Tool holder having cylindrical securing orifice extending rearward from front securing surface and fastening orifice intersecting front securing surface

Abstract

A tool holder has a holder body, a first clamping member, and a first fastening member. The retainer body includes a fixing portion and a mounting portion rearward of the fixing portion. The fixation portion has a front fixation surface facing in a forward direction, a cylindrical fixation aperture open to and extending rearward from the front fixation surface, and a longitudinally extending main groove connecting the fixation aperture to the fixation envelope surface. The first clamping member occupies the first clamping aperture and traverses the main groove. The first fastening member occupies a first fastening aperture that intersects the first clamping aperture and is open to the front securing surface. The securing aperture has a securing aperture first main diameter that decreases and increases when the first fastening member is rotated about the first fastening member axis in a first fastening direction and a first unfastening direction, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool holder, and a cutting tool including the tool holder and the tool shank, for use in metal cutting processes generally, and more particularly, for turning and drilling operations wherein the cutting tool is stationary. Background Art

[0002] In the field of tool holders for use in turning and drilling operations where the cutting tool is stationary, there are several examples of tool holders that are configured to clampingly receive a cylindrical tool shank.

[0003] DE8311045U1 discloses a tool holder for cylindrical tool shanks and in particular for drilling rods, which has a clamping head and a bushing, the clamping head being slotted to form mutually adjustable clamping jaws, the bushing being receivable in the chuck of a machine tool. The clamping head has a cylindrical aperture, which together with the slot extends the entire length of the clamping head and the bushing. The clamping jaws are adjusted relative to each other by two screws that cross the slot in the area of ​​the clamping head.

[0004] US2009 / 202314A1 discloses a holder for a drilling tool, which is formed by a sleeve and has an increased stability of holding a cutting element to improve the machining accuracy of the drilling tool and prevent the chipping of the cutting edge. In the sleeve of the holder, a rod-shaped cutting element is inserted into a central hole in the sleeve and is held by a clamping device. A slit is provided in the portion of the sleeve from the front end of the sleeve to the longitudinal middle of the sleeve, and the slit is located in the area from the central hole of the sleeve to its outer peripheral surface. Further, the holder has a fastener for tightening the slit portion of the sleeve to change the inner diameter of the central hole.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved tool holder.

[0006] It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved tool holder having a cylindrical fixing aperture in a front end thereof.

[0007] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved tool holder having a fastening feature that is easily accessible from a front end thereof.

[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved tool holder having a front end fixing portion that is compactly constructed. Summary of the invention

[0009] According to the present invention, there is provided a tool holder having a longitudinal axis defining a forward to rearward direction and comprising a holder body, a first clamping member and a first fastening member,

[0010] The retainer body has a fixing portion and a mounting portion located behind the fixing portion.

[0011] The fixing portion has a front fixing surface facing in a forward direction, a cylindrical fixing aperture intersecting the front fixing surface and extending rearwardly from the front fixing surface along the longitudinal axis, a fixing envelope surface extending rearwardly from the front fixing surface, and a longitudinally extending main groove connecting the fixing aperture to the fixing envelope surface and intersecting the front fixing surface,

[0012] The first clamping member has a first clamping shaft extending along a first clamping shaft axis, the first clamping shaft occupying a first clamping aperture in the fixing portion and traversing the main slot, and

[0013] a first fastening member extending along a first fastening member axis and occupying a first fastening aperture in the fixing portion, the first fastening aperture intersecting the first clamping aperture and opening toward the forward fixing surface,

[0014] wherein, in a cross section taken along a first fixing plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and intersecting the main groove, the fixing aperture has a first main diameter of the fixing aperture measured parallel to the first clamping shaft axis or an axial projection thereof, and

[0015] in:

[0016] Rotation of the first fastening member about the first fastening member axis in the first fastening direction causes the first fastening member to operatively engage the first abutment surface of the first clamping shaft and reduce the first major diameter of the fixing aperture, and

[0017] Subsequent rotation of the first fastening member about the first fastening member axis in a first loosening direction opposite the first fastening direction operatively disengages the first fastening member from the first abutment surface of the first clamping shaft and increases the first major diameter of the fixation aperture. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] For a better understanding, the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 is a first perspective view from the front of a tool holder according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 Is from Figure 1 A second perspective view of a rear portion of the tool holder shown in FIG.

[0021] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A front view of the tool holder is shown in .

[0022] Figure 4 yes Figure 1A side view of the tool holder is shown in FIG.

[0023] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A top view of a tool holder shown in;

[0024] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the tool holder shown in FIG. 1 is taken along line VI-VI.

[0025] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the tool holder shown in FIG. 1 is taken along line VII-VII.

[0026] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A first perspective view of a tool holder shown in FIG. 1 with a radially expandable sleeve and a tool shank clampedly retained therein;

[0027] Fig. 9 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the tool holder shown in FIG. 1 taken along line VI-VI, wherein the radially expandable sleeve and the tool shank are clampedly retained in the tool holder;

[0028] Fig.10 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the tool holder shown in FIG. 1 taken along line XX.

