Sanding and / or polishing pad device and sanding and / or polishing machine comprising same

Abstract

The invention relates to a sanding and / or polishing pad device (10a; 10b; 10d) for a sanding and / or polishing machine (12a, 12d), in particular for an eccentric or orbital sander, preferably having a support unit (14a; 14b; 14d). According to the invention, a cushion unit (34b; 34d) is provided, which is preferably mounted on the support unit (14b; 14d) and the radial end face or lateral surface (42b; 42d) of which has depressions and / or profiles (44b; 44d) which are spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction (112d) and differ from axial openings.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Grinding and / or polishing pad device and grinding and / or polishing machine with it

[0003] State of the art

[0004] Grinding and / or polishing pad devices with a pad unit are already known, the radial end face or cylindrical surface of which has axially spaced openings along a circumferential direction. For example, the Makita DPO600Z cordless random orbital polisher uses such a polishing pad with a flower-like structure formed by axial openings. Such openings can sometimes lead to a jarring or uneven grinding or polishing process, increased wear of the abrasive, or an inhomogeneous grinding pattern.

[0005] Disclosure of the invention

[0006] The invention relates to a grinding and / or polishing pad device with the features of claim 1, or to a grinding and / or polishing machine with such a polishing pad device. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0007] It is proposed that the sanding and / or polishing pad device, hereinafter also referred to as sanding or polishing pad or simply "pad," comprises a padding unit, particularly one arranged on a carrier unit, whose end face has recesses spaced apart along a circumferential direction, and which are not, in particular, openings. Especially in sanding pad devices, axial openings on the outer circumference of the sanding pad or on the radial end face of the padding unit—i.e., openings extending to the contact, hook-and-loop, or abrasive carrier side—could be disadvantageous, as is already known in the prior art for polishing pads. They could lead to a jarring or uneven sanding process and also cause detachment at the connection between the sandpaper and the sanding pad device or between the sandpaper and the hook-and-loop fastener.A disadvantage of cutouts would also be that the radially outer edge of the pad would not be continuously covered with hook and loop fastener, but rather cut out or at least unsupported in the area of ​​the cutouts, which could at least promote rapid wear of the abrasive or pad. Furthermore, the radial edge of the polishing or sanding pad attachment also provides a primary source of material removal, particularly the main grinding action, due to the typical concavity of the pad's contact surface for the polishing and / or abrasive. Axial cutouts could disrupt this process.

[0008] The indentations, particularly in the pad's edge region, allow for an axially compliant pad that conforms better to the workpiece contour. A pad is frequently used in operation for acute-angled, non-surface-contact machining operations such as grinding, polishing, or polishing. The pad's stiffness can thus be positively modified, especially in the edge region, and / or made more compliant or adaptable to the contour and / or surface being machined. An outer radial edge region of the pad, particularly the pad's edge region, can be axially compliant. Advantageously, the changing stiffness of the pad, caused by the indentations, can generate a pulsation during machining, especially during acute-angled grinding or polishing. This can advantageously result in particularly efficient material removal from the workpiece.Advantageously, unwanted material removal exceeding the intended amount, particularly when placing a switched-on grinding or polishing machine onto a workpiece, is avoided while the grinding and / or polishing pad is in operation. Grinding or polishing results can be more homogeneous. Rework or re-grinding can be avoided. Advantageously, a particularly effective grinding and / or polishing pad can be provided. The recesses on the end face are arranged uniformly around the circumference, especially in the circumferential direction. The recesses are preferably spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction and / or partially overlapping. The recesses each have a varying maximum depth when viewed in the circumferential and / or axial direction.The maximum depth is preferably measured radially with respect to an end face or lateral surface surrounding the depressions. The maximum depth can also be measured radially with respect to the principal normal. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the depressions have a constant depth when viewed circumferentially.

[0009] Furthermore, it is proposed that a recessed area defined by the depressions extends along the circumferential direction over at least 10%, preferably at least 50%, preferably at least 75% of the maximum circumferential extent of the cylindrical or end surface. Advantageously, a uniform pulsation can be achieved during operation. Advantageously, improved material removal efficiency can be implemented in a particularly precise manner. Dust removal can also be improved, either by the pulsating contact pressure on the workpiece and / or by the sometimes targeted airflow caused by the depressions.

[0010] A depression can also be referred to as a profile. A depression can also be described as an indentation or notch. Depressions are formed in the radial end face or lateral surface of the pad. In particular, these differ from the aforementioned openings according to the prior art, as described above.

[0011] The stability of the sanding pad and / or its vibration behavior during operation can be positively influenced by the indentations. Material removal, especially of remaining, particularly well-adhering, paint residue on the workpiece, can be improved by the presence of the indentations and / or the resulting pulsation during polishing or sanding, or by variations in pad compliance. The work result, especially the surface finish of a surface being sanded or polished, can be improved.

[0012] Due to the indentations or the radial front surface profiling of the padding unit, especially without these reaching or breaking through the pad contact surface, a still completely round or rectangular hook and loop contact surface for the abrasive can be provided, particularly in the case of a sanding pad.

[0013] The hardness or flexibility of an outer flange or edge, particularly the radial or outer flange in the transition area between the end face and the abrasive contact surface of the polishing or grinding pad device, can be adjusted, especially without the flange or edge being interrupted or constricted in the circumferential direction. In particular, the hardness or flexibility can be optimized or adjusted for the intended application by the design, for example, of the radial depth of the recess, or by the geometry, especially in the axial and / or circumferential direction, of the recess.

[0014] An airflow can be generated at the outer edge of the polishing and / or sanding pad and / or its outer surface during operation. This can improve visibility of the workpiece, enhance dust removal, or deflect dust, among other things. The indentations can be shaped in a scoop-like manner, for example, by varying their depth, particularly through continuous increases or decreases in the circumferential direction, thus creating an air-scooping effect. This can increase user comfort when using the polishing and / or sanding pad.

[0015] The indentations, especially those regularly distributed around the circumference, allow the pad, particularly at the edges, to adapt exceptionally well to the curves and contours of the workpiece, especially during operation. This improves the adaptability of the pad's edge to the workpiece. As a result, polishing or grinding results are enhanced, and in particular, this pad is ideal for polishing or grinding not only flat surfaces but also various contours. The outer edge, or the radially outermost part of the pad, provides uninterrupted support for the abrasive and conforms closely to the workpiece's contours.

[0016] The end face or outer surface formed by the padding unit serves to support and carry the hook and loop fastener carrier. The carrier unit cannot usually be made to the nominal size of the sanding pad or abrasive, as the outer surface should be pointed or conical towards the contact surface to improve accessibility to the edge area. This allows the polishing or abrasive to be easily gripped and detached from the hook and loop fastener of the pad. Due to the profiling or...

[0017] In depressions, the front surface or lateral surface is no longer uniformly flat across the circumference, or no longer rotationally symmetrical in the case of round pads, or no longer flat in the case of triangular, square or rectangular pads, for example those of delta or orbital sanders.

[0018] The indentation or profile creates an airflow. This helps to cool the padding unit, especially the foam and / or hook-and-loop fastener. This protects it from overheating, melting, or similar issues. It can also extend its lifespan. Polishing or grinding dust can be blown away or directed for better removal. This allows for a clear view of the workpiece surface and facilitates healthier working conditions.

[0019] Despite the indentation or profiling of the front or outer surface, particularly in the axially overlying area, the padding unit features a full-surface flange or continuous transition or connection area to the contact surface. This allows, for example, a flat, circular, and especially edge-supported connection of the abrasive to the pad's hook-and-loop fastener. Thus, the abrasive is fully supported by the pad, and especially by the pad's padding unit, preferably with axial elastic support. This ensures a durable and robust hold for the abrasive. However, the indentations or profiling alter the spring properties of the padding unit, particularly the foam, so that the outer area of ​​the pad remains more flexible and / or adaptable, thus continuing to conform advantageously to a surface during polishing or grinding.This is particularly relevant when operating with an angled pad or angled edge area of ​​the polishing or grinding pad device, or when operating with an acute-angled, non-full-surface, or essentially parallel contact of the pad on / with the workpiece. At the same time, a particularly axial hardness of the pad is sufficient, since only the outermost edge is modified by the indentations and / or profiling.

[0020] The depression extends or runs at least in the axial direction. It preferably also extends in the circumferential direction. The depression is radially offset from the immediately surrounding end or side surface towards the principal normal. The depression is formed like an indentation in the surface of the end or side surface. During manufacturing, the tool for the subsequent depression has a raised section. The depressions create a profile on the end or side surface of the pad, in particular on the pad's cushioning unit.

[0021] The recess has a depth relative to the surrounding end face or outer surface. This depth, along with the shape, particularly the design of the edge area or the depth variation of the recess, is a key parameter for adjusting the hardness of the pad's collar or outer ring. This depth is advantageously between 1 and 5 mm, preferably between 1.5 and 2.5 mm, and most preferably 1.75 mm.

