Tool holder having upper and lower jaws defining an insert-receiving pocket, and cutting tool

Abstract

The tool holder (20) has a holder body (22) with an opening in the holder body having an upper jaw (26) opposing a lower jaw (28), the upper jaw (26) defining an upper pocket surface (30) of an insert-receiving pocket (34), the lower jaw (28) defining a lower pocket surface (32) of the insert-receiving pocket (34), and a resilient slot (38) extending away from the insert-receiving pocket. An actuating member (42) extends downwardly from the upper jaw (26) and traverses the resilient slot (38). The lower jaw (28) includes an access bore (46). A locking member (48) occupies the access bore (46) and engages a locking portion (44) of the actuating member (42). The cutting tool (80) includes the tool holder (20) and a cutting insert (82).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to metal cutting processes, and more particularly to a tool holder having upper and lower jaws defining an insert-receiving pocket for use in slotting, parting off and slotting operations. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of cutting tools used in grooving, parting and slotting operations, there are many examples of tool holders in which upper and lower jaws define an insert-receiving pocket, and in some examples, one of the upper and lower jaws is resiliently displaceable relative to the other.

[0003] US 6,139,227 discloses a holder for free-cutting machining tool inserts or cutting inserts, in particular for chisel cutting and drilling, which holder comprises an essentially beam-like cutting edge support, and a receiving pocket is configured at the end of the cutting edge support for the cutting edge insert. A number of clamping jaws define a narrow width of the receiving pocket. A slot is configured in the cutting edge support and forms a flexible pivot for moving one of the clamping jaws. An actuating member is provided for generating a clamping force in the area of ​​the slot on the movable clamping jaw. The actuating member is assembled in the bore at a distance from the slot. The clamping force is transmitted to the movable clamping jaw through a force transmission member slidingly guided in the cutting edge support.

[0004] US 6,814,526 discloses a holder designed to receive cutting inserts intended for punching and grooving operations. The inserts can be clamped in a seat formed between a blade tongue and a clamping finger extending from the lower and upper front parts of the holder, respectively. A gap separates the front parts, which can be urged towards each other by a clamping mechanism assembled in the holder. The clamping mechanism comprises a drawbar, a first end portion of which is movable in a bore formed in one of the front parts, and a second end portion of which is fixed in the other front part. The first end portion of the drawbar includes a head with a frusto-conical abutment surface. A fastening screw is screwed into the same front part as the head and is configured to contact the abutment surface and displace the drawbar in a direction that urges the clamping finger and the tongue together, clamping the cutting insert in place.

[0005] US8,740,511 discloses a tool holder comprising a main body having a holder head extending away from a holder shank in a forward direction, a clamping member non-threadedly held within the holder head, and a locking member operably engaging a single abutment surface of the clamping member. The holder head has an insert-receiving pocket at its forward end, the pocket support surface facing substantially forward, the clamping member located completely rearward of the pocket support surface, and the abutment surface facing generally upward. The tool holder is configured to direct a clamping force toward the pocket support surface to clamp a cutting insert against the pocket support surface. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved tool holder having upper and lower jaws, one of which is resiliently displaceable relative to the other.

[0007] It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved tool holder that reduces the number of assembly steps, reduces the risk of parts being inadvertently dropped, and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved tool holder in which coolant tubes are routed through the upper and lower jaws.

[0009] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide an improved cutting tool in which the cutting depth is not limited by the tool holder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to the present invention there is provided a tool holder comprising: a holder body having opposed upper and lower jaws defining upper and lower pocket surfaces, respectively, of an insert-receiving pocket, one of the upper and lower jaws being resiliently displaceable relative to the other; a resilient slot extending away from the insert receiving pocket to further separate the upper and lower jaws; a first plane intersecting the upper pocket surface and the lower pocket surface; an actuating member extending downwardly from the upper jaw along a first axis and transverse to the resilient slot, the actuating member having a locking portion; An access bore formed in the mandible extends along a second axis; a locking member extending along a third axis occupies the access bore and engages a locking portion of the actuation member; the maxilla has a maxillary surface that faces upward as opposed to downward; The first axis intersects the maxillary surface.

[0011] The present invention also provides a cutting tool including a toolholder of the type described above and a cutting insert removably secured within the insert-receiving pocket of the toolholder.

