Modular cutting tool, cutting head and shaft
The modular cutting tool design with a locking mechanism and differential screw system addresses the limitations of existing tools by increasing cutting edges and flutes, improving efficiency and recyclability.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102018132797
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2018-01-11
- Filing Date
- 2018-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-12
- Estimated Expiration
- 2038-12-19
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] The disclosed concept relates to modular cutting tools, such as modular reaming tools. The disclosed concept also relates to interchangeable components for use with modular cutting tools, in particular a cutting head and a shank.
[0002] Modular rotary cutting tools, such as modular reamers, typically include two pieces: a reamer portion and a shank. The reamer portion generally includes a head with a shank in the shape of a tapered cone extending therefrom. This shank is inserted into the bore of a shank member, and one or more screws are used to secure the reamer portion to the shank. The reamer head typically has outwardly projecting blade portions with cutting edges alternating with dimple portions or chip flutes.
[0003] A reamer head may be constructed of steel and may include a series of steel blade seats arranged around the peripheral edge of the reamer head. These seats may each include a cutting edge element seated within a seat. Such cutting edge elements may be carbide and are typically brazed to the seats to hold them in place. A potential concern with this type of reamer head construction may include limitations in the ability to apply one or more coatings to the reamer head to improve the life and / or a functional property of the reamer head. For example, such coatings may include, without limitation, the use of physical vapor deposition and / or chemical vapor deposition processes.Due to the temperatures required for such coating processes and to minimize dimensional changes in the brazed structure during and / or after the coating processes, the dimensional range of the reamer head may be limited. Furthermore, the selection of brazing materials may be restricted to those that can withstand the temperatures of the coating process without unduly degrading their quality in any way. In some cases, the coating process may approach or exceed brazing temperatures, in which case such a coating process may not be safely usable on a brazed reamer head due to the potentially damaging effect of the coating process on the reamer head.
[0004] Chip flutes between the seated cutting edge elements provide clearance for the evacuation of chips removed from a workpiece during operation of the reamer head. Generally, it is desirable to maximize the number of cutting edges and chip flutes around the peripheral edge of the reamer head to increase cutting efficiency. Accordingly, the clearance required for the seats and brazing points influences the number of cutting edges and chip flutes that can be spaced around the limited length of the peripheral edge of the reamer head.
[0005] In addition, due to the different materials used in such a modular reamer, namely steel, carbide, brazing material, etc., the reuse, reconditioning and / or recycling of worn reamer heads can be problematic due to the mixed material components of the reamer.
[0006] Given these considerations, there may be significant limitations in maximizing the number of cutting edges on a rotating cutting tool and / or in its reuse, remanufacturing and / or recycling.
[0007] Modular cutting tools are also known from DE 20 2016 103 727 U1 and US 2011 / 0 262 232 A1.
[0008] The problem is solved by a modular cutting tool according to claim 1. The problem is further solved by a cutting head according to claim 9. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a shaft according to claim 15.
[0009] According to one aspect of the disclosed concept, a modular cutting tool is provided. The modular cutting tool includes a cutting head, a shank, and a mechanism that assists in mounting and locking the cutting head to the shank. The cutting head includes: a cutting portion rotatable about a central longitudinal axis; and a cylindrical skirt extending axially from the cutting portion and terminating at a contact surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the skirt having a number of curved interior surfaces generally defining a bore disposed about the longitudinal axis.The shank comprises: a cylindrical portion of a first diameter disposed about the longitudinal axis; and a central projection disposed within the bore of the cutting portion, the central projection having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter and extending longitudinally from a contact surface disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at a forward end of the cylindrical portion.
[0010] The skirt may further include a plurality of cutout regions extending from the contact surface toward the cutting portion between the plurality of inner surfaces and an outer surface, each cutout region being partially defined by a front surface, a rear surface, and a clamping surface formed on a portion of the skirt extending generally circumferentially into each cutout region from the rear surface.
[0011] The shaft may further comprise: a first recess formed in the cylindrical portion abutting the contact surface; a second recess formed in the cylindrical portion abutting the contact surface opposite the first recess; and a transverse bore extending between the first and second recesses and arranged about a transverse axis perpendicular to and intersecting the longitudinal axis.
