Elongated insert holder and cutting tool

Abstract

An insert holder (24, 36) has spaced apart upper and lower chucks (38), where the upper chuck (38) is resiliently rotatable relative to the lower chuck (40) about an angled pivot axis. The insert holder (24, 36) includes a forward-located insert mounting portion (32, 36), the forward-located insert mounting portion (32, 36) including a forward-projecting gripping finger (56) and a forward-projecting support rib (58). The clamping notch (42) is partially defined by an elongated notch articulation surface (52) formed on the angled articulation portion (50). The notched articulation surface (52) includes a first articulation end (54A) and a second articulation end (54B) that are longitudinally spaced from each other. The second hinge end (54B) is located forward of the first hinge end (54A).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter of the present application relates to an externally grooved insert holder, and in particular to such an insert holder having a lower chuck and a resilient upper chuck, and further in particular to such an upper chuck and a lower chuck respectively having clamping fingers and support ribs, and still further in particular to such clamping fingers having coolant outlets on the clamping fingers to direct coolant from above to the cutting zone. Background Art

[0002] A cutting tool for performing an external grooving cutting operation on a workpiece may include an insert holder, and a cutting insert releasably and elastically clamped in an insert receiving recess. The insert holder may include an upper chuck and a lower chuck separated by a clamping recess and connected by a hinge portion. The upper chuck is elastically movable relative to the lower chuck. The insert receiving recess is located in the clamping recess. The insert receiving recess may include clamping fingers and support ribs formed on the upper chuck and the lower chuck, respectively, thereby forming a part of the insert receiving recess.

[0003] The insert holder may include a coolant passage extending from the lower cartridge to the upper cartridge for providing coolant to the cutting zone from above.

[0004] The cutting insert can be fixed in the insert receiving recess in a "gripping" manner. That is, the lower and upper clamps resiliently clamp the cutting insert without the need for additional elements such as screws to push the upper clamp toward the lower clamp. An example of such an insert holder is disclosed, for example, in US 10,556,272 BB, in which a coolant channel extends through the hinged portion.

[0005] Alternatively, the lower and upper chucks can be pushed together by means of additional elements such as screws to increase the clamping force on the cutting insert. An example of such an insert holder is disclosed in US 9,908,180 B2. Like US 10,556,272 BB, the coolant channel extends through the hinged part. The cross-sectional size of the coolant channel (through the hinged part) is limited by the thickness of the hinged part (in the axial direction of the insert holder). Another example is disclosed, for example, in US 8,388,268 B2, in which the coolant channel extends through an additional clamping screw.

[0006] It is an object of the subject matter of the present application to provide an improved externally slotted insert holder having an insert mounting portion with coolant outlets on the clamping fingers to direct coolant from above toward the cutting zone. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the subject matter of the present application, there is provided an elongate insert holder having a holder longitudinal axis defining opposite forward and rearward directions, the insert holder comprising:

[0008] a retainer end surface formed at a forward end of the insert retainer and intersecting the retainer longitudinal axis;

[0009] a retainer peripheral surface extending circumferentially about the retainer longitudinal axis and including a recessed proximal retainer surface and a recessed distal retainer surface;

[0010] a handle portion and an insert mounting portion at a forward end of the handle portion;

[0011] an upper jaw and a lower jaw separated by a gripping recess recessed into the end surface of the retainer, the upper jaw being resiliently movable relative to the lower jaw upon rotation about an angled pivot axis; and

[0012] forwardly projecting gripping fingers and forwardly projecting support ribs on the upper and lower clamps, respectively; and

[0013] an insert receiving recess extending along a recess longitudinal axis and configured to receive a cutting insert therein, the insert receiving recess being formed in the clamping pocket and being at least partially defined by a recess upper surface and a recess lower surface formed on the upper and lower collets, respectively, and extending onto the clamping fingers and the support ribs, respectively, to define a recess front opening;

[0014] in:

[0015] an insert receiving recess opening into a recess proximal retainer surface;

[0016] The elastic upper and lower clamps are connected by an angled hinged portion;

[0017] The clamping recess is partially defined by an elongated recessed hinge surface formed on an angled hinge portion between the upper and lower jaws;

[0018] the elongated notch articulation surface includes a first articulation end and a second articulation end, the first articulation end and the second articulation end being longitudinally spaced from one another along the retainer longitudinal axis; and

[0019] The second hinged end is located forward of the first hinged end.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the subject matter of the present application, there is provided a cutting tool comprising an insert holder of the type described above and a cutting insert releasably and resiliently clamped in an insert receiving recess.

