Endless grinding belt for a wide-belt grinding machine, wide-belt grinding machine comprising an endless grinding belt of this type, method for handling an endless grinding belt, method for operating a wide-belt grinding machine, and method for producing an endless grinding belt

Abstract

An endless grinding belt for a wide-belt grinding machine is to comprise a backing layer and a grinding layer. The endless grinding belt comprises at least one joint, at which at least two portions of the endless grinding belt are connected to one another. The at least two portions connected to one another are held together by at least one joining means. The backing layer, optionally together with the joining means, at least partially forms a bottom face of the endless grinding belt. The grinding layer, optionally together with the joining means, at least partially forms a top face of the endless grinding belt. At the joint, the endless grinding belt comprises a means for contactless information transmission which is located between the top face and the bottom face.

Description

[0001] Endless sanding belt for a wide-belt sander, wide-belt sander comprising such an endless sanding belt, method for handling an endless sanding belt, method for operating a wide-belt sander and method for producing an endless sanding belt

[0002] Technical area

[0003] The invention relates to an endless sanding belt for a wide-belt sander, a wide-belt sander comprising such an endless sanding belt, a method for handling an endless sanding belt, a method for operating a wide-belt sander and a method for producing an endless sanding belt.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Such sanding belts, wide-belt sanders, and methods for operating and manufacturing them are known. For example, EP 2 213 414 A2 shows a variant of a wide-belt sander of this type. Furthermore, EP 3 616 841 A2 shows an endless sanding belt with a laterally projecting tab that includes a transponder device.

[0006] Object of the invention

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

[0008] Solution to the task

[0009] The subject matter of the independent claims leads to the solution of the problem. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an endless sanding belt for a wide-belt sander comprises a backing layer and an abrasive layer. Such sanding belts are sometimes referred to as "wide belts," while segmented sanding belts are also referred to as "segment belts." The sanding belt can be over 50 cm, over 80 cm, or over 100 cm wide. The wide-belt sander is preferably a stationary, i.e., non-handheld sander. The backing layer can impart the sanding belt with the mechanical properties required during operation. The abrasive layer can, for example, comprise a grain that effects the sanding process.

[0011] Furthermore, the endless sanding belt comprises at least one joint at which at least two sections of the endless sanding belt are connected to one another. These interconnected sections can, for example, be edges of the sanding belt that are arranged orthogonally to the circumferential direction of the sanding belt or at an angle other than 90°, but preferably do not run parallel to the circumferential direction. Preferably, the edges, which are sometimes also referred to as cutting 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 it can be approximately or exactly 74°. Outer edges of the endless sanding belt, in turn, preferably run parallel to the circumferential direction.

[0012] The sections of the sanding belt described above can also be sections of individual sanding belt segments, which are described further below.

[0013] The joint could also be referred to as a splice. Joining several sections together to form an endless sanding belt is sometimes referred to as splicing. A distinction can be made between butt splicing, where the sections to be joined do not overlap, and overlap splicing.

[0014] The endless sanding belt typically comprises two outer edges that run parallel to each other and in the circumferential direction. The joint is typically a section of the endless sanding belt that extends from one of the outer edges to the other outer edge and has a certain extent in the circumferential direction. Within the scope of the present invention, the joint is preferably that section that differs in structure from the remaining sections of the endless sanding belt and, in particular, comprises, for example, an overlap or butt joint. In any case, the aforementioned distinction is recognizable in the longitudinal section, i.e., along the circumferential direction. It is also conceivable that a visual distinction is possible without having to cut the endless sanding belt.

[0015] The at least two interconnected sections are held together by at least one joining agent. The joining agent can be an adhesive. It is also possible for an adhesive and a fabric to jointly form the joining agent. Furthermore, an adhesive tape can also be considered as the joining agent. Alternative joining agents are conceivable. The carrier layer, optionally together with the joining agent, forms at least partially an underside of the endless abrasive belt. The carrier layer can thus form the underside or part of the underside.

[0016] The abrasive layer, optionally together with the joining agent, forms at least a partial upper surface of the endless abrasive belt. The abrasive layer can thus form the upper surface or part of the upper surface.

[0017] For the purposes of the present invention, the top side is understood to be a contact side with a substrate to be ground, and the bottom side is understood to be a contact side with the rollers of the wide belt sander. Here, the terms top and bottom each refer only to the direct contact side with the smallest possible thickness. The top side is therefore typically significantly thinner than the grinding layer, and the bottom side significantly thinner than the carrier layer.