[0012] The mechanism comprises: a first locking driver key; a second locking driver key; and a differential screw element disposed within the transverse bore and having a first threaded portion disposed at or about a first end and a second threaded portion disposed at or about a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first threaded portion includes a first plurality of threads disposed in a first direction and the second threaded portion includes a second plurality of threads disposed in a second direction opposite the first direction.The first locking key and the second locking key may each comprise: a main body portion generally fitting within a corresponding one of the first niche or the second niche, the main body portion having: an inner surface facing the longitudinal axis; an outer surface disposed opposite the inner surface; a front side surface extending between the inner surface and the outer surface on a front side of the main body portion when the shank is rotated about the longitudinal axis in a cutting direction; and a rear side surface extending between the inner surface and the outer surface on a rear side of the main body portion when the shank is rotated about the longitudinal axis in the cutting direction.The first locking key and the second locking key may further include a central projection extending radially inward from the inner surface of the main body portion in the direction of the longitudinal axis; and a lateral projection extending generally tangentially with respect to a reference circle centered about the longitudinal axis from the rear side surface of the main body portion at or about an upper portion of the main body portion. The upper portion of each main body portion of each key may be disposed in a respective one of the cutout regions of the skirt of the cutting tool. The lateral projection of each key may be disposed in an axially overlapping position with respect to the longitudinal axis with respect to the portion of the skirt.The first locking key may further include a threaded opening defined by the main body portion and the central projection thereof, which threadably engages the first threaded portion of the differential screw member. The second locking key may further include a threaded opening defined by the main body portion and the central projection thereof, which threadably engages the second threaded portion of the differential screw member. The differential screw member may further include a feature formed in one or both of the first end or the second end thereof, which is structured to be engageable with a correspondingly manufactured tool for rotating the differential screw member about a central longitudinal axis thereof.
[0013] The clamping surface of each cutout region may be generally oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in the tangential direction and tapered at an angle in the radial direction relative to a reference plane arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
[0014] The angle can range from approximately 1° to approximately 5°.
[0015] The cutting portion may be generally disc-shaped and may define a peripheral portion having a plurality of blades formed therein with a chip flute disposed between adjacent blades.
[0016] The number of internal surfaces can be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis.
[0017] The number of internal surfaces may be arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
[0018] According to another aspect of the disclosed concept, a cutting head is provided for use in a modular cutting tool. The cutting head includes: a cutting section structured to perform cutting operations on a workpiece when rotated about a central longitudinal axis; and a cylindrical skirt extending axially from the cutting section and terminating at a contact surface arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.The skirt includes: a plurality of curved inner surfaces generally defining a bore disposed about the longitudinal axis, which bore is positioned and sized to receive a portion of a shank therein, and a plurality of cutout regions extending from the contact surface to the cutting portion between the plurality of inner surfaces and an outer surface, each cutout region being partially defined by a front surface, a rear surface, and by a clamping surface formed on a portion of the skirt that extends generally circumferentially into each cutout region from the rear surface.
[0019] The clamping surface of each cutout area is generally oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in a tangential direction and tapered in the radial direction at an angle relative to a reference plane arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.
[0020] The angle can range from approximately 1° to approximately 5°.
[0021] The cutting portion may be generally disc-shaped and may define a peripheral portion having a plurality of blades formed therein with a chip flute disposed between adjacent blades.
[0022] The number of internal surfaces can be arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis.
[0023] The number of internal surfaces may be arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis.
[0024] The angle can range from approximately 2° to approximately 5°.
[0025] According to yet another aspect of the disclosed concept, a shank for use in a modular cutting tool is provided. The shank includes: a cylindrical portion having a first diameter disposed about a central longitudinal axis; a central projection having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, extending longitudinally from a contact surface disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at a forward end of the cylindrical portion; a first recess formed in the cylindrical portion abutting the contact surface; a second recess formed in the cylindrical portion abutting the contact surface opposite the first recess; and a transverse bore extending between the first recess and the second recess and disposed about a transverse axis disposed perpendicular to and intersecting the longitudinal axis.
[0026] The central projection may generally be cylindrical in shape.
[0027] The central projection may be tapered.
[0028] The shaft further has a mechanism comprising: a first locking key; a second locking key; and a differential screw member disposed through the transverse bore and having a first threaded portion disposed at or about a first end and a second threaded portion disposed at or about a second end opposite the first end, wherein the first threaded portion includes a first plurality of threads disposed in a first direction and the second threaded portion includes a second plurality of threads disposed in a second direction opposite the first direction.The first locking key and the second locking key may each comprise: a main body portion generally disposed in a corresponding one of the first niche or the second niche, the main body portion having: an inner surface facing the longitudinal axis; an outer surface disposed opposite the inner surface; a front side surface extending between the inner surface and the outer surface on a front side of the main body portion when the shank is rotated about the longitudinal axis in a cutting direction; and a rear side surface extending between the inner surface and the outer surface on a rear side of the main body portion when the shank is rotated about the longitudinal axis in the cutting direction.The first locking cam key and the second locking cam key may further include a central projection extending radially inwardly from the inner surface of the main body portion in the direction of the longitudinal axis; and a lateral projection extending generally tangentially with respect to a reference circle centered about the longitudinal axis from the rear side surface of the main body portion at or about an upper portion of the main body portion.The first locking key may further include a threaded opening defined by the main body portion and the central projection thereof that threadably engages the first threaded portion of the differential screw member, and the second locking key may further include a threaded opening defined by the main body portion and the central projection thereof that threadably engages the second threaded portion of the differential screw member. The differential screw member may further include a feature formed in one or both of the first end or the second end thereof that is structured to be engaged by a correspondingly configured tool for rotating the differential screw member about a central longitudinal axis thereof.
