Abrasive Element

Abstract

An abrasive element has a first surface region which coincides with an enveloping surface of the element, and a second surface region which does not. When the element is pressed against a planar surface, part of the second surface region, which is provided with abrasive material, comes into contact with the surface. Also disclosed are a system comprising at least two part-elements which can be connect to form an abrasive element, and methods for making and using the abrasive element.

Description

The invention relates to an abrasive element, a system comprising at least two part-elements which can be connected to form an abrasive element, a method of abrasively treating a working surface, a method of producing an abrasive element and a method of providing an abrasive element.

For the abrasive treatment of working surfaces with abrasive elements, for instance an abrasive sponge or an abrasive wheel, it is often desired to use abrasive material with different abrasive effects. For example, when abrasively removing paint or lacquer from a surface, it is advantageous to work alternately with a coarser abrasive grain and a finer abrasive grain, in order in this way to achieve different abrasive effects. For this purpose, it is possible to provide a number of abrasive elements that have different abrasive grains, which can be exchanged as and when required during work. However, changing the abrasive element is a laborious and time-consuming affair.

EP 775 035 has already proposed an abrasive sponge comprising a foam strip, which has a coating with abrasive material on several surfaces, it being possible for different abrasive grains to be applied to different sides. However, as before, changing over between the different abrasive effects is still laborious, since the abrasive sponge has to be turned over, which makes handling more difficult.

The object of the present invention is therefore to eliminate the disadvantages of the known art. In particular, it is intended to provide an abrasive element with which different abrasive effects can be achieved and with which it is possible to change between these abrasive effects in an easy way. Furthermore, it should be possible for the abrasive element to be produced easily and inexpensively and as flexibly as possible.

According to the invention, these objects are achieved by an abrasive element, a system comprising at least two part-elements which can be connected to form an abrasive element and a method of abrasively treating a working surface that have the features of the independent patent claims.

The abrasive element according to the invention has at least a first surface region and a second surface region. In this case, at least part of the first surface region coincides with part of an enveloping surface of the abrasive element, but at least part of the second surface region does not coincide with the enveloping surface of the abrasive element. At least part of the abrasive element is elastically compressible in such a way that, when the abrasive element is pressed against a substantially planar surface, at least part of the second surface region can be brought into contact with the surface. Furthermore, at least a partial region of the second surface region is provided with an abrasive material.

Here and hereafter, a surface region means part of the outer surface of the abrasive element. Such a surface region may, in particular, be substantially planar. Alternatively, it may be curved, that is to say for instance have the form of part of a spherical or cylindrical surface. Furthermore, such a surface region may for its part comprise a number of non-contiguous partial regions, which are planar or curved. In particular, the second surface region may extend substantially parallel to the first surface region.

The enveloping surface of the abrasive element refers to the entirety of all the points of the surface that may come into contact with an imaginary, infinitely large, planar working surface when the abrasive element makes contact without any forces acting. This enveloping surface corresponds to the surface of a cloth stretched around the abrasive element. According to the invention, part of the surface that does not coincide with part of the enveloping surface is provided with abrasive material.

With preference, the elastically compressible part of the abrasive element can be assigned to part of the first surface region. In particular, this elastically compressible part is located at least partially in the vicinity of or underneath the part of the first surface region. With preference, the elastically compressible part is compressible in a direction that lies substantially perpendicular to part of the first surface region to which the elastically compressible part can be assigned.

The aforementioned features according to the invention make it possible when abrasively treating a working surface only to bring the abrasive material on the partial region of the second surface region into contact with the working surface when an adequate pressing force is exerted. Since part of the abrasive element is elastically compressible, the abrasive element returns to its original form as soon as the pressing force is reduced. Consequently, the abrasive material of the second surface region no longer acts on the working surface as soon as the pressing force has dropped below a certain value. In this way, it is surprisingly easy to influence the abrasive effect by adapting the pressing force, without the abrasive element having to be turned, or even exchanged, to do so.

The planarity of the parts of the first surface region has the effect that a large part of the first surface region can come into contact with a planar working surface even when there is only a low pressing force of the abrasive element. With particular preference, at least two of the non-contiguous partial regions of the first surface region lie in one plane.