[0029] Fig.11 is a side view of a first clamping member according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0030] Fig.12 yes Fig.11 an end view of a first clamping member shown in;

[0031] Fig.13 is a side view of a first fastening component according to some embodiments of the present invention;

[0032] Fig.14 yes Fig.13 an end view of a first fastening member shown in;

[0033] Fig.15 yes Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of the tool holder shown in taken along line XV-XV; and

[0034] Fig.16 yes Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the tool holder shown in FIG. 1 is taken along line XV-XV, wherein a radially expandable sleeve and a tool shank are clampedly retained in the tool holder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the present invention relates to a tool holder 20 having a longitudinal axis AL defining a forward to rearward direction DF, DR and comprising a holder body 22, a first clamping member 24 and a first fastening member 26. The holder body 22 has a fixing portion 28 and a mounting portion 30 located rearward of the fixing portion 28 (i.e., along the longitudinal axis AL).

[0036] In some embodiments of the present invention, the retainer body 22 may be made of hardened steel.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in FIG. 2 , the fixing portion 28 has a front fixing surface 32 facing in the forward direction DF, a cylindrical fixing aperture 34 intersecting the front fixing surface 32 and extending rearwardly from the front fixing surface 32 along the longitudinal axis AL, and a fixing envelope surface 36 extending rearwardly from the front fixing surface 32 .

[0038] In some embodiments of the present invention, the front fixation surface 32 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AL at least in the area intersected by the fixation aperture 34 .

[0039] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, no portion of the fixation portion 28 may extend forward of the front fixation surface 32 (ie, along the longitudinal axis AL).

[0040] Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, the fixing aperture 34 may be a through aperture extending the entire longitudinal extent of the retainer body 22 .

[0041] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 8 , a longitudinally extending main slot 38 connects the fixation aperture 34 to the fixation envelope surface 36 and intersects the front fixation surface 32 .

[0042] In some embodiments of the present invention, the fixed portion 28 may have an elastically displaceable fixed jaw 40 and a stationary base jaw 42 , and the fixed jaw 40 and the base jaw 42 may be spaced apart by the main groove 38 .

[0043] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 8 , a primary slot plane PS1 may be disposed in the primary slot 38 between the fixed jaw 40 and the base jaw 42 .

[0044] In some embodiments of the present invention, the main groove plane PS1 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis AL and offset from the longitudinal axis AL. Figure 3 As seen in , the main groove plane PS1 and the main grooves 38 may extend in a tangential direction (rather than a radial direction) from the fixed aperture 34 to the fixed envelope surface 36 .

[0045] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 2 , the first clamping member 24 has a first clamping shaft 44 extending along a first clamping shaft axis ACS1 and the first clamping shaft 44 occupies a first clamping aperture 46 in the fixing portion 28 and traverses the main groove 38 .

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first clamping shaft 44 may be retained in the first clamping aperture 46 in a non-threaded manner.

[0047] like Figure 6 As shown in , in a cross section taken along a first fixing plane PF1 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AL and intersecting the main groove 38 , the fixing aperture 34 has a fixing aperture first main diameter DFB1 ′ measured parallel to the first clamping shaft axis ACS1 or an axial projection thereof.

[0048] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown in the figure, in a cross section taken along the first fixed plane PF1, the fixed orifice 34 has a fixed orifice first secondary diameter DFB1" measured at a first fixed first rotational offset angle α1 of forty-five degrees to the fixed orifice first main diameter DFB1', and a fixed orifice first tertiary diameter DFB1"' measured at a first fixed second rotational offset angle α2 of ninety degrees to the fixed orifice first main diameter DFB1'.

[0049] It should be appreciated that each of the fixed aperture first major diameter DFB1 ′, the fixed aperture first secondary diameter DFB1 ″ and the fixed aperture first tertiary diameter DFB1 ″′ contains and is measured via the longitudinal axis AL.

[0050] In the tool holder 20 in which the fixed jaw 40 is not elastically displaced relative to the base jaw 42, the fixed aperture 34 may have a circular cross-sectional shape except that the circumferential portion of the fixed aperture 34 is intersected by the main groove 38, and the fixed aperture first main diameter DFB1', the fixed aperture first secondary diameter DFB1", and the fixed aperture first tertiary diameter DFB1'' may be equal.

[0051] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first clamping shaft axis ACS1 may be contained in the first fixing plane PF1.

[0052] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , in a cross section taken along the first fixing plane PF1 , the main groove 38 may have a main groove width W1 measured parallel to the first clamping shaft axis ACS1 or an axial projection thereof.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, the main groove width W1 may be smaller than 20 percent of the first main diameter DFB1 ′ of the fixed hole, ie, W1<0.20*DFB1 ′.

[0054] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 2 , the first fastening member 26 extends along a first fastening member axis AFM1 and occupies a first fastening aperture 48 in the fixing portion 28 .

[0055] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first fastening aperture 48 may be a threaded aperture, and the first fastening member 26 may be threadably retained in the first fastening aperture 48 .

[0056] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 8 , the first fastening aperture 48 intersects the first clamping aperture 46 and opens toward the forward fixing surface 32 .

[0057] In some embodiments of the present invention, the front fixation surface 32 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AL in a region where the first fastening aperture 48 opens into the front fixation surface 32 .

[0058] It will be appreciated that, with the first fastening aperture 48 open to the forward fixation surface 32 , the first fastening aperture 48 is configured to receive the first fastening member 26 , which may therefore be accessible (by an operator) from a position forward of the forward fixation surface 32 .

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 2 , in a front view of the holder body 22 , an imaginary first circle C1 having a first diameter D1 circumscribes the fixing portion 28 .

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, the center of the imaginary first circle C1 may not coincide with the longitudinal axis AL.