[0012] For a better understanding, the invention will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which dashed lines represent cut boundaries of partial views of elements, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a tool holder according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the tool holder shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the tool holder shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an end view of the tool holder shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the tool holder shown in FIG. 4 taken along line VV. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the tool holder shown in FIG. 3 taken along line VI-VI. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the tool holder shown in FIG. 3 , taken along line VII-VII, excluding the locking portion. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a side view of the locking member of the tool holder. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an end view of the locking member shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a side view of a cutting tool according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a front end view of the cutting tool shown in FIG. [Figure 12] 1A-1C are perspective views of a cutting insert according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view of the cutting insert shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cutting tool having two insert-receiving pockets held within a tool block. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side view of the cutting tool shown in FIG. [Figure 16] 1 is a perspective view of a cutting tool according to a further embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a detailed view of the cutting tool shown in FIG. 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Attention is first directed to Figures 1-4, which illustrates a tool holder 20 in accordance with the present invention. Tool holder 20 includes a holder body 22 having opposed upper and lower jaws 26, 28 which define upper and lower pocket surfaces 30, 32, respectively, of an insert-receiving pocket 34, one of upper jaw 26 and lower jaw 28 being resiliently displaceable relative to the other.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tool holder 20 may preferably be manufactured from a tool steel.

[0016] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the upper jaw 26 and the lower jaw 28 may be integrally formed and have a single, unitary construction.

[0017] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, an insert-receiving pocket 34 may be formed within the opening 24 of the holder body 22 .

[0018] Still further, in some embodiments of the present invention, the lower jaw 28 may be fixed or static relative to the majority of the holder body 22 and the upper jaw 26 may be resiliently replaceable relative to the lower jaw 28 .

[0019] As shown in FIG. 4, the holder body 22 can have opposing first and second body sides 36a, 36b that are directed away from one another.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the holder body 22 may extend in a rear direction DR and a front direction DF.

[0021] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the holder body 22 may be elongated and extend in a rearward direction DR-anterior direction DF along a longitudinal axis AL.

[0022] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the insert-receiving pocket 34 may be located at a front end 37 of the holder body 22 .

[0023] In a further embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the holder body 22 may be disc shaped and have a plurality of insert-receiving pockets 34 circumferentially spaced about the periphery of the holder body 22 .

[0024] For such embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that throughout this specification and claims, the terms "rear" or "rearward" may refer to a radially inward direction of the disc-shaped holder body, and the terms "forward" or "forward" may refer to a radially outward direction of the disc-shaped holder body.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3, upper pocket surface 30 and lower pocket surface 32 are spaced apart by a clamping distance DC.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present invention, in a side view of the tool holder 20, the clamping distance DC may be the shortest distance between the front-most portion of the upper pocket surface 30 and the lower pocket surface 32 or a first imaginary straight line L1 tangent to the lower pocket surface 32.

[0027] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the lower pocket surface 32 may be the support surface and the upper pocket surface 30 may be the clamping surface.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, a resilient slot 38 extends away from the insert-receiving pocket 34 to further separate the upper and lower jaws 26 and 28 .

[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention, the resilient slot 38 may extend away from the insert-receiving pocket 34 in the rearward direction DR.

[0030] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 3, the upper jaw 26 may have a resilient axis of rotation AR that passes through the holder body 22 rearwardly from the resilient slot 38.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the actuating member 42 extends from the upper jaw 26 in a downward direction DD along a first axis A1 and intersects with the resilient slot 38. As shown in FIG.

[0032] In some embodiments of the invention, the downward direction DD may be transverse to the longitudinal axis AL.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the upper jaw 26 has an upper jaw surface 40 that faces the upward direction DU opposite to the downward direction DD, and the first axis A1 intersects with the upper jaw surface 40. As shown in FIG.

[0034] Although in Figures 3-6 the upward direction DU is shown as the exact opposite of the downward direction DD, it should be understood that throughout this specification and claims the upward direction DU can be substantially the opposite of the downward direction DD.

[0035] It should also be understood that throughout this specification and the claims, the first axis A1 not only intersects the maxillary surface 40, but also passes through the actuating member 42 in an upward direction DU-downward direction DD along the length of the first axis A1.

[0036] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, the actuating member 42 may be elongated in an upward direction DU and a downward direction DD.

[0037] Configuring the actuating member 42 so that its first axis A1 intersects the upper jaw surface 40 contrasts with the equivalent elements of the above-mentioned prior art publications US 6,814,526 and US 8,740,511. US 6,814,526 discloses a drawbar extending coaxially with a hole in the upper jaw or upper front portion opening into the upper surface. US 8,740,511 discloses a clamping member extending coaxially with a through hole that passes through the upper jaw or clamping jaw and opens into the upper surface of the holder head.

[0038] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the resilient slot 38 may be at least partially defined by opposing upper and lower slot surfaces 39 and 41 disposed on the upper and lower jaws 26 and 28, respectively.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present invention, the upper slot face 39 may face in the downward direction DD and the lower slot face 41 may face in the upward direction DU.