[0021] It should be understood that the above is a summary 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 an insert holder or a cutting tool:

[0022] The retainer peripheral surface may also include an upper retainer surface and a lower retainer surface opposite to each other, the upper retainer surface and the lower retainer surface connecting the recess proximal retainer surface and the recess distal retainer surface. The upper retainer surface may include a handle upper surface, a mounting portion upper surface, and an upper chuck rear surface extending therebetween, the upper chuck rear surface facing in a direction opposite to the retainer end surface.

[0023] The upper cartridge rear surface may extend between the recessed proximal retainer surface and the recessed distal retainer surface.

[0024] The second articulated end may be located forward of the upper jaw rear surface.

[0025] The first articulated end may be located behind the upper jaw rear surface.

[0026] The first articulated end may intersect the recess proximal retainer surface.The second articulated end may intersect the retainer end surface or the recess distal retainer surface.

[0027] The first articulated end may intersect the recessed proximal retainer surface and the second articulated end may intersect the recessed distal retainer surface.

[0028] The notch articulation surface may extend linearly in a direction between the first articulation end and the second articulation end. In a top view of the insert holder, the angled pivot axis may form an acute articulation angle with the holder longitudinal axis, the acute articulation angle preferably being greater than or equal to 45° and less than or equal to 80°.

[0029] The insert retainer may include a coolant passage extending from the lower jaw to the upper jaw through the angled hinge portion.

[0030] The coolant channel may include a channel vertical portion. The channel vertical portion may extend from the lower clamp to the upper clamp through the angled hinge portion.

[0031] The recess lower surface may include a recess lower clamping surface. The recess upper surface may include a recess upper clamping surface, the recess upper clamping surface and the recess lower clamping surface facing each other. The insert receiving recess may include a recess stopper surface formed at one of the recess upper surface and the recess lower surface, generally facing toward the recess front opening, for positioning the cutting insert in a predefined axial position.

[0032] The recess stop surface may be located rearwardly of a portion of the retainer end surface laterally adjacent the insert receiving recess.

[0033] The recess stopper surface may be formed at the recess lower surface.

[0034] The recessed upper clamping surface and the recessed lower clamping surface may be formed completely on the clamping fingers and the support ribs, respectively.

[0035] The insert retainer may further include a resilient groove formed in the clamping recess and extending rearwardly from the insert receiving recess and toward a recess distal retainer surface.

[0036] The upper clamp may be free of through holes leading to the clamping recess and the peripheral surface of the retainer.

[0037] The upper clamp may include a through hole leading to the clamping recess and the peripheral surface of the retainer.

[0038] The cutting insert may be longitudinally elongated in a direction defining an insert longitudinal axis and may include: two opposing insert end surfaces and an insert peripheral surface extending therebetween, the insert peripheral surface extending circumferentially around the insert longitudinal axis and including opposing insert upper and lower surfaces and two opposing insert side surfaces, all of which connect the two insert end surfaces; and a cutting edge formed at the intersection of the insert upper surface and a first of the two insert end surfaces. The insert lower surface may include an insert lower abutment surface. The insert upper surface may include an insert upper abutment surface, the insert upper abutment surface facing away from at least one of the insert lower abutment surfaces. The second of the two insert end surfaces may include an insert stopper surface.

[0039] The recess stopper surface may abut the insert stopper surface.The recess lower clamping surface may abut the insert lower abutment surface.The recess upper clamping surface may abut the insert upper abutment surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] For a better understanding of the present application and to show the manner in which it may be carried out in practice, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cutting tool;

[0042] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the cutting tool shown in ;

[0043] Figure 3 According to the first embodiment Figure 2 Another perspective view of the insert holder shown in , showing the hidden clamping recess and coolant passage;

[0044] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A front end view of the insert mounting portion shown in ;

[0045] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A first side view of the insert mounting portion shown in ;

[0046] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 a second side view of the insert mounting portion shown in ;

[0047] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 A top view of an insert holder shown in ;

[0048] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an insert holder according to a second embodiment showing hidden clamping recesses and coolant channels;

[0049] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A top view of the insert holder shown in FIG. 1 ; and

[0050] Fig.10 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the cutting insert shown in FIG.

[0051] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, the elements shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity, or several physical components may be included in one functional block or element. Reference numerals may be repeated among the drawings to indicate corresponding or similar elements where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] In the following description, various aspects of the subject matter of the present application will be described. For explanation purposes, specific configurations and details are described in sufficient detail to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter of the present application. However, it will 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.

[0053] First focus Figure 1 , which shows a cutting tool 20 for removing chips according to an embodiment of the subject matter of the present application. The cutting tool 20 has a cutting insert 22, which can be typically made of cemented carbide. The cutting tool 20 also has an insert holder 24, which can be typically made of steel. The cutting tool 20 is an externally grooved tool, and the cutting insert 22 is a grooved insert. The cutting tool 20 is adjustable between a release position and a tightening position. In the tightening position of the cutting tool 20, the cutting insert 22 is releasably attached to the insert holder 24.

