Tool assembly
Patent Information
- Application Number
- BR112022025151
- Authority / Receiving Office
- BR · BR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-01
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
/ 28 TOOL ASSEMBLY FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The subject matter of the present invention relates to a splitting adapter configured to perform splitting and grooving operations along a geometric Y-axis feed direction, as well as a holder configured to hold the same. The present invention also relates to a tool assembly comprising both the splitting adapter and the holder and a machining method with the tool assembly. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION
[002] The present application relates to split components and machining operations that use these components in a so-called geometric Y-axis feed direction, instead of a geometric X-axis direction.
[003] Such operations are described in patent publications no. US 2020 / 0009757, directed to the blade portions of the geometric Y axis, and document no. US 2019 / 0358710 directed to a machining method related to the same construction (hereinafter referred to as: “the said patent publications”).
[004] Known product publications targeting blade portions corresponding to those shown in the patent publications above are described in “Y-axis parting” by Sandvik Coromant (said publication displays an identifying footnote: “C-1040:194 en-GB © AB Sandvik Coromant 2017”; hereinafter in this document: “the Sandvik publication”) and “Parting Off in the Y-Axis” by Horn (said publication displays an identifying footnote: “INFO11.19DE, 09 / 2019, Printed in Germany”; hereinafter in this document: “the Horn publication”). It will be understood that these product publications are illustrative and should not be considered an exhaustive list of all catalog publications. Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 7 / 40 / 28 related to these products.
[005] Returning to the aforementioned patent publications, it is stated therein that there was a desire to reduce vibrations in traditional deep groove splitting and opening operations. Consequently, an alternative blade portion is proposed in which, to summarize, the blade portion is elongated basically in the same direction as a main clearance surface of a cutting insert mounted on the blade portion. In short, in the Sandvik Publication, the change is that the insert pocket is rotated 90 degrees.
[006] The present application also discussed such tools in document no. US 2019 / 0240741.
[007] The present application is not directed to the different designed blades discussed in the previous embodiments of said patent publications, but is directed to a so-called “splitting adapter” with a cutting portion and an adapter rod portion that defines a unique (non-variable) position of the adapter in a support similar to the type exemplified in the final embodiment of said patent publications (specifically Figures 16 to 18 in both publications) and as shown in Horn's publication.
[008] Similar to the publications mentioned above, a splitter adapter of the present invention is configured to be retained by said support which, in turn, comprises a support head portion and a support rod portion (also referred to as a “coupling portion” in said patent publications) configured to connect to a machine interface such as a turret or tool stop. The support rod portion may be of any type such as a rectangular or square cross-section rod (as shown in the drawings of the present application) or may be basically cylindrical or basically conical as to the types described in ISO 26623-1 or ISO 12164-3 (also Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 8 / 40 / 28 identified in the publications mentioned above).
[009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved geometric Y-axis splitting adapter, tool assembly including the same and method of operation thereof. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It has been observed that although the geometric Y-axis splitting tools described above can provide good vibration control, their installation is difficult.
[0011] While an X-axis geometric feed splitting adapter or splitting blade can be attached to a holder (which is attached to a machine interface) and a splitting operation can be initiated without any need to offset the tool assembly position (i.e., to adjust the settings to a non-zero cutting edge position; hereinafter referred to in this document as “offset”), with known Y-axis geometric tool assemblies, an offset is required along both the X and Y geometric axes.
[0012] Although machines with Y-axis feed machining capability are capable of providing both of these displacements, they were designed to reduce installation complexity by providing a single displacement tool assembly to reduce complexity for the user. Although the installation is more complex than the X-axis feed tool assembly which does not require any displacement, they can still provide the advantage of Y-axis stability (reduced vibration).
[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a tool assembly is provided comprising: a splitting adapter; a cutting insert attached to an insert pocket of the adapter. Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 9 / 40 / 28 division and comprises a more forward cutting edge; and a support comprising a portion of support rod which, in turn, comprises a more forward support rod surface and a cross-sectional shape of support rod; wherein: the cross-sectional shape of support rod is square or rectangular and the more forward cutting edge is directly above the more forward support rod surface; or the cross-sectional shape of support rod is round and the geometric axis of support rod extends to the more forward cutting edge.
[0014] In particular, for a square or rectangular support rod (which is the industry standard rod type), a more forward cutting edge must be aligned with a more forward support rod surface which will then only require the tool assembly to be offset in a single direction, if necessary, in the direction of the geometric X axis (i.e., which is a direction parallel to a direction of elongation of the support rod portion).
[0015] The alternative cross-sectional shape referred to as “round” is a simplified way of defining cross-sections of basically cylindrical or basically conical shanks as described in ISO 26623-1 or ISO 12164-3. It will be understood that this is also a standard shank type in the industry. For such shank types, a more forward cutting edge must be aligned with a central support shank geometric axis, which will then only require the tool assembly to be displaced in a single direction, if necessary, i.e., in the direction of the X-axis geometric axis.
[0016] The alternative option is the same concept, merely considering the two main rod types (i.e., with the alignment position being in the center of the round rod, or with the front of the square / rectangular rod) used. It will be understood that the word Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 10 / 40 / 28 “round” extends to different types of rods (for example, in Horn’s publication the known types, including their sizes, are titled “C6” on page 6 and “HSKT63” on page 7), but, put another way, it essentially means that the alignment position is along the center of the rods.
[0017] Advantages of the various aspects are discussed below, after the aspects are indicated.
