Endless grinding belt for a wide belt grinding machine, wide belt grinding machine comprising such an endless grinding belt, method for handling an endless grinding belt, method for operating a wide belt grinding machine and method for manufacturing an endless grinding belt

Abstract

Endless sanding belt (1) for a wide belt sander comprising a carrier layer (2) and a sanding layer (3), wherein the endless abrasive belt (1) comprises at least one joining point (10) at which at least two sections of the endless abrasive belt (1) are joined together, wherein the at least two interconnected sections are held together by at least one joining element (4, 8), wherein the carrier layer (2), optionally together with the joining agent (8), forms at least a partial underside (6) of the continuous abrasive belt (1), wherein the abrasive layer (3), optionally together with the joining agent (8), forms at least a partial top surface (5) of the continuous abrasive belt (1), wherein the endless abrasive belt (1) in the joint (10) includes a means for contactless information transmission (7) which is located between the top (5) and the bottom (6), characterized by the fact that the endless abrasive belt (1) comprises at least two segments (13), each segment (13) being connected to at least one further segment (13) via two joining points (10), the endless abrasive belt (1) comprising exactly one means for contactless information transmission (7) in exactly one of the joining points (10).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to an endless grinding belt for a wide-belt grinding machine, a wide-belt grinding machine comprising such an endless grinding belt, a method for handling an endless grinding belt, a method for operating a wide-belt grinding machine and a method for manufacturing an endless grinding belt. State of the art

[0002] Such grinding belts, wide-belt grinding machines, and methods for operating and manufacturing them are known. For example, EP 2 213 414 A2 discloses a variant embodiment of a wide-belt grinding machine of this type. Furthermore, EP 3 616 841 A2 discloses an endless grinding belt with a laterally projecting flag which includes a transponder device.

[0003] Furthermore, US 2009 0 029 628 A1 shows a grinding product with a splice, associated markings and a method for detecting the splice.

[0004] Furthermore, US 2007 0 144 677 A1 shows a splice tape and a method for detecting a splice point in a web-shaped material.

[0005] Furthermore, US 2022 0 040 816 A1 shows a handheld grinding device that communicates with a computer system to perform monitoring tasks.

[0006] Furthermore, US 2020 0 030 936 A1 shows a manufacturing device for coated grinding objects with a production tool in the form of an endless belt. Object of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. Solution to the task

[0008] The solution to the problem lies in the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an endless abrasive belt for a wide belt sander comprises a backing layer and an abrasive layer. Such abrasive belts are sometimes referred to as "wide belts," while segmented abrasive belts are also called "segmented belts." The abrasive belt can be over 50 cm, 80 cm, or 100 cm wide. The wide belt sander is preferably a stationary, i.e., not handheld, machine. The backing layer can impart the necessary mechanical properties to the abrasive belt during operation. The abrasive layer can, for example, include an abrasive grit that effects the sanding process.

[0010] Furthermore, the continuous abrasive belt comprises at least one joint where at least two sections of the continuous abrasive belt are joined together. These joined sections can, for example, be edges of the abrasive belt that are arranged orthogonally to the circumferential direction of the abrasive belt or at an angle other than 90°, but preferably not parallel to the circumferential direction. Preferably, the edges, which are sometimes also referred to as cut edges, run at an angle other than 90° to the circumferential direction. The angle can, for example, be between 64° and 84°, more preferably between 69° and 79°, and even more preferably approximately or exactly 74°. The outer edges of the continuous abrasive belt, in turn, preferably run parallel to the circumferential direction.

[0011] The sections of the abrasive belt described above can also be sections of individual abrasive belt segments, which are described further below.

[0012] The joint could also be called a splice point. Joining several sections together to form an endless abrasive belt is sometimes also referred to as splicing. A distinction can be made between butt splicing without overlapping the sections to be joined and overlap splicing.

[0013] Typically, an endless abrasive belt comprises two outer edges running parallel to each other and circumferentially. A section of the endless abrasive belt extending from one outer edge to the other and having a certain circumferential extent is usually referred to as the joint. Within the scope of the present invention, the joint is preferably defined as the section that differs in structure from the remaining sections of the endless abrasive belt and, in particular, comprises, for example, an overlap or butt joint. In any case, the aforementioned distinction is recognizable in longitudinal section, i.e., along the circumferential direction. It is also conceivable that a visual distinction is possible without having to cut the endless abrasive belt.