[0040] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the actuating member 42 may extend downwardly from the upper slotted surface 39 .

[0041] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the upper jaw 26 and the actuating member 42 may be integrally formed and have a single, unitary construction.

[0042] Benefits of fabricating the upper jaw 26 and actuating member 42 simultaneously to have a single, integral structure include eliminating an assembly step and preventing parts from inadvertently becoming detached.

[0043] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the holder body 22 may be fabricated by additive manufacturing, whereby the upper and lower jaws 26, 28 and the actuation member 42 may be formed simultaneously during the additive manufacturing process.

[0044] Benefits of fabricating the upper and lower jaws 26, 28 and the actuating member 42 simultaneously include eliminating assembly steps and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lower jaw 28 may have a bottom jaw surface 43 facing in the downward direction DD, and the first axis A1 may intersect the bottom jaw surface 43 for such an embodiment of the invention.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the actuating member 42 includes a locking portion 44. As shown in FIG.

[0047] As shown in Figures 2, 6 and 7, an access bore 46 formed in the mandible 28 extends along a second axis A2, and a locking member 48 extending along a third axis A3 occupies the access bore 46 and engages the locking portion 44 of the actuating member 42.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present invention, the clamping distance DC may be increased or decreased by rotation of the locking member 48 about the third axis A3.

[0049] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the upper jaw 26 may be resiliently displaced about a resilient axis of rotation AR by rotation of the locking member 48 about a third axis A3.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, a first plane P1 intersects upper pocket surface 30 and lower pocket surface 32.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, the first plane P1 passes between the first body side surface 36a and the second body side surface 36b.

[0052] In some embodiments of the invention, the first plane P1 may be parallel to or include the longitudinal axis AL.

[0053] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the elastic axis of rotation AR may be perpendicular to the first plane P1.

[0054] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first axis A1 may be parallel to or contained within the first plane P1.

[0055] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the upper pocket surface 30 and the lower pocket surface 32 may exhibit mirror symmetry about the first plane P1.

[0056] It should be appreciated that FIG. 5 may be a cross-sectional view of the tool holder 20 taken in the first plane P1.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 5, the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 may be included in a second plane P2.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second plane P2 may be orthogonal to the first plane P1.

[0059] In some embodiments of the invention, the first plane P1 may include both the longitudinal axis AL and the first axis A1, while the second axis A2 and the third axis A3 may intersect the first plane P1, and the first axis A1 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AL, the longitudinal axis AL establishing a posterior direction DR-anterior direction DF, and the first axis A1 establishing a superior direction DU-inferior direction DD.

[0060] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second axis A2 may be perpendicular to the first plane P1.

[0061] It should be appreciated that FIG. 6 may be a cross-sectional view of tool holder 20 taken in second plane P2.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a third plane P3 that includes the first axis A1 and is perpendicular to the second axis A2 intersects the locking portion 44.

[0063] In some embodiments of the present invention, locking portion 44 may exhibit mirror symmetry about a third plane P3.

[0064] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the actuating member 42 may exhibit mirror symmetry about a third plane P3.

[0065] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the holder body 22 may have an upper body surface 50 facing in the upward direction DU.

[0066] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first body side 36a and the second body side 36b may be spaced apart by an upper body surface 50, and the first body side 36a and the second body side 36b may face first and second lateral directions DL1 and DL2 transverse to the upward direction DU and the downward direction DD, respectively.

[0067] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, upper body surface 50 may be located posterior to upper jaw 26 .

[0068] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, upper body surface 50 may be elongated and extend parallel to longitudinal axis AL.

[0069] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the upper body surface 50 can define a fourth plane P4 that is orthogonal to the first plane P1.

[0070] In some embodiments of the present invention, no portion of the holder body 22 intersects the fourth plane P4, in other words, no portion of the holder body 22 extends above the fourth plane P4.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 3, the mandible 28 may have an anterior jaw surface 52 that faces in the anterior direction DF.

[0072] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first body side 36a and the second body side 36b may be spaced apart by an anterior jaw surface 52.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 3, the anterior jaw surface 52 can define a fifth plane P5 that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AL.

[0074] In some embodiments of the invention, no portion of the holder body 22 crosses the fifth plane P5, in other words, no portion of the holder body 22 extends forward of the fifth plane P5.

[0075] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the holder body 22 may have a bottom body surface 53 facing in the downward direction DD.

[0076] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first body side 36a and the second body side 36b may be spaced apart by a bottom body surface 53. Thus, in some embodiments, the first body side 36a and the second body side 36b may extend between the top body surface 50 and the bottom body surface 53.