[0022] The recess is preferably located solely in the padding unit or the foam padding. An outer contour of the padding unit, in particular an outer diameter or a corner surface, especially a triangular or quadrilateral surface, preferably a rectangular surface, is at least equal to or larger than the outer contour of the hook and loop fastener. The hook and loop fastener is firmly attached to and / or connected with the padding unit. For example, a nominal dimension for the system of a round pad of an eccentric sander is 150 mm, where the abrasive is preferably between 152 mm and 148 mm and the sanding pad (outer diameter of the padding unit) is preferably smaller, for example between 148 mm and 145 mm. Analogously, the same principles could be applied to smaller round pads or triangular or rectangular pads, so that the hook and loop area is recessed by 1–3 mm all around from the outer edge or band of the padding unit.

[0023] The shape of a recess can vary. For example, the recess can be essentially triangular, rectangular, or polygonal. The corners can be rounded. Advantageously, two elongated edges of the recess enclose an acute to obtuse angle, for example, from 45° to 135°. Recesses can preferably taper off flat against a preferred direction of rotation or merge into the surrounding cylindrical or end surface, particularly almost flush with the surface. In the preferred direction of rotation, a recess preferably has a maximum depth, particularly set off from the surrounding cylindrical or radial end surface by an edge. The edge can be rounded. In particular, the recesses can be scoop-shaped and / or designed to promote airflow in the area of ​​the cylindrical surface. In the circumferential direction, a recess has a step in height on one side, which tapers off flatly to the opposite side of the recess in the circumferential direction.In particular, the preferred direction of rotation is the height change before the flat surface. When viewing the contact surface of the polishing or grinding pad from the front, the preferred direction of rotation is counterclockwise.

[0024] Depending on whether an opening angle or helix angle, particularly of an edge of the recess—especially an edge extending from the abrasive side to the machine side at an opening or helix angle—is acute or obtuse, the edge can spring back or stand up. If an angle is acute relative to a preferred direction of rotation, a smoother grinding process is possible. The edge springs back or rests against the adjacent edge of the recess. This allows for a finer surface finish on the workpiece, particularly during acute-angle grinding or polishing. If an angle is obtuse relative to the preferred direction of rotation, a pulsation can be generated by the edge standing up. Due to the profiling rib or the edge pointing in the preferred direction of rotation, the stiffness of the pad or pad unit can vary considerably, leading to this pulsation.This causes the abrasive to be pressed more firmly against the workpiece for a short period during operation, thus enabling greater material removal. Such force peaks can, for example, be used to remove paint residue more effectively.

[0025] In the circumferential direction, the end of a first recess advantageously overlaps the beginning of a second recess, particularly at axial intervals. Depending on the diameter of the polishing or grinding pad, a constant or varying number of recesses can be provided. The size of a recess, particularly in the circumferential or axial direction, can always be the same regardless of the pad – i.e., regardless of whether it is round or square and / or regardless of its dimensions or diameter. For example, approximately 20 recesses are provided for a pad with a diameter of approximately 150 mm, approximately 14 recesses for a diameter of approximately 125 mm, and approximately 8 recesses for a diameter of approximately 75 mm.

[0026] The shape, alignment, and / or orientation of the pad's indentation and / or profile, particularly with regard to a preferred direction of rotation (e.g., in the case of a round pad), can generate an airflow towards or away from the abrasive. This prevents sanding dust from being blown away from the workpiece, instead forcing it towards the workpiece. There, it can be drawn in between the abrasive and / or pad and the workpiece, and thus captured by the sander's dust collection system. This reduces the concentration of dust in the air and protects the user's health.

[0027] If the recesses are oriented in the opposite direction, an air or centrifugal flow can be generated in exactly the opposite direction, so that a flow is created from the workpiece to the top of the pad, and there, for example, it can be captured by a dust collection system between the top of the pad and the machine tool.

[0028] The radial end face or outer surface of the padding unit can have axially shaped connecting areas and / or ribs, particularly between an upper and lower edge region, concave and / or convex, especially oppositely concave and convex. These can be arranged between circumferentially adjacent recesses. This design can improve the pad's adaptability to curved surfaces and simultaneously increase its stability.

[0029] Between circumferentially adjacent recesses or profiles, connecting areas and / or webs can have a web height that increases axially, preferably on one side towards the recesses. The web height can increase, in particular, from a support unit towards a polishing or abrasive contact surface. The varying web height allows the stiffness of the pad in the edge region to be specifically improved or adapted to the requirements of the respective application.

[0030] Connecting areas and / or webs may have an angle to the circumferential direction that is less than or greater than 90°. This can cause the connecting areas and / or webs to flex or lift during operation, thus affecting the aggressiveness of the grinding or polishing process. An acute angle can result in gentler grinding, while an obtuse angle increases pulsation and allows for greater material removal.

[0031] The pad unit can have air vents that are fluidically connected to air channels in the support unit. These air vents allow grinding or polishing dust to be extracted, contributing to a cleaner working environment and improved grinding results. The recesses can influence the airflow over the face, particularly by stirring and / or turbulence, in such a way as to preferably increase the extraction capacity. The recesses can thus generate an additional extraction effect and improve dust transport. The recesses can be shaped like a scoop. This allows an airflow to be directed in a predetermined direction, preferably radially and axially in the edge region of the grinding and / or polishing pad device. The scoop-like shape of the recesses can improve the cooling effect in the edge region of the pad and increase the pad's service life.

[0032] The outer edge of the pad unit can exhibit increased axial compliance due to the indentations. This allows the pad unit or polishing pad device to adapt better to workpiece contours, resulting in more uniform processing and improved grinding results, especially when working on curved or uneven surfaces.

[0033] The grinding and / or polishing machine can be equipped with a grinding and / or polishing pad device according to the invention. This enables a particularly advantageous machine design and precise operation, since the pad device is optimally matched to the machine and the advantages of the inventive recesses and profiles are fully realized.

[0034] The airflow generated by the indentations can cool the pad and / or its components – for example, in cases of strong elastic deformation of the padding unit, especially recurring deformations with each rotation, or similar situations. This can improve the pad's stability.

[0035] The abrasive material used is preferably sandpaper or mesh abrasive. This has a hook and loop fastener on the back for attaching it to the hook and loop fastener of the sanding and / or polishing pad or pad.

[0036] The grinding and / or polishing pad device is, in particular, at least a part of a grinding and / or polishing pad. It is also conceivable that the grinding and / or polishing pad device comprises the entire polishing pad. The grinding and / or polishing pad device preferably includes a drive interface unit. The drive interface unit is specifically designed for connecting, preferably, the carrier unit to the grinding and / or polishing machine.It is conceivable that the drive interface unit is formed integrally with the carrier unit or separately from the carrier unit. The phrase "at least one unit and at least one further unit are formed at least partially integrally" is to be understood in particular as meaning that at least one element of the unit is formed integrally with at least one further element of the further unit. "Integrated" can be understood to mean at least materially bonded, for example by a welding process, a soldering process, an adhesive bonding process, an injection molding process and / or another process that appears sensible to a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, such as by manufacturing from a single casting and / or by manufacturing in a one- or multi-component injection molding process and advantageously from a single blank.Alternatively, it is conceivable that the drive interface unit can be detachably attached to the carrier unit, for example by means of screwing, riveting or the like.

[0037] The support unit is specifically designed to stiffen and / or stabilize the grinding and / or polishing pad. The support unit is preferably designed to carry the drive interface unit. The support unit is preferably designed as a carrier for a pad unit, particularly the one mentioned above, and / or an abrasive interface. "Designed" is understood to mean specially configured, specially designed, and / or specially equipped. The fact that an object is designed for a specific function is understood to mean that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating condition. The support unit is preferably a single piece. The support unit is preferably made at least partially of plastic, preferably polyamide, for example, PA6-GF30.

[0038] The abrasive interface preferably has an abrasive contact surface for an abrasive and / or polishing compound, in particular for a polishing sponge. The abrasive contact surface is preferably circular. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the abrasive contact surface is triangular, rectangular, or square, or has another shape that would appear useful to a person skilled in the art. The abrasive interface particularly includes an abrasive fastening unit for attaching the abrasive or polishing compound, in particular the polishing sponge, to the abrasive interface. For example, the abrasive fastening unit has a hook-and-loop surface, an adhesive surface, a combination of these, or the like for attaching the abrasive and / or polishing compound, in particular the polishing sponge.The abrasive fastening unit, in particular the hook and loop surface and / or the adhesive surface, preferably forms at least part of the abrasive contact surface.