[0014] The at least two interconnected sections are held together by at least one joining agent. This joining agent can be an adhesive. Alternatively, an adhesive and a fabric together can form the joining agent. Furthermore, adhesive tape can also be considered as a joining agent. Other joining agents are conceivable.

[0015] The backing layer, optionally together with the bonding agent, forms at least part of the underside of the continuous abrasive belt. The backing layer can therefore form the underside or part of the underside.

[0016] The abrasive layer, optionally together with the bonding agent, forms at least a partial top surface of the continuous abrasive belt. The abrasive layer can therefore form the top surface or part of the top surface.

[0017] In the context of the present invention, the upper surface is understood to be the contact surface with a substrate to be ground, and the lower surface is understood to be the contact surface with the rollers of the wide-belt sander. Here, the terms upper surface and lower surface refer only to the immediate contact surface, which should be as thin as possible. The upper surface is therefore typically significantly thinner than the abrasive layer, and the lower surface is significantly thinner than the substrate.

[0018] The abrasive layer and the substrate are bonded together directly or indirectly. For example, the abrasive layer can be manufactured separately from the substrate; both layers can then be bonded together. Alternatively, it is possible to apply the abrasive layer to the substrate, i.e., to manufacture it in situ.

[0019] The continuous abrasive belt includes, at the joint, a means for contactless information transfer, which is located between the top and bottom surfaces. Preferably, the aforementioned means is located entirely between the top and bottom surfaces. Preferably, the aforementioned means is located inside the abrasive belt and is not visible from the outside. Preferably, the means is therefore arranged away from the circumferential outer edges of the continuous abrasive belt.

[0020] The aforementioned means for contactless information transmission can be a transponder. However, it could refer to any means for contactless information transmission. In particular, it could refer to a means for the contactless transmission of identification information.

[0021] Within the scope of the present invention, contactless information transmission can be achieved, for example, magnetically, inductively, via radio waves, or the like. The means for contactless information transmission is preferably a passive transmitter, for example, an RFID transponder. An RFID transponder can, in particular, comprise a suitable chip and an antenna.

[0022] An endless abrasive belt according to an embodiment of the present invention can advantageously protect the means for contactless information transmission from damage, shearing, buckling, etc., since it is preferably arranged in a sandwich-like manner inside the endless abrasive belt.

[0023] The bonding agent can be an adhesive and / or an adhesive tape. This could include, for example, solvent-based adhesives, solvent-free adhesives, hot melt adhesives, or chemically curing adhesives. An adhesive tape typically comprises a backing, usually thin, and an adhesive applied to the backing.

[0024] The joint may be visible from the outside. It may be visible on the top, the bottom, or both sides. "Visible" here means that any part of the joint is visually identifiable. For example, adhesive tape may be visible. Furthermore, a section may be visible where the abrasive layer is incomplete and, for example, does not fully cover the substrate.

[0025] One advantage of an externally visible, i.e., recognizable, joint is that an operator or a belt sander equipped with appropriate optical sensors can "know" where data can be read or communication with the contactless information transmission device can take place. For example, if the contactless information transmission device integrated into the joint cannot be read, this may indicate that it is damaged.

[0026] The continuous abrasive belt comprises at least two segments. Each segment is connected to at least one other segment via two joints. The handling method for the continuous abrasive belt described below, as well as the manufacturing method for the continuous abrasive belt also described below, are not limited to continuous abrasive belts comprising at least two segments, each with two joints.

[0027] The endless abrasive belt with at least two segments includes exactly one means for contactless information transmission at exactly one of the joints. A segmented abrasive belt with exactly one means for contactless information transmission is simple in design and inexpensive to manufacture. The means for contactless information transmission enables, for example, the identification of the abrasive belt, the tracing of the abrasive belt back to the production site, etc. The handling method for the endless abrasive belt described below, as well as the manufacturing method for the endless abrasive belt also described below, are not limited to endless abrasive belts that include exactly one means for contactless information transmission.

[0028] The continuous abrasive belt with at least two segments can be connected to at least one further segment via two joints, with the continuous abrasive belt in each of the joints potentially including at least one means for contactless information transmission. Such a belt can enable identification, traceability, etc., not only for the segmented continuous abrasive belt as a whole, but for each individual segment of the continuous abrasive belt. This applies at least as long as the means for contactless information transmission is specifically assigned to one of the segments during manufacturing.

