Tool adapter with blade receiving pocket and fastening bore and cutting tool assembly

Abstract

A tool adapter (20) has an adapter axis (AA) defining an adapter forward-rearward direction (DF, DR), and includes a forward retention portion (22) having a base jaw (26), a clamp jaw (28), and a blade receiving pocket (30) therebetween, the blade receiving pocket (30) having a lower bearing surface (32) and an opposite upper clamping surface (34); and an aft mounting portion (24) axially rearward of the forward retention portion (22), the aft mounting portion (24) having an axially rearward facing aft mounting surface (50) and a first fastener aperture (54). A primary slot (42) separates the base jaw (26) from the clamp jaw (28) and communicates with the blade receiving pocket (30); a secondary slot (52) transverse to the primary slot (42) separates the clamp jaw (28) from the aft mounting portion (24); and the first fastener aperture (54) has a first aperture axis (A1) that intersects the aft mounting surface (50) and the secondary slot (52).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool adapter having an insert receiving pocket and a fastening aperture, and a cutting tool assembly having such a tool adapter, which is generally used in metal cutting processes and in particular for turning and grooving operations. Background Art

[0002] In the field of cutting tools for turning and grooving operations, there are some examples of tool adapters having an insert receiving pocket and a fastening aperture.

[0003] US 6,270,294 discloses a tool for separating or grooving, which has a bracket to which an adapter is mounted, the adapter having a blade receiving slot formed between a support portion and a clamping portion of the adapter. The bracket includes serrations that engage with serrations of the adapter. Threaded holes are formed through the serrations of the bracket, and through holes are formed in the adapter that align with corresponding holes in the bracket. A screw extends through the aligned through holes and threaded holes to secure the adapter to the bracket. The slot intersects one of the through holes in the adapter to allow the clamping portion to be elastically deformed. The through hole includes a tapered entry surface, and the associated screw includes a tapered head that acts as a wedge to force the clamping portion into engagement with the blade.

[0004] US 7,264,424 discloses a tool head adapted to receive a cutting insert for chip removal machining, comprising a base support having a lower support portion and an upper clamping portion, and an insert receiving pocket, the lower support portion and the upper clamping portion being defined therebetween. A slot extends through the base support at a position spaced apart from the pocket, wherein the clamping portion is connected to the remainder of the base support by a hinge portion, the clamping portion being resiliently displaceable about the hinge portion toward the cutting insert. A recess extends through the base support parallel to the slot and communicates therewith for receiving a nut roll. A clamping screw extends through an opening in the base support and engages the nut roll, wherein the clamping screw is operable to displace the nut roll into the slot to expand the slot and thereby resiliently displace the clamping portion about the hinge and toward the cutting insert.

[0005] KR 100901472 discloses a modular tool assembly including a handle having a connection surface formed on one end thereof, an adapter having a mounting surface and a head portion, a blade receiving portion formed in one side of the head portion of the adapter to receive a blade, and an engaging structure portion disposed opposite the connection surface of the handle and the mounting surface of the adapter. The engaging structure portion includes a first linear structure portion and a second linear structure portion.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved tool adapter.

[0007] It is also an object of the present invention to provide a tool adapter with improved mounting capabilities. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a tool adapter having an adapter axis defining a front-to-rear direction of the adapter, and comprising:

[0009] a front retaining portion having a base jaw, a clamping jaw, and a blade receiving pocket therebetween,

[0010] The blade receiving pocket has a lower support surface and an opposing upper clamping surface, the lower support surface defining a first plane, and

[0011] a rear mounting portion located axially rearward of the front retaining portion,

[0012] The rear mounting portion has a rear mounting surface facing axially rearward and a first fastening opening,

[0013] in:

[0014] The main groove separates the base jaw from the clamping jaw and communicates with the blade receiving recess;

[0015] A secondary groove transverse to the primary groove separates the jaws from the rear mounting portion; and

[0016] The first fastening opening has a first opening axis intersecting the rear mounting surface and the secondary groove.

