Cutting insert, tool holder, and cutting tool having laterally spaced, longitudinally extending wedge abutment surfaces - Patents.com

Abstract

A cutting tool used for parting-off and turning operations, wherein a cutting insert is releasably securable within a tool holder. The cutting insert includes an upper insert surface and a lower insert surface, at least one of the upper and lower surfaces including an insert engagement feature having two converging insert-engaging wedge surfaces. The tool holder includes an insert receiving slot having a fastening jaw surface and a base under-jaw surface, at least one of the fastening jaw surface and the base under-jaw surface including a slot engagement feature having two converging slot-engaging wedge surfaces. During assembly, the cutting insert is releasably fastened within the insert receiving slot. The at least one insert engagement feature abuts the at least one slot engagement feature only at the insert engagement wedge surface and the slot engagement wedge surface.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The subject matter of this application relates to parting and groove turning cutting tools of the type in which a cutting insert is held in a toolholder by a clamping force. [Background technology]

[0002] Cutting tools for parting and groove turning may include a fastening mechanism that securely holds the cutting insert within the tool holder.

[0003] The tool holder may comprise an insert-receiving slot having a base jaw and a clamping jaw, with the cutting insert being clamped within the base jaw and the clamping jaw.

[0004] To improve the stability of the cutting insert against cross cutting forces, the cutting insert may include an upper V-shaped ridge and a lower V-shaped ridge. The base jaw and the fastening jaw may each include a V-shaped groove that engages with the V-shaped ridge. Examples of such cutting inserts and tool holders are disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,696,262 and 9,120,239. Alternatively, the ridges may be formed in the cutting insert and the grooves may be formed in the tool holder. An example of such a cutting insert and tool holder is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,887,267. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is an object of the present subject matter to provide a cutting tool having an improved means for releasably fastening a cutting insert within an insert-receiving pocket of a toolholder against cross cutting forces. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a cutting tool comprising: a cutting insert elongated longitudinally in a direction defining an insert longitudinal axis; A tool holder having a fastening portion; The cutting insert comprises: two opposing insert end faces and an insert peripheral surface extending between the insert end faces about the insert longitudinal axis, the insert peripheral surface having elongated opposing upper and lower insert surfaces and two opposing insert side surfaces, at least one of the insert end faces having an integral cut portion connecting the upper and lower insert surfaces; an insert longitudinal plane that includes the insert longitudinal axis and passes midway between the two opposing insert side surfaces; an insert midplane including the insert longitudinal axis and passing between the insert upper surface and the insert lower surface; an insert normal axis oriented perpendicular to the insert midplane and contained within the insert longitudinal plane; an insert transverse axis oriented perpendicular to the insert longitudinal plane and contained within the insert midplane; at least one elongated insert engagement feature formed on at least one of the insert upper surface and the insert lower surface; at least one insert engagement feature extends longitudinally in a direction between the insert end faces along an insert engagement feature longitudinal axis; At least one insert engagement feature includes two insert engagement wedge surfaces extending along the insert engagement feature longitudinal axis and defining an insert engagement acute angle, the insert engagement acute angle being: a) by converging outwards in directions from the two insert sides so that the insert engagement angle is an internal angle; or b) by converging inwards in the directions from the two insert sides so that the insert engagement angle is an external angle It is defined, Each of the two insert engagement wedge surfaces includes an insert abutment surface, and an insert engagement angle defined by each insert abutment surface is greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 110°; The fastening part is two opposing fastening portion side surfaces and a fastening portion front end surface extending between the fastening portion side surfaces at a front end of the tool holder; a front slot opening at the fastening portion front end face, the front slot opening being elongated longitudinally in a direction defining a slot longitudinal axis; and the insert receiving slot has an upper clamping jaw having a clamping jaw surface; a lower base jaw having a base jaw underside facing the clamping jaw surface, the upper clamping jaw being elastically displaceable relative to the lower base jaw; a slot rear surface extending between the fastening jaw surface and the base subjaw surface; a slot longitudinal plane including the slot longitudinal axis and intersecting the fastening jaw surface and the base submandibular surface; a slot midplane including a slot longitudinal axis and passing midway between the fastening jaw surface and the base subjaw surface; a slot normal axis oriented perpendicular to the slot midplane and contained within the slot longitudinal plane; a slot transverse axis oriented perpendicular to the slot longitudinal plane and contained within the slot midplane; at least one elongated slot engagement feature formed on at least one of the fastening jaw surface and the base jaw surface; the at least one slot engagement feature extends longitudinally in a direction between the front slot opening and the rear slot face along a slot engagement feature longitudinal axis; at least one elongated slot-engagement feature includes two elongated opposing slot-engagement wedge surfaces extending along a slot-engagement feature longitudinal axis and converging in the same outward or inward direction from the two fastening portion side surfaces as the two insert-engagement wedge surfaces to define a slot-engagement acute angle; Each of the two slot-engagement wedge surfaces includes a slot abutment surface, and a slot engagement angle defined by each of the slot abutment surfaces is greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 110°; The cutting insert is releasably fastened between the upper fastening jaw and the lower base jaw; The at least one insert engagement feature abuts the at least one slot engagement feature at an insert abutment surface and at a slot abutment surface.