[0054] Follow now Figure 2-Figure 7 , which shows an insert holder 24 according to the present application. The insert holder 24 is elongated along a holder longitudinal axis B, which defines opposite forward and rearward directions D. F , D R The insert retainer 24 includes a retainer peripheral surface 26 extending circumferentially along the retainer longitudinal axis B. The retainer peripheral surface 26 intersects with and forms a boundary of a retainer end surface 28 at the forward end of the insert retainer 24. The retainer longitudinal axis B may intersect the retainer end surface 28. It should be understood that the terms "forward" and "rearward" are used throughout the specification and claims to refer to Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Fig. 9 In the middle, the relative positions towards the left and right in the direction of the longitudinal axis B of the holder.

[0055] The retainer peripheral surface 26 includes a recessed proximal retainer surface 32a and a recessed distal retainer surface 32b. The recessed proximal retainer surface 32a and the recessed distal retainer surface 32b are opposite to each other. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the retainer peripheral surface 26 may include an upper retainer surface 30a and a lower retainer surface 30b that are opposite. The recessed proximal retainer surface 32a and the recessed distal retainer surface 32b connect the upper retainer surface 30a and the lower retainer surface 30b. It should be noted that in the front end view of the insert retainer 24 (i.e., Figure 4 ), the recessed proximal retainer surface 32a is located on the right hand side of the insert retainer 24, and the recessed distal retainer surface 32b is located on the left hand side of the insert retainer 24.

[0056] According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the retainer end surface 28 can be multifaceted, with multiple sub-surfaces facing different directions. In this non-limiting example shown in the accompanying drawings, the retainer end surface 28 can include a first retainer end sub-surface 28a and a second retainer end sub-surface 28b. The first retainer end sub-surface 28a and the second retainer end sub-surface 28b can be adjacent to each other (i.e., adjacent). The first retainer end sub-surface 28a can be oriented perpendicular to the retainer longitudinal axis B. The first retainer end sub-surface 28a can be located between the recess proximal retainer surface 32a and the second retainer end sub-surface 28a. The second retainer end sub-surface 28b can be tilted backward when it extends from the first retainer end sub-surface 28a toward the recess distal retainer surface 32b. The second retainer end sub-surface 28b can be located between the recess distal retainer surface 3ba and the first retainer end sub-surface 28a. The second retainer end sub-surface 28b can be adjacent to the recess distal retainer surface 32b.

[0057] The insert holder 24 includes a handle portion 34 and an insert mounting portion 36 located at the forward end of the handle portion 34. Both the handle portion 34 and the insert mounting portion 36 are circumferentially defined by the holder peripheral surface 26. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the handle portion 34 and the insert mounting portion 36 can be integrally formed together to have an integral one-piece construction. That is, the insert holder 24 does not have a separate adapter of the type disclosed in US 5,833,403.

[0058] like Figure 3 As seen in FIG. 1 , the insert retainer 24 includes an upper clamp 38 and a lower clamp 40. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the upper clamp 38 and the lower clamp 40 can be integrally formed together to have a unitary one-piece construction.

[0059] refer to Figure 4 , the upper clamp 38 and the lower clamp 40 are separated by a clamping recess 42. The clamping recess 42 is recessed into the retainer end surface 28. With the foregoing configuration, the insert retainer 24 has a bifurcated form.

[0060] Especially reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the clamping recess 42 may be defined at least by opposing recess upper and lower surfaces 43a, 43b formed on the upper and lower clamps 38, 40, respectively. The recess upper and lower surfaces 43a, 43b face each other.

[0061] The upper jaw 38 is resiliently movable relative to the lower jaw 40 when rotated about the angled pivot axis P. Figure 7 As seen in , according to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the angled pivot axis P may not be perpendicular to the retainer longitudinal axis B. According to a first embodiment of the subject matter of the present application, the upper clamp 38 may be configured to resiliently clamp the cutting insert 22 without the use of an additional separate clamping device, such as a clamping screw or other fastener. That is, the upper clamp 38 and the lower clamp 40 can independently grip the cutting insert 22. Therefore, the upper clamp 38 does not have a through hole leading to the clamping recess 42 and the retainer peripheral surface 26 (specifically, the upper retainer surface 30a) for receiving a clamping screw. Alternatively, referring to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 According to the second embodiment of the subject matter of the present application, the upper clamp 38 may include a through hole 44a leading to the recess lower surface 43a and the retainer peripheral surface 26 (specifically, the upper retainer surface 30a) for the clamping screw 47. The lower clamp 40 may include a threaded hole 44b leading to the recess lower surface 43b for threaded engagement with the clamping screw 47.