[0061] In addition, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first main diameter DFB1' of the fixing aperture may be greater than thirty percent of the first diameter D1, that is, DFB1'>0.30*D1. For such embodiments of the present invention, it should be recognized that although the fixing aperture 34 and the first fastening aperture 48 are open to the front fixing surface 32, in the front view of the retainer body 22, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 2 , the fixed portion 28 is radially compact.

[0062] like Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 8 , a first fastening aperture 48 may be located in the stationary jaw 40 .

[0063] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first fastening member axis AFM1 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis AL.

[0064] For embodiments of the invention wherein the first fastening member axis AFM1 is parallel to the longitudinal axis AL, and the first clamping axis axis ACS1 is contained in the first fixing plane PF1 , it will be appreciated that the first fastening member axis AFM1 is perpendicular to the first clamping axis axis ACS1 .

[0065] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown in , the fixed jaw 40 may be elastically displaceable about an elastic rotation axis AR extending parallel to the longitudinal axis AL.

[0066] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the main groove 38 may be located on a first side S1 of a first longitudinal plane PL1 containing the longitudinal axis AL, and the elastic rotation axis AR may be located on an opposite second side S2 of the first longitudinal plane PL1 .

[0067] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first clamping aperture 46 and the first fastening aperture 48 may be located on the first side S1 of the first longitudinal plane PL1 .

[0068] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first longitudinal plane PL1 may be parallel to the first clamping shaft axis ACS1 .

[0069] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , in a cross section taken along the first fixing plane PF1 , the elastic rotation axis AR may be located at the minimum fixing wall thickness TW between the fixing envelope surface 36 and the fixing aperture 34 . MIN nearby.

[0070] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the fixed jaw 40 may extend around the fixed aperture 34 in a first circumferential direction DC1 away from the elastic rotation axis AR, and the base jaw 42 may extend around the fixed aperture 34 in a second circumferential direction DC2 opposite to the first circumferential direction DC1 away from the elastic rotation axis AR.

[0071] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the fixed envelope surface 36 may have a longitudinal groove 50 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis AL and a minimum fixed wall thickness TW MIN It can be measured between the longitudinal groove 50 and the fixing aperture 34 .

[0072] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the main groove plane PS1 may intersect the longitudinal groove 50 .

[0073] Rotation of the first fastening member 26 about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first fastening direction FD1 operatively engages the first abutment surface 52 of the first clamping shaft 44 and reduces the fixing aperture first major diameter DFB1 ′.

[0074] Additionally, rotation of the first fastening member 26 about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first fastening direction FD1 reduces the main groove width W1 .

[0075] It should be appreciated that during rotation of the first fastening member 26 in the first fastening direction FD1 about the first fastening member axis AFM1, the fixed jaw 40 undergoes elastic displacement relative to the base jaw 42, and as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 8 , a first clamping force F1 may be applied to a cylindrical tool shank 54 occupying the fixed aperture 34 .

[0076] After the first fastening member 26 is rotated in the first fastening direction FD1 about the first fastening member axis AFM1 , the tool shank 54 is clampably retained in the fixing aperture 34 of the holder to form a cutting tool 56 .

[0077] It should be appreciated that the cutting tool 56 may have several possible configurations including, for example, a turning tool shank 54 having a replaceable cutting insert 58 (eg, Figure 8 ), or a single one-piece drill shank with an integrated cutting head (not shown).

[0078] Additionally, after the first fastening member 26 is rotated about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first fastening direction FD1 , it should be appreciated that although the fixation aperture first major diameter DFB1 ′ is reduced, the fixation aperture first major diameter DFB1 ′ may still be greater than thirty percent of the first diameter D1 .

[0079] In some embodiments of the present invention, the rotation of the first fastening member 26 about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first fastening direction FD1 also reduces the fixed aperture first secondary diameter DFB1″. However, the elastic displacement of the fixed jaw 40 relative to the base jaw 42 may have a smaller amplitude at the first fixed first rotation offset angle α1 of forty-five degrees to the fixed aperture first main diameter DFB1′, and therefore, after the first fastening member 26 is rotated about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first fastening direction FD1, the fixed aperture first secondary diameter DFB1″ may be larger than the fixed aperture first main diameter DFB1′.

[0080] In addition, in some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 6As shown in , with the fixed aperture first tertiary diameter DFB1'' being measured only between two points on the base jaw 42, a rotation of the first fastening member 26 about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first fastening direction FD1 may not cause a change in the fixed aperture first tertiary diameter DFB1''.

[0081] Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , a radially expandable sleeve 60 may occupy the fixed aperture 34, and the tool shank 54 may be clamped and retained in the fixed aperture 34 via the sleeve 60. After the first fastening component 26 is rotated about the first fastening component axis AFM1 in the first fastening direction FD1, the difference between the fixed aperture first main diameter DFB1', the fixed aperture first secondary diameter DFB1", and the fixed aperture first tertiary diameter DFB1'' is compensated by the sleeve 60, so that the first clamping force F1 is distributed circumferentially around the tool shank 54, and the inner sleeve surface 62 of the sleeve 60 having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape is in clamping contact with the tool shank 54.

[0082] It should be appreciated that several radially expandable sleeves 60 may be provided having different inner diameters, whereby a “properly sized” sleeve 60 may be inserted into the fixing aperture 34 depending on the diameter of the tool shank 54 circumferentially clamped therein.

