Tool assembly configured for swiss-type machining

Abstract

A slotting or parting tool assembly for Swiss-style machining includes a holder. The holder includes a resilient, normally closed holder clamp. In a preferred embodiment, the holder clamp biases the tool holding a cutting insert against a pocket side abutment surface of a pocket of the holder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject of this invention relates to a tool assembly constructed for so-called Swiss-type machining, more specifically for grooving or cutting operations. Background Technology

[0002] The term "Swiss type" or "Swiss style" is sometimes omitted in the following text for the sake of brevity. It will be understood that this design is primarily and primarily designed to operate within the unique constraints of a Swiss-style CNC machine tool, but advantageous design features may also benefit even non-Swiss-style operation.

[0003] Swiss-style machining tool assemblies and their components are specifically designed for use in so-called Swiss-style CNC machine tools (lathes), which differ from other typical CNC machine tools (lathes) in that Swiss-style tool assemblies have tools mounted close together in a "group," and removing or installing cutting inserts (or "blades") is difficult due to space constraints.

[0004] The unique characteristics of Swiss-type machining, such as the position of the cut edge (which is substantially aligned with the top corner of the retainer handle in the front view of the retainer), are further detailed in particular in the applicant’s previous patent publications USP9,901,986 and USP10,583,495, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0005] Briefly, for the purposes of this application, it should also be noted that, apart from the chip forming arrangement uniquely claimed in USP 9,901,986, the common Swiss-type cutting insert (106) is shown having a threaded hole (112) extending through its side surface. This design allows for access for removing and replacing the insert in a tightly assembled Swiss-type tool assembly.

[0006] Other common blade designs, as illustrated in the applicant's disclosure USP10,471,517, include similar blades, except that they have two such threaded holes. The disclosure shows a tool assembly that allows the blade to be removed and installed from either of two opposing sides.

[0007] USP10,583,495 illustrates a unique tool assembly that provides a blade without the aforementioned threaded hole, but offers a different solution to overcome the aforementioned space constraints that create difficulties in securing and removing the blade.

[0008] The purpose of this application is to provide an improved tool assembly and its components suitable for use in Swiss-type machining applications, and to provide an improved method for securing the components to a retainer. Summary of the Invention

[0009] According to a first aspect of the subject matter of this application, a retainer is provided, comprising: opposing retainer first side and retainer second side, which define a first side direction from the retainer second side toward the retainer first side and a second side direction opposite to the first side direction; opposing retainer front end portion and retainer rear end portion, which define a forward direction from the retainer rear end portion toward the retainer front end portion and a rearward direction opposite to the forward direction; opposing retainer top side and retainer bottom side, which define an upward direction from the retainer bottom side toward the retainer top side and a downward direction opposite to the upward direction; and a retainer recess located on the retainer first side, retainer front end portion, and retainer top side. The retainer recess includes: a recess side abutment surface extending along a first side of the retainer and facing the first side direction; a recess bottom abutment surface located below the recess side abutment surface and facing upward direction; and a recess rear abutment surface located behind the recess side abutment surface and facing forward direction; the retainer clamp extends above the recess side abutment surface and includes: a resilient hinge portion; a clamp portion including a clamp top abutment surface facing downward direction; and a middle portion extending from the resilient hinge portion to the clamp portion; wherein: the resilient hinge portion is configured to resiliently bias the clamp portion downwardly.

[0010] In summary, the basic concept of the retainer of the present invention is a so-called "normally closed" integrated, or more accurately, a resiliently hinged clamp. While normally closed upper jaws on the insert seat (also known as the "insert recess"; however, the seat in this application is referred to as the "retainer seat" because it is part of the retainer and will not be confused with the tool seat) are known for clamping the cutting insert, such a configuration is generally not known for Swiss-type tool assemblies. One reason is that during typical Swiss-type machining operations, a probe extends and impacts the cutting insert to position it. It will be understood that any insert not secured with screws (and in many cases, two screws) raises the concern that the cutting insert will displace from its desired position upon impact by the probe. Therefore, with very few exceptions, a typical Swiss-type machining tool assembly has a cutting insert with one or two openings for threaded mounting of the cutting insert to the retainer.

[0011] Nevertheless, this design provides a robust installation, and initial testing so far has found it to be strong enough to withstand the impacts.

[0012] Additionally, it should be noted that known normally closed upper jaws for blade seats typically extend longitudinally rather than laterally. In this invention, the retainer clamp extends above the recess side abutment surface. Unlike retainers used in other applications, a relatively high level of stability is required, and therefore the retainer clamp of this invention operates in addition to the three-point contact of the top abutment surface, bottom abutment surface, and rear abutment surface, along with the recess side abutment surface. In other words, compared to, for example, a separate tool in which the upper jaw of the blade recess extends only longitudinally, this invention allows the clamp to secure the tool or cutting blade against the recess side abutment surface for stability (a particularly important factor for Swiss-type machining, where the workpiece is typically not held at both ends as in other machining processes). In other words, the retainer clamp of this invention is a laterally oriented retainer clamp, rather than a longitudinally oriented clamp or jaw. Preferably, the retainer clamp extends at least partially in a first lateral direction (or preferably: precisely in the first lateral direction) to extend above the recess side abutment surface. In other words, the retainer clamp hangs over the adjacent surface at the bottom of the recess.

[0013] While laterally oriented clamps are not unknown in other machining applications, they typically include screws to bring so-called "normally open" clamps into a closed position, which is not the case now. The reason why the normally open clamp design is superior to the "normally closed" integrated clamp design of the present invention is that it theoretically typically has a longer tool life than clamps with resilient hinges (i.e., resilient hinges will lose their resilience after a certain amount of use, while screws are replaceable, etc.).

[0014] However, in this design, which is specifically conceived to favor Swiss-type machining, accessing the upward-facing screws in such fixtures is difficult due to the space constraints of typical Swiss-type groups (e.g., the possibility of another retainer mounted closely above the retainer in question). Therefore, the benefits of normally closed resilient retainer fixtures outweigh their drawbacks.

[0015] As will be noted from the accompanying drawings, when it is stated that the bottom adjacent surface of the recess is "below" the side adjacent surface of the recess, this refers to most of the side adjacent surface, because the bottom adjacent surface and the side surface meet at the lowest point of the side adjacent surface. In other words, "below" does not mean that they must be spaced apart. The same applies to the rear adjacent surface of the recess, which is located behind the side adjacent surface.

[0016] Further advantageous features of the retainer will be described below.

[0017] While aspects and preferred features of the cutting tools (by definition, they are themselves configured to hold at least one cutting blade) according to the invention will be described below, it is also possible, with respect to the retainer of the invention, to directly mount the cutting blade (e.g., even a standard cutting blade, such as the so-called blades manufactured by the applicant Iscar Ltd). (Cutting blade).

[0018] According to a second aspect of the invention, a tool assembly is provided, comprising a retainer according to the first aspect and a cutting blade or separating tool directly secured in a retainer recess by a retainer clamp. In an option where the separating tool is part of the tool assembly, the tool assembly may further include a cutting blade secured to the separating tool.

[0019] In the option of having a cutting tool, the cutting blade is preferably a single-cutting-edge solid cutting blade (e.g., a standard cutting blade, such as the so-called blade manufactured by the applicant, Iscar Ltd). (Cutting blade).

[0020] As further described below, the cutting blade or tool according to this aspect may include a feed hole.

[0021] However, even if a cutting blade with a feed hole is a feasible possibility (not shown, but it could be the same geometry as the blade and cutting blade shown, albeit with a monolithic construction and made of a cutting blade material such as carbide), it is preferable that the cutting blade has a solid construction (in other words, lacking any holes such as those for receiving clamping screws to secure the blade), because it can then be pressed in a simple and economical manner. As mentioned above, Swiss-type cutting blades typically have one or two holes extending through their sides, which allow for a robust structural attachment to a retainer, but significantly increase their manufacturing cost. Using a resilient retainer clamp, simpler and cheaper solid cutting blades, such as those previously mentioned, can be utilized. Cutting blade (or others). Similarly, in the case of an option with a cutter and a cutting blade secured thereto, the previously mentioned... Cutting blades (or others).

[0022] As will be described below, the cutting tool with the aforementioned feed hole allows for advantageous ease of assembly, as well as the ability to use simple cutting blades with a solid construction.

[0023] It is particularly advantageous to form a cutting blade with a tapered top surface and / or bottom surface, and most preferably, both the top and bottom surfaces are tapered.

[0024] Therefore, apart from a preferred embodiment of the cutting blade mentioned above with a feed hole (which is advantageous for the unique fastening method described below in the third aspect), all other embodiments and aspects allow for the use of cutting blades that are much more economical compared to typical Swiss-type cutting blades with holes that open to their sides (e.g. Or similar cutting blades).

[0025] Although the resilient clamping of cutting blades is known, the applicant was unaware that Swiss-type machining typically involves the aforementioned impact on the cutting blade by a probe (not by a laterally pointing resilient clamp, as explained).

[0026] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for securing a cutting blade or tool to a retainer according to a first aspect is provided. Such a method may include a first step of partially placing the cutting blade or tool in a semi-mounted state (or "semi-mounted position") on a recess in the retainer, and a second step of applying a rearward force to the cutting blade or tool. The rearward force causes the cutting blade or tool to slide rearward along the abutment surface of the recess, abutting and raising the top abutment surface of the clamp until the rearward movement of the cutting blade or tool by the abutment surface behind the recess stops, thereby bringing the cutting blade or tool to a fully mounted state (or "fully mounted position").

[0027] In other words, the entire clamping of the blade or tool is achieved using a single backward-pointing force applied to the cutting blade or tool. In other words, the method lacks the step in which the user or the tool held by the user directly contacts the retainer clamp to move it.

[0028] The backward-pointing force can be applied to the foremost portion of the cutting blade or cutter (e.g., using a soft-nose hammer). Alternatively, a standard double-pin cutting blade insertion tool can rotate in a hole formed in a retainer (in the same manner as a cutting blade is typically inserted into a blade recess), and the force applied to the foremost portion of the cutting blade or cutter is linear as the cutter rotates. Alternatively, in the most preferred embodiment shown in the figures, a novel advance hole (which is a cutter in the illustrated embodiment) is formed in the cutter (or cutting blade), and the backward-pointing force is applied to this novel advance hole. In the latter embodiment, the backward-pointing force can be applied to the inner (rather than the outer) portion of the cutting blade or cutter.

