Rotary cutting tool with integrally formed axial adjustment tongue

Abstract

A rotary cutting tool (20) has: an insert receiving pocket with a cutting insert (30) removably secured therein; and an adjustment recess rearward of the insert receiving pocket having a radially outward recess side surface and an adjustment tongue spaced apart from the recess side surface by a first inner passage. An adjustment tongue (46) extends rearwardly from the tongue root to the tongue tip and includes a tongue through-hole. The root of tongue has a shoulder surface facing in a forward direction, and the cutting insert is in contact with the shoulder surface. An adjustment screw (86) extends through the tongue through hole and engages the recess side surface, and rotation of the adjustment screw causes axial displacement of the cutting insert in a forward direction. An imaginary straight line in the first inner passage intersects a recess rear end surface formed on a first body sub-portion of the cutting body integrally formed with the adjustment tongue.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotary cutting tool having an axial adjustment member for use in metal cutting processes in general and in milling operations in particular. Background Art

[0002] In the field of rotary cutting tools used in milling operations, there are many examples of cutting bodies having at least one insert receiving pocket and a cutting insert removably secured in the pocket, thereby providing means for adjusting the axial position of the cutting insert.

[0003] US6,056,484 discloses a device for adjusting the position of a cutting insert relative to the body of a cutting tool, such as a milling cutter. The device comprises: a cantilever wall integrally connected to the tool body, forming part of a recess in the tool body supporting one side of the insert; and a wedge mechanism for elastically flexing the cantilever wall to adjust the position of the cutting edge of the insert relative to the tool body. The wedge mechanism may take the form of a screw threadedly engaged to the tool body, the tool body having a conical head engaged against the cantilever wall, so that when the screw is turned, the conical wedge formed by the screw head flexes the cantilever wall a short distance. The device advantageously allows fine adjustment of the position of the cutting edge of the insert by simply turning a single screw.

[0004] JP2008-155352 discloses a cutting edge adjustment mechanism, which is composed of an adjustment member having a gap between a cutter body and the adjustment member, a connecting member fixing the adjustment member to the cutter body, and an adjustment screw applying a force to an input portion of the adjustment member. The thrust of the adjustment screw moves the input portion in the axial direction of the adjustment screw to apply elastic deformation to the adjustment member around the connecting member, so that the cutting edge replaceable tip can be positioned on the displaced end surface of the adjustment member.

[0005] US9,475,138 discloses a cutting tool having a central longitudinal axis and a tool body including an insert pocket having a bottom wall, a rear wall and at least one side wall. A cantilever member is machined from the tool body to be integrally formed with the tool body. The cantilever member extends from one of the walls of the insert pocket. An adjustment screw applies force against the cantilever member to selectively adjust the position of a cutting insert mounted on the cantilever member relative to the central longitudinal axis of the cutting tool.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved rotary cutting tool having an axial adjustment member.

[0007] It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved rotary cutting tool with a minimal risk of chips obstructing the axial adjustment member.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved rotary cutting tool having a reduced number of cutting body components. Summary of the invention

[0009] According to the present invention, there is provided a rotary cutting tool rotatable in a rotational direction about a tool axis, the tool axis defining a front-rear direction, and comprising:

[0010] a cutting body having a forward envelope surface and at least one insert receiving pocket formed in the forward envelope surface, the insert receiving pocket opening at a forward body end of the cutting body and having a cutting insert removably secured therein,

[0011] The forward envelope surface also has an adjustment recess axially rearward of the insert receiving pocket,

[0012] The adjusting recess comprises a recess side surface facing radially outward and an adjusting tongue extending axially backward from the tongue base to the tongue tip.

[0013] The regulating tongue is spaced apart from the side surface of the recess by a first inner passage, and the tongue base has a shoulder surface facing in a forward direction and a pivot axis, and

[0014] The regulating tongue also has opposite radial inner and radial outer tongue side surfaces, and a tongue through hole extending between and intersecting the radial inner and radial outer tongue side surfaces, and

[0015] in:

[0016] The cutting insert is in clamping contact with the shoulder surface;

[0017] an adjustment screw having an adjustment axis extending through the tongue through hole, traversing the first inner passageway, and engaging the recess side surface; and

[0018] a rotation of the adjusting screw about the adjusting axis in a first adjustment direction causes a rotational displacement of the adjusting tongue about the pivot axis and an axial displacement of the cutting insert in a forward direction,

[0019] And among them:

[0020] In a cross section of the cutting tool taken in a radial plane containing the tool axis and intersecting the adjusting tongue, the first inner passage has an imaginary first straight line disposed between the recess side surface and the radial inner side surface of the tongue, and the imaginary first straight line intersects with the recess rear end surface axially located rearward of the radial inner side surface of the tongue,

[0021] The recessed rear end surface is formed on the first body sub-portion of the cutting body, and

[0022] The adjustment tongue is integrally formed with the first body subportion to have a unitary one-piece structure with the first body subportion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rotary cutting tool according to some embodiments of the present invention with one of the plurality of cutting inserts and its associated clamping screw removed;

