Device for compacting bristle bundles, bristle product production machine, and method for compacting bristle bundles

Abstract

A device for the production of bristle products is provided. The device includes a device (1) for compacting bristle bundles (2), which device (1) includes at least one preparation The the compacting receptacles (5) are designed to remove bristle bundles (2) from the bundle notches (4) of the preparation arrangement (3) and the compacting tools (6) are designed to compact bristle bundles (2) positioned in the compacting receptacles (5).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a 371 National Phase of PCT / EP2023 / 057788, filed Mar. 27, 2023, which claims priority from German Patent Application No. 10 2022 111 906.8, filed May 12, 2022, both of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates to a device for compacting bristle bundles for the production of bristle products, to a bristle product production machine having such a device, and to a method for compacting bristle bundles.BACKGROUND

[0003] Known from publication DE 100 05 249 A1 is a brush pro duction machine having a multiple infeed for strand-shaped bristle material, which has an advancing device for the bristle strands, and having a crosscutting apparatus for bristle bundles and an infeed apparatus for feeding the bristle bundles to an apparatus for connecting the bristle bundles to a brush body. The brush production machine is characterized in that the advancing apparatus is designed for a mutually independent, controllable advancement of the individual bristle strands, in that the infeed apparatus has a conveying means which is positionable in steps and has holes for bristle strands, or bristle bundles; in that infeeds for the bristle strands to a step position of one of the holes are in each case provided in the conveying means, and in that one or a plurality of trimming apparatuses, which interact with the conveying means, for crosscutting the bristle strands are disposed in the bristle strand infeeds.

[0004] For the production of bristle products, for example of brushes such as toothbrushes, bristle filaments are picked from a supply of loose bristle filaments in the form of bristle bundles by way of a preparation means, for example a bundle separator.

[0005] For this purpose, the preparation means used herein can have bundle notches by way of which the preparation means are guided past the supply of loose bristle filaments. In the process, a certain number of bristle filaments make their way into the bundle notches. The bristle filaments which are disposed in a bundle notch conjointly form a bristle bundle.

[0006] The bristle bundles are present in the bundle notches still not being shaped and compacted. The filament density of the bristle bundles located in the bundle notches is still comparatively minor, and the bristle bundles also still do not have the shape that they should have later on the finished bristle product. With a view to the use on the finished bristle product it is desirable to increase the filament density of the bristle bundles and optionally also to bring the bristle filaments into a specific shape.

[0007] The compacting and optionally also the shaping of bristle bundles is associated with a certain degree of complexity. For compacting, the bristle bundles in practice are pushed through ducts of so-called funnel plates, which narrow in the course of their profile, for example. The precise manufacturing to the funnel plates is comparatively expensive but decisive in order to achieve the desired degree of compaction. Depending on the desired degree of compaction, the compacting is optionally performed in a plurality of stages, in which instance a plurality of funnel plates disposed behind one another are accordingly required.SUMMARY

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a device for compacting bristle bundles, a bristle product production machine, and a method for compacting bristle bundles, which permit an efficient and economical compaction of bristle bundles for the production of bristle products.

[0009] In order to achieve this object, a device for compacting bristle bundles having one or more of the features disclosed herein directed toward a device of this type is first proposed. Thus, in order to achieve the object, a device for compacting bristle bundles, which has a preparation means, in particular a bundle separator, with bundle notches, a number of compaction receptacles for bristle bundles, corresponding at least to the number of bundle notches, and for each of its compaction receptacles in each case one compaction tool, is in particular proposed, wherein the compaction receptacles are specified to retrieve bristle bundles from the bundle notches of the preparation means, and the compaction tools are specified to compact bristle bundles positioned in the compaction receptacles.

[0010] Bristle bundles can be separated from a supply of loose bristle filaments by the preparation means and provided in a still non-compacted form. With the aid of the compaction receptacles of the device, the still non-compacted bristle bundles can in one operative step first be retrieved from the bundle notches of the preparation means, and subsequently with the aid of the compaction tool be compacted to a desired degree of compaction which the bristle bundles are to have later in a downstream operative step, and / or on the finished bristle products. A particularly efficient production of bristle products is enabled in this way.

[0011] In one embodiment of the device it is provided that the compaction receptacles of the device are formed in one retrieval plate, or in two or a plurality of retrieval plates, of the device.

[0012] The compaction tools by way of a relative movement of the compaction receptacles in relation to the compaction tools can be movable transversely to the direction of longitudinal extent of the compaction receptacles to a compacting position at or into the compaction receptacles. The relative movement of the compaction receptacles in relation to the compaction tools here can be carried out transversely, in particular orthogonally, to an orientation of bristle bundles defined by the alignment of the bundle notches of the preparation means and to the longitudinal axes of said bristle bundles in the bundle notches.

[0013] The compaction receptacles can in each case have one introduction opening by way of which bristle bundles and / or compaction tools are able to be introduced into the compaction receptacles. The introduction openings can in each case be aligned transversely or orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the respective compaction receptacle, and / or transversely or orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of bristle bundles disposed in the compaction receptacles. In this way it is possible to first retrieve the bristle bundles from the bundle notches of the preparation means in a relative movement transverse or orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of said bristle bundles, and then to compact the latter in the same direction.

[0014] The compacting can be performed, for example, in that the compaction tools make their way into the compaction receptacles through the introduction opening of the compaction receptacles in a compacting movement which is aligned transversely or orthogonally to the orientation of the longitudinal axes of the bristle bundles disposed in the compaction receptacles, in which compaction receptacles said compaction tools impinge the bristle bundles located in the compaction receptacles in a compacting manner.