All materials that have an abrasive effect, such as for instance aluminium oxide, zirconium corundum, ceramic corundum, diamond or silicon carbide, may be used as the abrasive material. The abrasive material is provided on the abrasive element in a way known per se to a person skilled in the art. For example, it may be applied with the aid of a binder, such as phenolic resin or melamine resin, or a hotmelt adhesive.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least parts of the first surface region as well are provided with an abrasive material. With preference, these parts of the first surface region coincide with an enveloping surface of the abrasive element. In this way, part of the abrasive material can come into contact with a planar working surface even when the abrasive element is in contact with the said working surface without any forces acting. Consequently, a certain abrasive effect is achieved even without any pressing force or with only low pressing force. When there is sufficiently high pressing force, the abrasive material on the second surface region additionally comes into contact with the working surface, which can lead to a stronger abrasive effect.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the abrasive materials on the first surface region and on the second surface region differ from one another. The abrasive materials are also referred to here as “different” if they merely have different grain sizes, but do not differ in their basic material. With particular preference, the abrasive material on the partial region of the second surface region has a coarser abrasive effect than the abrasive material on the partial region of the first surface region. When there is low pressing force of the abrasive element on a working surface, consequently only the abrasive material with the finer abrasive effect is used. When there is stronger pressing force, the compression of part of the abrasive element has the result that the abrasive material with the coarser abrasive effect also comes into contact with the working surface. This allows surprisingly easy control of the desired abrasive effect.

It goes without saying that the abrasive element may also have more than two surface regions that can successively be brought into contact with a working surface as the pressing force increases. When there are a number of different abrasive materials, consequently more than two different abrasive effects can also be achieved.

In a further preferred embodiment, the abrasive element is formed as a sponge, pad, sheet or belt. Such sponges are suitable for instance for preliminary or initial abrasive treatment, in particular for removing lacquer or paint from surfaces.

According to a further embodiment, the abrasive element according to the invention may be formed in a substantially disc-shaped or cylindrical manner, the first surface region comprising the surfaces of elevations which protrude at the outer circumference, and the second surface region comprising depressions in the radial direction. The elevations consequently form the parts of the abrasive element that can be assigned to the parts of the first surface region. In particular, these parts are elastically compressible in the radial direction.

Such an abrasive element may be formed for instance as an abrasive wheel or abrasive cylinder, which can be connected to a rotating drive. The abrasive element is provided with abrasive material, at least in the depressions. The construction according to the invention makes it possible when carrying out abrasive treatment with the outer circumference of the abrasive element only to bring the abrasive material that is on the partial region of the second surface region into contact with the working surface when at least a predetermined, minimum pressing force is exerted.

A particularly preferred embodiment provides that at least parts of the elevations have a lower compressibility than the remaining part of the abrasive element. In particular, the pressing force necessary as a minimum to make the abrasive material on the partial region of the second surface region come into contact with the working region can be specifically set by choosing the compressibilities.

According to another preferred embodiment, the abrasive element comprises elastically compressible materials, such as for instance vulcanized or unvulcanized rubber, at least in the region of the elevations.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of the elevations may have a bevelled and/or rounded portion. This has the effect that, during rotating operation of the abrasive element, impact of the elevation with a working surface that is being worked is prevented from causing unsteady running or an irregular abrasive pattern.

According to a further embodiment, the abrasive element according to the invention may be formed substantially in a disc-shaped manner and have at least one substantially circular base area. The first surface region comprises the surface at least of an elevation which protrudes from the base area, and the second surface region is formed partially by the base area. The elevations consequently form the parts of the abrasive element that can be assigned to the parts of the first surface region. With preference, the base area extends substantially in a plane to which parts of the first surface region are parallel. In particular, the elevations are elastically compressible perpendicularly to the base area. Furthermore, the base area may both be contiguous and comprise regions that are separate from one another.

In one possible embodiment, the abrasive element comprises foam, in particular an open-cell foam. When an open-cell foam is used, it is possible to suck abrasive dust that occurs away through the abrasive element. With preference, the abrasive element may have additional extraction openings in the axial direction, through which abrasive dust can likewise be sucked away.

According to another preferred embodiment, the abrasive element comprises elastically compressible materials, such as for instance vulcanized or unvulcanized rubber, at least in the region of the elevations.

Furthermore, it is preferred to provide the side of the abrasive element that lies opposite the side provided with abrasive material with means for mechanically connecting the abrasive element to a drive, for instance part of a Velcro®-type fastener system, for example an arrangement of loops and/or hooks. This makes it possible for the abrasive element to be exchanged quickly.