[0025] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of the cutting tool shown in;

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Detailed view of the cutting tool shown in;

[0027] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A front view of the cutting tool shown in;

[0028] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Detailed view of the cutting tool shown in;

[0029] Figure 6 It is taken along line VI-VI Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the cutting tool shown in;

[0030] Figure 7 It is taken along line VII-VII Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a rotating cutting tool shown in;

[0031] Figure 8 It is taken along line VIII-VIII Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a rotating cutting tool shown in;

[0032] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 A detailed view of a rotating cutting tool shown in;

[0033] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 a perspective view of one of the plurality of cutting inserts shown; and

[0034] Fig.11 yes Fig.10 Side view of the cutting insert shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] First note Figures 1 to 5, shows a rotary cutting tool 20 according to the present invention.

[0036] The rotary cutting tool 20 is rotatable in a rotational direction RD about a tool axis AT defining a front-rear direction DF, DR.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in FIG, a rotary cutting tool 20 includes a rotary cutting body 22 having a forward envelope surface 24 and at least one insert receiving pocket 26 formed in the forward envelope surface 24. The insert receiving pocket 26 opens at a forward body end 28 of the cutting body 22 and has a cutting insert 30 removably secured therein.

[0038] It should be understood that the rotating cutting tool 20 and the cutting body 22 have a common tool axis AT and rotation direction DF, DR, and thus the tool axis AT may also be considered as a body axis of the cutting body 22 .

[0039] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cutting body 22 may preferably be manufactured from tool steel, and the cutting insert 30 may preferably be manufactured from cemented carbide.

[0040] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the forward envelope surface 24 may be cylindrical.

[0041] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the rotary cutting tool 20 may be used for milling operations.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown in , the forward body end 28 may have an annular forward body end surface 32 .

[0043] In some embodiments of the invention, the forward body end surface 32 may define a body plane PB that is perpendicular to the tool axis AT.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in , the insert receiving pocket 26 may have a first support surface 34 facing radially outward and a second support surface 36 facing in the rotational direction RD transverse to the first support surface 34 .

[0045] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first support surface 34 may be planar.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 4 , in an end view of the cutting body 22 , the forward envelope surface 24 can define an imaginary first circle C1 having a first body diameter DB1 .

[0047] In some embodiments of the present invention, the imaginary first circle C1 may have a center point coinciding with the tool axis AT.

[0048] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown in FIG. 2 , the forward envelope surface 24 has an adjustment recess 38 located axially rearward of the insert receiving pocket 26 .

[0049] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in , the forward envelope surface 24 may have a chip flute 40 rotationally forward of the insert receiving pocket 26 , and the chip flute 40 may be in communication with the insert receiving pocket 26 and open at the forward body end 28 .

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, the chip flute 40 may be recessed in the forward envelope surface 24 and rotationally spaced apart from the adjustment recess 38 such that the chip flute 40 is not in direct communication with the adjustment recess 38. For such embodiments of the present invention, it should be appreciated that the chip flute 40 may overlap with the adjustment recess 38 in a rotational projection about the tool axis AT.

[0051] In addition, in some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 5 As shown in , the chip flute 40 may have a radially innermost flute point NGI that is located closer to the tool axis AT than any point on the first support surface 34 of the insert receiving pocket.

[0052] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 5 As shown in , a forward groove edge 42 may be formed at the intersection of the chip groove 40 and the forward body end 28 , and the radially innermost groove point NGI may be located along the forward groove edge 42 .

[0053] The adjustment recess 38 includes a recess side surface 44 facing radially outward and an adjustment tongue 46 extending axially rearward from a tongue base 48 to a tongue tip 50. Thus, the adjustment tongue 46 cantilevers primarily in the rearward direction DR.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tongue tip 50 may have a free end away from the tongue base 48 .

[0055] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the tongue tip 50 may have a tip surface 52 facing in the rearward direction DR.

[0056] For embodiments of the present invention in which the adjustment recess 38 and its adjustment tongue 46 are located axially rearward of the insert receiving pocket 26, it will be appreciated that advantageously the forward envelope surface 24 of the cutting body requires a small circumferential extent to provide such an arrangement. Figures 2 to 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the adjustment recess 38 extends from the insert receiving pocket 26 further in the rearward direction DR than in the circumferential direction (eg, RD) or radially inward direction.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present invention, the recess side surface 44 may extend radially outward as it extends axially rearward.

[0058] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the recess side surface 44 may be planar.

[0059] like Figures 6 to 9 As shown in FIG. 4 , the adjustment tongue 46 is spaced apart from the recess side surface 44 by a first inner passage 54 , and the tongue root portion 48 has a shoulder surface 56 facing in the forward direction DF and a pivot axis AP.

[0060] The adjusting tongue 46 is rotationally displaceable about the pivot axis AP.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present invention, the pivot axis AP may be parallel to the first support surface 34 .

[0062] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown in , the pivot axis AP can be inclined relative to the body plane PB.