[0039] The abrasive interface, in particular the abrasive contact surface of the abrasive interface, preferably has a plurality of air passage openings. The air passage openings of the abrasive interface are at least partially designed as extraction openings and / or at least partially as exhaust openings. The air passage openings of the abrasive interface have at least partially different shapes and / or sizes. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the air passage openings of the abrasive interface have the same shapes and / or sizes. The abrasive or polishing compound preferably has air passage openings corresponding to the extraction openings of the abrasive interface. The air passage openings of the abrasive interface are fluidically connected to the at least one air channel.It is conceivable that several air passage openings of the abrasive interface are fluidically connected to the air duct, for example, two, three, four, or more than four. Additionally, it is conceivable that the abrasive interface has at least one air passage opening that is free from any connection to the at least one transversely running air duct.

[0040] The carrier unit preferably has air passage openings corresponding to the air passage openings of the abrasive interface, in particular arranged on the machining side. "Machining side" is understood to mean, in particular, the abrasive side or the abrasive interface side.

[0041] The abrasive is preferably designed as sandpaper. The abrasive preferably has, in particular, a fastening unit corresponding to the abrasive fastening unit for attachment to the sanding and / or polishing pad, preferably at the abrasive interface, for example, a hook and loop surface and / or an adhesive surface or the like. The polishing medium is preferably designed as polishing paper. The polishing medium preferably has, in particular, a fastening unit corresponding to the abrasive fastening unit for attachment to the sanding and / or polishing pad, preferably at the abrasive interface, for example, a hook and loop surface and / or an adhesive surface or the like. It is conceivable that the abrasive interface is part of the sanding and / or polishing pad assembly.

[0042] The term "machine-side" here refers specifically to a side of an object that faces the grinding and / or polishing machine in a state where the grinding and / or polishing pad device is arranged on the grinding and / or polishing machine. A machine-side of the carrier unit preferably faces away from an abrasive side of the carrier unit. The abrasive side is preferably a side of the carrier unit facing the abrasive interface in a state where the abrasive interface is arranged on the carrier unit.

[0043] The support unit preferably has a principal extension plane. A "principal extension plane" of a component or element can be understood as a plane that is parallel to a major face of the smallest possible imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the component, and in particular passes through the center of the cuboid. The principal normal preferably runs at least substantially perpendicular to the principal extension plane of the support unit. "Substantially perpendicular" can be understood as an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, particularly when viewed in a projection plane, form an angle of 90° and the angle has a maximum deviation of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and most advantageously less than 2°.

[0044] The principal normal preferably runs at least substantially parallel to a drive axis of the drive interface unit; more preferably, the principal normal corresponds to the drive axis. Preferably, the drive interface unit and / or the carrier unit, more preferably the grinding and / or polishing pad device, in a state connected to the grinding and / or polishing machine, can be driven to rotate about the drive axis and / or can be driven such that the drive axis performs an eccentric movement. "Substantially parallel" here can be understood as an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, particularly in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of, in particular, less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and most advantageously less than 2°.

[0045] The grinding and / or polishing machine preferably has a drive unit, for example an electric motor, a pneumatic drive, or the like, for driving the grinding and / or polishing pad, in particular the grinding and / or polishing pad assembly, in a state connected to the grinding and / or polishing machine. It is conceivable that the grinding and / or polishing machine is designed as an eccentric sander, a rotary sander, an orbital sander, or the like. Preferably, the grinding and / or polishing machine is cordless, in particular as a battery-powered grinding and / or polishing machine. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the grinding and / or polishing machine is designed as a corded or pneumatic grinding and / or polishing machine.

[0046] The term "transverse" is to be understood in particular as different from "parallel". Preferably, the air duct runs at least substantially perpendicular to the principal normal of the support unit. Preferably, the air duct runs at least substantially parallel to the principal plane of extension of the support unit.

[0047] The grinding and / or polishing pad device is specifically designed for dust extraction. "Designed" here refers specifically to being specially programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is designed for a specific function means, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating condition. The air duct is preferably designed as an extraction air duct. The air duct is preferably designed to guide grinding and / or polishing dust.

[0048] Preferably, the grinding and / or polishing machine has an extraction fan for extracting grinding and / or polishing dust, which is generated in particular by processing a workpiece with the grinding and / or polishing machine, preferably via the at least one air duct. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the air duct is designed as an intake air duct for supplying fresh air to the abrasive interface, in particular via the air passage openings of the abrasive interface designed as outlet openings. It is conceivable that an airflow for drawing in fresh air via the air duct can be generated by the extraction fan.

[0049] It is further proposed that the air duct run at least substantially radially with respect to the principal normal. This can advantageously enable particularly effective and / or efficient extraction of grinding and / or polishing dust. In particular, the air duct runs radially outwards with respect to the principal normal, at least in sections. It is also conceivable that the air duct has a curved path in sections, for example, a winding path, when viewed from the principal normal. However, it is also conceivable that the air duct has a straight path over its entire longitudinal extent.

[0050] Furthermore, it is proposed that the grinding and / or polishing pad device includes a cover unit, which is arranged on the machine side of the carrier unit and at least partially restricts and / or closes the air duct, particularly on the machine side. Advantageously, a particularly simple grinding and / or polishing pad device can be provided, while simultaneously offering particularly good extraction properties. Preferably, the cover unit is formed integrally with the carrier unit; more preferably, the cover unit is bonded to the carrier unit. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the cover unit is detachably attached to the carrier unit. In this context, "detachable" is to be understood in particular as "non-destructively separable." The cover unit is preferably designed to at least partially restrict the air duct on the machine side.A principal plane of extension of the cover unit runs, in particular, at least substantially parallel to the principal plane of extension of the support unit. The cover unit is preferably disc-shaped and preferably made of a plastic, such as PVC, POM, PA, or the like. The cover unit can also be made of a composite material, for example, a mixture of epoxy resin and fiberglass fabric or the like.

[0051] Furthermore, it is proposed that the cover unit has at least one recess which defines an air passage opening for the air duct on the machine side, in particular with an opening cross-section that runs at least substantially parallel to a main plane of extension of the carrier unit. Advantageously, a particularly easy-to-manufacture grinding and / or polishing pad device can be provided, while simultaneously offering particularly good extraction properties. The main plane of extension of the carrier unit preferably runs at least substantially parallel to a main plane of extension of the abrasive interface. It is conceivable that the air passage opening of the cover unit is designed as an extraction opening for removing grinding and / or polishing dust or as an intake opening for supplying fresh air to the abrasive interface.

[0052] Furthermore, it is proposed that the carrier unit have at least one rib structure element on the machining side, extending at least substantially radially, and in particular radially straight, with respect to the principal normals. Advantageously, a particularly high stiffness of the carrier unit can be achieved. A particularly durable and, in particular, precisely joinable grinding and / or polishing pad device can be realized. "Machining side" is understood to mean, in particular, the abrasive side or the abrasive interface side. A machining side of the carrier unit preferably corresponds to the abrasive side of the carrier unit. The machining side or the abrasive side of the carrier unit corresponds, in particular, to a side of the carrier unit on which the abrasive interface, in particular the abrasive or the polishing compound, is arranged in an operating state. The carrier unit preferably has a carrier base body.The ribbed structural element is preferably formed integrally with the carrier body; preferably, the carrier body incorporates the ribbed structural element. The ribbed structural element is designed as a wall. Preferably, the carrier unit has a plurality of radially extending, preferably radially straight, ribbed structural elements on the machining side.

[0053] Furthermore, it is proposed that the ribbed structural element forms a side wall of the air duct, and in particular, preferably, that the previously mentioned ribbed structural elements form the side walls of all air ducts. Advantageously, a particularly high rigidity of the support unit can be achieved in a particularly space-saving manner. A particularly durable and, in particular, precisely joinable grinding and / or polishing pad device can be realized. Preferably, two ribbed structural elements each form side walls of one of the air ducts.

[0054] Furthermore, it is proposed that the ribbed structural element on a machining side of the carrier unit project beyond the air duct in a direction parallel to the main normal of the carrier unit. Advantageously, the polishing unit can be attached to the carrier unit particularly securely, especially by foaming. A particularly reliable grinding and / or polishing pad device can be provided.

[0055] Furthermore, it is proposed that the grinding and / or polishing pad device includes a padding unit, particularly the one mentioned previously, which is foamed onto the carrier unit on the machining side. Advantageously, this allows for a particularly precisely assembled grinding and / or polishing pad device. A particularly high level of working precision can be achieved. Advantageously, a particularly good user experience can be attained. The padding unit is preferably made of foam. The abrasive mounting unit is arranged, in particular, on the padding unit.The abrasive mounting unit and the carrier unit are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the padding unit; in particular, the padding unit is arranged between the carrier unit and the abrasive mounting unit. Preferably, the at least one rib structure element, and in particular at least one part of the rib structure element projecting beyond the air channel, is encased in foam by the padding unit. The rib structure element is designed, in particular, for force transmission, especially torque transmission, from the carrier unit to the padding unit. Preferably, the at least one air channel is encased in foam by the padding unit on the machining side. The padding unit preferably has air passage openings corresponding to the air passage openings of the drive interface unit and / or the air passage openings of the carrier unit.