[0077] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom body surface 53 may be elongated and extend parallel to the longitudinal axis AL.

[0078] Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, bottom jaw surface 43 may be disposed on bottom body surface 53 , which may intersect front jaw surface 52 .

[0079] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the bottom body surface 53 can define a sixth plane P6 that is orthogonal to the first plane P1.

[0080] In some embodiments of the present invention, no portion of the holder body 22 intersects the sixth plane P6, in other words, no portion of the holder body 22 extends below the sixth plane P6.

[0081] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the upper coolant tube 54 may extend through the upper jaw 26 and the first axis A1 may intersect the upper coolant tube 54.

[0082] In some embodiments of the present invention, the upper coolant tube 54 may open into an upper exit orifice 56 on the upper jaw surface 40 adjacent the upper pocket surface 30 .

[0083] It should be appreciated that in embodiments of the present invention in which the first axis A1 intersects the upper coolant tube 54, the actuating member 42 is advantageously configured such that the upper coolant tube 54 passes directly through the upper jaw 26 to the upper exit orifice 56 without any spatial limitations associated with placement and / or assembly within the actuating member 42.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lower coolant tube 58 may extend through the lower jaw 28 and the first axis A1 may intersect the lower coolant tube 58.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present invention, the lower coolant tube 58 may open into a lower exit orifice 60 on the front jaw surface 52 adjacent the lower pocket surface 32 .

[0086] It should be appreciated that in embodiments of the present invention in which the first axis A1 intersects the lower coolant tube 58, the actuating member 42 is advantageously configured such that the lower coolant tube 58 passes directly through the lower jaw 26 to the lower exit orifice 60 without any spatial limitations associated with placement and / or assembly within the actuating member 42.

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the actuation member 42 may occupy an actuation cavity 62 within the mandible 28 and the access bore 46 may communicate with the actuation cavity 62 .

[0088] In some embodiments of the present invention, the actuation cavity 62 may extend below the lower slot face 41 .

[0089] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the actuation cavity 62 may include a first cavity sidewall 64a and a second cavity sidewall 64b facing each other.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first cavity sidewall 64a and the second cavity sidewall 64b may be located on opposite sides of a third plane P3.

[0091] In some embodiments of the present invention, the access bore 46 may intersect at least one of the first cavity sidewall 64a and the second cavity sidewall 64b.

[0092] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the access bore 46 may be circular in cross section and have an access bore surface 66 that defines an access bore diameter DB.

[0093] In some embodiments of the present invention, the access bore 46 may intersect both the first cavity sidewall 64a and the second cavity sidewall 64b.

[0094] In embodiments of the present invention in which the access bore 46 intersects both the first cavity side wall 64 a and the second cavity side wall 64 b , the access bore 46 may be interrupted by the working cavity 62 .

[0095] In some embodiments of the present invention, the third plane P3 may be parallel to or coincident with the first plane P1.

[0096] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the access bore 46 may intersect at least one of the first body side 36a and the second body side 36b.

[0097] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the access bore 46 may intersect both the first body side 36a and the second body side 36b.

[0098] As shown in Figures 4, 6 and 7, the upper jaw 26 and the lower jaw 28 may exhibit mirror symmetry about a first plane P1.

[0099] For embodiments of the present invention in which the upper and lower jaws 26, 28 exhibit mirror symmetry about the first plane P1, the third plane P3 may be coincident with the first plane P1.

[0100] Additionally, for embodiments of the present invention in which the upper and lower jaws 26, 28 exhibit mirror symmetry about a first plane P1, the first plane P1 may include the longitudinal axis AL.

[0101] Furthermore, for embodiments of the present invention in which the upper jaw 26 and the lower jaw 28 exhibit mirror symmetry about the first plane P1, the first axis A1 may be contained within the first plane P1.

[0102] Furthermore, in an embodiment of the present invention in which the upper jaw 26 and the lower jaw 28 exhibit mirror symmetry about the first plane P1, the first body side 36a and the second body side 36b may be spaced apart by the front jaw surface 52 and the holder body 22 may be blade shaped.

[0103] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the actuation member 42 can be spaced apart from the first cavity sidewall 64a and the second cavity sidewall 64b.

[0104] It should be appreciated that while the locking member 48 rotates about its third axis A3, the actuation member 42 may move away from the first cavity side wall 64a and the second cavity side wall 64b.

[0105] It should also be appreciated that while the locking member 48 rotates about its third axis A3, the actuating member 42 is completely spaced from the mandible 28 and therefore does not come into contact with the mandible 28.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 6, the locking member 48 is not threadably retained within the access bore 46 .

[0107] In some embodiments of the invention, while locking member 48 rotates about its third axis A3, no translational movement of locking member 48 occurs along the second axis A2 of the access bore.