[0062] Insert holder 36 may have a "turntable" basic shape. Specifically, according to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, upper holder surface 30a may include handle upper surface 45, mounting portion upper surface 46, and upper chuck rear surface 48 extending therebetween. Upper chuck rear surface 48 may face in a direction opposite to holder end surface 28 (i.e., facing in a rearward direction D). R ), and can be oriented transversely to the handle upper surface 45 and the mounting portion upper surface 46. The upper collet rear surface 48 can extend between the recess proximal retainer surface 32a and the recess distal retainer surface 32b. The upper collet rear surface 48 can define the handle portion 34 from the insert mounting portion 36. The upper collet rear surface 48 can be arranged in a rearward direction D R An upper clamp 38 is defined. It should be noted that this configuration may limit the volume of the insert retainer 24 proximate the rear of the clamping recess 42 (ie, at the angled hinge portion as described below), thus preventing the provision of coolant passages, particularly when the coolant passages extend vertically.

[0063] As seen in the figure, the insert retainer 24 has a retainer vertical axis V1 passing through the upper retainer surface 30a and the lower retainer surface 30b at the insert mounting portion 36. The retainer vertical axis can be perpendicular to and intersect the retainer longitudinal axis B. The insert retainer 24 also has a retainer transverse axis L1 passing through the recess proximal retainer surface 32a and the recess distal retainer surface 32b. The retainer transverse axis L1 can be perpendicular to and intersect both the retainer longitudinal axis B and the retainer vertical axis V1. The insert mounting portion 36 has a mounting portion width W measured along the transverse axis L1, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As seen in.

[0064] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the resilient upper and lower jaws 38, 40 are connected by an angled hinge portion 50. The clamping recess 42 is partially defined by an elongated recess hinge surface 52 formed on the angled hinge portion 50 between the upper and lower jaws 38, 40. Specifically, the recess hinge surface 52 extends between the recess upper surface 43a and the recess lower surface 43b. The recess hinge surface 52 extends longitudinally along the angled pivot axis P. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the recess hinge surface 52 can be concavely curved between the recess upper surface 43a and the recess lower surface 43b.

[0065] The elongated recessed articulation surface 52 includes a first articulation end 54a and a second articulation end 54b longitudinally spaced apart from the first articulation end 54a. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the recessed articulation surface 52 can extend linearly in a direction between the first articulation end 54a and the second articulation end 54b. Thus, in a top view of the insert retainer 24 normal to the upper retainer surface 30a (i.e., Figure 7 ), the (hidden) recessed hinge surface 52 may be straight.

[0066] As also seen in the top view, when the elongated notch articulation surface 52 extends between the recessed proximal retainer surface 32a and the recessed distal retainer surface 32b, the angled pivot axis P forms an acute articulation angle β with the retainer longitudinal axis B. In some non-limiting embodiments, the acute articulation angle β can be between 45° and 80°.

[0067] According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the first articulated end 54a can be located behind the upper jaw rear surface 48. Thus, the gripping recess 42 can extend rearwardly into the handle portion 34 (and the upper jaw 38 and the lower jaw 40 are partially located in the handle portion 34). The first articulated end 54a can intersect the upper jaw rear surface 48 or the recess proximal retainer surface 32a.

[0068] The second hinged end 54b is located in front of the first hinged end 54a, thereby forming an angled hinged portion. Figure 3 and Figure 7 Advantageously, this allows placement of a coolant passage through the angled hinge portion 50 without enlarging the angled hinge portion 50 by positioning the upper chuck rear surface 48 further rearward. Thus, the overhang of the insert mounting portion can be shortened, thereby improving the life and performance of the cutting tool. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the second hinge end 54b can be located forward of the upper chuck rear surface 48. The second hinge end 54b can intersect the retainer end surface 28 or the recess distal retainer surface 32b.

[0069] According to the first embodiment of the subject matter of the present application, the first articulated end 54a can intersect with the recess proximal retainer surface 32a, and the second articulated end 54b can intersect with the recess distal retainer surface 32b. In such a configuration, the clamping recess 42 leads to the recess proximal retainer surface 32a, the retainer end surface 28 and the recess proximal retainer surface 32a.

[0070] like Figure 7As seen in , the first articulated end 54a and the second articulated end 54b can be longitudinally spaced apart from each other by an articulated end longitudinal separation distance D1. The articulated end separation distance D1 can depend on a number of other dimensions associated with the insert retainer 24. In an embodiment in which the first articulated end 54a and the second articulated end 54b open at laterally opposite recess proximal retainer surfaces 32a and recess distal retainer surfaces 32b, respectively, the ratio D1 / W of the articulated end separation distance D1 to the mounting portion width W can fall within a predetermined range consistent with the above-mentioned acute articulation angle β. In this non-limiting embodiment, the axial position (in the forward and rearward directions) of the retainer transverse axis L1 can coincide with the axial position of the second articulated end 54b on the recess distal retainer surface 32b.

