Rotary asymmetric double-headed slotting cutting insert, insert holder and cutting tool

Abstract

The invention discloses a double-end split cutting insert. The cutting insert comprises, at its opposite ends, two cutting portions (42) oriented at an angle of 90 DEG to each other. The cutting insert includes a pair of rake and support engagement grooves (48, 50), the rake and support engagement grooves of each of the pair converging in a direction away from the respective cutting portion. The blade holder (24) includes a clamping portion (68) having a resilient upper clamping jaw having an upper engagement ridge and a lower base jaw having a lower engagement ridge. A gap therebetween forms an insert receiving slot having a slot opening. The upper and lower engagement ridges converge in a direction away from the slot opening. When the cutting insert is releasably attached to the insert holder to form a fastened position of the cutting tool, the cutting insert is located in the insert receiving slot and resiliently clamped therein.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter of the present application relates to cutting tools, and in particular, to a type of slotting and splitting cutting tool, in which a cutting insert is elastically retained in an insert receiving groove of an insert holder. In particular, the cutting insert is rotationally asymmetrical and double-ended, has two opposing cutting portions, and further in particular, the cutting insert has two engagement grooves in a pair, and further in particular, the two engagement grooves of each of the pair converge toward each other in a direction away from the corresponding cutting portion. Background Art

[0002] Grooving and segmenting cutting inserts typically have two opposing end surfaces and opposing top and bottom surfaces extending therebetween. The top and bottom surfaces are designed for clamping engagement with corresponding clamping surfaces on the base jaws and clamping jaws of the blade receiving slot of the blade holder. The top and bottom surfaces may each include an upper engagement groove or ridge and a lower engagement groove or ridge, respectively, which mate with a complementary groove or ridge on the clamping surface, thereby reducing lateral displacement of the blade relative to the blade receiving slot.

[0003] The cutting blade may be single-headed, wherein a single cutting portion is located at one end of the cutting blade. The cutting portion includes a cutting edge formed at the intersection of a top surface and one of the end surfaces. The engaging grooves or ridges may converge toward each other in a direction away from the cutting portion. In such a construction, the cutting blade can be fixed in the blade receiving groove in a "self-clamping" manner. That is, the base clamp and the clamping clamp elastically clamp the cutting blade without the need for additional elements such as screws to cause the base clamp and the clamping clamp to close. In addition, the self-clamping construction allows the cutting blade to be inserted into the blade receiving groove without the need to insert a key to open the base clamp and the clamping clamp or to cause the cutting blade to enter the blade receiving groove. Examples of such cutting blades are disclosed in, for example, US5,054,967 and US5,076,739.

[0004] The slotting and splitting cutting inserts may also be double-ended (i.e., having two cutting portions at opposite ends of the cutting insert), wherein two cutting edges are formed at the intersection of the top surface and the two end surfaces. The "self-clamping" configuration described above may be achieved by having two longitudinally offset upper engagement grooves on the top surface of the cutting insert, each upper engagement groove converging toward each other together with the lower engagement groove in a direction away from the respective cutting portion. For example, examples of such cutting inserts are disclosed in US 10,857,603.

[0005] Another example of a double-ended split and slotting insert is US20180133806, in which the cutting edges at opposite ends are oriented transversely to each other. In this insert, a first mounting groove associated with the main rake face of the insert extends from one end of the cutting insert toward the associated cutting portion in a generally angled direction. At the same time, a second mounting groove associated with the seat surface of the insert extends between the opposite ends of the insert in a generally angled direction.

[0006] It is an object of the subject matter of the present application to provide new and improved double ended "self-clamping" cutting inserts. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the subject matter of the present application, there is provided a double-ended cutting insert comprising:

[0008] an opposing first and second relief face surfaces and an insert peripheral surface extending therebetween about an insert longitudinal axis, the insert peripheral surface including opposing first rake face surfaces and first support face surfaces and opposing second rake face surfaces and second support face surfaces all connecting the first and second relief face surfaces;

[0009] a first insert center axis oriented perpendicular to the insert longitudinal axis and extending through the first rake face surface and the first support face surface;

[0010] a second insert central axis oriented perpendicular to both the first insert central axis and the insert longitudinal axis and extending through the second rake face surface and the second support face surface;

[0011] a first cutting edge and a second cutting edge formed at intersections of the first and second relief face surfaces and the first and second rake face surfaces, respectively;

[0012] a first rake engagement recess and a first support engagement recess, which are recessed in the first rake face surface and the first support face surface, respectively, and open to at least the second relief face surface; and

[0013] A second rake engagement groove and a second support engagement groove, which are respectively recessed in the second rake face surface and the second support face surface, and open to at least the first relief face surface; wherein:

[0014] The first rake engagement groove and the first support engagement groove extend along a first rake groove longitudinal axis and a first support groove longitudinal axis, respectively, the first rake groove longitudinal axis and the first support groove longitudinal axis converging toward each other in a direction from the first relief face surface toward the second relief face surface, defining an acute first groove wedge angle; and

[0015] The second rake engagement groove and the second support engagement groove extend along the second rake groove longitudinal axis and the second support groove longitudinal axis, respectively, and the second rake groove longitudinal axis and the second support groove longitudinal axis converge toward each other in a direction from the second clearance face surface toward the first clearance face surface, defining an acute second groove wedge angle.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the subject matter of the present application, there is also provided a blade holder comprising a clamping portion, the clamping portion comprising:

[0017] Opposing first and second clamping portion side surfaces and a clamping portion front end surface extending therebetween;

[0018] a lower base jaw and an opposing upper clamping jaw resiliently displaceable relative to the lower base jaw; and

[0019] A blade receiving slot, which is longitudinally elongated in a direction defining a longitudinal axis of the slot and opens toward the front end surface of the clamping portion to form a front slot opening, the blade receiving slot being formed by a gap between the lower base jaw and the upper clamping jaw and being defined by:

[0020] A groove peripheral wall surface comprising:

[0021] a clamping jaw surface, a base jaw lower surface, and a slot rear surface extending therebetween, the clamping jaw surface being formed on the upper clamping jaw, and the base jaw lower surface being formed on the lower base jaw;

[0022] an upper groove engaging ridge and a lower groove engaging ridge, which protrude from the clamping jaw surface and the base jaw lower surface respectively; wherein:

[0023] The upper groove engaging ridge and the lower groove engaging ridge extend along an upper ridge longitudinal axis and a lower ridge longitudinal axis, respectively, the upper ridge longitudinal axis and the lower ridge longitudinal axis converge toward each other in a direction from the front end surface of the clamping portion toward the rear surface of the groove, defining an acute ridge wedge angle;

[0024] a blade receiving slot having a slot vertical axis oriented perpendicular to and intersecting the slot longitudinal axis, the slot vertical axis extending through the clamping jaw surface and the base jaw lower surface;

[0025] Features:

[0026] the groove rear surface includes a groove rear stop surface and a groove rear recessed surface oriented differently from each other, the groove rear stop surface is closer to the first clamping portion side surface than the groove rear recessed surface, and the groove rear recessed surface is closer to the second clamping portion side surface than the groove rear stop surface; and

[0027] The slot rear recessed surface overlaps the slot rear stop surface in a direction along the slot vertical axis and is further away from the front slot opening than the slot rear stop surface in a direction along the slot longitudinal axis.