[0017] In addition, according to the present invention, there is provided a cutting tool assembly comprising:

[0018] a tool shank extending longitudinally along a shank axis, and a tool adapter of the above type removably secured to a front mounting portion of the tool shank,

[0019] The front mounting portion has a front mounting surface and a first shank opening intersecting the front mounting surface,

[0020] in:

[0021] The rear mounting surface of the tool adapter interfaces with the front mounting surface of the handle, and

[0022] A first fastening screw occupies the first fastening aperture of the adapter and the first shank aperture of the shank to secure the tool adapter to the tool shank. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] For a better understanding, the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which dot-dash lines indicate cut-off boundaries of partial views of components, and in which:

[0024] Figure 1is a perspective view of a tool adapter according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A front view of the tool adapter shown in ;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A first side view of the tool adapter shown in ;

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A second side view of the tool adapter shown in ;

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A rear view of the tool adapter shown in ;

[0029] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A top view of the tool adapter shown in ;

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the tool adapter shown in FIG. 1 taken along line VII-VII;

[0031] Figure 8 yes Figure 3 a cross-sectional view of the tool adapter shown in taken along line VIII-VIII;

[0032] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a cutting tool assembly according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 An exploded perspective view of the cutting tool assembly shown in ;

[0034] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A front view of the cutting tool assembly shown in ; and

[0035] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 Top view of the cutting tool assembly shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown in the figure, one aspect of the present invention relates to a tool adapter 20 having an adapter axis AA defining the adapter fore-aft directions DF, DR and including a front retaining portion 22 and a rear mounting portion 24 located axially rearward of the front retaining portion 22 (i.e., along the adapter axis AA).

[0037] In some embodiments of the present invention, tool adapter 20 may be made of tool steel.

[0038] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, tool adapter 20 may have a single, unitary, one-piece construction.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown in FIG, the front retaining portion 22 has a base jaw 26, a clamping jaw 28, and a blade receiving pocket 30 located therebetween.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present invention, the blade-receiving pocket 30 may have a lower support surface 32 and an opposing upper clamping surface 34 .

[0041] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the lower bearing surface 32 may be formed on the base jaw 26 , while the upper clamping surface 34 may be formed on the clamping jaw 28 .

[0042] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As seen in FIG, the uppermost portion of the lower support surface 32 lies on the first plane P1.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first plane P1 may be parallel to the adapter axis AA.

[0044] As in Figure 2 As seen in the front view of FIG, the adapter 20 is oriented rotationally about the adapter axis AA so that the clamping jaws 28 are above the base jaws 26 and the projection of the first plane P1 extends horizontally on the page.

[0045] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown in FIG, the lower bearing surface 32 and the upper clamping surface 34 may respectively extend along a pocket axis AP that is transverse to the adapter axis AA.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, the pocket axis AP may be parallel to the first plane P1 and extend in a direction consistent with the insertion direction of the cutting insert into the insert receiving pocket 30 .

[0047] In some embodiments of the present invention, the blade receiving pocket 30 may have a stop surface 36 formed on the base jaw 26. The stop surface 36 may be transverse to the lower support surface 32.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown in FIG, the base jaw 26 may have a base jaw front surface 38 facing axially forward and a base jaw peripheral surface 39 facing radially outward.

[0049] In addition, if Figures 1 to 3 As shown in FIG, the jaw 28 may have an axially forward facing jaw front surface 40 and a radially outward facing jaw peripheral surface 41 .

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, the lower bearing surface 32 may intersect the base jaw front surface 38 , while the upper clamping surface 34 may intersect the jaw front surface 40 .

[0051] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the stop surface 36 may intersect the base jaw front surface 38 .

[0052] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the base jaw front surface 38 and the clamping jaw front surface 40 may be coplanar.

[0053] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the main groove 42 separates the base jaw 26 from the clamping jaw 28 and communicates with the blade receiving pocket 30.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present invention, the clamping jaw 28 is elastically displaceable relative to the base jaw 26 .

[0055] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the main slot 42 may have a distal end portion 46 positioned distal from the blade receiving pocket 30 .

[0056] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the slot plane PS may pass through at least a portion of the main slot 42 between the base jaw 26 and the clamping jaw 28 .

[0057] In some embodiments, the slot plane PS may bisect the portion of the main slot 42 .

[0058] Additionally, in some embodiments, the slot plane PS may be parallel to the first plane P1 .

[0059] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in FIG, the base jaw 26 and the clamping jaw 28 may merge with each other with the clamping pivot portion 44 adjacent the end portion 46 of the main slot.