[0018] The first aspect is written concisely without defining features, such as reference directions, that are understood by a person skilled in the art. For the sake of completeness, more specifically, according to a second aspect of the present invention, a tool assembly is provided comprising: a splitting adapter; a cutting insert; and a holder; the splitting adapter comprises: a cutting portion; and an adapter rod portion connected to the cutting portion; wherein the cutting portion comprises: first and second opposite sides; and a peripheral edge connecting the first and second sides; the peripheral edge comprising: opposite front and rear sub-edges; and an upper sub-edge connecting the front and rear sub-edges; the first and second sides defining a first lateral direction directed from the first side towards the second side and a second lateral direction opposite to the first lateral direction;A forward direction is defined perpendicular to the first and second lateral directions and directed from the rear sub-edge towards the front sub-edge, and a backward direction is defined opposite to the forward direction; an upward direction is defined perpendicular to both the first and second lateral directions and to the forward and backward directions, and is directed from the adapter rod portion towards the cutting portion; a downward direction is defined opposite to the upward direction; wherein the cutting portion further comprises: an insert pocket formed at an intersection of the front and top sub-edges; Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 11 / 40 / 28 the insert pocket comprises: a base jaw comprising a forward base jaw surface; a second jaw at least partially located above the base support jaw; and a slotted end connecting the base jaw and the second jaw; the adapter rod portion comprises: an adapter holding arrangement; the cutting insert is attached to the insert pocket and comprises: an insert base surface that abuts the base jaw; an upward-facing inclined surface located above the insert base surface; a second insert interface that abuts the second jaw; a forward clearance surface extending downward from the inclined surface; and a forward cutting edge formed at an intersection of the inclined surface and the forward clearance surface; the support comprises: a support head portion;and a support rod portion connected to the support head portion; the support head portion comprises: an adapter pocket to which the adapter rod portion is attached; the support rod portion comprises: a geometric axis of support rod extending through the center of the support rod and extending parallel to the upward and downward directions; a cross-sectional shape of support rod extending perpendicular to the geometric axis of support rod and being either (a) square or rectangular or (b) round; a forward support rod surface; and an imaginary line extending upward from the forward support rod surface; wherein: the cross-sectional shape of support rod is square or rectangular and the forward cut edge is directly above the forward support rod surface;Or the cross-sectional shape of the support rod is round, and the geometric axis of the support rod extends to the cutting edge furthest forward.
[0019] The second aspect has the same advantages as the first. Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 12 / 40 / 28 aspect.
[0020] Although the standard definition related to displacement is as described above in connection with a cutting insert in the first and second aspects, an alternative definition of the present invention can be made without a cutting insert.
[0021] Consequently, a third aspect of the present invention provides a tool assembly comprising: a splitting adapter; and a support comprising a support rod portion which, in turn, comprises a forward support rod surface, an imaginary line extending upwards from the forward support rod surface, and a cross-sectional shape of the support rod; the splitting adapter comprising an insert pocket which, in turn, comprises: a base jaw comprising a forward base jaw surface; and a second jaw connected to the base jaw via a slotted end; wherein: the cross-sectional shape of the support rod is square or rectangular and the forward base jaw surface is within a tolerance distance DT of 2 mm from the imaginary line;or the cross-sectional shape of the support rod is round and the most forward base jaw surface is within a tolerance distance DT of 2 mm from the geometric axis of the support rod.
[0022] The third aspect is written concisely without defining features, such as reference directions, which are understood by a person skilled in the art. For the sake of completeness, more specifically, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a tool assembly is provided comprising: a splitting adapter; and a support; the splitting adapter comprises: a cutting portion; and an adapter rod portion connected to the cutting portion; wherein the cutting portion comprises: first and second opposite sides; and a peripheral edge; Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 13 / 40 / 28 connecting the first and second sides; wherein the peripheral edge comprises: opposite front and rear sub-edges; and an upper sub-edge connecting the front and rear sub-edges; the first and second sides defining a first lateral direction directed from the first side towards the second side and a second lateral direction opposite to the first lateral direction; a forward direction is defined perpendicular to the first and second lateral directions and directed from the rear sub-edge towards the front sub-edge, and a backward direction opposite to the forward direction; an upward direction is defined perpendicular to both the first and second lateral directions and to the forward and backward directions, and is directed from the adapter rod portion towards the cutting portion; a downward direction is defined opposite to the upward direction;wherein the cutting portion further comprises: an insert pocket formed at an intersection of the front and top sub-edges; the insert pocket comprises: a base jaw comprising a more forward base jaw surface; a second jaw at least partially located above the base support jaw; and a slotted end connecting the base jaw and the second jaw; the adapter rod portion comprises: an adapter holding arrangement; the support comprises: a support head portion; and a support rod portion connected to the support head portion; the support head portion comprises: an adapter pocket to which the adapter rod portion is attached; the support rod portion comprises: a geometric axis of support rod extending through the center of the support rod and extending parallel to the upward and downward directions;a cross-sectional shape of support rod extending perpendicular to the geometric axis of support rod and that is either (a) square or rectangular or (b) round; a support rod surface further forward; and an imaginary line extending upward from the surface of; Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 14 / 40 / 28 support rod further forward; wherein: the cross-sectional shape of the support rod is square or rectangular and the further forward base jaw surface is within a tolerance distance DT of 2 mm from the imaginary line; or the cross-sectional shape of the support rod is round and the further forward base jaw surface is within a tolerance distance DT of 2 mm in relation to the geometric axis of the support rod.
