Milling cutting device

Abstract

A milling cutting device comprising: i) an annular body 101 with a circular opening 201 is provided in a geometric center of the body 101 for coupling with an actuated spindle, wherein the body 101 has a plurality of teeth 102 which are integrated radially on a circumferential edge of the body 101, each of the teeth 102 having a detachably attached cutting insert 103 for removing material from a workpiece; ii) Each of the teeth 102 has a front surface 104 with the attached cutting insert 103, a rear surface 105 and a groove 106 between the rear surface 105 and a front surface 104 of successive teeth 102 to allow movement of the removed material away from the workpiece and away from the teeth 102; iii) an elongated hollow region 202 provided on each of the teeth 102, wherein a first end of the hollow region 202 opens at an upper surface of the body 101 and a lower end of the hollow region 202 extends towards the front surface 104 of the tooth to mechanically secure and thermally engage a heat dissipation assembly 107 configured near the cutting insert 103 attached to the front surface 104 of the tooth in order to dissipate heat generated in the cutting insert 103 during a milling process; iv) each of the heat dissipation assemblies 107, comprising: a. a thermally conductive, hollow, elongated stem with a heat transfer medium within a volume of the stem, wherein the stem is detachably inserted into the hollow region 202 in the tooth to establish thermal contact with the cutting insert 103 attached to the tooth in order to absorb the heat generated at the cutting insert 103; and b. several radially arranged rectangular lamellae 108 attached to an upper end of the stem, the upper end extending outwards from the body 101 to provide an enlarged surface area for dissipation of the heat absorbed by the stem.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a milling cutting device capable of effectively machining a workpiece by removing material from the workpiece during the milling operation and extending the service life of a cutting means by enabling thermal regulation of the cutting means. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Milling is a machining process used in various industries to shape workpieces. Milling involves removing material from a workpiece using a rotating cutting tool called a milling cutter, which has multiple cutting edges. The workpiece is typically mounted on a worktable or fixture while the cutter rotates at high speed and moves across the surface of the workpiece, removing material to achieve the desired shape, size, and surface finish.

[0003] Milling operations are performed using various types of milling machines, ranging from simple manual machines to advanced CNC (computer numerical control) machines. These machines can perform a wide range of milling operations, including face milling, end milling, slotting, and profile milling, to name a few. In conventional milling machines, the cutting inserts or teeth are attached directly to the cutter body, without any special provisions for heat management. As a result, heat generated in the cutting zone can build up during machining, leading to problems such as tool wear, thermal deformation, and reduced machining accuracy. Without effective heat dissipation mechanisms, conventional milling equipment struggles to maintain consistent performance and requires frequent tool changes or interruptions to the machining process.Therefore, there is a need to develop a device that overcomes the limitations of conventional milling machines by integrating heat dissipation mechanisms and provides a solution to the problems caused by heat accumulation in conventional milling devices, enabling smoother and more reliable machining processes for a wide range of applications and materials.

[0004] CN114269502A discloses a milling cutter (M) having a front part and a rear part. The front portion comprises a disc-shaped milling body, the disc-shaped milling body having a front side, a rear side, a central axis (X), and a plurality of insert seats. A primary retaining member extends from the rear side. The rear end portion comprises an auxiliary retaining member, the auxiliary retaining member engaging the primary retaining member when the front and rear end portions are assembled together. The disc-shaped cutting body comprises a central cylindrical bore extending coaxially with the central axis and having an inner cylindrical surface. An outer cylindrical surface is provided on a front side portion of the auxiliary retaining member.The inner cylindrical surface abuts the outer cylindrical surface in a butt joint between the front and rear sides to center the front and rear end sections. Although CN'502 discloses a milling cutter with certain features such as a nose section, a tail section, a disc-shaped cutter body with insert seats, and retaining elements, it lacks efficient heat management during the milling process and does not address the problem of heat buildup in the cutting zone.

[0005] CN220515532U discloses a tungsten steel milling cutter that can easily dissipate heat, which belongs to the technical field of milling cutters and aims to solve the problem that the service life of the milling cutter is short because the milling cutter is difficult to adjust during operation due to excessive temperature. According to the utility model, the arc clamping plates can be close to each other to clamp and fix the milling cutter body by rotating the threaded rod, so that the heat dissipation mechanism can be installed on the milling cutter body, and the heat dissipation mechanism can be detached when the milling cutter body fails or is damaged, thus facilitating reuse, improving the heat dissipation ability of the tungsten steel milling cutter, and reducing the usage cost of the heat dissipation mechanism.Although CN'532 mentions the installation of a heat dissipation mechanism on the cutter body, the cutter is not effective enough to dissipate the generated heat faster.