[0083] It should also be appreciated that the tool holder 20 may be advantageously used in CNC machines having space constraints that require multiple cutting tools 56 to be closely positioned, such as a Swiss-type machine having several rows of cutting tools 56 arranged side by side on a stationary backing plate (not shown). For such CNC machine arrangements where side access may be problematic, the first fastening member 26 of each tool holder 20 may be advantageously accessible from a position forward of each front fixing surface 32.

[0084] For embodiments of the present invention in which the fixing aperture 34 is a through aperture, it should also be recognized that the suspension range of each tool shank 54 in front of its front fixing surface 32 is adjustable, so that for a Swiss-type machine having several rows of cutting tools 56 with different shank lengths and configurations, the suspension ranges of multiple operative cutting ends associated with the tool shank 54 can be advantageously adjusted to lie in an imaginary plane.

[0085] Subsequent rotation of the first fastening member 26 about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in a first loosening direction UD1 opposite the first fastening direction FD1 operatively disengages the first fastening member 26 from the first abutment surface 52 of the first clamping shaft 44 and increases the fixing aperture first major diameter DFB1 ′.

[0086] Additionally, subsequent rotation of the first fastening member 26 about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first loosening direction UD1 increases the main groove width W1 .

[0087] In some embodiments of the invention, subsequent rotation of the first fastening member 26 in the first loosening direction UD1 about the first fastening member axis AFM1 also increases the fixing aperture first secondary diameter DFB1″.

[0088] After the first fastening member 26 is fully rotated in the first loosening direction UD1 about the first fastening member axis AFM1, the fixed jaw 40 is no longer elastically displaced relative to the base jaw 42, and the fixed aperture first main diameter DFB1', the fixed aperture first secondary diameter DFB1", and the fixed aperture first tertiary diameter DFB1'' may be equal.

[0089] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 8 , the retaining jaw 40 may be spaced apart from the mounting portion 30 by a secondary slot 64 that is transverse to the primary slot 38 .

[0090] In some embodiments of the present invention, the secondary groove 64 may be in communication with the primary groove 38 .

[0091] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the secondary slot 64 may be located behind the first fixing plane PF1 .

[0092] Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, a radially expandable sleeve 60 occupying the fixation aperture 34 may extend rearwardly from the front fixation surface 32 and intersect the secondary groove 64 .

[0093] like Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 6 , in a cross section taken along a second longitudinal plane PL2 parallel to the primary slot plane PS1 and intersecting the fixed jaw 40 , the mounting portion 30 and the fixed jaw 40 may be completely separated by the secondary slot 64 .

[0094] In some embodiments of the present invention, the mounting portion 30 and the fixing jaw 40 may be completely separated by the secondary slot 64 in a cross section taken along any plane parallel to the primary slot plane PS1 and intersecting the fixing jaw 40 .

[0095] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 8 , the base jaw 42 may be merged with or integrally connected to the mounting portion 30 .

[0096] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 8 , a secondary slot plane PS2 may be provided in the secondary slot 48 between the fixed jaw 40 and the mounting portion 30 .

[0097] In some embodiments of the invention, the secondary slot plane PS2 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AL.

[0098] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the secondary groove plane PS2 may be perpendicular to the primary groove plane PS1.

[0099] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , in a top view of the retainer body 22 , the secondary slot 64 may have a secondary slot width W2 measured perpendicular to the secondary slot plane PS2 .

[0100] In some embodiments of the present invention, rotation of the first fastening member 26 about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first fastening direction FD1 or the first loosening direction UD2 may not change the secondary groove width W2.

[0101] like Figure 7 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 8 , the first abutment surface 52 may be disposed in a first abutment recess 66 in the first clamp shaft 44 .

[0102] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first clamping member 24 may have a first clamping head 68 at one end of the first clamping shaft 44, and as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 8 , the first abutment recess 66 and the first clamping head 68 may be located on opposite sides of the main groove 38 .

[0103] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first abutment surface 52 may generally face toward the first clamping head 68. More specifically, at least a portion of the first abutment surface 52 may be inclined and have a surface facing toward the first clamping head 68.

[0104] Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 4 , the first clamp aperture 46 may be open to a portion of the fixed envelope surface 36 associated with the base jaw 42 , and thus configured to receive the first clamp member 24 via the base jaw 42 .

[0105] like Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first fastening member 26 may have a first fastening end 70 and a second fastening end 72 , and a threaded fastening portion 74 extending between the first fastening end 70 and the second fastening end 72 along a first fastening member axis AFM1 .

[0106] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first fastening end 70 may have a recessed or protruding torque transmission geometry, such as a TORX TM or ALLEN TM , which can be accessed from a position in front of the front fixing surface 32.

[0107] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second fastening end 72 may have a generally frustoconical shape, and the second fastening end 72 may operatively engage the first abutment surface 52 of the first clamp shaft 44 .

[0108] like Fig.10 As shown in , the first clamping shaft 44 may be non-circular in a cross-section taken along the first clamping shaft axis ACS1 .

[0109] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first clamping shaft 44 may have an elliptical shape in a cross section taken along the first clamping shaft axis ACS1 .

[0110] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first clamping aperture 40 may extend along a first clamping aperture axis ACB1 coaxial with the first clamping shaft axis ACS1, and the first clamping aperture 46 may have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the first clamping shaft 44 in a cross section taken along the first clamping aperture axis ACB1. For such embodiments of the present invention, it should be appreciated that the first clamping member 26 is not able to rotate about its first clamping shaft axis ACS1 in the first clamping aperture 46, thereby advantageously enabling the second fastening end 72 of the first fastening member to reliably connect with the first abutment recess 66 of the first clamping shaft and operatively engage the first abutment surface 52.