[0063] In some embodiments of the present invention, the pivot axis AP may form an acute pivot angle α1 with the body plane PB that is less than fifteen degrees, ie, α1<15°.

[0064] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As indicated in the end view projection of the cutting body 22, the pivot axis AP can be tangent to an imaginary second circle C2 having a center point coinciding with the tool axis AT, and the tangent point NT between the pivot axis AP and the imaginary second circle C2 can be rotationally located behind the associated adjusting tongue 46.

[0065] like Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown in the figure, the cutting insert 30 can have: opposing first insert end surfaces 58 and second insert end surfaces 60, which are interconnected by a continuous peripheral surface 62, the peripheral surface 62 having a pair of opposing first insert side surfaces 64a, 64b separated by a pair of opposing second insert side surfaces 66a, 66b; and at least one cutting edge 68a, 68b, which is formed at the intersection of the first insert end surface 58 and the first insert side surfaces 64a, 64b.

[0066] For embodiments of the present invention having cutting edges 68a, 68b formed at the intersection of the first insert end surface 58 and each of the first insert side surfaces 64a, 64b, as shown in FIG. Fig.10As shown in , the cutting insert 30 may be indexable about an insert axis AI extending between and intersecting a first insert end surface 58 and a second insert end surface 60 .

[0067] In some embodiments of the invention, insert axis AI may be substantially parallel to pivot axis AP.

[0068] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first insert end surface 58 and the second insert end surface 60 may be identical.

[0069] In other embodiments of the present invention (not shown), the cutting edge can be formed at the intersection of the first insert side surfaces 64a, 64b and the second insert side surfaces 66a, 66b, and the second insert side surfaces 66a, 66b and the first insert end surface 58 and the second insert end surface 60 can be the same.

[0070] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , in a side view of the insert receiving pocket 26 , the adjustment tongue 46 has a maximum tongue width WT measured parallel to the pivot axis AP. MAX , and the cutting insert 30 has a maximum insert height HI measured parallel to the insert axis AI MAX .

[0071] In some embodiments of the present invention, the maximum insert height HI MAX Can be larger than the maximum tongue width WT MAX .

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown in , the cutting insert 30 may have an operative cutting edge 68a that defines a tool cutting diameter DTC when the cutting tool 20 is rotated about the tool axis AT, and the tool cutting diameter DTC may be greater than the first body diameter DB1.

[0073] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , the coolant conduit 70 may extend inside the cutting body 22 and intersect the chip flute 40 at the coolant outlet opening 72. For such an embodiment of the present invention, it should be appreciated that coolant flowing through the coolant conduit 70 may be directed from the coolant outlet opening 72 to the operative cutting edge 68a of the cutting insert.

[0074] like Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown in , the cutting insert 30 also includes an insert through hole 74 having a through hole axis ATB and a through hole diameter DTB.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present invention, the insert through hole 74 can extend between and intersect the first insert side surfaces 64a, 64b, and in other embodiments of the present invention (not shown), the insert through hole 74 can extend between and intersect the first insert end surface 58 and the second insert end surface 60.

[0076] For embodiments of the present invention in which the insert through hole 74 intersects the first insert side surfaces 64a, 64b, the cutting insert 30 can be described as a tangential cutting insert. For such embodiments of the present invention, the through hole axis ATB can be perpendicular to the insert axis AI, and the cutting insert 30 can be indexable about the through hole axis ATB.

[0077] For embodiments of the present invention in which the insert throughbore 74 intersects the first insert end surface 58 (not shown) and the second insert end surface 60 (not shown), the cutting insert 30 may be described as a radial cutting insert.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cutting insert 30 may be clamped in the insert receiving pocket 26 by a clamping screw 76 that extends through the insert throughbore 74 and threadingly engages a threaded hole 78 in the insert receiving pocket 26 .

[0079] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 8 , one of the first insert side surfaces 64 a , 64 b may be in clamping contact with the first support surface 34 , and the second insert end surface 60 may be in clamping contact with the second support surface 36 .

[0080] For embodiments of the present invention in which the insert through hole 74 intersects the first insert side surfaces 64 a , 64 b , a threaded hole 78 may be provided in the first support surface 34 .

[0081] For embodiments of the present invention in which the insert through hole 74 intersects the first insert end surface 58 (not shown) and the second insert end surface 60 (not shown), the threaded hole 78 may be disposed in the second support surface 36 .

[0082] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 5 , the shoulder surface 56 is transverse to the first support surface 34 , and one of the second insert side surfaces 66 a , 66 b is in clamping contact with the shoulder surface 56 .

[0083] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown in FIG. 1 , the regulating tongue 46 has opposite radially inner and outer tongue side surfaces 80 and 82 , and a tongue through hole 84 extending between and intersecting the radially inner and outer tongue side surfaces 80 and 82 .

[0084] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tongue through hole 84 may be located between the tongue root portion 48 and the tongue tip portion 50 .