[0023] Preferably, the tolerance distance DT is less than 1 mm, more preferably less than 0.5 mm.
[0024] A preferred split adapter that could be used in the above tool assembly aspects will now be described. However, it will be understood that it is only a preference since the tool assembly aspects and method aspect mentioned below are independently advantageous in relation to the previous technique, even without the features mentioned in the split adapter aspects below.
[0025] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a splitting adapter is provided comprising: a blade region defined by having a blade portion thickness equal to a minimum thickness of a cutting portion of the splitting adapter, wherein the blade region has: a maximum height HM measurable in parallel to the upward and downward directions and from a lower blade region point to a higher blade region point; a maximum width WM measurable in parallel to the forward and backward directions and from a more forward blade region point to a more backward blade region point; wherein: the maximum width WM and the maximum height HM satisfy the condition: WM > HM.
[0026] In particular, in contradiction to the publications mentioned above, the splitter adapter defined above has a maximum width greater than its maximum height. This may allow a Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 15 / 40 / 28 smaller overhang and depth of cut, but provides better stability due to the force applied to the cutting insert and subsequently to the insert pocket during machining. However, there is a significant limit to the extent of width that can be provided as described below.
[0027] The fifth aspect is written in a concise manner without defining resources, such as reference directions, which are understood by the person versed in the technique.
[0028] For the sake of completeness, more specifically, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a splitting adapter is provided comprising: a cutting portion; and an adapter rod portion connected to the cutting portion; wherein the cutting portion comprises: first and second opposite sides; and a peripheral edge connecting to the first and second sides; wherein the peripheral edge comprises: opposite front and rear sub-edges; and an upper sub-edge connecting the front and rear sub-edges; the first and second sides defining a first lateral direction directed from the first side towards the second side and a second lateral direction opposite to the first lateral direction; a forward direction is defined perpendicular to the first and second lateral directions and directed from the rear sub-edge towards the front sub-edge, and a backward direction opposite to the forward direction;An upward direction is defined perpendicular to both the first and second lateral directions and to the forward and backward directions, and is directed from the adapter rod portion towards the cutting portion; a downward direction is defined opposite to the upward direction; wherein the cutting portion further comprises: an insert pocket formed at an intersection of the front and top subedges; a blade portion thickness measured parallel to the first and second sides in the insert pocket; and a blade region defined by having a thickness corresponding to the blade portion thickness; wherein the blade region has: a maximum height HM; Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 16 / 40 / 28 measurable in parallel to the upward and downward directions and from a point in the lower blade region to a point in the higher blade region; a maximum width WM measurable in parallel to the forward and backward directions and from a point in the more forward blade region to a point in the more backward blade region; wherein: the maximum width WM and the maximum height HM meet the condition: WM > HM.
[0029] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, a tool assembly is provided having a longitudinal geometric axis that establishes opposite upward and downward directions; a lateral geometric axis that intersects and is perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis, with the lateral geometric axis establishing opposite forward and backward directions, respectively;and a geometric axis of thickness that intersects and is perpendicular to both the longitudinal geometric axis and the lateral geometric axis, the geometric axis of thickness establishing first and second opposite lateral directions, respectively, the tool assembly comprises: a support comprising a support rod having a geometric axis of support rod extending along a center of the support rod, the geometric axis of support rod being coincident with the longitudinal geometric axis, the support rod comprising a forward support rod surface that is forward in the forward direction; and a support head connected to the support rod and extending forward from it along the longitudinal geometric axis, the support head comprising an adapter pocket facing the first lateral direction;and a split adapter attached to the adapter pack of the support head, wherein the split adapter comprises: an adapter rod having an adapter holding arrangement through which the split adapter is attached to the adapter pocket of the support head; and an adapter cutting portion connected to the adapter rod, and comprising: first and second sides; Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 17 / 40 / 28 facing opposite first and second lateral directions, respectively; a peripheral edge connecting the first and second sides, the peripheral edge comprising front and rear sub-edges separated from each other along the lateral geometric axis and an upper sub-edge connecting the front and rear sub-edges; and an insert pocket formed at an intersection of the front and upper sub-edges, the insert pocket comprising: a base jaw comprising a more forward base jaw surface; a second jaw at least partially located above the base support jaw; and a slotted end connecting the base jaw and the second jaw;wherein: in a plan view of the tool assembly: an imaginary line extending parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis, from the forwardmost support rod surface, through at least a portion of the support head and passing through the split adapter in the upward direction, passes within a tolerance distance DT of 2 mm from the forwardmost base jaw surface.
[0030] The tool assembly may further comprise a cutting insert held in the split adapter insert pocket and comprises: an insert base surface abutting the base jaw; a second insert interface abutting the second jaw; an upward-facing inclined surface forward of the insert base surface; a forward clearance surface extending downward from the inclined surface;and a more forward cutting edge formed at an intersection of the inclined surface and the more forward clearance surface.
[0031] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a splitting method is provided in a geometric Y-axis feed direction comprising the steps of: (a) attach a splitter adapter to a support comprising an elongated rod; Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 18 / 40 / 28 (b) before or after step (a) attaching the support to a machining interface; (c) configure an offset only in one geometric X-axis direction, defined as a direction parallel to the elongated support rod; and (d) subsequent to step (c), move the splitting adapter, relative to a rotating part, in the geometric Y-axis direction, defined as a direction perpendicular to the geometric X-axis direction, to separate the part.