According to a further preferred embodiment of an abrasive element according to the invention, formed as a sponge, pad or sheet, the first surface region is formed by the surfaces of at least one elevation, in particular by prongs or nubs, which are arranged on the abrasive element; the second surface region is partially formed by a base area on which the at least one elevation is arranged. The elevations consequently form the parts of the abrasive element that can be assigned to the parts of the first surface region. With preference, the base area extends substantially in a plane to which parts of the first surface region are parallel. In particular, the elevations are elastically compressible perpendicularly to the base area. Furthermore, the base area may both be contiguous and comprise regions that are separate from one another.

It is similarly conceivable for the abrasive element to have elevations on more than one side, for instance on two opposite sides. In this case, both the forms and dimensions of these elevations and the abrasive materials may be different on the opposite sides.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the abrasive element comprises foam. This foam may for instance contain polyurethane, ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) or polystyrene and be open-cell or closed-cell. Such a foam can be produced inexpensively and can be easily dimensioned and can have an elastic compressibility that can be predetermined as desired within wide ranges. It is in this case conceivable for the abrasive element to comprise foam only in the part in which it is elastically compressible, in particular in part of the abrasive element that can be assigned to part of the first surface region.

According to another preferred embodiment, the abrasive element comprises elastically compressible materials, such as for instance vulcanized or unvulcanized rubber, at least in the region of the elevations.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the abrasive element comprises at least two part-elements. These part-elements may be connected to one another solidly, for instance by adhesive bonding, or releasably, for instance by inserting and/or pushing one into the other. With preference, the part-elements are formed in such a way that they are in contact with one another or can be brought into contact with one another with positive engagement.

It is particularly preferred if at least part of the surface of a first part-element forms part of the first surface region and at least part of the surface of a second part-elements forms part of the second surface region. In particular, elevations, such as for instance nubs or prongs, may be formed by part of only one of the part-elements. This construction makes a particularly easy method of production possible for the abrasive element according to the invention (see below).

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, at least two of the part-elements are formed from materials that are different from one another. In particular, these materials may have different compressibilities. For example, a first part-element, the surface of which forms part of the first surface region of the abrasive element, may have a lower compressibility than a second part-element, the surface of which forms part of the second surface region of the abrasive element. When pressing the abrasive element, consequently only parts of the first part-element are compressed, whereas the higher compressibility of the second part-element ensures greater stability of the abrasive element as a whole.

Furthermore, it is conceivable for the first part-element to be elastically compressible for instance only in one direction. In this case, it is preferred that it is elastically compressible in a direction that extends perpendicularly to the parts of the first surface region.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a system comprising at least two part-elements, at least one of which comprises a surface which is at least partially provided with an abrasive material. The system is characterized in that at least two of the part-elements can be connected to one another, in particular releasably, in such a way that an abrasive element according to the invention is obtained. With preference, the part-elements are formed in such a way that they can be brought into contact with one another with positive engagement.

Such a system makes it possible for the user to connect two or more part-elements to one another according to requirements, each having the basic materials, dimensions and abrasive materials that correspond to the application.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of abrasively treating a working surface with an abrasive element, in particular with an abrasive element according to the invention. In the method according to the invention, it is first decided whether a low abrasive effect or a stronger abrasive effect is to be achieved. Depending on this decision, a lower abrasive effect is subsequently achieved by pressing the abrasive element onto the working surface while a first pressing force is applied, or a stronger abrasive effect is subsequently achieved by pressing the abrasive element onto the working surface while a second pressing force is applied, the second pressing force being greater than the first pressing force.

With preference, the method is characterized in that, when the abrasive element is pressed against the working surface with the second pressing force, part of the abrasive element is elastically compressed in such a way that part of a second surface region comes into contact with the working surface.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a method of producing an abrasive element, in particular an abrasive element according to the invention. The method comprises the following steps:

• • providing part-elements, in particular part-elements made of or comprising foam, coating parts of the surfaces of the part-elements with an adhesive, in particular with a hotmelt adhesive,
  • applying abrasive material to the adhesive,
  • connecting the part-elements to form an abrasive element.