[0018] The abrasive layer and the carrier layer are bonded to each other directly or indirectly. For example, the abrasive layer can be manufactured separately from the carrier layer; the two layers can then be bonded together. Alternatively, the abrasive layer could be applied to the carrier layer, thus manufacturing it in situ.

[0019] The endless sanding belt comprises a means for contactless information transmission at the joint, which is located between the top and bottom sides. Preferably, the aforementioned means is located entirely between the top and bottom sides. Preferably, the aforementioned means is located inside the sanding belt and is not visible from the outside. Thus, the means is preferably arranged away from the circumferential outer edges of the endless sanding belt.

[0020] The aforementioned means for contactless information transmission can be a transponder. However, it can be any means for contactless information transmission. In particular, it can be a means for 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, 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 grinding belt according to an embodiment of the present invention can advantageously protect the means for contactless information transmission from damage, shearing, kinking, etc., since it is preferably arranged in a sandwich-like manner in the interior of the endless grinding belt.

[0023] The joining agent can be an adhesive and / or an adhesive tape. For example, it can be a solvent-based adhesive, a solvent-free adhesive, a hot melt adhesive, or a chemically curing adhesive. An adhesive tape typically comprises a carrier, usually a thin one, and a pressure-sensitive adhesive applied to the carrier.

[0024] The joint can be visible from the outside. The joint can be visible on the top side, the bottom side, or both sides. "Visible" here means that some component of the joint is visually recognizable. For example, an adhesive tape can be visible. Furthermore, a section can be visible where the abrasive layer is incomplete, for example, not completely covering the backing layer.

[0025] One advantage of a joint that is visible from the outside, i.e., detectable, can be that an operator or a belt grinder equipped with appropriate optical sensors can "know" where a readout or communication with the contactless information transfer device can take place. For example, if the contactless information transfer device inserted into the joint cannot be read, this could indicate that it is damaged.

[0026] The endless sanding belt can comprise at least two segments. Each segment can be connected to at least one other segment via two joints.

[0027] The endless sanding belt with at least two segments can include exactly one means for contactless information transmission in exactly one of the joints. A segmented sanding belt with exactly one means for contactless information transmission can be easily constructed and manufactured cost-effectively. The means for contactless information transmission enables, for example, the sanding belt to be identified, traced back to its production location, etc.

[0028] The endless sanding belt with at least two segments can be connected to at least one further segment via two joints each, whereby the endless sanding belt can comprise at least one means for contactless information transmission in each of the joints. A sanding belt designed in this way can allow recognition, tracking, etc., not only for the segmented endless sanding belt, but for each individual segment of the endless sanding belt. This applies in any case if the means for contactless information transmission is specifically assigned to one of the segments during production.

[0029] In general, one or more joining points of the endless sanding belt can each include one or more means for contactless information transmission. An optically recognizable identifier can be incorporated or applied to the top or bottom of the endless sanding belt. Any images, patterns, numbers, letters, generally digits and / or characters, barcodes, QR codes, or the like can be considered as identifiers. Patterns consisting of individual dots or holes can also be considered.

[0030] A visually recognizable identifier can serve many purposes and thus provide numerous advantages. On the one hand, it can at least partially encode information stored on the contactless information transmission device, for example, regarding a manufacturer, a company of origin, a structure, a quality, or a type of endless sanding belt. In other words, the identifier can at least partially contain the information stored on the device, so that it is redundantly available. If the contactless information transmission device is damaged, the information stored there can alternatively be extracted from the identifier.

[0031] However, it can also be considered that the identifier is present on one or more segments, for example, and only contains information relating to the respective segment, for example about type, nature or origin.

[0032] In general, the information encoded by the identifier can supplement the information stored on the contactless information transmission medium, or serve, for example, to verify it or replace it in the event of damage. The information encoded by the identifier and the information stored on the medium can also be completely different and independent of each other. As already mentioned, the optically recognizable identifier can be applied or incorporated onto the top or bottom surface, and thus onto the abrasive or carrier layer. Numerous variants are possible:

[0033] The identifier can be incorporated, for example, by creating depressions, for example, using a laser or by punching, piercing, or the like. Depressions can be introduced into both the carrier and the abrasive layer.