[0111] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in FIG. 8 , the tool holder 20 may further include a second clamping member 76 and a second fastening member 78 .

[0112] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 8 , the second clamping member 76 may have a second clamping shaft 80 extending along a second clamping shaft axis ACS2 , and the second clamping shaft 80 may occupy a second clamping aperture 82 in the fixing portion 28 and traverse the main slot 38 .

[0113] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second clamping shaft 80 may be retained in the second clamping aperture 82 in a non-threaded manner.

[0114] like Fig.15 As shown in , in a cross section taken along a second fixing plane PF2 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AL and intersecting the main groove 38, the fixing aperture 34 has a fixing aperture second main diameter DFB2' measured parallel to the second clamping axis axis ACS2 or an axial projection thereof.

[0115] In addition, if Fig.15As shown in the figure, in a cross section taken along the second fixed plane PF2, the fixed orifice 34 has a fixed orifice second secondary diameter DFB2" measured at a second fixed first rotational offset angle β1 of forty-five degrees to the fixed orifice second main diameter DFB2', and a fixed orifice second tertiary diameter DFB2"' measured at a second fixed second rotational offset angle β2 of ninety degrees to the fixed orifice second main diameter DFB2'.

[0116] It will be appreciated that each of the fixed aperture second major diameter DFB2', the fixed aperture second secondary diameter DFB2", and the fixed aperture second tertiary diameter DFB2'" contains and is measured via the longitudinal axis AL.

[0117] In the tool holder 20 in which the fixed jaw 40 is not elastically displaced relative to the base jaw 42, the fixed aperture 34 may be circular, except that the circumferential portion of the fixed aperture 34 intersects through the main groove 38, and the fixed aperture second main diameter DFB2', the fixed aperture second secondary diameter DFB2", and the fixed aperture second tertiary diameter DFB2'' may be equal.

[0118] In addition, in the tool holder 20 in which the fixed jaw 40 is not elastically displaced relative to the base jaw 42, it should be recognized that, with the aid of the cylindrical fixed orifice 34, the fixed orifice second main diameter DFB2', the fixed orifice second secondary diameter DFB2", and the fixed orifice second tertiary diameter DFB2'' may be equal to the fixed orifice first main diameter DFB1', the fixed orifice first secondary diameter DFB1', and the fixed orifice first tertiary diameter DFB1''.

[0119] like Figure 7 As shown in , the second clamping axis ACS2 may be parallel to the first clamping axis ACS1 .

[0120] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second clamping shaft axis ACS2 may be contained in the second fixing plane PF2.

[0121] In addition, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second fixing plane PF2 may be located in front of the secondary slot 64 .

[0122] Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second fixing plane PF2 may be spaced apart from the first fixing plane PF1 and located in front of or behind it.

[0123] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 8 , the second fastening member 78 may extend along a second fastening member axis AFM2 and occupy a second fastening aperture 84 in the fixing portion 28 .

[0124] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second fastening aperture 84 may be a threaded aperture, and the second fastening member 78 may be threadably retained in the second fastening aperture 84 .

[0125] It should be appreciated that the first fastening member 26 and the second fastening member 78 may be identical in addition to having different lengths.

[0126] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 8 , the second fastening aperture 84 may intersect the second clamping aperture 82 and open toward the forward fixing surface 32 .

[0127] In some embodiments of the present invention, the front fixation surface 32 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AL in a region where the second fastening aperture 84 opens to the front fixation surface 32 .

[0128] It should be appreciated that by virtue of the second fastening aperture 84 being open to the forward fixing surface 32, the second fastening aperture 84 being configured to receive the second fastening member 78, the second fastening member 78 may thus be accessible (by an operator) from a position forward of the forward fixing surface 32. Additionally, for such embodiments of the present invention, it should be appreciated that although the fixing aperture 34 and the first fastening aperture 48 and the second fastening aperture 84 are open to the forward fixing surface 32, the fixing aperture first major diameter DFB1' may be greater than thirty percent of the first diameter D1, and in a front view of the retainer body 22, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 2 , the fixed portion 28 may be radially compact.

[0129] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second fastening aperture 84 may be located in the stationary jaw 40 .

[0130] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second fastening member axis AFM2 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis AL.

[0131] For embodiments of the invention wherein the second fastening member axis AFM2 is parallel to the longitudinal axis AL, and the second clamping axis axis ACS2 is contained in the second fixation plane PF2, it will be appreciated that the second fastening member axis AFM2 is perpendicular to the second clamping axis axis ACS2.

[0132] like Figure 7 and Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first clamping axis axis ACS1 and the second clamping axis axis ACS2 may be contained in a third longitudinal plane PL3 parallel to the longitudinal axis AL.

[0133] In some embodiments of the invention, the first fastening member axis AFM1 and the second fastening member axis AFM2 may be contained in the third longitudinal plane PL3.

[0134] In some embodiments of the invention, rotation of the second fastening member 78 about the second fastening member axis AFM2 in the second fastening direction FD2 may cause the second fastening member 78 to operatively engage the second abutment surface 86 of the second clamping shaft 80 and reduce the fixation aperture second major diameter DFB2 ′.