[0085] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the tongue through hole 84 may extend axially rearward as it extends from the radially outer surface 82 to the radially inner surface 80 , and this may be suitable for adjusting the range of rotational displacement of the tongue 46 about the pivot axis AP.

[0086] like Figure 6 As shown in , the radially inner surface 80 of the adjustment tongue may face radially inward, and the radially outer surface 82 of the adjustment tongue may face radially outward.

[0087] In some embodiments of the invention, the radially inner surface 80 of the tongue may be planar.

[0088] like Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 8 , an adjustment screw 86 having an adjustment axis AA extends through the tongue through hole 84 , traverses the first inner passage 54 , and engages the recess side surface 44 .

[0089] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first screw end 87 of the adjustment screw 86 may have a screw socket to enable a torque key (not shown) to engage the adjustment screw 86 and rotate it about the adjustment axis AA.

[0090] The rotation of the adjusting screw 86 about the adjusting axis AA in the first adjusting direction DA1 causes the rotational displacement of the adjusting tongue 46 about the pivot axis AP and the axial displacement of the cutting insert 30 in the forward direction DF. More specifically, the rotational displacement of the adjusting tongue 46 about the pivot axis AP in the first pivot direction widens the first inner passage 44, thereby causing the axial displacement of the shoulder surface 56 and therefore also the cutting insert 30 in the forward direction DF.

[0091] It will be appreciated that the clamping screw 76 may provide the necessary resiliency for axial displacement of the cutting insert 30 when an adjustment force is applied to the cutting insert 30 by the shoulder surface 56 of the adjustment tongue.

[0092] In some embodiments of the invention, the adjustment tongue 46 may be resiliently displaceable about the pivot axis AP.

[0093] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the tongue through hole 84 may be threaded, and the adjustment screw 86 may threadably engage the tongue through hole 84 and non-threadably engage the recess side surface 44. For such embodiments of the present invention, it should be appreciated that a second screw end 89 of the adjustment screw 86 axially opposite the first screw end 87 along the adjustment axis AA may abuttingly engage the recess side surface 44.

[0094] For embodiments of the present invention in which the tongue throughbore 84 extends axially rearward as it extends from the radially outer surface 82 to the radially inner surface 80, it will be appreciated that the cutting insert 30 can be clamped against the shoulder surface 56 of the adjusting tongue with a high level of stability and good resistance to axial cutting forces.

[0095] In some embodiments of the present invention, it should be appreciated that no portion of the adjustment tongue 46 may be located radially outside of an imaginary cylinder defined by the first body diameter DB1 before and after the adjustment screw 86 is rotated in the first adjustment direction DA1 .

[0096] like Figure 6 As shown in , in a cross section of the cutting tool 20 taken in a radial plane PR containing the tool axis AT and intersecting the adjustment tongue 46, the first inner passage 54 has an imaginary first straight line L1 disposed between the recess side surface 44 and the radial inner surface 80 of the tongue, and the imaginary first straight line L1 intersects the recess rear end surface 88 axially located behind the radial inner surface 80 of the tongue. For such an embodiment of the present invention, it should be appreciated that the imaginary first straight line L1 does not intersect the recess side surface 44 and the radial inner surface 80 of the tongue.

[0097] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , in a cross section of the cutting tool 20 taken in a radial plane PR, an imaginary first straight line L1 may deviate from the tool axis AT in a rearward direction DR.

[0098] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown in , in a cross section of the cutting tool 20 taken in the radial plane PR, the imaginary first straight line L1 may form an acute taper angle β1 with the tool axis AT.

[0099] In some embodiments of the present invention, the taper angle β1 may range from 10 degrees to 45 degrees, that is, 10°≤β1≤45°.

[0100] In some embodiments of the present invention, the radial plane PR may intersect the tongue through hole 84 .

[0101] For embodiments of the present invention in which the threaded hole 78 is disposed in the second support surface 36 , the radial plane PR may intersect the insert through hole 74 and the threaded hole 78 .

[0102] In some embodiments of the present invention, the recess rear end surface 88 may be transverse to the recess side surface 44 .

[0103] In other embodiments of the present invention (not shown), the recess rear end surface 88 may intersect the recess side surface 44 .

[0104] like Figures 6 to 9 As indicated in FIG. 8 , in an end view projection of the cutting body 22 , the recess rear end surface 88 may overlap with the apical end surface 52 of the tongue.

[0105] In some embodiments of the present invention, the recessed rear end surface 88 may intersect the forward envelope surface 24. For such embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the cylindrical forward envelope surface 24 having its first body diameter DB1 may extend axially rearwardly from the forward body end 28 to at least the recessed rear end surface 88, advantageously providing a high level of rigidity to the cutting body 22, which is particularly important for a rotary cutting tool 20 having an extended length or a rotary cutting tool 20 assembled to an adapter having an extended length.

[0106] In some embodiments of the invention, the first passage plane PP1 may be disposed between the recess side surface 44 and the radially inner tongue surface 80. For such embodiments of the invention, it should be appreciated that the first passage plane PP1 does not intersect the recess side surface 44 and the radially inner tongue surface 80.