[0034] Incorporating the identifier into the abrasive layer may also involve deliberately “omitting” or subsequently removing the abrasive layer, so that those areas of the carrier layer which are not provided with the abrasive layer form the identifier.

[0035] Indentations can be made in the form of continuous holes, i.e. holes penetrating the endless sanding belt, or alternatively in the form of blind holes in the endless sanding belt.

[0036] The identifier can be applied, for example, by printing. Advantageously, the underside of the carrier layer can preferably be printed. Printing can be done in any way, including laser printing, in which the laser applies pigments. It should be noted that laser marking, in which a laser beam of usually higher intensity alters the surface of the endless sanding belt, is considered one of the above-mentioned methods for applying an identifier.

[0037] Applying an identifier also includes gluing or otherwise applying a label or tag, or generally any kind of information sign. A label or tag can, for example, be glued to the underside of the endless sanding belt. In general, inserting an identifier involves removing or displacing material from the endless sanding belt, whereas applying an identifier involves adding additional material, such as pigments, labels, tags, or the like.

[0038] The identifier can encode characters or consist of characters. For example, a QR code could be intended, which encodes a number. The identifier can be designed as a "Globally Unique Identifier" (GUID).

[0039] The present invention also includes a wide belt sander comprising an endless sanding belt according to one of the above embodiments.

[0040] The wide belt grinding machine may comprise a device for reading the means for contactless information transmission or for communicating with the means for contactless information transmission.

[0041] The present invention further comprises a method for handling an endless sanding belt, wherein a readout or communication takes place between a device for reading or communication and the means for contactless information transmission. The handling is performed, for example, by an operator. The handling can take place outside the wide belt sander, i.e., in particular before installation or generally before the sanding belt is inserted into the wide belt sander.

[0042] It may be envisaged that a handheld device, in particular a smartphone, could be used as a device for reading or communication. According to one embodiment, a handling method may include at least one of the following steps:

[0043] - Identification of the endless sanding belt and optional presentation of information regarding this identification

[0044] - Identification of a prescribed rotation direction of the endless sanding belt and optional presentation of information regarding this identification.

[0045] The presentation can be made on a screen, for example, on a handheld device such as a smartphone. The presentation can be made on the smartphone that was previously used for reading.

[0046] The present invention further comprises a method for operating a wide belt sander, which comprises the following steps:

[0047] - Reading of the means for contactless information transmission by the device for reading or communication, or communication between the device for reading or communication and the means for contactless information transmission

[0048] - Influencing a machine control of the wide belt sander based on the information received by reading or communication.

[0049] It can be envisaged that the device for reading out or communicating during operation of the wide belt sander records a belt rotation speed. If, for example, the endless sanding belt comprises precisely means for contactless information transmission, the aforementioned device can record how often the aforementioned means is detected per unit of time. From this information, the belt rotation speed can be determined. If the endless sanding belt comprises several of the aforementioned means, the aforementioned device can record exactly how often a specific one of these means is detected per unit of time. Alternatively, the device can record how often all of the means are detected per unit of time, whereby the belt rotation speed can be determined after dividing this number by the number of means present.

[0050] Additionally or alternatively, it may be possible to detect belt movement. For this purpose, the readout or communication device can be configured to detect slippage of the endless sanding belt on the rollers of the wide belt sander. Belt oscillation can also be detected in a similar manner.

[0051] Furthermore, the device can detect the direction of rotation of the endless grinding belt for reading or communication purposes.

[0052] The present invention also includes a method for producing an endless abrasive belt comprising the following steps:

[0053] - producing or providing at least one endless grinding belt semi-finished product comprising an abrasive layer and a carrier layer,

[0054] - wherein the endless grinding belt semi-finished product or the endless grinding belt semi-finished products comprise at least two sections to be joined together,

[0055] - Connecting the at least two sections to be connected,

[0056] - where the sections are part of a joint after joining,

[0057] - Inserting a means for contactless information transmission into the joint.