[0108] It should be understood that, as shown in FIG. 6, the second axis A2 may coincide with the third axis A3, and the second axis A2 and the third axis A3 may remain coincident while the locking member 48 rotates about its third axis A3.

[0109] As shown in Figures 5, 6, 8 and 9, the locking member 48 can have a cam portion 68 and at least one pivot portion 70a, 70b disposed along the third axis A3 thereof.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 6, at least one pivot portion 70a, 70b may occupy the access bore 46.

[0111] In some embodiments of the invention, each of the at least one pivot portion 70a, 70b may be circular in cross section and have a center coincident with the third axis A3 and a peripheral pivot surface 72a, 72b defining a pivot diameter DS.

[0112] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the swivel diameter DS may be less than the access bore DB.

[0113] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, each of the at least one pivot portions 70a, 70b may include a pivot socket 74, such as a Torx or hex socket, providing a means for receiving a socket wrench (not shown).

[0114] Still further, in some embodiments of the present invention, the locking member 48 may have two pivot portions 70a, 70b spaced apart by the cam portion 68 along the third axis A3.

[0115] It should be appreciated that for an embodiment of the present invention in which the access bore 46 intersects both the first and second cavity side walls 64a, 64b and the locking member 48 has two pivot portions 70a, 70b, the torque wrench can advantageously engage either one of the two pivot sockets 74 from either one of the first and second lateral directions DL1, DL2.

[0116] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the locking portion 44 of the actuation member may include an activation aperture 76 and the cam portion 68 may occupy the activation aperture 76 .

[0117] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cam portion 68 may have a peripheral cam surface 78 that is not circular in cross section.

[0118] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the promotion aperture 76 may have an inner aperture surface 79 .

[0119] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the promotion apertures 76 may be non-circular in cross-section.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 9, at least one circumferential portion of the peripheral cam surface 78 may be located at continuously decreasing radial cam distances DRC from the third axis A3 in the first rotational direction DR1.

[0121] In some embodiments of the invention, the peripheral cam surface 78 may exhibit one-fold rotational symmetry about the third axis A3, in other words, the peripheral cam surface 78 is rotationally symmetric only upon rotation of 360° or multiples thereof.

[0122] It will be appreciated that, due to the peripheral cam surface 78 contacting the generally upwardly facing circumferential portion of the inner aperture surface 79 as shown in FIG. 5, rotation of the locking member 48 about its third axis A3 in a first rotational direction DR1 may result in a downward force applied to the actuating member 42 and a reduction in the clamping distance DC, and rotation of the locking member 48 about its third axis A3 in a second rotational direction DR2 opposite to the first rotational direction DR1 may result in a release of the downward clamping force and an increase in the clamping distance DC due to the resilience of the upper jaw.

[0123] It should be understood that in such an embodiment of the invention, the insert-receiving pocket 34 is "always open" and the downward force is a clamping force.

[0124] In other embodiments of the invention (not shown), the peripheral cam surface 78 may contact a substantially downward circumferential portion of the inner aperture surface 79, and rotation of the locking member 48 about its third axis A3 in the first rotational direction DR1 may result in an upward force being applied to the actuating member 42 and an increase in the clamping distance DC, and rotation of the locking member 48 in the second rotational direction DR2 may result in a release of the upward force and a reduction in the clamping distance DC due to the resilience of the upper jaw.

[0125] It should be understood that in such an embodiment of the invention, the insert-receiving pocket 34 is "normally closed" and the upward force is a loosening force.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 7, in a cross-sectional view taken on a seventh plane P7 perpendicular to the first axis A1 and intersecting the promotion aperture 76, the locking portion 44 has a lateral width WLT perpendicular to the first plane P1 and a longitudinal width WLG parallel to the longitudinal axis AL.

[0127] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, in a cross-sectional view taken on a seventh plane P7, the locking portion 44 may be elliptical in shape.

[0128] In some embodiments of the present invention, the lateral width WLT may be less than half the longitudinal width WLG.

[0129] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the seventh plane P7 may include the second axis A2 of the access bore.

[0130] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, an eighth plane P8 perpendicular to the third axis A3 intersects the cam portion 68. As shown in FIG.

[0131] In some embodiments of the present invention, the locking portion 48 may exhibit mirror symmetry about an eighth plane P8.

[0132] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, the eighth plane P8 may be parallel to or coincident with the first plane P1.

[0133] For embodiments of the present invention in which the upper jaw 26 and the lower jaw 28 exhibit mirror symmetry about the first plane P1, the eighth plane P8 may coincide with the first plane P1.