[0107] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the imaginary first straight line L1 may be included in the first passage plane PP1.

[0108] Notice Figure 7 , which shows a section of the cutting tool 20 taken in a tongue plane PT perpendicular to the pivot axis AP and intersecting the adjustment tongue 46 and the first passage plane PP1 .

[0109] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tongue plane PT may be perpendicular to the first passage plane PP1 .

[0110] like Figure 3 and Figure 7 As indicated in , in any cross section of the cutting tool 20 taken parallel to the tongue plane PT and intersecting the regulating tongue 46 , the first passage plane PP1 may intersect the recess rear end surface 88 .

[0111] In some embodiments of the present invention, the adjustment axis AA may be perpendicular to the first passage plane PP1 .

[0112] For embodiments of the present invention in which the acute taper angle β1 has a range from 10 degrees to 45 degrees, i.e., 10°≤β1≤45°, and the adjustment axis AA is perpendicular to the first passage plane PP1, it should be appreciated that the cutting insert 30 can be clamped against the shoulder surface 56 of the adjustment tongue with a high level of stability and good resistance to axial cutting forces.

[0113] like Figure 3 and Figure 6 As shown in , the recessed rear end surface 88 may be located axially rearward of the tongue tip 50 .

[0114] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the recessed rear end surface 88 may be spaced apart from the tongue tip 50 by a first channel CH1.

[0115] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first channel CH1 may be in communication with the first inner passage 54 .

[0116] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first channel CH1 may be open forwardly toward the envelope surface 24 .

[0117] According to the present invention, the recessed rear end surface 88 is formed on the first body subportion 90 of the cutting body 22 , and the regulating tongue 46 is integrally formed with the first body subportion 90 to have an integral one-piece structure therewith.

[0118] By means of the pivot axis AP, the adjustment tongue 46 can be hingedly connected via its tongue root 48 to its associated first body subportion 90 .

[0119] In some embodiments of the invention, the first body sub-portion 90 may be produced at least partially by means of additive manufacturing, whereby the adjustment recess 38 and its adjustment tongue 46 may be formed simultaneously.

[0120] Benefits of producing the adjustment recess 38 and its adjustment tongue 46 simultaneously include reducing the number of cutting body components and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0121] In some embodiments of the present invention, the insert receiving recess 26 can be integrally formed with the first body sub-portion 90 to have an integral one-piece structure therewith. For such embodiments of the present invention, it should be appreciated that both the adjustment tongue 46 and the insert receiving recess 26 can be integrally formed with the first body sub-portion 90 to have an integral one-piece structure therewith.

[0122] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown in , the cutting body 22 may have a plurality of insert receiving pockets 26 spaced circumferentially about the tool axis AT. For such an embodiment of the invention, the cutting body 22 may have an equal number of adjustment recesses 38 spaced circumferentially about the tool axis AT.

[0123] For embodiments of the present invention in which each adjustment recess 38 and its adjustment tongue 46 are located axially rearward of the associated insert receiving pocket 26, it should be appreciated that a large number of insert receiving pockets 26 and cutting inserts 30 can be arranged circumferentially around the forward envelope surface 24 of the cutting body, and the rotary cutting tool 20 can be particularly suitable for fine milling operations.

[0124] It should also be appreciated that axial displacement of the cutting insert 30 in the forward direction DF may be performed to achieve axial alignment of the operative cutting edge 68a thereof to enhance a smooth surface finish of the workpiece during a milling operation.

[0125] In some embodiments of the present invention, the rotary cutting tool 20 may include N insert receiving pockets 26 and an equal number of tangential cutting inserts 30 having a through hole diameter DTB greater than 4.0 mm, where N is an integer and N is equal to or greater than 10% of the tool cutting diameter DTC, i.e., N≥0.10*DTC.

[0126] For embodiments of the present invention in which the cutting body 22 has a plurality of insert receiving pockets 26 spaced circumferentially about the tool axis AT, the cutting body 22 may have an equal number of first body subportions 90 spaced circumferentially about the tool axis AT.

[0127] In some embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of first body sub-portions 90 may be integrally formed such that the entire cutting body 22 has a unitary, one-piece structure.

[0128] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the entire cutting body 22 may be produced at least partially by means of additive manufacturing, whereby a plurality of first body sub-portions 90 may be formed simultaneously.

[0129] In other embodiments of the present invention (not shown), each first body sub-portion 90 may be in the form of a removably attachable cartridge.

[0130] For embodiments of the present invention in which the cutting body 22 has a plurality of insert receiving pockets 26, the cutting body 22 may include a plurality of chip flutes 40 and a plurality of coolant conduits 70. For such embodiments of the present invention, additional benefits of producing the entire cutting body 22 by means of additive manufacturing include greater design flexibility for the routing of each coolant conduit and a reduced number of manufacturing steps associated therewith.

[0131] In some embodiments of the invention, each first body subportion 90 may be circumferentially bounded by two circumferentially adjacent chip flutes 40 .

