Tool for finishing and smoothing joints

Abstract

The present invention discloses a tool (10) for reworking and smoothing joints filled with a jointing compound, comprising a substantially plate-shaped body (12) with at least three end faces (1, 2, 3) preferably extending perpendicular to the plane of the plate and / or each bounded by two lateral edges (6), of which a first end face (1) has a flat profile and a second end face (2) has a convex profile. It is provided that a projection (20) is arranged on a third of the three end faces (1, 2, 3), which projects from the third end face (3) and has a rounded end section (22).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool for reworking and smoothing joints filled with a joint compound, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Such joints come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, for example, between tiles or between a pane of glass and a frame, and are usually filled with elastic joint sealants such as mortar or silicone for sealing purposes. The joint sealant is typically applied to the joint in a malleable state and hardens after some time. Various tools are available to smooth the joint sealant and give the final joint a pleasing visual appearance.

[0003] EP 0 711 887 A1 discloses a tool for reworking joints, which consists of a plate with a circumferential edge that projects perpendicularly to the plate plane on both sides. The plate has an essentially triangular shape, with one of the end faces being curved and two of the end faces being straight. The longer of the two straight end faces and the curved end face form an acute angle and merge into one another in an arc, so that this curved corner can be used to remove excess joint compound and create concave joint surfaces. The shorter of the two straight end faces and the curved end face also form an acute angle, but merge into one another via a sharp or non-rounded edge, so that this corner of the tool can be used to reach other joint surfaces, in particular between components that are perpendicular to one another.

[0004] The disadvantage of this tool, however, is that it is difficult to create joints in hard-to-reach places, often with a visually unsatisfactory result. One challenge, for example, is grouting corners between three perpendicular components, such as tiles meeting in the corner of a room. If the grout in the vertical joint is processed first and then the horizontal joint running across the corner is smoothed, part of the grout in the vertical joint is often removed. The same problem arises if the process is reversed.

[0005] To create dam-like joint fillings between perpendicular components, an additional end face can be created by "capping" a right-angled corner of the tool, as disclosed in EP 1 666 683 A1. The additional edge and the adjacent end faces of the tool are beveled on one side, forming a sequence of adjacent cutting edges intended to facilitate the removal of removed joint compound. However, joint processing with this solution remains complex and the handling of the tool is limited. Furthermore, this geometry can lead to removed joint material falling off the tool and contaminating the area around the joint.

[0006] From DE 298 01 028 U1 a generic tool for reworking joints is known, which has a concave formation in the middle of a third end face.

[0007] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a tool for reworking and smoothing joints filled with joint compound, which avoids the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art and enables simple, flexible and effective joint processing.

[0008] This object is achieved according to a first aspect of the present invention by a tool having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims and the following description.

[0009] Accordingly, a tool for reworking and smoothing joints filled with a joint compound is proposed, which tool comprises a substantially plate-shaped body. The body comprises at least three end faces. These preferably each run perpendicular to the plate plane (i.e., to the plane along which the substantially plate-shaped body extends) and / or are each delimited by two lateral edges, which preferably run parallel to one another. Of the three end faces, a first end face has a flat or planar profile and a second end face has a convex, i.e., convexly curved profile. The body preferably has three end faces and / or, overall, preferably an essentially triangular shape.

[0010] According to the invention, a projection is arranged on a third of the three mentioned end faces, which projection protrudes from the third end face. The projection has a rounded end section, i.e., the end of the projection protruding from the third end face is at least partially rounded. Preferably, the end section is rounded not only in one direction, but in several directions, resulting in an overall curved end section.

[0011] In particular, the end section can have a rounded shape both in a cutting plane which runs parallel to the plate plane and in a cutting plane which runs perpendicular to the plate plane.

[0012] The end section of the projection preferably has an ellipsoidal shape, at least in sections, i.e., the surface of the projection in the region of the end section has, at least in sections, a profile that is curved corresponding to the surface of an ellipsoid. Such a surface profile is characterized in that the surface in this section has a positive curvature in more than one curvature direction, or a Gaussian curvature greater than zero. The ellipsoidal shape of the projection also includes a spherical shape, i.e., the end section of the projection can, at least in sections, have a surface profile that corresponds to a spherical surface.