[0006] Conventionally, many fixtures have been developed for machining the workpiece in milling machines, but traditional milling cutters lack advanced heat dissipation mechanisms, which leads to problems such as reduced tool life and decreased machining accuracy due to heat generation during operation.

[0007] To overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks, there is a need in the art to develop a device that overcomes the limitations of conventional methods or devices by incorporating advanced features related to heat dissipation mechanisms that emphasize efficient thermal management during operation and ensure optimal performance and longevity of the components, especially in high temperature environments. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The main object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that performs effective machining of a workpiece by removing material from the workpiece during the milling process and extends the life of a cutting means by enabling thermal regulation of the cutting means.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that minimizes heat generation during the milling process, thus preventing wear of the cutting means and maintaining cutting performance.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is reliable, user-friendly and easy to operate.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon closer examination of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a milling cutting device that efficiently and precisely removes material from a workpiece during a milling operation while increasing tool longevity and minimizing heat generation, thereby improving cutting performance.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a milling cutting device comprises an annular body with a circular opening provided in a geometric center of the body for coupling to an actuated spindle, the body having a plurality of teeth radially integrated at a peripheral edge of the body, each of the teeth having a removably attached cutting insert for removing material from a workpiece, each of the teeth having a front side with the attached cutting insert, a rear side, and a groove between the rear side and a front side of successive teeth to allow movement of the removed material from the workpiece away from the teeth, an elongated hollow portion being provided on each of the teeth, a first end of the hollow portion opening at an upper surface of the body, and a lower end of the hollow portion,extending toward the front of the tooth to mechanically secure and thermally engage a heat dissipation assembly, the heat dissipation assembly being located near the cutting insert attached to the front of the tooth to dissipate heat generated in the cutting insert during a milling process, each of the heat dissipation assemblies comprising a heat-conducting, hollow, elongated shank having a heat transfer medium within a volume of the shank, the shank being removably inserted into the hollow region in the tooth to establish thermal contact with the cutting insert attached to the tooth to absorb heat generated at the cutting insert.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises a plurality of radially mounted rectangular fins mounted on an upper end of the stem, the upper end extending outwardly from the body to provide an enlarged surface for dissipating heat absorbed by the stem, an elongated tubular wick disposed within the stem to impart capillary action to the heat transfer medium, the hollow portion with the respective stem of each heat dissipation assembly being parallel to a rotational axis of the body, each hollow portion being positioned proximate the front surface of the respective tooth with the hollow portion, each hollow portion having a circular cross-section, each shaft having a circular cross-section, the heat transfer medium being selected from helium, nitrogen, ammonia,Acetone, methanol, Flutec PP2, ethanol, water, toluene, mercury, sodium, lithium and silver, wherein the shaft is attached to the respective hollow area by means of a play connection and each shaft and the ribs are made of copper.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations are possible which would fall within the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings: Fig. shows an isometric view of a milling device; Fig. shows an enlarged view of an annular body of the proposed device; and Fig. shows an enlarged view of a heat dissipation assembly of the proposed device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description contains the preferred best mode of carrying out an embodiment of the present invention. It will be apparent from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments therein. Therefore, the present description should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms “comprising,” “comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with “including,” “with,” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed terms “consists essentially of,” “consists essentially of,” and the like, or the respective closed terms “consists of,” “consists of,” and the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to both the singular and the plural, unless expressly intended to refer to the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a milling cutting device capable of performing machining of a workpiece by removing material from the workpiece during the milling process and extending the service life of a cutting device by enabling thermal control of the cutting device.