[0029] Although the method is referred to as a "fixture" method, the third step for removal may include applying a forward force to the cutting blade or cutter, causing the cutting blade or cutter to slide forward along the abutment surface of the recess, abutting and raising the top abutment surface of the clamp until the initial semi-fixed state is reached, where subsequent removal steps are possible. For the first two embodiments mentioned in the preceding paragraphs, this can be achieved using a release hole or recess located at the rear end of the retainer recess. For the third embodiment, the forward force may be applied from the inside to the advance hole.

[0030] Alternatively, according to a fourth aspect of the invention, a different method is provided for securing a cutting blade or tool to a retainer according to the first aspect. In this respect, the retainer clamp is moved directly by a user or more specifically by a tool held by the user (in the illustrated embodiment, the tool is referred to as a push key). Such a method may include a first step: applying an upward force on the retainer clamp to move the clamp partially away from the abutment surface of the recess bottom, and a second step: partially placing the cutting blade or tool on the abutment surface of the recess bottom. A subsequent preferred but optional step may be to apply a backward force on the cutting blade or tool until the backward movement of the cutting blade or tool abuts the recess rearward abutment surface. After the second or third step, the retainer clamp is released such that it resiliently moves toward the abutment surface of the recess where the cutting blade or tool is secured.

[0031] For such methods, it is preferred that the retainer clamp has a lever receiving configuration. Alternatively, for example, the tool may be wedged into the retainer clamp, preferably between its intermediate portions, and the top side of the retainer and the retainer clamp may be pried upwards. However, for control purposes, the existing option of a lever receiving configuration (illustrated as a clamping hole in the figures) is preferred. It will be understood that such tools can be extremely small and require considerable force to hold the cutting blade or tool for machining, thus making it very easy to apply excessive force to the resilient clamp retainer and damage it. Therefore, the lever receiving configuration is preferred. For the same reason, even more preferred is the retainer recess hole illustrated in the initial embodiment in the figures, where the retainer clamp cannot be damaged by applying excessive force to the retainer clamp (because in such embodiments, the user does not directly contact the retainer clamp, but rather the cutting blade or tool indirectly applies only a controlled upward force (limited by the height of the precision manufacturing) to it).

[0032] Although the method is referred to as a "fixture" method for removal, it may include the steps of applying the same upward and forward force to the retainer clamp, causing the clamp portion to move away from the bottom abutment surface of the recess, and the subsequent step of removing the cutting blade or tool from the rear abutment surface of the recess. The retainer clamp may then be released so that it resiliently moves toward the bottom abutment surface of the recess.

[0033] The foregoing aspects may optionally relate to a cutting blade or tool (which itself is configured to hold the cutting blade) held by a retainer according to the first aspect. The following aspects specifically relate only to tools having a tool seat configured to hold the cutting blade.

[0034] Tools designed for Swiss-type machining are uncommon and may not exist. For the purposes of this specification and claims, "tool" means a component configured to hold a cutting insert and configured to be mounted on a retainer configured to be mounted on a machine turret or assembly. In other words, the term "tool" as used herein excludes (and is not intended to indicate) a component having a tool portion and an integrated (enlarged cross-section) shank (typically having a square cross-section) configured to be held directly in a machine turret or assembly.

[0035] While cutting tools are known for use in standard CNC machining operations, they are not known for use in Swiss-type machining for the first reason: typical Swiss-type machining operations are dedicated to extremely small applications and therefore use only very small tool assemblies. For the sake of perspective, the cutting tool illustrated in the figures has a maximum tool height BH of approximately 11 mm, a maximum tool length BL of approximately 22 mm, and a maximum tool thickness BT of less than 1 mm. In other words, the tool itself is similar in size to a SIM card or a fingernail. Given that known cutting tools are significantly larger, a more suitable name for the cutting tool used in this application would be "micro-tool" or "small tool." However, since such names are not standardized at this time, the dimensions will be provided to distinguish it from prior art tools designed for different machining applications.

[0036] Returning to the present invention, one theoretical reason why the cutting tool was not used for Swiss-type machining is that, at the aforementioned small size, a cutting insert could be used without the additional components of the tool assembly required for the cutting tool. Although carbide cutting inserts are typically small due to pressing and cost constraints, the size discussed is certainly common for cutting inserts.

[0037] It is preferable to have fewer components in the tool assembly because there is a loss of rigidity for each additional retaining component (i.e., a tool assembly with a retainer, a tool, and a cutting blade will be less rigid than a tool retainer with a retainer that directly holds the cutting blade).

[0038] Furthermore, the preferred cutting tool of the present invention is made of metal, more preferably steel, as is typical in the metal cutting industry for components other than the cutting blade. However, as is known, metal cutting tools (especially thin ones, as desired for grooving and cutting) are more prone to bending than cutting blades made of harder materials (typically, cemented carbide). Therefore, it is evident that the first design choice for Swiss-type tool assemblies is the cutting blade, rather than the tool that subsequently holds the cutting blade.

[0039] This invention is based on the observation that typical Swiss-type tool assemblies include relatively expensive cutting blades, and that the loss of stiffness from using the tool outweighs the economic benefits for the reasons mentioned above (especially solid cutting blades, and even more preferably, single-edge cutting blades for the reasons described below). Therefore, this invention utilizes a tool where economical solid cutting blades (i.e., more economical than known Swiss-type cutting blades with holes formed in their sides) are subsequently found to be available.

[0040] However, the use of cutting tools for Swiss-type machining presents unique challenges.

[0041] As mentioned, although Swiss-type machining typically includes a position measuring probe adjacent to the cutting blade, it has been found during testing that, to date, preferred embodiments using not only screw-fastened cutting blades but also screw-fastened cutting tools are sufficiently robust to prevent displacement by the impact of the probe.

[0042] Regarding the issue that cutting tools are more prone to bending than cutting blades, the retainer of the present invention preferably comprises a normally closed retainer clamp, so that the force applied to extremely small cutting tools by the clamp is controlled during the retainer manufacturing stage and does not depend on the user tightening the screws on the cutting tool. Nevertheless, it will be understood that the cutting tool aspect of the present invention is not limited to use in a particular retainer, but the normally closed retainer clamp of the present invention is certainly preferred because it both protects the cutting tool from bending and solves the space constraints problem in Swiss-type group construction.

[0043] Normally closed retainer clamps also allow for clamping of the tool without screws extending through the tool itself. It will be understood that for extremely thin metal tools, screws adjacent to their sides can cause undesirable bending of the tool.

[0044] Furthermore, as is expected in Swiss-type operation, laterally oriented retainer clamps provide additional stability compared to longitudinally oriented retainer clamps.

[0045] After finding the initial concept feasible, further improvements were developed to the preferred tool mounting features. Specifically, embodiments with feed holes were described above and can be incorporated into any of the other aspects including the tool. As will become clear, such feed holes minimize any chance of tool bending.

[0046] Each of the following aspects focuses on discovering an independent advantageous feature for a cutting tool according to the invention. However, all of these features can be incorporated into any cutting tool of the invention.

[0047] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a cutting tool is provided, comprising: opposing first and second sides; opposing leading and trailing edges; opposing top and bottom edges; a first and a second tool seat, each of the first and second tool seats including a base seat jaw and a second seat jaw opposite to the base seat jaw and configured for resilient clamping; a maximum tool height BH, measured from the bottom edge to the top edge; a maximum tool length BL, perpendicular to the maximum tool height BH and measured from the leading and trailing edges; and a maximum tool thickness BT, perpendicular to the maximum tool height BH and measured from the first and second sides; wherein: the maximum tool thickness BT is less than the maximum tool height BH; the maximum tool length BL satisfies the condition: L < 45 mm; the first tool seat opens toward the leading edge; and the second tool seat opens toward the trailing edge.

[0048] In summary, this aspect differs from known cutting tools in that, while essentially limited to tools smaller than almost all typical tools (L < 45 mm), it also includes two tool seats. It is argued that no known tool of similar size possesses the benefit of a second tool seat that doubles the tool's productivity.

[0049] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a cutting tool is provided, comprising: opposing first and second sides of the tool; opposing leading and trailing edges of the tool; opposing top and bottom edges of the tool; and a first tool seat opening toward the leading edge of the tool; wherein: the first tool seat includes a base seat jaw and a second seat jaw configured for resilient clamping opposite to the base seat jaw; and a push hole opening toward the first and second sides of the tool.

[0050] The novel feed hole of this aspect allows the tool to be mounted in the retainer recess, where there is less concern about the relatively thin tool bending compared to what would happen if a backward force were applied to the outer peripheral edge of the tool.

[0051] These feed holes also allow users a user-friendly way to mount relatively small tools to the retainer, as well as many of the advantages mentioned above.

[0052] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, a tool assembly is provided, comprising: a retainer according to a first aspect and a cutting tool according to a sixth aspect; the retainer further comprising a retainer guide hole opening toward a recessed side abutting surface.

[0053] Therefore, a push key, which may be a simple cylindrical rod (or have the additional features described below), can be inserted through the push hole and into the retainer guide hole, and then moved to apply a rearward force on the push hole to move the tool rearward. While it is preferred that the hole contract to allow the key to be pried from the contracted portion of the hole, it is also possible for the hole to expand only relative to the tool's push hole, or to elongate, for example, in the rearward direction, and in such cases, the entire push key can simply be inserted and moved in the rearward direction to move the tool. In either case, the relatively more robust retainer prevents damage to the relatively thin tool. Of course, the contracted portion as shown is preferred for controlled tool advance.

[0054] Preferably, in any aspect where the cutting tool includes a feed hole, the feed hole includes an inner surface extending perpendicular to a first side and a second side of the cutting tool. This allows the feed hole to be easily produced, for example, using a laser cutting process. More specifically, other holes may differ from planar holes, wherein they are designed to receive a screw head (and thus designed with a so-called bell shape) or the threaded shank of a screw (and thus designed with a threaded inner surface). Since the feed hole of the present invention is not designed to receive a screw, it can be as described above.