[0013] The rounded or curved protrusion enables easy and gentle processing of joints that do not run in a common plane and meet at a common point, e.g., at corners between three perpendicular tiles, as is often found in sanitary areas. The rounded shape of the protrusion prevents a previously smoothed vertical joint from being damaged during the subsequent smoothing of the horizontal joints (or vice versa), as the protrusion is curved not only along the direction of movement of the tool when smoothing the horizontal joint, but also perpendicular to it, in the direction of the vertical joint. This multi-dimensional curvature of the protrusion prevents the already smoothed grout from being "scraped out."

[0014] The protrusion according to the invention is therefore particularly suitable for refinishing joints in corners and in hard-to-reach places where several joints meet. Of course, the protrusion can also be used to smooth conventional joints outside of corner areas.

[0015] The rounded projection can have a variety of shapes. For example, the projection can be designed as a partial sphere (i.e. a sphere cut off at a certain height, such as a hemisphere) that borders directly on the third end face. Furthermore, the curved or rounded section of the projection does not have to be spherical, but can also have the surface of a true ellipsoid, in which two or all three semi-axes differ from one another. Another possibility is for the projection to have a flat section on its upper side (spaced from the third end face) that is surrounded by one or more curved sections. A parabolic curvature or a rounded shape that corresponds neither to an ellipsoid nor a parabola nor to any other analytically describable geometry are also conceivable.

[0016] InIn one possible embodiment, the projection protrudes from the third end face along the plane of the panel or extends from the third end face along the plane of the panel. This makes it particularly easy to reach joints to be machined in corner areas and other hard-to-reach places using the projection. The projection preferably protrudes perpendicularly from the third end face. This means in particular that the projection has a longitudinal axis which extends along the plane of the panel and in particular protrudes perpendicularly from the third end face. In the case of a projection which is rotationally symmetrical in plan view, said longitudinal axis can be an axis of symmetry of the projection or, in general, an axis which runs through one or more planes of symmetry of the projection.

[0017] According to the invention, the third end face borders on the first or second end face and the projection is arranged in a region of the third end face bordering on the first or second end face. The projection can preferably merge continuously into the first or second end face so that no joint compound can accumulate in any gaps between the projection and the end face. In addition, a continuous joint processing surface is produced, which facilitates handling. The side of the projection that is flush with the first or second end face can optionally have a curved profile, which in the case of the second end face preferably follows the curvature of the second end face. Optionally, the projection can have a maximum width perpendicular to the plane of the panel that essentially corresponds to the maximum width of the first or second and / or third end face.

[0018] Alternatively, the projection can be designed so that it is not flush with the first or second end face, but rather extends beyond the first or second end face. For example, the projection as a whole could have the shape of a truncated sphere that extends slightly beyond the corner edge between the first or second and third end faces and, if necessary, also beyond the lateral edges of the third end face. This ensures that when reworking joints, the lateral edges of the end faces do not touch the grout and scrape it out.

[0019] In another possible embodiment, the projection and the body are formed as a single piece. The tool is preferably made of an elastic plastic, in particular a thermoplastic or elastomer, to achieve sufficient flexibility to adapt the tool to different joint shapes, as well as sufficient strength at the edge and adequate abrasion resistance.

[0020] In a further possible embodiment, the end section of the projection directly borders on the third side surface. In order to increase the distance of the rounded region or end section from the third end face and thereby achieve better accessibility to corners, the end section can also be spaced further from the third end face and merge into the third side surface via an intermediate section. The intermediate section can, for example, be cylindrical in shape, which includes a circular cylindrical shape as well as an elliptical cylinder (i.e. a cylinder with an elliptical cross-section) or a cylinder whose cross-section includes both straight and curved or rounded sections. Instead of a cylindrical shape, the intermediate section can also be conical in shape, wherein the intermediate section preferably tapers towards the end section.The cross-section of the conical section can correspond to a circle or an ellipse or can include both straight and curved sections.

[0021] According to a second aspect, the body has an additional cutting edge, which runs at an angle to the first end face continuously between the first or second end face and the third end face. The cutting edge preferably also runs at a specific angle to the third end face, forming a "clipped corner" between the first or second end face and the third end face. This additional working edge allows the tool to form dam-like joints between perpendicular components, such as a glass pane and a frame, and to remove excess joint material with pinpoint accuracy. The third end face preferably has a flat profile, although an arc-shaped profile for the third end face is also conceivable.In the latter case, the type of formation of the dam-like joint depends on which of the two end faces adjacent to the cutting edge the tool is placed on during the production of the joint.