[0058] The endless sanding belt semi-finished product can, for example, be a segment. One or more segments, i.e. one or more endless sanding belt semi-finished products, can be processed into an endless sanding belt by producing a joint. The sections to be joined are thus connected to one another to produce the endless sanding belt. Preferably, the at least two sections to be joined are connected in pairs. For each segment that is to be processed as a semi-finished product, possibly with further segments, into an endless sanding belt, there are two sections which are connected to other sections. If, for example, two segments, each with a first and a second section to be joined, are to be connected to one another by producing joints, the first sections of both segments can form a pair to be joined, which is to become part of exactly one joint.In the same way, the second sections of both segments can form a pair to be connected, which should become part of exactly one joint.

[0059] The means for contactless information transmission is preferably introduced into the joint before it is “sealed”, for example before an adhesive hardens or before an adhesive tape is applied or the like.

[0060] The agent for contactless information transmission can be introduced into a liquid component of the joint during production of the joint. For example, the agent for contactless information transmission can be introduced into an adhesive layer that connects the sections to be joined. Incorporating the agent for contactless information transmission into the liquid component can advantageously ensure that the aforementioned agent does not influence the height of the joint and thus of the entire sanding belt. The liquid component, for example liquid adhesive, is displaced by the aforementioned agent for contactless information transmission and can be distributed evenly. Thus, there is no area of ​​greater height at the point where the aforementioned agent is located in the finished endless sanding belt.

[0061] The present invention comprises an endless sanding belt, a wide-belt sander, a method for handling an endless sanding belt, a method for operating a wide-belt sander, and a method for manufacturing an endless sanding belt. Features described with regard to only one of these objects are transferable to the other objects. This applies in particular to the endless sanding belt, the method for handling it, and the method for manufacturing it. This also applies to the wide-belt sander and the method for operating this machine.

[0062] Character description

[0063] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings, which show:

[0064] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an endless sanding belt 1, Figure 2 shows a schematic section of the endless sanding belt 1 according to Figure 1, Figures 3 to 7 show alternative embodiments of the endless sanding belt 1, and Figures 8 and 9 show the basic structure of a non-segmented endless sanding belt 1, and Figures 10 and 11 show the basic structure of a segmented endless sanding belt 1.

[0065] Examples of implementation

[0066] Figure 1 shows an endless sanding 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 orthogonal to the x-direction and along which a width of the endless sanding belt 1 is measured. Furthermore, the top and bottom sides 5, 6 of the endless sanding belt 1 are visible. The dashed line also indicates the course of cutting edges 11, which are shown in detail in Figures 2 ff. As can be seen from Figures 2 ff., there are of course always two adjacent cutting edges 11, which, however, are not shown separately in Figure 1 for the sake of clarity. A QR code 14 is also visible on the bottom side 6 of the endless sanding belt 1 shown in Figure 1. An angle 17, which is also visible, between the outer edge 12 and the cutting edge 11 can be, for example, 74°.

[0067] Figure 2 shows a partial sectional view of the endless sanding belt 1 according to Figure 1, with the xy plane chosen as the sectional plane. A carrier layer 2 and a sanding layer 3 are visible. The carrier layer 2 forms a bottom side 6. The sanding layer 3 forms a top side 5.

[0068] Within the joint 10, the following can also be seen: 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.

[0069] Figure 2 shows that the joint 10 connects two sections of the endless grinding belt 1, which can be seen in Figure 2 and also in the following figures to the left and right of the joint 10.

[0070] The upper side 5 is formed largely by the abrasive layer 3 and partially by the adhesive tape 8, which is indicated by the reference numbers 5.1 and 5.2.

[0071] The embodiment variant according to Figure 3 differs from the variant according to Figure 2 in particular in that it does not include an adhesive 4.

[0072] The embodiment variant according to Figure 4 differs in particular from the variant according to Figure 2 in that it also includes the grinding layer 3 within the joint 10.

[0073] The embodiment variant according to Figure 5 differs in particular from the variant according to Figure 4 in that the RFID transponder 7 in the variant according to Figure 5 is arranged within the butt joint 9 and between the upper side 5.1, 5.2 and the lower side 6.

[0074] The variant according to Figure 6 differs from the variant according to Figure 4 in that the RFID transponder 7 and the adhesive tape

[0075] 8 are attached to the carrier layer 2. The underside is formed largely by the carrier layer 2 and in sections by the adhesive tape 8, which is indicated by the reference numbers 6.1 and 6.2.

[0076] The embodiment shown in Figure 7 differs significantly from those shown in Figures 2 to 6 in that it features an overlap joint. Viewed in the y-direction, the two adjacent sections of the endless grinding belt 1 are partially superimposed, at least within the joint 10.