[0135] In a tool holder 20 in which the first fastening member 26 is rotated about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first fastening direction FD1 before the second fastening member 78 is rotated about the second fastening member axis AFM2 in the second fastening direction FD2, it should be appreciated that the fixed jaw 40 will have undergone elastic displacement relative to the base jaw 42, and the fixed aperture second major diameter DFB2' will have been at least partially reduced when the fixed aperture first major diameter DFB1' is reduced. In such a case, it should be appreciated that subsequent rotation of the second fastening member 78 about the second fastening member axis AFM2 in the second fastening direction FD2 may facilitate a further small reduction in the fixed aperture second major diameter DFB2', and as Fig.16 As shown in , a second clamping force F2 may be applied to the tool shank 54 retained in the fixing aperture 34 .

[0136] For an embodiment of the present invention in which the tool shank 54 is clamped and retained in the fixed aperture 34 via a sleeve 60, after the second fastening component 78 is rotated in the second fastening direction FD2 about the second fastening component axis AFM2, the difference between the second main diameter DFB2' of the fixed aperture, the second secondary diameter DFB2" of the fixed aperture and the second tertiary diameter DFB2"' of the fixed aperture is compensated by the sleeve 60, so that the second clamping force F2 is distributed circumferentially around the tool shank 54, and the inner sleeve surface 62 having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape is in clamping contact with the tool shank 54.

[0137] For embodiments of the present invention in which the first clamping axis axis ACS1 and the second clamping axis axis ACS2 are respectively contained in the first fixing plane PF1 and the second fixing plane PF2, and the second fixing plane PF2 is spaced apart from the first fixing plane PF1, it should be recognized that the total clamping force applied to the tool handle 54 is distributed longitudinally along the fixing portion 28 by means of two longitudinally spaced apart clamping force components (i.e., the first clamping force F1 and the second clamping force F2), thereby providing a more reliable clamping of the tool handle 54 in the fixing orifice 34.

[0138] In some embodiments of the present invention, subsequent rotation of the second fastening member 78 about the second fastening member axis AFM2 in a second loosening direction UD2 opposite the second fastening direction FD2 can operatively disengage the second fastening member 78 from the second abutment surface 86 of the second clamping shaft 80 and increase the fixing aperture second major diameter DFB2′.

[0139] For instances in which the second fastening member 78 is rotated in the second loosening direction UD2 about the second fastening member axis AFM2 before the first fastening member 26 is rotated in the first loosening direction UD1 about the first fastening member axis AFM1, it should be recognized that the fixed jaw 40 will remain elastically displaced relative to the base jaw 42 and the fixed aperture second major diameter DFB2' may only experience a small increase when the first clamping force F2 is released.

[0140] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 8 , the second abutment surface 86 may be disposed in a second abutment recess 88 in the second clamping shaft 80 .

[0141] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second clamping member 76 may have a second clamping head 90 at one end of the second clamping shaft 80, and as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 8 , the second abutment recess 88 and the second clamping head 90 may be located on opposite sides of the main groove 38 .

[0142] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second abutment surface 86 may generally face toward the second clamping head 90 in substantially the same manner as the first abutment surface 52 may generally face toward the first clamping head 68 .

[0143] It should be appreciated that the first clamp member 26 and the second clamp member 76 may be identical except that the first clamp shaft 44 and the second clamp shaft 80 have different lengths.

[0144] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second clamp aperture 82 may be open to a portion of the fixed envelope surface 36 associated with the base jaw 42 , and thus configured to receive the second clamp member 76 via the base jaw 42 .

[0145] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the mounting portion 30 has a front mounting surface 92 and a rear mounting surface 94 facing in the forward direction DF and the rearward direction DR, respectively.

[0146] In some embodiments of the present invention, the mounting portion 30 may include a first mounting aperture 96 and a second mounting aperture 98 having a first mounting aperture axis AMB1 and a second mounting aperture axis AMB2, respectively, and each of the first mounting aperture 96 and the second mounting aperture 98 may be open to the front mounting surface 92 and the rear mounting surface 94.

[0147] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first mounting aperture axis AMB1 and the second mounting aperture axis AMB2 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis AL.

[0148] like Figure 3As shown in FIG. 8 , in a front view of the retainer body 22 , the first mounting aperture 96 and the second mounting aperture 98 may be spaced apart by the fixing portion 28 .

[0149] In some embodiments of the present invention, first and second mounting screws (not shown) may occupy first and second mounting apertures 96, 98, respectively, and threadingly engage the first and second screw apertures in the above-mentioned stationary back plate, and the first and second mounting screws may be accessible from a position forward of the front mounting surface 92. For such embodiments of the present invention, it should be appreciated that the first fastening member 26 and the first and second mounting screws (occupying the first and second mounting apertures 96, 98, respectively) may be advantageously accessible from the same position forward of the front mounting surface 92.

[0150] Additionally, for embodiments of the present invention in which the second fastening aperture 84 opens to the forward mounting surface 32 , it will be appreciated that the first and second fastening members 26 , 78 and the first and second mounting screws may all be advantageously accessible from the same location forward of the forward mounting surface 92 .

[0151] like Figure 3 , the fourth longitudinal plane PL4 may contain the first mounting aperture axis AMB1 and the second mounting aperture axis AMB2 and the longitudinal axis AL, and the first mounting aperture axis AMB1 and the second mounting aperture axis AMB2 may be equidistant from the longitudinal axis AL. For such embodiments of the present invention, it should be appreciated that the tool holder 20 may advantageously have two index positions on the stationary backing plate, whereby indexing from the first index position to the second index position is achieved by rotating the tool holder 20 one hundred eighty degrees around the longitudinal axis AL.