[0029] In general, it can be assumed that one or more joints of the endless abrasive belt each include one or more means for contactless information transmission.

[0030] An optically recognizable identifier can be incorporated or applied to the top or bottom of the continuous abrasive belt. Suitable identifiers include any images, patterns, numbers, letters, generally digits and / or symbols, barcodes, QR codes, or similar. Patterns formed from individual dots or holes are also acceptable.

[0031] An optically identifiable identifier can serve many purposes and thus offer numerous advantages. On the one hand, it can at least partially encode information stored on the contactless information transmission device, such as details about the manufacturing process, the company of origin, the structure, the properties, or the type of the endless abrasive belt. In other words, the identifier can at least partially contain the information stored on the device, thus providing redundancy. If the contactless information transmission device is damaged, the information stored there can alternatively be retrieved from the identifier.

[0032] However, it is also possible that the identifier is present on one or more segments and only contains information relating to the respective segment, for example about type, nature or origin.

[0033] In general, the information encoded by the identifier can supplement the information stored on the contactless information transmission device, or serve, for example, to verify it or as a replacement in case of damage. The information encoded by the identifier and the information stored on the device can also be completely different and independent of each other.

[0034] As already mentioned, the visually identifiable identifier can be applied to or embedded on the top or bottom surface, and thus on the abrasive or carrier layer. Numerous variations are possible here: The identifier can be incorporated, for example, by creating indentations, such as using a laser, or by punching, piercing, or similar methods. Indentations can be created in both the substrate and the abrasive layer.

[0035] Incorporating the identifier into the abrasive layer can also involve deliberately "omitting" or subsequently removing the abrasive layer, so that those areas of the substrate layer that are not covered with the abrasive layer form the identifier.

[0036] Indentations can be created in the form of through holes, i.e., holes penetrating the endless sanding belt, or alternatively in a blind hole-like manner in the endless sanding belt.

[0037] The identifier can be applied, for example, by printing. Advantageously, the carrier layer on the underside can be printed. Printing can be done in any way, including laser printing, where the laser deposits pigments. It should be noted that laser marking, in which a laser beam of usually higher intensity alters the surface of the continuous abrasive belt, is one of the aforementioned methods for applying an identifier.

[0038] Applying an identifier also includes affixing or otherwise applying a label or tag, or generally any kind of warning sign. For example, a label or tag can be affixed to the underside of the continuous sanding belt.

[0039] In general, introducing an identifier involves removing or displacing material from the continuous abrasive belt, while applying an identifier involves adding additional material, such as pigments, labels, tags, or the like.

[0040] The identifier can encode characters or consist of characters. For example, a QR code could be used to encode a number. The identifier can be designed as a Globally Unique Identifier (GUID).

[0041] The present invention also includes a wide belt grinding machine comprising an endless grinding belt according to one of the foregoing embodiments.

[0042] The broadband grinding machine may include a device for reading the means of contactless information transmission or for communicating with the means of contactless information transmission.

[0043] The present invention further comprises a method for handling an endless grinding belt, wherein reading or communication takes place between a reading or communication device and the means for contactless information transmission. The handling is carried out, for example, by an operator. The handling can take place outside the wide-belt grinding machine, i.e., in particular before installation or, more generally, before the grinding belt is inserted into the wide-belt grinding machine.

[0044] It may be considered that a handheld device, especially a smartphone, could be used as a device for reading data or for communication.

[0045] The handling procedure includes at least one of the following steps: - Identification of the endless sanding belt and optional presentation of information regarding this identification - Identification of a prescribed direction of rotation of the endless grinding belt and optional presentation of information concerning this identification.

[0046] The presentation can be given on a screen, for example, on the screen of a handheld device such as a smartphone. The presentation can also be given on the smartphone that was previously used for data collection.

[0047] The present invention further comprises a method for operating a wide-belt grinding machine, which includes the following steps: - Reading the means of contactless information transmission by the device for reading or communication, or communication between the device for reading or communication and the means of contactless information transmission - Influencing the machine control of the wide-band grinding machine based on information received through reading or communication.