[0022] The cutting edge is preferably formed in that the first or second end face and the third end face each taper from their two lateral edges towards the center. The cutting edge is therefore not, as shown, for example, in EP 1 666 683 A1, a continuation of the already existing bevel of an end face, but rather the taper occurs from both sides of the end faces that do not form a cutting edge towards the center, so that the cutting edge as a whole runs centrally with respect to the lateral edges of the end faces. This makes it possible to use the tool according to the invention to form joints from both sides or in different directions, thereby increasing the ease of use and the flexibility of handling the tool, while still achieving sufficient stability in the area of the cutting edge.Preferably, the cutting edge runs in a central plate plane, which divides the body into two equal and, in particular, symmetrical halves.

[0023] The cutting edge preferably forms an obtuse angle (90° ≤ α < 180°). Preferably, the cutting edge has no kink or curvature, but runs linearly between the first or second end face and the third end face.

[0024] Preferably, the lateral edges of the first, second, and third end faces run parallel to each other everywhere except for the tapers forming the cutting edge. Only in the area of the cutting edge, where the first and third end faces taper toward the center, do the lateral edges of the first or second end face and the third end face not run parallel, but rather converge at an acute angle to each other.

[0025] The length of the cutting edge is preferably less than the length of the first or second end face and / or the third end face. The length of the cutting edge can also be less than the width of the first or second end face and the third end face (outside the tapered sections).

[0026] In another possible embodiment, the first or second end face tapers toward a first end point, and the third end face tapers toward a second end point, with the cutting edge extending linearly between the first and second end points. The two end points preferably lie in the previously described central plate plane.

[0027] In another possible embodiment, the body has two opposing side surfaces, each defined by the lateral edges of the first, second, and third end faces (and any cutting edge present). The side surfaces are preferably identical, so that the tool according to the invention preferably has a mirror-symmetrical shape overall. This allows the tool to be used from both sides, or to remove joints in both directions.

[0028] In another possible embodiment, the side surfaces each comprise a concavely shaped area, which is at least partially surrounded by a seam. The concave areas can serve as handles or gripping surfaces, thereby improving ergonomics when holding and guiding the tool. Furthermore, the concave areas absorb removed joint material, preventing it from falling off the tool during joint processing and contaminating the area around the joint.

[0029] The circumferential seam has a flat profile and preferably a constant width and at least partially surrounds the respective concave region. Outwardly, the seam of a side surface is bounded by the respective lateral edges of the first, second, and third end faces, while inwardly (i.e., toward the center of the respective side surface), the seam preferably transitions continuously, i.e., in particular, without an abrupt step or 90° edge, into the concavely shaped region.

[0030] The seam serves to stiffen the body at its edges, creating stable edges or end faces that won't crack or break apart after even minimal use. Furthermore, the seam surrounding the concave area of a side surface encloses any accumulated or trapped grout in the concave area, allowing it to be removed from the body after use or at regular intervals. Because the seam seamlessly transitions into the concave area and there is no sharp edge, grout cannot settle and dry there, which would be difficult to remove.

[0031] In a further possible embodiment, the side surfaces in the region of the cutting edge are flatly beveled toward the latter, with the bevels forming the previously described tapers of the first or second and third end faces. The cutting edge and the aforementioned tapers of the end faces are thus formed in particular by the bevels extending from the two side surfaces toward the center of the body in the corner regions between the first or second and third end faces. The bevels can have a substantially triangular shape.

[0032] The two bevels and thus in particular the respective tapered lateral edges of the first or second and third end faces preferably form an acute angle (0° < α ≤ 90°) with each other.

[0033] In a further possible embodiment, the bevels extend from the cut edge into the concave regions of the side surfaces, i.e., the circumferential seam is interrupted by the respective bevel. As a result, in a plan view of the cut edge along the central plane of the panel, the upper and lower edges of the bevels that do not run parallel to the first or second and third end faces (i.e., the edges between the bevels and the concave regions) have a concave profile. The circumferential seam of each side surface is preferably interrupted only by the respective bevel and otherwise runs continuously around the concave region.

[0034] The concave shape of these upper and lower edges of the bevels results from the fact that the bevels extend into the concave areas of the side surfaces. These concave indentations in the bevels ensure that when joint material is removed using the additional cutting edge, the removed material can reach the concave areas of the side surfaces. These indentations in the bevels, which essentially act as "channels," allow excess joint material to flow more easily into the concave areas of the side surfaces.

[0035] In a further possible embodiment, the third end face has a flat profile at least in sections, in particular overall. Preferably, the third end face (or, in the case of an only partially flat profile of the third end face, the imaginary extension of this flat section) intersects the second or first end face at an obtuse angle.