[0029] It should be understood that for a given example set forth herein, such example may include at least a portion of the subject matter of one or more of any other examples also set forth herein.
[0030] These and other examples are described in more detail in the following detailed description.
[0031] Having thus generally described examples of the disclosure, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. While various embodiments of the disclosed concept are illustrated, the specific embodiments shown should not be construed to limit the claims. It is believed that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an example modular cutting tool according to an implementation described herein. Fig. 2 is a bottom view of the cutting head of the modular cutting tool of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the modular cutting tool of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an exploded elevation view of the modular cutting tool of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the shank of the modular cutting tool of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is an elevation view of the shank of the modular cutting tool of Fig. 1. Fig. 7 is an elevation view of the modular cutting tool of Fig. 1, wherein the cutting head is arranged in a first, partially installed position on the shaft. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the modular cutting tool of Fig. 7 along a plane parallel to the view from Fig. 7, which runs through the longitudinal axis of the system. Fig. 9 is an elevation view of the modular cutting tool of Fig. 1, wherein the cutting head is arranged in a final fully installed position on the shaft. Fig. 10 is a plan view of the modular cutting tool of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the modular cutting tool of Fig. 8 along line 10-10 from Fig. 10. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the modular cutting tool of Fig. 8 along line 11-11 Fig. 10.
[0032] Implementations described herein will be more easily understood by reference to the following detailed description and examples and their preceding and following descriptions. However, elements, devices, and methods described herein are not limited to the specific implementations set forth in the detailed description and examples. It should be understood that these implementations merely illustrate the principles of the present disclosure. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
[0033] However, whenever the term "approximately" or "about" is used herein or in the appended claims to modify the dimensions of an element of an implementation of the present disclosure, it should be understood as referring to the parameters associated with the respective feature. Whenever a range is used herein or in the appended claims to describe dimensions, temperatures, times, quantities, or the like with respect to a feature of an aspect of the present disclosure, the range should be construed to include the specified endpoints of the range and any point therebetween.
[0034] The term "selectively coupled" shall be used as used herein to refer to a coupling of two or more components in which the components can be easily uncoupled and recoupled without damage to the components.
[0035] The term “number” shall be used as used herein to refer to any quantity that is not zero.
[0036] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a modular cutting tool 10, and in particular, a modular reamer system according to the present disclosure. The modular cutting tool 10 includes a rotating carbide or cermet cutting head or "cutting head 12" that is selectively coupled to a shank 14. The cutting head 12 and the shank 14 are both arranged about a longitudinal axis 15 about which the modular cutting tool 10 can rotate (in a direction as indicated by an arrow R in the Fig. 1 to 3) is rotated via a suitable machine tool (not shown) during cutting operations.
[0037] The cutting head 12, in one example embodiment, is a monolithic or solid carbide or cermet element defining a carbide cutting portion 18 and a cylindrical carbide skirt 20 projecting axially from the cutting portion 18 and terminating at a contact surface 22 disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 15. The cutting portion 18 is generally disc-shaped and defines a peripheral portion or rim, generally 24. Formed within and integral with the cutting portion 18 are carbide blades, generally 26, each having at least one carbide cutting surface or edge, 28. A chip flute 30 is defined between adjacent blades 26, and chip flutes 30 alternate with blades 26 around the peripheral portion, generally 24, of the cutting portion 18. Although the cutting section 18 in the drawing is provided with generally straight left-hand cutting rows 30 for counterclockwise rotation as indicated by the arrow R in Fig. 1, it should be understood that the disclosed concept is not limited to such a left-hand orientation and the cutting portion 18 could have right-hand cutting rows, angled chip flutes and / or chip flutes of other orientations.
[0038] Referring to Fig. 2, which shows a bottom view of the cutting head 12, the skirt 20 includes a number of curved inner surfaces 32 that generally define a bore 34 disposed about the longitudinal axis 15. In one example embodiment, the bore 34 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis 15. As further explained below, the bore 34 is positioned and sized to receive a portion of the shank 14 therein. To assist in receiving such a portion of the shank 14, the number of curved inner surfaces 32 may include a chamfered portion 32A adjacent the contact surface 22. The number of curved inner surfaces 32 may be disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis 15 such that the bore 34 has a generally cylindrical shape.Alternatively, the plurality of curved inner surfaces 32 may be arranged at an angle, for example, without limitation, from about 2° to about 5° relative to the longitudinal axis 15, whereby the bore 34 has a generally tapered shape. The skirt 20 further includes a plurality of cutout areas 36 extending from the contact surface 22 toward the cutting portion 18 between inner surfaces 32 and an outer surface 37. As shown in FIG. Fig. 3, each cutout region 36 is partially defined by a front surface 36A, a rear surface 36B, and a clamping surface 36C. The clamping surface 36C is oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 15 in a tangential direction and may be tapered at an angle ranging from about 1° to about 5° in the radial direction with respect to a reference plane (not shown) disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 15. The clamping surface 36C is formed on a portion 38 of the skirt 20 that extends generally circumferentially into each cutout region 36 from the rear surface 36B. Further details and the purpose of such cutout regions 36 and portions 38 will be explained below.