[0032] The above method is preferably performed using a split adapter or tool assembly defined in the previous aspects.
[0033] It will be understood that the said method is on the one hand more complicated than a normal splitting method in the X geometric axis feed direction, but is simpler than the splitting method in the Y geometric axis feed direction currently known.
[0034] Advantages compared to the previous technique will now be discussed.
[0035] Without adhering to theory, it is considered that the known prior art Y-axis geometric feed blades and split adapters were not designed with the above advantageous alignment for at least the following reasons. The first reason is that the force arrangement in the prior art appears more logical with the cutting edge being forward of the more forward support rod surface or center support rod geometric axis (depending on the type of rod used). This is because the machining forces are not in the exact Y-axis direction (downward), but in the downward and backward (oblique) direction, as shown in Figure 6 of the aforementioned document no. US 2019 / 0240741.
[0036] Since the overall purpose of the previous technique is to improve the Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 19 / 40 / 28 stability, it is logical to have the cutting force downwards and backwards directed as much as possible to the area where the machining interface is attached to a support. Moving the cutting edge backwards is estimated to increase vibrations from the tool assembly.
[0037] Consequently, the present invention takes into account a sacrifice of some stability in exchange for a different benefit of ease of installation.
[0038] A second reason is that it would probably not be beneficial for a single displacement to be simpler for an operator than two displacements (since a displacement always needs to be performed in every case, however the present inventor believes that such a benefit, nevertheless, may be more preferable than a slight amount of additional stability.
[0039] Furthermore, as further defined in the split adapter aspects (such aspects being evidently available for use in the tool assembly aspects), the height of the split adapter is preferably less than the height of the elongated (tall and thin) split blades and known adapters. Therefore, although this reduces the overall overhang (and thus the depth of cut capability), the main cutting forces are directed towards the machine interface rather than in the case where the cutting edge would be further away upwards from the machine interface.
[0040] Yet a second advantage of reducing said height relative to said width is that it also provides additional stability to the unsupported cutting portion of the split adapter (i.e., the portion not attached to the support and therefore susceptible to bending).
[0041] Without delving into theory, it is believed that it is preferable for the blades and splitter adapters of the prior art to be thinner and longer to provide a more advantageous depth of cut, and that the Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 20 / 40 / 28 The stability of said tools is already provided by the advantage of machining in the feed direction of the geometric Y axis, which already directs the machining force towards the machine interface.
[0042] However, there is a limit as to how much the splitting adapter of the present application can be enlarged, since such tools are preferably designed (in an end view thereof) to remain within a circumscribed circle of a desired dimension (see, for example, Horn's publication, page 6, which shows a circumscribed circle of 104 mm in diameter in such a view). A known reason for this size limit is that automatic tool change systems may change the tool assembly being used for another in the system. If said size is exceeded, the tool assemblies may collide with each other.
[0043] Consequently, the tools of the prior art cannot be conceived as possibly being wider than they are, or with a cutting edge displaced further back than it is (since, to compensate for stability, the blade portion still needs a certain amount of material behind it to achieve stability).
[0044] With the above limitations in mind, preferred maximum height-to-width ratios are provided for the present invention, which was intended to benefit from greater stability and, in preferred embodiments, to be compatible with known automatic tool change systems.
[0045] Consequently, some preferred features according to any of the modalities are as follows.
[0046] Preferably, the maximum width WM and the maximum height HM meet the condition: WM > 1.05 HM, preferably WM > 1.10 HM. However, for the reasons given above, it is preferable that the maximum width Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, p. 21 / 40 / 28 WM and the maximum height HM meet the condition: WM < 1.30 HM, preferably WM > 1.20 HM.
[0047] Preferably, a splitter adapter further comprises a reinforcement region having a reinforcement thickness measured parallel to the blade portion thickness and which is greater than the blade portion thickness. This can enhance the stability of the cutting portion of the splitter adapter that is not attached to the support.
[0048] Although such reinforcement-like portions are known, the known prior art is not characterized by providing high reinforcement portions. In the present invention, it is preferable that the reinforcement region extends upwards by a reinforcement portion height HR from the lowest blade region point; and the reinforcement portion height HR and the maximum height HM meet the condition: HR > 0.5 HM, preferably HR > 0.65 HM and even more preferably HR > 0.75 HM.
[0049] However, despite the fact that such a reinforcing portion adds stability, it is still preferable in some embodiments that it does not extend the entire height of the cutting portion. Consequently, it is preferable that the split adapter meets the condition: HR < HM, preferably HR < 0.95 HM.
[0050] Preferably, a second insert pocket jaw is located entirely behind the base jaw. Alternatively or additionally, the second insert pocket jaw and base jaw extend adjacent to each other in a direction parallel to the up and down directions.
[0051] It will be understood that the Y-axis geometric feed blades and split adapters of the prior art have a second jaw that extends over the base jaw thereof. Consequently, the slotted end (and more importantly the elastic groove) extends behind the base jaw and the second jaw. Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 22 / 40 / 28. This means that the splitting blade or adapter needs to extend a comparatively greater distance behind the insert pocket (i.e., behind the slit end) to provide the same structural stability as a splitting adapter with the insert pocket defined in the previous paragraph. Consequently, this is yet another reason why prior art splitting blades and adapters were designed with cutting edges further forward relative to the position defined in the present invention (also considering the size constraints observed with reference to the circumscription circle mentioned above).