[0071] According to a second embodiment of the subject matter of the present application (see Figure 8 and Fig. 9 ), the first hinged end 54a can intersect the recessed proximal retainer surface 32a, and the second hinged end 54b can intersect the retainer end surface 28 (or more accurately, the second retainer end sub-surface 28b). In this configuration, the clamping recess 42 opens to the recessed proximal retainer surface 32a and the retainer end surface 28.

[0072] The insert holder 24 comprises forwardly protruding clamping fingers 56 located on the upper clamp 38. A portion of the holder end surface 28 is located on the forward end of the clamping fingers 56. The insert holder 24 also comprises forwardly protruding support ribs 58 located on the lower clamp 40. The support ribs 58 provide additional support for the cutting insert 22. Another portion of the holder end surface 28 is located on the forward end of the support ribs 58. The clamping fingers 56 and the support ribs 58 are narrower than the rest of the upper clamp 38 and the lower clamp 40, respectively. Therefore, it should be noted that the insert holder 24 is not in the form of a blade as known in the art (e.g., as also disclosed in US 9,033,622), which is suitable for (deep) external grooving. The clamping fingers 56 and the support ribs 58 are also narrower than the cutting insert 22 so that no interference occurs during the cutting operation. As Figure 5 and Figure 6 As seen in FIG. 5 , according to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the clamping fingers 56 can be shorter than the support ribs 58. Figure 7 , the insert mounting portion 32 (including the support ribs 58 and the clamping fingers 56) has a mounting portion length M as measured in the direction of the retainer longitudinal axis B. The mounting portion length M defines the overhang of the insert mounting portion 36. The mounting portion length M may be greater than the above-mentioned hinged end separation distance D1.

[0073] refer to Figure 2-Figure 6, the insert holder 24 includes an elongated insert receiving recess 60. The insert receiving recess 60 is configured to receive the cutting insert 22 therein. The insert receiving recess 60 is formed in the clamping recess 42. More specifically, the insert receiving recess 60 is at least partially defined by a recess upper surface 62a and a recess lower surface 62b formed on the upper chuck 38 and the lower chuck 40, respectively. Even more specifically, the recess upper surface 62a and the recess lower surface 62b are located on the recess upper surface 43a and the recess lower surface 43b, respectively. The insert receiving recess 60 extends longitudinally along the recess longitudinal axis L. The recess upper surface 62a and the recess lower surface 62b are respectively formed in the forward direction D F Extending onto the clamping fingers 56 and the support ribs 58 to define a recess front opening 66. Thus, the insert receiving recess 60 opens to the retainer end surface 28. The recess upper surface 62a and the recess lower surface 62b can be elongated. The recess front opening 66 is of sufficient size to allow the cutting insert 22 to be inserted into the insert receiving recess 60. The recess longitudinal axis L passes between the recess upper surface 62a and the recess lower surface 62b, and through the recess front opening 66. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the first retainer end sub-surface 28a can be positioned laterally adjacent to the insert receiving recess 60 (or more accurately, the clamping fingers 56 and the support ribs 58). In a side view of the insert retainer 24 (i.e., Figure 5 or Figure 6 ), the recess longitudinal axis L may define a recess axis angle α relative to the holder longitudinal axis B. The recess axis angle α may be non-zero.

[0074] The insert receiving recess 60 also opens to the recess proximal retainer surface 32a. In other words, the insert receiving recess 60 is immediately adjacent to (ie, adjacent to) the recess proximal retainer surface 32a. The recess upper surface 62a and the recess lower surface 62b intersect with the recess proximal retainer surface 32a.

[0075] According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the insert receiving recess 60 may be in the basic form of a clamping slot, suitable for receiving an elongated slotting insert of a type known in the art (e.g. as disclosed in US 10,556,272), which permits external slotting of a workpiece to be performed. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the insert holder 24 may have only a single insert receiving recess 60, rather than having two or more circumferentially spaced insert receiving recesses along its periphery, such as in a slotting tool.

[0076] refer to Figure 4 According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the insert receiving recess 60 can be oriented along a recess plane PP. The recess plane PP contains the recess longitudinal axis L and intersects the recess upper surface 62a and the recess lower surface 62b. The recess plane PP can be parallel to the retainer longitudinal axis B.

[0077] The recess lower surface 62b includes a recess lower clamping surface 68. The recess lower clamping surface 68 is used to firmly clamp a corresponding surface on the cutting insert 22. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the recess lower clamping surface 68 may extend longitudinally in a direction parallel to the recess longitudinal axis L. The recess lower clamping surface 68 may be completely formed on the support rib 58.