[0039] The cutting section 18, the apron 20, the blades 26 and the cutting edges 28 are, in one example, all formed integrally with one another from a monolithic or solid carbide section.
[0040] In another example, a cutting portion 18 could be constructed from a monolithic or solid cermet element, with the cutting portion 18, the apron 20, the blades 26 and the cutting edges 28 all being integrally formed from a monolithic or solid cermet portion.
[0041] In Fig. 1, the shaft 14 is shown with a first cylindrical portion 14A and a second cylindrical portion 14B having a larger diameter than the first cylindrical portion 14A. It should be understood that the shaft 14 is not limited to such a configuration and could include a single cylindrical portion of constant diameter running its entire length, or one or more other profiles, if desired. In one example, the shaft 14 is made of tool steel and, in one implementation, could be made of H13 steel, although the shaft is not limited to any particular type of steel.
[0042] As in the Fig. 3 through 6, the shank 14 includes a central projection 40 extending longitudinally from a contact surface 42 disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 15 at a forward end of the cylindrical portion 14A. The central projection 40 has a smaller diameter than the remainder of the shank 14 and is positioned and sized to be modularly disposed within the bore 34 of the cutting head 12. In one example embodiment, the central projection 40 and the bore 34 cooperate in an interference fit. In another example embodiment, the central projection 40 and the bore 34 cooperate in a sliding fit. In embodiments where the bore 34 of the cutting head 12 is generally cylindrical in shape, the central projection 40 is also generally cylindrical in shape.Alternatively, in embodiments in which the bore 34 of the cutting head 12 is generally tapered, the central projection 40 is also generally tapered. Fig. Figure 7 shows an example arrangement of the modular cutting tool 10 wherein the cutting head 12 has been placed onto the shank 14 by positioning the central projection 40 of the shank 14 within the bore 32 of the cutting head 12. In this arrangement, the contact surface 22 of the cutting head 12 is initially spaced a distance d from a contact surface 42 of the shank 14 when the cutting head 12 is slid onto the shank 14. As explained below, the modular cutting tool 10 further includes additional mechanisms used to close such a distance d and bring the contact surface 22 of the cutting head 12 into direct engagement with the contact surface 42 of the shank 14, in addition to reversing such engagement.
[0043] With reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the shaft 14 further includes a first recess 44 formed in the cylindrical portion 14A and abutting the contact surface 42, and a second recess 46 formed in the cylindrical portion 14A and abutting the contact surface 42 opposite the first recess 44. A transverse bore 48, arranged about a transverse axis 50 perpendicular to and intersecting the longitudinal axis 15, extends between the first recess 44 and the second recess 46.
[0044] The modular cutting tool 10 further includes a mechanism 60 for assisting in mounting and locking the cutting head 12 to the shaft 14. As shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the mechanism 60 includes a first detent key 100, a second detent key 200, and a differential screw member 66. The first and second detent keys 100 and 200 may be made of hardened steel or other suitable material. The differential screw member 66 is sized to fit within the transverse bore 46 of the shaft 14 and includes a first threaded portion 68 disposed at or about a first end 66A of the differential screw member 66 and a second threaded portion 70 disposed at or about a second end 66B of the differential screw member opposite the first end 66A. The first threaded portion 68 includes a first plurality of threads arranged in a first direction, and the second threaded portion 70 includes a second plurality of threads arranged in a second direction opposite the first direction.The differential screw member 66 further includes a feature 72 formed in one or both of the first end 66A and the second end 66B that is structured to be engaged with a correspondingly shaped tool for rotating the differential screw member 66A about a central longitudinal axis thereof. In the example embodiment illustrated in the figures, the feature 72 is in the form of a hexagonally shaped recess that can be easily engaged with a hex wrench or Allen key; however, it should be understood that other suitable features engageable with appropriate tools may be employed without departing from the scope of the disclosed concept.
[0045] Referring mainly to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the first locking driver key 100 includes a main body portion 102 sized to generally fit within the first recess 44. The main body portion 102 includes an inner surface 104 facing the longitudinal axis 15; an outer surface 106 disposed opposite the inner surface 104 facing away from the longitudinal axis 15; a front side surface 108 extending between the inner surface 104 and the outer surface 106 on a front side of the main body portion 102 when the modular cutting tool 10 is rotated about the longitudinal axis 15 in a cutting direction; and a rear side surface 110 extending between the inner surface 104 and the outer surface 106 on a rear side of the main body portion 102 when the modular cutting tool 10 is rotated about the longitudinal axis 15 in a cutting direction. In an example embodiment, surfaces 104 and 106 are relief surfaces, while surfaces 108 and 110 are a sliding fit.In the example embodiment illustrated in the figures, the outer surface 106 is generally curved to conform to the curved outer surface of the shaft 14.