[0028] According to a third aspect of the subject matter of the present application, there is also provided a cutting tool, comprising:

[0029] A cutting insert of the type described above; and

[0030] A blade holder comprising a clamping portion, the clamping portion comprising:

[0031] Opposing first and second clamping portion side surfaces and a clamping portion front end surface extending therebetween;

[0032] a lower base jaw and an opposing upper clamping jaw resiliently displaceable relative to the lower base jaw; and

[0033] A blade receiving slot, which is longitudinally elongated in a direction defining a longitudinal axis of the slot and opens toward the front end surface of the clamping portion to form a front slot opening, the blade receiving slot being formed by a gap between the lower base jaw and the upper clamping jaw and being defined by:

[0034] A groove peripheral wall surface comprising:

[0035] a clamping jaw surface, a base jaw lower surface, and a slot rear surface extending therebetween, the clamping jaw surface being formed on the upper clamping jaw, and the base jaw lower surface being formed on the lower base jaw;

[0036] an upper groove engaging ridge and a lower groove engaging ridge, which protrude from the clamping jaw surface and the base jaw lower surface respectively; wherein:

[0037] The upper and lower groove engaging ridges extend along upper and lower ridge longitudinal axes, respectively, the upper and lower ridge longitudinal axes converging toward each other in a direction from the front end surface of the clamping portion toward the rear surface of the groove, defining an acute ridge wedge angle; and

[0038] The cutting tool is adjustable between a released position and a secured position, and in the secured position of the cutting tool:

[0039] The cutting blade is releasably attached to the blade holder; and

[0040] The cutting insert is located in the insert receiving slot and is resiliently clamped therein by the upper clamping jaw.

[0041] According to a fourth aspect of the subject matter of the present application, there is provided a double-ended cutting insert comprising:

[0042] an opposing first and second relief face surfaces and an insert peripheral surface extending therebetween about an insert longitudinal axis, the insert peripheral surface including opposing first rake face surfaces and first support face surfaces and opposing second rake face surfaces and second support face surfaces all connecting the first and second relief face surfaces;

[0043] a first insert center axis oriented perpendicular to the insert longitudinal axis and extending through the first rake face surface and the first support face surface;

[0044] a second insert center axis, which is oriented perpendicular to both the first insert center axis and the insert longitudinal axis and extends through the second rake face surface and the second support face surface,

[0045] a first cutting edge and a second cutting edge formed at intersections of the first and second relief face surfaces and the first and second rake face surfaces, respectively;

[0046] a first rake engagement recess and a first support engagement recess, which are recessed in the first rake face surface and the first support face surface, respectively, and open to at least the second relief face surface; and

[0047] A second rake engagement groove and a second support engagement groove, which are respectively recessed in the second rake face surface and the second support face surface, and open to at least the first relief face surface; wherein:

[0048] The cutting insert lacks 180° rotational symmetry about all three insert longitudinal axes, the first insert center axis, and the second insert center axis;

[0049] For at least half of its length, the first support engagement recess is mirror-symmetrical about a first blade bisecting plane containing the blade longitudinal axis and the first blade central axis; and

[0050] For at least half of its length, the second support engagement groove is mirror-symmetrical about a second blade bisecting plane containing the blade longitudinal axis and the second blade centre axis.

[0051] It is understood that the foregoing is an overview and that the features described below may be applicable to the subject matter of the present application in any combination, for example, any of the following features may be applicable to a cutting insert, an insert holder, or a cutting tool:

[0052] The first support face surface and the second support face surface may be identical to each other.The first rake face surface and the second rake face surface may be identical to each other.The first relief face surface and the second relief face surface may be identical to each other.

[0053] The first relief face surface may include a first blade stop surface and a first relief surface that may be oriented differently from each other, the first relief surface extending from the first cutting edge toward the first blade stop surface. The second relief face surface may include a second blade stop surface and a second relief surface that may be oriented differently from each other, the second relief surface extending from the second cutting edge toward the second blade stop surface.

[0054] The first rake blade engagement groove and the second rake blade engagement groove may overlap in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the blade.

[0055] The first blade stop surface and the second blade stop surface may be planar and may be oriented perpendicular to the blade longitudinal axis.

[0056] The first relief surface and the second relief surface may be inclined relative to the insert longitudinal axis such that the cutting insert is a positive double ended cutting insert.

[0057] One of the first rake groove longitudinal axis and the first support groove longitudinal axis may be parallel to the blade longitudinal axis. One of the second rake groove longitudinal axis and the second support groove longitudinal axis may be parallel to the blade longitudinal axis.

[0058] The first support groove longitudinal axis may be parallel to the blade longitudinal axis.The second support groove longitudinal axis may be parallel to the blade longitudinal axis.

[0059] The first rake knife engagement groove has a first rake knife groove depth that increases in a direction away from the first relief surface. The second rake knife engagement groove has a second rake knife groove depth that increases in a direction away from the second relief surface.

[0060] The first rake knife engagement groove has a first rake knife groove width that can increase in a direction away from the first relief surface. The second rake knife engagement groove has a second rake knife groove width that can increase in a direction away from the second relief surface.

[0061] The first and second rake knife engagement grooves may be spaced apart from the first and second relief face surfaces, respectively, along the insert longitudinal axis.The first and second support engagement grooves may open to the first and second relief face surfaces, respectively.

[0062] The first front blade engagement groove and the second front blade engagement groove may each include two opposite front blade groove side surfaces, which may be inclined inwardly in opposite width directions of the corresponding front blade engagement groove so that they converge toward each other. The first support engagement groove and the second support engagement groove may each include two opposite support groove side surfaces, which may be inclined inwardly in opposite width directions of the corresponding support engagement groove so that they converge toward each other.

[0063] Each rake groove side surface may include a corresponding rake groove abutment surface, each rake groove abutment surface being optionally planar. In a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blade, the rake groove abutment surface may define an outer rake groove side angle. Each support groove side surface may include a corresponding support groove abutment surface, each support groove abutment surface being optionally planar. In a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blade, the support groove abutment surface may define an outer support groove side angle.

[0064] The two front blade groove side surfaces may transition into each other via a front blade groove transition portion, which may be optionally defined by a line or an edge. The two opposing support groove side surfaces may transition into each other via a support groove transition portion, which may be optionally defined by a line or an edge. The front blade groove transition portion and the support groove transition portion of the first front blade engagement groove and the first support engagement groove may be respectively contained in a first blade bisecting plane containing the blade longitudinal axis and the first blade center axis. The front blade groove transition portion and the support groove transition portion of the second front blade engagement groove and the second support engagement groove may be respectively contained in a second blade bisecting plane containing the blade longitudinal axis and the second blade center axis.

[0065] The cutting insert may be free of a through hole.

[0066] The upper groove engaging ridge and the lower groove engaging ridge may extend to the front end surface of the clamping portion.

[0067] The slot rear stop surface may be planar and oriented perpendicular to the slot longitudinal axis.

[0068] The lower ridge longitudinal axis may be parallel to the groove longitudinal axis.

[0069] The upper groove engaging ridge and the lower groove engaging ridge may each include two opposing ridge side surfaces that are outwardly inclined in opposite width directions of the respective upper groove engaging ridge and the lower groove engaging ridge so that they converge toward each other. The two ridge side surfaces may transition into each other via a ridge transition portion, which may be optionally defined by a planar surface. The intersection of the ridge transition portion and the two ridge side surfaces may form two ridge side abutment edges.

[0070] In the secured position of the cutting tool, the rake groove abutment surface of the first rake engagement groove may abut the upper groove engagement ridge. The support groove abutment surface of the first support engagement groove may abut the lower groove engagement ridge.

[0071] In the fastened position of the cutting tool, the rake groove abutment surface of the first rake engagement groove of the cutting insert may abut the two ridge side abutment edges of the upper groove engagement ridge. The support groove abutment surface of the first support engagement groove may abut the two ridge side abutment edges of the lower groove engagement ridge.

