Clamping device for a cutting insert

Abstract

A metal cutting tool assembly comprising a rigid holder blade, an insert receiving slot formed in a leading end of the holder blade and defined between a resiliently displaceable clamping jaw formed integrally with the holder blade and rigid base jaw forming part of the holder blade, spaced apart displacement and supporting surfaces respectively formed in or on the clamping jaw and the holder, and a slot opening key, a pair of spaced apart projecting prongs of the key with adapted to engage the surfaces. At least one of the prongs is displaceable with respect to the holder blade so as resiliently to displace the clamping jaw outwardly with respect to the base jaw into an opening position for insertion or removal of an insert.

Description

[0001]This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08 / 342,277, filed Nov. 18, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,271.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to metal cutting tool assemblies of the kind wherein an exchangeable cutting insert is releasably retained in an insert retaining slot formed in a holder blade. The invention relates particularly to such a cutting tool assembly wherein the insert is retainably clamped within the retaining slot between a resiliently displaceable clamping jaw and a rigid base jaw without the use of additional mechanical clamping means such as clamping screws or the like.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]One known form of cutting tool assembly of the kind to which the invention relates involves the so-called “wedge clamping” of the insert in the insert retaining slot. Here, the insert, having a single cutting edge, is provided with a wedge-shaped body which forcibly inserted and is retained within a correspondingly wedge-shaped retaining slo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a new and improved metal cutting tool assembly that reduces or overcomes the disadvantages of previous designs. The assembly includes a rigid holder blade, an insert receiving slot, a clamping jaw, and a slot opening key. The key has prongs that engage surfaces on the holder and clamping jaw to displace it outwardly for insertion or removal. The design allows for easy and safe replacement of inserts without direct contact or friction, reducing damage and wear on the tool.

Problems solved by technology

It will be understood that both the insertion and removal of the insert is accompanied by significant friction with consequent wear on the blade jaws which are, in general, of a much softer material than that of the insert.

The outward displacement of the jaw is effected using a mechanical key which is displaced in frictional contact with the inside of the clamping jaw, thereby leading to frictional wear of the jaw and / or the key.

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