[0055] According to an eighth aspect of the invention, a tool assembly is provided, comprising: a retainer according to a first aspect and a tool resiliently held to the retainer by a retainer clamp, the tool including a tool seat configured for resilient clamping.

[0056] It will be understood that the tool being held resiliently by the retainer, and the tool itself being configured to resiliently hold the cutting blade, is not a worthless solution, because the tool can accidentally eject from the retainer when the cutting blade is removed from the tool seat. This is especially true when the tool and the cutting blade eject in the same direction (in the example shown in the figures, both ejection directions are forward). Therefore, it is preferable that the retainer clamp is configured to apply a clamping force to the tool that is greater than the clamping force that the tool is configured to apply to the cutting blade held in the tool seat. In other words, the first clamping force applied to the separating tool in the retainer recess is greater than the second clamping force applied to the cutting blade in the tool seat.

[0057] It is noteworthy that tool assemblies and their components may lack screws, which allows for ease of manufacture and compactness (both because there is no need to accommodate (multiple) screws, and threaded holes require a relatively larger thickness in the component than unthreaded holes). In other words, a tool assembly may consist only of a retainer, a cutting tool, and a cutting insert (such a definition excludes tools used for inserting and removing the cutting tool and cutting insert, such as push keys, and only relates to components involved during machining).

[0058] In other words, the tool assembly and its components may lack threading. Specifically, the tool assembly lacks threading for the purpose of mounting the tool to the retainer and the cutting blade to the tool. Screws or threads may be present for purposes unrelated to this invention (e.g., screws may be provided to allow adjustment of the shank in the turret). It will be understood that the lack of screws or threads in the tool assembly relates to the resilient manner in which the tool is held to the retainer and the cutting blade is held to the tool (or, alternatively, the resilient manner in which the cutting blade is held to the retainer).

[0059] Given the unusually advantageous construction of small cutting tools, it will be understood that, in addition to providing numerical dimensions, a different way of defining such tools is to pay attention to the proportions of the tool seat and the solid portion of the tool.

[0060] According to a ninth aspect of the invention, a cutting tool is provided, comprising: opposing first and second sides; opposing leading and trailing edges; opposing top and bottom edges; a first tool seat opening toward the leading edge and including a base seat jaw and a second seat jaw opposing the base seat jaw and configured for resilient clamping; a maximum tool height BH measured from the bottom edge to the top edge; a maximum tool length BL perpendicular to the maximum tool height BH and measured from the leading edge to the trailing edge; a maximum tool thickness BT perpendicular to the maximum tool height BH and measured from the first side to the second side; and a maximum seat length SL parallel to the maximum tool length BL and measured from the foremost point of the first tool seat adjacent to the leading edge to the last point of the first tool seat distal to the leading edge; wherein: the maximum tool thickness BT is less than the maximum tool height BH; the maximum tool length BL and the maximum seat length SL define a length-seat ratio BL / SL satisfying the condition: BL / SL < 5.

[0061] For a tool with a tool seat that opens toward the leading and trailing edges of the tool, the compact size of the tool may be defined as slightly different from that in aspect nine.

[0062] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, a cutting tool is provided, comprising: opposing first and second sides; opposing leading and trailing edges; opposing top and bottom edges; a first and a second tool seat, each including a base seat jaw and a second seat jaw opposite to the base seat jaw and configured for resilient clamping; a maximum tool height BH, measured from the bottom edge to the top edge; a maximum tool length BL, perpendicular to the maximum tool height BH and measured from the leading and trailing edges; and a maximum tool thickness BT, perpendicular to the maximum tool height BH. The maximum tool height BH is measured from the first side of the tool to the second side of the tool; and the tool seat to seat length STS is parallel to the maximum tool length BL and measured between the farthest portions of the first and second tool seats, parallel to the maximum tool length BL; wherein: the first tool seat opens toward the leading edge of the tool; the second tool seat opens toward the trailing edge of the tool; the maximum tool thickness BT is less than the maximum tool height BH; the maximum tool seat to seat length STS and the maximum tool height BH define a seat to seat height ratio STS / BH that satisfies the following condition: STS / BH>1.2.

[0063] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, a similar but different definition is provided, wherein a cutting tool is provided, comprising: opposing first and second sides of the cutting tool; opposing leading and trailing edges of the cutting tool; opposing top and bottom edges of the cutting tool; a first cutting tool seat opening toward the leading edge of the cutting tool, including a base seat jaw and a second seat jaw opposing the base seat jaw and configured for resilient clamping; a maximum cutting tool height BH, measured from the bottom edge to the top edge of the cutting tool; a maximum cutting tool length BL, perpendicular to the maximum cutting tool height BH and measured from the leading and trailing edges of the cutting tool; and a maximum cutting tool thickness BT, perpendicular to the maximum cutting tool height BH and measured from the first side to the second side of the cutting tool; and wherein: the maximum cutting tool thickness BT is less than the maximum cutting tool height BH; the maximum cutting tool length BL and the maximum cutting tool height BH define a length-to-height ratio BL / BH satisfying the condition that BL / BH > 1.2.

[0064] It will be understood that the further defined cutting tools in the ninth, tenth and eleventh aspects refer to different definitions of advantageous small cutting tools that are particularly useful for Swiss-type applications, and can be used in conjunction with the previous aspects of methods, retainers and components, and incorporated as additional features of the previous aspects of cutting tools.

[0065] The specific tool developed for tool assemblies having the aforementioned clamping hole, retainer guide hole, or push-in hole is referred to herein as a "push-in key." It will be understood that a push-in key in the form of a simple cylindrical rod can be used to secure a cutting blade or tool in a retainer having a corresponding retainer guide hole. However, it is preferred that the push-in key has an enlarged cross-sectional portion. The enlarged cross-sectional portion is larger than the push-in hole and retainer guide hole to act as a stop. This ensures that the user only needs to concern themselves with the push-in movement and does not have to manually control the depth to which the push-in key extends into the retainer. It is also preferred that the push-in key includes a handle.

[0066] Therefore, according to a twelfth aspect of the invention, a push key is provided, comprising: a first key end and a second key end and an elongated intermediate key body extending therebetween; the push key further includes a handle proximal to the first key end; the second key end includes a first cross-sectional region; an operating portion extends rearward of the second key end; the intermediate key body includes a second cross-sectional region; the second cross-sectional region is larger than the first cross-sectional region and is located between the handle and the second key end, and constitutes the end of the operating portion.

[0067] The various preferred features related to the push key will now be described in detail.

[0068] Preferably, the first cross-sectional region is circular.

[0069] Preferably, the second cross-sectional region is circular.

[0070] Preferably, the push button, except for the handle, is made of metal.

[0071] Preferably, the push key, excluding the handle, has an elongated rod shape. This, of course, does not mean that the cross-section needs to be uniform, as different cross-sections have been mentioned above. In other words, the elongated rod shape may have a radial step, ramp, or other configuration at the transition between the first and second cross-sectional regions.

[0072] It will be understood that the push key according to this aspect is only a preferred embodiment, and even a cylindrical rod can be used.

[0073] According to any of the above methodological aspects, another step may include inserting a push key into a clamp hole, retainer guide hole, or push hole until axial movement stops through a second cross-sectional area adjacent to the hole through which it is inserted. A subsequent step may be to pry or move the push key to advance the retainer clamp, tool, or cutting insert.

[0074] According to any of the tool assembly aspects described above, the tool assembly may further include a push key having only a single cylindrical operating portion (i.e., excluding the double-pin key for inserting the cutting blade in a rotary motion). Preferably, the push key has a basic elongated rod shape. The push key may further include any of the features described above. In such assemblies, the advantage is that the entire assembly has fewer parts than a screw assembly. For example, in an assembly with a cutting tool, the entire assembly includes only and exactly four components for assembly and operation (i.e., a retainer, a cutting tool, a cutting blade secured to the cutting tool, and a push key). For example, in an assembly having only a cutting blade with a push hole, the entire assembly includes only and exactly three components for assembly and operation (i.e., a retainer, a cutting blade secured to the retainer, and a push key).

[0075] Another advantage of the push key or method of installing / removing a tool or cutting blade with a push hole extending through it is that, even when the tool or cutting blade is ejected, the push key remains extended through the tool or cutting blade and through the retainer, so that the tool or cutting blade is no longer secured to the retainer, but does not fall to the floor.

[0076] The preferred additional features of the cutting tool according to any of the foregoing aspects are as follows.

[0077] The various preferred features related to the shape of the cutting tool will now be described in detail.

[0078] Regarding the compact shape of the cutting tool, preferably, the length-to-seat ratio BL / SL satisfies the following condition: BL / SL < 5, more preferably BL / SL < 4, or most preferably BL / SL < 3.5. Specifically, as seen in the illustrated example, the maximum seat length SL is measured from the corner (the outermost part of the tool seat) to the end of the slot. In cases where the cutting tool has more than one tool seat and they are not identically shaped, it is intended to use a tool seat with a larger maximum seat length SL.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, to further stabilize the tool for Swiss-type operation, a preferred but optional reinforcing portion (shown in the figures as "first reinforcing portion and second reinforcing portion") extending not only below the tool seat but also even in front of it may be provided. Because such reinforcing portions are only optional, an alternative definition of the elongated tool shape can be defined using the maximum tool seat-to-seat length STS. In the illustrated example, the tool seat-to-seat length STS is measured between a first corner and a second corner associated with the tool seat jaws of the tool seat. Preferably, the seat-to-seat-height ratio STS / BH satisfies the condition that STS / BH > 1.2, more preferably STS / BH > 1.4. However, due to spatial constraints in the horizontal direction, it is still desirable that the tool does not excessively elongate in the horizontal direction. Therefore, it is preferred that the seat-to-seat-height ratio STS / BH satisfies the condition that STS / BH < 2.4, preferably STS / BH < 2.0.

[0080] Regardless of the number of tool seats or their size, generally speaking, while regularly shaped tools (triangular, square, hexagonal, etc.) are feasible for improved compactness in the vertical direction for Swiss-type groups, it is preferred that the tools be slender. Additionally or alternatively, regarding the previously defined size, the length-to-height ratio BL / BH preferably satisfies the condition that BL / BH > 1.2, or preferably BL / BH > 1.5. However, since there are also spatial constraints in the horizontal direction, it is still desirable that the tools not be excessively elongated in the horizontal direction. Therefore, it is preferred that the length-to-height ratio BL / BH satisfies the condition that BL / BH < 2.6, preferably BL / BH < 2.4.