[0015] The introduction openings of the compaction receptacles can be delimited by introduction bevels. The introduction bevels enable a gentle introduction of the compaction tools into the compaction receptacles of the device, and can assist in avoiding damage to the compaction tools, and / or compaction receptacles.

[0016] It is to be pointed out here that the compaction receptacles either can be moved per se in order to reach a compacting position within the compaction receptacles, or else the compaction receptacles can be moved relative to the compaction tools in order to carry out the above-described relative movements of the compaction receptacles in relation to the compaction tools. It is also possible that the compaction receptacles as well as the compaction tools are moved in order to carry out the relative movements for compacting.

[0017] In order to prevent that bristle filaments make their way out of a compaction receptacle during compacting, it can be advantageous when at least one compaction tool has a sharp-edged transition between its flanks and its end side that faces the compaction receptacle to which the compaction tool is assigned. Owing to the sharp-edged transition between the flanks and the end side of the compaction tool, the compaction tool can be designed to rest on an internal wall of the compaction receptacle in a precise and tight fit. The sharp-edged transition between the flanks and the end side of the compaction tool can prevent that bristle filaments which are disposed in the compaction receptacle make their way out of the compaction receptacle and past the compaction tool when carrying out the previously explained relative movement for compacting the bristle bundles.

[0018] At least one compaction tool can be smoothened and / or hardened on at least one flank which is contiguous to the end side of the compaction tool that faces a compaction receptacle. The flank can have, for example, a surface roughness of Ra 0.01 to 1.6, preferably of Ra 0.01 to 0.04, and / or a hardness, in particular a case hardness with a depth of 1.2 to 1.8 Rht, of 55 to 63 HRC, preferably of 60 to 63 HRC.

[0019] The compaction tool can in each case have a cross section of which the measurable width is smaller than a width of a cross section, disposed in the same cross-sectional plane, of a cross section of the respective compaction receptacle assigned to said compaction tool. In this way, the compaction tool for compacting bristle bundles can be introduced into the compaction receptacles by way of the introduction openings.

[0020] At least one compaction tool of the device in a width direction of the compaction receptacle assigned thereto can be undersized by a measurable dimension of 0 μm to 50 μm, in particular undersized by a dimension of 0 μm to 20 μm, in relation to an available width measurable in the same width direction of an introduction opening of the compaction receptacle assigned thereto.

[0021] The tolerance widths of the undersized dimension stated above can be a function of the gauge of the bristle filaments of the bristle bundles to be compacted, for example. In the case of bristle filaments with a gauge of 3 mil, the tolerance range can be, for example, 0 μm to 20 μm. In the case of larger filament gauges, thus for example in the case of bristle filaments that have a gauge of 8 mil, a comparatively larger tolerance range will optionally suffice, for example the tolerance range of 0 μm to 50 μm, for the undersized dimension explained above.

[0022] At least one compaction receptacle of the device can have an undercut. The undercut can enlarge a volume of the compaction receptacle laterally and / or radially in terms of a longitudinal axis of the compaction receptacle. The longitudinal axis of the compaction receptacle can define the longitudinal alignment of the bristle filaments in the compaction receptacle.

[0023] As a result of the undercut, the compaction receptacle can be imparted a cross section which is enlarged laterally in terms of an introduction opening of the compaction receptacle and / or in terms of a longitudinal axis of the compaction receptacle. This can facilitate the shaping and compacting of bristle bundles having a cross-sectional shape which deviates from a circular cross-sectional shape and / or is asymmetrical, for example.

[0024] The undercut of the compaction receptacle can be an undercut in a cross section of the compaction receptacle that is disposed in a cross-sectional plane which is oriented orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the compaction receptacle.

[0025] The compaction receptacles can be movable in a retrieving movement aligned transversely or orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the bundle notches that defines the longitudinal alignment of the bristle bundles in the bundle notches, and / or be movable in a compacting movement relative to the preparation means. In this way, it is possible to guide the compaction receptacles past the preparation means and its bundle notches, so as to first retrieve the bristle bundles from the bundle notches, and to subsequently compact said bristle bundles with the aid of the compaction tool.

[0026] The device can have at least one target plate which is disposed downstream of the compaction receptacles and comprises target receptacles for receiving the compacted bristle bundles.

[0027] The target plate can be designed, for example, as a cartridge and / or as a transport holder for compacted bristle bundles. After the target receptacles of the target plate have been populated with compacted bristle bundles, the target plate can then be fed to a downstream process step for the further processing of the bristle bundles.

[0028] The target receptacles of the target plate can have introduction bevels. The introduction bevels can simplify the transfer of the compacted bristle bundles from the compaction receptacles into the target receptacles.

[0029] In one preferred embodiment of the device, the target receptacles of the target plate can be disposed in a hole arrangement which corresponds to an arrangement of bristle bundles on a bristle carrier of a bristle product to be produced. In this way it is possible to not only keep the bristle bundles ready in the target plate at the desired degree of compaction, but also already in the arrangement that the bristle bundles later assume on a bristle carrier of the bristle product to be produced.

[0030] At least one retrieval plate of the device can have compaction receptacles which are arranged in a hole pattern that corresponds to at least one hole sub-pattern of the hole arrangement of the target receptacles of the target plate. In this way, it is possible to transfer the bristle bundles that are offered up in the compaction receptacles of a retrieval plate of the device directly into target receptacles of the target plate, once said bristle bundles have been compacted. If the compaction receptacles of the device are distributed among more than one retrieval plate, it is possible to populate the target receptacles of the target plate successively, in sub-groups, with bristle bundles.