[0036] In a further possible embodiment, it is provided that the third end face forms an acute angle with the first or second end face.

[0037] As a result, the projection arranged on the third end face is offset backwards or towards the center of the body relative to the corner or the transition between the first or second and the third end face with respect to a perpendicular to the first or second end face, so that the projection does not abut or get in the way when processing joints with a working edge other than the end section of the projection. Preferably, the transition between the first or second and the third end face is formed by the cutting edge described above. Due to the acute angle between the first or second and the third end face, joints can be processed with the cutting edge without the projection abutting one of the components.

[0038] Regardless of its shape, the third end face is preferably shorter than the first and / or second end face.

[0039] In another possible embodiment, the first and second end faces merge continuously into one another over a curved region, i.e., the transition or "corner" between the first and second end faces is not a sharp edge, but rather rounded. The curved region has a curvature with a smaller radius of curvature than the curvature of the second end face, i.e., the curved region is more curved than the second end face. The curved region can represent an end of the body opposite the third end face.

[0040] The continuous transition of the curvature from the small radius of curvature of the rounded corner to the larger radius of curvature of the curved second end face allows for a variable depth of the smoothed joint as desired. Thus, the second end face of the tool according to the invention can be used, for example, to create floor joints due to its comparatively large radius of curvature, while the more curved area or the rounded corner between the first and second end faces allows for the creation of smaller, rounded joints, such as bathroom or balcony joints.

[0041] The previously described projection on the third end face of the tool preferably has a curvature along the plane of the panel with a smaller radius of curvature than the curvature of the curved region between the first and second end faces, i.e., the rounded end section of the projection is preferably more curved parallel to the plane of the panel than said curved region. Rounded joints, such as bathroom or balcony joints, can also be created with the curved projection.

[0042] In a further possible embodiment, the body has an inner cavity which can be filled with air, for example. This makes it possible to design the tool according to the invention such that it floats in water and does not sink. This effect can also be achieved as an alternative to or in addition to a cavity filled with a gas or a liquid in that the body, which is made from a first material (e.g. a first thermoplastic or a first elastomer), has an inner region made from at least one second material (e.g. a second thermoplastic or a second elastomer) and at least partially encloses this. The use of a two-component injection molding is conceivable, for example.The different materials can be selected in such a way that the body structure is stable, elastic and allows for good joint processing, while at the same time the second material ensures the buoyancy of the tool.

[0043] Further features, details, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following exemplary embodiments explained with reference to the figures. They show: Figure 1: the tool according to the invention according to a first embodiment in a side view; Figure 2: the tool according to the invention according to a second embodiment in a side view; Figure 3: the tool according to Figure 1 in a plan view of the third end face; Figure 4: the tool according to Figure 2 in a plan view of the third end face; and Figure 5: a schematic sketch of the cutting edge of the tool according to the invention in a perspective plan view of the cutting edge.

[0044] In the Figure 1 a first embodiment of the tool 10 according to the invention is shown in a side view. The tool 10 comprises a substantially plate-shaped and substantially triangular body 12, which can be made of an elastic plastic such as a thermoplastic or an elastomer. The body 12 has a first end face 1 with a flat or straight profile, a second end face 2 with an arcuate, or more precisely, convexly curved profile, and a third end face 3 with a flat or straight profile. In the exemplary embodiment, the end faces 1, 2, 3 run perpendicular to the plate plane along which the body extends, and have a constant width perpendicular to the plate plane (except for the region of the bevels 30, which will be discussed further below).

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, the second end face 2 could also have a flat or straight profile, and the first end face 1 could have an arcuate or convexly curved profile. Furthermore, the third end face could be curved.

[0046] As exemplified in the Figure 3 which shows a plan view of the third end face 3, the end faces 1, 2, 3 are each limited by two lateral edges 6, which (except for the area of the bevels 30) run parallel to each other and in the embodiment of the Figures 1 and 3 define the maximum width of the tool 10.

[0047] The body 12 has two side surfaces, one of which is in the Figure 1shown in plan view. The side surfaces each have a concavely shaped region 14, which is surrounded outwardly toward the edges 6 of the end faces 1, 2, 3 by a flat seam 16 of preferably constant width. The seam 16 is interrupted only by bevels 30, as will be explained later.