The method according to the invention makes inexpensive and easy production of an abrasive element according to the invention possible. With particular preference, only at most one type of abrasive material is respectively applied to each of the part-elements. Adhesives, such as for instance hotmelt adhesives, adhesive films or mechanical connections, such as for instance a Velcro®-type fastener system, may be used for example for connecting the part-elements.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of providing an abrasive element, in particular one according to the invention. In particular, the abrasive element comprises at least two part-elements, in particular part-elements of a system according to the invention. The method according to the invention comprises connecting the part-elements, in particular in a releasable manner.

The invention is explained in more detail below in exemplary embodiments and on the basis of the drawings, without restricting the subject matter of the invention to the embodiments represented. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows an exploded representation of an abrasive element according to the invention, comprising two part-elements,

FIG. 2 shows an abrasive element according to the invention, made up of two part-elements,

FIG. 3 a shows a sectional drawing of an abrasive element according to the invention during the working of a working surface with low pressing force,

FIG. 3 b shows a sectional drawing of an abrasive element according to the invention during the working of a working surface with higher pressing force,

FIG. 4 shows an abrasive element according to the invention that is formed in one piece,

FIG. 5 a shows a disc-shaped abrasive element according to the invention during the working of a working surface with lower pressing force,

FIG. 5 b shows a disc-shaped abrasive element according to the invention during the working of a working surface with higher pressing force,

FIG. 6 shows a disc-shaped abrasive element according to the invention with elevations on a circular base area.

According to FIG. 1, the abrasive element comprises part-elements 1, 2. The first part-element 1 is formed in a substantially right-parallelepipedal manner and has on one of its surfaces 7 a plurality of non-contiguous elevations 3, which are likewise formed in a right-parallelepipedal manner. At least parts of the planar surfaces 4 of the elevations 3 may be provided with an abrasive material, for instance with aluminium oxide. For the purposes of the invention, the elevations 3 can consequently be assigned to the surfaces 4. In the depressions between the elevations 3 there is a planar bearing surface 7, which is formed parallel to the surfaces 4 of the elevations 3.

The second part-element 2 is likewise formed in a substantially right-parallelepipedal manner and has a plurality of holes 6, which connect two opposite sides 5, 8 to one another. One side 5 is provided with an abrasive material, which with preference is coarser than the abrasive material on the surfaces 4 of the elevations 3. The dimensions of the holes 6 have been made to match the dimensions of the elevations 3 in such a way that the part-elements 1, 2 can be connected to one another with positive engagement (cf. FIG. 2). In particular, the thickness d of the second part-element is less than the height h of the elevations 3.

Both part-elements 1, 2 consist of foam, with preference of polyurethane, ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) or polystyrene. At least the elevations 3 of the first part-element 1 are formed in an elastically compressible manner. With further preference, the part-elements 1, 2 are respectively formed in one piece and can be produced by means of known techniques, for

• • instance by foaming into a mould. It is possible by methods known per se to set a compressibility that can be predetermined as desired within wide ranges. In particular, it is possible to impart inhomogeneous compressibility to the foam during foaming, so that it has for instance higher compressibility in the region of the elevations 3. Alternatively, the part-elements may be produced by cutting or milling from a foam blank. The abrasive material, which may for instance be aluminium oxide, is applied to the part-elements 1, 2 with the aid of an adhesive, it being possible for instance for a hot-melt adhesive to be used.

With preference, the abrasive element has such dimensions that it can be comfortably held in one hand. The base areas of the elevations 3 may have side lengths in the range from a few millimetres to the total length of the bearing surface 7. In particular, more than the five elevations 3 that are represented in FIG. 1 may be present. The surfaces 4 may make up a proportion of the total bearing surface 7 of between 20% and 80%. The height h of the elevations 3 may be between a few millimetres and a few centimetres.

FIG. 2 shows the put-together abrasive element from FIG. 1. The side 8 of the second part-element 2 rests on the bearing surface 7 with positive engagement. The elevations 3 pass through the holes 6 in the second part-element 2, the dimensions of the holes 6 having been made to match the dimensions of the elevations 3 in such a way that the side faces 10 of the holes 6 are connected to the side faces 9 of the elevations 3 with positive engagement. The surfaces 4 of the elevations 3 protrude beyond the side 5 and consequently form part of a first surface region which coincides with an enveloping surface of the overall abrasive element. The side 5 that is provided with abrasive material forms part of a second surface region which does not coincide with an enveloping surface of the overall abrasive element. At least the regions of the side 5 between the elevations 3 consequently do not come into contact with a substantially planar surface when the abrasive element is pressed with a low pressing force. It would likewise be possible also to provide elevations 3 on the outer edge of the side 5.