[0134] As shown in FIG. 9, in a view of the locking member 48 along the third axis A3, at least a circumferential portion of the peripheral cam surface 78 may be located radially outward of the peripheral pivot surfaces 72a, 72b.

[0135] In some embodiments of the present invention, at least a circumferential portion of the peripheral cam surface 78 may be located radially outward of the access bore surface 66 .

[0136] It should be appreciated that for embodiments of the present invention in which the access bore 46 intersects both the first cavity side wall 64a and the second cavity side wall 64b and at least a circumferential portion of the peripheral cam surface 78 is located radially outward of the access bore surface 66, the cam portion 68 may be confined and held within the facilitating aperture 76 and at least one pivot portion 70a, 70b may be confined and held within the access bore 46.

[0137] Benefits of configuring the locking member 48 to capture and retain the cam portion 68 within the promotion aperture 76 and at least one pivot portion 70a, 70b within the access bore 46 include preventing inadvertent dislodging of parts.

[0138] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tool holder 20 may be fabricated by additive manufacturing, whereby the holder body 22 and the locking member 48 may be formed simultaneously during the additive manufacturing process.

[0139] Benefits of making the holder body 22 and the locking member 48 simultaneously include eliminating an assembly step and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0140] Attention is now directed to Figures 10 and 11 which illustrate a cutting tool 80 according to the present invention, suitable for performing slotting and parting off operations. Cutting tool 80 comprises toolholder 20 and a cutting insert 82 removably secured within insert-receiving pocket 34 of the toolholder.

[0141] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cutting insert 82 may preferably be manufactured from a cemented carbide.

[0142] It should be appreciated that in an embodiment of the present invention (not shown) in which the upper jaw 26 and the lower jaw 28 do not exhibit mirror symmetry about the first plane P1, by configuring the lateral width WLT to be less than half of the longitudinal width WLG, the third plane P3 and the eighth plane P8 in which the clamping force is applied can advantageously be located near the first plane P1, thereby efficiently transmitting the clamping force through the upper clamping jaw 26 to clamp the cutting insert 82 within the insert receiving pocket 34.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 11, the ninth plane P9 and the tenth plane P10 defined by the first body side 36a and the second body side 36b are spaced apart by a holder width WH perpendicular to the first plane P1, and the cutting insert 82 has at least one cutting edge 84, which defines a cutting width WCT perpendicular to the first plane P1.

[0144] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cutting width WCT may exceed the holder width WH.

[0145] 11, no portion of the holder body 22 intersects the ninth plane P9 and the tenth plane P10. In other words, no portion of the holder body 22 extends laterally beyond the ninth plane P9 and the tenth plane P10.

[0146] For embodiments of the present invention in which no portion of the holder body 22 crosses the ninth plane P9 and the tenth plane P10, the holder width WH is the maximum holder width WH of the holder body 22. MAX It should be understood that the present invention defines the

[0147] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the locking member 48 has a locking length LL measured along its third axis A3.

[0148] In some embodiments of the invention, the locking length LL is less than the holder width WH, and no portion of the locking member 48 crosses the ninth plane P9 and the tenth plane P10.

[0149] It should also be appreciated that for embodiments of the present invention in which translational movement of locking member 48 does not occur along the second axis A2 of the access bore, no portion of locking member 48 crosses the ninth plane P9 and the tenth plane P10 in any of its rotational positions.

[0150] It should be understood that in embodiments of the present invention where the cutting width WCT exceeds the holder width WH and the locking length LL is less than the holder width WH, the holder body 22 may be blade shaped and the cutting depth of the cutting tool 80 is not limited by the tool holder 20.

[0151] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the cutting insert 82 can have opposing upper and lower insert faces 86, 88 spaced apart by a pair of opposing first and second insert side faces 90a, 90b, and a pair of opposing first and second insert end faces 92, 94.

[0152] In some embodiments of the present invention, the upper insert side 86 and the lower insert side 88 may be non-identical.

[0153] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first insert end face 92 and the second insert end face 94 may be non-identical.

[0154] Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one cutting edge 84 may be a single cutting edge formed at the intersection of the first insert end face 92 and the top insert face 86 .

[0155] As shown in FIG. 10, the upper and lower insert faces 86, 88 may be in clamping contact with the upper and lower pocket faces 30, 32, respectively, and the first insert end face 92 may face in the forward direction DF.

[0156] Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the second insert end face 94 faces in the rearward direction DR and may abut a forward facing stop surface 96 disposed on the mandible 28 .

[0157] It should be appreciated that for embodiments of the present invention in which the upper coolant tube 54 extends through the upper jaw 26 and opens into the upper exit orifice 56 on the upper jaw surface 40 adjacent the upper pocket surface 30, the cooling fluid exiting the upper coolant tube 54 is directed along the upper insert surface 86 toward the cutting edge 84 in the forward direction DF.