[0052] For similar reasons, it is preferable that a splitter adapter according to the present invention comprise only a single insert pocket.
[0053] Although a non-elongated cut portion is considered beneficial for some embodiments, as mentioned above, it is preferable that the overall shape of the insert adapter be elongated when measured parallel to the up and down direction.
[0054] To elaborate, by providing the present two-component solution (i.e., a splitting adapter attached to a holder, the holder, in turn, configured to be attached to a machining interface) instead of the three-component solution shown in document no. US 2019 / 0240741 (i.e., a splitting blade attached to a holder, the holder, in turn, attached to an additional holder, the additional holder configured to be attached to a machining interface) this further assists in preventing exceeding the surrounding circular size restriction shown in Figure 1A and also reduces the length of the protrusion from the machining interface.
[0055] It is preferable that the insert pockets of the present invention be of the resilient type (i.e., without screws) exemplified.
[0056] Although an adapter fastening arrangement of adapter Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 23 / 40 / 28. While the splitting mechanism may have different constructions, such as tapered edges similar to a splitting blade, it is preferable that the adapter fastening arrangement comprise at least one screw hole for at least one screw to secure it to a support. This additionally provides the desired ease of installation discussed above (in place of the sliding variable depth blades of the prior art).
[0057] Several of the above features are described with words such as “further forward”. It will be understood that “further forward” in the present application means that in relation to the rest of the component (e.g., the splitter adapter) said feature is further forward in the direction forward. It will be understood that all directions given for feature reference are relative to each other and do not have an absolute meaning relative to the ground. Similarly, it will be understood that although directions may have been optionally chosen to be defined relative to a particular component such as a splitter adapter, they could be similarly defined relative to a tool holder or mount.
[0058] Finally, as is known in the art, an inclined surface is the surface over which machined chips are to flow and a clearance surface is typically designed to be recessed from a cutting edge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0059] For a better understanding of the subject matter of this application and to show how it can be carried out in practice, reference will now be made to the attached drawings, in which: Figure 1A is a top view of a tool assembly according to the present invention; Figure 1B is a first-side, or "plan" view of the tool assembly in Figure 1A, and additionally shows the assembly. Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 24 / 40 / 28 of a tool connected to a schematic machine interface as well as a schematic part; Figure 1C is a front view of a tool assembly in Figure 1A; Figure 1D is a second-side view of the tool assembly in Figure 1A; Figure 1E is a bottom view of the tool assembly in Figure 1A; Figure 2A is a top view of a support shown in Figure 1A; Figure 2B is a rear view of the support in Figure 2A; Figure 2C is a first side, or "plan" view, of the support in Figure 2A, corresponding to the first side view of Figure 1B; Figure 2D is a front view of the support in Figure 2A; Figure 2E is a bottom view of the support in Figure 2A; Figure 3A is a top view of a dividing blade shown in Figure 1A; Figure 3B is a rear view of the dividing blade shown in Figure 3A; Figure 3C is a first side, or "plan" view, of the dividing blade shown in Figure 3A, corresponding to the first side view of Figure 1B; Figure 3D is a front view of the dividing blade shown in Figure 3A; and Figure 3E is a bottom view of the dividing blade shown in Figure 3A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0060] With reference to Figures 1A to 1E, a tool assembly 10 is shown, the tool assembly 10 comprises a Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, p. 25 / 40 / 28 support 12, a splitting adapter 14 attached to support 12, and a cutting insert 16 attached to splitting adapter 14. As seen in Figures 1B and 1C, tool assembly 10 has a longitudinal geometric axis A1 that stabilizes opposite upward and downward directions DU, DD; a lateral geometric axis A2 that intersects and is perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis A1, with the lateral geometric axis A2 establishing opposite forward and backward directions DF, DR, respectively; and a thickness geometric axis A3 that intersects and is perpendicular to both the longitudinal geometric axis A1 and the lateral geometric axis A2, with the thickness geometric axis A3 establishing first and second opposite lateral directions DS1, DS2, respectively. As shown in Figures 2B-2D, these same geometric axes A1, A2, A3 and directions also belong to support 12.e
[0061] With particular reference to the plan view of the tool assembly 10 shown in Figure 1B, the holder 12 is shown attached to a schematic machine interface 18 shown in dashed line and is positioned close to a schematic cylindrical rotating workpiece 20, also shown in dashed line.
[0062] For clarity, the figures show a forward direction DF, a backward direction DR, an upward direction DU, a downward direction DD, a first lateral direction DS1 and a safety lateral direction DS2.
[0063] As will be understood from Figure 1B, which shows the tool 10 assembly in relation to the machine interface 18, the upward direction DU also constitutes a geometric axis direction X, which is parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis A1.
[0064] As will also be understood from Figure 1B, which shows the tool 10 assembly in relation to the workpiece 20, the forward direction DF also constitutes a geometric axis feed direction. Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 26 / 40 / 28 Y, which is parallel to the lateral geometric axis A2.
[0065] Returning to the remainder of Figures 1A to 1E, the cutting insert 16 comprises: an inclined surface 22 and an opposite insert base surface 24, a forward clearance surface 26A extending downwards (as well as slightly inwards) from the inclined surface 22 and an opposite insert back surface 28, opposite side clearance surfaces 26B, 26C extending downwards (as well as slightly inwards) from the inclined surface 22, a forward cutting edge 30A formed at an intersection of the inclined surface 22 and the forward clearance surface 26A and having a maximum insert thickness TI; and side cutting edges 30B, 30C connected to the forward cutting edge 30A and formed at an intersection of the inclined surface 22 and the side clearance surfaces 26B, 26C. Document No. US20070086864A1 discloses an exemplary cutting insert that has a basic format described above.