[0048] It is conceivable that the device used for reading or communication during the operation of the wide-belt grinding machine could record the belt's rotational speed. For example, if the endless grinding belt contains exactly 10 means for contactless information transmission, the aforementioned device can record how often each means is detected per unit of time. The belt's rotational speed can then be determined from this information. If the endless grinding belt contains several of these means, the aforementioned device can record how often exactly one specific means is detected per unit of time. Alternatively, the device can record how often all means are detected per unit of time, and the belt's rotational speed can then be calculated by dividing this by the number of means present.

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, it is possible to monitor the belt's movement. For this purpose, the system can be configured to read or communicate data and detect any "slippage" of the continuous grinding belt on the rollers of the wide-belt grinding machine. Belt oscillation can also be detected in a similar manner.

[0050] Furthermore, the device can detect the direction of rotation of the endless grinding belt for reading or communication.

[0051] The present invention also includes a method for producing an endless abrasive belt comprising the following steps: - Manufacturing or supplying at least one continuous abrasive belt semi-finished product comprising an abrasive layer and a backing layer, - wherein the continuous abrasive belt semi-finished product or semi-finished products comprise at least two sections to be joined together, - Connecting the at least two sections to be joined together, - where the sections, after being joined, form part of a joint, - Introducing a means for contactless information transfer into the joint.

[0052] The endless abrasive belt semi-finished product can, for example, be a segment. One or more segments, i.e., one or more endless abrasive belt semi-finished products, can be processed into an endless abrasive belt by creating a joint. The sections to be joined are thus connected to produce the endless abrasive belt.

[0053] Preferably, the at least two sections to be joined are connected in pairs. Each segment, which is to be processed as a semi-finished product, possibly with further segments, into an endless abrasive belt, has two sections that are joined to other sections. For example, if two segments, each with a first and a second section to be joined, are to be joined by creating joints, the first sections of both segments can form a pair to be joined, which is to become part of exactly one joint. Similarly, the second sections of both segments can form a pair to be joined, which is to become part of exactly one joint.

[0054] The means for contactless information transfer is preferably introduced into the joint before it is "sealed", for example, before an adhesive cures or before an adhesive tape is applied or the like.

[0055] The contactless information transfer agent is introduced into a liquid component of the joint during its production. For example, the contactless information transfer agent can be introduced into an adhesive layer that bonds the sections to be joined. Introducing the contactless information transfer agent into the liquid component advantageously ensures that it does not affect the height of the joint and thus of the entire abrasive belt. The liquid component, for example, liquid adhesive, is displaced by the contactless information transfer agent and can distribute itself evenly. Therefore, there is no area of ​​increased height at the point where the contactless information transfer agent is located in the finished continuous abrasive belt.

[0056] The present invention comprises an endless grinding belt, a wide-belt grinding machine, a method for handling an endless grinding belt, a method for operating a wide-belt grinding machine, and a method for manufacturing an endless grinding belt. Features described with respect to only one of these items are transferable to the other items. This applies in particular to the endless grinding belt, the method for handling it, and the method for manufacturing it. This also applies to the wide-belt grinding machine and the method for operating this machine. Character description

[0057] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings; these show in: Fig. 1 schematically an endless sanding belt 1 in perspective view, in Fig. 2 a schematic section of the endless sanding belt 1 according to Fig. 1, in the Fig. 3 to 7 alternative design variants of the endless sanding belt 1, as well as in the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 the basic structure of a non-segmented endless sanding belt 1 and in the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 the basic structure of a segmented endless grinding belt 1. Examples of implementation

[0058] Fig. Figure 1 shows an endless abrasive belt 1. A joint 10 is also visible. A circumferential direction is indicated as the x-direction. Both outer edges 12 also run along the x-direction. Furthermore, a z-direction is indicated, which runs orthogonally to the x-direction, and along which the width of the endless abrasive belt 1 is measured. The top and bottom surfaces 5, 6 of the endless abrasive belt 1 are also visible. The course of cut edges 11 is also indicated by dashed lines, which are located in Fig. 2 ff. are presented in detail. We from the Fig. As can be seen from 2 ff., there are of course always two adjacent cutting edges 11, which for the sake of clarity are in Fig. 1, however, are not shown separately. On the underside 6 of the in Fig. A QR code 14 is also visible on the continuous sanding belt 1 shown in Figure 1. An angle 17, also visible, between the 12 and the outer edge 12 and the cut edge 11 can, for example, be 74°.