[0158] It should be appreciated that for an embodiment of the present invention in which the lower coolant tube 58 extends through the lower jaw 28 and opens into the lower exit orifice 60 on the front jaw surface 52 adjacent the lower pocket surface 32, the cooling fluid exiting the lower coolant tube 58 is directed along the first insert end face 92 (facing forward) toward the cutting edge 84 in the upward direction DU.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 14, the cutting tool 80 may be removably retained within an elongated tool block 98, with the top body surface 50 and the bottom body surface 53 being in clamping contact with parallel extending top and bottom retaining grooves 100a, 100b of the tool block 98.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 15, the holder body 22 may exhibit mirror symmetry about an eleventh plane P11 perpendicular to the first plane P1 and the longitudinal axis AL.

[0161] In an embodiment of the present invention in which the holder body 22 has two identical insert receiving pockets 34, the cutting tool 80 is replaceable about a fourth axis A4 formed at the intersection of the first plane P1 and the eleventh plane P11.

[0162] Also, with such an embodiment of the present invention, only one of two identical insert-receiving pockets 34 may be occupied by the active cutting insert 82 .

[0163] It should be understood that in an embodiment of the present invention in which the holder body 22 has mirror symmetry about the eleventh plane P11 and no portion of the holder body 22 intersects the fourth plane P4 and the sixth plane P6, the cutting tool 80 can be slidably inserted into the tool block 98 from the insert receiving pocket 34 containing the useful cutting insert 82 without being obstructed or caught by the upper jaw 26 located on the opposite side of the eleventh plane P11.

[0164] In other embodiments of the invention (not shown), the holder body 22 may exhibit mirror symmetry about a plane orthogonal to the first plane P1 and containing the longitudinal axis AL.

[0165] It should be appreciated that in such an embodiment of the invention (not shown), the front end 37 of the holder body 22 has two identical insert receiving pockets 34 and the cutting tool 80 is replaceable about the longitudinal axis AL.

[0166] It should also be understood that in such an embodiment of the invention (not shown), the holder body 22 is not configured with a bottom jaw surface 43, but instead is configured with two opposing upper body surfaces 50 that face away from each other.

[0167] Moreover, in such an embodiment of the invention (not shown), the cutting insert 82 may occupy only one of the two identical insert-receiving pockets 34 in the front end 37 of the holder body 22 .

[0168] It should be appreciated that by configuring a cutting tool 80 in which only one insert receiving pocket 34 is occupied at the front end 37 of the holder body 22, the cutting depth of the cutting tool 80 is not unnecessarily limited by non-effective cutting inserts 82 occupying other insert receiving pockets 34 at the front end 37 of the holder body 22.

[0169] It should be understood that in an embodiment of the present invention (not shown) in which the holder body 22 exhibits mirror symmetry about a plane perpendicular to the eleventh plane P11 and the first plane P1 and containing the longitudinal axis AL, the holder body 22 has a total of four identical insert-receiving pockets 34.

[0170] It should be appreciated that in such an embodiment of the present invention, the cutting tool 80 may have four indexing positions within the tool block 98, with each indexing position occupying only one of the four identical insert-receiving pockets 34.

[0171] It should be appreciated that in further embodiments of the present invention in which the holder body 22 is disc-shaped, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, the cutting tool 80 may be a rotary cutting tool suitable for milling operations and configured with a plurality of cutting inserts 82 removably secured to a plurality of insert-receiving pockets 34 circumferentially spaced about the periphery of the holder body.

[0172] Although the invention has been described in some detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed below.

Claims

1. A holder body (22) having opposing upper (26) and lower (28) jaws, wherein the upper (26) and lower (28) jaws each define an upper pocket surface (30) and a lower pocket surface (32) of an insert receiving pocket (34), and one of the upper (26) and lower (28) jaws is elastically displaceable relative to the other, the holder body (22); An elastic slot (38) extending away from the insert receiving pocket (34) and further separating the upper (26) and lower (28) jaws; A first plane (P1) intersecting the upper pocket surface (30) and the lower pocket surface (32); and An actuating member (42) extending downward (DD) from the upper jaw (26) along a first axis (A1) and crossing the elastic slot (38), the actuating member (42) having a locking portion (44); An access bore (46) formed in the lower jaw (28) extends along a second axis (A2); A locking member (48) extending along a third axis (A3) occupies the access bore (46) and engages the locking portion (44) of the actuating member (42); The upper jaw (26) has an upper jaw surface (40) facing an upward direction (DU) opposite to the downward direction (DD); The first axis (A1) intersects the upper jaw surface (40); A tool holder (20).