[0066] Preferably, the inclined surface 22 comprises a chip-forming arrangement 23.
[0067] With reference also to Figures 2A to 2E, support 12 comprises a support head portion 32 and a support rod portion 34.
[0068] The support head portion 32 comprises an adapter pocket 36, a plurality of coolant outlets 38A, 38B, 38C, and a plurality of threaded screw holes 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D.
[0069] It is important to note a lower head contact surface 42, which is preferably contiguous to the machine interface 18 (not shown).
[0070] The support head portion 32 comprises a concave front support surface 44 that is concavely curved in the upward direction DU. The concave front support surface 44 is useful when the Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 27 / 40 / 28. Support 12 is used with a standard split adapter (not shown) in a machining operation along an X-axis geometric feed direction, but is optional for the present invention. However, such a feature is preferred as it allows a single adapter to be used for both the X-axis geometric feed direction and the Y-axis geometric feed direction.
[0071] Figure 2C is a plan view of support 12 and shows details of adapter pocket 36. Adapter pocket 36 opens in the direction of the first lateral direction DS1 (as well as in the forward direction DF and in the upward direction DU) and comprises a base adapter pocket 46 facing said first lateral direction DS1, and a wall projecting from the pocket 48 that extends from the same in the first lateral direction DS1.
[0072] The wall projecting from pocket 48 may comprise a lower contact surface of adapter pocket 48A, a first rear contact surface of pocket 48B, and a second rear contact surface of pocket 48C.
[0073] The support rod portion 34 comprises a plurality of refrigerant inlets 50A, 50B and, as best seen in Figure 2E, a square cross-sectional shape 52. The square cross-sectional shape 52 is formed by a forwardmost rod surface 52A facing forward DF, a backwardmost rod surface 52B facing backward DR and first and second rod surfaces 52C, 52D facing opposite first and second lateral directions DS1, DS2, respectively. The forwardmost rod surface 52A extends along the longitudinal geometric axis A1 and is parallel to it.
[0074] The support rod portion 34 additionally has a geometric axis of support rod AS that extends in the upward and downward directions DU, DD parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis A1. In the figures, the geometric axis of support rod AS is shown to be Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, p. 28 / 40 / 28 coinciding with the longitudinal geometric axis A1. The geometric axis of the support rod AS represents the center of the support rod portion 34, both in the case of a rod that has a square or rectangular cross-section, and also in the case of a rod that has a round (circular) cross-section.
[0075] As shown in the plan view of the tool assembly (Figure 1B), an imaginary line LI extends upward DU, parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis A1, from the forwardmost support rod surface 52A to the forwardmost cutting edge 30A. Since the position of the support rod portion 34 is established from its connection with the machine interface 18, the position of the forwardmost cutting edge 30A is similarly known and does not require any offset input. The only calibration required is in the upward and downward DU, DD directions to ensure that the forwardmost cutting edge 30A is aligned with a workpiece center point WC as schematically shown by the imaginary workpiece line WL extending parallel forward and backward DF, DR directions from the WC center point to the forwardmost cutting edge 30A.
[0076] Even without the imaginary line LI, which is a useful explanatory aid, as shown in the side view of Figure 1B, it is understood that the most forward cutting edge 30A is directly above (i.e., in an upward direction DU parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis A1 of the support rod portion 34) the most forward support rod surface 52A.
[0077] With reference now also to Figures 3A to 3E, the split adapter 14 comprises a cutting portion 54 and an adapter rod portion 56. For reasons explained below, the cutting portion 54 does not include the first adapter screw hole 58 seen in Figure 3B, although it can be inferred from the designation '54' in Figure 3D that it is. Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, p. 29 / 40 / 28 included.
[0078] The cutting portion 54 comprises first and second opposite sides 60A, 60B, and a peripheral edge 62. In the assembled tool, the first side 60A faces the first lateral direction DS1, and the second side 60A faces the second lateral direction DS2.
[0079] The peripheral edge 62 comprises opposite front and rear sub-edges 62A, 62B and an upper sub-edge 62C.
[0080] Cutting portion 54 additionally comprises an insert pocket 64.
[0081] Cutting portion 54 has a blade portion thickness TB measured parallel to the first and second lateral directions DS1, DS2 (i.e., along the geometric thickness axis A3) in the insert pocket.
[0082] The blade portion thickness TB is thinner than a maximum insert thickness TI (shown in Figure 1C).
[0083] A blade region 66 is defined as any region of the cutting portion of the split adapter 54 that has blade portion thickness TB. It will be understood that any portion of the cutting portion 54 that is not thinner than the maximum insert thickness TI will limit the depth of cut to which the split adapter 14 is adapted, since such a portion cannot enter the workpiece 20.
[0084] In the example provided, the split adapter 14 preferably additionally comprises a reinforcement region 68 defined by a reinforcement thickness TR.
[0085] With particular reference to Figure 1D, the reinforcement region 68 comprises a concave edge 70 that emerges into the blade region 66. The concave edge 70 defines a maximum cutting depth of the split adapter 14.
[0086] Blade region 66 has a maximum measurable height HM from a lower blade region point 72 to a Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 30 / 40 / 28 point of region of highest blade 74.