[0077] Figure 9 shows an endless grinding belt 1 and Figure 8 shows an associated endless grinding belt semi-finished product 16 before being closed by means of a joint 10. Figure 9 shows rollers 15 of a grinding head (not shown) on which the endless grinding belt 1 is mounted. A comparison of Figures 8 and

[0078] 9 it can be seen that the joint 10 connects two sections of the endless grinding belt semi-finished product 16 to obtain the endless grinding belt 1.

[0079] Figures 10 and 11 correspond to Figures 8 and 9, but show a segmented endless grinding belt 1. The two semi-finished products 16 are simultaneously segments 13.1, 13.2. The endless grinding belt 1 shown in Figure 11 comprises two joining points 10, at each of which a section of a first segment 13.1 is connected to a section of a second segment 13.2.

[0080] With reference to Figures 1 to 11, the operation of the invention is explained as follows: The endless sanding belt 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 can be manufactured by first cutting a section of the appropriate length from a so-called jumbo roll. In this way, semi-finished products 16, for example segments 13.1, 13.2, are produced. The cut edges 11 created during cutting are brought closer together to form a butt joint 9. In the area of ​​the joint 10, the sanding layer 3 is removed. The RFID transponder 7 is inserted into the joint 10 and coated with liquid adhesive 4. After this adhesive has at least partially cured, it is covered with the adhesive tape 8.

[0081] In this way, an endless sanding 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 the liquid state, the adhesive 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 in the y-direction caused by the RFID transponder 7.

[0082] Furthermore, the RFID transponder 7 does not protrude 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.

[0083] The endless sanding belt 1 shown in Figure 3 does not comprise an adhesive layer 4. Along the x-direction, the course of a top side 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 there is no elevation running in the y-direction starting from a top side 5 of the sanding layer 3 along the x-direction. The joint 10 of the endless sanding belt 1 shown in Figure 4 comprises the carrier layer 2 and the sanding layer 3. Both layers 2, 3 are cut off at the cut edges 11. The RFID transponder 7 was applied to the sanding layer 3 and covered with the adhesive tape 8. Optionally, an adhesive layer 4 (not shown in Figure 4) can be present beneath the adhesive tape 8. The variant according to Figure 4 is easy to manufacture because the grinding layer 3 does not have to be removed in the areas which are to form the joint 10.However, the RFID transponder 7 creates a raised area (in the y-direction). Therefore, the height of the RFID transponder 7 measured in the y-direction should be as low as possible. RFID transponders 7 are known whose height is significantly less than 1 mm. For example, RFID transponders 7 could be considered whose height measured in the y-direction is below 100 micrometers, for example, approximately 60 micrometers. RFID transponders 7 with a height measured in the y-direction of less than 60 micrometers are also conceivable. The endless grinding belt 1 can have a height measured in the y-direction of approximately 1 millimeter. This height can depend on the nature of the grinding layer 3 and can be, for example, between 800 micrometers and 1.2 millimeters. The same considerations apply analogously to the embodiment variant according to Figure 6.

[0084] Inserting the RFID transponder 7 according to Figure 5 onto the cutting edge 11, so that a base area (not shown here) of the RFID transponder 7 comes to rest on a surface of the cutting edge 11 extending in a yz plane (also not shown), offers the advantage over the variant according to Figure 4 that the RFID transponder 7 does not cause an elevation in the top side 5.2 running in the y-direction. Depending on the design of the RFID transponder 7 and the reading, a transmission and reception characteristic that is more suitable for the respective situation can be obtained if the RFID transponder 7 is applied rotated by 90° compared to the variant according to Figure 4. Even in the embodiment according to Figure 7 with an overlap connection, the RFID transponder is securely held between the grinding layer 3 and the carrier layer 2.

[0085] A comparison of Figures 8 and 9 with Figures 10 and 11 shows that two sections per semi-finished product 16 and, if applicable, per segment 13.1, 13.2 become part of a joint 10. Furthermore, it can be seen that one joint 10 is present in the endless grinding belt 1 for each semi-finished product 16.

[0086] The production of the endless sanding belt 1 shown in Figure 9 proceeds as described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The production of the endless sanding belt 11 shown in Figure 11 proceeds essentially analogously. The key difference is that the two sections connected to each other at the joint 10 do not belong to the same endless sanding belt 1, as in the variant according to Figure 9, but to different segments 13.1, 13.2.