[0046] With further reference mainly to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the first locking cam key 100 further includes a central projection 112 extending radially inward from the inner surface 104 of the main body portion 102 toward the longitudinal axis 15; and a lateral projection 114 extending generally tangentially with respect to a reference circle centered about the longitudinal axis 15 from the rear side surface 110 of the main body portion 102 at or about an upper portion 102A of the main body portion. The central projection 112 is sized to fit, for example, with a clearance fit, into the transverse bore 48 so that the first locking cam key can smoothly slide toward or away from the transverse axis 50.
[0047] The first locking driver key 100 further includes a threaded opening 116 defined by the main body portion 102 and the central projection 112, which is structured to be threadably engaged by the first threaded portion 68 of the differential screw member 66.
[0048] The second locking driver key 200 has generally the same arrangement as the first locking driver key 100 and thus also includes: a main body portion 202 sized to generally fit within the second recess 46; an inner surface 204 facing the longitudinal axis 15; an outer surface 206 disposed opposite the inner side 204 facing away from the longitudinal axis 15; a front side surface 208 extending between the inner surface 204 and the outer surface 206 on a front side of the main body portion 202 when the cutting tool 10 is rotated about the longitudinal axis 15 in a cutting direction; a rear side surface 210 extending between the inner surface 204 and the outer surface 206 on a rear side of the main body portion 202 when the modular cutting tool 10 is rotated about the longitudinal axis 15 in a cutting direction;a central projection 212 extending radially inward from the inner surface 204 of the main body portion 202 toward the longitudinal axis 15; and a lateral projection 214 extending from the rear side surface 210 of the main body portion 202 generally tangentially with respect to a reference circle centered about the longitudinal axis 15.
[0049] The second locking driver key 200 differs from the first locking driver key 100 in that the second locking driver key 200 includes a threaded opening 216 defined by the main body portion 202 and a central projection 212 structured to be threadably engaged by the second threaded portion 70 of the differential screw member 66 and thus has an opposite thread than the threaded opening 116 of the first locking driver key 100.
[0050] From the foregoing description of the mechanism 60, it can thus be understood that when the first locking driver key 100 and the second locking driver key 200 are both threadably engaged with the corresponding portions of the differential screw member 66, rotation of the differential screw member 66 about the axis 50 results in movement of the first and second locking driver keys 100 and 200 either toward or away from each other, depending on the direction in which the differential screw member 66 is rotated.
[0051] Having described the general arrangement and operation of the mechanism 60, the use of the mechanism 60 in the modular cutting tool 10 will now be explained. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 shows an arrangement in which the first and second locking driver keys 100 and 200 are arranged in a first position, with each driver key 100, 200 being arranged at or around an outer edge of the respective recesses 44 and 46, and with the cutting head 12 being placed on the shaft 14 such that the contact surface 22 of the cutting head 12 is spaced a distance d from the corresponding contact surface 42 of the shaft 14. This arrangement corresponds to the case where a cutting head 12 is first placed on the shaft 14. Following this placement, the differential screw 66 is rotated about the axis 50 as explained above so that the main body sections 102 and 202 of each of the first and second locking driver blocks 100 and 200 move into the respective recesses 44 and 46 until each locking driver block 100, 200 is firmly seated in each respective recess 44, 46, as shown in the Fig. 9 and Fig. 11 shown. During such movement, an upper portion 102A and 202A of each main body portion 102 and 202 of each driver key 100 and 200 moves into a corresponding cutout portion 36 of the skirt 20 of the cutting head 12, and the lateral projection 114, 214 of each driver key 100, 200 moves into an axially overlapping position with respect to a corresponding portion 38 of the skirt 20. One or both of each portion 38 of the skirt 20 and / or the lateral projections 114 and 214 of the locking driver keys 100 and 200 are structured to press the contact surface 22 of the cutting head 12 and the contact surface 42 of the shank 14 against each other, whereby the contact surfaces 22 and 42 directly abut each other, since the locking driver keys 100 and 200 of a first positioning, as in the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, to a second positioning, as shown in the Fig. 9, Fig. 11 and Fig. 12. In the illustrated example embodiment, angled clamping surfaces 36C ( Fig. 3) each section 38 of the skirt 20 with corresponding lower surfaces of the lateral projections 114 and 214 of the locking driver blocks 100 and 200 to press the contact surfaces 22 and 42 together.
[0052] From the foregoing description, it can therefore be understood that each locking driver key 100, 200, as their names suggest, performs two key functions in the modular cutting tool 10: i.) Each locking driver key 100, 200 serves to effectively prevent the cutting head 12 from becoming detached from the shank 14, thereby “locking” the cutting head 12 to the shank 14; and ii.) the front surface 108, 208 of the upper portion 102A, 202A of each locking driver key 100, 200 abuts a corresponding front surface 36A of each cutout portion 36 of the skirt 20 of the cutting head 12, such that such portions of each locking driver key serve to "drive" the cutting head 12 about the longitudinal axis 15 when the shaft 14 is rotated about the longitudinal axis 15.