[0022] Referring to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows an isometric view of a milling cutting device and an enlarged view of an annular body together with a heat dissipation assembly of the proposed device, each comprising an annular body 101 with a circular opening 201 provided in a geometric center of the body 101 for coupling with an actuated spindle, a plurality of teeth 102 radially integrated on a peripheral edge of the body 101, each of the teeth 102 having a front surface 104 with the attached cutting insert 103, a rear surface 105 and a groove 106 between the rear and front surfaces 104, an elongated hollow region 202 provided on each of the teeth 102 for mechanical attachment and thermal engagement with a heat dissipation assembly 107, a heat-conducting hollow elongated stem configured within the assembly 107,a plurality of radially mounted rectangular fins 108 mounted at an upper end of the stem, an elongated tubular wick 109 disposed within the stem, and a tool holder 110 mateable with the circular opening 201.

[0023] The device proposed here consists of an annular body 101 with a circular opening 201 at the geometric center of the body 101 for connection to a driven spindle of a milling machine. The annular body 101 is preferably made of a durable and rigid material such as steel or aluminum. The construction of the body 101 ensures stability and rigidity during the milling process and enables precise and efficient material removal from a workpiece. The opening 201 serves as an attachment point for the device to the driven spindle of the milling machine.

[0024] The spindle provides the rotational movement required for the annular body 101 to engage the workpiece. Furthermore, the circular opening 201 is connected to a tool holder 110 to enable coupling of the body 101 to the milling machine. By connecting the circular opening 201 of the annular body 101 to the tool holder 110 on the milling machine, the device is securely attached to the machine's spindle. This connection ensures that the cutting teeth 102 and the indexable inserts 103 are properly aligned and positioned to ensure effective material removal during milling operations.

[0025] The body 101 is configured with a plurality of teeth 102 radially integrated along a peripheral edge of the body 101, each tooth equipped with a removable cutting insert 103 securely attached to the front surface 104 of the tooth for removing material from the workpiece. A groove 106 is formed between successive teeth 102 of the annular body 101. The groove 106 facilitates the ejection of chips and debris generated during milling and prevents the chips and debris from interfering with the cutting process or damaging the tool or workpiece.

[0026] Each of the teeth 102 is provided with an elongated hollow portion 202, one end of which opens at the top of the body 101 and the other end of which extends toward the front surface 104 of the tooth. The hollow portion 202 serves as a means for mechanical attachment and thermal engagement with a heat dissipation assembly 107, wherein the heat dissipation assembly 107 is located near the cutting insert 103, which is attached to the front surface 104 of the tooth to dissipate heat generated in the cutting insert 103 during a milling process.

[0027] Each of the heat dissipation assemblies 107 includes a heat-conducting, hollow, elongated stem inserted into the hollow portion 202 of the tooth, each stem having a circular cross-section. This provides efficient heat transfer properties. The uniformity of the circular cross-section of the stem allows for uniform heat flow and distribution within the stem, maximizing the effectiveness of the heat transfer medium in absorbing and dissipating heat from the cutting insert 103. The hollow portion 202 with the respective stem of each heat dissipation assembly 107 is parallel to a rotational axis of the body 101. Each of the hollow portions 202 is disposed near the front surface 104 of the respective tooth having the hollow portion 202, and each of the hollow portions 202 has a circular cross-section. Each of the stems is secured to the respective hollow portion 202 by means of a clearance fit.

[0028] The elongated stem is preferably made of a highly thermally conductive material such as copper to enable rapid heat transfer. A heat transfer medium is located inside the hollow, elongated stem. The heat transfer medium serves to absorb the heat generated at the cutting insert 103. Heat transfer media include materials selected from helium, nitrogen, ammonia, acetone, methanol, Flutec PP2, ethanol, water, toluene, mercury, sodium, lithium, and silver. As the medium absorbs heat, it changes phase and conducts the heat away from the cutting area. An elongated, tubular wick 109 is disposed within the stem to impart a capillary effect to the heat transfer medium. The tubular wick 109 is located where the heat transfer medium is located, with the heat transfer medium being drawn into the wick 109 by capillary action.This ensures that the heat transfer medium remains in close contact with the walls of the shank and maximizes the surface area available for heat exchange with the environment. As a result, the heat generated at the cutting insert 103 is efficiently absorbed by the heat transfer medium and transported away from the cutting area.

[0029] A plurality of radially mounted, rectangular fins 108 are positioned at the top of the hollow, elongated stem and extend outward from the body 101, with each fin 108 being made of copper. The fin fins 108 are designed to increase the surface area available for dissipating the heat absorbed by the stem and its heat transfer medium. By increasing the surface area, the fin fins 108 improve the efficiency of heat dissipation and enable more effective cooling of the cutting insert 103 and the surrounding components during the milling operation (as shown in Fig. shown).