[0059] Fig. Figure 2 shows a cutaway partial view of the endless sanding belt 1 according to Fig. 1, where the xy-plane was chosen as the sectioning plane. A support layer 2 and an abrasive layer 3 are visible. The support layer 2 forms a bottom surface 6. The abrasive layer 3 forms a top surface 5.

[0060] Within the joint 10, the following are also visible: an adhesive 4, an adhesive tape 8, an RFID transponder 7, cut edges 11 and a butt joint 9. The x-direction is indicated, as is a y-direction running orthogonal to the x-direction.

[0061] Out of Fig. 2 shows that the joining point 10 connects two sections of the endless sanding belt 1, in Fig. 2 and also in the following figures, to the left and right of joint 10, connects them.

[0062] The top surface 5 is largely formed by the abrasive layer 3 and partially by the adhesive tape 8, as indicated by the reference numerals 5.1 and 5.2.

[0063] The design variant according to Fig. 3 differs in particular from the variant according to Fig. 2, insofar as it does not include adhesive 4.

[0064] The design variant according to Fig. 4 differs from the variant according to in particular in that Fig. 2, insofar as it also includes the grinding layer 3 within the joint 10.

[0065] The design variant according to Fig. 5 differs from the variant according to in particular in that Fig. 4, insofar as the RFID transponder 7 in the variant according Fig. 5 is located within the butt joint 9 and between the top 5.1, 5.2 and the bottom 6.

[0066] The design variant according to Fig. 6 differs from the variant according to Fig. 4, insofar as the RFID transponder 7 and the adhesive tape 8 are attached to the carrier layer 2. The underside is formed mostly by the carrier layer 2 and partially by the adhesive tape 8, as indicated by the reference numerals 6.1 and 6.2.

[0067] The design variant according to Fig. 7 differs significantly from those according to the Fig. 2 to 6, where it shows an overlapping connection. Viewed in the y-direction, the two adjacent sections of the endless sanding belt 1 are therefore partially overlapping, at least within the joint 10.

[0068] In Fig. 9 is an endless sanding belt 1 and in Fig. Figure 8 shows a corresponding continuous abrasive belt semi-finished product 16 before it is closed by means of a joining point 10. In Fig. Figure 9 indicates rollers 15 of a grinding head (not shown) on which the endless grinding belt 1 is mounted. A comparison of the Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 shows that the joining point 10 connects two sections of the endless abrasive belt semi-finished product 16 to obtain the endless abrasive belt 1.

[0069] The Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 correspond to the Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9, however, shows a segmented endless grinding belt 1. The two semi-finished products 16 are accordingly simultaneously segments 13.1 and 13.2. The in Fig. The endless sanding belt 1 shown in Figure 11 comprises two joints 10, at each of which a section of a first segment 13.1 is connected to a section of a second segment 13.2. Referring to Figures 1 to 11, the functioning of the invention is explained as follows:

[0070] The in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The continuous abrasive belt 1 shown in Figure 2 can be produced by first cutting a section of suitable length from a so-called jumbo roll. This produces semi-finished products 16, for example, segments 13.1 and 13.2. The cut edges 11 are brought close together to form a butt joint 9. The abrasive layer 3 is removed in the area of ​​the joint 10. The RFID transponder 7 is inserted into the joint 10 and covered with liquid adhesive 4. After this has at least partially hardened, it is covered with adhesive tape 8.

[0071] In this way, an endless abrasive belt 1 is obtained, which contains an RFID transponder 7 that is not visible from the outside. Because the RFID transponder 7 displaces the adhesive 4 introduced in its liquid state, it can form a top surface 5.1, 5.2 running parallel to the x-direction without any deflections in the y-direction. Thus, there are no elevations caused by the RFID transponder 7 in the y-direction.

[0072] Furthermore, the RFID transponder 7 does not extend beyond the outer edges 12 in the z-direction, which could otherwise lead to shearing or damage. Within the joint 10, the carrier layer 2, the adhesive 4, and the adhesive tape 8 thus form a protective sandwich structure for the RFID transponder 7.