[0087] The segments 13.1, 13.2 of segmented endless sanding belts can each have at least one QR code. For example, it can be envisaged that the segments 13.1, 13.2 manufactured from the same jumbo roll bear the same QR code 14. Alternatively, it can be envisaged that after the segments 13.1, 13.2 have been produced by cutting the jumbo roll, each individual segment 13.1, 13.2 can be provided with an individual QR code 14. This individual QR code 14 can be assigned in addition to or alternatively to the QR code 14 that was assigned to all segments 13.1, 13.2 of the same jumbo roll.

[0088] The above-described QR codes 14 can encode information that is at least partially redundant with that contained on the RFID transponder 7. Although only a few preferred embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, it is obvious that those skilled in the art can add numerous modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, the following modifications may be considered:

[0089] Based on the schematic and not to scale figures 1 and 2, numerous variants are conceivable:

[0090] The distance measured in the x-direction between the cutting edges 11 within the butt joint 9 can be very small. Instead of butt joints, lap joints can also be considered, see Figure 7.

[0091] A gap extending in the x-direction between the cut edges 11 can be filled with adhesive 4. Furthermore, an adhesive tape 8 or the like can cover the butt joint 9 on the underside 6, as is also the case on the top side 5.

[0092] Adhesive tape 8 can also be omitted.

[0093] A total height of adhesive 4 and adhesive tape 8 measured in the y-direction does not necessarily have to be selected such that an upper side 5.1 of the abrasive layer running in the x-direction is aligned with an upper side 5.2 of the adhesive tape 8, as is the case in Figure 2. Such a situation is illustrated, for example, in Figure 3. However, it is advantageous if the aforementioned height is selected such that the aforementioned upper sides 5.1, 5.2 are arranged substantially in alignment.

[0094] In all variants shown, i.e., in all figures, the top side 5, 5.1, 5.2, and the bottom side 6 do not denote the entire abrasive layer 3 or the entire carrier layer 2 or the entire adhesive tape 8, but rather only their outward-facing surfaces. In contrast, in particular, to the abrasive layer 3 and the carrier layer 2, the top side 5, 5.1, 5.2, and the bottom side 6 therefore do not exhibit any significant extension in the y-direction.

[0095] The carrier layer 2 can be made up of several parts. Starting at the bottom side 6, it is possible to first use a paper layer followed by a layer of polyester fabric. Single-piece carrier layers 2, for example, made of polyester fabric, are also possible. Numerous materials and variants are conceivable here.

[0096] The grinding layer 3 can be multi-component. In the positive y-direction, i.e., from bottom to top in Figure 2, the following layers can be considered: base binder (also called make coat), grain (grit, e.g., carbide), and top binder (also called size coat). The grain and top binder can be stacked on top of each other as described above. However, the grain does not necessarily have to be covered by the top binder; it can also be embedded within it. In this variant, the top binder is not the topmost layer.

[0097] The two sections of the endless sanding belt 1, which are connected to each other in Figure 2 via the joint 10, can belong to a single segment or to different segments.

[0098] The endless sanding belt 1 shown in Figure 3 can comprise a thin layer of adhesive 4 beneath the adhesive tape 8. Furthermore, the above notes on possible modifications of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2 also apply analogously to Figure 3.

[0099] In a section in the xy plane, 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, possibly only partially, to the y-direction. If the carrier layer 2 comprises several layers or, in general, components, the course of the cut edges 11 can also be designed differently within the respective component. The transition to a lap joint according to Figure 7 is smooth in this case.

[0100] In an arrangement according to Figure 1, the cutting edges 11 do not necessarily have to extend 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.

[0101] Furthermore, in an arrangement according to Figure 1, the cut edges 11 do not have to be straight. For example, the cut edges 11 can run in wavy lines between the outer edges 12.

[0102] In the embodiments according to Figures 2 to 4, an adhesive tape 8 can additionally be applied to the underside 6, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. As long as the RFID transponder 7 is not visible from the outside, but is at least covered by the adhesive tape 8, any grain-side and / or rear-side arrangement of the adhesive tape within the joint 10 is conceivable.

[0103] In the embodiment according to Figure 5, an adhesive tape 8 can additionally or alternatively be attached to the underside 6 within the joint 10.