[0030] The present invention functions best in the following manner, where the annular body 101 is provided with a circular opening 201, as disclosed in the invention, at a geometric center of the body 101 for coupling to an actuated spindle. The body 101 is configured with a plurality of teeth 102 radially integrated at a peripheral edge of the body 101, each tooth being equipped with a removable cutting insert 103 fixedly attached to the front surface 104 of the tooth for removing material from the workpiece, and the groove 106 being configured between successive teeth 102 of the annular body 101. The elongated hollow portion 202 is provided on each of the teeth 102, with one end opening at the top of the body 101 and the other end extending toward the front surface 104 of the tooth.

[0031] Further, the hollow region 202 serves as a means for mechanical attachment and thermal engagement with a heat dissipation assembly 107, wherein the heat dissipation assembly 107 is located near the cutting insert 103 attached to the front surface 104 of the tooth to dissipate heat generated in the cutting insert 103 during a milling process. A plurality of radially mounted, rectangular fins 108 are arranged at the top of the hollow, elongated stem and extend outwardly from the body 101. The finned fins 108 are designed to increase the surface area available for dissipating heat absorbed by the stem and its heat transfer medium. By increasing the surface area, the finned fins 108 improve the efficiency of heat dissipation and enable more effective cooling of the cutting insert 103 and surrounding components during the milling process.

[0032] Although the scope of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 114269502A

[0004] CN 220515532U

[0005]

Claims

[1] A milling cutting device comprising: i) an annular body 101 having a circular opening 201 is provided in a geometric center of the body 101 for coupling with an actuated spindle, the body 101 having a plurality of teeth 102 radially integrated at a peripheral edge of the body 101, each of the teeth 102 having a removably attached cutting insert 103 for removing material from a workpiece; ii) each of the teeth 102 has a front surface 104 with the attached cutting insert 103, a rear surface 105 and a groove 106 between the rear surface 105 and a front surface 104 of successive teeth 102 to allow movement of the removed material from the workpiece away from the teeth 102; iii) an elongated hollow portion 202 provided on each of the teeth 102, a first end of the hollow portion 202 opening at an upper surface of the body 101 and a lower end of the hollow portion 202 extending toward the front surface 104 of the tooth, for mechanically securing and thermally engaging a heat dissipation assembly 107 configured proximate the cutting insert 103 attached to the front surface 104 of the tooth to dissipate heat generated in the cutting insert 103 during a milling process; iv) each of the heat dissipation assemblies 107, comprising: a. a heat-conducting, hollow, elongated stem having a heat transfer medium within a volume of the stem, the stem being removably inserted into the hollow region 202 in the tooth to make thermal contact with the cutting insert 103 attached to the tooth to absorb heat generated at the cutting insert 103; and b. a plurality of radially mounted rectangular fins 108 mounted at an upper end of the stem, the upper end extending outwardly from the body 101 to provide an increased surface area for dissipating heat absorbed by the stem. [2] The device of claim 1, wherein an elongated tubular wick (109) is disposed within the stem to impart capillary action to the heat transfer medium. [3] The device of claim 1, wherein the hollow portion 202 with the respective stem of each heat dissipation assembly 107 extends parallel to a rotation axis of the body 101. [4] The device of claim 1, wherein each hollow portion 202 is disposed proximate the end face 104 of the respective tooth having the hollow portion 202. [5] The device of claim 1, wherein each of the hollow regions 202 has a circular cross-section. [6] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each stem has a circular cross-section to enable uniform heat flow and distribution within the stem and to maximize the effectiveness of the heat transfer medium in absorbing and dissipating heat from the cutting insert 103. [7] The device of claim 1, wherein the heat transfer medium is selected from helium, nitrogen, ammonia, acetone, methanol, Flutec PP2, ethanol, water, toluene, mercury, sodium, lithium and silver. [8] The device of claim 1, wherein the shaft is secured to the respective hollow portion 202 by means of a clearance fit. [9] The device of claim 1, wherein the stem and the ribs 108 are each made of copper. [10] The device of claim 1, wherein the circular opening 201 is connected to a tool holder 110 to enable connection of the body 101 to a milling machine.

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