[0087] The reinforcement region 68 extends upwards DU to a reinforcement portion height HR from a lower blade region point 72.
[0088] In the example given, reinforcement region 68 does not extend to the highest blade region point 74 and therefore the reinforcement portion height HR is measured to a highest reinforcement portion point 76.
[0089] Due to exhaustiveness, blade region 66 additionally comprises a maximum measurable width WM from a point in the most forward blade region 80 to a point in the most rearward blade region 82.
[0090] Since the split adapter 14 cannot in any case enter a part beyond the concave edge 70, it will be understood that the first adapter screw hole 58 (which is hidden in Figure 1D, but whose position is shown schematically by arrow 78) is not part of the cutting portion 54, but part of the adapter rod portion 56.
[0091] The adapter rod portion 56 further comprises an adapter fastening arrangement 81 which in turn comprises said first adapter screw hole 58 and second, third and fourth adapter screw holes 84, 86, 88 through which screws (not shown) extend to fasten the split adapter 14 to the threaded screw holes of the bracket 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D.
[0092] Additionally, the adapter rod portion 56 further comprises an adapter rod edge 90 comprising a lower contact surface of adapter edge 90A, a first rear contact surface of adapter edge 90B, and a second rear contact surface of adapter edge 90C.
[0093] During assembly, the lower contact surface of the 48A adapter pocket is contiguous with the lower contact surface of the edge of Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 31 / 40 / 28 adapter 90A, the first rear pocket contact surface of adapter 48B is contiguous with the first rear edge contact surface of adapter 90B, and the second rear pocket contact surface of adapter 48C is contiguous with the rear edge contact surface of adapter 90C. This is the ideal situation, however, in practice, it may be that only one of the first rear pocket contact surfaces of adapter 48B and the second rear pocket contact surfaces of adapter 48C comes into contact with the split adapter 14.
[0094] The insert pocket 64 comprises a base jaw 92, a second jaw 94 and a slot end 95. The second jaw 94, in this non-limiting example, is located behind the base jaw 92 along the lateral geometric axis A2, and thus may be considered a rear jaw 94.
[0095] A geometric axis of the central insert pocket AC extends halfway between the base jaw 92 and the second jaw 94. In the assembled tool, the geometric axis of the central insert pocket AC extends in the upward and downward directions DU, DD, generally parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis A1. Consequently, since the insert pocket 64 is different from a more common alternative insert pocket type (not shown) that extends basically in the forward and backward directions DF, DR, the largest dimension of the present insert pocket 64 is small compared to said alternative insert pockets that have a second jaw extending over the base jaw (not shown).
[0096] Extending downward DD from base jaw 92 is a more forward base jaw surface 96.
[0097] With particular reference to the plan views shown in Figures 1B and 3C, cutting insert 16 is attached to insert pocket 64. More specifically, the only points of contact between cutting insert 16 and insert pocket 64 are: the insert base surface 24 which is contiguous to Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 32 / 40 / 28 base jaw 92, and the second insert interface 28 which is contiguous to the second jaw 94.
[0098] As observed in the plan view of tool assembly 10 in Figure 1B, the imaginary line L1 extends parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis A1, from the forwardmost support rod surface 52A, along at least a portion of the support head 32 and passes through the split adapter 14 in the upward direction DU, as it passes within a tolerance distance DT of 2 mm from the forwardmost base jaw surface 96. Put more simply, the forwardmost base jaw surface 96 is within a tolerance distance DT (Figure 1B) from the imaginary line LI.
[0099] With regard to the advantages and disadvantages of the 14 split adapter format, to explain the schematic elements (cutting force direction FC and machining interface 20) shown in Figure 1B: as shown, the cutting force FC is more in the downward direction DD than in the backward direction DR.
[00100] However, to reduce vibrations, it would be preferable if the direction of said cutting force FC, shown with the imaginary force extension line LF, were directed more in the direction in which the support 12 is retained by the machine interface 18, so that the more rigid machining interface 18 would resist the vibration of the support 12 more efficiently.