[0078] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the recess lower clamping surface 68 may include two recess lower clamping sub-surfaces 68a, 68b, which are spaced apart from each other along the recess longitudinal axis L and in a direction away from the recess front opening 66 by a lower relief notch 70 recessed in the recess lower surface 62b. The recess lower clamping surface 68 may be recessed V-shaped.

[0079] The recess upper surface 62a includes a recess upper clamping surface 72. The recess upper clamping surface 72 is used to firmly clamp the corresponding surface of the cutting insert 22. The recess upper clamping surface 72 and the recess lower clamping surface 68 face each other (i.e., the recess upper clamping surface 72 and the recess lower clamping surface 68 face each other). According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the recess upper clamping surface 72 can be concave V-shaped. The recess upper clamping surface 72 can be completely formed on the clamping finger 56.

[0080] refer to Figure 5 , the insert receiving recess 60 includes a recess stopper surface 74 formed at one of the recess upper surface 62a and the recess lower surface 62b. The recess stopper surface 74 is used to position the cutting insert 22 at a predefined axial position (i.e., relative to the recess axis) when the cutting insert 22 is inserted into the insert receiving recess 60. It is also used to prevent the cutting insert 22 from being further displaced inwardly into the insert receiving recess 60 along the recess longitudinal axis L during metal cutting operations. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the recess stopper surface 74 can be formed at the recess lower surface 62b.

[0081] The recess stopper surface 74 generally faces toward the recess front opening 66 so as to act as a stopper. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the recess stopper surface 74 can be oriented perpendicular to the recess longitudinal axis L. The recess stopper surface 74 can be flat.

[0082] refer to Figure 7According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the recess stopper surface 74 can be located behind a portion of the retainer end surface 28 that is laterally adjacent to the insert receiving recess 60 (i.e., a portion that is adjacent to the insert receiving recess in a direction toward the recess distal retainer surface 32b). In other words, the recess stopper surface 74 is closer to the handle portion 34 than the portion of the retainer end surface 28 that is laterally adjacent to the insert receiving recess 60. With this configuration, the overhang of the insert mounting portion can be shortened.

[0083] refer to Figure 4-Figure 6 According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the insert holder 24 may include a resilient groove 76 formed in the clamping recess 42. The resilient groove 76 is primarily designed to provide the desired flexibility to the upper collet 38. The upper collet 38 should have sufficient flexibility to allow the cutting insert 22 to be inserted into the insert receiving recess 60. At the same time, the upper collet 38 should have sufficient rigidity to provide adequate clamping of the cutting insert 22.

[0084] According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, a resilient slot 76 extends rearwardly from the retainer end surface 28. The resilient slot 76 merges with the insert receiving recess 60.

[0085] According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the insert holder 24 may include a coolant channel 78 extending from the lower chuck 40 to the upper chuck 38 through the angled hinge portion 50. The coolant channel 78 includes a channel inlet 80 and a channel outlet 82. The channel inlet 80 and the channel outlet 82 are in fluid communication with each other. The channel outlet 82 is located on the clamping finger 56 and is configured to direct coolant to the cutting zone. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the channel outlet 82 can be located on the upper chuck 38.

[0086] The coolant passage 78 may include a passage vertical portion 84. The passage vertical portion 84 is oriented perpendicular to the retainer longitudinal axis B and extends in a direction between the upper retainer surface 30a and the lower retainer surface 30b. The passage vertical portion 84 may extend from the lower clamp 40 to the upper clamp 38 through the angled hinge portion 50.

[0087] Reference now Fig.10, which shows the cutting insert 22. The cutting insert 22 is integrally formed to have an integral one-piece construction. The cutting insert 22 includes two opposing insert end surfaces 86 and an insert peripheral surface 88 extending between the two insert end surfaces 86. The insert peripheral surface 88 extends circumferentially around the insert longitudinal axis A. The insert longitudinal axis A defines the length direction of the insert, i.e., the direction in which the cutting insert 22 is longitudinally elongated and has its longest dimension. The insert peripheral surface 88 includes opposing insert upper surfaces 90 and insert lower surfaces 92 and two opposing insert side surfaces 94, all of which connect the two insert end surfaces 86. The cutting insert 22 does not have a through hole for retaining screws.

[0088] In this non-limiting example shown in the drawings, the cutting insert 22 includes two cutting edges 96 formed at the intersection of the insert upper surface 90 and the two insert end surfaces 86, respectively. In other words, the cutting insert 22 can be double-ended and can be bidirectionally indexable. However, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to double-ended cutting inserts. For example, the present invention is also applicable to single-ended cutting inserts having a single cutting edge 96 formed at the intersection of the insert upper surface 90 and one of the insert end surfaces 86. The portion of the insert upper surface 90 adjacent to each cutting edge 96 serves as a rake surface 97a. The portion of each insert end surface 86 adjacent to the corresponding cutting edge 96 serves as a relief surface 97b.