[0081] Regarding the dimensions in terms of quantity, it is preferred that the maximum tool length BL satisfies the following conditions: BL < 45 mm, more preferably BL < 35 mm, and most preferably BL < 30 mm. However, the tool length cannot be reduced to zero. Therefore, it is preferred that the tool length BL also satisfies the following conditions: BL > 15 mm, preferably BL > 20 mm.

[0082] Additionally or alternatively, preferably, the maximum tool height BH satisfies the following condition: BH < 45 mm, more preferably BH < 25 mm, and most preferably BH < 20 mm. However, the tool height cannot be reduced to zero. Therefore, preferably, the tool height BH also satisfies the following condition: BH > 5 mm, preferably BH > 10 mm.

[0083] For completeness, the smallest possible tool thickness that provides sufficient structural strength for cutting operations is preferred. In current applications, the small tool of the present invention differs from the most common normal separating tools with a tool thickness of 2 mm or 3 mm. More specifically, it is preferred that the tool of the present invention has a maximum tool thickness BT that satisfies the following conditions: BT < 1.6 mm, more preferably BT < 1.2 mm, and most preferably BT < 1.0 mm or even BT < 0.8 mm. However, the tool thickness cannot be reduced to zero. Therefore, it is preferred that the tool thickness BT also satisfies the following condition: BT > 0.5 mm.

[0084] Preferably, the tool has a planar shape (i.e., no protrusions extending laterally from the first and second sides of the tool). To clarify, protrusions do not imply that the thickening of the central portion of the tool merely increases structural stability. It will be understood that some adapter-type components have laterally extending protrusions for mounting purposes rather than for structural strength.

[0085] The various preferred features associated with the tool seat and the cutting blade held therein will now be described in detail.

[0086] It will be understood that tool seats of such small thickness are preferably resilient because of the small space available for the threaded hole used to hold the screw. The resilient tool seat can be any known construction. Specifically, the resilient tool seat lacks a screw or retainer for holding the cutting blade to the tool seat, instead utilizing the resilient movement of the seat's jaws (typically one of them). Each tool seat herein may include a base seat jaw (i.e., located below the cutting blade, or in other words, on the side of the cutting blade opposite the rake face of the cutting blade) and a second seat jaw. The second seat jaw, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, extends above the cutting blade and may be defined as being located above the base seat jaw. Another known construction is where the second jaw is located behind the base seat jaw, as shown in USP 9,259,788. In embodiments where the maximum tool thickness BT is extremely small (1 mm or less), it is preferred that the cutting blade forms opposing tapered surfaces, and both the base seat jaw and the second seat jaw form tapered surfaces to aid in mounting the cutting blade in a flexible metal tool.

[0087] To avoid weakening an already small tool by removing too much material, it is preferable that the tool includes fewer than three tool seats (i.e., one or two tool seats). This is because a tool seat located below another tool seat that keeps the cutting insert active during machining will weaken the area below the active tool seat, which is much more significant in the case of Swiss-type machining and / or extremely thin tools than in larger tools. Therefore, it will also be understood why it is most preferred that the tool includes exactly two tool seats (making the tool more economical than if it had a single tool seat). However, it should be noted that one tool seat is a feasible but less preferred option, and for reasons of explanation, so are more than two tool seats. However, two tool seats are, of course, considered the optimal number.

[0088] While it is possible for the tool seats to be positioned at opposite corners in diameter (e.g., one in the upper right corner and the other in the lower left corner in a side view of the tool), it is preferable to use a mirror-symmetric arrangement (as illustrated, where one is in the upper right corner and the other in the upper left corner in a side view). In other words, preferably, both the first and second tool seats are positioned closer to the top edge of the tool than the bottom edge. In other words, it is preferable that the two tool seats are adjacent to the top edge of the tool.

[0089] This allows for various advantages, such as a more compact tool design. Because the retainer recess is recessed within the retainer's cross-sectional profile, the tool can be extended without compromising compactness (i.e., the height, which is particularly important in Swiss-type applications). Furthermore, while perfectly feasible, the tool recess near the top edge and another tool recess near the bottom edge would also reduce tool support along the bottom edge via the tool recess. In other words, support loss is mitigated because the rear tool seat (i.e., the second tool seat in the figures) is associated only with the secondary adjacent surface, which is essentially a stop (i.e., the rear adjacent surface of the recess). It will be understood that most of the force on the tool is in the downward direction. It will also be understood that, regardless of other design features, full support of the tool on the bottom adjacent surface of the recess is superior to unsupported tool below its tool seat.

[0090] Preferably, the recess bottom abutment surface extends at least partially below the foremost tool seat (i.e., the enabled tool seat, shown in the figures as the first tool seat). More preferably, the recess bottom abutment surface extends entirely below the foremost tool seat, thereby providing full support thereunder. In the most preferred embodiment, the recess bottom abutment surface extends even forward of the region below the foremost tool seat. Of course, in the latter preferred case, the portion may be referred to as a reinforcing portion. In other words, the tool may include a reinforcing portion that extends from below and forward of the foremost tool seat and extends to the bottom edge of the tool. In the assembly, the reinforcing portion at the bottom edge of the tool abuts the recess bottom abutment surface. It will be understood that this is more stable than conventional tools that are typically partially unsupported below their tool seat. This can also be defined separately with respect to the tool, for example, preferably, the bottom edge of the tool extends entirely below the tool seat. More preferably, the bottom edge of the tool extends forward of the tool seat. In other words, preferably, the reinforcing portion extends from the tool seat to the bottom edge of the tool. Preferably, the reinforcing portion extends forward of the tool seat.

[0091] While solid cutting blades are preferred, it should be noted that single-cutting-edge blades are also preferred. Although cutting blades with more than one cutting edge (i.e., indexable cutting blades) are more economical, they can also reduce the cutting depth. Furthermore, in the retainer shown in the first embodiment of the figures, since the tool is inserted via a sliding motion, the additional cutting edge will hinder such insertion due to the impact with the surface adjacent to the recess side (this is not the case for the second embodiment where the retainer clamp is raised and the cutting blade or tool is inserted laterally). While it is possible to have an alternative recess side abutment surface at the height of the cutting edge, this would reduce the stability of the tool adjacent to the clamping portion and cause bending in the tool. Therefore, at least for the sliding motion embodiment, the tool allows for the use of a much smaller and therefore more economical cutting blade.

[0092] Regarding the definition of a corner: the base seat jaw and the leading edge of the tool may meet at a first corner. Similarly, in an embodiment with two tool seats, the other base seat jaw and the trailing edge of the tool may meet at a second corner. The second seat jaw and the top edge of the tool may meet at a third corner. Similarly, in an embodiment with two tool seats, the other second jaw seat and the top edge of the tool may meet at a fourth corner.

[0093] Various preferred features related to clamping and / or mounting will now be described in detail.

[0094] While in theory the retainer clamp can hold the tool side to bias the tool against the recessed side of the adjacent surface, the preferred option is that the tool tip edge includes a tapered portion.

[0095] Specifically, the taper can be from the first side surface of the tool toward the second side surface of the tool (a single inclined surface). More preferably, it tapers from both the first and second side surfaces (i.e., a double inclined surface, such as an inverted V-shape) to allow tool indexing.

[0096] For similar considerations, it is preferred that the bottom edge of the tool includes a tapered portion, which may also be a single-sloped surface, but is preferably a double-sloped edge. It will be understood that when the tool includes a tapered top edge, the corresponding clamping top abutment surface includes the clamping top tapered portion. Similarly, when the tool includes a tapered bottom edge, the corresponding recess bottom abutment surface includes the recess bottom tapered portion.

[0097] To reduce the amount of force required to raise the resilient retainer clamp, the tapered portion of the tool edge may preferably include a tapered edge length TTL, which is preferably less than the maximum (total) edge length MTL of the tool edge. More precisely, the maximum edge length MTL and the tapered edge length TTL define an edge ratio MTL / TTL that satisfies the condition that MTL / TTL > 2, or preferably MTL / TTL > 3.

[0098] To provide additional structural strength below the tool seat, the bottom edge of the tool is preferably longer than the top edge of the tool, where most of the force is applied to the tool (i.e., in the downward direction as opposed to the rearward direction).

[0099] While both the top and bottom edges of the tool are preferably tapered to help hold the tool against lateral forces during machining, the structural strength at the top edge can be reduced (by shortening its length) for various advantages, namely, to reduce the amount of force required to lift the fixture, while allowing the tapered top edge to move into the fully mounted position (which would take more time if the tapered top edge were relatively long). Therefore, it is preferred that the length of the tapered top edge (TTL) (i.e., the tapered portion of the top edge only) is shorter than the length of the tapered bottom edge (TBL) (i.e., the tapered portion of the bottom edge only), defining a tapered portion ratio of TTL / TBL < 1. Preferably, TTL / TBL < 0.75, more preferably, TTL / TBL < 0.50, and most preferably, TTL / TBL < 0.25.

[0100] Preferably, the tapered portion at the top edge is located above the release portion. This also reduces the amount of force and / or time required to raise the retainer clamp. Preferably, the tapered portion at the top edge is located between the two release portions.

[0101] Preferably, the tapered portion of the top edge extends both forward and downward on one side and both backward and downward on the other side. In other words, the tapered portion of the top edge may preferably have a peak or apex. This can further reduce the force / time required for clamping the tool.

[0102] Preferably, especially for indexable tools having two tool seats with adjacent tool top edges, the tapered portion of the top edge is located at the center.

[0103] Preferably, the bottom edge taper extends along most of the bottom edge of the tool. It will be understood that the longer the taper, the greater the lateral stability it will provide. This contrasts with the shortened length of the top edge taper, which is preferably shortened for different benefits. Most preferably, the bottom edge taper extends along the entire bottom edge of the tool.