[0060] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG, in a cross-section taken in a second plane P2 perpendicular to the adapter axis AA and passing through the blade receiving pocket 30, the end portion 46 of the main slot 42 may be located distally of the blade receiving pocket 30.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present invention, the jaw pivot portion 44 may have a resilient rotation axis AR extending along the adapter front-to-back direction DF, DR.

[0062] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the elastic rotation axis AR may be parallel to the adapter axis AA.

[0063] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the end portion 46 of the main groove 42 may include a main stress relief groove 48 extending parallel to the elastic rotation axis AR.

[0064] For embodiments of the present invention in which the main slot 42 has a terminal portion 46 and the jaw pivot portion 44 has an elastic rotation axis AR extending in the adapter front-to-back direction DF, DR, it may be advantageous to produce the tool adapter 20 by means of additive manufacturing due to conventional machining limitations. In this case, the tool adapter 20 is considered an "additively manufactured tool adapter."

[0065] like Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown in FIG, the second plane P2 may intersect the lower support surface 32 and the upper clamping surface 34 of the insert receiving pocket.

[0066] In addition, if Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown in FIG, the second plane P2 may intersect the stop surface 36 of the blade receiving pocket.

[0067] In some embodiments of the present invention, the pocket axis AP may be contained in the second plane P2.

[0068] Additionally, in some embodiments, in addition to containing the pocket axis AP, the second plane P2 can be perpendicular to the first plane P1 and the adapter axis AA.

[0069] like Figures 3 to 6 As shown in FIG, the rear mounting portion 24 has an axially rearwardly facing rear mounting surface 50 and a secondary slot 52 transverse to the primary slot 42 separates the jaws 28 from the rear mounting portion 24.

[0070] For such an embodiment of the present invention, the clamping jaw 28 is resiliently displaceable relative to the rear mounting portion 24 and the base jaw 26 .

[0071] Additionally, for such an embodiment of the present invention, the rear mounting portion 24 and the base jaw 26 can have a combined stiffness. In other words, even though the jaw 28 is elastically displaceable relative to both the rear mounting portion 24 and the base jaw 26, the rear mounting portion 24 and the base jaw 26 cannot be elastically displaced relative to each other.

[0072] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 , rear mounting portion 24 can be considered to include a first rear sub-portion 24a located axially rearward of and spaced from jaw 28 (i.e., along adapter axis AA), and a second rear sub-portion 24b located axially rearward of and connected to base jaw 26 (i.e., along adapter axis AA). It will be appreciated, therefore, that configuring jaw 28 to be resiliently displaceable relative to rear mounting portion 24 and base jaw 26 advantageously enables both first and second rear sub-portions 24a, 24b to be used for mounting tool adapter 20 to an interfacing component.

[0073] In some embodiments of the present application, the rear mounting surface 50 can be at least partially jagged.

[0074] As shown in Figs. 1 1 and 12, the secondary groove 52 can be transverse to the adapter axis AA. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 In some embodiments of the present application, the secondary groove 52 can communicate with the primary groove 42, as shown in Fig. 13.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present application, the secondary groove 52 can intersect the elastic rotation axis AR, as shown in Fig. 14. Figure 3 In addition, in some embodiments of the present application, the secondary groove 52 can intersect the elastic rotation axis AR, as shown in Fig. 14.

[0076] Figure 6 In addition, in some embodiments of the present application, the secondary groove 52 can intersect the elastic rotation axis AR, as shown in Fig. 14.

[0077] As shown in the cross-section of the tool adapter 20 taken in a third plane P3 parallel to the groove plane PS and intersecting the jaw 28, in Figs. 15 and 16, the rear mounting portion 24 and the jaw 28 can be completely spaced apart by the secondary groove 52. Figure 8 Figure 3 In some embodiments of the present application, the rear mounting portion 24 and the jaw 28 can be completely spaced apart by the secondary groove 52 in a cross-section taken in any plane parallel to the groove plane PS and intersecting the jaw 28.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present application, the rear mounting portion 24 and the jaw 28 can be completely spaced apart by the secondary groove 52 in a cross-section taken in any plane parallel to the groove plane PS and intersecting the jaw 28.