[0089] The insert lower surface 92 includes at least one insert lower abutment surface 98. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the at least one insert lower abutment surface 98 can extend parallel to the insert longitudinal axis A. The insert lower surface 92 can include a single flat insert lower abutment surface 98 (not shown). According to some other embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the insert lower surface 92 can include two insert lower abutment surfaces 98 that are offset (i.e., spaced apart from each other) in the longitudinal direction of the cutting insert 22. Each of the insert lower abutment surfaces 98 can be convex v-shaped, complementarily corresponding to the shape of the recessed lower clamping surface 68.

[0090] The insert upper surface 90 includes an insert upper abutment surface 100. The insert upper abutment surface 100 is used to abut a corresponding surface in the insert receiving recess 60. The insert upper abutment surface 100 and the at least one insert lower abutment surface 98 face away from each other (in other words, the insert upper abutment surface 100 and the at least one insert lower abutment surface 98 face away from each other). The insert upper abutment surface 100 can be concave v-shaped, complementarily corresponding to the shape of the recess upper clamping surface 72.

[0091] At least one of the insert end surfaces 86 may include an insert stop surface 102. In this non-limiting example shown in the figures, both insert end surfaces 86 may include an insert stop surface 102. The insert stop surface 102 is used to abut a corresponding recess stop surface 74 in the insert receiving recess 60. Each insert stop surface 102 may be flat.

[0092] Reference is now made to Figures 12-13, which illustrate a cutting tool 20 according to the subject matter of the second aspect of the present application. The cutting tool 20 comprises a cutting insert 22 releasably and resiliently clamped in an insert receiving recess 60 of an insert holder 24. The outermost (and proximal recess front opening 52a) cutting edge 96 forms an effective cutting edge 96a.

[0093] According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, recess stop surface 74 can abut insert stop surface 102. Recess lower clamping surface 68 can abut one of at least one insert lower abutment surface 98. Recess upper clamping surface 72 can abut insert upper abutment surface 100.

[0094] Although the subject matter of the present application has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it will be understood that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. An elongated insert holder (24) having a plurality of longitudinal axes defining opposite forward and rearward directions (D F , D R ) of the retainer longitudinal axis (B), the insert retainer (24) comprising: a retainer end surface (28) formed at a forward end of the insert retainer (24) and intersecting the retainer longitudinal axis (B); a retainer peripheral surface (26) extending circumferentially about the retainer longitudinal axis (B) and including a recessed proximal retainer surface (32a) and a recessed distal retainer surface (32b); a handle portion (34) and an insert mounting portion (36) at a forward end of the handle portion (34); an upper jaw (38) and a lower jaw (40) separated by a clamping recess (42) recessed into the retainer end surface (28), the upper jaw (38) being resiliently movable relative to the lower jaw (40) when rotated about an angled pivot axis (P); as well as forwardly protruding clamping fingers (56) and forwardly protruding support ribs (58) respectively located on the upper clamp (38) and the lower clamp (40); as well as an insert receiving recess (60) extending along a recess longitudinal axis (L) and configured to receive a cutting insert therein, the insert receiving recess (60) being formed in the clamping recess (42) and being at least partially defined by a recess upper surface (62a) and a recess lower surface (62b) formed on the upper cartridge (38) and the lower cartridge (40), respectively, and extending to the clamping fingers (56) and support ribs (58), respectively, to define a recess front opening (66); in: The insert receiving recess (60) opens to the recess proximal retainer surface (32a); The elastic upper clamp (38) and the lower clamp (40) are connected by an angled hinge portion (50); The clamping recess (42) is partially defined by an elongated recessed hinge surface (52) formed on an angled hinge portion (50) between the upper jaw (38) and the lower jaw (40); The elongated notch articulation surface (52) includes a first articulation end (54a) and a second articulation end (54b), the first articulation end (54a) and the second articulation end (54b) being longitudinally spaced apart from each other along the retainer longitudinal axis (B); and The second hinged end (54b) is located in front of the first hinged end (54a).

2. The insert holder (24) according to claim 1, wherein: The retainer peripheral surface (26) further includes opposing upper retainer surfaces (30a) and lower retainer surfaces (30b), wherein the opposing upper retainer surfaces (30a) and lower retainer surfaces (30b) connect the recess proximal retainer surface (32a) and the recess distal retainer surface (32b); and The upper retainer surface (30a) includes a shank upper surface (45), a mounting portion upper surface (46), and an upper chuck rear surface (48) extending therebetween, the upper chuck rear surface (48) facing in a direction opposite to the retainer end surface (28).