[0048] The second end face 2 can have a constant curvature over its entire length, although a curve with varying curvature is also conceivable. The second end face 2 transitions continuously into the straight first end face 1 via a curved region 5, wherein the region 5 is more strongly curved than the second end face 2 and thus forms a rounded corner of the essentially triangular tool 10. It can be provided that the first end face 1 forms an acute angle with each tangent adjacent to the second end face 2 (outside the curved region 5).

[0049] Due to the first and second end faces 1, 2 which converge and end in the curved area 5, i.e. due to the shape of the body 12 which tapers towards the curved area 5, it is generally possible to process joints even in areas which are difficult to access.

[0050] At its end opposite the curved region 5, the second end face 2 borders on the third end face 3 and preferably forms an obtuse angle of, for example, 90-120° with the third end face at the transition. In a region in which the third end face 3 borders on the second end face 2, the third end face 3 has a projection 20 that projects outward from the third end face 3. The statement that the third end face 3 forms an obtuse angle with the second end face 2 at the transition refers to the imaginary extension of the third end face 3 through the projection 20 and neglects its course.

[0051] According to the invention, the projection 20 has a rounded end section 22, which allows for gentle processing of meeting joints in corner areas. In the embodiment of the Figures 1 and 3 The end section 22 has, in sections, essentially the shape of an ellipsoid, more precisely, essentially the shape of a hemisphere (as a special case of a (partial) ellipsoid). The end section 22 merges seamlessly or without edges into an intermediate section 24, which in the present embodiment has a conical shape with a circular cross-section and, starting from the end section 22, widens slightly towards the third end face 3 and merges into it. Figure 3 shows the projection 20 in a top view. In the Figure 1It can also be seen that the projection 20 borders continuously on the second end face 2 or merges into it. This prevents excess joint compound from accumulating and drying in the area of the projection 20.

[0052] Of course, other shapes of the projection are conceivable, which also allow reworking of joints in corner areas, for example projections with a cross-section in the form of a true ellipse or projections which, in plan view, are extended over a straight section in one direction (e.g. longitudinally or transversely to the lateral edges 6 of the third end face 3).

[0053] Another possibility for designing the projection 20 is in the Figures 2 and 4 shown using a second embodiment, wherein the Figure 2 a side view of the body 12 and the Figure 4shows a plan view of the third end face 3. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the shape of the projection 20, so the other features of the tool 10 will not be discussed again.

[0054] In the second embodiment, the projection 20 has the shape of a sphere, more precisely a flat, truncated sphere, the flat cut side of which borders the third end face 3. This description serves in particular for purely geometric illustration and says nothing about the manufacture of the tool 10. Preferably, the projection 20 is formed integrally with the body 12 (also in the first embodiment). In this case, the projection 20 essentially consists of the rounded end section 22, while no intermediate section 24 is provided. In the second embodiment shown here, less than half of the sphere is "truncated," so that the projection 20, at its widest point, protrudes beyond the edge between the second and third end faces 2, 3 as well as beyond the lateral edges 6 of the third end face 3.Of course, it is also conceivable to design the projection 20 as a hemisphere or as a sphere with a smaller volume than a hemisphere.

[0055] In both embodiments, the projections 20 are rotationally symmetrical, with the axis of rotation being perpendicular to the third end face 3.

[0056] In the Figures 1 and 2 It can be seen that in the embodiments shown here, the radius of curvature of the projection 20 parallel to the plate plane is smaller than the radius of curvature of the opposite curved region 5, so that different joint shapes or radii can be achieved.

[0057] In the area of the transition between the first end face 1 and the third end face 3, an additional working edge in the form of a cutting edge 4 is provided, which represents a clipped corner between the first and third end faces 1, 3 and extends continuously between these two end faces 1, 3.

[0058] In the exemplary embodiments discussed here, the third end face 3 forms an acute angle with the second end face 2, with the cutting edge 4 preferably forming an obtuse angle with both the first and the third end faces 1, 3. Furthermore, the cutting edge 4 has a linear profile.

[0059] The Figure 5shows a top view of the cutting edge 4, looking along the plane of the panel. The first and third end faces 1, 3 are visible, whose parallel lateral edges 6 each taper toward the center of the panel or converge at a preferably acute angle, thereby forming the cutting edge 4. The cutting edge 4 thus runs in a central plane of the panel, which divides the body 12 into two symmetrical halves.