[0104] The structural strength mentioned above can alternatively be defined by a cutting tool including reinforcing portions extending downward and forward from the tool seat. More precisely, the cutting tool may include a first reinforcing portion extending downward and forward from a first corner. In embodiments having a second tool seat that opens toward the trailing edge of the cutting tool, the cutting tool may include a second reinforcing portion extending downward and rearward from a second corner. In the above definitions, the first corner and the second corner are located at the intersection of the base seat jaws of the first tool seat and the leading edge of the cutting tool, and at the intersection of the base seat jaws of the second tool seat and the trailing edge of the cutting tool, respectively.

[0105] Preferably, in the side view of the tool, the bottom edge of the tool extends in a straight line. It will be understood that a tool with a lower front stop (stepped) cannot be indexed in the same sliding manner, and therefore does not have two tool seats designed at its leading and trailing edges.

[0106] The various preferred features associated with the propulsion hole will now be described in detail.

[0107] Although existing cutting tools may have holes constructed for ejecting or mounting the cutting blade (hereinafter referred to as "ejection holes"), Figure 4C The designation is "55"). The novel advance hole of this invention is not a pop-out hole. Therefore, even in this invention, which relates to micro-tools, the tool still includes additional holes with respect to the two pop-out holes shown. In other words, a tool according to the invention may include more holes than tool seats (e.g., in the illustrated example, two tool seats, two pop-out holes, and additional holes for the advance hole). In other words, a tool according to the invention may preferably have more holes than blade seats. Nevertheless, it is feasible that a single hole can be designed for a dual purpose.

[0108] Preferably, the feed holes are symmetrically located between the two tool seats.

[0109] Preferably, the feed hole is positioned closer to the lower edge of the tool than one or more tool seats (in embodiments with more than one tool seat). This provides greater structural stability to the tool compared to introducing a material deficiency directly between the two gaps (i.e., the tool seats).

[0110] Preferably, the push hole is larger than each of the corresponding ejection holes.

[0111] Preferably, the maximum size PH of the feed hole satisfies the condition PH > 2 mm. More preferably, PH > 3 mm. However, for small cutting tools, to avoid excessive weakening of the tool, it is also preferred that PH < 5 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the feed hole is preferably cylindrical, and the maximum size PH of the feed hole is the diameter, as shown in the side view. However, the feed hole may also be of another shape, or even elongated. For ease of manufacturing, a cylindrical shape is the most preferred shape.

[0112] When the cutting tool is shaped symmetrically about the intermediate plane between its front and rear ends, it is preferable that the feed hole is in the middle of the cutting tool.

[0113] The various preferred features associated with the retainer recess will now be described in detail.

[0114] While theoretically the retainer clamp can be adjacent to either the cutting blade side or the tool side, for a more secure grip, the top abutment surface of the clamp is preferably inclined inward to face the downward and second lateral directions. This allows the clamping force to be directed towards both the recess side abutment surface and the recess bottom abutment surface. For similar reasons, the recess bottom abutment surface is preferably inclined inward to face the upward and second lateral directions. Most preferably, both the top abutment surface of the clamp and the recess bottom abutment surface are inclined inward toward the recess side abutment surface and toward each other.

[0115] While a viable option would be for the recess rear abutment surface to slope inwards towards the recess side abutment surface, in embodiments where the recess bottom abutment surface and / or the clamp top abutment surface are tapered, it is more preferable that they are not sloped, but rather preferably face only in the forward direction. In other words, preferably, the recess rear abutment surface is perpendicular to the recess side abutment surface. This is because the recess bottom abutment surface and / or the clamp top abutment surface are already tapered, thus providing sufficient lateral support and allowing for a more economical recess rear abutment surface (and the corresponding cutting blade or tool trailing edge).

[0116] Although the bottom abutment surface of the recess can be formed as one or more point contacts, it is preferred that the bottom abutment surface of the recess be elongated in a side view of the first side of the retainer along the second lateral direction. In contrast, the rear abutment surface of the recess can be relatively short because it primarily provides a stop function (compared to the majority of the bottom abutment surface of the recess in the receiver machining force).

[0117] Preferably, the adjacent surface of the recess side extends behind the clamping portion, and more preferably extends behind the entire retainer clamp. This allows the tool to be structurally more robust (because the gap formed by the tool seat is relatively smaller than the material portion of the tool compared to what would happen if the tool were shorter in the forward / backward direction).

[0118] Preferably, the adjacent surface of the recess is located behind the entire retainer clamp.

[0119] Preferably, the adjacent surface of the recess faces downward and forward to help prevent rotation of the tool or cutting blade held in the retainer.

[0120] The various preferred features associated with the retainer clamp will now be described in detail.

[0121] According to some embodiments, it is preferred that the retainer clamp is solid (i.e., without holes).

[0122] To allow movement without plastic deformation, it is preferable that the resilient hinge portion is spaced apart from the first side. Preferably, the resilient hinge portion extends from the top side of the head adjacent to the second side of the retainer. Additionally, preferably, the resilient hinge portion does not extend beyond the second side of the retainer (allowing for a more compact form).

[0123] Preferably, the middle portion extends precisely only in the direction of the first side (i.e., reducing the forward overhang of the cutters from the group).

[0124] The various preferred features associated with the retainer guide hole will now be described in detail.

[0125] The retainer guide hole can be a blind hole, but is preferably a through hole that opens to both the first side of the retainer (more precisely, the recessed side adjacent surface) and the second side of the retainer. This allows for the installation and ejection of cutting blades or cutters from either side of the retainer using a push-in key.

[0126] The retainer guide hole preferably extends in both the forward and rearward directions. The retainer guide hole preferably has a constricted portion. The retainer guide hole is preferably hourglass-shaped (or, in other words, X-shaped).

[0127] It will be understood that, since screws are not intended for use, the retainer guide hole is preferably unthreaded. Similarly, it is preferred that the entire retainer be unthreaded (or "unthreaded").

[0128] The various preferred features associated with Swiss-type machining applications will now be described in detail.

[0129] Regarding the basic structure of the retainer: The retainer preferably comprises an elongated shank portion and a head portion extending in front of the shank portion. For example, this is a structure different from typical tool retainer constructions (such as the tool retainer construction illustrated in USP 9,259,788).

[0130] The retainer recess is formed at least partially on the head portion at the first side of the retainer.

[0131] Preferably, the retainer recess extends behind the head portion (the head portion is defined from the front end of the retainer to the last point of the retainer clamp).

[0132] The shank portion may include opposing shank first and shank second sides connected by a shank top side and a shank bottom side. All of these sides are preferably planar. While a square cross-section is possible, a rectangular cross-section is also a feasible option. For applications other than Swiss-type machining turrets, shank portions of different shapes (e.g., cylindrical) are also feasible.

[0133] For compactness, it is preferable that, in the view of the front end of the retainer (i.e., viewed in the rearward direction), the entire retainer is contained within the first side, second side, top side, and bottom side of the handle portion (i.e., the cross-section of the handle portion, or the "forward-facing profile" of the handle). This eliminates retainer clamps, which would necessarily reduce the compactness of the retainer. However, it is preferable that the head portion cross-section extends beyond the handle portion cross-section only at the retainer clamp, and not in the additional direction (as mentioned in the above-mentioned views).

[0134] In other words, preferably, in the front view of the retainer (i.e., the view of the front end), only the portion of the retainer that extends beyond the outline of the handle portion extends in the upward direction. In other words, in the front view of the retainer, the handle portion has a outline, and the only portion of the retainer extending beyond the outline of the handle portion extends in the upward direction.

[0135] Similarly, apart from the tool tip edge, in the view of the front end of the retainer in the rearward direction, the tool is within the cross section of the shank portion.

[0136] In a view of the front end of the retainer in the rearward direction, the cutting edge of the cutting blade is preferably in the top (right or left) region of the retainer (the region excludes the retainer clamp). Attached Figure Description

[0137] To better understand the subject matter of this application and to illustrate how this application can be implemented in practice, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0138] Figure 1AIt is a side perspective view of the tool assembly according to the invention in a fully installed state (or in other words, "clamped" or "secured" state);

[0139] Figure 1B From and Figure 1A The different sides shown Figure 1A The side perspective of the tool component in the document;

[0140] Figure 2A yes Figure 1A A top view of the cutting blade of the tool component in the image;

[0141] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A front view of the cutting blade in the image;

[0142] Figure 2C yes Figure 2A A side view of the cutting blade in the middle;

[0143] Figure 2D yes Figure 2A Rear view of the cutting blade;

[0144] Figure 3 This is a side view of the push button;

[0145] Figure 4A yes Figure 1A A top view of the cutting tool in the tool component;

[0146] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A A front view of the cutting tool in the image;

[0147] Figure 4C yes Figure 4A A side view of the cutting tool in the image;

[0148] Figure 4D yes Figure 4A Rear view of the cutting tool;

[0149] Figure 4E yes Figure 4A A bottom view of the cutting tool in the image;

[0150] Figure 5 This is a side view of different cutting tools and cutting blades mounted thereon according to the present invention;

[0151] Figure 6A yes Figure 1A Top view of the retainer of the tool component in the image;

[0152] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A Rear view of the retainer in the middle;

[0153] Figure 6C yes Figure 6A Side view of the retainer in the middle;

[0154] Figure 6D yes Figure 6A A front view of the retainer in the image;

[0155] Figure 6E From and Figure 6C The different sides shown Figure 6A Side view of the retainer in the middle;

[0156] Figure 7A yes Figure 1A A partial top view of the tool component (the word "partial" is only intended to indicate that the entire retainer is not shown);

[0157] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A The back view of the tool components in the document;

[0158] Figure 7C yes Figure 7A A partial side view of the tool component in the document;

[0159] Figure 7D yes Figure 7A The front view of the tool component in the document;

[0160] Figure 7E From and Figure 7C The different sides shown Figure 7A A partial side view of the tool component in the document;

[0161] Figure 8A It is in a semi-installed state. Figure 1A A partial side perspective view of the tool component in the view, along with... Figure 9 The arrows marked "VA" point in the same direction;

[0162] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A A partial side view of the tool component in the document;

[0163] Figure 8C yes Figure 8A A partial side perspective view of the tool component in the view, along with... Figure 9 The arrows bearing the designation "VC" point in the same direction;

[0164] Figure 8D It is along Figure 6C A cross-sectional view of the retainer taken by line VIIID-VIIID;

[0165] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8B The cross-sectional view of the tool component intercepted by line IX-IX, where Figure 3The push button is schematically shown in four different positions;

[0166] Figure 10A This is an exploded side perspective view of another tool component according to the invention;

[0167] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A The side perspective of the tool component in the document;

[0168] Figure 10C yes Figure 10A The front view of the tool component in the document;

[0169] Figure 11A It further includes the push key. Figure 10A The side perspective view of the tool components in the document; and

[0170] Figure 11B From and Figure 11A The different side views shown Figure 11A The side perspective of the tool component in the document. Detailed Implementation

[0171] Reference Figure 1A and 1B Example 10 is a first Swiss-type tool assembly. Assembly 10 includes a retainer 12, a tool 14 mounted on the retainer 12, and a cutting blade 16 mounted on the tool 14.