[0079] As shown in the side view of the tool adapter 20 in Figs. 17 and 18, the secondary groove 52 can have a primary secondary groove portion 52a and a secondary secondary groove portion 52b, and the secondary secondary groove portion 52b can be inclined relative to the primary secondary groove portion 52a. Figure 3 Figure 4 For such embodiments of the present application, the secondary groove 52 can be described as having an angled configuration.

[0080] In some embodiments of the present application, a fourth plane P4 perpendicular to the first plane PI can bisect the primary secondary groove portion 52a.

[0081] In addition, in some embodiments of the present application, the groove plane PS can intersect the secondary secondary groove portion 52b.

[0082] It will be appreciated that for embodiments of the present application in which the secondary groove 52 has an angled configuration, the base jaw 26 and the rear mounting portion 24 can be configured with an increased combined level of stiffness.

[0083] In addition, for embodiments of the present application in which the secondary groove 52 has an angled configuration, it can be advantageous to produce the tool adapter 20 by means of additive manufacturing due to conventional machining limitations.

[0084] In addition, for embodiments of the present application in which the secondary groove 52 has an angled configuration, it can be advantageous to produce the tool adapter 20 by means of additive manufacturing due to conventional machining limitations. ​​​

[0085] As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 the rear mounting portion 24 has a first fastener opening 54, and the first fastener opening 54 has a first opening axis Al that intersects the rear mounting surface 50 and the secondary slot 52.

[0086] In some embodiments of the present application, the first opening axis Al can intersect the jaw 28.

[0087] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the first opening axis Al can be parallel to the adapter axis AA.

[0088] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present application, the first fastener opening 54 can be a through opening, and the first fastener opening 54 can extend through the rear mounting portion 24 and the jaw 28.

[0089] In other embodiments of the present application (not shown), the first fastener opening 54 can be a threaded opening that is entirely located in the rear mounting portion 24.

[0090] It should be appreciated that the first fastener opening 54 can be used to mount the tool adapter 20 to an interfacing component.

[0091] As shown in Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 the first fastener opening 54 can include a first front opening portion 54a having a first front diameter FD1 and a first rear opening portion 54b having a first rear diameter RD1.

[0092] For such embodiments of the present application, the first fastener opening 54 can be described as having a stepped configuration.

[0093] In some embodiments of the present application, the first front opening portion 54a can be coaxial with the first rear opening portion 54b.

[0094] As shown in Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 the first rear opening portion 54b can be entirely located in the rear mounting portion 24, the first front opening portion 54a can be located axially forward of the first rear opening portion 54b (i.e., along the adapter axis AA), and the first front diameter FD1 can be greater than the first rear diameter RD1.

[0095] In some embodiments of the present application, the first rear opening portion 54b can intersect the rear mounting surface 50.

[0096] As shown in Figure 4 and Figure 6As shown in FIG, the rear mounting portion 24 may have a first bearing surface 56 facing axially forward, and the first rear open hole portion 54b may intersect the first bearing surface 56.

[0097] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first bearing surface 56 may be annular.

[0098] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG, the secondary groove 52 may intersect with the first front opening portion 54a.

[0099] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first front aperture portion 54a may intersect the jaw front surface 40 .

[0100] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first front opening portion 54a may be circumferentially surrounded by the jaws 28, and as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown in FIG, in a front view of the tool adapter 20, the entire circumference of the first front open hole portion 54a may intersect with the jaw front surface 40.

[0101] In other embodiments of the present invention (not shown), the first front open portion 54a may not be circumferentially surrounded by the jaw 28 , and the first front open portion 54a may circumferentially intersect the jaw peripheral surface 41 .

[0102] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG, the front retaining portion 22 may include a clamping aperture 58 extending along a clamping axis AC, and the clamping aperture 58 may have a first clamping aperture portion 58 a and a second clamping aperture portion 58 b separated by the main slot 42 .

[0103] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first clamping aperture portion 58a and the second clamping aperture portion 58b may extend coaxially along the clamping axis AC.

[0104] In addition, in some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 2 As best seen in FIG, the clamping axis AC may intersect the first plane P1.

[0105] In other embodiments of the present invention (not shown), the front retaining portion 22 may not have the clamping opening 58, and an external force may be applied to widen the distance between the lower support surface 32 and the upper clamping surface 34 for insertion and release of the cutting blade into and from the blade receiving recess 30, respectively.