[0056] Furthermore, it is proposed that the grinding and / or polishing pad device has a sprocket-like drive interface unit, in particular the one mentioned above, wherein the support unit has an air passage opening connected to the air duct, in particular the one mentioned above, which is arranged between two adjacent teeth of the sprocket-like drive interface unit. This allows for particularly high rigidity of the grinding and / or polishing pad device while simultaneously providing particularly good extraction properties. The drive interface unit has, in particular, a machine connection contour for connection to an output element of the grinding and / or polishing machine. The drive interface unit preferably has a plurality of teeth, in particular uniformly arranged, on an outer circumference.The drive interface unit is designed to be rotationally symmetrical, preferably with respect to the drive axis. Preferably, an air passage opening of the carrier unit is arranged between each pair of teeth of the drive interface unit. The machine connection contour preferably surrounds the drive axis. It is conceivable that at least some of the air passage openings of the carrier unit are not arranged between teeth of the drive interface unit. Furthermore, it is proposed that the grinding and / or polishing pad device has a pad unit arranged on the carrier unit, in particular the previously mentioned one, the end face of which has recesses spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction, in particular recesses other than openings. Advantageously, varying stiffness can be achieved in the pad unit by means of the recesses.Advantageously, the varying stiffness of the pad unit caused by the indentations during operation can generate pulsation when machining a workpiece. This allows for particularly effective material removal from the workpiece. It also provides a particularly effective grinding and / or polishing pad device. The indentations on the end face are arranged uniformly, especially in the circumferential direction. The indentations are preferably spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Each indentation has a varying maximum depth when viewed in the circumferential direction. The maximum depth is preferably measured radially with respect to the principal normal. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that each indentation has a constant depth when viewed in the circumferential direction.

[0057] Furthermore, it is proposed that a depression area defined by the depressions extends along the circumferential direction over at least 10%, preferably at least 50%, preferably at least 75% of the maximum circumferential extent of the end face. Advantageously, a continuous and / or uniform pulsation can be achieved. Advantageously, improved material removal efficiency can be implemented in a particularly precise manner.

[0058] Furthermore, a grinding and / or polishing machine, in particular the one already mentioned, is proposed, equipped with the grinding and / or polishing pad device according to the invention. Such a design enables a particularly advantageous construction of a grinding and / or polishing machine. A particularly high degree of assembly precision can be achieved for the grinding and / or polishing machine, combined with particularly good extraction properties. A grinding and / or polishing pad machine with a particularly precise design and / or precise operation can be provided.Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a grinding and / or polishing pad device, in particular one according to the invention, is proposed, wherein in a process step, in particular an injection molding process step, an air channel extending transversely to a main normal of a carrier unit, in particular the aforementioned one, is created in the carrier unit, in particular by foaming a pad unit, in particular the aforementioned one, onto the carrier unit in a processing step, and in particular by forming a rib structure element of the carrier unit, in particular the aforementioned one, a side wall of the air channel, and / or by integrating a drive interface unit, in particular the aforementioned one, at least partially into the carrier unit.Such a method enables the provision of a grinding and / or polishing pad device with a particularly advantageous design, especially one with exceptionally high assembly precision and simultaneously excellent extraction properties. The design of the air channel in the carrier unit allows for particularly precise attachment, and in particular, simple and / or precise foaming, of further units and / or elements of the grinding and / or polishing pad device, preferably a pad unit. A grinding and / or polishing pad device with a particularly precise design and / or precise operation can be provided. In particular, the abrasive interface and the drive interface unit are placed in an injection mold, especially with a sleeve and a disc spring, whereby the pad unit is created by injecting foam into the injection mold.It is conceivable that the sleeve and / or the disc spring are part of the grinding and / or polishing pad, in particular the grinding and / or polishing pad assembly. The disc spring is preferably designed to create an axial preload on a screw connection when mounted on the grinding and / or polishing machine. Advantageously, the disc spring can be used to create a particularly secure fixation against the grinding and / or polishing pad coming loose from the grinding and / or polishing machine. The sleeve is preferably designed to integrate the disc spring into the grinding and / or polishing pad, in particular the grinding and / or polishing pad assembly. The air passage openings in the pad unit are preferably created in a single process step, in particular in a stamping process.

[0059] The grinding and / or polishing pad device, the grinding and / or polishing machine, and / or the method according to the invention are not / should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the grinding and / or polishing pad device, the grinding and / or polishing machine, and / or the method according to the invention may, to achieve a functionality described herein, have a different number of individual elements, components, units, and process steps than specified herein. Furthermore, values ​​within the specified limits of the value ranges stated in this disclosure shall also be considered disclosed and freely applicable.

[0060] drawing

[0061] Further advantages arise from the following drawing description. The drawing illustrates three exemplary embodiments. The drawing, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0062] They show:

[0063] Fig. 1 shows a grinding and / or polishing machine with a grinding and / or polishing pad in a side view,

[0064] Fig. 2 shows the grinding and / or polishing pad from Figure 1 in a perspective view,

[0065] Fig. 3 shows the grinding and / or polishing pad from Figure 1 in an exploded view,

[0066] Fig. 4 shows the grinding and / or polishing pad from Figure 1 in a side cross-sectional view, Fig. 5 shows a carrier unit of the grinding and / or polishing pad in a perspective view of a top side of the carrier unit,

[0067] Fig. 6 shows the support unit from Figure 5 in a perspective view on a bottom side of the support unit,

[0068] Fig. 7 shows a top view of the grinding and / or polishing pad without a cover unit,

[0069] Fig. 8 shows a top view of the grinding and / or polishing pad without the cover unit, with a dashed line depicting part of a drive interface unit which is integrated into the carrier unit.

[0070] Fig. 9 shows a top view of an abrasive interface of the grinding and / or polishing pad,

[0071] Fig. 10 shows a schematic diagram of a method for manufacturing a grinding and / or polishing pad device,

[0072] Fig. 11 shows a top view of a grinding and / or polishing pad in a first alternative embodiment,

[0073] Fig. 12 is a top view of the grinding and / or polishing pad from Figure

[0074] 11 with air ducts shown in dashed lines,

[0075] Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of part of the grinding and / or polishing pad from Figures 11 and 12,

[0076] Fig. 14 shows a top view of a grinding and / or polishing pad in a second alternative embodiment and

[0077] Fig. 15 shows a side cross-sectional view of the grinding and / or polishing pad from Figure 14.

[0078] Fig. 16 shows a perspective view of a grinding and / or polishing pad in a more detailed design corresponding to the first alternative embodiment.

[0079] Fig. 17 shows a top view of the grinding and / or polishing pad from Figure 11.

[0080] Fig. 18 shows a side view of the grinding and / or polishing pad from Figure 11.

[0081] Fig. 19 shows a grinding and / or polishing machine with a grinding and / or polishing pad according to Figs. 16-18 in a perspective view. Description of the exemplary embodiments

[0082] Figure 1 shows a grinding and / or polishing machine 12a with a grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a. The grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a corresponds to a grinding and / or polishing pad 48a. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a is only a part of a grinding and / or polishing pad 48a, for example, comprising only a drive interface unit 36a or the like.

[0083] Figure 2 shows the grinding and / or polishing pad 48a, in particular the grinding and / or polishing pad assembly 10a. The grinding and / or polishing pad assembly 10a has a support unit 14a. The support unit 14a is designed to stiffen and / or stabilize the grinding and / or polishing pad 48a. The support unit 14a is formed in one piece. The support unit 14a is made at least partially of plastic, preferably of polyamide, for example PA6-GF30.

[0084] The grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a has a sprocket-like drive interface unit 36a (see also Figure 8). The drive interface unit 36a is designed to connect the carrier unit 14a to the grinding and / or polishing machine 12a. The drive interface unit 36a is formed integrally with the carrier unit 14a. The phrase "at least one unit and at least one further unit are formed at least partially integrally" means, in particular, that at least one element of the unit is formed integrally with at least one further element of the further unit.The term "one-piece" can be understood to mean at least materially bonded, for example by a welding process, a soldering process, an adhesive bonding process, an injection molding process, and / or another process that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art, and / or preferably formed in one piece, such as by manufacturing from a single casting and / or by manufacturing using a single- or multi-component injection molding process, and preferably from a single blank. The drive interface unit 36a is at least partially integrated into the carrier unit 14a, in particular at least partially overmolded by the carrier unit 14a. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the drive interface unit 36a can be detachably attached to the carrier unit 14a, for example by means of screws, rivets, or the like. The carrier unit 14a is designed to support the drive interface unit 36a.The carrier unit 14a is preferably designed as a carrier for a cushion unit 34a and / or an abrasive interface 80a. The drive interface unit 36a is preferably designed as a sintered component, a stamped component, or a deep-drawn component. However, it is also conceivable that the drive interface unit 36a is designed as a die-cast component or a forged component.