[0031] The device can have a transfer device for transferring bristle bundles from the compaction receptacles into target receptacles of the above-mentioned target plate. The bristle bundles which are disposed and compacted in the compaction receptacles can be moved into the target receptacles of the target plate with the aid of the transfer device. In the process, the transfer device can define and / or carry out a transfer movement which is aligned in the direction of the longitudinal axes of the compaction receptacles and / or in the direction of the longitudinal axes of the target receptacles and / or in the longitudinal direction of the bristle bundles located in the compaction receptacles.

[0032] The bristle bundles are preferably removed from the bundle notches of the preparation means in a retrieving movement and / or compacting movement which are / is aligned transversely or orthogonally to the direction of longitudinal extent of said bristle bundles, and / or subsequently compacted with the aid of the compaction tool. The subsequent transfer of the compacted bristle bundles from the compaction receptacles into the target receptacles of the target plate can then be performed in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axes of the bristle bundles and thus transversely or orthogonally to the retrieving direction and / or the compacting direction.

[0033] The transfer device can have at least one sliding pin by way of which bristle bundles can be pushed out of the compaction receptacles into the target receptacles of the target plate in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal axes of said bristle bundles. Preferably, the transfer device for each compaction receptacle has in each case one sliding pin. The at least one sliding pin preferably has the same cross section as the receptacle opening to which the sliding pin is assigned, and / or as a bristle bundle compacted in said receptacle opening.

[0034] The transfer device can have for each retrieval plate one pin plate having a number of sliding pins that corresponds to the number of compaction receptacles of the respective retrieval plate.

[0035] In this way it is possible to transfer the bristle bundles located in the compaction receptacles of a retrieval plate in one operative step from the compaction receptacles into corresponding target receptacles of a target plate with the aid of the pin plate and the sliding pins thereof.

[0036] The at least one retrieval plate and / or at least one compaction tool can have a receptacle space, for example a slot, in which the preparation means is positioned when retrieving bristle bundles.

[0037] As a result of the receptacle space it is possible during the retrieval and / or compaction of bristle bundles to position the retrieval plate and / or the at least one compaction tool relative to the preparation means in such a way that the preparation means is at least partially disposed in the receptacle space of the retrieval plate and / or of the compaction tool. In this way, the bristle bundles can be contacted, supported and / or compacted by the retrieval plate and / or the compaction tool on both sides of the bundle notch of the preparation means when retrieving and / or compacting.

[0038] The device can have at least one counterpart which is assigned to the preparation means. Bristle bundles located in the bundle notches can be secured against loss by the counterpart on their way from retrieval from a supply to the compaction receptacles. Preferably, the device in the region of the compaction receptacles has at least one movable counterpart which during and / or by a retrieving movement and / or compacting movement of the compaction receptacles relative to the preparation means is movable from an initial position to a target position. In this way, the movable counterpart can yield and make space for the movement of the compaction receptacles during retrieval and / or compaction of the bristle bundles. The movable counterpart can impinge and / or contact a bristle bundle located in a compaction receptacle transversely or orthogonally to its longitudinal axis for so long until the bristle bundle for compacting is impinged by a compaction tool.

[0039] The device can have a separator slide, a separator disc, an arc and / or a separator ring as a preparation means.

[0040] Also proposed for achieving the object is a bristle product production machine, for example a brush production machine or a broom production machine or a paint brush production machine, which has a device for compacting bristle bundles having one or more of the features disclosed herein.

[0041] Also proposed for achieving the object is a method for compacting bristle bundles while using such a device, which has one or more of the means and features disclosed herein directed toward a method of this type. Accordingly, a method for compacting bristle bundles while using a device for compacting bristle bundles is proposed for achieving the object, in which bristle bundles provided to the device by the preparation means are retrieved from the bundle notches of the preparation means with the aid of the compaction receptacles of the device and compacted with the aid of the compaction tools of the device. The compacting of the bristle bundles here preferably takes place up to a defined degree of compaction.

[0042] When carrying out the method, the bristle bundles can be compacted up to a degree of compaction of, for example, 60% to 90%, or up to a degree of compaction of 70% to 80%, or up to a degree of compaction of 75%.

[0043] When compacting the bristle bundles, the compaction tools make their way into the compaction receptacles through introduction openings of the compaction receptacles, and in the process come into contact with the bristle bundles located in said compaction receptacles. The bristle bundles for compacting can be impinged transversely and / or orthogonally to their longitudinal axis by the compaction tools.

[0044] In one embodiment of the method it is provided that bristle filaments of at least one bristle bundle during the compaction of the bristle bundle are pushed into an undercut of a compaction receptacle of the device. In this way, it is possible to form the bristle bundle during its compaction. During its compaction, the bristle bundle can be formed in such a way that it is imparted a cross-sectional shape which corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the compaction receptacle having the undercut. The cross-sectional shape of the compacted bristle bundle can be, for example, a cross-sectional shape which deviates from a circular cross-sectional shape and / or is asymmetrical.