[0106] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the first clamping opening portion 58a may be a through opening, and the second clamping opening portion 58b may be a threaded opening.

[0107] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first clamping aperture portion 58 a may be formed in the clamping jaw 28 , while the second clamping aperture portion 58 b may be formed in the base jaw 26 .

[0108] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second clamp aperture portion 58b may be located completely axially rearward of the blade receiving pocket 30 (ie, along the adapter axis AA).

[0109] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first clamping aperture portion 58a may include a countersunk portion to accommodate a clamping screw head.

[0110] like Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown in , a fifth plane P5 perpendicular to the first plane P1 may contain the first opening axis A1, and the clamping opening 58 and the blade receiving pocket 30 may be located on the same side of the fifth plane P5.

[0111] In some embodiments of the present invention, the fifth plane P5 may contain the adapter axis AA.

[0112] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG, in a front view of the tool adapter 20 , an axial projection of the clamping axis AC may intersect the insert receiving pocket 30 .

[0113] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in , the rear mounting portion 24 may include a second fastening aperture 60 , and the second fastening aperture 60 may have a second aperture axis A2 that intersects the rear mounting surface 50 .

[0114] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first fastening aperture 54 and the second fastening aperture 60 may be located on opposite sides of the slot plane PS.

[0115] like Figure 2 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG, the second fastening opening 60 may be a through opening, and the second fastening opening 60 may extend through the rear mounting portion 24 and the base jaw 26.

[0116] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second opening axis A2 may intersect the base jaw front surface 38 .

[0117] It should be appreciated that the second fastening aperture 60 may be used to mount the tool adapter 20 to an interface component.

[0118] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the second fastening opening 60 may have a stepped configuration and include a second front opening portion 60a having a second front diameter FD2 and a second rear opening portion 60b having a second rear diameter RD2.

[0119] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second front aperture portion 60a can be located axially forward of the second rear aperture portion 60b (ie, along the adapter axis AA), and the second front diameter FD2 can be greater than the second rear diameter RD2.

[0120] like Figure 1 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown in , the tool adapter 20 may include an upper coolant passage 62 extending through the jaws 28 .

[0121] In some embodiments of the present invention, the upper coolant passage 62 may have an upper outlet aperture 64 in the jaw peripheral surface 41 adjacent the upper clamping surface 34 of the blade receiving pocket.

[0122] like Figure 3 As shown in , the second plane P2 may bisect the upper outlet opening 64 .

[0123] In some embodiments of the present invention, the upper coolant passage 62 may be in communication with a central coolant passage 66 that extends through the rear mounting portion 24 .

[0124] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the central coolant passage 66 may have a rear entry aperture 68 in or associated with the rear mounting surface 50 .

[0125] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the rear access aperture 68 may be formed in a rear centering conduit 69 extending rearwardly from the rear mounting surface 50.

[0126] In some embodiments of the present invention, the rear entry aperture 68 may have a center that coincides with the adapter axis AA.

[0127] It should be appreciated that for embodiments of the present invention in which the main slot 42 has a terminal portion 46 and the base jaw 26 and the clamping jaw 28 merge with the clamping pivot portion 44, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in , the front retaining portion 22 is advantageously configured to provide an efficient path for the upper coolant passage 62 to communicate with the central coolant passage 66 .

[0128] It should also be appreciated that for embodiments of the present invention wherein the secondary groove 52 has an angled configuration, more space is provided axially rearward (ie, along the adapter axis AA) of the secondary secondary groove portion 52b to effectively route the central coolant passage 66.

[0129] like Figure 1 、 Figure 3 and Figure 7As shown in , the tool adapter 20 may include a lower coolant passage 70 extending through the base jaws 26 .

[0130] In some embodiments of the present invention, the lower coolant passage 70 may have a lower outlet aperture 72 in the base jaw peripheral surface 43 adjacent the lower support surface 48 of the insert receiving pocket.

[0131] like Figure 3 As shown in , the second plane P2 may bisect the lower outlet opening 72 .

[0132] In some embodiments of the present invention, the lower coolant passage 70 may be in communication with the central coolant channel 66 .

[0133] It should be appreciated that producing tool adapter 20 via additive manufacturing may advantageously facilitate efficient routing of upper coolant passage 62 , central coolant passage 66 , and lower coolant passage 70 .