[0053] It may be desirable to separate the cutting head 12 from the shaft 14 at any time. This may be the case if the cutting head 12 is worn, old, is needed in another application, etc. Whatever the reason for removing the cutting head 12 from the shaft 14, the Fig. 3 and Fig. The example implementation of the disclosure illustrated in Figure 8 also includes a mechanism for assisting in separating the cutting head 12 from the shank 14. Specifically, each locking driver key 100, 200 includes an upper ramp portion 120, 220 that each engages a corresponding angled surface 78 of the cutting head 12 in a manner that creates an upward force such that the cutting head 12 is urged axially away from the shank 14 as the locking drivers 100 and 200 are moved outwardly from the longitudinal axis 15, thereby creating a space between the contact surface 22 of the cutting head 12 and the contact surface 42 of the shank 14.
[0054] As in the Fig. 3, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 8 and Fig.11, the shank 14 may include a channel 80 that is generally coaxial with the longitudinal axis 15. The channel 80 may be used to deliver coolant and / or lubricant from an end surface 82 of the shank 14 to a corresponding cutting head channel 84 in the cutting head 12. The channel 84 may extend from a location generally defined by the skirt 20 of the cutting head 12 to one or more openings of the cutting section configured to direct coolant and / or lubricant fluids to the blades 26 during use of the cutting head 12.
[0055] Since in one example the cutting head 12 is entirely carbide or cermet, it can be easily reworked and / or reshaped to remain a tool of the same character, ie it remains a reaming tool, or it can be reshaped into another type of rotary cutting head, such as a milling head, drill, boring head, boring head, deburring head, knurling head, etc.
[0056] Also, with regard to recycling or reusing components of the modular cutting tool 10, the cutting head 12 can be reused as discussed above, and the shank 14 can similarly be reused in conjunction with other rotating cutting components, if desired. Specifically with regard to recycling, due to the modular nature of the components of the modular cutting tool 10, the carbide and steel components can be easily separated into specific material groupings, such as individual carbide, cermet, and / or steel groupings, rather than being placed into mixed-material recycling routes. This could potentially lead to increased recycling efficiencies.
[0057] Because the blades 26 of the modular cutting tool 10 are integral with the peripheral surface 24 of the cutting head 12, space-consuming blade seats, cutting edges, and brazing on such a peripheral surface can be eliminated. Since space previously occupied by such seats, brazing, etc., is freed up on the peripheral surface 24, a significantly larger number of blades 26, cutting edges 28, and chip flutes 30 can be formed around the peripheral surface 24.
[0058] In one example implementation, the cutting head 12 may include a coating, such as a PVD coating and / or a CVD coating, to improve and / or modify wear and operation. The solid carbide construction used in one example implementation allows the cutting head 12 to be exposed to temperatures that would be required for certain physical vapor deposition and / or chemical vapor deposition processes while still maintaining the dimensional stability and tolerances of the chip flutes 30 and cutting edges 28.
[0059] Although example implementations of modular cutting tools have been disclosed, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to modular tools configured for rotary use and that application of the present disclosure to tools other than rotary cutting tools is contemplated herein.
[0060] Various implementations of the present disclosure have been described in accomplishing the various objects of the present disclosure. It should be understood that these implementations merely illustrate the principles of the present disclosure. While the foregoing descriptions and the accompanying drawings illustrate examples in the context of particular example combinations of elements and / or functions, numerous modifications and adaptations thereof will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
[0061] The purpose of the problem or problems statements is generally to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public, upon a cursory examination, to quickly determine the nature of this patent application. The problem or problems description is believed to be a reasonable description of the problem or problems of this patent application at the time this patent application was filed. However, the problem or problems description may not be fully applicable to the claims as originally filed in this patent application, as amended during the prosecution of this patent application, and ultimately as allowed in any patent resulting from this patent application.Therefore, any statements relating to the object or objects are not intended to limit the claims in any way and should not be construed as limiting the claims in any way.
[0062] The abstract is believed to adequately summarize this patent application as of the filing date. However, portions or all of the information contained in the abstract may not be fully applicable to the claims as originally filed in this patent application, amended during the prosecution of this patent application, and ultimately allowed in each patent resulting from this patent application. Therefore, any statements made concerning the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any way and should not be construed as limiting the claims in any way.
[0063] The description of the embodiment or embodiments at the time of filing this patent application is believed to adequately describe the embodiment or embodiments of this patent application. However, portions of the description of the embodiment or embodiments may not be fully applicable to the claims as originally filed in this patent application, amended during the prosecution of this patent application, and ultimately allowed in any patent resulting from this patent application. Therefore, any statements made regarding the embodiment or embodiments are not intended to limit the claims in any way and should not be construed as limiting the claims in any way.