[0045] The bristle bundles, upon their compaction, can then be transferred into target receptacles of a target plate of the device. With the aid of the target plate it is possible to make available the bristle bundles, which are then compacted as desired, to downstream process steps for producing bristle products. The target plate can be populated with a bristle carrier. The compacted bristle bundles, by way of their fastening-proximal ends, can then be pushed through bundle receptacles of the bristle carrier. Subsequently, the fastening-proximal ends can be fused for connecting the bristle bundles to the bristle carrier.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The invention will be explained in more detail hereunder by means of exemplary embodiments, but is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments are derived by combining the features of individual or a plurality of claims with one another, and / or combining individual or a plurality of features of the exemplary embodiments. In the figures:

[0047] FIGS. 1 to 6 show various views of a device for compacting bristle bundles in various stages, wherein the device has two retrieval plates having in each case two compaction receptacle which are disposed on a preparation means in the form of a separator disc having present on its circumferential periphery a total of four bundle notches;

[0048] FIG. 7 shows in top view a bristle product production machine having a total of four devices for compacting bristle bundles, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6;

[0049] FIG. 8 shows an overall view for visualizing the function of a target plate as used as a cartridge and transport holder for receiving compacted bristle bundles in the device for compacting bristle bundles shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, as well as in the bristle product production machine shown in FIG. 7;

[0050] FIG. 9 shows in top view the target plate which is shown in various stages of filling in FIG. 8;

[0051] FIG. 10 shows a lateral view of the target plate, sectioned along the section lines plotted in FIG. 9;

[0052] FIG. 11 shows the detail marked with the circle in FIG. 10, in an enlarged illustration;

[0053] FIG. 12 shows a perspective illustration of a further embodiment of a device for compacting bristle bundles, which has a preparation means designed as a separator slide with a total of six bundle notches, and a total of four retrieval plates with a total of six compaction receptacles;

[0054] FIG. 13 shows the detail marked with the circle in FIG. 12, in an enlarged illustration for visualizing the functional mode of a movable counterpart for securing the bristle bundles in bundle notches of the preparation means;

[0055] FIGS. 14 to 20 show further illustrations of the device shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 in various stages for visualizing their functional mode;

[0056] FIGS. 21 to 26 show detailed illustrations of one of the retrieval plates of the device, shown in FIGS. 12 to 20, for compacting bristle bundles, for visualizing an interaction between the transfer device, the preparation means and its bundle notches, the retrieval plate and its compaction receptacles, the compaction tool as well as the target plate, designed as a cartridge, having a hole arrangement of target receptacles which corresponds to an arrangement of bristle bundles in a bristle carrier of a finished bristle product;

[0057] FIG. 27 shows an illustration of an individual part of a movable counterpart, as is used in the device, shown at least partially in FIGS. 12 to 26, for compacting bristle bundles;

[0058] FIG. 28 shows an embodiment of a movable counterpart as an alternative to the counterpart shown in FIG. 27;

[0059] FIGS. 29 to 31 show illustrations for visualizing the functional mode of the movable counterpart from FIG. 28, which can be removed laterally for retrieving bristle bundles from the bundle notches of the preparation means, before the bristle bundles are first retrieved from the bundle notches with the aid of the compaction receptacles, and are subsequently compacted by the compaction tools assigned to the compaction receptacles;

[0060] FIG. 32 shows an illustration of an individual part of a preparation means which is designed as a separator ring and on its external circumference has a total of four bundle notches, and on its internal circumference has a toothing for connecting to a drive toothing; and

[0061] FIG. 33 shows an illustration of an individual part of a preparation means which is designed as a separator disc and has a total of four bundle notches formed on its external circumference.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] In the description hereunder of different embodiments of the invention, functionally equivalent elements are provided with identical reference signs even in the case of a deviation in terms of design or shape. Unless explicitly pointed out and wherever possible, the description hereunder relates to all exemplary embodiments of the invention shown in the figures.

[0063] All of the figures show at least parts of a device, which in its entirety is identified by the reference sign 1, for compacting bristle bundles 2.

[0064] The device 1 has at least one preparation means 3, specifically a bundle separator, having bundle notches 4 and a number of compaction receptacles 5 for bristle bundles 2, said number of compaction receptacles 5 being at least identical to the number of bundle notches 4, and for each of its compaction receptacles 5 having in each case one compaction tool 6.

[0065] The compaction receptacles 5 are specified to retrieve bristle bundles 2 from the bundle notches 4 of the preparation means 3, and the compaction tool 6 are specified to compact bristle bundles 2 positioned in the compaction receptacles 5.

[0066] In all embodiments of the device 1 shown in the figures, said device 1 has a plurality of retrieval plates 7 on which the compaction receptacles 5 are distributed.

[0067] The device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 has a total of two retrieval plates 7, having in each case two compaction receptacles 5. The device 1 shown in FIGS. 12 to 20 has a total of four retrieval plates 7. Two of the retrieval plates 7 have in each case only one compaction receptacle 5, while the remaining two retrieval plates 7 have in each case two compaction receptacles 5.

[0068] FIGS. 21 to 26 show detailed illustrations of one of the retrieval plates 7 which has two compaction receptacles 5 of different designs.

[0069] Each compaction receptacle 5 has in each case one introduction opening 8 for bristle bundles 2 and also for the compaction tool 6, which introduction opening 8 is aligned transversely, specifically orthogonally, to the longitudinal axis of said compaction receptacle 5 and thus orthogonally to a longitudinal axis of bristle bundles 2 disposed in the compaction receptacles 5. The compaction tools 6 are integrally connected to a holding plate 9, conjointly with the latter thus forming a materially homogenous, monolithic unit.