[0134] like Figures 9 to 12 As shown in , another aspect of the present invention is directed to a cutting tool assembly 74 that includes a tool shank 76 extending longitudinally along a shank axis AS, and a tool adapter 20 removably secured to a front mounting portion 78 of the tool shank 76 .

[0135] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tool handle 76 may be elongated and include a shock-resistant member (not shown).

[0136] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the handle axis AS and the adapter axis AA may be coaxial.

[0137] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, at least the front mounting portion 78 of the tool shank may be cylindrical and have a shank diameter DS centered about the shank axis AS.

[0138] like Figure 10 As shown in FIG, the front mounting portion 78 has a front mounting surface 80 and a first shank opening 82 intersecting the front mounting surface 80.

[0139] In some embodiments of the present invention, the handle axis AS may intersect the front mounting surface 80 of the handle.

[0140] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the front mounting surface 80 may be at least partially serrated.

[0141] like Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown in FIG, the rear mounting surface 50 of the tool adapter interfaces with the front mounting surface 80 of the shank, and a first fastening screw 84 occupies the first fastening aperture 54 of the adapter and the first shank aperture 82 of the shank to secure the tool adapter 20 to the tool shank 76.

[0142] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first fastening aperture 54 and the first handle aperture 82 may be coaxial.

[0143] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first handle aperture 82 may be a threaded aperture, and the first fastening screw 84 may threadably engage the first handle aperture 82 .

[0144] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first fastening screw 84 may have a first screw head 86 , and rotational tightening of the first fastening screw 84 may result in a fastening contact between the first screw head 86 and the first bearing surface 56 of the rear mounting portion.

[0145] It should be appreciated that rotational tightening or loosening of the first fastening screw 84 must not result in elastic displacement of the clamping jaw 28 relative to the base jaw 26 .

[0146] like Figures 9 to 12 As shown in , the cutting insert 88 may be removably retained in the insert receiving pocket 30 .

[0147] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cutting insert 88 may preferably be made by form-pressing and sintering a cemented carbide such as tungsten carbide, and may be coated or uncoated.

[0148] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the cutting insert 88 may have one operative cutting edge 90 , and a sixth plane P6 perpendicular to the adapter axis AA may bisect the operative cutting edge 90 .

[0149] like Figure 12 As shown in , the sixth plane P6 may coincide with the second plane P2.

[0150] For embodiments of the present invention in which the pocket axis AP is transverse to the adapter axis AA and the sixth plane P6 bisects the operative cutting edge 90, the cutting tool assembly 74 may be used for internal grooving operations.

[0151] like Figure 11 As shown in FIG, in a front view of the cutting tool assembly 74, a first imaginary circle C1 contained in the sixth plane P6 circumscribes both the tool adapter 20 and the cutting insert 88 removably retained therein and has a first diameter D1.

[0152] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first diameter D1 may be greater than the shank diameter DS.

[0153] like Figure 11 As shown in FIG, in a front view of the cutting tool assembly 74, the first imaginary circle C1 may encompass the entire tool adapter 20 and the entire front mounting portion 78 of the tool shank 76.

[0154] In some embodiments of the present application, the cutting tool assembly 74 can have a depth of cut DC along the pocket axis AP.

[0155] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the depth of cut DC can be greater than half the difference between the first diameter D1 and the shank diameter DS, i.e., DC > (D1 - DS) / 2.

[0156] One dimensional example of the cutting tool assembly 74 can have a first diameter D1 of 20 mm, a shank diameter DS of 16 mm, and a depth of cut CD of 3 mm.

[0157] It should be appreciated that the above described configuration of the clamping pivot portion 44 formed between the base jaw 26 and the clamp jaw 28 and the angled configuration of the secondary groove 52 are particularly advantageous for enabling effective routing of the upper coolant passage 62 and the central coolant passage 66, respectively, for cutting tool assemblies 74 having a first diameter D1 of less than 40 mm.

[0158] As shown in FIG. 8, the cutting insert 88 can include opposing lower and upper abutment surfaces 92 and 94 and an insert peripheral surface 96 therebetween. Figure 10 In some embodiments of the present application, an operating cutting edge 90 can be formed at the intersection of the upper abutment surface 94 and the insert peripheral surface 96.