[0132] For embodiments of the present invention in which the cutting body 22 has a plurality of coolant conduits 70, the cutting body 22 may include an annular coolant chamber 91 having a relatively large volume in communication with the plurality of coolant conduits 70. For such embodiments of the present invention, an additional benefit of producing the entire cutting body 22 by means of additive manufacturing includes reducing its overall weight.

[0133] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 4 , the adjustment tongue 46 may have a tongue front surface 92 facing the rotational direction RD.

[0134] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 8 , the adjustment recess 38 may be delimited by a recess front wall 94 facing away from the rotational direction RD.

[0135] In some embodiments of the present invention, the recess front wall 94 may be transverse to the recess side surface 44 .

[0136] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first passage plane PP1 may intersect the recess front wall 94 .

[0137] like Figure 3 As shown in , the recess front wall 94 may be spaced apart from the tongue front surface 92 by the second channel CH2. For such an embodiment of the present invention, it should be appreciated that the recess front wall 94 may overlap with the tongue front surface 92 in a rotational projection about the tool axis AT.

[0138] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second channel CH2 may be in communication with the first inner passage 54 .

[0139] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second channel CH2 may be open forwardly toward the envelope surface 24 .

[0140] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second channel CH2 may be in communication with the first channel CH1 .

[0141] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second channel CH2 may have a maximum second channel width WC2 of less than 1.5 mm. MAX .

[0142] For the case where the second channel CH2 has a maximum second channel width WC2 of less than 1.5 mm MAX In the embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the risk of chips entering the adjustment recess 38 and impeding the rotational displacement of the adjustment tongue 46 is minimized.

[0143] It should also be appreciated that each chip flute 40 is not in direct communication with the circumferentially adjacent second channel CH2.

[0144] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 4 , the adjustment tongue 46 may have a tongue rear surface 96 facing away from the rotation direction RD.

[0145] In some embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the maximum tongue width WT MAX It can be measured between the anterior tongue surface 92 and the posterior tongue surface 96 .

[0146] like Figure 3 As shown in , the adjustment recess 38 may be delimited by a recess rear wall 98 facing in the rotational direction RD.

[0147] In some embodiments of the present invention, the recess rear wall 98 may be transverse to the recess side surface 44 .

[0148] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first passage plane PP1 may intersect the recess rear wall 98 .

[0149] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the recess rear wall 98 may be spaced apart from the tongue rear surface 96 by the third channel CH3. For such an embodiment of the invention, it will be appreciated that the recess rear wall 98 may overlap the tongue rear surface 96 in a rotational projection about the tool axis AT.

[0150] In some embodiments of the present invention, the third channel CH3 may be in communication with the first inner passage 54 .

[0151] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the third channel CH3 may be open forwardly toward the envelope surface 24 .

[0152] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the third channel CH3 may be in communication with the first channel CH1 .

[0153] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the third channel CH3 may have a maximum third channel width WC3 of less than 1.5 mm. MAX .

[0154] For the case where the third channel CH3 has a maximum third channel width WC3 of less than 1.5 mm MAX In the embodiments of the present invention, it will be appreciated that the risk of chips entering the adjustment recess 38 and impeding the rotational displacement of the adjustment tongue 46 is minimized.

[0155] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the shoulder surface 56 can extend parallel to the pivot axis AP between the lingual posterior surface 96 and the lingual anterior surface 92.

[0156] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown in , the shoulder surface 56 can extend axially forward as it extends toward the anterior lingual surface 92 .

[0157] In some embodiments of the present invention, shoulder surface 56 may be planar.

[0158] If Figure 3 and Figure 7 As indicated, in any cross section of the cutting tool 20 taken parallel to the tongue plane PT and intersecting the regulating tongue 46 , the first passage plane PP1 may intersect a recess front end surface 100 axially forward of the recess rear end surface 88 .

[0159] In some embodiments of the present invention, a recessed front end surface 100 may be formed in a second inner passage 102 of the first body subportion 90 that communicates with the first inner passage 54 .

[0160] If Figure 7 As indicated, in a cross section of the cutting tool 20 taken in the tongue plane PT, the second inner passage 102 may extend transversely relative to the first passage plane PP1 .

[0161] In some embodiments of the present invention, at least a portion of the second inner passage 102 may have an undercut in a direction parallel to the first passage plane PP1.

[0162] It will be appreciated that the term "undercut" is used throughout the specification and claims to refer to a configuration of the second inner passage 102 in which an imaginary line extending from a given sub-surface thereof parallel to the first passage plane PP1 intersects another sub-surface thereof.

[0163] If Figure 7 As indicated, in a cross-section of the cutting tool 20 taken in the lingual plane PT, the pivot axis AP may be located between the second inner passage 102 and the shoulder surface 56 .

[0164] like Figure 2 As shown in , the cutting body 22 can have a rearwardly facing envelope surface 104 extending rearwardly from the forwardly facing envelope surface 24 .

[0165] In some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 2 As shown in , a portion of the rear envelope surface 104 may taper in the rearward direction DR.