[0072] Each rake groove abutment surface may be planar. Each support groove abutment surface may be planar.

[0073] The rake groove abutment surface of the first rake engagement groove may be positioned closer to the first cutting edge than to the second cutting edge.

[0074] In the secured position of the cutting tool, the rake groove abutment surface and the support groove abutment surface of the second support engagement groove may not abut any surface of the insert receiving slot.

[0075] In a secured position of the cutting tool, the slot rear stop surface may abut the first blade stop surface.The slot rear recessed surface may be spaced apart from the first blade stop surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0076] For a better understanding of the present application and to show how the present application may be carried out in practice, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0077] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cutting tool;

[0078] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A partial perspective view of a cutting tool shown in , showing a clamping portion having an insert receiving slot and a cutting insert resiliently retained therein;

[0079] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded partial perspective view of the cutting tool shown in FIG.

[0080] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the cutting insert shown in FIG.

[0081] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 End view of the cutting insert shown in .

[0082] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A first side view of a cutting insert shown in;

[0083] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A second side view of the cutting insert shown in;

[0084] Figure 8 is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII is shown in FIG.

[0085] Fig. 9 for Figure 1 A side view of the clamping portion shown in FIG.

[0086] Fig.10for Fig. 9 A front view of the clamping portion shown in FIG.

[0087] Fig.11 is along Fig. 9 A cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI is shown in FIG.

[0088] Fig.12 When the cutting tool is in a fixed position Figure 2 A side view of the clamping portion and the cutting insert shown in FIG.

[0089] Fig.13 is along Fig.12 A cross-sectional view of the cutting tool taken along line XIII-XIII shown in FIG.

[0090] Fig.14 When the cutting tool is in the tightened position Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of the cutting tool taken along line XIV-XIV is shown in FIG.

[0091] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, for clarity, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements, or several physical components may be included in one functional block or element. Where deemed appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the drawings to indicate corresponding or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] In the following description, various aspects of the subject matter of the present application will be described. For the purpose of explanation, specific configurations and details are fully described in detail to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter of the present application. However, it will also be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject matter of the present application can be practiced without the specific configurations and details presented herein.

[0093] First note Figure 1, which shows a cutting tool 20 for chip removal according to an embodiment of the subject matter of the present application. The cutting tool 20 has one (or more) cutting blades 22, which can be typically made of cemented carbide. The cutting tool 20 also has a blade holder 24, which can be typically made of steel. The blade holder 24 has one (or more) blade receiving grooves 26, and the cutting blade 22 is elastically retained in the one (or more) blade receiving grooves 26. In this non-limiting example, the cutting tool 20 is a rotary slot milling tool having a disc-shaped blade holder 24 and a plurality of cutting blades 22 releasably attached to its periphery. However, it is noted that the subject matter of the present application is also applicable to other types of cutting tools, such as, but not limited to, a fixed (i.e., non-rotating) turning tool suitable for longitudinal turning (e.g., slotting and splitting), which has a single cutting blade 22 releasably attached to the front end of the blade holder 24. The cutting tool 20 can be adjusted between a release position and a tightening position. In the secured position of the cutting tool 20 , the cutting insert 22 is releasably attached to the insert holder 24 .

[0094] Now refer to Figures 4 to 8 , which show a cutting insert 22 according to the subject matter of the present application. The cutting insert 22 comprises an integrally integrated one-piece structure. The cutting insert 22 has a blade longitudinal axis A, and the cutting insert 22 is elongated along the blade longitudinal axis A. The cutting insert 22 comprises a first relief face surface 28a and a second relief face surface 28b that are opposed. The first relief face surface 28a and the second relief face surface 28b are intersected by the blade longitudinal axis A. The first relief face surface 28a and the second relief face surface 28b can be identical to each other.

[0095] The cutting insert 22 includes an insert peripheral surface 30 extending between the first relief face surface 28a and the second relief face surface 28b. The insert peripheral surface 30 extends about the insert longitudinal axis A.

[0096] With particular reference Figure 4 , 6 and 7, the insert peripheral surface 30 includes a first rake face surface 34a and a first support face surface 36a opposite to each other. The cutting insert 22 has a first insert center axis C1, which is oriented perpendicular to the insert longitudinal axis A and intersects the insert longitudinal axis A, and extends through the first rake face surface 34a and the first support face surface 36a (i.e., intersects the first rake face surface 34a and the first support face surface 36a). The first rake face surface 34a and the first support face surface 36a connect the first clearance face surface 28a and the second clearance face surface 28b.

[0097] The blade peripheral surface 30 also includes a second relative rake face surface 34b and a second support face surface 36b. The cutting blade 22 has a second blade center axis C2, which is oriented perpendicular to both the first blade center axis C2 and the blade longitudinal axis A and intersects both the first blade center axis C2 and the blade longitudinal axis A. The second blade center axis C2 extends through the second rake face surface 34b and the second support face surface 36b (i.e., intersects the second rake face surface 34b and the second support face surface 36b). The second rake face surface 34b and the second support face surface 36b connect the first clearance face surface 28a and the second clearance face surface 28b.

[0098] It is worth noting that the cutting insert 22 lacks 180° rotational symmetry about all three insert longitudinal axes A, the first insert center axis C1, and the second insert center axis C2. More particularly, at any angle that is not a multiple of 360°, the cutting insert 22 lacks rotational symmetry about each of these axes. In this regard, the cutting insert can be considered rotationally asymmetric.

[0099] According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the second rake face surface 34b and the second support face surface 36b may extend between the first rake face surface 34a and the first support face surface 36a. The first rake face surface 34a and the second rake face surface 34b may be identical to each other. The first support face surface 36a and the second support face surface 36b may be identical to each other. The insert longitudinal axis A and the first center axis C1 and the second center axis C2 may all be perpendicular to each other.

[0100] As in Figure 6 As seen in FIG. 1 , the cutting insert 22 has a cutting insert length L measured in a direction along the insert longitudinal axis A (i.e., between the first relief face surface 28a and the second relief face surface 28b). The cutting insert 22 has four cutting insert widths W, which are defined by the widest dimensions of the first rake face surface 34a and the first support face surface 36a and the second rake face surface 34b and the second support face surface 36b, respectively, as shown perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the insert. Figure 6 and Figure 7 The four cutting insert widths W may be substantially the same. Thus, the cutting insert 22 may have a cubic basic shape.

[0101] The cutting blade 22 includes a first cutting portion 42a and a second cutting portion 42b. The first cutting portion 42a and the second cutting portion 42b are located at the opposite axial ends of the cutting blade 22. The first cutting portion 42a and the second cutting portion 42b include a first cutting edge 44a and a second cutting edge 44b, respectively. The first cutting edge 44a and the second cutting edge 44b are formed at the intersection of the first clearance surface 28a and the second clearance surface 28b and the first rake surface 34a and the second rake surface 34b, respectively. The first cutting edge 44a and the second cutting edge 44b are designed for metal cutting operations, particularly slotting metal cutting operations. It is noted that the first cutting portion 42a and the second cutting portion 42b (as well as the first cutting edge 44a and the second cutting edge 44b) are oriented at 90° to each other around the longitudinal axis A of the blade. Therefore, the cutting blade 22 is rotationally asymmetric around the longitudinal axis A of the blade, the first blade center axis C1 and the first blade center axis C2. The first and second rake face surfaces 34a and 334b ​​include first and second rake surfaces 46a and 46b adjacent first and second cutting edges 44a and 44b, respectively. The purpose and geometry of the first and second rake surfaces 46a and 46b are known in the art and are not part of the present invention.