2. The upper pocket surface (30) and the lower pocket surface (32) are spaced apart by a clamping distance (DC); The clamping distance (DC) is increased or decreased by rotation of the locking member (48) about a third axis (A3) of the locking member (48). The tool holder (20) according to claim 1.

3. During rotation of the locking member (48) about a third axis (A3) of the locking member (48), the translational movement of the locking member (48) does not occur along the second axis (A2) of the access bore. The tool holder (20) according to claim 2.

4. The actuating member (42) remains completely separated from the lower jaw (28) and does not contact the lower jaw (28) even when the locking member (48) rotates about its third axis (A3). The tool holder (20) according to claim 2.

5. The locking member (48) has a cam portion (68) and at least one swivel portion (70a, 70b) disposed along a third axis (A3) of the locking member (4); The at least one swivel portion (70a, 70b) occupies the access bore (46); The locking portion (44) of the actuating member has an acceleration aperture (76), The cam portion (68) occupies the acceleration aperture (76), the tool holder (20) according to claim 1. **Claim 6** The actuating member (42) occupies an actuating cavity (62) within the lower jaw (28), The access bore (46) communicates with the actuating cavity (62), the tool holder (20) according to claim 1. **Claim 7** The actuating cavity (62) includes a first cavity side wall (64a) and a second cavity side wall (64b) facing each other, The access bore (46) intersects at least one of the first cavity side wall (64a) and the second cavity side wall (64b), the tool holder (20) according to claim 6. **Claim 8** The upper jaw (26) and the lower jaw (28) are integrally formed and have a single integral structure, the tool holder (20) according to claim 1. **Claim 9** The upper jaw (26) and the actuating member (42) are integrally formed and have a single integral structure, the tool holder (20) according to claim 1. **Claim 10** The holder body (22) has opposing first body side surfaces (36a) and second body side surfaces (36b) that face away from each other, The access bore (46) intersects at least one of the first body side surface (36a) and the second body side surface (36b), the tool holder (20) according to claim 1. **Claim 11** The holder body (22) extends in a rearward direction (DR) - forward direction (DF) along a longitudinal axis (AL) orthogonal to the first axis (A1), The holder body (22) further includes an upper body surface (50) and a bottom body surface (53), The first body side surface (36a) and the second body side surface (36b) extend between the upper body surface (50) and the bottom body surface (53), The insert receiving pocket (34) is located at the front end portion (37) of the holder body (22), The first plane (P1) passes between the body side surfaces (36a, 36b), intersects the upper body surface (50) and the bottom body surface (53), and includes both the longitudinal axis (AL) and the first axis (A1), the tool holder (20) according to claim 10. **Claim 12** The second axis (A2) is orthogonal to the first plane (P1), the tool holder (20) according to claim 1. **Claim 13** The upper coolant tube (54) extends through the upper jaw (26), The first axis (A1) intersects the upper coolant tube (54), and the tool holder (20) according to claim 1.

14. The upper coolant tube (54) opens into an upper outlet orifice (56) on the upper jaw surface (40) adjacent to the upper pocket surface (30), and the tool holder (20) according to claim 13.

15. The lower coolant tube (58) extends through the lower jaw (28), The first axis (A1) intersects the lower coolant tube (58), and the tool holder (20) according to claim 1.

16. The lower jaw (28) has a front jaw surface (52), The lower coolant tube (58) opens into a lower outlet orifice (60) on the front jaw surface (52) adjacent to the lower pocket surface (32), and the tool holder (20) according to claim 15.

17. The upper jaw (26) has an elastic rotation axis (AR) passing through the holder body (22) rearward from the elastic slot (38), and the tool holder (20) according to claim 1.

18. The locking member (48) is not screwed and held in the access bore (46), and the tool holder (20) according to claim 1.

19. A tool holder (20) according to claim 1, and a cutting insert (82) removably fixed within the insert receiving pocket (34) of the tool holder, The holder body (22) has a first body side surface (36a) and a second body side surface (36b) facing away from each other, A ninth plane (P9) and a tenth plane (P10) defined by the first body side surface (36a) and the second body side surface (36b) are separated by a holder width (WH) orthogonal to the first plane (P1), The cutting insert (82) has at least one cutting edge (84), The at least one cutting edge (84) defines a cutting width (WCT) orthogonal to the first plane (P1), The cutting width (WCT) exceeds the holder width (WH), Cutting tool (80).

20. The portion of the holder body (22) does not cross the ninth plane (P9) and the tenth plane (P10), and the cutting tool (80) according to claim 19.

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