3. An insert holder (24) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The upper collet rear surface (48) extends between the recess proximal retainer surface (32a) and the recess distal retainer surface (32b).

4. An insert holder (24) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The second hinged end (54b) is located forward of the upper clamp rear surface (48).

5. The insert holder (24) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein: The first hinged end (54a) is located behind the upper clamp rear surface (48).

6. The insert holder (24) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein: The first hinged end (54a) intersects the recessed proximal retainer surface (32a); and The second hinged end (54b) intersects the retainer end surface (28) or the recessed distal retainer surface (32b).

7. The insert holder (24) according to claim 6, wherein: The first articulated end (54a) intersects the recessed proximal retainer surface (32a), and the second articulated end (54b) intersects the recessed distal retainer surface (32b).

8. The insert holder (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The notched articulation surface (52) extends linearly in a direction between the first articulation end (54a) and the second articulation end (54b); and In a top view of the insert holder, the angled pivot axis (P) forms an acute articulation angle (β) with the holder longitudinal axis (B), the acute articulation angle (β) satisfying 45°≤β≤80°.

9. The insert holder (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The insert retainer (24) includes a coolant passage (78) extending through the angled hinge portion (50) from the lower jaw (40) to the upper jaw (38).

10. The insert holder (24) according to claim 9, wherein: The coolant channel (78) includes a channel vertical portion (84); and The channel vertical portion (84) extends from the lower jaw (40) to the upper jaw (30) through the angled hinge portion (50).

11. The insert holder (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The recessed lower surface (62b) includes a recessed lower clamping surface (68); The recess upper surface (62a) includes a recess upper clamping surface (72), and the recess upper clamping surface (72) and the recess lower clamping surface (68) face each other; The insert receiving recess (60) includes a recess stop surface (74) formed at one of the recess upper surface (62a) and the recess lower surface (62b) generally facing toward the recess front opening (66) for positioning the cutting insert at a predefined axial position.

12. The insert holder (24) according to claim 11, wherein: The recess stop surface (74) is located rearward of a portion of the retainer end surface (28) that is laterally adjacent to the insert receiving recess (60).

13. An insert holder (24) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The recess stopper surface (74) is formed at the recess lower surface (62b).

14. The insert holder (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The recessed upper clamping surface (72) and the recessed lower clamping surface (68) are completely formed on the clamping finger (56) and the support rib (58), respectively.

15. An insert retainer (24) according to any one of claims 1-14, further comprising a resilient groove (76) formed in the clamping recess (42) and extending rearwardly from the insert receiving recess (60) and toward a distal retainer surface (32b) of the recess.

16. The insert holder (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The upper clamp (34) has no through holes leading to the clamping recess (38) and the retainer peripheral surface (26).

17. The insert holder (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The upper clamp (34) includes a through hole (44a) leading to the clamping recess (38) and the retainer peripheral surface (26).

18. A cutting tool (20), comprising: An insert holder (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 17; as well as A cutting insert (22) is releasably and resiliently clamped in the insert receiving recess (60).

19. The cutting tool (20) according to claim 18, wherein: The cutting insert (22) is longitudinally elongated along a direction defining a longitudinal axis (A) of the insert and comprises: two opposing insert end surfaces (86) and an insert peripheral surface (88) extending therebetween, the insert peripheral surface (88) extending circumferentially about the insert longitudinal axis (A) and including opposing insert upper surfaces (90) and insert lower surfaces (92) and two opposing insert side surfaces (94) all connecting the two insert end surfaces (86); and a cutting edge (96) formed at an intersection of the insert upper surface (90) and a first insert end surface of the two insert end surfaces (86); wherein: The insert lower surface (92) includes an insert lower abutment surface (98); The insert upper surface (90) includes an insert upper abutment surface (100) that faces away from the at least one insert lower abutment surface (98); and A second of the two insert end surfaces (86) includes an insert stop surface (102).

20. The cutting tool (20) according to claim 19, wherein: The recessed lower surface (62b) includes a recessed lower clamping surface (68); The recess upper surface (62a) includes a recess upper clamping surface (72), and the recess upper clamping surface (72) and the recess lower clamping surface (68) face each other; The insert receiving recess (60) includes a recess stop surface (74) formed at one of the recess upper surface (62a) and the recess lower surface (62b) and generally facing toward the recess front opening (66) for positioning the cutting insert at a predefined axial position; The recess stopper surface (74) abuts the insert stopper surface (102); The recess lower clamping surface (68) abuts the insert lower abutment surface (98); and The recess upper clamping surface (72) abuts the insert upper abutment surface (100).

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