[0159] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the insert peripheral surface 96 can include a rear abutment surface 98 distanced from the operating cutting edge 90.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 8, the lower and upper clamping surfaces 32 and 34 of the insert receiving pocket can be in clamping contact with the lower and upper abutment surfaces 92 and 94, respectively, of the insert.

[0161] Figure 11 Additionally, as shown in FIG. 8, the stop surface 36 of the insert receiving pocket can be in abutting contact with the rear abutment surface 98 of the insert.

[0162] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 8, the stop surface 36 of the insert receiving pocket can be in abutting contact with the rear abutment surface 98 of the insert. Figure 11 For embodiments of the present application in which the rear mounting portion 24 of the tool adapter includes the second fastening opening 60, the front mounting portion 78 of the tool shank can have a second shank opening 100 intersecting the front mounting surface 80.

[0163] For such embodiments of the present application, the second fastening screw 102 can occupy both the second fastening opening 60 of the adapter and the second shank opening 100 of the shank.

[0164] In some embodiments of the present application, the second fastening opening 60 and the second shank opening 100 can be coaxial.

[0165] In some embodiments of the present application, the second fastening opening 60 and the second shank opening 100 can be coaxial.

[0166] ​Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second handle opening 100 may be a threaded opening, and the second fastening screw 102 may be threadedly engaged with the second handle opening 100 .

[0167] For embodiments of the present invention in which the front retaining portion 22 of the tool adapter includes a clamping aperture 58 having a first clamping aperture portion 58a and a second clamping aperture portion 58b separated by the main slot 42, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 、 Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown in FIG, the clamping screw 104 may occupy the first clamping aperture portion 58a and the second clamping aperture portion 58b.

[0168] For embodiments of the present invention in which the first clamping aperture portion 58a is a through aperture and the second clamping aperture portion 58b is a threaded aperture, the clamping screw 104 may threadably engage the second clamping aperture portion 58b.

[0169] It will be appreciated that rotational tightening or loosening of the clamping screw 104 may result in resilient displacement of the clamping jaw 28 relative to the base jaw 26 .

[0170] It should also be appreciated that rotational tightening or loosening of the clamping screw 104 may result in resilient displacement of the clamping jaws 28 relative to the rear mounting portion 24 .

[0171] Although the present invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it should be understood that various changes and modifications could be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A tool adapter (20) having an adapter axis (AA) defining an adapter front-to-back direction (DF, DR), and comprising: a front retaining portion (22) having a base jaw (26), a clamping jaw (28) and a blade receiving pocket (30) therebetween, The blade receiving pocket (30) has a lower support surface (32) and an opposing upper clamping surface (34), and a rear mounting portion (24) located axially rearward of the front retaining portion (22), The rear mounting portion (24) has a rear mounting surface (50) facing axially rearward and a first fastening opening (54), in: A main groove (42) separates the base jaw (26) from the clamping jaw (28) and communicates with the blade receiving recess (30); A secondary slot (52) transverse to the primary slot (42) separates the jaw (28) from the rear mounting portion (24); and The first fastening opening (54) has a first opening axis (A1) intersecting the rear mounting surface (50) and the auxiliary groove (52).

2. The tool adapter (20) according to claim 1, wherein The first opening axis (A1) intersects the clamping jaw (28).

3. The tool adapter (20) according to claim 1, wherein The clamping jaw (28) is elastically displaceable relative to the base jaw (26) and the rear mounting portion (24).

4. The tool adapter (20) of claim 1, wherein: The first fastening opening (54) is a through opening, and The first fastening aperture (54) extends through the rear mounting portion (24) and the clamping jaw (28).

5. The tool adapter (20) of claim 4, wherein: The first fastening opening (54) includes a first front opening portion (54a) having a first front diameter (FD1) and a first rear opening portion (54b) having a first rear diameter (RD1), The first rear opening portion (54b) is completely located in the rear mounting portion (24), The first front opening portion (54a) is located axially forward of the first rear opening portion (54b), and The first front diameter (FD1) is greater than the first rear diameter (RD1).

6. The tool adapter (20) of claim 1, wherein: The lower bearing surface (32) is formed on the base jaw (26), and The upper clamping surface (34) is formed on the clamping jaw (28).