[0064] The purpose of the title of this patent application is generally to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public to quickly determine the nature of this patent application upon a cursory examination. The title is believed to fairly reflect the general nature of this patent application as of the filing date of this patent application. However, the title may not be fully applicable to the technical field, problem or problems, abstract, description of embodiment or embodiments, and claims as originally filed in this patent application, amended during the prosecution of this patent application, and ultimately allowed in each patent resulting from this patent application. Therefore, the title is not intended to limit the claims in any way and should not be construed as limiting the claims in any way.
Claims
[1] Modular cutting tool (10) comprising: a cutting head (12) comprising: a cutting section (18) rotatable about a central longitudinal axis (15); and a cylindrical skirt (20) extending axially from the cutting portion (18) and terminating at a contact surface (22) arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (15), the skirt (20) having a number of curved inner surfaces (32) generally defining a bore (34) arranged about the longitudinal axis (15); and a shaft (14) comprising: a cylindrical portion (14A) having a first diameter disposed about the longitudinal axis (15); and a central projection (40) disposed in the bore (34) of the cutting portion (18), the central projection (40) having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter and extending longitudinally from a contact surface (42) disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (15) at a front end of the cylindrical portion (14A); and a mechanism (60) which supports mounting and locks the cutting head (12) to the shaft (14), wherein the mechanism (60) comprises: a first locking driver stone (100); a second locking driver stone (200); and a differential screw element (66) disposed within the transverse bore (48) and having a first threaded portion (68) disposed at or about a first end (66A) and a second threaded portion (70) disposed at or about a second end (66B) opposite the first end (66A), wherein the first threaded portion (68) includes a first plurality of threads disposed in a first direction, and the second threaded portion (70) includes a second plurality of threads disposed in a second direction opposite the first direction, wherein the first locking driver stone (100) and the second locking driver stone (200) each comprise: a main body portion (102, 202) generally fitting into a corresponding one of the first recess (44) or the second recess (46), the main body portion (102, 202) comprising: an inner surface (104, 204) facing the longitudinal axis (15); an outer surface (106, 206) disposed opposite the inner surface (104, 204); a front side surface (108, 208) extending between the inner surface (104, 204) and the outer surface (106, 206) on a front side of the main body portion (102, 202) when the shaft (14) is rotated about the longitudinal axis (15) in a cutting direction; and a rear side surface (110, 210) extending between the inner surface (104, 204) and the outer surface (106, 206) on a rear side of the main body portion (102, 202) when the shaft (14) is rotated about the longitudinal axis (15) in the cutting direction; a central projection (112, 212) extending radially inwardly from the inner surface (104, 204) of the main body portion (102, 202) toward the longitudinal axis (15); and a lateral projection (114, 214) extending generally tangentially with respect to a reference circle centered about the longitudinal axis (15) from the rear side surface (110, 210) of the main body portion (102, 202) at or around an upper portion (102A, 202A) of the main body portion (102, 202), wherein the upper portion (102A, 202A) of each main body portion (102, 202) of each locking driver block (100, 200) is arranged in a respective one of the cutout areas (36) of the apron (20) of the cutting tool (10), wherein the lateral projection (114, 214) of each locking driver block (100, 200) is arranged in an axially overlapping position with respect to the longitudinal axis (15) with respect to the portion (38) of the skirt (20), wherein the first locking driver key (100) further includes a threaded opening (116) defined by the main body portion (102) and the central projection (112) thereof, which is in threaded engagement with the first threaded portion (68) of the differential screw member (66), wherein the second locking driver key (200) further includes a threaded opening (216) defined by the main body portion (202) and the central projection (212) thereof, which is in threaded engagement with the second threaded portion (70) of the differential screw member (66), and wherein the differential screw member (66) further includes a feature (72) formed in one or both of the first end (66A) or the second end (66B) thereof that is structured to be engaged by a correspondingly configured tool for rotating the differential screw member (66) about a central longitudinal axis (15) thereof. [2] The modular cutting tool (10) of claim 1, wherein the skirt (20) further includes a plurality of cutout regions (36) extending from the contact surface (22) toward the cutting portion (18) between the plurality of inner surfaces (32) and an outer surface (37), each cutout region (36) being partially defined by a front surface (36A), a rear surface (36B), and by a clamping surface (36C) formed on a portion (38) of the skirt (20) extending generally circumferentially into each cutout region (36) from the rear surface (36B). [3] Modular cutting tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft (14) further comprises: a first niche (44) formed in the cylindrical portion (14A) abutting the contact surface (42); a second recess (46) formed in the cylindrical portion (14A) adjacent to the contact surface (42) opposite the first recess (44); and a transverse bore (48) extending between the first and second recesses (44, 46) and arranged about a transverse axis (50) perpendicular to and intersecting the longitudinal axis (15). [4] A modular cutting tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping surface (36C) of each cutout region (36) is oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (15) in a tangential direction and tapers at an angle in the radial direction relative to a reference plane arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (15). [5] The modular cutting tool (10) of claim 4, wherein the angle is in the range of about 1° to about 5°. [6] A modular