[0172] Reference Figures 2A to 2D The cutting blade 16 will be described in detail.

[0173] Cutting blade 16 is a standard single-sided solid cutting blade (as specified by the applicant in the trade name) constructed to be held in place by a resilient recess. (Sales below).

[0174] The cutting blade 16 includes a cutting portion 18 and a shank portion 20 extending therefrom.

[0175] The cutting blade 16 includes a front cutting surface 22 (over which chips are intended to flow), and a front clearance surface 24A, a first side clearance surface 24B, and a second side clearance surface 24C that taper inwards with increasing distance from the front cutting surface 22.

[0176] The front blade surface 22 preferably has a chip forming arrangement 26.

[0177] The cutting edge 28 extends along the intersection of the front blade surface 22 with the front clearance surface 24A, the first side clearance surface 24B, and the second side clearance surface 24C.

[0178] The handle portion 20 includes an upper handle surface 30A, a lower handle surface 30B, a first side handle surface 30C, a second side handle surface 30D, and a rear handle surface 30E.

[0179] The cutting blade 16, and especially its shank portion 20, has a generally straight and slender shape.

[0180] The cutting edge width CW of the cutting edge 28 is greater than the cutting body width CBW of the shank portion 20. Therefore, this type of cutting blade can be used for grooving or separating operations where the depth is not limited by the length of the cutting blade.

[0181] In this preferred example, the cut edge width CW is 0.8 mm.

[0182] The upper shank surface 30A is tapered. More precisely, as in... Figure 2D As best seen in the middle, the upper shank surface 30A tapers inward to form a basic concave shape.

[0183] The lower shank surface 30B is tapered. More precisely, as in... Figure 2B As best seen in the middle, the lower shank surface 30B tapers inward to form a basic concave shape.

[0184] For such small sizes, it is preferable that both the upper shank surface 30A and the lower shank surface 30B taper to facilitate mounting the cutting blade 16 onto the extremely thin, flexible tool 14.

[0185] Reference Figure 3 Example: push button 32.

[0186] The push key 32 includes a first key end 34A and a second key end 34B, and an elongated intermediate key body 34C extending therebetween, with the handle 36 positioned adjacent to the first key end 34A.

[0187] The second key end 34B includes a first cross-sectional region CS1, which is circular in this example.

[0188] Extending rearward from the second key end 34B is an operating portion 38 extending to the end 40, wherein the operating portion 38 includes a second cross-sectional region CS2, which in this example is circular, and more importantly, is larger than the first cross-sectional region CS1 in at least one direction.

[0189] Although the push key 32 includes a first truncated conical portion 42A and a second truncated conical portion 42B, the basic shape shown is that of an elongated rod.

[0190] Reference Figures 4A to 4E The tool 14 will be described in detail.

[0191] The cutting tool 14 includes opposing first cutting tool side 44A and second cutting tool side 44B, opposing cutting tool leading edge 46A and trailing edge 46B, and opposing cutting tool top edge 48A and bottom edge 48B.

[0192] In this example, the tool 14 also includes two tool seats, namely, a first tool seat 50 and a second tool seat 52, as shown, which are preferably identical.

[0193] Each tool includes a base seat jaw 54A, a second seat jaw 54B (located above the base seat jaw 54A in this example), and a slot end 54C connecting the base seat jaw 54A and the second seat jaw 54B.

[0194] The base seat jaw 54A is tapered, and preferably in this example, the tapering outwards forms a basic convex shape to match the concave shape of the lower shank surface 30B of the cutting blade.

[0195] The second seat chuck 54B is tapered. More precisely, as in... Figure 2B As best seen, the second seat pawl 54B tapers outward to form a basic convex shape to match the concave shape of the upper shank surface 30A of the cutting blade.

[0196] The base seat jaw 54A of the first tool seat and the leading edge of the tool 46A meet at the first corner 56A.

[0197] The base seat jaw 54A of the second tool seat and the trailing edge of the tool 46B meet at the second corner 56B.

[0198] The second seat jaw 54B of the first tool seat and the tool top edge 48A meet at the third corner 56C.

[0199] The second seat jaw 54B of the second tool seat and the tool top edge 48A meet at the fourth corner 56D.

[0200] The first side 44A and the second side 44B of the cutting tool are generally planar, except that they include a thin portion 58A and a slightly thicker portion 58B. The reason for the different thicknesses is that the metal cutting tool is so thin that it can bend under clamping forces and / or machining forces.

[0201] Brief reference Figure 5 The alternative, slightly thicker cutting tool 14' is strong enough to withstand the said force, and therefore... Figure 4C The essential difference between the tools in this article is that they have a completely flat shape without any thinner or thicker parts.

[0202] The trailing edge 46B includes a flat rear abutment surface 60. Preferably, the flat rear abutment surface 60 is spaced apart from the second tool seat 52 so that if the second tool seat 52 is the first seat to be used in machining, and if it is damaged during machining, the tool 14 can still be indexed and used without the rear abutment surface 60 being damaged or bent (as it is more likely to be close to the tool seat). It will also be noted that the flat rear abutment surface 60 also extends rearward and downward (i.e., slopes) to further help prevent the tool 14 from rotating when machining forces are applied to the cutting insert 16 in the first tool seat 50.

[0203] The tool 14 is mirror-symmetric about the plane P that extends through the middle of the tool 14.

[0204] Therefore, when the front edge 46A has a corresponding flat "back adjacent surface" marked 62, when the cutting blade is installed in the second tool seat 52, the corresponding flat "back adjacent surface" will be used for the same purpose as the back adjacent surface 60.

[0205] Additionally, for readability, certain features are indicated only on one of the same sides of the tool 14. For example, the maximum seat length SL is indicated only with respect to the second tool seat 52, but will be clearly the same for the first tool seat 52. In any case, note the opposite direction of the second tool seat 52, where the maximum seat length SL is measured from the second corner 56B to the groove end 54C.

[0206] The tool tip edge 48 includes a tapered tip edge portion 64 (i.e., having a tapered tip edge portion 64). Figure 4D The convex shape shown) and a release portion 66 on either side thereof. "Release" means that there is no tapered portion intended for adjacent contact. As shown, the so-called release portion 66 is lower than the tapered portion 64. Therefore, they could even be tapered, but would not contact the corresponding retainer clamp due to their height.

[0207] More precisely, the top edge tapering portion 64 includes a first sub-tapered edge 64A that slopes upward from the release portion 66 to the apex 68 of the plane P. The first sub-tapered edge 64A is enabled in clamping when the tool first seat 50 is occupied by the cutting blade 16 and is enabled.

[0208] On the other side of vertex 68, the second sub-tapered edge 64B slopes downwards.

[0209] The bottom edge 48 of the tool includes a tapered portion 70 (i.e., having a tapered portion as shown in the image). Figure 4D The convex shape shown is as follows: Figure 4E As shown, it extends along the entire bottom edge 48 of the tool.

[0210] The first reinforcing portion 72 (shown as "first reinforcing portion and second reinforcing portion" in the drawings) extends below and forward of the foremost portion of the first tool seat (which is the first corner 56A in this example). This provides additional structural support when the cutting blade (not shown) is mounted and operated in the first tool seat 50.

[0211] The second reinforcing portion 74 (shown as "first reinforcing portion and second reinforcing portion" in the accompanying drawings) extends below and behind the second corner 56A. This provides additional structural support when the cutting blade (not shown) is mounted and operated in the first tool seat 50.

[0212] To provide a perspective view of the shape of the exemplary tool 14, the dimensions are shown as being quantifiable as follows: tool taper top edge length TTL = 5 mm; tool maximum top edge length MTL = 18 mm; tool taper bottom edge length TBL = maximum tool length BL = 25 mm; tool height BH = 11.5 mm; maximum tool thickness BT = 1 mm; maximum seat length SL = 8 mm; and tool seat-to-seat length STS = 21 mm. Therefore, in the given embodiment: the top edge ratio MTL / TTL equals 18 / 5 = 3.6; the taper ratio TTL / TBL equals 5 / 25 = 0.2; the length-to-seat ratio BL / SL equals 25 / 8 = 3.1; the seat-to-seat-height ratio STS / BH equals 20 / 11.5 = 1.7; and the length-to-height ratio BL / BH equals 25 / 11.5 = 2.2.

[0213] In this embodiment, the feed hole 76 opens toward a first side and a second side of the tool. The feed hole 76 includes an inner surface 78 extending perpendicular to the first and second sides of the tool. The maximum size PH of the feed hole is shown, and in this example where the feed hole 76 is cylindrical, it is its diameter.

[0214] Reference Figures 6A to 6E Holder 12 will be described in detail.

[0215] The retainer 12 includes: a first retainer side 78A; a second retainer side 78B; a front retainer end 78C; a rear retainer end 78D; a top retainer side 78E; and a bottom retainer side 78F.

[0216] For understanding, as shown, the directions are: first side direction DS1; second side direction DS2; forward direction DF; backward direction DR; upward direction DU; and downward direction DD.

[0217] The exemplary retainer 12 may further preferably include an elongated shank portion 80 and a head portion 82. An imaginary boundary plane 84 schematically shows the point where the shank portion 80 and the head portion 82 meet. In this example, it will be understood that, due to the increase in cross-sectional area in front of the imaginary boundary plane 84, this increase prevents the portion of the retainer 12 in front of the boundary plane 84 (referred to herein as the head portion 82) from inserting into a turret (not shown) or group (not shown) designed to hold the shank portion 80.