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a cutting insert elongated longitudinally in a direction defining an insert longitudinal axis, the cutting insert comprising: two opposing insert end faces and an outer peripheral surface extending between the insert end faces about the insert longitudinal axis, the outer peripheral surface having elongated opposing upper and lower insert faces and two opposing insert side faces, the upper and lower insert faces being connected by at least one of the insert end faces having an integral cutting portion; an insert longitudinal plane that includes the insert longitudinal axis and passes midway between the two opposing insert side surfaces; an insert midplane including the insert longitudinal axis and passing between the insert upper surface and the insert lower surface; an insert normal axis oriented perpendicular to the insert midplane and contained within the insert longitudinal plane; an insert transverse axis oriented perpendicular to the insert longitudinal plane and contained within the insert midplane; at least one elongated insert engagement feature formed on at least one of the insert upper surface and the insert lower surface; at least one insert engagement feature extends longitudinally in a direction between the insert end faces along an insert engagement feature longitudinal axis; At least one insert engagement feature includes two insert engagement wedge surfaces extending along the insert engagement feature longitudinal axis and defining an insert engagement acute angle, the insert engagement acute angle being: a) by converging outwards in directions from the two insert sides so that the insert engagement angle is an internal angle; or b) By converging inwards in the directions from the two insert sides so that the insert engagement angle is an external angle. defined, the two insert engagement wedge surfaces having an insert engagement height measured in the direction of the insert vertical axis, the insert engagement height being less than 0.5 mm; Each of the two insert engagement wedge surfaces includes an insert abutment surface, and an insert engagement angle defined by each insert abutment surface is greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 110°; The two insert engagement wedge surfaces are spaced laterally from one another along the insert transverse axis at a lateral insert engagement distance, the lateral insert engagement distance being greater than five times the insert engagement height.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a tool holder comprising a fastening portion, the fastening portion comprising: two opposing fastening portion side surfaces and a fastening portion front end surface extending between the fastening portion side surfaces at a front end of the tool holder; a front slot opening at the fastening portion front end face, the front slot opening being elongated longitudinally in a direction defining a slot longitudinal axis; and the insert receiving slot has an upper clamping jaw having a clamping jaw surface; a lower base jaw having a base jaw underside facing the clamping jaw surface, the upper clamping jaw being elastically displaceable relative to the lower base jaw; a slot rear surface extending between the fastening jaw surface and the base subjaw surface; a slot longitudinal plane including the slot longitudinal axis and intersecting the fastening jaw surface and the base submandibular surface; a slot midplane including a slot longitudinal axis and passing midway between the fastening jaw surface and the base subjaw surface; a slot normal axis oriented perpendicular to the slot midplane and contained within the slot longitudinal plane; a slot transverse axis oriented perpendicular to the slot longitudinal plane and contained within the slot midplane; at least one elongated slot engagement feature formed on at least one of the fastening jaw surface and the base jaw surface; the at least one slot engagement feature extends longitudinally in a direction between the front slot opening and the rear slot face along a slot engagement feature longitudinal axis; At least one slot engagement feature includes two elongated opposing slot engagement wedge surfaces extending along a slot engagement feature longitudinal axis and defining a slot engagement acute angle, the slot engagement acute angle being: a) by converging outwards in a direction from the two fastening part sides so that the slot engagement angle is an exterior angle; or b) by converging inwards in the direction from the two fastening part sides so that the slot engagement angle is an internal angle It is defined, The two slot-engagement wedge surfaces have a slot-engagement height measured in the direction of the slot normal axis, the slot-engagement height being less than 0.5 mm; Each of the two slot-engagement wedge surfaces includes a slot abutment surface, and a slot engagement angle defined by each slot abutment surface is greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 110°; The two slot-engagement wedge surfaces are spaced laterally from one another along the transverse axis a slot-engagement transverse distance, the slot-engagement transverse distance being greater than five times the slot-engagement height.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a cutting tool comprising: A cutting insert of the type described above held within a fastening portion of a tool holder. Equipped with.