[0104] In the embodiment according to Figure 7, it is also possible to additionally apply an adhesive tape 8 to the top and / or bottom sides 5, 6, which holds together the sections of the endless sanding belt 1 that are to be connected via the joint 10. In principle, in all embodiments, this cohesion can be ensured by the adhesive 4 and / or at least one adhesive tape 8.

[0105] Based on Figures 8 to 11, endless sanding belts 1 can be considered, which are made of 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. Instead of the adhesive 4 and / or the adhesive tape 8, alternative joining means can be considered in all embodiments shown.

[0106] Instead of the RFID transponder 7, alternative means for contactless information transmission, in particular means for contactless identification, can be considered.

[0107] The QR codes can be applied by printing, particularly on the underside of the endless sanding belt 1 or the semi-finished products 16 or segments 13.1, 13.2. Instead of the QR code 14, other identifiers can be considered.

[0108] In the embodiments according to Figures 2 to 7, the RFID transponder 7 can be considered as being assigned to the section of the endless sanding belt 1 shown on the left. With segmented endless sanding belts 1, it is possible to use a correspondingly sensitive device for reading the RFID transponder 7 to 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 endless sanding belt 1, but additionally or alternatively specifically for the respective segment 13.1, 13.2 to which it is assigned.

[0109] Weiß, Arat & Partner mbB Patent Attorneys and Attorney at Law

[0110] European Patent Attorneys

[0111] Reference number: P 6010 / PCT Date:

[0112] List of reference symbols

Claims

Patent claims 1. Endless sanding belt (1) for a wide belt sander, comprising a carrier layer (2) and a sanding layer (3), wherein the endless sanding belt (1) comprises at least one joint (10) at which at least two sections of the endless sanding belt (1) are connected to one another, wherein the at least two connected sections are held together by at least one joining means (4, 8), wherein the carrier layer (2), optionally together with the joining means (8), at least partially forms an underside (6) of the endless sanding belt (1), wherein the sanding layer (3), optionally together with the joining means (8), at least partially forms an upper side (5) of the endless sanding belt (1), wherein the endless sanding belt (1) comprises, in the joint (10), a means for contactless information transmission (7), which is located between the upper side (5) and the underside (6).

2. Endless sanding belt (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the joining agent is adhesive (4) and / or adhesive tape (8).

3. Endless sanding belt (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means for contactless information transmission is an RFID transponder (7).

4. Endless sanding belt (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the joint (10) is visible from the outside.

5. Endless sanding belt (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the endless sanding 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 sanding belt (1) comprising exactly one means for contactless information transmission (7) in exactly one of the joining points (10).

6. Endless grinding belt (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the endless grinding 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 grinding belt (1) comprising at least one means for contactless information transmission (7) in each of the joining points (10).

7. Endless grinding belt (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by an optically recognizable identifier applied to the top or bottom side (5, 6) or incorporated therein.

8. Wide belt sander comprising an endless sanding belt (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6.

9. Wide belt grinding machine according to claim 8, characterized by a device for reading the means for contactless information transmission or for communicating with the means for contactless information transmission (7).

10. Method for handling an endless grinding belt (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a reading or communication takes place between a device for reading or communication and the means for contactless information transmission (7).

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that a handheld device, in particular a smartphone, is used as a device for reading or communication.

12. Method according to one of claims 10 or 11, 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 grinding belt (1) and optional presentation of information concerning this identification 13. A method for operating a wide belt sander according to one of claims 8 or 9, the method comprising the following steps: - reading of the means for contactless information transmission (7) by the device for reading or communication, or communication between the device for reading or communication and the means for contactless information transmission (7) - Influencing a machine control of the wide belt sander based on the information received by reading or communication.

14. A method for producing an endless grinding belt (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the following steps: - producing or providing at least one endless grinding belt semi-finished product (16) which comprises an abrasive layer (3) and a carrier layer (2), - wherein the endless grinding belt semi-finished product (16) or the endless grinding belt semi-finished products (16) comprise at least two sections to be connected to one another, - Connecting the at least two sections to be connected, - Wherein the sections form part of a joint after the connection (10) are, - Introducing a means for contactless information transmission (7) into the joint (10).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the means for contactless information transmission (7) is introduced into a component (4) of the joint (10) that is liquid during the production of the joint (10).

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