[0166] In addition, in some embodiments of the present invention, Figure 2As shown in , the rearward envelope surface 104 can intersect with the rearward body end surface 106, which has a second body diameter DB2 that is smaller than the first body diameter DB1. For such embodiments of the present invention, it should be appreciated that the rotary cutting tool 20 can be suitable for performing milling operations on workpieces with limited contact (e.g., under a protruding shoulder).

[0167] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, no portion of the rearward envelope surface 104 may be located radially outside of the imaginary cylinder defined by the first body diameter DB1. For such embodiments of the present invention, it should be appreciated that the rotary cutting tool 20 may be adapted to perform milling operations at a depth of cut that is not limited by the cutting tool 20.

[0168] Although the present invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it should be understood that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A rotary cutting tool (20) rotatable in a rotational direction (RD) about a tool axis (AT), the tool axis (AT) defining a front-to-rear direction (DF, DR), and comprising: a cutting body (22) having a forward envelope surface (24) and at least one insert receiving pocket (26) formed in the forward envelope surface (24), the insert receiving pocket (26) opening at a forward body end (28) of the cutting body (22) and having a cutting insert (30) removably secured in the insert receiving pocket (26), The forward envelope surface (24) also has an adjustment recess (38) located axially rearward of the insert receiving pocket (26), The adjustment recess (38) includes a recess side surface (44) facing radially outward and an adjustment tongue (46) extending axially rearward from a tongue base (48) to a tongue tip (50). The regulating tongue (46) is spaced apart from the recess side surface (44) by a first inner passage (54), and the tongue base (48) has a shoulder surface (56) facing the forward direction (DF) and a pivot axis (AP), and The regulating tongue (46) further has opposite radial inner tongue side surfaces (80) and radial outer tongue side surfaces (82), and a tongue through hole (84) extending between the radial inner tongue side surfaces (80) and the radial outer tongue side surfaces (82) and intersecting the radial inner tongue side surfaces (80) and the radial outer tongue side surfaces (82). in: The cutting insert (30) is in clamping contact with the shoulder surface (56); an adjustment screw (86) having an adjustment axis (AA) extending through the tongue through hole (84), traversing the first inner passageway (54), and engaging the recess side surface (44); and Rotation of the adjusting screw (86) about the adjusting axis (AA) in a first adjusting direction (DA1) causes a rotational displacement of the adjusting tongue (46) about the pivot axis (AP) and an axial displacement of the cutting insert (30) in the forward direction (DF), And among them: In a cross section of the cutting tool (20) taken in a radial plane (PR) containing the tool axis (AT) and intersecting the regulating tongue (46), the first inner passage (54) has an imaginary first straight line (L1) disposed between the recess side surface (44) and the radial inner surface (80) of the tongue, and the imaginary first straight line (L1) intersects with a recess rear end surface (88) axially located rearward of the radial inner surface (80) of the tongue, The recessed rear end surface (88) is formed on a first body sub-portion (90) of the cutting body (22), and The regulating tongue (46) is integrally formed with the first body sub-portion (90) to have a unitary one-piece structure with the first body sub-portion (90).

2. The cutting tool (20) according to claim 1, wherein: The recessed rear end surface (88) is located axially rearward of the tongue tip (50).

3. The cutting tool (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The forward envelope surface (24) is cylindrical, and In an end view of the cutting body (22), the forward envelope surface (24) defines an imaginary first circle (C1) having a first body diameter (DB1).

4. The cutting tool (20) according to claim 3, wherein: The cutting insert (30) has an operative cutting edge (68a) which defines a tool cutting diameter (DTC) when the cutting tool (20) is rotated about the tool axis (AT), and The tool cutting diameter (DTC) is greater than the first body diameter (DB1).

5. The cutting tool (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: In the cross section of the cutting tool (20) taken in the radial plane (PR), the imaginary first straight line (L1) forms an acute taper angle (β1) with the tool axis (AT), and The taper angle (β1) ranges from 10 degrees to 45 degrees.

6. The cutting tool (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The radial plane (PR) intersects the tongue through hole (84).

7. The cutting tool (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A first passage plane (PP1) is arranged between the side surface (44) of the recess and the radial inner surface (80) of the tongue, A tongue plane (PT) perpendicular to the pivot axis (AP) intersects the regulating tongue (46) and the first passage plane (PP1), and In any cross section of the cutting tool (20) taken parallel to the tongue plane (PT) and intersecting the regulating tongue (46), the first passage plane (PP1) intersects the recess rear end surface (88).

8. The cutting tool (20) according to claim 7, wherein: The adjustment axis (AA) is perpendicular to the first passage plane (PP1).

9. The cutting tool (20) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: In any cross section of the cutting tool (20) taken parallel to the tongue plane (PT) and intersecting the adjusting tongue (46), the first passage plane (PP1) intersects with the recess front end surface (100) located axially in front of the recess rear end surface (88).