[0085] The grinding and / or polishing pad 48a, in particular the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a, has the abrasive interface 80a. The abrasive interface 80a has an abrasive contact surface 88a for an abrasive and / or polishing compound (see Figure 9). The abrasive contact surface 88a is circular. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the abrasive contact surface 88a is essentially triangular, essentially quadrilateral, rectangular, or square, or has another shape that would appear useful to a person skilled in the art. The abrasive interface 80a has, in particular, an abrasive fastening unit 90a for fastening the abrasive or polishing compound to the abrasive interface 80a. For example, the abrasive fastening unit 90a has a hook-and-loop surface, an adhesive surface, a combination thereof, or the like for fastening the abrasive and / or polishing compound.The abrasive fastening unit 90a, in particular the hook and loop surface and / or the adhesive surface, forms at least part of the abrasive contact surface 88a.

[0086] The abrasive interface 80a, in particular the abrasive contact surface 88a of the abrasive interface 80a, has a plurality of air passage openings, especially extraction openings 92a (in Figure 9, only one of the extraction openings 92a is provided with a reference numeral). The extraction openings 92a have at least partially different shapes and / or sizes. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the extraction openings 92a have the same shapes and / or sizes. The abrasive or polishing compound preferably has extraction openings corresponding to the extraction openings 92a of the abrasive interface 80a.

[0087] The abrasive is, for example, designed as sandpaper. The abrasive preferably has, in particular, a fastening unit corresponding to the abrasive fastening unit 90a for attachment to the sanding and / or polishing pad 48a, preferably the abrasive interface 80a, for example, a hook and loop surface and / or an adhesive surface or the like. The polishing medium is, for example, designed as polishing paper, a polishing sponge with polishing agents, or the like. The polishing medium preferably has, in particular, a fastening unit corresponding to the abrasive fastening unit 90a for attachment to the sanding and / or polishing pad 48a, preferably the abrasive interface 80a, for example, a hook and loop surface and / or an adhesive surface or the like.

[0088] The carrier unit 14a has at least several air channels 18a extending transversely with respect to a principal normal 16a of the carrier unit 14a. "Transverse" is understood to mean, in particular, different from parallel. The air passage openings of the abrasive interface 80a are fluidically connected to the air channels 18a. It is conceivable that several air passage openings of the abrasive interface 80a are fluidically connected to one of the air channels 18a, for example, two, three, four, or more than four. Additionally, it is conceivable that the abrasive interface 80a has at least one air passage opening that is free from any connection to the transversely extending air channels 18a.

[0089] The term "machine-side" here refers in particular to a side of an object that faces the grinding and / or polishing machine 12a in a state of the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a, in particular the grinding and / or polishing pad 48a, arranged on the grinding and / or polishing machine 12a. A machine side 94a of the carrier unit 14a faces away from an abrasive side 96a of the carrier unit 14a. The abrasive side 96a is a side of the carrier unit 14a facing the abrasive interface 80a in a state of the abrasive interface 80a arranged on the carrier unit 14a.

[0090] The support unit 14a has a principal extension plane 26a. A "principal extension plane" of a component or element can be understood as a plane that is parallel to a major face of the smallest possible imaginary cuboid that just completely encloses the component, and in particular passes through the center of the cuboid. The principal normal 16a is at least substantially perpendicular to the principal extension plane 26a of the support unit 14a. "Substantially perpendicular" can be understood as an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, particularly when viewed in a projection plane, form an angle of 90° and the angle has a maximum deviation of, in particular, less than 8°, preferably less than 5°, and most preferably less than 2°.

[0091] The principal normal 16a runs at least substantially parallel to a drive axis 98a of the drive interface unit 36a; particularly preferably, the principal normal 16a corresponds to the drive axis 98a. The air channels 18a run at least substantially perpendicular to the principal normal 16a of the carrier unit 14a. The air channels 18a run at least substantially parallel to the principal extension plane 26a of the carrier unit 14a.

[0092] The drive interface unit 36a and / or the carrier unit 14a, preferably the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a, can be driven to rotate about the drive axis 98a in a state connected to the grinding and / or polishing machine 12a and / or can be driven such that the drive axis 98a performs an eccentric movement. It is also conceivable that, in an embodiment of the grinding and / or polishing machine 12a as an orbital or rotary sander, the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a performs only an orbital or circular movement without rotation, as, for example, in an embodiment with a rectangular or square base shape of the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a, or a pure rotary movement in an embodiment as a rotary sander."Essentially parallel" can be understood here as an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of in particular less than 8°, preferably less than 5° and most preferably less than 2°.

[0093] The grinding and / or polishing pad 48a, in particular the grinding and / or polishing pad assembly 10a, is equipped for dust extraction. "Equipped" here means, in particular, specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is equipped for a specific function means, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating condition. The air channels 18a are designed as extraction air channels. The air channels 18a are designed to guide grinding and / or polishing dust. The air channels 18a are preferably intended for guiding fresh air or supply air to the abrasive.

[0094] The grinding and / or polishing machine 12a has an extraction fan for extracting grinding and / or polishing dust, which can be generated in particular by processing a workpiece by the grinding and / or polishing machine 12a, preferably via the air ducts 18a (not shown here).

[0095] The grinding and / or polishing machine 12a has a drive unit, for example an electric motor, a pneumatic drive, or the like, for driving the grinding and / or polishing pad 48a, in particular the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a, in a state connected to the grinding and / or polishing machine 12a (not shown here). It is conceivable that the grinding and / or polishing machine 12a is designed as an eccentric sander, a rotary sander, an orbital sander, or the like. The grinding and / or polishing machine 12a is cordless, in particular as a battery-operated grinding and / or polishing machine. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the grinding and / or polishing machine 12a is designed as a corded grinding and / or polishing machine.

[0096] The air ducts 18a extend at least substantially radially with respect to the principal normal 16a. The air ducts 18a extend radially outwards with respect to the principal normal 16a, at least in sections. Some sections of the air ducts 18a have a curved course, for example, a winding course, when viewed from the principal normal 16a. Other sections of the air ducts 18a have a straight course over their entire longitudinal extent.

[0097] The grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a has a cover unit 20a. The cover unit 20a is arranged on the machine side of the carrier unit 14a. The cover unit 20a limits and / or closes the air channels 18a, particularly on the machine side, at least partially.

[0098] The cover unit 20a is bonded to the carrier unit 14a. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the cover unit 20a is detachably attached to the carrier unit 14a. In this context, "detachable" should be understood to mean, in particular, "separable without damage".

[0099] The cover unit 20a is designed to at least partially restrict the air ducts 18a on the machine side. A main extension plane (not shown here) of the cover unit 20a runs at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane 26a of the support unit 14a. The cover unit 20a is disc-shaped and preferably made of plastic. It can also be referred to as an adhesive shield.

[0100] The cover unit 20a has several recesses 22a (in Figures 2 and 3, only one of the recesses 22a is labelled with a reference numeral). On the machine side, the recesses 22a define air passage openings 24a for the air ducts 18a. The cross-sectional areas of the openings 22a run at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane 26a of the support unit 14a. The main extension plane 26a of the support unit 14a runs at least substantially parallel to a main extension plane (not shown here) of the abrasive interface 80a. The air passage openings 24a are designed as extraction openings 46a for extracting grinding and / or polishing dust.The carrier unit 14a has on the machining side a plurality of rib structure elements 28a extending at least substantially radially, in particular radially straight, with respect to the main normals 16a (in Figure 6 only two rib structure elements 28a of the plurality of rib structure elements 28a are shown).

[0101] The term "machining side" refers specifically to the abrasive side or the abrasive interface side. An abrasive side 96a or a machining side 32a of the carrier unit 14a faces away from the machine side 94a of the carrier unit 14a. The machining side 32a of the carrier unit 14a corresponds to the abrasive side 96a.

[0102] The support unit 14a has a support body 100a. The rib structure elements 28a are formed integrally with the support body 100a; preferably, the support body 100a incorporates the rib structure elements 28a. The rib structure elements 28a are designed as walls.

[0103] The rib structure elements 28a form side walls 30a of the air ducts 18a. Two rib structure elements 28a each form the side walls 30a of one of the air ducts 18a. The rib structure elements 28a project beyond the air ducts 18a on the machining side 32a of the support unit 14a in a direction parallel to the principal normal 16a of the support unit 14a.