According to one embodiment, the two part-elements 1, 2 are connected to one another solidly, for instance by adhesive bonding. Hotmelt adhesives or adhesive films may be used here for instance as the adhesive means.

Alternatively, it is possible to provide a system comprising at least a first part-element 1 and at least a second part-element 2. It is conceivable in this case for instance for the elevations 3 of different first part-elements 1 to have different heights h and/or the surfaces 4 of different first part-elements 1 to be provided with different abrasive materials. Such a system makes it possible for the user to select a first part-element 1 and a second part-element 2 according to requirements and connect them to one another in a releasable manner. If the requirements change, one of the part-elements 1, 2 or both part-elements 1, 2 can therefore be exchanged. With particular advantage, the releasable connection may be strengthened by mechanical fastening means, such as for instance by a Velcro®-type fastener system.

FIGS. 3 a and 3b illustrate on the basis of sectional drawings a method of abrasively treating a working surface with an abrasive element according to the invention. When a first pressing force of the abrasive element is applied to a working surface 11, according to FIG. 3a only the surfaces 4 of the elevations 3 come into contact with the working surface 11. Consequently, only the low abrasive effect of the surface 4 comes to bear. In the case of an uncoated surface 4, the abrasive effect may be induced by the basic material of the first part-element 1 alone, or it may be induced by an abrasive material applied to it.

When a second pressing force, which is greater than the first pressing force, is applied, the elevations 3 according to FIG. 3b are elastically compressed. In addition to the surfaces 4, the side 5 that is provided with coarser abrasive material then also comes into contact with the working surface 11, which results in a stronger abrasive effect.

The abrasive element 20 represented in FIG. 4 is formed in one piece and can be produced by methods known per se, such as for instance by direct foaming into a mould or by cutting or milling an already solidified foam. The elevations 3 are formed here as nubs. For the purposes of the invention, the elevations 3 can consequently be assigned to the surfaces 4. In the depressions between the elevations 3 there is a base area 19, which is formed parallel to the surfaces 4 of the elevations 3.

At least parts of the base area 19 are provided with an abrasive material, for instance with aluminium oxide, which may be applied with the aid of an adhesive, for instance a hotmelt adhesive. The selective spatial arrangement of the abrasive materials may be achieved for instance with the aid of templates.

In FIGS. 5a and 5b, an abrasive element 12 according to the invention that is formed substantially in a disc-shaped manner is represented. Protruding in the radial direction from the outer circumference 13 are a plurality of elevations 14, the outer faces 15 of which represent a first surface region 4. For the purposes of the invention, the elevations 14 can consequently be assigned to the outer faces 15. The depressions 16 located between the elevations 14 represent a second surface region 5. The depressions consequently do not coincide with an enveloping surface of the abrasive element that corresponds to the fully circular outer circumference 13.

The outer faces 15 are optionally provided with a fine abrasive material. The elevations 14 have rounded portions 17. The depressions 16 are provided with a coarser abrasive material.

Such an abrasive element 12 consists with preference of foam, such as for instance polyurethane, ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) or polystyrene and can be produced by methods known per se, such as for instance by direct foaming into a mould or by cutting, milling or turning an already solidified foam. At least the elevations 14 consist of an elastically compressible material. In particular, the elevations 14 are elastically compressible in the radial direction.

When carrying out abrasive treatment with low pressing force, according to FIG. 5a only the outer faces 15 come into contact with a working surface 11 and consequently create a low abrasive effect. The direction of rotation is denoted here by D. If the pressing force is increased, the elevations 14 are elastically compressed according to FIG. 5b. In this way, the depressions 16 likewise come into contact with the working surface 11, so that a stronger abrasive effect occurs.

In FIG. 6, a disc-shaped abrasive element 18 according to the invention, with elevations 3 on a circular base area 19, is represented. The first surface region is formed by surfaces 4 of elevations 3. For the purposes of the invention, the elevations 3 can consequently be assigned to the surfaces 4. The second surface region 5 is formed by the base area 19 and does not coincide with an enveloping surface of the abrasive element. The base area 19 is provided with an abrasive material. The surfaces 4 are optionally provided with a finer abrasive material. The rear side 21 of the abrasive element is provided with hooks, which form part of a Velcro®-type fastener system. With the aid of these hooks, the abrasive element can be releasably connected to a drive that is not represented here, on which corresponding loops are located. Alternatively, loops could also be provided on the rear side 21 of the abrasive element 18.