[0152] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 8 , the mounting portion 30 may have a cylindrical mounting extension 100 that projects rearwardly from the rear mounting surface 94 .

[0153] In some embodiments of the present invention, the securing aperture 34 may intersect the annular rear end surface 102 of the mounting extension 100 .

[0154] Although the present invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it will be appreciated that various changes and modifications could be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A tool holder (20) having a longitudinal axis (AL) defining a forward to rearward direction (DF, DR) and comprising a holder body (22), a first clamping member (24) and a first fastening member (26), The retainer body (22) has a fixing portion (28) and a mounting portion (30) located behind the fixing portion (28). The fixing portion (28) has a front fixing surface (32) facing in the forward direction (DF), a cylindrical fixing aperture (34) intersecting the front fixing surface (32) and extending rearwardly from the front fixing surface (32) along the longitudinal axis (AL), a fixing envelope surface (36) extending rearwardly from the front fixing surface (32), and a longitudinally extending main groove (38) connecting the fixing aperture (34) to the fixing envelope surface (36) and intersecting the front fixing surface (32), The first clamping member (24) has a first clamping axis (44) extending along a first clamping axis axis (ACS1), the first clamping axis (44) occupying a first clamping aperture (46) in the fixing portion (28) and traversing the main groove (38), and The first fastening member (26) extends along a first fastening member axis (AFM1) and occupies a first fastening aperture (48) in the fixing portion (28), the first fastening aperture (48) intersecting the first clamping aperture (46) and opening toward the front fixing surface (32), in, In a cross section taken along a first fixing plane (PF1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (AL) and intersecting the main groove (38), the fixing aperture (34) has a first fixing aperture main diameter (DFB1') measured parallel to the first clamping shaft axis (ACS1) or its axial projection, and in: Rotation of the first fastening member (26) about the first fastening member axis (AFM1) in a first fastening direction (FD1) causes the first fastening member (26) to operatively engage a first abutment surface (52) of the first clamping shaft (44) and to reduce a first major diameter (DFB1') of the fixing aperture, and Subsequent rotation of the first fastening member (26) about the first fastening member axis (AFM1) in a first loosening direction (UD1) opposite to the first fastening direction (FD1) operatively disengages the first fastening member (26) from the first abutment surface (52) of the first clamping shaft (44) and increases the fixing aperture first major diameter (DFB1').

2. The tool holder (20) according to claim 1, wherein: The first fastening member axis (AFM1) is parallel to the longitudinal axis (AL).

3. The tool holder (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first clamping shaft axis (ACS1) is contained in the first fixing plane (PF1).

4. The tool holder (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The fixed portion (28) has an elastically displaceable fixed jaw (40) and a stationary base jaw (42), and The fixed jaw (40) and the base jaw (42) are spaced apart by the main slot (38).

5. The tool holder (20) according to claim 4, wherein: The fixed jaw (40) is spaced apart from the mounting portion (30) by a secondary slot (64) transverse to the primary slot (38), The base jaw (42) is merged with the mounting portion (30), and The secondary groove (64) is in communication with the primary groove (38).

6. The tool holder (20) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The fixed jaw (40) is elastically displaceable about an elastic rotation axis (AR) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (AL).

7. The tool holder (20) according to claim 6, wherein: In the cross section taken along the first fixing plane (PF1): The elastic rotation axis (AR) is located at a minimum fixed wall thickness (TW) between the fixed envelope surface (36) and the fixed orifice (34). MIN )nearby.

8. The tool holder (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In the cross section taken along the first fixed plane (PF1), the fixed aperture (34) has a fixed aperture first secondary diameter (DFB1") measured at a first fixed first rotational offset angle (α1) of forty-five degrees from the fixed aperture first major diameter (DFB1'), and in: Rotation of the first fastening member (26) about the first fastening member axis (AFM1) in the first fastening direction (FD1) reduces the first secondary diameter (DFB1") of the fixing aperture, and Subsequent rotation of the first fastening member (26) about the first fastening member axis (AFM1) in the first loosening direction (UD1) causes the fixing aperture first secondary diameter (DFB1") to increase.

9. The tool holder (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In a front view of the retainer body (22), an imaginary first circle (C1) having a first diameter (D1) circumscribes the fixing portion (28), and The first main diameter (DFB1') of the fixing orifice is greater than thirty percent of the first diameter (D1).

10. The tool holder (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The fixing aperture (34) is a through aperture extending the entire longitudinal extent of the retainer body (22).

11. The tool holder (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first clamping shaft (44) is retained in the first clamping aperture (46) in a non-threaded manner.

12. The tool holder (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first fastening member (26) has a first fastening end (70) and a second fastening end (72) and a threaded fastening portion (74) extending between the first fastening end (70) and the second fastening end (72) along the first fastening member axis (AFM1), and The first fastening end (70) has a recessed or protruding torque transmission geometry accessible from a position forward of the front fixing surface (32).

13. The tool holder (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first fastening aperture (48) is a threaded aperture, and The first fastening member (26) is threadably retained in the first fastening aperture (48).