[0070] The compaction tools 6 are formed with sharp edges at their transitions 10 between their flanks 11 and their end side 12 facing the respective compaction receptacle 5. The sharp-edged transition is 10 between the flanks 11 and the end sides 12 of the compaction tools 6 prevent that bristle filaments 37 slip out of the compaction receptacles 5 and past the compaction tools 6, and can make their way out of the compaction receptacles 5, when compacting the bristle bundles 2.

[0071] As has already been explained in the general part of the description, the flanks 11 of the compaction tools 6 are smoothened and moreover hardened.

[0072] The compaction tools 6, in a width direction of the compaction receptacle 5 respectively assigned thereto, are in each case undersized by a measurable dimension of 0 μm to 50 μm, or of 0 μm to 20 μm, in relation to an available width of the introduction opening 8 of the respective compaction receptacle 5 measurable in the same width direction. The tolerance range between 0 μm and 50 μm, or 0 μm and 20 μm, herein depends on the filament gauge of the bristle filaments 37 of which the bristle bundles 2 consist that are to be compacted in the compaction receptacles 5.

[0073] For example, FIGS. 21 to 26 show compaction receptacles 5 which have an undercut 13. The undercut 13 enables shaping and compacting of a bristle bundle 2 which has a cross-sectional shape that deviates from a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0074] For retrieving bristle bundles 2 from the bundle notches 4 of the respective preparation means 3, the compaction receptacles 5, conjointly with their retrieval plates 7, can be moved past the bundle notches 4 in a direction transverse, specifically orthogonal, to a longitudinal axis of the bundle notches 2, which defines the longitudinal alignment of the bristle bundles 2 positioned in said bundle notches 2. This becomes evident, for example, when comparing FIGS. 21 to 23, in which the compaction receptacles 5 having the retrieval plates 7 are illustrated in various relative positions in relation to the bundle notches 4 of the preparation means 3 and also in relation to the compaction tools 6.

[0075] The compaction of the bristle bundles 2 located in the compaction receptacles 5 takes place by a compacting movement which is performed so as to follow the retrieving movement. For example, FIG. 24 shows the compaction receptacles 5 in the compacting position on the compaction tools 6.

[0076] The compacting movement as well as the retrieving movement are linear movements of the retrieval plates 7 and of the compaction receptacles 5 formed therein, said movements being carried out relative to the preparation means 3 and to the compaction tools 6.

[0077] In the compacted state, the bristle bundles 2 are subsequently transferred from the compaction receptacles 5 into a target plate 14 of the device 1. The target plate 14 has target receptacles 15 for receiving the compacted bristle bundles 2.

[0078] FIG. 8 visualizes the populating of the target receptacles 15 of the target plate 14 with bristle bundles 2.

[0079] First, the target plate 14 is populated with a bristle carrier 200. Subsequently, the individual target receptacles 15 of the target plate 14 are populated with compacted bristle bundles 2. This takes place in that the compacted bristle bundles 2, with the aid of the transfer device 19 and its sliding pins 20, are pushed out of the compaction receptacles 5 of the device 1, axially out of the compaction receptacles 5 in the direction of the longitudinal axes of said bristle bundles 2, into the target receptacles 15 of the target plate 14.

[0080] According to FIG. 8, the bristle bundles 2 in the process are pushed into bundle receptacles 201 of the bristle carrier 200 so that the fastening-proximal ends 202 of said bristle bundles 2 project beyond the bristle carrier 200. In a downstream processing step, the bristle bundles 2 can be connected to the bristle carrier 200, for example by fusing the fastening-proximal ends 202 of said bristle bundles 2. This can take place, for example, in one of the processing stations 16 of the bristle product production machines 17 shown in FIG. 7.

[0081] The target plates 14 shown in the figures are designed as cartridges and moreover serve as transport holders. In this way, the target plates 14 also serve to transport the compacted bristle bundles 2 to downstream processing stations 16 of a bristle product production machine which in its entirety is identified by the reference sign 17 and schematically illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0082] The sectional illustration of a target plate 14 from FIG. 11 shows that the target receptacles 15 have introduction bevels 18 for receiving the bristle bundles 2. The introduction bevels 18 facilitate the transition of the compacted bristle bundles 2 into the target receptacles 15 of the target plate 14. The target plates 14 shown in the figures have target receptacles 15 which are designed in a hole arrangement on the target plate 14, which corresponds to an arrangement of bristle bundles 2 on the bristle carrier 200 of a bristle product to be produced. In this way, the bristle bundles 2, which have been compacted to the desired degree of compaction, can be provided from the target receptacles 15 of the target plates 14 for connecting to the bristle carrier 200 without having to change the mutual relative position of said bristle bundles 2.

[0083] The retrieval plates 7 have compaction receptacles 5 which are in each case arranged in a hole pattern which corresponds at least to a hole sub-pattern of the hole arrangement of the target receptacles 15 of the target plates 14. This situation has the effect that the target plates 14 for filling all of the target receptacles 15, as is shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 for example, have to be moved to the different retrieval plates 7 and to the compaction receptacles 5 formed in the latter.

[0084] The target receptacles 15 of the target plate 14 are then successively filled with compacted bristle bundles 2, as is visualized in FIG. 8, for example. The filling of the target receptacles 15 of the target plates 14 takes place in an analogous manner also in the device 1 shown in FIGS. 12 to 20. Here, the target plates 14 for filling their target receptacles are moved successively to the different retrieval plates 7 of this device 1.

[0085] All devices 1 shown in the figures also have in each case at least one transfer device 19. The transfer devices 19 serve to transfer bristle bundles 2 from the compaction receptacles 5 into the target receptacles 15 of the target plates 14.