[0218] The retainer 12 further includes a retainer clamp 86 located at the top side 78E of the retainer.

[0219] like Figure 6B As mentioned above, the handle portion 80 further includes a first handle side 88A, a second handle side 88B, a top handle side 88C, and a bottom handle side 88D. It is noteworthy that, respectively in… Figure 6B and 6D As seen in the rear and front views, it is clear that the only direction in which the retainer 12 extends beyond the outline (or "imprint," in this non-limiting example, a square outline formed by the planar handle first side 88A, handle second side 88B, handle top side 88C, and handle bottom side 88D) of the handle portion is the upward direction DU (significantly exceeded only by the retainer clamp 86). Furthermore, only a portion of the retainer 12 extending beyond the outline of the handle portion extends upward.

[0220] For completeness, refer to Figure 7B and 7D It is shown that the cutter 14 and the cutting blade 16 may slightly extend beyond the outline in the first direction DS1. However, this extension is not considered significant (e.g., in this example, the extension is less than 1 mm). Additionally, the small portion 90 of the head portion 82 extends further in the upward direction DU to ensure that the cutter 14 is fully supported against the head portion 82 (to prevent bending). However, this extension of the small portion 90 is not significant in increasing the compact shape of the retainer 12, since the much larger retainer clamp 86 already prevents the retainer 12 from being inserted further rearward into the turret (not shown) or group (not shown), and also extends far beyond the small portion 90 in the upward direction DU.

[0221] The retainer 12 further includes a retainer recess 92.

[0222] The retainer recess 92 includes a recess side abutment surface 94, a recess bottom abutment surface 96, and a recess rear abutment surface 98 extending along the first side 78A of the retainer.

[0223] It is worth noting that, such as Figure 6CAs shown, the retainer recess 92 extends rearward from the boundary plane 84. In other words, the retainer recess 92 extends behind the head portion 82. Therefore, it can be said that the retainer recess 92 is partially formed on the head portion 82, but in a less preferred embodiment, it may be formed entirely on the head portion 82.

[0224] As in Figure 6C In the best view, the concave adjacent surface 98 faces downward in the direction DD and forward in the direction DF.

[0225] exist Figure 6C The minimum recess height PM is shown, which is measured parallel to the upward direction DU and the downward direction DD from the bottom adjacent surface 96 of the recess to the top adjacent surface 104 of the fixture.

[0226] Returning to the retainer clamp 86, it further includes a resilient hinge portion 100, a clamp portion 102 including a clamp top abutment surface 104 facing downward in the DD direction, and an intermediate portion 106 extending from the resilient hinge portion to the clamp portion.

[0227] Notably, the resilient hinge portion 100 is integrally formed with the remainder of the retainer 12 to have a one-piece integral construction, and is thus configured to resiliently bias the clamp portion 102 downward when a force is applied to the clamp portion 102 in the upward direction DU. Such a construction may preferably include an inner edge 108 of the resilient hinge portion 100 that is bent to reduce stress (i.e., when the clamp top abutment surface 104 moves in the upward direction DU to allow clamping), and also includes a clamping gap 110 located between the intermediate portion 106 and the remainder of the retainer 12 below the clamping gap 110 to allow operation of the resilient hinge portion 100. Another additional feature is that the retainer clamp 86 is solid (or in other words, lacks a threaded hole of the known type in prior art clamps, in which the clamp is threaded to the retainer). Although the embodiments in Figures 10 and 11 include holes, their design is previously unknown. In any case, both instances lack holes for receiving screws as known in the prior art.

[0228] Therefore, it can be seen that the retainer clamp 86 is configured to hold the tool or blade without being threaded to the retainer 12 in which the tool or blade is held.

[0229] Preferably, as in Figure 6AAs best viewed, the middle portion 106 extends parallel to the first direction DS1 and the second direction DS2. It will be understood that if it were tilted along the forward direction DF or the rearward direction DR, the amount by which the retainer 12 can be inserted into the turret or group would likely be reduced (because the retainer clamp 86 would further impede such insertion). Alternatively, the head portion 82 would need to be further elongated to achieve the same cutting depth (because if the same head portion 82 size is maintained, the retainer clamp 86 would impede the workpiece).

[0230] It is worth noting, as in Figure 6D As best viewed, the clamp portion 102 extends above the adjacent surface 94 on the side of the recess.

[0231] For even more secure clamping, the top abutment surface 104 of the clamp is tilted inward to face the downward direction DD and the second lateral direction DS2.

[0232] Similarly, the adjacent surface at the bottom of the cavity is inclined inward to face the upward direction DU and the second lateral direction DS2.

[0233] As in Figure 6C As best seen in the middle, the adjacent surface 96 at the bottom of the recess is elongated and, as in Figure 7C As seen in the image, for example, it fully supports the entire tool 14.

[0234] Although the present invention generally relates to a resilient, clamp-based tool assembly 10, particularly advantageous assembly designs and methods have been developed and are considered as entirely independent advantageous inventions.

[0235] That said, it is clearly advantageous when combined with the aforementioned clamp-based retainer 12 as shown.

[0236] As in Figure 6C As best seen in the image, the retainer 12 further includes a retainer guide hole 112 that opens toward the recessed side abutting surface 94. In this example, the retainer guide hole 112 extends in the forward direction DF and the rearward direction DR.

[0237] As in Figure 6E As best seen, the retainer guide hole 112 is a through hole that opens toward the second side 78B of the retainer, and also allows for installation or discharge from the second side 78B of the retainer. Similarly, the retainer guide hole 112 also extends at the second side 78B of the retainer.

[0238] Reference Figure 8D As shown, the retainer guide hole 112 may include an advantageous constriction portion 114.

[0239] In detail, the retainer guide hole 112 may include a first hole portion 116 opening toward the first side 78A of the retainer, a second hole portion 118 opening toward the second side 78B of the retainer, and a central hole portion 120 located between the first hole portion 116 and the second hole portion 118.

[0240] The first hole portion 116 may include a first last hole edge 122A and a first foremost hole edge 122B. The first last hole edge 122A and the first foremost hole edge 122B taper (or in other words, converge) near the center hole portion 120.

[0241] The second hole portion 118 may include a second last hole edge 124A and a second foremost hole edge 124B. The second last hole edge 124A and the second foremost hole edge 124B taper (or in other words, converge) near the center hole portion 120.

[0242] Reference Figures 7A to 7E Tool component 10 is shown in a fully installed state. Some noteworthy features from the view shown are the compact form of tool component 10, and... Figure 7C and 7E In the side view, the retainer guide hole 112 is not clearly visible as a circular opening.

[0243] In detail, the foremost push-in hole portion 126 partially covers the retainer guide hole 112. Therefore, when the push-in key 32 is inserted into the retainer guide hole 112 (at an angle inclined about the first direction DS1 and the second direction DS2, as will be described in detail)... Figure 9 When (as explained in the text), it can contact the foremost advance hole portion 126 and move the tool 14 forward from the fully installed state to a semi-installed state where it still rests on the adjacent surface 96 at the bottom of the recess, but is no longer held by the retainer clamp 86.

[0244] Reference Figures 8A to 8C Tool assembly 10 is shown in a semi-installed state. In this position, although the first tapered edge 64A of the tool can contact the top abutment surface 104 of the clamp, it is not held in place. In other words, the retainer clamp 86 is in the normally closed position, thereby preventing rearward movement of the tool 14.

[0245] It is worth noting that, in Figure 8B In the side view, the retainer guide hole 112 is not clearly visible as a circular opening, but the final push hole portion 128 partially covers the retainer guide hole 112. Therefore, when the push key 32 is inserted into the retainer guide hole 112 (at an angle inclined about the first direction DS1 and the second direction DS2), it can contact the final push hole portion 128 and move the tool 14 from the semi-mounted state to the rearward direction DR. Figures 7A to 7EThe fully installed state is shown in the image.

[0246] Figure 8A and Figure 8C It is an oblique view showing the circular opening of the retainer guide hole 112 (i.e., a view showing the insertion of the push key 32).

[0247] Also refer to Figure 9 The push key 32 (in the position marked 32A) is shown as parallel to the corresponding Figure 8C The view labeled "VC" is oriented in the view direction. Similarly, push button 32 (in the position labeled 32C) is shown parallel to the corresponding... Figure 8A The view labeled "VA" is oriented in the view direction.

[0248] For the sake of understanding only, the same push key 32 is shown in the first key position (32A), the second key position (32B), the third key position (32C), and the fourth key position (32D) to schematically explain how the illustrated tool 14 is brought between the half-installed and fully-installed states.

[0249] To describe an exemplary assembly method according to this embodiment, in operation, in the first step, the illustrated cutting tool 14 is as follows: Figure 8C The semi-installed state shown is placed on the retainer recess 92.

[0250] In the second step, the push key 32 (referring to the first position 32A), and more precisely the second key end 34B, is first inserted into the retainer guide hole 112 through the second side 78B of the retainer, then exits the retainer guide hole 112 through the first side 78A of the retainer, and then extends through the push hole 76.

[0251] The illustrated push key 32 embodiment has a preferred but optional enlarged cross section starting at the second truncated conical portion 42B, which abuts the retainer 12 and prevents the push key 32 from being over-inserted into the retainer guide hole 112 (i.e., stop function).

[0252] In the first position 32A, the operating part 38 touches the second last hole edge 124A of the second hole part and the last advance hole part 128 of the tool.

[0253] While keeping the push key 32 within the retainer guide hole 112 and the push hole 76, the handle 36 is moved in the forward direction DF to bring the push key 32 to the position shown in the second position 32B (although the push key 32 is still within the retainer guide hole 112 and the push hole 76). This causes the operating part 38 to pivot at the center hole portion 120 and applies a rearward force FR on the last push hole portion 128, causing the tool 14 to slide in the rearward direction DR until the rearward movement is stopped by the tool's rear abutment surface 60 of the abutment recess rear abutment surface 98.

[0254] If from Figure 8A To illustrate, since the maximum tool height BH of tool 14 is greater than the minimum cavity height PM, Figure 6C Therefore, the backward relative movement of the tool 14 causes an upward lifting force FL on the retainer fixture 86.