[0102] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7, where the "invisible" engagement groove is indicated by a dotted line. The cutting blade 22 includes a pair of rake and support engagement grooves 48a, 50a, 48b, 50b. The rake and support engagement grooves 48a, 50a, 48b, 50b are designed to provide a secure installation in the blade receiving groove 26, as described later in the specification. One of the pair is associated with each corresponding cutting portion in the cutting portion 42a, 42b. Specifically, the cutting blade 22 includes a first rake engagement groove 48a and a first support engagement groove 50a, which are respectively recessed in the first rake face surface 34a and the first support face surface 36a. The first rake engagement groove 48a and the first support engagement groove 50a are associated with the first cutting edge 44a. Similarly, the cutting blade 22 includes a second rake engagement groove 48b and a second support engagement groove 50b, which are respectively recessed in the second rake face surface 34b and the second support face surface 36b. The second front knife engagement groove 48b and the second support engagement groove 50b are associated with the second cutting edge 44b. The first front knife engagement groove 48a and the first support engagement groove 50a are open to at least the second clearance surface 28b. The second front knife engagement groove 48b and the second support engagement groove 50b are open to at least the first clearance surface 28a. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, along the longitudinal axis (A) of the blade, the first front knife engagement groove 48a and the second front knife engagement groove 48b may be spaced apart from the first clearance surface 28a and the second clearance surface 28b, respectively. In particular, the first front knife engagement groove 48a and the second front knife engagement groove 48b may be spaced apart from the first front knife surface 46a and the second front knife surface 46b, respectively. The first support engagement groove 50a and the second support engagement groove 50b may be open to the first clearance surface 28a and the second clearance surface 28b, respectively.

[0103] Reference Figure 7 , the first rake engagement groove 48a and the second rake engagement groove 48b may overlap in the direction along the blade longitudinal axis A. Therefore, the cutting insert 22 may have a reduced cutting insert length L compared to the cutting insert shown in US 10,857,603 (in which the two protruding blade ridges are offset in the longitudinal direction). The rake engagement grooves 48a, 48b may have a rake groove length GL (as measured along the blade longitudinal axis A). The rake groove length GL may be greater than half of the cutting insert length L.

[0104] Reference Figures 5 to 7 , the first rake engagement groove 48a has a first rake groove depth GD1. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the first rake groove depth GD1 can increase in a direction away from the first relief surface 28a.

[0105] The first rake engagement groove 48a has a first rake groove width GW1. The first rake groove width GW1 may increase in a direction away from the first relief surface 28a.

[0106] The second rake engagement groove 48b has a second rake groove depth GD2. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the second rake groove depth GD2 can increase in a direction away from the second relief face surface 28b.

[0107] The second rake engagement groove 48b has a second rake groove width GW2. The second rake groove width GW2 may increase in a direction away from the second relief surface 28b.

[0108] Reference Figure 7 According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the first front knife engagement groove 48a and the second front knife engagement groove 48b may each include two opposing front knife groove side surfaces 52. The two front knife groove side surfaces 52 are inclined inwardly in opposite width directions of the corresponding front knife engagement grooves 48a, 48b so that they converge toward each other. The two front knife groove side surfaces 52 may transition into each other via a front knife groove transition portion 54. The front knife groove transition portion 54 may be defined by a line or an edge (and therefore, the two front knife groove side surfaces 52 intersect each other). In this non-limiting example shown in the accompanying drawings, the front knife groove transition portion 54 is defined by a line.

[0109] Reference Figure 6 , similarly, the first support engagement groove 50a and the second support engagement groove 50b may each include two opposing support groove side surfaces 56. The two support groove side surfaces 56 are inclined inwardly in opposite width directions of the corresponding support engagement grooves 50a, 50b so that they converge toward each other. The two support groove side surfaces 56 may transition into each other via a support groove transition portion 58. The support groove transition portion 58 may be defined by a line or an edge (and therefore, the two support groove side surfaces 56 intersect each other). In the non-limiting example shown in the accompanying drawings, the support groove transition portion 58 is defined by a line.

[0110] According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the rake groove transition portion 54 and the support groove transition portion 58 of the first rake engagement groove 48a and the first support engagement groove 50a may be intersected by a first blade bisecting plane B1 containing the blade longitudinal axis A and the first blade center axis C1. In a configuration having the rake groove transition portion 54 and the support groove transition portion 58 defined by a line or edge, the rake groove transition portion 54 and the support groove transition portion 58 of the first rake engagement groove 48a and the first support engagement groove 50a may be respectively contained in the first blade bisecting plane B1.

[0111] The front blade groove transition portion 54 and the support groove transition portion 58 of the second front blade engagement groove 48b and the second support engagement groove 50b may be intersected by a second blade bisecting plane B2 containing the blade longitudinal axis A and the second blade center axis C2. In a configuration having the front blade groove transition portion 54 and the support groove transition portion 58 defined by a line or edge, the front blade groove transition portion 54 and the support groove transition portion 58 of the second front blade engagement groove 48b and the second support engagement groove 50b may be respectively contained in the second blade bisecting plane B2. The first bisecting plane B1 and the second bisecting plane B2 may be perpendicular to each other and intersect each other along the blade longitudinal axis A.

[0112] According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, each rake groove side surface 52 may include a corresponding rake groove abutment surface 60 for abutting a corresponding surface in the blade receiving slot 26. Each rake groove abutment surface 60 may be planar. In a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the blade longitudinal axis A and intersecting the rake groove abutment surface 60 (i.e., Figure 8 ), the front knife groove abutting surface 60 may define an external front knife groove side angle α. The front knife groove side angle α may be an obtuse angle. The front knife groove abutting surface 60 of the first front knife engagement groove 48a may exhibit mirror symmetry about the first blade bisecting plane B1. The front knife groove abutting surface 60 of the second front knife engagement groove 48b may exhibit mirror symmetry about the second blade bisecting plane B2. Similarly, each support groove side surface 56 may include a corresponding support groove abutting surface 62 for abutting a corresponding surface in the blade receiving groove 26. Each support groove abutting surface 62 may be planar. In a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the blade and intersecting the support groove abutting surface 62 (i.e., Figure 8 ), the support groove abutment surface 62 may define an external support groove side angle β. The support groove side angle β may be an obtuse angle. The support groove abutment surface 60 of the first support engagement groove 50a may exhibit mirror symmetry about the first blade bisecting plane B1. The support groove abutment surface 62 of the second support engagement groove 50b may exhibit mirror symmetry about the second blade bisecting plane B2. It should be recognized that the terms "inner angle" and "external angle" are used throughout the specification and claims to refer to the angle between two planar surface components of a pair of surfaces as measured, respectively, inside and outside of the component on which the two surface components are formed.

[0113] If available from Figure 5 and Figure 6As can be seen, for at least half of their length, the first support engagement groove 50a and the second support engagement groove 50b may be mirror-symmetric about their respective first bisecting plane B1 and second bisecting plane B2. This helps promote uniform and stable seating of the cutting insert 22 on the base pliers 80. In some embodiments, for their entire length, the first support engagement groove 50a and the second support engagement groove 50b may span their respective first bisecting plane B1 and second bisecting plane B2. In some embodiments, for their entire length, the first support engagement groove 50a and the second support engagement groove 50b may be mirror-symmetric about their respective first bisecting plane B1 and second bisecting plane B2.