[00101] It will be understood that if the split adapter 14 were longer (and therefore the cutting insert were further away from the machine interface), in the present invention where the insert pocket 64 and / or cutting insert 16 is further back than known through the prior art, the imaginary force extension line LF would be separated from where the support is retained by the machine interface 18. Therefore, the shape of the present split adapter 14 somehow compensates for the disadvantage of the insert pocket 64 and / or cutting insert 16 being relatively further back. Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, page 33 / 40 / 28
[00102] Although the wide 14-split adapter exemplified may provide advantageous structural strength, it is preferable that it does not exceed a surrounding circle C (Figure 1A) of the support 12 in the end view of the tool assembly shown in Figure 1A. This may be advantageous for maintaining a compact structure for tool change purposes. For a similar reason (i.e., tool change purposes), it is preferable that the entire 14-split adapter be elongated. Petition 870240039863, dated 10 / 05 / 2024, pages 34 / 40
Claims
1 / 5 CLAIMS 1. Tool assembly (10), comprising: a splitting adapter (14); a cutting insert (16); and a holder (12); the splitting adapter (14) comprising: a cutting portion (54); and an adapter rod portion (56) connected to the cutting portion (54); the cutting portion (54) comprising: opposite first and second sides (60A, 60B); and a peripheral edge (62) connecting the first and second sides (60A, 60B); the peripheral edge (62) comprising: opposite front and rear sub-edges (62A, 62B); and an upper sub-edge (62C) connecting to those front and rear sub-edges (62A, 62B); the first and second sides (60A, 60B) defining a first lateral direction (DS1) directed from the first side (60A) towards the second side (60B) and a second lateral direction (DS2) opposite to that first lateral direction (DS1);A forward direction (DF) is defined perpendicular to the first and second lateral directions (DS1, DS2) and directed from the rear sub-edge (62B) towards the front sub-edge (62A), and a backward direction (DR) is defined opposite to that forward direction (DF); an upward direction (DU) is defined perpendicular to both the first and second lateral directions (DS1, DS2) and to the forward and backward directions (DF, DR), and it is directed from the adapter rod portion (56) towards that cutting portion (54); Petition 870260029138, dated 03 / 27 / 2026, page 10 / 49 2 / 5 a downward direction (DD) is defined opposite to the upward direction (DU); the cutting portion (54) further comprises: an insert pocket (64) formed at an intersection of the front and top sub-edges (62A, 62C); the insert pocket (64) comprises: a base jaw (92) comprising a further forward base jaw surface (96);a second jaw (94) located at least partially above the base jaw (92); and a slotted end (95) connecting to the base jaw (92) and the second jaw (94); the adapter rod portion (56) comprising: an adapter holding arrangement (81); the cutting insert (16) is attached to the insert pocket (64) and it comprises: an insert base surface (24) abutting the base jaw (92); an upward-facing inclined surface (22) located above the insert base surface (24); a second insert surface (28) abutting the second jaw (94); a forward clearance surface (26A) extending downward from the inclined surface (22); and a forward cutting edge (30A) formed at an intersection of the inclined surface (22) and the forward clearance surface (26A); the support (12) comprising: a support head portion (32);and Petition 870260029138, dated 03 / 27 / 2026, page 11 / 49 3 / 5 a support rod portion (34) connected to that support head portion (32); the support head portion (32) comprising: an adapter pocket (36) to which that adapter rod portion is attached; the support rod portion (34) comprising: a geometric axis of support rod (AS) extending through the center of the support rod portion (34) and extending parallel to the upward and downward directions (DU, DD); a cross-sectional shape of support rod (52) extending perpendicular to the geometric axis of support rod (AS) and being either (a) square or rectangular or (b) round; a forward support rod surface (52A); and characterized by the fact that: an imaginary line (LI) extends upwards (DU) from the forwardmost support rod surface (52A);wherein: that cross-sectional shape of the support rod (52) is square or rectangular and that forwardmost cutting edge (30A) is directly above the forwardmost support rod surface (52A); or that cross-sectional shape of the support rod (52) is round and the geometric axis of the support rod (AS) extends towards the forwardmost cutting edge (30A).
2. Tool assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cross-sectional shape of the support rod (52) is square or rectangular and the forwardmost base jaw surface (96) is within a tolerance distance DT of 2 mm from the imaginary line (LI); or the cross-sectional shape of the support rod (52) is round and the forwardmost base jaw surface (96) is within a tolerance distance DT of 2 mm from the geometric axis of the support rod (AS).
3. Tool assembly (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the tolerance distance DT is less than 1 mm, and preferably less than 0.5 mm.
4. Tool assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cutting portion (54) further comprises: a blade portion thickness (TB) measured parallel to the first and second lateral directions (DS1, DS2) in the insert pocket (64); and a blade region (66) defined by having the blade portion thickness (TB); the blade region (66) having: a maximum height HM measurable parallel to the up and down directions (DU, DD) and from a lower blade region point (72) to a higher blade region point (74); a maximum width WM measurable parallel to the forward and backward directions (DF, DR) and from a more forward blade region point (80) to a more backward blade region point (82); wherein: the maximum width WM and the maximum height HM satisfy the condition: WM > HM.
5. Tool assembly (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that it meets the condition: WM > 1.05 HM, wherein preferably it meets the condition: WM > 1.10 HM.
6. Tool assembly (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that it meets the condition: WM < 1.30 HM.
7. Tool assembly (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that it meets the condition: WM > 1.20 HM.
8. Tool assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it further comprises a reinforcement region (68) having a reinforcement thickness (TR) measured parallel to a blade portion thickness (TB) and which is greater than the blade portion thickness (TB); wherein: the reinforcement region (68) extends upwards (DU) and has a reinforcement portion height HR measured from a lower blade region point (72); and a reinforcement portion height HR and a maximum height HM measured parallel to the upwards and downwards directions (DU, DD) and from the lower blade region point (72) to a higher blade region point (74) and which meet the condition: HR > 0.5 HM.
9. Tool assembly (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that it meets the condition: HR > 0.65 HM, and in that it preferably meets the condition: HR > 0.75 HM.
10. Tool assembly (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it meets the condition: HR < HM.
11. Tool assembly (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that it meets the condition: HR < 0.95 HM.
12. Tool assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the second jaw (94) of the insert pocket (64) is located entirely in the rear direction of the base jaw (92).
13. Tool assembly (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the second jaw (94) of the insert pocket (64) and the base jaw (92) extend adjacent to each other in a direction parallel to the up and down directions (DU, DD).
14. Tool assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises only a single insert pocket (64).
15. Tool assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the overall shape of the split adapter (14) is elongated when measured parallel to the up and down directions (DU, DD). Petition 870260029138, dated 03 / 27 / 2026, p. 14 / 49