[0086] In the process, the transfer devices 19 define a transferring direction which is aligned in the direction of the longitudinal axes of the compaction receptacles 5 and also in the direction of the longitudinal axes of the target receptacles 15 of the target plates, and thus also in the longitudinal direction of the bristle bundles 2 located in the compaction receptacles 5.

[0087] The functional mode of the transfer devices 19 will become evident by means of the illustrations of FIGS. 21 to 26.

[0088] The transfer device 19 shown in these figures has sliding pins 20 for transferring the bristle bundles 2 from the compaction receptacles 5 into the target receptacles 15 of the target plates 14. Longitudinal axes of the sliding pings 20 are aligned orthogonally to an introduction direction of the bristle bundles 2 and of the compaction tools 6 into the compaction receptacles 5.

[0089] In the devices 1 shown in the figures, the respectively used transfer devices 19 have for each retrieval plate 7 in each case one pin plate 21 on which are in each case disposed a number of sliding pins 20 that correspond to the number of compaction receptacles 5 of the respective retrieval plate 7.

[0090] The pin plates 21 have guide pins 35. The retrieval plates 9 and the target plates 14 have corresponding guide bores 36. When transferring the bristle bundles 2 from the compaction receptacles 5 into the target receptacles 15 of the target plates 14, the guide pins 35 are introduced into the guide bores 36 and in this way establish the mutual relative positions of the pin plates 21, of the retrieval plates 9 and of the target plates 14. This facilitates a precise transfer of the compacted bristle bundles 2 into the target receptacles 15 of the target plates 14.

[0091] FIGS. 21 to 26 in particular highlight that the retrieval plates 7 as well as the compaction tools 6 have in each case at least one receptacle space 22. FIGS. 22 to 24 show that the preparation means 3 when retrieving and compacting bristle bundles 2 is disposed in the receptacle space 22 of the retrieval plate 7. These receptacle spaces 22 are designed as slots in the retrieval plates 7 as well as in the compaction tools 6.

[0092] Furthermore, the device 1 for each retrieval plate 7 has a movable counterpart 23. The movable counterpart 23 serves to secure bristle bundles 2 which are disposed in the bundle notches 4 of the preparation means 3 against loss, until the bristle bundles 2 are retrieved from the bundle notches 4 and compacted.

[0093] The movable counterpart 23 can also be raised by a movement, or during a movement, of the retrieval plate 7 in the direction of the compaction tool 6, according to FIGS. 21 to 26. In the process, the movable counterpart 23 makes its way into the receptacle space 22 of the compaction tool 6 (cf. FIGS. 23, 24 as well as 25 and 26, for example) and thus makes space for the compaction of the bristle bundles 2 located in the compaction receptacles 5. The movable counterpart 23 thus secures the bristle bundles 2 in the bundle notches 4 until the compaction tools 6 come into contact with the bristle bundles 2 and establish the latter.

[0094] Moreover, the devices 1 shown also have counterparts 24 which are assigned to the preparation means 3 and are designed as rigid counterparts. Rigid counterparts 24 can be readily seen in FIGS. 1 to 6, for example, and surround the preparation means 3 on portions of its circumferential side. The device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, has two rigid counterparts 24 and two movable counterparts 24. In this way, the number of movable counterparts 23 is identical to the number of the two retrieval plates 7.

[0095] Owing to the counterparts 23 and 24, the bristle bundles 2 located in the bundle notches 4 are secured against loss on their way from their retrieval from a supply 25 of loose bristle filaments 37 up to the compaction receptacles 5. FIGS. 1 to 6 also show that the compaction receptacles 5 in the region of the two retrieval plates 7 of this device 1 are in each case assigned at least one movable counterpart 23.

[0096] During the retrieving movement and the compacting movement of the compaction receptacles 5 and of the retrieval plates 7, the movable counterparts 23 are moved from an initial position to a target position. In the process, the movable counterparts 23 in the target position make their way into the receptacle space 22 of the compaction tool 6. FIG. 1 shows the two movable counterparts 23 of the device 1 in the receptacle spaces 22 of the compaction tools 6.

[0097] The device 1 shown in FIGS. 12 to 20 also has movable counterparts 24 and rigid counterparts 24.

[0098] In the device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the preparation means 3 is designed as separator ring. A separator ring is also depicted in the individual part illustration of FIG. 32. An arc or a separator disc, as depicted in FIG. 33, can also be used instead of a separator ring.

[0099] FIGS. 12 to 20 show a device 1 having a further embodiment of a preparation means 3, which is designed as a separator slide and can be moved in a reciprocating manner in an alternating linear movement between the supply 25 of loose bristle filaments 37 and the compaction receptacles 5 which are formed in the retrieval plates 7.

[0100] The preparation means 3 of the device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 is moved in an alternating pivoting movement. This can be seen from the arrows which are assigned to the preparation means 3 and indicate the rotating direction of the preparation means 3 in the respective figure.

[0101] Each of the devices 1 shown has a magazine 26 in which the respective supply 25 of loose bristle filaments 37 is disposed.

[0102] FIG. 7 shows a bristle product production machine which in its entirety is provided with the reference sign 17. The bristle product production machine 17 has a total of four devices 1 for retrieving and subsequently compacting bristle bundles 2. The bristle product production machine 17 has a transfer device 27 which comprises a closed transport track 28 and a plurality of transport slides 29 which have transport receptacles 30 and are displaceable along the transport track 28. The target plates 14 which have been populated with compacted bristle bundles 2 at the devices 1 can be transported from the devices 1 to the downstream processing stations 16 of the bristle product production machine 17 with the aid of the transport slides 29 and their transport receptacles 30.