cutting tool (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cutting portion (18) is generally disc-shaped and defines a peripheral portion having a plurality of blades (26) formed therein with a chip flute (30) disposed between adjacent blades (26). [7] Modular cutting tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of inner surfaces (32) are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis (15). [8] Modular cutting tool (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of inner surfaces (32) are arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis (15). [9] Cutting head (12) for use in a modular cutting tool (10), the cutting head (12) comprising: a cutting section (18) structured to perform cutting operations on a workpiece when rotated about a central longitudinal axis (15); and a cylindrical apron (20) extending axially from the cutting section (18) and terminating at a contact surface (22) arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (15), the apron (20) comprising: a plurality of curved inner surfaces (32) generally defining a bore (34) disposed about the longitudinal axis (15) and positioned and sized to receive a portion of a shaft (14) therein, and a plurality of cutout regions (36) extending from the contact surface (22) to the cutting section (18) between the plurality of inner surfaces (32) and an outer surface (37), each cutout region (36) being partially defined by a front surface (36A), a rear surface (36B) and by a clamping surface (36C) formed on a portion (38) of the skirt (20) extending generally circumferentially into each cutout region (36) from the rear surface (36B), wherein the clamping surface (36C) of each cutout region (36) is oriented generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (15) in a tangential direction and tapers at an angle in the radial direction relative to a reference plane arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (15). [10] Cutting head (12) according to claim 9, wherein the angle is in the range of about 1° to about 5°. [11] Cutting head (12) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the cutting portion (18) is generally disc-shaped and defines a peripheral portion having a plurality of blades (26) formed therein with a chip groove (30) disposed between adjacent blades (26). [12] Cutting head (12) according to one of the preceding claims 9 to 11, wherein the number of inner surfaces (32) are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis (15). [13] Cutting head (12) according to one of the preceding claims 9 to 12, wherein the plurality of inner surfaces (32) are arranged at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis (15). [14] Cutting head (12) according to claim 13, wherein the angle is in the range of about 2° to about 5°. [15] Shank (14) for use in a modular cutting tool (10), the shank (14) comprising: a cylindrical portion (14A) having a first diameter disposed about a central longitudinal axis (15); a central projection (40) having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, extending longitudinally from a contact surface (42) disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (15) at a front end of the cylindrical portion (14A); a first niche (44) formed in the cylindrical portion (14A) abutting the contact surface (42); a second recess (46) formed in the cylindrical portion (14A) adjacent to the contact surface (42) opposite the first recess (44); and a transverse bore (48) extending between the first niche (44) and the second niche (46) and arranged around a transverse axis (50) which is perpendicular to and intersects the longitudinal axis (15), a first locking driver stone (100); a second locking driver stone (200); and a differential screw element (66) disposed through the transverse bore (48) and having a first threaded portion (68) disposed at or about a first end (66A) and a second threaded portion (70) disposed at or about a second end (66B) opposite the first end (66A), wherein the first threaded portion (68) includes a first plurality of threads disposed in a first direction, and the second threaded portion (70) includes a second plurality of threads disposed in a second direction opposite the first direction, wherein the first locking driver stone (100) and the second locking driver stone (200) each comprise: a main body portion (102, 202) generally disposed in a corresponding one of the first niche (44) or the second niche (46), the main body portion (102, 202) comprising: an inner surface (104, 204) facing the longitudinal axis (15); an outer surface (106, 206) disposed opposite the inner surface (104, 204); a front side surface (108, 208) extending between the inner surface (104, 204) and the outer surface (106, 206) on a front side of the main body portion (102, 202) when the shaft (14) is rotated about the longitudinal axis (15) in a cutting direction; and a rear side surface (110, 210) extending between the inner surface (104, 204) and the outer surface (106, 206) on a rear side of the main body portion (102, 202) when the shaft (14) is rotated about the longitudinal axis (15) in the cutting direction; a central projection (40) extending radially inwardly from the inner surface (104, 204) of the main body portion (102, 202) toward the longitudinal axis (15); and a lateral projection (114, 214) extending generally tangentially with respect to a reference circle centered about the longitudinal axis (15) from the rear side surface (110, 210) of the main body portion (102, 202) at or around an upper portion (102A, 202A) of the main body portion (102, 202), wherein the first locking driver key (100) further includes a threaded opening (116) defined by the main body portion (102) and the central projection (112) thereof, which is in threaded engagement with the first threaded portion (68) of the differential screw member (66), wherein the second locking driver key (200) further includes a threaded opening (216) defined by the main body portion (202) and the central projection (212) thereof, which is in threaded engagement with the second threaded portion (70) of the differential screw member (66), and wherein the differential screw member (66) further includes a feature (72) formed in one or both of the first end (66A) or the second end (66B) thereof that is structured to be engaged by a correspondingly configured tool for rotating the differential screw member (66) about a central longitudinal axis (15) thereof. [16] The shaft (14) of claim 15, wherein the central projection (40) is generally cylindrical in shape. [17] Shaft (14) according to claim 15, wherein the central projection (40) is tapered.