[0073] The in Fig. The continuous abrasive belt 1 shown in Figure 3 does not include an adhesive layer 4. Along the x-direction, the shape of a top surface 5.1, 5.2 of the adhesive tape 8 changes due to the RFID transponder 7. Nevertheless, the RFID transponder 7 does not interfere with operation, since, starting from a top surface 5 of the abrasive layer 3, there is no raised area extending in the y-direction along the x-direction.

[0074] Joint 10 of the in Fig. The continuous abrasive belt 1 shown in Figure 4 comprises the carrier layer 2 and the abrasive layer 3. Both layers 2 and 3 are cut off at the cut edges 11. The RFID transponder 7 was applied to the abrasive layer 3 and covered with the adhesive tape 8. Optionally, an adhesive layer 4 can be applied below the adhesive tape 8 (in Fig. 4 not shown) must be present. The variant after Fig. 4 is easy to manufacture because the abrasive layer 3 does not need to be removed in the areas that are to form the joint 10. However, the RFID transponder 7 causes a protrusion (in the y-direction). Therefore, the height of the RFID transponder 7, measured in the y-direction, should be chosen to be as low as possible. RFID transponders 7 with a height significantly less than 1 mm are known. For example, RFID transponders 7 with a height measured in the y-direction of less than 100 micrometers, for example, around 60 micrometers, are conceivable. RFID transponders 7 with a height measured in the y-direction of less than 60 micrometers are also conceivable. The continuous abrasive belt 1 can have a height measured in the y-direction of approximately 1 millimeter. This height can depend on the properties of the abrasive layer 3 and may, for example, be between 800 micrometers and 1.2 millimeters. The same considerations apply analogously to the execution variant according to Fig. 6.

[0075] Inserting the RFID transponder 7 according to Fig. 5 on the cutting edge 11, so that a (not shown here) base surface of the RFID transponder 7 comes to rest on a surface extending in a yz-plane (also not shown) of the cutting edge 11, offers, in comparison to the variant according to Fig. 4. The advantage is that the RFID transponder 7 does not cause a y-direction elevation in the upper surface 5.2. Depending on the design of the RFID transponder 7 and the reading method, a more suitable transmit and receive characteristic for the respective situation can be obtained if the RFID transponder 7 is designed differently from the variant described above. Fig. 4 is applied rotated by 90°.

[0076] Even in the version according to Fig. 7 with overlap connection the RFID transponder is securely held between grinding layer 3 and carrier layer 2.

[0077] A comparison of Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 with the Fig. 10 and Fig. Figure 11 shows that for each semi-finished product 16 and, if applicable, for each segment 13.1, 13.2, two sections each become part of a joining point 10. Furthermore, it is evident that for each semi-finished product 16, there is one joining point 10 in the continuous abrasive belt 1.

[0078] The production of the in Fig. The endless sanding belt 1 shown in 9 runs as described above in relation to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 described. The production of the in Fig. The continuous sanding belt 11 shown in Figure 11 runs essentially analogously. The main difference is that the two sections joined at joint 10 are not connected as in the variant shown in Figure 11. Fig. 9 do not belong to the same endless sanding belt 1, but to different segments 13.1, 13.2.

[0079] Segments 13.1 and 13.2 of segmented continuous abrasive belts can each have at least one QR code. For example, it is conceivable that segments 13.1 and 13.2 produced from the same jumbo roll bear the same QR code 14. Alternatively, it is conceivable that after producing segments 13.1 and 13.2 by cutting the jumbo roll, each individual segment 13.1 and 13.2 is marked with an individual QR code 14. This individual QR code 14 can be assigned in addition to or as an alternative to the QR code 14 that was assigned to all segments 13.1 and 13.2 from the same jumbo roll.

[0080] The QR codes 14 described above can encode information, at least partially redundant to that contained on the RFID transponder 7.

[0081] Although only some preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, it is obvious that a person skilled in the art can add numerous modifications without departing from the essence and scope of the invention. In particular, the following modifications may be considered: Based on the schematic and not to scale drawings Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Numerous variations are conceivable: The distance measured in the x-direction between the cut edges 11 within the butt joint 9 can be very small. Instead of butt joints, overlap joints can also be considered, cf. Fig. 7.

[0082] A gap running in the x-direction between the cut edges 11 can be filled with adhesive 4. Furthermore, on the underside 6, an adhesive tape 8 or the like can conceal the butt joint 9, as is also the case on the top side 5.

[0083] The adhesive tape 8 can also be omitted.