[0103] The devices 1 shown in the figures are suitable for carrying out the following method for compacting bristle bundles 2.

[0104] First, bristle bundles 2 which are not yet compacted are picked from the supply 25 of loose bristle filaments 37 and provided for retrieving and compacting with the aid of the preparation means 3 of the device 1. Then, the bristle bundles 2 are first retrieved from the bundle notches 4 of the preparation means 4 and subsequently compacted to a defined degree of compaction with the aid of the compaction receptacles 5 of the respective device 1.

[0105] Depending on the degree of compaction required, the bristle bundles 2 can be compacted up to a degree of compaction of 60% to 90%, of 70% to 80%, or else of 75%.

[0106] For example, FIGS. 1 to 6, or else FIGS. 16 and 17 as well as 18 and 19, highlight that when carrying out the method bristle filaments 37 of at least one bristle bundle 2 are pushed into an undercut 13 of one of the compaction receptacles 5 of the device 1 during compaction of the bristle bundle 2. FIG. 17 shows the detail marked with the circle in FIG. 16 in an enlarged illustration. It can be clearly seen that the bristle bundle 2 by way of its bristle filaments 37 is already disposed in the receptacle depression 5 of the retrieval plate 7, but has not yet been compacted. The bristle bundle 2 is still spaced apart from the compaction tool 6, the latter already having entered the retrieval plated 7 through the introduction opening 8 of the compaction receptacle 5.

[0107] FIG. 19 shows the detail marked with the circle in FIG. 18 in an enlarged illustration. By further raising the retrieval plates 7, the bristle bundle 2 by way of its bristle filaments 37 has come to bear on the compaction tool 6 and has been compacted. It can be clearly seen that bristle filaments 37 of the bristle bundle 2, which in FIG. 19 is shown within the compaction receptacle 5, have made their way into the undercut 13 of the compaction receptacle 5 during compaction. The undercut 13 is important so that the bristle bundle 2 is imparted the cross-sectional shape shown in FIG. 19. The cross-sectional shape of the bristle bundle 2 that is illustrated in FIG. 19 presently deviates from a circular cross-sectional shape.

[0108] Similar undercuts 13 can also be seen in the compaction receptacles 5 of the two retrieval plates 7 shown in the right half of FIG. 18, and also in the compaction receptacles 5 in the left retrieval plate 7 of the two retrieval plates 7 shown on the left side in FIG. 18. FIGS. 1 to 6 as well as 21 to 26 and 29 to 31 also show compaction receptacles 5 having undercuts 13.

[0109] As has already been explained above, the bristle bundles 2 upon compaction are transferred into target receptacles 15 of offered-up target plates 14 of the device 1. The transfer device 19 which is shown in the figures and has sliding pins 20 is used for this purpose. In the process, the compacted bristle bundles 2 by way of their fastening-proximal ends 202 are pushed through bundle receptacles 201 of a bristle carrier 200 by way of which the target plate 14 has previously been populated. This can be seen in FIG. 8. For connecting the bristle bundles 2, the fastening-proximal ends 202 can be fused to the bristle carrier 200. This can take place in one of the processing stations 16 of the bristle product production machine 17.

[0110] FIGS. 32 and 33 show two embodiments of preparation means 3.

[0111] The preparation means 3 shown in FIG. 32 is designed as separator ring. The preparation means 3 on its internal circumference has a toothing 31 by way of which said preparation means 3 can be set in a rotating motion or a pivoting motion by way of a corresponding drive toothing 32 of the device 1.

[0112] FIG. 33 shows a preparation means 3 which is designed as a separator disc. A drive connection is established here by way of two peripheral fastening openings 33. A central opening 34 serves as a mounting for the separator disc. The toothing 32 of the separator ring shown in FIG. 32 also serves as a mounting for the separator ring, thus assumes a dual function, specifically that of the drive, on the one hand, and that of the mounting of the preparation means 3, on the other hand.

[0113] The invention relates to improvements in the technical field of bristle product production. Proposed to this end is, inter alia, a device 1 for compacting bristle bundles 2, wherein the device 1 has at least one preparation means 3 with bundle notches 4 and a number of compaction receptacles 5 for bristle bundles 2, corresponding at least to the number of bundle notches 4, and for each of the compaction receptacles 5 of said preparation means 4 has in each case one compaction tool 6. The compaction receptacles 5 are specified to retrieve bristle bundles 2 from the bundle notches 4 of the preparation means 3, and the compaction tools 6 are specified to compact bristle bundles 2 positioned in the compaction receptacles 5.LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS1 Device