With preference, the abrasive element comprises open-cell foam. This makes it possible to suck abrasive dust that occurs away through the abrasive element 18 by means of an extracting device provided on the drive but not represented here.

Finally, further embodiments that are not represented here are possible. For example, the abrasive element according to the invention may also be formed as abrasive paper or an abrasive belt.

Claims

1. Abrasive element with at least a first surface region andat least a second surface region, whereinat least part of said first surface region coincides with part of an enveloping surface of said abrasive element,at least part of said second surface region does not coincide with said enveloping surface of said abrasive element,at least part of said abrasive element is elastically compressible in such a way that, when said abrasive element is pressed against a substantially planar surface, at least part of said second surface region can be brought into contact with said surface, andat least a partial region of said second surface region is provided with an abrasive material.

2. Abrasive element according to claim 1, wherein said first surface region is substantially planar or comprises substantially planar partial surfaces and/orsaid second surface region extends substantially parallel to said first surface region.

3. Abrasive element according to claim 1, wherein at least parts of said first surface region are provided with an abrasive material.

4. Abrasive element according to claim 3, wherein said abrasive materials on said first surface region and on said second surface region are different from one another.

5. Abrasive element according to claim 1, wherein it is formed as a sponge, pad, sheet or belt.

6. Abrasive element according to claim 1, wherein the element is formed in a substantially disc-shaped or cylindrical manner, said first surface region comprising surfaces of elevations which protrude at the outer circumference andsaid second surface region comprising depressions in a radial direction.

7. Abrasive element according to claim 6, wherein at least parts of said elevations have a lower compressibility than the remaining part of said abrasive element.

8. Abrasive element according to claim 6, wherein at least one of said elevations has a beveled and/or rounded portion.

9. Abrasive element according to claim 5, wherein said first surface region is formed by the surfaces of at least one elevation, which are arranged on said abrasive element, andsaid second surface region is partially formed by a base area on which said at least one elevation is arranged.

10. Abrasive element according to claim 9, wherein at least parts of said elevations have a lower compressibility than the remaining part of said abrasive element.

11. Abrasive element according to claim 5, wherein the element comprises foam.

12. Abrasive element according to claim 11, wherein the element comprises foam in parts of said elevations.

13. Abrasive element according to claim 5, wherein the element comprises at least two part-elements that are connected or can be connected to one another.

14. Abrasive element according to claim 13, wherein at least part of the surface of a first part-element forms part of said first surface region andat least part of the surface of a second part-element forms part of said second surface region.

15. Abrasive element according to claim 13, wherein at least two of said part-elements are formed from materials that are different from one another.

16. System comprising at least two part-elements, at least one of which comprises a surface which is at least partially provided with an abrasive material, wherein at least two of said part-elements can be connected to one another in such a way that an abrasive element having a form selected from the group consisting of sponge, pad, sheet, belt, disc and cylinder is obtained, wherein the abrasive element has at least a first surface region andat least a second surface region,

17. Method of abrasively treating a working surface with an abrasive element with an abrasive element according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: deciding whether a lower or stronger abrasive effect is to be achieved, and, depending on the decision:creating a low abrasive effect by pressing said abrasive element against said working surface while a first pressing force is applied orcreating a stronger abrasive effect by pressing said abrasive element against said working surface while a second pressing force is applied, said second pressing force being greater than said first pressing force.

18. Method according to claim 17, wherein, when said abrasive element is pressed against said working surface with said second pressing force, part of said abrasive element is elastically compressed in such a way that part of a second surface region comes into contact with said working surface.

19. Method of producing an abrasive element according to claim 1, comprising the following steps: providing part-elements, in particular part-elements made of or comprising foam,coating parts of said surface(s) of said part-element(s) with an adhesive, in particular with a hot-melt adhesive,applying abrasive material to said adhesive, andconnecting said part-elements to form an abrasive element.

20. Method of providing an abrasive element, comprising at least two part-elements of a system according to claim 16, said method comprising a step of connecting said part-elements to one another.