7. The tool adapter (20) according to claim 6, wherein The lower bearing surface (32) and the upper clamping surface (34) extend along a pocket axis (AP) that is transverse to the adapter axis (AA).

8. The tool adapter (20) of claim 6, wherein: The blade receiving pocket (30) has a stop surface (36) formed on the base jaw (26), and The stop surface (36) is transverse to the lower support surface (32).

9. The tool adapter (20) of claim 1, wherein: The front retaining portion (22) includes a clamping opening (58) extending along a clamping axis (AC), and The clamping opening (58) has a first clamping opening portion (58a) and a second clamping opening portion (58b) separated by the main groove (42).

10. The tool adapter (20) of claim 9, wherein: The first clamping opening portion (58a) is a through opening, and The second clamping opening portion (58b) is a threaded opening.

11. The tool adapter (20) of claim 9, wherein: The lower support surface (32) defines a first plane (P1), A fifth plane (P5) perpendicular to the first plane (P1) contains the first opening axis (A1), and The clamping opening (58) and the blade receiving pocket (30) are located on the same side of the fifth plane (P5).

12. The tool adapter (20) according to claim 9, wherein: In the front view of the tool adapter (20): An axial projection of the clamping axis (AC) intersects the blade receiving pocket (30).

13. The tool adapter (20) of claim 1, wherein: The auxiliary groove (52) is communicated with the main groove (42).

14. The tool adapter (20) of claim 1, wherein: The sub-groove (52) includes a primary sub-groove portion (52a) and a secondary sub-groove portion (52b), and The secondary sub-groove portion (52b) is inclined relative to the primary sub-groove portion (52a).

15. The tool adapter (20) of claim 14, wherein: The lower support surface (32) defines a first plane (P1), and A fourth plane (P4) perpendicular to the first plane (P1) bisects the main sub-groove portion (52a).

16. The tool adapter (20) of claim 1, wherein: The base jaw (26) and the clamping jaw (28) merge with each other at a clamping pivot portion (44) adjacent to a terminal portion (46) of the main slot (42).

17. The tool adapter (20) according to claim 16, wherein In a cross-section taken in a second plane (P2) perpendicular to the adapter axis (AA) and passing through the blade receiving pocket (30), the end portion (46) of the main groove (42) is located distally of the blade receiving pocket (30).

18. The tool adapter (20) of claim 16, wherein: The clamping pivot portion (44) has an elastic rotation axis (AR) extending along the front-to-back direction (DF, DR) of the adapter.

19. The tool adapter (20) according to claim 18, wherein The elastic rotation axis (AR) intersects the auxiliary groove (52).

20. The tool adapter (20) of claim 1, wherein: A slot plane (PS) passes through at least a portion of the main slot (42) between the base jaw (26) and the clamping jaw (28), and In a cross section taken in a third plane (P3) parallel to the slot plane (PS) and intersecting the jaw (28), the rear mounting portion (24) and the jaw (28) are completely separated by the secondary slot (52).

21. A cutting tool assembly (74), comprising: a tool shank (76) extending longitudinally along a shank axis (AS), and a tool adapter (20) according to claim 1 removably secured to a front mounting portion (78) of the tool shank (76), The front mounting portion (78) has a front mounting surface (80) and a first shank opening (82) intersecting the front mounting surface (80), in: The rear mounting surface (50) of the tool adapter interfaces with the front mounting surface (80) of the handle, and A first fastening screw (84) occupies the first fastening aperture (54) of the adapter and the first shank aperture (82) of the shank to secure the tool adapter (20) to the tool shank (76).

22. The cutting tool assembly (74) of claim 21, wherein: A cutting blade (88) is removably retained in the blade receiving pocket (30), The cutting insert (88) has an operative cutting edge (90), and A sixth plane (P6) perpendicular to the adapter axis (AA) bisects the operative cutting edge (90).

23. The cutting tool assembly (74) of claim 21, wherein: The front retaining portion (22) of the adapter includes a clamping opening (58), The clamping opening (58) has a first clamping opening portion (58a) and a second clamping opening portion (58b) separated by the main groove (42), A clamping screw (104) occupies the first clamping opening portion (58a) and the second clamping opening portion (58b), and Rotational tightening or loosening of the clamping screw (104) results in elastic displacement of the clamping jaw (28) relative to the base jaw (26).

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