[0104] The grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a includes the padding unit 34a. The padding unit 34a is foamed onto the carrier unit 14a on the machining side. The padding unit 34a is made of foam. The abrasive mounting unit 90a is arranged on the padding unit 34a. The abrasive mounting unit 90a and the carrier unit 14a are arranged on opposite sides of the padding unit 34a; in particular, the padding unit 34a is arranged between the carrier unit 14a and the abrasive mounting unit 90a. The rib structure elements 28a, in particular at least one portion of the rib structure elements 28a projecting towards the air channels 18a, are / are encased in foam by the padding unit 34a.An adhesive or activator can be applied between the upholstery unit 34a and the support unit 14a with the ribbed structure elements 28a prior to foaming to ensure particularly robust adhesion of the upholstery unit 34a during foaming. The ribbed structure elements 28a are designed for force transmission, in particular torque transmission, from the support unit 14a to the upholstery unit 34a. The air channels 18a are foamed over by the upholstery unit 34a on the processing side.

[0105] The upholstery unit 34a has air openings corresponding to the air openings of the drive interface unit 80a and / or the air openings 38a of the carrier unit 14a.

[0106] The carrier unit 14 has several air passage openings 38a, each connected to one of the air channels 18a (only one of the air passage openings 38a is shown in Figure 7). The air passage openings 38a of the carrier unit 14a correspond to the air passage openings of the grinding interface 80a. The drive interface unit 36a has a plurality of teeth 40a on its outer circumference, in particular teeth arranged uniformly. The drive interface unit 36a is rotationally symmetrical, preferably with respect to the drive axis 98a. One of the air passage openings 38a of the carrier unit 14a is arranged between each pair of adjacent teeth 40a of the drive interface unit 36a. The drive interface unit 36a has a machine connection contour 102a for connection to an output element of the grinding and / or polishing machine 12a. The machine connection contour 102a surrounds the drive axis 98a.

[0107] The drive interface unit 36a is designed as a single piece. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the drive interface unit 36a is designed as a multi-part unit, for example, two-part, three-part, or the like. The drive interface unit 36a is shown here as an example of a sintered component. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the drive interface unit 36a is designed as a sheet metal element. The drive interface unit 36a has a base body 104a. The base body 104a has the machine connection contour 102a. The machine connection contour 102a is arranged centrally on the base body 104a, in particular in a direction parallel to the drive axis 98a. The base body 104a has, in particular, the teeth 40a.

[0108] The drive interface unit 36a has a cranked shape (see Figure 4). The drive interface unit 36a, in particular the base body 104a, has a centrally arranged crank 106a, preferably a centrally arranged projection, preferably in a direction parallel to the drive axis 98a. The machine connection contour 102a is arranged on the crank 106a. The crank 106a is surrounded in a radial direction, preferably with respect to the drive axis 98a, by an uncranked part 108a of the drive interface unit 36a, preferably of the base body 104a. The teeth 40a are arranged on the uncranked part 108a of the drive interface unit 36a, in particular of the base body 104a. The crank 106a is preferably arranged. The uncranked part 108a is arranged on the machining side.

[0109] The carrier unit 14a connects flush to a contact surface 50a of the drive interface unit 36a, in particular a cranked machine-side outer surface 52a of the drive interface unit 36a, for connection with the grinding and / or polishing machine 12a. The contact surface 50a extends, in particular, at least substantially perpendicular to the drive axis 98a.

[0110] The contact surface 50a adjoins the machine connection contour 102a. The machine connection contour 102a is designed for torque transmission from the grinding and / or polishing machine 12a to the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a. The contact surface 50a is designed for alignment and / or axial contact of the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a with the grinding and / or polishing machine 12a.

[0111] The drive interface unit 36a, in particular the base body 104a, has several air passage openings 54a, especially for dust extraction. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the drive interface unit 36a has only one air passage opening 54a. The air passage openings 54a are arranged radially, preferably radially with respect to the drive axis 98a, between the drive axis 98a, preferably the machine connection contour 102a, and the teeth 40a. The air passage openings 54a of the drive interface unit 36a have a uniform and / or circular arrangement, in particular around the drive axis 98a. The air passage openings 54a of the drive interface unit 36a are arranged symmetrically around the drive axis 98a.The air passage openings 54a of the drive interface unit 36a are each part of an axial air guide opening, in particular a material-free section, of the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a, in particular of the grinding and / or polishing pad 48a.

[0112] The teeth 40a have at least partially different tooth heights. The teeth 40a have two different heights. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the teeth 40a have more than two different heights. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the teeth 40a have the same height. The teeth 40a that are arranged radially behind air passage openings 54a of the drive interface unit 36a have the same height. The teeth 40a that are arranged radially behind air passage openings 54a of the drive interface unit 36a have a height that is different from, preferably less than, the height of teeth 40a that are arranged circumferentially, in particular in a plane perpendicular to the drive axis 98a, between two adjacent air passage openings 54a of the drive interface unit 36a.

[0113] The ratio of a total height 64a of the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a, which is perpendicular to a principal extension plane 66a of the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a, to a maximum diameter 68a of the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a, which is parallel to the principal extension plane 66a of the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a, is a maximum of 0.15. The ratio of a maximum diameter 62a of the

[0114] The distance between the drive interface unit 36a and the carrier unit 14a, which has a maximum diameter of 60a, is at least 0.35.

[0115] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of a process for manufacturing the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a. In one process step, in particular in an injection molding process step 70a, the air channels 18a extending transversely to the main normal 16a are produced in the carrier unit 14a.

[0116] In one process step, in particular in injection molding process step 70a, the drive interface unit 36a is at least partially integrated into the carrier unit 14a. In injection molding process step 70a, the drive interface unit 36a is designed with a cranked shape and / or sprocket-like form and is at least partially integrated into the carrier unit 14a, in particular at least partially overmolded by the carrier unit 14a.

[0117] In a process step, in particular in a foaming step 72a, the cushioning unit 34a is foamed onto the carrier unit 14a on the processing side. In particular, the abrasive interface 80a and the drive interface unit 36a are placed in an injection mold, in particular with a sleeve 56a and a disc spring 58a. Preferably, the cushioning unit 34a is formed from a foam, in particular in a manner already known to a person skilled in the art.

[0118] The sleeve 56a, which is optional in particular, and / or the disc spring 58a are part of the grinding and / or polishing pad 48a, in particular the grinding and / or polishing pad assembly 10a. The disc spring 58a is designed to create an axial preload on a screw connection when mounted on the grinding and / or polishing machine 12a. The sleeve 56a is designed to integrate the disc spring 58a into the grinding and / or polishing pad 48a, in particular the grinding and / or polishing pad assembly 10a. The air passage openings in the pad unit 34a are produced in a process step, in particular by a punching process. In a process step, in particular a grinding step 74a, the drive interface unit 36a is ground on the machine side, in particular flush with the subsequent carrier unit 14a.The contact surface 50a of the drive interface unit 36a and / or a surface of the carrier unit 14a adjoining the contact surface 50a, in particular on the machine side, are ground down, preferably in such a way that the contact surface 50a and the surface of the carrier unit 14a adjoining the contact surface 50a are flush with each other.

[0119] It is also conceivable that in a process step, intake openings (cf. intake openings 78b of Figures 11 and 12) are created on a side facing away from the abrasive interface 80a in an edge area.

[0120] The grinding and / or polishing pad 48a, in particular the grinding and / or polishing device 10a, has a weight of between 120 g and 140 g, preferably 130 g. Alternatively, however, it is also conceivable that the grinding and / or polishing pad 48a, in particular the grinding and / or polishing device 10a, has a weight that is less than 120 g or greater than 140 g.

[0121] The drive interface unit 36a, for example, has a maximum diameter of 59 mm. The maximum diameter 68a of the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10a is, for example, 148 mm.

[0122] Figures 11 to 15 show further embodiments. The following descriptions and drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby with regard to identically designated components, especially those with the same reference numerals, reference may also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiments, in particular Figures 1 to 10. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter "a" is appended to the reference numerals of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 10. In the embodiments of Figures 11 to 15, the letter "a" is replaced by the letters "b" and "c".

[0123] Figure 11 shows a grinding and / or polishing pad device 10b for a grinding and / or polishing machine. The grinding and / or polishing pad device 10b corresponds to a grinding and / or polishing pad 48b. The grinding and / or polishing pad device 10b has a carrier unit 14b. On the machine side, the carrier unit 14b has a plurality of transversely extending air channels 18b, in particular extraction air channels, with respect to a principal normal 16b of the carrier unit 14b (see Figure 12).

[0124] The grinding and / or polishing pad device 10b has a padding unit 34b arranged on the carrier unit 14b. An end face 42b of the padding unit 34b has recesses 44b spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction, in particular recesses that differ from openings, preferably from material-free sections (see Figure 13).