[0114] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the first front knife engagement groove 48a and the first support engagement groove 50a extend along the first front knife groove longitudinal axis RG1 and the first support groove longitudinal axis SG1, respectively. More specifically, according to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, each of the first front knife groove longitudinal axis RG1 and the first support groove longitudinal axis SG1 may be located on a corresponding one of the front knife groove transition portion 54 and the support groove transition portion 58 belonging to the corresponding first front knife engagement groove 48a and the first support engagement groove 50a. Similarly, the second front knife engagement groove 48b and the second support engagement groove 50b extend along the second front knife groove longitudinal axis RG2 and the second support groove longitudinal axis SG2, respectively. More specifically, according to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, each of the second front knife groove longitudinal axis RG2 and the second support groove longitudinal axis SG2 may be located on a corresponding one of the front knife groove transition portion 54 and the support groove transition portion 58 belonging to the corresponding second front knife engagement groove 48b and the second support engagement groove 50b.

[0115] According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, one of the first rake groove longitudinal axis RG1 and the first support groove longitudinal axis SG1 may be parallel to the blade longitudinal axis A. Preferably, the first support groove longitudinal axis SG1 may be parallel to the blade longitudinal axis A. Likewise, one of the second rake groove longitudinal axis RG2 and the second support groove longitudinal axis SG2 may be parallel to the blade longitudinal axis A. Preferably, the second support groove longitudinal axis SG2 may be parallel to the blade longitudinal axis A.

[0116] The first rake groove longitudinal axis RG1 and the first support groove longitudinal axis SG1 converge toward each other in a direction from the first relief face surface 28a toward the second relief face surface 28b (i.e., away from the first cutting portion 42a), defining an acute first groove wedge angle θ1. Similarly, the second rake groove longitudinal axis RG2 and the second support groove longitudinal axis SG2 converge toward each other in a direction from the second relief face surface 28b toward the first relief face surface 28a (i.e., away from the second cutting portion 42b), defining an acute second groove wedge angle θ2.

[0117] Back to Figure 5 According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the first relief surface 28a may include a first blade stop surface 64a. The second relief surface 28b may include a second blade stop surface 64b. The first blade stop surface 64a and the second blade stop surface 64b are designed to position the cutting blade 22 in a predetermined longitudinal position in the blade receiving slot 26 and also provide resistance to cutting forces in the longitudinal direction. Figure 6 and Figure 7 As seen in FIG. 6 , the first and second blade stop surfaces 64 a, 64 b may be planar and oriented perpendicular to the blade longitudinal axis A. As seen in FIG.

[0118] According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, as also Figure 6 and Figure 7 As seen in , the first relief surface 28a may include a first relief surface 66a extending from the first cutting edge 44a toward the first blade stop surface 64a. That is, the first relief surface 66a is located between the first cutting edge 44a and the first blade stop surface 64a. The first relief surface 66a may be oriented differently from the first blade stop surface 64a, and thus the two surfaces 64a, 66a are non-coplanar and angled with respect to each other. The first relief surface 66a may be inclined relative to the blade longitudinal axis A so that the cutting blade 22 is a positive cutting blade at the first cutting portion 42a. That is, in a first side view of the cutting blade 22 (along the second blade center axis C2-see Figure 6 ), the first relief surface 66a may be inclined downwardly and inwardly from the first cutting edge 44a. The first relief surface 66a may extend to (ie, intersect) the first blade stop surface 64a. Figure 7 , the first relief surface 66a may be further away from the second relief surface 28b in the direction along the longitudinal axis A of the blade than the first blade stop surface 64a.

[0119] Likewise, according to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the second relief surface 28b may include a second relief surface 66b extending from the second cutting edge 44b toward the second blade stop surface 64b. That is, the second relief surface 66b is located between the second cutting edge 44b and the second blade stop surface 64b. The second relief surface 66b may be oriented differently from the second blade stop surface 64b, and thus the two surfaces 64b, 66b are non-coplanar and angled with respect to each other. The second relief surface 66b may be inclined relative to the blade longitudinal axis A so that the cutting blade 22 is a positive cutting blade at the second cutting portion 42b. That is, in a second side view of the cutting blade 22 (along the first blade center axis C1-see Figure 7 ), the second relief surface 66b can be inclined downward and inward from the second cutting edge 44b. The second relief surface 66b can extend to (i.e., intersect) the second blade stop surface 64b. The second relief surface 66b can be farther away from the first relief surface 28a than the second blade stop surface 64b in the direction along the blade longitudinal axis A.

[0120] Attention is drawn back to Figure 1 , Figure 1 A blade holder 24 according to the present application is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the blade holder 24 includes a clamping portion 68. The clamping portion 68 includes opposing first and second clamping portion side surfaces 70a, 70b and a clamping portion front end surface 72 extending therebetween.

[0121] The clamping portion 68 includes an upper clamping jaw 78 and a lower base jaw 80 opposite thereto. The upper clamping jaw 78 is elastically displaceable relative to the lower base jaw 80.

[0122] Reference Fig. 9 , the clamping portion 68 includes a blade receiving slot 26. The blade receiving slot 26 is designed to receive and resiliently engage the cutting blade 22. The blade receiving slot 26 is longitudinally elongated in a direction defining a slot longitudinal axis C. The blade receiving slot 26 opens to a clamping portion front end surface 72, forming a front slot opening 74. The blade receiving slot 26 is also open to a first clamping portion side surface 70a and a second clamping portion side surface 70b.

[0123] The blade receiving slot 26 is formed by the gap between the upper clamping jaw 78 and the lower base jaw 80. The blade receiving slot 26 is defined by the slot peripheral wall surface 76. The slot peripheral wall surface 76 extends between the first clamping portion side surface 70a and the second clamping portion side surface 70b. The slot peripheral wall surface 76 includes a clamping jaw surface 82 located on the upper clamping jaw 78. The slot peripheral wall surface 76 includes a base jaw lower surface 84 located on the lower base jaw 80. The base jaw lower surface 84 faces the clamping jaw surface 82.

[0124] The blade receiving slot 26 has a slot vertical axis V that is oriented perpendicular to and intersects the slot longitudinal axis C. The slot vertical axis V extends through (i.e., intersects) the clamping jaw surface 82 and the base jaw lower surface 84. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the blade receiving slot 26 can exhibit mirror symmetry about a slot bisecting plane B that contains the slot longitudinal axis C and the slot vertical axis V.

[0125] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 , the slot perimeter wall surface 76 includes a slot rear surface 86 that extends between the clamping jaw surface 82 and the base jaw lower surface 84. Generally speaking, the slot rear surface 86 faces the front slot opening 74. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the slot rear surface 86 may include a slot rear stop surface 88 and a slot rear recessed surface 90 that are oriented differently from each other, and therefore, the two surfaces 88, 90 are non-coplanar and angled with respect to each other.

[0126] The slot rear stop surface 88 may be closer to the first clamping portion side surface 70a than the slot rear recessed surface 90. The slot rear stop surface 88 may intersect the first clamping portion side surface 70a. The slot rear stop surface 88 may be planar and oriented perpendicular to the slot longitudinal axis C.

[0127] The slot rear recessed surface 90 may be closer to the second clamping portion side surface 70b than the slot rear stop surface 88. The slot rear recessed surface 90 may intersect the second clamping portion side surface 70b.

[0128] The slot rear stop surface 88 and the slot rear recessed surface 90 may intersect each other. The slot rear recessed surface 90 may overlap the slot rear stop surface 88 in the direction along the slot vertical axis V. The slot rear recessed surface 90 may be further away from the front slot opening 74 than the slot rear stop surface 88 in the direction along the slot longitudinal axis C. This allows the slot rear stop surface 88 to abut the second blade stop surface 64b (in the tightened position of the cutting tool 20) even with a positive geometry at the second cutting portion 42b. The slot rear recessed surface 90 may be planar. Referring to Fig.11 The slot rear recessed surface 90 may be inclined inwardly (ie, away from the front slot opening 74) in a direction from the first clamping portion side surface 70a toward the second clamping portion side surface 70b.