[0060] As can be seen in the figures, the tapers of the first and third end faces 1, 3 and the cutting edge 4 are formed by the body 12 being bevelled on the side surfaces in the area of the corner or the transition between the first and third end faces 1, 3 from both sides towards the center of the panel. The essentially triangular bevels 30 begin on the respective side surface in the concave area 14 and meet at the cutting edge 4. Because the bevels 30 extend into the concave areas 14 of the side surfaces, the edges 32 between the flat bevels 30 and the concave areas 14 (in the Figure 5The upper and lower edges 32 (represented by dotted lines) also have a concave profile. The concave indentations of these edges 32 act as channels through which excess joint material can reach or "flow" into the concave areas 14 of the side surfaces when the joint compound is removed by means of the cutting edge 4.

[0061] The seam 16, which preferably does not merge over an edge but continuously into the concave region 14, is only interrupted by the bevels 30 and otherwise completely surrounds the concave region 14. List of reference symbols:

[0062] 1First end face 2Second end face 3Third end face 4Cutting edge 5Curved area 6Side edge 10Tool 12Body 14Concave area 16Seam 20Protrusion 22End section 24Intermediate section 30Bevel 32Edge

Claims

1. Tool (10) for finishing and smoothing joints filled with a joint compound, comprising a substantially plate-shaped body (12) with at least three end faces (1, 2, 3) preferably extending perpendicularly to the plane of the plate and / or each bounded by two lateral edges (6), of which a first end face (1) has a flat profile and a second end face (2) has a convex profile, wherein a projection (20) is arranged on a third of the three end faces (1, 2, 3), which projects from the third end face (3) and has a rounded end section (22), wherein the third end face (3) adjoins the first or second end face (2), characterised in that the projection (20) is arranged in a first region of the third end face (3) adjoining the first or second end face (2).

2. Tool (10) according to claim 1, wherein the projection merges continuously into the first or second end face (2) or projects beyond the first or second end face (2).

3. Tool (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the end section has a rounded shape both in a sectional plane that extends parallel to the plane of the plate and in a sectional plane that extends perpendicular to the plane of the plate.

4. Tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projection (20) and the body (12) are formed in one piece and preferably are made of an elastic plastic material, in particular thermoplastic or elastomer material.

5. Tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises three end faces and / or a substantially triangular shape overall.

6. Tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (12) comprises a cutting edge (4) that extends at an angle to the first or second end face (1) continuously between the first or second end face (1) and the third end face (3), and is formed in that the first or second and third end faces (1, 3) each taper from their two lateral edges (6) towards the centre, wherein the cutting edge (4) preferably extends in a central plane of the plate, which divides the body (12) into two equally sized and in particular symmetrical halves.

7. Tool (10) according to claim 6, wherein the first or second end face (1) tapers towards a first end point and the third end face (3) tapers towards a second end point, wherein the cutting edge (4) extends linearly between the first and second end points.

8. Tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (12) comprises two opposite side surfaces, which are each bounded by the lateral edges (6) of the first, second and third end faces (1, 2, 3) and are preferably designed identically.

9. Tool (10) according to claim 8, wherein the side surfaces each comprise a concave-shaped region (14), which is at least partially surrounded by a circumferential seam (16) with a flat profile and, in particular, a constant width, wherein the seam (16) is bounded outwardly by the lateral edges (6) of the first, second and third end faces (1, 2, 3) and preferably merges continuously on the inside into the concave-shaped region (14).

10. Tool (10) according to one of claims 6 to 7 and according to one of claims 8 to 9, wherein the side surfaces in the region of the cutting edge (4) are chamfered flat towards the cutting edge (4), wherein the chamfers (30) form the tapers of the first or second and third end faces (1, 3) and preferably enclose an acute angle with one another.

11. Tool (10) according to claims 9 and 10, wherein the chamfers (30) extend from the cutting edge (4) into the concave-shaped regions (14) of the respective side surfaces, so that in a top view of the cutting edge (4) along the centre plane of the plate, the upper and lower edges (30) of the chamfers (30), which do not extend parallel to the first or second and third end faces (1, 3), each have a concave profile.

12. Tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third end face (3) has a flat profile at least in sections, in particular overall, wherein preferably an imaginary extension of a flat section of the third end face (3) intersects the second or first end face (2) at an obtuse angle.

13. Tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third end face (3) forms an acute angle with the first or second end face (1).

14. Tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second end faces (1, 2) merge continuously into one another via a curved region (5), wherein the curved region (5) has a curvature with a smaller radius of curvature than a curvature of the second end face (2), wherein a curvature of the projection (20) along the plane of the plate has a smaller radius of curvature than the curvature of the curved region (5).

15. Tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body (12) has an inner cavity and / or is made of a first material that at least partially encloses an inner region made of a second material.

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