10. The cutting tool (20) according to claim 9, wherein: The recessed front end surface (100) is formed in a second inner passage (102) of the first body sub-portion (90) that communicates with the first inner passage (54), In a cross section of the cutting tool (20) taken in the tongue plane (PT), the second inner passage (102) extends transversely relative to the first passage plane (PP1), and At least a portion of the second inner passage (102) has an undercut in a direction parallel to the first passage plane (PP1).

11. The cutting tool (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The cutting body (22) has a plurality of insert receiving pockets (26) spaced circumferentially about the tool axis (AT), and The cutting body (22) has an equal number of first body sub-portions (90) spaced circumferentially about the tool axis (AT).

12. The cutting tool (20) according to claim 11, wherein: The plurality of first body subsections (90) are integrally formed such that the entire cutting body (22) has a unitary, one-piece structure.

13. The cutting tool (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The tongue through hole (84) is threaded, and The adjustment screw (86) threadably engages the tongue through hole (84) and non-threadably engages the recess side surface (44).

14. The cutting tool (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The recessed rear end surface (88) is separated from the tongue tip (50) by a first channel (CH1), and The first channel (CH1) is in communication with the first inner passage (54).

15. The cutting tool (20) according to claim 14, wherein: The first channel (CH1) opens to the forward envelope surface (24).

16. The cutting tool (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The adjustment recess (38) is delimited by a recess rear wall (98) facing in the rotation direction (RD).

17. The cutting tool (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The adjusting tongue (46) has a front tongue surface (92) facing the rotation direction (RD).

18. The cutting tool (20) according to claim 17, wherein: The adjustment recess (38) is delimited by a recess front wall (94) facing away from the rotation direction (RD), The recess front wall (94) is separated from the tongue front surface (92) by a second channel (CH2), and The second channel (CH2) has a maximum second channel width (WC2) of less than 1.5 mm. MAX ).

19. The cutting tool (20) according to claim 18, wherein: The second channel (CH2) is in communication with the first inner passage (54).

20. The cutting tool (20) according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: The second channel (CH2) opens to the forward envelope surface (24).

21. The cutting tool (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The forward envelope surface (24) has a chip flute (40) located rotationally forward of the insert receiving pocket (26), The chip flute (40) communicates with the insert receiving pocket (26) and opens at the forward body end (28), and The chip flute (40) is rotationally spaced apart from the adjustment recess (38).

22. A rotary cutting body (22) rotatable in a rotational direction (RD) about a body axis (AT), the body axis (AT) defining a front-to-back direction (DF, DR), the cutting body (22) comprising: a forward envelope surface (24) and a forward body end (28) having an annular forward body end surface (32); a plurality of first body subsections (90) circumferentially spaced about the body axis (AT), each first body subsection (90) including an insert receiving pocket (26) formed in the forward envelope surface (24); and an adjustment recess (38) axially located rearward of the insert receiving cavity (26), the adjustment recess (38) comprising a recess side surface (44) facing radially outward and an adjustment tongue (46) extending axially rearward from a tongue base (48) to a tongue tip (50), The regulating tongue (46) is separated from the recess side surface (44) by a first inner passage (54) and has opposite radial inner tongue side surfaces (80) and radial outer tongue side surfaces (82); The tongue base (48) has a shoulder surface (56) facing the forward direction (DF) and a pivot axis (AP); and Each adjustment tongue (46) is integrally formed with the associated first body sub-portion (90) to have an integral one-piece structure with the first body sub-portion (90) and is hingedly connected to the first body sub-portion (90) via a tongue root portion (48) of the adjustment tongue (46), in: Rotational displacement of the adjustment tongue (46) about the pivot axis (AP) in a first pivot direction widens the first inner passage (54) and causes axial displacement of the shoulder surface (56) in the forward direction (DF).

23. The rotary cutting body (22) according to claim 22, wherein: In a cross section of the cutting tool (20) taken in a radial plane (PR) containing the body axis (AT) and intersecting the regulating tongue (46), the first inner passage (54) has an imaginary first straight line (L1) disposed between the recess side surface (44) and the radial inner surface (80) of the tongue, and the imaginary first straight line (L1) intersects with a recess rear end surface (88) axially located rearward of the radial inner surface (80) of the tongue; and, The recessed rear end surface (88) is formed on the first body sub-portion (90) of the cutting body (22).

24. The rotating cutting body (22) according to claim 22 or 23, wherein: Each regulating tongue (46) further includes a tongue through hole (84) passing through the radial inner tongue side surface (80) and the radial outer tongue side surface (82); an adjustment screw (86) having an adjustment axis (AA) extending through the tongue through hole (84), traversing the first inner passageway (54), and engaging the recess side surface (44); Rotation of the adjustment screw (86) about the adjustment axis (AA) in a first adjustment direction (DA1) causes the axial displacement of the shoulder surface (56) in the forward direction (DF).

25. A rotary cutting tool (20), comprising: The rotating cutting body (22) according to claim 24: and A cutting insert (30) is retained in each insert receiving pocket (26) of the milling cutter body (22), the cutting insert (30) being in clamping contact with an associated shoulder surface (56).

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