[0129] The clamping portion 82 includes an upper groove engagement ridge 92a and a lower groove engagement ridge 92b, which protrude from the clamping jaw surface 82 and the base jaw lower surface 84, respectively. The upper groove engagement ridge 92a and the lower groove engagement ridge 92b are designed to engage with a corresponding one of the paired front blade and support engagement grooves 48a, 50a, 48b, 50b. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the upper groove engagement ridge 92a and the lower groove engagement ridge 92b can extend to the clamping portion front end surface 72.

[0130] According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the upper groove engaging ridge 92a and the lower groove engaging ridge 92b may each include two opposing ridge side surfaces 94. The two ridge side surfaces 94 are inclined outwardly in the opposite width directions of the corresponding upper groove engaging ridge 92a and the lower groove engaging ridge 92b so that they converge toward each other. The two ridge side surfaces 94 can transition into each other via a ridge transition portion 96. In the non-limiting example shown in the accompanying drawings, the ridge transition portion 96 is defined by a planar surface (and therefore the two ridge side surfaces 94 are spaced apart from each other). The intersection of the ridge transition portion 96 and the two ridge side surfaces 94 can form two ridge side abutment edges 98.

[0131] The upper groove engaging ridge 92a and the lower groove engaging ridge 92b extend along the upper ridge longitudinal axis RU and the lower ridge longitudinal axis RL, respectively. More specifically, according to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, each of the upper ridge longitudinal axis RU and the lower ridge longitudinal axis RL can be located on a corresponding ridge transition portion 96 belonging to the corresponding upper groove engaging ridge 92a and the lower groove engaging ridge 92b.

[0132] According to some embodiments of the presently applied subject matter, the lower ridge longitudinal axis RL can be parallel to the groove longitudinal axis C.

[0133] The upper and lower spine longitudinal axes RU and RL converge toward each other in a direction from the clamping portion front end surface 72 toward the slot rear surface 86 (ie, away from the front slot opening 74), defining an acute spine wedge angle δ.

[0134] Will refer to Figure 1 ,12-14 describe the seating and support of the cutting blade 22 in the blade receiving groove 26. In the tightened position of the cutting tool 20, the cutting blade 22 is releasably attached to the blade holder 24 in a first indexable position. The cutting blade 22 is located in the blade receiving groove 26 and is elastically clamped therein by the upper clamping jaws 78. The first cutting edge 44a is operative, while the second cutting edge 44b is non-operative. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, in the tightened position of the cutting tool 20, the front blade groove abutting surface 60 of the first front blade engaging groove 48a may abut the upper groove engaging ridge 92a. Specifically, the front blade groove abutting surface 60 of the first front blade engaging groove 48a may abut the two ridge side abutting edges 98 of the upper groove engaging ridge 92a. As Fig.14, showing a cross-sectional view of the cutting tool 20 taken along a plane parallel to the groove bisecting plane B and intersecting one of the ridge side abutting edges 98, the front knife groove abutting surface 60 of the first front knife engagement groove 48a can be positioned closer to the first cutting edge 44a than the second cutting edge 44b. Such a configuration improves the fixation of the cutting blade 22 in the blade receiving groove 26. The support groove abutting surface 62 of the first support engagement groove 50a can abut the lower groove engagement ridge 92b. Specifically, the support groove abutting surface 62 of the first support engagement groove 50a can abut the lower groove engagement ridge 92b. The front knife groove abutting surface 60 and the support groove abutting surface 62 of the second support engagement groove 50b may not abut any surface of the blade receiving groove 26 (e.g., the groove peripheral wall surface 76). The groove rear stop surface 88 can abut the first blade stop surface 64a. The groove rear recessed surface 90 can be spaced apart from the first blade stop surface 64a. The second blade stop surface 64 b may not abut any surface of the blade receiving slot 26 .

[0135] It is understood that the cutting insert 22 has a second indexable position in which the cutting insert 22 is rotated 90° about the insert longitudinal axis A and then further rotated 180° about the first insert center axis C1. In such a configuration, in the fastened position of the cutting tool 20, the second cutting edge 44b is operative and the first cutting edge 44a is non-operative. The front cutter groove abutting surface 60 of the second front cutter engagement groove 48b may abut the upper groove engagement ridge 92a. The support groove abutting surface 62 of the second support engagement groove 50b may abut the lower groove engagement ridge 92b. The front cutter groove abutting surface 60 and the support groove abutting surface 62 of the first support engagement groove 50a may not abut any surface of the insert receiving groove 26. The groove rear stop surface 88 may abut the second insert stop surface 64b. The groove rear recessed surface 90 may be spaced apart from the second insert stop surface 64b. The first insert stop surface 64a may not abut any surface of the insert receiving groove 26.

[0136] Although the subject matter of the present invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it will be understood that various changes and modifications could be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A double-ended cutting insert (22), comprising: Opposing first and second relief face surfaces (28a, 28b) and an insert peripheral surface (30) extending therebetween about an insert longitudinal axis (A), the insert peripheral surface (30) including opposing first rake face surfaces (34a, 36a) and opposing second rake face surfaces (34b, 36b) and second support face surfaces (36b), all of which connect the first relief face surface (28a, 28b) and the second relief face surface (28b); a first insert center axis (C1) oriented perpendicular to the insert longitudinal axis (A) and extending through the first rake face surface (34a) and the first support face surface (36a); a second insert center axis (C2) oriented perpendicular to both the first insert center axis (C1) and the insert longitudinal axis (A) and extending through the second rake face surface (34b) and the second support face surface (36b); a first cutting edge (44a) and a second cutting edge (44b) formed at intersections of the first relief face surface (28a) and the second relief face surface (28b) and the first rake face surface (34a) and the second rake face surface (34b), respectively; a first rake engagement groove (48a) and a first support engagement groove (50a) which are respectively recessed in the first rake face surface (34a) and the first support face surface (36a) and open to at least the second relief face surface (28a); as well as a second rake engagement groove (48b) and a second support engagement groove (50b) which are respectively recessed in the second rake face surface (34b) and the second support face surface (36b) and open to at least the first relief face surface (28b); wherein: The first rake engagement groove (48a) and the first support engagement groove (50a) extend along a first rake groove longitudinal axis (RG1) and a first support groove longitudinal axis (SG1), respectively, the first rake groove longitudinal axis (RG1) and the first support groove longitudinal axis (SG1) converging toward each other in a direction from the first relief face surface (28a) toward the second relief face surface (28b), defining an acute first groove wedge angle (θ1); and The second rake engagement groove (48b) and the second support engagement groove (50b) extend along the second rake groove longitudinal axis (RG2) and the second support groove longitudinal axis (SG2), respectively, and the second rake groove longitudinal axis (RG2) and the second support groove longitudinal axis (SG2) converge toward each other in a direction from the second clearance surface (28b) toward the first clearance surface (28a), defining an acute second groove wedge angle (θ2).

2. The cutting insert (22) according to claim 1, wherein: The first support surface (36a) and the second support surface (36b) are identical to each other; The first rake face surface (34a) and the second rake face surface (34b) are identical to each other; and The first relief face surface (28a) and the second relief face surface (28b) are identical to each other.

3. The cutting insert (22) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first relief surface (28a) includes a first blade stop surface (64a) and a first relief surface (66a) oriented differently from each other, the first relief surface (66a) extending from the first cutting edge (44a) toward the first blade stop surface (64a); and The second relief surface (28b) includes a second blade stop surface (64b) and a second relief surface (66b) oriented differently from each other, the second relief surface (66b) extending from the second cutting edge (44b) toward the second blade stop surface (64b).