14. The tool holder (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second clamping member (76) and a second fastening member (78), The second clamping member (76) has a second clamping axis (80) extending along a second clamping axis axis (ACS2), the second clamping axis (80) occupying a second clamping aperture (82) in the fixing portion (28) and traversing the main groove (38), and The second fastening member (78) extends along a second fastening member axis (AFM2) and occupies a second fastening aperture (84) in the fixing portion (28), in, In a cross section taken along a second fixing plane (PF2) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (AL) and intersecting the main groove (38), the fixing aperture (34) has a second main fixing aperture diameter (DFB2') measured parallel to the second clamping shaft axis (ACS2) or its axial projection, wherein the second fastening aperture (84) intersects the second clamping aperture (82) and opens toward the front fixing surface (32), and in: Rotation of the second fastening member (78) about the second fastening member axis (AFM2) in a second fastening direction (FD2) causes the second fastening member (78) to operatively engage a second abutment surface (86) of the second clamping shaft (80) and to reduce a second major diameter (DFB2') of the fixing aperture, and Subsequent rotation of the second fastening member (78) about the second fastening member axis (AFM2) in a second loosening direction (UD2) opposite the second fastening direction (FD2) operatively disengages the second fastening member (78) from the second abutment surface (86) of the second clamping shaft (80) and increases the second major diameter (DFB2') of the fixing aperture.

15. The tool holder (20) according to claim 14, wherein: The second fastening member axis (AFM2) is parallel to the longitudinal axis (AL).

16. The tool holder (20) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein: The second clamping shaft axis (ACS2) is contained in the second fixing plane (PF2).

17. The tool holder (20) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein: The first clamping axis axis (ACS1) and the second clamping axis axis (ACS2) are contained in a third longitudinal plane (PL3) parallel to the longitudinal axis (AL), and The first fastening member axis (AFM1) and the second fastening member axis (AFM2) are contained in the third longitudinal plane (PL3).

18. The tool holder (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The mounting portion (30) has a front mounting surface (92) and a rear mounting surface (94) facing in the forward direction (DF) and the rearward direction (DR), respectively, The mounting portion (30) includes a first mounting aperture (96) and a second mounting aperture (98), which have a first mounting aperture axis (AMB1) and a second mounting aperture axis (AMB2), respectively, and Each of the first mounting aperture (96) and the second mounting aperture (98) opens to the front mounting surface (92) and the rear mounting surface (94).

19. The tool holder (20) according to claim 18, wherein: a fourth longitudinal plane (PL4) containing the first mounting aperture axis (AMB1) and the second mounting aperture axis (AMB2) and the longitudinal axis (AL), and The first mounting aperture axis (AMB1) and the second mounting aperture axis (AMB2) are equidistant from the longitudinal axis (AL).

20. The tool holder (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a radially expandable sleeve (60) occupying the fixing aperture (34).

21. A tool holder body (22) having a longitudinal axis (AL) defining a forward to rearward direction (DF, DR), and comprising: Mounting portion (30); as well as A fixing portion (28) located in front of the mounting portion (30), the fixing portion comprising: a front fixing surface (32) facing in said forward direction (DF); a cylindrical fixing aperture (34) intersecting the front fixing surface (32) and extending rearwardly from the front fixing surface (32) along the longitudinal axis (AL), the cylindrical fixing aperture (34) being configured to receive a tool shank; a fixed envelope surface (36) extending rearwardly from the front fixed surface (32); a longitudinally extending main groove (38) connecting the fixing aperture (34) to the fixing envelope surface (36) and intersecting the front fixing surface (32); an unthreaded first clamping aperture (46) passing through the fixed envelope surface (36) and extending on both sides of the main groove (38); and A threaded first fastening aperture (48) extends along the longitudinal axis (AL), intersects the first clamping aperture (46) and opens toward the front fixing surface (32).

22. The tool holder body (22) according to claim 21, wherein: The fixed portion (28) has an elastically displaceable fixed jaw (40) and a stationary base jaw (42); The fixed jaw (40) and the base jaw (42) are separated by the main groove (38); The fixed jaw (40) is spaced apart from the mounting portion (30) by a secondary slot (64) transverse to the primary slot (38); The base jaw (42) merges with the mounting portion (30); and The secondary groove (64) is in communication with the primary groove (38).

23. The tool holder body (22) according to claim 21 or 22, further comprising: an unthreaded second clamping aperture (82) parallel to the unthreaded first clamping aperture (46) and extending through the fixed envelope surface (36) and on both sides of the main groove (38); and A threaded second fastening aperture (84) extending along the longitudinal axis (AL), intersecting the second clamping aperture (82) and opening toward the front fixing surface (32).

24. A tool holder (20), comprising: A tool holder body (22) according to any one of claims 21 to 23; a first clamping member (24) having a first clamping shaft (44) extending along a first clamping shaft axis (ACS1), the first clamping shaft (44) occupying the first clamping aperture (46) and traversing the main slot (38); as well as a first fastening member (26) extending along a first fastening member axis (AFM1) and occupying said first fastening aperture (48); in: In a cross section taken along a first fixing plane (PF1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (AL) and intersecting the main groove (38), the fixing aperture (34) has a first fixing aperture main diameter (DFB1') measured parallel to the first clamping shaft axis (ACS1) or its axial projection; Rotation of the first fastening member (26) about the first fastening member axis (AFM1) in a first fastening direction (FD1) causes the first fastening member (26) to operatively engage a first abutment surface (52) of the first clamping shaft (44) and to reduce a first major diameter (DFB1') of the fixing aperture, and Subsequent rotation of the first fastening member (26) about the first fastening member axis (AFM1) in a first loosening direction (UD1) opposite to the first fastening direction (FD1) operatively disengages the first fastening member (26) from the first abutment surface (52) of the first clamping shaft (44) and increases the fixing aperture first major diameter (DFB1').

Images