[0119]

[0120]

[0121]

[0122]

[0123] of the brush seal in a profile. In this insertion process: - the longitudinal base of the brush seal is introduced, over a short length, into the longitudinal groove 210 of the profile, from the longitudinal end of said longitudinal groove, then - the bristles 120 of the brush seal 100 are gripped and held firmly by the clamping member, then - the carriage moves along the profile, causing the longitudinal base of the brush seal to slide in the groove, along the entire length of the profile. The brush seal is pre-punched, over a given length, before being introduced into the profile. Then the carriage moves, at the same speed as the punching wheel 600 of the punching device 500, so that the brush seal is punched continuously, upstream of its introduction into the profile, and throughout the movement of the carriage along the profile. This significantly increases the production capacity of the brush seal insertion machine, by simultaneously and continuously punching the brush seals, while reducing cycle times. The above description clearly illustrates that, through its various characteristics and their advantages, the present invention achieves the objectives it set for itself. In particular, it presents a device and a method for punching a brush seal which make it possible to reduce the cycle time while ensuring, on the one hand, better retention of the brush seal in the longitudinal groove of a profile, and on the other hand, its disassembly.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for continuously punching a brush seal (100) for a sliding window or patio door, by means of a punching wheel (600), said brush seal comprising: - a longitudinal base (110): • comprising a first face (111) and a second opposite face (112), and • having a longitudinal center line (113) delimiting a first longitudinal part (114) and a second longitudinal part (115), - bristles (120) extending from the first face (111) of the longitudinal base (110), said punching wheel comprising, at an outer periphery (601), in a first annular section (603), a first series of teeth (602) aligned circumferentially, said punching method comprising: - a step a) of positioning the brush seal (100) relative to the punching wheel (600) so that the second face (112) of the brush seal comes opposite the punching wheel (600) and the first longitudinal part (114) of the longitudinal base (110) of the brush seal (100) comes opposite the first annular section (603), - a step b) of pressurizing the brush seal (100) against the punching wheel (600), - a step c) of rotating the punching wheel (600) so that the rotation of the punching wheel (600) simultaneously causes the brush seal (100) to move and the second face (112) of the longitudinal base (110) of the brush seal (100) to be punched at the first longitudinal portion (114) by each tooth (602) of the first series of teeth (602).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, when the punching wheel (600) comprises, at the outer periphery (601), in a second annular section (605), a second series of teeth (604) aligned circumferentially: - during step a), the second longitudinal part (115) of the longitudinal base (110) of the brush seal (100) comes opposite the second annular section (605), - during step c), the rotation of the punching wheel (600) further causes the punching, at the level of the second longitudinal part (115), of the second face (112) of the longitudinal base (110) of the brush seal (100) by each tooth of the second series of teeth (604).

3. Punching device (500) for implementing the punching method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the punching wheel (600).

4. Punching device (500) according to claim 3 comprising a punching die (700) facing a portion of the periphery of the punching wheel (600) and a locking member (800) of the punching die (700).

5. A punching device (500) according to claim 4 wherein the punching die comprises a recess facing a portion of the periphery of the punching wheel (600).

6. Punching device (500) according to claim 5 wherein the punching die comprises a first through-orifice (705) intended to receive the brush seal, and passing through the recess, the first through-orifice (705) and the punching wheel (600) being arranged relative to each other such that the first annular section (603) of the punching wheel (600) is opposite the first longitudinal part (114) of the longitudinal base (110) of the brush seal (100).

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