4. The cutting insert (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The first front blade engagement groove (48a) and the second front blade engagement groove (48b) overlap in a direction along the blade longitudinal axis (A).

5. The cutting insert (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first blade stop surface (64a) and the second blade stop surface (64b) are planar and oriented perpendicular to the blade longitudinal axis (A).

6. The cutting insert (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The first relief surface (66a) and the second relief surface (66b) are inclined relative to the insert longitudinal axis (A) such that the cutting insert (22) is a positive double-ended cutting insert.

7. The cutting insert (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: One of the first rake groove longitudinal axis (RG1) and the first support groove longitudinal axis (SG1) is parallel to the blade longitudinal axis (A); and One of the second rake groove longitudinal axis (RG2) and the second support groove longitudinal axis (SG2) is parallel to the insert longitudinal axis (A).

8. The cutting insert (22) according to claim 7, wherein: The first support groove longitudinal axis (SG1) is parallel to the blade longitudinal axis (A); and The second support groove longitudinal axis (SG2) is parallel to the blade longitudinal axis (A).

9. The cutting insert (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The first rake engagement groove (48a) has a first rake groove depth (GD1) that increases in a direction away from the first relief surface (28a); and The second rake engagement groove (48b) has a second rake groove depth (GD2) that increases in a direction away from the second relief surface (28b).

10. The cutting insert (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The first rake engagement groove (48a) has a first rake groove width (GW1) that increases in a direction away from the first relief surface (28a); and The second rake engagement groove (48b) has a second rake groove width (GW2) that increases in a direction away from the second relief surface (28b).

11. The cutting insert (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The first rake blade engagement groove (48a) and the second rake blade engagement groove (48b) are spaced apart from the first relief face surface (28a) and the second relief face surface (28b), respectively, along the blade longitudinal axis (A); and The first support engagement groove (50a) and the second support engagement groove (50b) are open to the first relief surface (28a) and the second relief surface (28b), respectively.

12. The cutting insert (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The first front knife engagement groove (48a) and the second front knife engagement groove (48b) each include two opposing front knife groove side surfaces (52) which are inclined inwardly in opposite width directions of the corresponding front knife engagement grooves (48a, 48b) so that they converge toward each other; and The first support engagement groove (50a) and the second support engagement groove (50b) each include two opposing support groove side surfaces (56) which are inclined inwardly in opposite width directions of the corresponding support engagement grooves (50a, 50b) so that they converge toward each other.

13. The cutting insert (22) according to claim 12, wherein: Each rake groove side surface (52) includes a corresponding rake groove abutment surface (60), each rake groove abutment surface (60) being planar; and In a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the insert longitudinal axis (A), the rake groove abutment surface (60) defines an outer rake groove side angle (α); Each support groove side surface (56) includes a corresponding support groove abutment surface (62), each support groove abutment surface (62) being planar; and In a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the insert longitudinal axis (A), the support groove abutment surface (62) defines an outer support groove side angle (β).

14. The cutting insert (22) according to claim 12, wherein: The two rake groove side surfaces (52) transition into each other via a rake groove transition portion (54), the rake groove transition portion (54) being defined by a line or edge; The two opposing support groove side surfaces (56) transition into each other via a support groove transition portion (58), the support groove transition portion (58) being defined by a line or edge; The front blade groove transition portion (54) and the support groove transition portion (58) of the first front blade engagement groove (48a) and the first support engagement groove (50a) are respectively contained in a first blade bisecting plane (B1) containing the blade longitudinal axis (A) and the first blade center axis (C1); and The front blade groove transition portion (54) and the support groove transition portion (58) of the second front blade engagement groove (48b) and the second support engagement groove (50b) are respectively contained in a second blade bisecting plane (B2) containing the blade longitudinal axis (A) and the second blade center axis (C2).

15. The cutting insert (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The cutting insert (22) has no through hole.

16. A blade holder (24) comprising a clamping portion (68), the clamping portion (68) comprising: Opposing first clamping portion side surfaces (70a) and second clamping portion side surfaces (70b) and a clamping portion front end surface (72) extending therebetween; a lower base jaw (80) and an opposing upper clamping jaw (78), the opposing upper clamping jaw (78) being elastically displaceable relative to the lower base jaw (80); as well as a blade receiving slot (26) longitudinally elongated in a direction defining a slot longitudinal axis (C) and opening toward the clamping portion front end surface (72) to form a front slot opening (74), the blade receiving slot (26) being formed by a gap between the lower base jaw (80) and the upper clamping jaw (78) and being defined by: A groove peripheral wall surface (76) comprising: a clamping jaw surface (82) formed on the upper clamping jaw (78), a base jaw lower surface (84) formed on the lower base jaw (80), and a slot rear surface (86) extending therebetween; an upper groove engaging ridge (92a) and a lower groove engaging ridge (92b) which protrude from the clamping jaw surface (82) and the base jaw lower surface (84), respectively; wherein: The upper groove engaging ridge (92a) and the lower groove engaging ridge (92b) extend along an upper ridge longitudinal axis (RU) and a lower ridge longitudinal axis (RL), respectively, and the upper ridge longitudinal axis (RU) and the lower ridge longitudinal axis (RL) converge toward each other in a direction from the clamping portion front end surface (72) toward the groove rear surface (86), defining an acute ridge wedge angle (δ); The blade receiving slot (26) has a slot vertical axis (V) oriented perpendicular to and intersecting the slot longitudinal axis (C), the slot vertical axis (V) extending through the clamping jaw surface (82) and the base jaw lower surface (84); Features: The groove rear surface (86) includes a groove rear stop surface (88) and a groove rear recessed surface (90) that are oriented differently from each other, the groove rear stop surface (88) is closer to the first clamping portion side surface (70a) than the groove rear recessed surface (90), and the groove rear recessed surface (90) is closer to the second clamping portion side surface (70b) than the groove rear stop surface (88); and The slot rear recessed surface (90) overlaps the slot rear stop surface (88) in the direction along the slot vertical axis (V) and is further away from the front slot opening (74) than the slot rear stop surface (88) in the direction along the slot longitudinal axis (C).

17. The blade holder (24) according to claim 16, wherein: The upper groove engaging ridge (92a) and the lower groove engaging ridge (92b) extend to the front end surface (72) of the clamping portion.

18. The blade holder (24) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The slot rear stop surface (88) is planar and oriented perpendicular to the slot longitudinal axis (C).

19. The blade holder (24) according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein: The lower ridge longitudinal axis (RL) is parallel to the groove longitudinal axis (C).

20. The blade holder (24) according to claim 16, The upper groove engaging ridge (92a) and the lower groove engaging ridge (92b) each include two opposing ridge side surfaces (94) which are inclined outwardly in opposite width directions of the respective upper groove engaging ridge (92a) and lower groove engaging ridge (92b) so that they converge toward each other; The two ridge side surfaces (94) transition into each other via a ridge transition portion (96), the ridge transition portion (96) being defined by a planar surface; and The intersection of the ridge transition portion (96) and the two ridge side surfaces (94) forms two ridge side abutment edges (98).