[0084] The total height of adhesive 4 and adhesive tape 8, measured in the y-direction, does not necessarily have to be chosen such that a top surface 5.1 of the abrasive layer extending in the x-direction is flush with a top surface 5.2 of the adhesive tape 8, as is the case in Fig. 2. Such a situation occurs, for example, in Fig. 3 shown. However, it is advantageous if the aforementioned height is chosen such that the aforementioned top surfaces 5.1, 5.2 are arranged substantially in alignment.

[0085] In all depicted variants, i.e., in all figures, the top surface 5, 5.1, 5.2 and the bottom surface 6 do not represent the entire abrasive layer 3, the entire carrier layer 2, or the entire adhesive tape 8, but only their outwardly facing surfaces. In contrast to the abrasive layer 3 and the carrier layer 2, the top surface 5, 5.1, 5.2, and the bottom surface 6 therefore do not have a significant extent in the y-direction.

[0086] The carrier layer 2 can be multi-layered. Starting from the underside 6, it is conceivable to first insert a paper layer followed by a layer of polyester fabric. Alternatively, a single carrier layer 2, for example made of polyester fabric, could be used. Numerous materials and variations are possible here.

[0087] The abrasive layer 3 can be multi-part. In the positive y-direction, in Fig. 2. From bottom to top, the following layers can be considered: base binder (also called make-coat), aggregate (e.g., carbide), and topcoat (also called size-coat). The aggregate and topcoat can be arranged one on top of the other as described above. However, the aggregate does not necessarily have to be covered by the topcoat; it can also be embedded within it. In this case, the topcoat is not the uppermost layer.

[0088] The two sections of the endless sanding belt 1, which are in Fig. 2 segments connected via joint 10 can belong to a single segment or to different segments.

[0089] The in Fig. The continuous sanding belt 1 shown in Figure 3 can include a thin layer of adhesive 4 beneath the adhesive tape 8. Furthermore, the above notes regarding possible modifications of the belt shown in Figure 3 also apply. Fig. 1 and Fig. The embodiments shown in 2 can also be applied analogously to Fig. 3.

[0090] In a section in the xy-plane, as described in the Fig. As shown in Figures 2 to 6, the cut edges 11 do not necessarily have to run parallel to the y-direction. Instead, the cut edges 11 can be inclined to the y-direction, possibly only partially. If the support layer 2 comprises several layers or, more generally, components, the course of the cut edges 11 can also be designed differently within each component. The transition to an overlap connection according to Fig. 7 is fluid here.

[0091] The course of the cutting edges 11 must be arranged according to Fig. 1 does not necessarily have to run at the angle 17 shown relative to the outer edge 12, i.e., to the x-direction running in the circumferential direction. Other angles are possible.

[0092] Furthermore, an order must be issued in accordance with Fig. 1. The course of the cutting edges 11 may not be straight. For example, the cutting edges 11 may run in wavy lines between the outer edges 12.

[0093] In the design variants according to the Fig. 2 to 4, an adhesive tape 8 may additionally be applied to the underside 6, as shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows that as long as the RFID transponder 7 is not visible from the outside, but is at least covered by the adhesive tape 8, any front-side and / or back-side arrangement of the adhesive tape within the joint 10 is conceivable.

[0094] In the version according to Fig. 5 Additionally or alternatively, an adhesive tape 8 can be attached to the underside 6 within the joint 10.

[0095] In the version according to Fig. 7. It is also possible to additionally apply an adhesive tape 8 to the top and / or bottom surface 5, 6, which holds together the sections of the continuous sanding belt 1 that are to be joined together at the joint 10. In principle, in all embodiments, it is possible to ensure this cohesion by the adhesive 4 and / or at least an adhesive tape 8.

[0096] Based on the Fig. 8 to 11 can refer to endless grinding belts 1, which are made from a semi-finished product 16, or two or more segments 13.1, 13.2, which are also to be regarded as semi-finished products 16.

[0097] In all embodiments shown, alternative joining agents can be used instead of the adhesive 4 and / or the adhesive tape 8.

[0098] Instead of the RFID transponder 7, alternative means for contactless information transmission, in particular means for contactless identification, may be considered.

[0099] The QR codes can be applied by printing, in particular, to the underside of the continuous sanding belt 1 or the semi-finished products 16 or segments 13.1, 13.2. Other identifiers can be used instead of the QR code 14.