[0255] When the tool 14 is in the fully installed position (e.g.) Figure 7C After that, the resilient retainer clamp 86 applies a configured downward force FD on the tool 14 to hold it in the retainer recess 92.

[0256] Therefore, as Figure 7C As shown, the tool 14 is now fully mounted on the retainer 12.

[0257] To bring the tool 14 back to the semi-installed state, the third step may include a movement opposite to the first two steps. That is, the push key 32 is inserted into the retainer guide hole 112 and the push hole 76 in the orientation shown as the second position 32B, and the handle 36 is moved in the rearward direction DR (at this time, the foremost push hole portion 126 of the tool is adjacent).

[0258] The alternative options for performing the second step described above will now be briefly described. Such a step can be performed by the push key 32 shown in the third position 32C, which is first inserted through the push hole 76, then through the retainer guide hole 112 at the first side 78A of the retainer, and then exits the retainer guide hole 112 through the second side 78B of the retainer.

[0259] After the insertion, the operating part 38 will touch the same part of the retainer 12 as previously described, namely, the second last hole edge 124A of the second hole portion and the last advance hole portion 128 of the cutter.

[0260] At this point, the handle 36 will then move in the rearward direction DR because the handle 36 of the push key is adjacent to the first side 78A of the retainer to bring the push key 32 to the position shown in the fourth position 32D (although the push key 32 is still within the retainer guide hole 112 and the push hole 76). This causes the same rearward force as described above.

[0261] Similarly, in order to bring the tool 14 back to the semi-installed state, the push key 32 is inserted in the orientation shown as 32D, first through the push hole 76, then through the retainer guide hole 112, and the handle 36 then moves in the forward direction DF.

[0262] It will be understood that bringing the tool 14 to the fully installed state can be accomplished using the push key inserted on one side of the retainer 12, while bringing the tool 14 to the half-installed state can be accomplished using the push key 32 inserted from the other side of the retainer 12.

[0263] The above-described tool component 10 has many advantages, such as minimizing the risk of damaging the retainer clamp 86 (because the operator does not directly move the retainer clamp 86) and preventing parts from falling off (because the push key 32 remains within the part during each state).

[0264] Nevertheless, in the embodiments shown in Figures 10 to 11B, even more compact tools or cutting blades without the required height of the feed hole can be used.

[0265] The differences will be described in detail only, where the apostrophe (') is used to indicate features with similar functionality. Features that are not significantly different from those in the previous embodiments can be assumed to be the same.

[0266] Reference Figures 10A to 11B Example of a second Swiss-type tool assembly 10'. Assembly 10' includes a retainer 12', a tool 14' mounted on the retainer 12', and a cutting blade 16' mounted on the tool 14'.

[0267] The cutting blade 16' is of the same type as the previously described cutting blade 16.

[0268] Example of push button 32' ( Figure 11A and 11B It can be a cylindrical rod only, but may also have any of the features of the previously described push key 32.

[0269] The main difference of tool 14' is that the top edge taper portion 64' does not include two sub-tapered edges that are inclined but extend only parallel to the bottom edge 48 of the tool, and tool 14' lacks a feed hole. Apart from these two differences related to function, tool 14' may also have any of the features of tool 14 previously described.

[0270] The main difference of retainer 12' is that it lacks a retainer guide hole, while retainer clamp 86' includes clamp hole 130'.

[0271] More precisely, the clamping hole 130' is formed in the clamping portion 102' of the retainer clamp 86'. Additionally, as... Figure 11A and 11BAs shown, the clamp hole 130' faces the first side direction DS1' and the second side direction DS2'. Figure 10C The direction shown may optionally be the opposite of the previous example, since the retainer recess in this example is on the other side of the retainer 12' (however, those skilled in the art will understand that the specific side is irrelevant to the invention), thereby allowing lateral access to the push key 32' from either side.

[0272] Additionally, the middle portion 106' of the clamp includes an upward prying protrusion 132' (which is preferably, but optionally, convex, as shown).

[0273] The prying protrusion 132' may further include a guide recess 134' pointing toward the clamp hole 130' (i.e., parallel to the first lateral direction DS1' and the second lateral direction DS2') for stabilizing the push key 32' when there is abutment thereon.

[0274] Special reference Figure 11A and 11B It is shown that the push key 32' can be inserted through the clamp hole 130' along the first lateral direction DS1' and the second lateral direction DS2', and pry or pivot away from the prying protrusion 132', so that the first key end 34A' moves in the downward direction DD to apply force on the clamp portion 102' in the upward direction DU.

[0275] Subsequently, the tool 14' (or cutting blade) can be inserted into the retainer recess 92, specifically placed on the bottom abutment surface 96 of the recess.

[0276] By subsequently removing the upward force, the clamping portion 102' will then elastically move downward and secure the tool 14' to the retainer 12'.

Claims

1. A retainer, comprising: The opposing first and second sides of the retainer define a first side direction from the second side of the retainer toward the first side of the retainer, and a second side direction opposite to the first side direction; the opposing front and rear ends of the retainer define a forward direction from the rear end of the retainer toward the front end of the retainer, and a rearward direction opposite to the forward direction; the opposing top and bottom sides of the retainer define an upward direction from the bottom side of the retainer toward the top side of the retainer, and a downward direction opposite to the upward direction. A retainer recess is located at the intersection of the first side of the retainer, the front end of the retainer, and the top side of the retainer; and a retainer clamp located on the top side of the retainer; The retainer recess includes: a recess side abutment surface extending along a first side of the retainer and facing the first side direction; a recess bottom abutment surface located below the recess side abutment surface and facing the upward direction; and a recess rear abutment surface located behind the recess side abutment surface and facing the forward direction; the retainer clamp extends above the recess side abutment surface and includes: a resilient hinge portion; a clamp portion including a clamp top abutment surface facing the downward direction; and a middle portion extending from the resilient hinge portion to the clamp portion; wherein: the resilient hinge portion is normally closed, such that the resilient hinge portion is configured to resiliently bias the clamp portion downwards, and The retainer clamp is a laterally oriented retainer clamp.

2. The retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom adjacent surface of the recess also faces the second side direction, and is therefore inclined inward to face the upward direction and the second side direction; and the top adjacent surface of the clamp also faces the second side direction, and is therefore inclined inward to face the downward direction and the second side direction.

3. The retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retainer further includes a retainer guide hole that opens toward the adjacent surface of the recess side.

4. The retainer according to claim 3, characterized in that, The retainer guide hole includes a constricted portion.

5. The retainer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The retainer guide hole is hourglass shaped.

6. The retainer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retainer includes an elongated handle portion and a head portion extending in front of the handle portion, wherein a retainer recess is formed at least partially on the head portion at a first side of the retainer.

7. The retainer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The retainer recess extends behind the head portion.

8. The retainer according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the front view of the retainer, the handle portion has a profile, and the only part of the retainer extending beyond the profile of the handle portion extends in the upward direction.

9. A tool assembly comprising a retainer according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and a cutting tool, the cutting tool comprising: Opposite first and second sides of the cutting tool; opposite leading and trailing edges of the cutting tool; The tool comprises a top edge and a bottom edge; a first tool seat and a second tool seat, each including a base seat jaw and a second seat jaw opposite the base seat jaw and configured for resilient clamping; a maximum tool height BH, measured from the bottom edge to the top edge; a maximum tool length BL, perpendicular to the maximum tool height BH and measured from the leading edge to the trailing edge; and a maximum tool thickness BT, perpendicular to the maximum tool height BH and measured from a first side to a second side; wherein: the maximum tool thickness BT is less than the maximum tool height BH; the maximum tool length BL satisfies the condition: L < 45 mm; the first tool seat opens toward the leading edge; and the second tool seat opens toward the trailing edge.

10. The tool assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cutting tool further includes a feed hole that opens toward a first side and a second side of the cutting tool, and the feed hole includes an inner surface extending perpendicular to the first side and the second side of the cutting tool.

11. The tool assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The propulsion hole is symmetrically located between the first tool seat and the second tool seat.

12. The tool assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that, The feed hole is positioned closer to the lower edge of the tool than the first tool seat and the second tool seat.

13. The tool assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cutting tool further includes: a maximum seat length SL, which is parallel to the maximum cutting tool length BL and is measured from the foremost point of the first cutting tool seat adjacent to the cutting tool leading edge to the last point of the first cutting tool seat distal to the cutting tool leading edge; and wherein: the maximum cutting tool length BL and the maximum seat length SL define a length-seat ratio BL / SL that satisfies the following condition: BL / SL < 5.

14. The tool assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cutting tool further includes: a tool seat-to-seat length STS, which is parallel to the maximum tool length BL, and is measured parallel to the maximum tool length BL between the farthest portions of the first tool seat and the second tool seat; wherein: the maximum tool seat-to-seat length STS and the maximum tool height BH define a seat-to-seat-height ratio STS / BH that satisfies the following condition: STS / BH>1.

2.

15. The tool assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The maximum tool length BL and the maximum tool height BH are defined as a length-to-height ratio BL / BH that satisfies the following condition: BL / BH > 1.

2.

16. The tool assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, Both the base seat claw and the second seat claw have tapered surfaces, and the tool includes only the first tool seat and the second tool seat, wherein two of the tool seats are adjacent to the top edge of the tool.

17. The tool assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The bottom edge of the cutting tool extends in front of the first cutting tool seat.

18. The tool assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cutting tool's top edge includes a tapered portion that tapers from both the first side surface and the second side surface.

19. The tool assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that: The tool tip edge has a maximum tip edge length MTL; the tapered edge of the tip edge has a tapered tip edge length TTL; and the maximum tip edge length MTL and the tapered tip edge length TTL define a tip edge ratio MTL / TTL that satisfies the following condition: MTL / TTL>2.

20. The tool assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that, The tapering portion at the top edge is located between the two release portions.

21. The tool assembly according to claim 18, characterized in that, The tapering portion at the top edge extends forward and downward on one side, and backward and downward on the other side.

22. The tool assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The bottom edge of the cutting tool is longer than the top edge of the cutting tool.

Images