21. A cutting tool (20), comprising: The cutting insert (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 15; as well as A blade holder (24) comprising a clamping portion (68) comprising: Opposing first clamping portion side surfaces (70a) and second clamping portion side surfaces (70b) and a clamping portion front end surface (72) extending therebetween; a lower base jaw (80) and an opposing upper clamping jaw (78), the opposing upper clamping jaw (78) being resiliently displaceable relative to the lower base jaw (80); and a blade receiving slot (26) extending longitudinally in a direction defining a slot longitudinal axis (C) and opening toward the front end surface (72) of the clamping portion to form a front slot opening (74), the blade receiving slot (26) being formed by a gap between the lower base jaw (80) and the upper clamping jaw (78) and being defined by: A groove peripheral wall surface (76) comprising: a clamping jaw surface (82) formed on the upper clamping jaw (78), a base jaw lower surface (84) formed on the lower base jaw (80), and a slot rear surface (86) extending therebetween; an upper groove engaging ridge (92a) and a lower groove engaging ridge (92b) which protrude from the clamping jaw surface (82) and the base jaw lower surface (84), respectively; wherein: The upper groove engaging ridge (92a) and the lower groove engaging ridge (92b) extend along an upper ridge longitudinal axis (RU) and a lower ridge longitudinal axis (RL), respectively, and the upper ridge longitudinal axis (RU) and the lower ridge longitudinal axis (RL) converge toward each other in a direction from the clamping portion front end surface (72) toward the groove rear surface (86), defining an acute ridge wedge angle (δ); and The cutting tool (20) is adjustable between a release position and a tightening position, and in the tightening position of the cutting tool (20): The cutting blade (22) is releasably attached to the blade holder (24); and The cutting insert (22) is located in the insert receiving slot (26) and is resiliently clamped therein by the upper clamping jaw (78).

22. The cutting tool (20) according to claim 21, wherein: The first rake engagement groove (48a) and the second rake engagement groove (48b) of the cutting insert each include two opposing rake groove side surfaces (52) which are inclined inwardly in opposite width directions of the corresponding rake engagement grooves (48a, 48b) so that they converge toward each other; The first support engagement groove (50a) and the second support engagement groove (50b) each include two opposing support groove side surfaces (56) which are inclined inwardly in opposite width directions of the corresponding support engagement grooves (50a, 50b) so that they converge toward each other; Each rake groove side surface (52) includes a corresponding rake groove abutment surface (60); Each support groove side surface (56) includes a corresponding support groove abutment surface (62); and In the fastening position of the cutting tool (20): The rake groove abutment surface (60) of the first rake engagement groove (48a) abuts the upper groove engagement ridge (92a); and The support groove abutment surface (62) of the first support engagement groove (50a) abuts the lower groove engagement ridge (92b).

23. The cutting tool (20) according to claim 22, wherein: The upper groove engaging ridge (92a) and the lower groove engaging ridge (92b) of the blade holder each include two opposing ridge side surfaces (94) which are inclined outwardly in opposite width directions of the respective upper groove engaging ridge (92a) and lower groove engaging ridge (92b) so that they converge toward each other; The two ridge side surfaces (94) transition into each other via a ridge transition portion (96), the ridge transition portion (96) being defined by a planar surface; The intersection of the ridge transition portion (96) and the two ridge side surfaces (94) forms two ridge side abutment edges (98); In the fastening position of the cutting tool (20): The rake groove abutment surface (60) of the first rake engagement groove (48a) of the cutting insert abuts the two ridge side abutment edges (98) of the upper groove engagement ridge (92a); and The support groove abutment surface (62) of the first support engagement groove (50a) abuts the two ridge side abutment edges (98) of the lower groove engagement ridge (92b).

24. The cutting tool (20) according to claim 22 or 23, wherein: Each rake groove abutment surface (60) is planar; and Each support groove abutment surface (62) is planar.

25. The cutting tool (20) according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein: The rake groove abutment surface (60) of the first rake engagement groove (48a) is positioned closer to the first cutting edge (44a) than to the second cutting edge (44b).

26. The cutting tool (20) according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein: In the fastening position of the cutting tool (20): The front blade groove abutment surface (60) and the support groove abutment surface (62) of the second support engagement groove (50b) do not abut any surface of the blade receiving groove (26).

27. The cutting tool (20) according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein: The first relief surface (28a) includes a first blade stop surface (64a) and a first relief surface (66a) oriented differently from each other, the first relief surface (66a) extending from the first cutting edge (44a) toward the first blade stop surface (64a); and The second relief surface (28b) includes a second blade stop surface (64b) and a second relief surface (66b) oriented differently from each other, the second relief surface (66b) extending from the second cutting edge (44b) toward the second blade stop surface (64b); The first relief surface (66a) and the second relief surface (66b) are inclined relative to the longitudinal axis (A) of the insert so that the cutting insert (22) is a positive double-ended cutting insert; The blade receiving slot (26) has a slot vertical axis (V) oriented perpendicular to and intersecting the slot longitudinal axis (C), the slot vertical axis (V) extending through the clamping jaw surface (82) and the base jaw lower surface (84); characterized in that: The groove rear surface (86) includes a groove rear stop surface (88) and a groove rear recessed surface (90) that are oriented differently from each other, the groove rear stop surface (88) is closer to the first clamping portion side surface (70a) than the groove rear recessed surface (90), and the groove rear recessed surface (90) is closer to the second clamping portion side surface (70b) than the groove rear stop surface (88); The slot rear recessed surface (90) overlaps the slot rear stop surface (88) in a direction along the slot vertical axis (V) and is further away from the front slot opening (74) than the slot rear stop surface (88) in a direction along the slot longitudinal axis (C); and In the fastening position of the cutting tool (20): The slot rear stop surface (88) abuts the first blade stop surface (64a); and The slot rear recessed surface (90) is spaced apart from the first blade stop surface (64a).

28. A double-ended cutting insert (22), comprising: Opposing first and second relief face surfaces (28a, 28b) and an insert peripheral surface (30) extending therebetween about an insert longitudinal axis (A), the insert peripheral surface (30) including opposing first rake face surfaces (34a, 36a) and opposing second rake face surfaces (34b, 36b) and second support face surfaces (36b), all of which connect the first relief face surface (28a, 28b) and the second relief face surface (28b); a first insert center axis (C1) oriented perpendicular to the insert longitudinal axis (A) and extending through the first rake face surface (34a) and the first support face surface (36a); a second insert center axis (C2) oriented perpendicularly to both the first insert center axis (C1) and the insert longitudinal axis (A) and extending through the second rake face surface (34b) and the second support face surface (36b), a first cutting edge (44a) and a second cutting edge (44b) formed at intersections of the first relief face surface (28a) and the second relief face surface (28b) and the first rake face surface (34a) and the second rake face surface (34b), respectively; a first rake engagement groove (48a) and a first support engagement groove (50a) which are respectively recessed in the first rake face surface (34a) and the first support face surface (36a) and open to at least the second relief face surface (28a); as well as a second rake engagement groove (48b) and a second support engagement groove (50b) which are respectively recessed in the second rake face surface (34b) and the second support face surface (36b) and open to at least the first relief face surface (28b); wherein: The cutting insert (22) lacks 180° rotational symmetry about all three of the insert longitudinal axes (A), the first insert center axis (C1) and the second insert center axis (C2); For at least half of its length, the first support engagement groove (50a) is mirror-symmetrical about a first blade bisecting plane (B1) containing the blade longitudinal axis (A) and the first blade center axis (C1); and For at least half of its length, the second support engagement groove (50b) is mirror-symmetrical about a second blade bisecting plane (B2) containing the blade longitudinal axis (A) and the second blade center axis (C2).

29. The cutting insert (22) according to claim 28, wherein: For their entire lengths, the first support engagement groove (50a) and the second support engagement groove (50b) span their respective first bisecting plane (B1) and second bisecting plane (B2).

30. The cutting insert (22) according to claim 29, wherein: For their entire lengths, the first support engagement groove (50a) and the second support engagement groove (50a, 50b) are mirror-symmetrical about their respective first bisecting plane (B1) and second bisecting plane (B2).

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