[0100] In the design variants according to the Fig. The RFID transponder 7 can be assigned to each of the sections 2 to 7 of the continuous sanding belt 1 shown on the left. For segmented continuous sanding belts 1, it is possible to use a sufficiently sensitive device to read the RFID transponder 7 and determine on which side of the joint 10 the RFID transponder 7 is located. Thus, the RFID transponder could be designed not only specifically for the continuous sanding belt 1, but also or alternatively specifically for the respective segment 13.1, 13.2 to which it is assigned. Reference symbol list 1 Endless sanding belt 2 Carrier layer 3 grinding layers 4 Adhesive 5 Top 6 Underside 7 RFID transponders 8 adhesive tape 9 butt joint 10 joint 11 Cutting edge 12 Outer edge 13 Segment 14 QR codes 15 rollers 16 Endless Abrasive Belt Semi-Finished Products 17 angles

Claims

[1] Endless abrasive belt (1) for a wide belt sander comprising a carrier layer (2) and an abrasive layer (3), wherein the endless abrasive belt (1) comprises at least one joining point (10) at which at least two sections of the endless abrasive belt (1) are joined together, wherein the at least two interconnected sections are held together by at least one joining element (4, 8), wherein the carrier layer (2), optionally together with the joining agent (8), forms at least a partial underside (6) of the continuous abrasive belt (1), wherein the abrasive layer (3), optionally together with the joining agent (8), forms at least a partial top surface (5) of the continuous abrasive belt (1), wherein the endless abrasive belt (1) in the joint (10) includes a means for contactless information transmission (7) which is located between the top (5) and the bottom (6), characterized by , that the endless abrasive belt (1) comprises at least two segments (13), each segment (13) being connected to at least one further segment (13) via two joining points (10), the endless abrasive belt (1) comprising exactly one means for contactless information transmission (7) in exactly one of the joining points (10). [2] Endless abrasive belt (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the joining agent is adhesive (4) and / or adhesive tape (8). [3] Endless abrasive belt (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the means for contactless information transmission is an RFID transponder (7). [4] Endless abrasive belt (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the joint (10) is visible from the outside. [5] Endless abrasive belt (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that the endless abrasive belt (1) comprises at least two segments (13), wherein each segment (13) is connected to at least one further segment (13) via two joining points (10), wherein the endless abrasive belt (1) comprises at least one means for contactless information transmission (7) in each of the joining points (10). [6] Endless abrasive belt (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by an optically identifiable identifier applied to or incorporated into the top or bottom surface (5, 6). [7] Wide belt grinding machine comprising an endless grinding belt (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. [8] Wide-belt grinding machine according to claim 7, characterized by a device for reading the means of contactless information transmission or for communicating with the means of contactless information transmission (7). [9] Method for handling an endless abrasive belt (1) according to at least the preamble of claim 1, characterized by , that a reading or communication takes place between a reading or communication device and the contactless information transmission means (7), the method being further characterized by at least one of the following steps: - Identification of the endless sanding belt (1) and optional presentation of information concerning this identification - Identification of a prescribed direction of rotation of the endless sanding belt (1) and optional presentation of information concerning this identification. [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized by that a handheld device, especially a smartphone, is used as a device for reading or communication. [11] Method for operating a wide-belt grinding machine according to one of claims 7 or 8, the method comprising the following steps: - Reading the means of contactless information transmission (7) by the device for reading or communication, or communication between the device for reading or communication and the means of contactless information transmission (7) - Influencing the machine control of the wide-band grinding machine based on information received through reading or communication. [12] Method for producing an endless abrasive belt (1) according to at least the preamble of claim 1, characterized by the following steps: - Manufacturing or providing at least one continuous abrasive belt semi-finished product (16) comprising an abrasive layer (3) and a carrier layer (2), - wherein the continuous abrasive belt semi-finished product (16) or the continuous abrasive belt semi-finished products (16) comprise at least two sections to be joined together, - Connecting the at least two sections to be joined together, - Where the sections after joining are part of a joint (10), - Introducing a means for contactless information transmission (7) into the joining point (10), where the means for contactless information transmission (7) is introduced into a liquid component (4) of the joining point (10) during the manufacture of the joining point (10).

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