[0125] The recesses 44b on the end face 42b are uniformly arranged circumferentially. The recesses 44b are spaced apart from each other circumferentially. Each recess 44b has a varying maximum depth when viewed circumferentially. The maximum depth is measured radially with respect to the principal normal 16b. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that each recess 44b has a constant depth when viewed circumferentially.

[0126] A recessed area defined by the recesses 44b along the circumferential direction extends over at least 10% of a maximum circumferential extent of the end face 42b in the circumferential direction, preferably over at least 50%, preferably over at least 75%.

[0127] The grinding and / or polishing pad 48b, in particular the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10b, has an abrasive interface 80b. The grinding and / or polishing pad 48b, in particular the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10b, has several extraction openings 46b arranged on a side facing away from the abrasive interface 80b. The grinding and / or polishing pad 48b, in particular the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10b, has several intake openings 78b for drawing in ambient air on the side facing away from the abrasive interface 80b, and in particular on the side opposite a side surface 110b, arranged in an edge region. The intake openings 78b are arranged on the machine side.

[0128] The grinding and / or polishing pad 48b has a top surface, in particular on the machine side. The grinding and / or polishing pad 48b has a bottom surface, in particular on the machining side. The top surface faces away from the bottom surface. The suction openings 78b are located on the top surface, in particular on one side of the machine. The top surface corresponds to the machine side. The side surface 110b connects the top surface to the bottom surface. The abrasive interface 80b, in particular an abrasive contact surface of the abrasive interface 80a, forms the bottom surface.

[0129] The grinding and / or polishing pad 48b, in particular the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10b, has a cover unit 20b. The cover unit 20b is arranged on the machine side of the carrier unit 14b. The cover unit 20b has recesses 22b. The cover unit 20b has the intake openings 78b. Part of the recesses 22b forms the intake openings 78b. Another part of the recesses 22b forms the extraction openings 46b.

[0130] The cover unit 20b of the sanding and / or polishing pad 48b forms the top surface. The cover unit 20b is glued to the carrier unit 14b. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the cover unit 20b is detachably attached to the carrier unit 14b.

[0131] A principal extent plane of the cover unit 20b runs at least substantially parallel to a principal extent plane of the carrier unit 14b. The cover unit 20b is disc-shaped and preferably made of a plastic. The principal extent plane of the carrier unit 14b runs at least substantially parallel to a principal extent plane of the abrasive interface 80b.

[0132] Preferably, the grinding and / or polishing machine has an extraction fan for extracting grinding and / or polishing dust, which can be generated in particular by processing a workpiece by the grinding and / or polishing machine, preferably via the grinding and / or polishing pad 48b.

[0133] The intake openings 78b are designed to supply fresh air to the abrasive interface 80b. Fresh air can be drawn in through the intake openings 78b by the extraction fan.

[0134] Each opening cross-section of the intake openings 78b runs at least substantially parallel to the main extension plane (not shown here) of the abrasive interface 80b. The opening cross-sections of the intake openings 78b run at least substantially perpendicular to a drive axis of a drive interface unit 36b of the grinding and / or polishing pad 48b. The main extension plane of the abrasive interface 80b corresponds to a main extension plane of the abrasive contact surface of the abrasive interface 80b. The main extension plane of the abrasive interface 80b runs at least substantially perpendicular to the drive axis.

[0135] A minimum distance between the intake openings 78b and the drive interface unit 36b is greater than a minimum distance between the extraction openings 46b and the drive interface unit 36b. The minimum distance between the intake openings 78b and the drive interface unit 36b, in particular the drive axis, and / or the minimum distance between the extraction openings 46b and the drive interface unit 36b, in particular the drive axis, are / are preferably measured in a plane perpendicular to the drive axis and / or parallel to the main extension plane of the abrasive interface 80b.

[0136] The intake openings 78b are arranged in a circular pattern. They are arranged in a circle around the drive interface unit 36b, particularly around the drive axis. It is conceivable that the intake openings 78b have a constant distance from each other in the circumferential direction, which runs particularly in a plane perpendicular to the drive axis, or that the distances between the intake openings 78b vary in the circumferential direction.

[0137] The carrier unit 14b has several air channels 76b arranged on the machine side and extending transversely with respect to the main normal 16b, each of which connects to one of the intake openings 78b. The cover unit 20b limits and / or closes the air channels 76b at least partially.

[0138] The air ducts 76b are designed as intake air ducts for supplying fresh air to the abrasive interface 80b. It is conceivable that an airflow for drawing in fresh air via the air ducts 76b can be generated by the exhaust fan. The air ducts 76b run at least substantially perpendicular to the principal normal 16b of the carrier unit 14b. The air ducts 76b run at least substantially parallel to the principal extension plane of the carrier unit 14b. The principal normal 16b runs at least substantially perpendicular to the principal extension plane of the carrier unit 14b. The principal normal 16b runs at least substantially parallel to the drive axis of the drive interface unit 36b.

[0139] The air ducts 76b extend at least substantially radially with respect to the drive interface unit 36b. The air ducts 76b have a straight course over their entire longitudinal extent. Alternatively, it is conceivable that at least a portion of the air ducts 76b extend radially outwards, at least section by section, with respect to the principal normal 16b. For example, it is also conceivable that at least a portion of the air ducts 76b have a curved course, such as a winding course, section by section, starting from the principal normal 16b.

[0140] The grinding and / or polishing machine 12a of embodiment a from Figure 1 has a housing sub-unit 82a, in particular a friction ring 84a. The housing sub-unit 82a, in particular the friction ring 84a, at least partially covers the extraction openings 46b, particularly in a state of the grinding and / or polishing pad 48b arranged on the grinding and / or polishing machine 12a. The edge region, in particular the edge region encompassing the extraction openings 78b, is arranged outside the housing sub-unit 82a, particularly in a state of the grinding and / or polishing pad 48b arranged on the grinding and / or polishing machine 12a.

[0141] The carrier unit 14b has several air ducts 18b extending transversely to the principal normal 16b on the machine side. The air ducts 18b connect to the extraction openings 46b. The air ducts 18b are designed as extraction air ducts. At least some of the air ducts 18b have a helical course, particularly when viewed radially with respect to the principal normal 16b.

[0142] Figure 14 shows a grinding and / or polishing pad device 10c for a grinding and / or polishing machine. The grinding and / or polishing pad device 10c corresponds to a grinding and / or polishing pad 48c. The grinding and / or polishing pad device 10c has a carrier unit 14c. The carrier unit 14c is designed as a metal plate, such as a steel plate, an aluminum plate, or the like. The carrier unit 14c is free of air channels extending at least substantially transversely to a principal normal of the carrier unit 14c.

[0143] The grinding and / or polishing pad 48c, in particular the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10c, has an abrasive interface 80c. The grinding and / or polishing pad 48c, in particular the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10c, has several extraction openings 46c arranged on a side facing away from the abrasive interface 80c.

[0144] The grinding and / or polishing pad 48c, in particular the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10c, has several intake openings 78c for drawing in ambient air, arranged in an edge region on the side facing away from the abrasive interface 80c and, in particular, from a side surface 110c. The carrier unit 14c has several recesses 22c. The carrier unit 14c has the intake openings 78c. Some of the recesses 22c form the intake openings 78c. Another part of the recesses 22c forms the extraction openings 46c.

[0145] Each opening cross-section of the intake openings 78c runs at least substantially parallel to a main extension plane 86c of the abrasive interface 80c (see Figure 15).

[0146] The grinding and / or polishing pad 48c, in particular the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10c, has a padding unit 34c. The padding unit 34c has axially extending air channels. The intake openings 78c are fluidically connected to the abrasive interface 80c, in particular to the outlet openings of the abrasive interface 80c, via a portion of the axially extending air channels. The extraction openings 46c are fluidly connected to the abrasive interface 80c, in particular to the extraction openings of the abrasive interface 80c, via another portion of the axially extending air channels.

[0147] The grinding and / or polishing pad 48c has a drive interface unit 36c. The drive interface unit 36c is riveted to the carrier unit 14c. The padding unit 34c is glued to the carrier unit 14c on the machining side.

[0148] Figures 16 to 18 show a detailed representation of a grinding and / or polishing pad device 10d according to an extended embodiment; the internal structure is comparable to the previous embodiments. Identical reference numerals denote identical or equivalently functioning elements. The grinding and / or polishing pad device 10d comprises a carrier unit 14d, a pad unit 34d arranged thereon, a drive interface unit 36d, and an abrasive interface 80d. The pad unit 34d has characteristic recesses and / or profiles 44d in its end face or circumferential surface 42d. These are spaced apart from one another along a circumferential direction 112d and differ from axial openings.