[0115] 2 Bristle bundle

[0116] 200 Bristle carrier

[0117] 201 Bristle receptacles of 200

[0118] 202 Fastening-proximal ends of 2

[0119] 3 Preparation means

[0120] 4 Bundle notch

[0121] 5 Compaction receptacle

[0122] 6 Compaction tool

[0123] 7 Retrieval plate

[0124] 8 Introduction opening

[0125] 9 Holding plate for 6

[0126] 10 Transition

[0127] 11 Flank

[0128] 12 End side

[0129] 13 Undercut

[0130] 14 Target plate

[0131] 15 Target receptacles

[0132] 16 Processing station

[0133] 17 Bristle product production machine

[0134] 18 Introduction bevel on 15

[0135] 19 Transfer device

[0136] 20 Sliding pin

[0137] 21 Pin plate

[0138] 22 Receptacle space

[0139] 23 Movable counterpart

[0140] 24 Rigid counterpart

[0141] 25 Supply of loose bristle filaments

[0142] 26 Magazine

[0143] 27 Transfer device

[0144] 28 Transport track

[0145] 29 Transport slide

[0146] 30 Transport receptacles

[0147] 31 Toothing

[0148] 32 Drive toothing

[0149] 33 Fastening opening

[0150] 34 Central opening

[0151] 35 Guide pin on 21

[0152] 36 Guide bore on 7 and 14

[0153] 37 Bristle filament

Claims

1. A device (1) for compacting bristle bundles (2), the device (1) comprising:at least one preparation means (3) with bundle notches (4); and a number of compaction receptacles (5) for bristle bundles (2), corresponding at least to a number of bundle notches (4); anda compaction tool (6) for each of the compaction receptacles (5) of said preparation means (3);wherein the compaction receptacles (5) are specified to retrieve the bristle bundles (2) from the bundle notches (4) of the preparation means (3), and the compaction tools (6) are specified to compact the bristle bundles (2) positioned in the compaction receptacles (5).

2. The device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of a) the compaction receptacles (5) are formed in at least one retrieval plate (7), or b) the compaction tools (6) by way of a relative movement of the compaction receptacles (5) in relation to the compaction tools (6) are movable transversely to a direction of longitudinal extent of the compaction receptacles (5) to a compacting position at or into the compaction receptacles (5).

3. The device as claimed in claim 2 wherein each of the compaction receptacles (5) includes one introduction opening (8) which is disposed transversely to at least one of a) the longitudinal axis of said compaction receptacles (5) or a longitudinal axis of bristle bundles (2) disposed in the compaction receptacles (5), and by which at least one of the bristle bundles (2) or compaction tools (6) are able to be introduced into the compaction receptacles (5).

4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the compaction tools (6) has a sharp-edged transition (10) between flanks (11) thereof and an end side (12) thereof that faces the compaction receptacle (5).

5. The device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the compaction tools (6) has at least one flank (11) which is contiguous to an end side (12) of the compaction tool (6) that faces a respective one of the compaction receptacles (5) and is at least one of smoothened or hardened.

6. The device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the compaction tools (6) in a width direction of the compaction receptacle (5) assigned thereto is undersized by a measurable dimension of 0 μm to 50 μm in relation to an available width measurable in a same width direction of an introduction opening (8) of the compaction receptacle (5) assigned thereto.

7. The device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of the compaction receptacles (5) has an undercut (13).

8. The device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compaction receptacles (5) are movable relative to the preparation means (3) in at least one of a) a retrieving movement aligned transversely to a longitudinal axis of the bundle notches (4), or b) a compacting movement aligned transversely to a longitudinal axis of the bundle notches (4).

9. The device (1) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one target plate (14) which is disposed downstream of the compaction receptacles (5) and has target receptacles (15) for receiving the bristle bundles (2).

10. The device (1) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the target receptacles (15) of the target plate (14) at least one of a) have introduction bevels (18), or b) are disposed in a hole arrangement which corresponds to an arrangement of bristle bundles (2) on a bristle carrier of a bristle product to be produced.

11. The device (1) as claimed in claim 9, further comprising at least one retrieval plate (7) having the compaction receptacles (5) which are arranged in a hole pattern that corresponds to at least one hole sub-pattern of the hole arrangement of the target receptacles (15) of the target plate (14).

12. The device (1) as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a transfer device (19) for transferring bristle bundles (2) from the compaction receptacles (5) into the target receptacles (15) of the target plate (14), and a transfer movement defined by the transfer device (19) is aligned in a direction of longitudinal axes of at least one of the compaction receptacles (5), the target receptacles (15), or the bristle bundles (2) located in the compaction receptacles (5).

13. The device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the transfer device (19) has at least one sliding pin (20) for transferring one said bristle bundle (2) from a compaction receptacle (5) into a target receptacle (15).

14. The device as claimed in claim 11, wherein at least one of the at least one retrieval plate (7) or at least one of the compaction tools (6) has a receptacle space (22) in which at least one of the preparation means (3) or a movable counterpart (23) is positioned during retrieval and / or compaction of bristle bundles (2).

15. The device (1) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one counterpart (23, 24) which is assigned to the preparation means (3) and by which the bristle bundles (2) located in the bundle notches (4) are secured against loss on their way from their retrieval from a supply (25) of loose bristle filaments to the compaction receptacles (5).

16. The device (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the preparation means (3) comprises at least one of a separator slide, a separator disc, an arc, or a separation ring.

17. A bristle product production machine (17) comprising at least one of the devices (1) as claimed in claim 1.

18. A method for compacting bristle bundles (2) using the device (1) as claimed in claim 1, the method comprising: providing the bristle bundles (2) to the device (1) by the preparation means (3); retrieving the bristle bundles (2) from the bundle notches (4) of the preparation means (3); and compacting the bristle bundles using the compaction receptacles (5).

19. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the bristle bundles (2) are compacted to a compaction degree of 60% to 90%.

20. The method as claimed in claim 18, further comprising pushing, bristle filaments (37) of at least one said bristle bundle (2) during the compaction of the bristle bundle (2) into an undercut (13) of a compaction receptacle (5) of the device (1).

21. The method as claimed in claim 19, further comprising transferring the bristle bundles (2) upon their compaction into target receptacles (15) of a target plate (14) of the device (1).

Images