[0149] Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10d. The recesses 44d and / or profiles 44d in the edge region of the pad unit 34d are clearly visible, as is the drive interface unit 36d. The pad unit 34d is arranged on the support unit 14d. Figures 16 and 17 also show that the recesses 44b, 44d overlap at least partially in the circumferential direction 112d. In particular, one recess 44d tapers off at the upper edge region, while another recess 44d is arranged in the middle to lower edge region. It is also evident that the end or lateral surface 42b, 42d has webs 119d between the recesses 44b, 44d, which are curved first concavely 129d and then convexly 131d when viewed in the circumferential direction 112d.

[0150] Figure 17 shows a top view of the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10d. The circumferential direction 112d and a preferred direction of rotation 128d are indicated. The recesses and / or profiles 44d are regularly distributed around the circumference and form a recessed area which, in this illustration, extends over 75% of the maximum circumferential extent of the end face 42d. There are 20 recesses and / or profiles 44d. The number can vary, particularly depending on the diameter or size of the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10d, especially between 5 and 30, preferably 8 and 20. The shape and arrangement of the recesses 44d and / or profiles 44d can be optimized with respect to the direction of rotation or preferred direction of rotation 128d to influence airflow.

[0151] Figure 18 shows a side view of the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10d. The depth 120d of the recesses 44d is indicated and is between 0 and 5 mm, in particular 1 to 5 mm. The recesses and / or profiles 44d extend both axially and circumferentially 112, in particular at least axially, preferably in the direction of the principal normals 16d and circumferentially 112d. The recesses and / or profiles 44d have a parallelogram-like shape 122d. They have rounded corners 124d. They include acute 126d and obtuse angles 126e. A flat run-off 136d of the recesses and / or profiles 44d, in particular against the preferred direction of rotation 128d, is visible. The flat outlet corresponds in particular to a transition into the depression-free front or side surface 42d without or almost without height difference.

[0152] The recesses 44b, 44d have a flat outlet 136d, which forms a stepless transition to the surrounding end face or lateral surface 42b, 42d. The end face 42d has an upper edge region 116d and a lower edge region 114d. Connecting areas 118d and / or webs 119d extend between these. These extend, so to speak, between the recesses 44d. The connecting areas 118d and webs 119d are concave 129d and convex 131d, in particular, oppositely concave and convex. The webs 119d have a web height 133d, 135d that increases axially from the support unit 14d towards the polishing or abrasive support surface 88d. The angle a between the webs 119d and the circumferential direction 112d allows the webs to spring back or stand up during operation.The outer edge of the pad unit 34d exhibits increased axial compliance due to the recesses 44d, which allows the pad unit or polishing pad device 10d to adapt better to workpiece contours. During polishing or grinding, the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10d, particularly in its edge area, can generate a pulsation due to the numerous recesses 44d distributed around its circumference. This can have a positive effect on the material removal rate and / or the quality of the surface being ground. The recesses 44d do not penetrate the contact surface 50d for the abrasive.

[0153] Figure 19 shows a perspective view of a grinding and / or polishing machine 12d with a mounted grinding and / or polishing pad device 10d according to Figures 16 to 18. The machine 12d includes a drive unit (not shown), for example, an electric motor, to drive the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10d. In the illustrated embodiment, the machine 12d is an eccentric sander that drives the pad device 10d eccentrically. Alternatively, the machine 12d can also be configured as an orbital sander or rotary sander to drive the pad device 10d according to the invention. The machine 12d can, for example, be battery-operated, corded, or pneumatically operated. The illustrated battery-operated embodiment serves only as an example.The machine 12d is particularly advantageous in combination with the grinding and / or polishing pad device 10d according to the invention, since the pulsation generated by the recesses 44d in grinding or polishing operation can lead to improved material removal and optimized surface finishing.

Claims

Claims 1. Grinding and / or polishing pad device (10a; 10b; 10d) for a grinding and / or polishing machine (12a, 12d), in particular for an eccentric or orbital sander, preferably with a carrier unit (14a; 14b; 14d), characterized by a pad unit (34b; 34d), preferably arranged on the carrier unit (14b; 14d), the radial end face or cylindrical surface (42b; 42d) of which has recesses and / or profiles (44b; 44d) spaced apart from each other along a circumferential direction (112d), and which differ from axial openings.

2. Grinding and / or polishing pad device (10b; 10d) according to claim 1, characterized in that a recessed area defined by the depressions and / or profiles (44b; 44d) extends along the circumferential direction over at least 10%, preferably >50%, in particular >75% of a maximum circumferential extent of the end face or lateral surface (42b; 42d) in the circumferential direction.

3. Grinding and / or polishing pad device (10b; 10d) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recesses or profiles do not penetrate a contact surface (50d) of the grinding and / or polishing pad device (10b; 10d) for a polishing or abrasive and / or a particularly radial, outer collar in the transition area from the end face or cylindrical surface (42b; 42d) to the polishing or abrasive contact surface (88d) of the polishing or grinding pad device (10b; 10d).

4. Grinding and / or polishing pad device (10b; 10d) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recesses or profiles (44b; 44d) are arranged regularly distributed over the circumference, in particular to enable pulsation in polishing or grinding operation.

5. Grinding and / or polishing pad device (10b; 10d) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end face or cylindrical surface (42b; 42d) has an upper and lower edge region (114d; 116d) extending parallel to a principal normal (16d) of the grinding and / or polishing pad device (1 Ob; 10d) and a connecting area (118d) extending substantially obliquely outwards to the lower edge region (114d) of the abrasive contact surface (88d), in particular wherein this obliquely extending connecting area (118d) is convexly curved outwards, in particular wherein this connecting area is formed between recesses or profiles (44d) adjacent in the circumferential direction (112d).

6. Grinding and / or polishing pad device (10b; 10d) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recesses and / or profiles (44b; 44d) extend in the end face or cylindrical surface (42b; 42d) at least in the axial direction, preferably in the direction of the principal normal (16d) and in the circumferential direction (112d).

7. Grinding and / or polishing pad device (10b; 10d) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recesses and / or profiles (44b; 44d) have a depth (120d) relative to the surrounding end face or cylindrical surface (42b; 42d), in particular a depth (120d) between 1 and 5 mm, preferably between 1.5 and 2.5 mm, particularly preferably 1.75 mm.

8. Grinding and / or polishing pad device (10b; 10d) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a recess and / or profile (44b; 44d) forms a substantially triangular, rectangular, parallelogram-like (122d) or polygonal shape, in particular having rounded corners (124d), in particular wherein two edges of a recess and / or profile (44b; 44d) enclose an acute or obtuse angle (126d, 126e), for example from 45° to 135°.

9. Grinding and / or polishing pad device (10b; 10d) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a recess and / or profile (44b; 44d) tapers off flat in a circumferential direction (112d), preferably against a preferred direction of rotation (128d), or merges into the surrounding cylindrical or end surface (42b; 42d), in particular almost flush with height or surface.

10. Grinding and / or polishing pad device (10b; 10d) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radial end face or cylindrical surface (42b; 42d) has axially, in particular between an upper and lower edge region (114d; 116d), concave and / or convex, in particular oppositely concave and convex, shaped connecting areas (118d) and / or webs (119d), in particular between recesses or profiles (44d) adjacent in the circumferential direction (112d).

11. Grinding and / or polishing pad device (1 Ob; 10d) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that connecting areas (118d) and / or webs (119d) between circumferentially adjacent recesses or profiles (44d) have an axially increasing web height (133d, 135d), preferably increasing laterally towards the recesses (44d), in particular increasing web height (133d, 135d) starting from a carrier unit (14b; 14d) in the direction of a polishing or abrasive support surface (88d).

12. Grinding and / or polishing pad device (1 Ob; 10d) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that connecting areas (118d) and / or webs (119d) have an angle (a) to the circumferential direction (112d) which is less than or greater than 90°, in particular to allow the connecting areas (118d) and / or webs (119d) to spring back or stand up during operation.

13. Grinding and / or polishing pad device (10b; 10d) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pad unit (34b; 34d) has air passage openings which are fluidically connected to air channels (18a, 76b) in the carrier unit (14a; 14b; 14d), wherein the recesses (44b; 44d) influence an airflow over the front or outer surface (42b; 42d) in such a way, in particular by stirring up and / or turbulence, preferably thereby increasing the suction capacity.

14. Grinding and / or polishing pad device (10b; 10d) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recesses (44b; 44d) are shaped like scoops, in particular to convey an airflow in a predetermined direction, preferably radially and / or axially in an edge region of the grinding and / or polishing pad device and / or that the outer edge region of the pad unit (34b; 34d) has increased axial compliance through the recesses (44b; 44d), in particular to adapt better to workpiece contours.

15. Grinding and / or polishing machine (12a; 12d) with a grinding and / or polishing pad device (10a; 10b; 10d) according to one of the preceding claims.

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