[0010] It should be understood that the above is a summary and that the features described below may be applicable to the subject matter of the present application in any combination, for example, any of the following features may be applicable to a cutting tool, a cutting insert or a cutting holder.

[0011] The at least one insert engagement feature may abut the at least one slot engagement feature only at the insert abutment surface and the slot abutment surface.

[0012] Each insert abutment surface may be flat. Each slot abutment surface may be convexly curved in a cross-sectional view taken in a plane perpendicular to the slot longitudinal axis.

[0013] The two insert-engagement wedge surfaces may converge outwardly in a direction from the two insert sides such that the insert-engagement angle is an interior angle. The two slot-engagement wedge surfaces may converge outwardly in a direction from the two fastener portion sides such that the slot-engagement angle is an exterior angle.

[0014] The two insert engagement wedge faces may have an insert engagement height measured in the direction of the insert normal axis, the insert engagement height being less than 0.5 mm.The two slot engagement wedge faces may have a slot engagement height measured in the direction of the slot normal axis, the slot engagement height being less than 0.5 mm.

[0015] The two insert-engagement wedge surfaces can be spaced laterally from one another along the insert transverse axis a lateral insert-engagement distance that is greater than five times the insert-engagement height. The two slot-engagement wedge surfaces can be spaced laterally from one another along the slot transverse axis a lateral slot-engagement distance that is greater than five times the slot-engagement height.

[0016] The cutting insert may include a first insert engagement feature and a second insert engagement feature, the first insert engagement feature being formed on the insert upper surface and the second insert engagement feature being formed on the insert lower surface. The insert receiving slot may include a first slot engagement feature and a second slot engagement feature, the first slot engagement feature being formed on the fastening jaw surface and the second slot engagement feature being formed on the base jaw lower surface.

[0017] The cutting insert may be resiliently clamped between the upper clamping jaw and the lower base jaw.

[0018] Each insert abutment surface may be flat.

[0019] The two insert engaging wedge surfaces may converge outwardly in a direction from the two insert sides such that the insert engaging angle is an interior angle.

[0020] At least one insert engagement feature may include an elongated insert engagement feature projection extending lengthwise along the insert engagement feature longitudinal axis. The insert engagement wedge surfaces may be located on opposite lateral sides of the insert engagement projection.

[0021] The at least one insert engagement feature may include two insert engagement feature grooves extending lengthwise along opposite lateral sides of the insert engagement projection.

[0022] The at least one insert engagement feature may include exactly one insert engagement projection and exactly two insert engagement grooves.

[0023] At least one insert engagement feature may include an insert engagement center surface extending between the two insert engagement wedge surfaces in a direction along the insert transverse axis. The insert engagement center surface may be concavely curved in a view along the insert engagement feature longitudinal axis.

[0024] The insert engagement center surface may intersect the insert longitudinal plane.

[0025] The insert engagement angle defined by each insert abutment surface may be greater than or equal to 95° and less than or equal to 100°.

[0026] At least one insert engagement feature may be formed on the insert lower surface. On a given side of the insert longitudinal plane, the insert engagement wedge surface may be closer to the insert lateral surface than the insert longitudinal plane.

[0027] The insert lower surface and the two insert side surfaces may intersect distal to the insert end surface that defines the insert lower plane, and the two insert engaging wedge surfaces formed on the insert lower surface do not extend beyond the insert lower plane in a direction away from the insert mid-plane.

[0028] At least one insert engagement feature may be formed on a top surface of the insert. On a given side of the insert longitudinal plane, the insert engagement wedge surface may be further from the insert side surface than the insert longitudinal plane.

[0029] The insert top surface and the two insert side surfaces may intersect distal to the insert end surface that defines the insert top plane, and the two insert engagement wedge surfaces formed on the insert top surface do not extend beyond the insert top plane in a direction away from the insert midplane.

[0030] The lateral insert engagement distance may be greater than or equal to 1.5 mm and less than or equal to 2.5 mm.

[0031] The cutting insert may include a first insert engagement feature and a second insert engagement feature, the first insert engagement feature formed on an upper insert surface and the second insert engagement feature formed on a lower insert surface.

[0032] The insert engagement feature longitudinal axis may be parallel to the insert longitudinal axis.

[0033] At least one insert engagement feature may exhibit mirror symmetry about the insert longitudinal plane.

[0034] At least one insert engagement feature may extend from one axial end of the cutting insert to the other axial end relative to the insert longitudinal axis.

[0035] Each slot abutment surface may be convexly curved in a cross-sectional view taken in a plane perpendicular to the slot longitudinal axis.

[0036] The two slot-engagement wedge surfaces may converge outwardly in a direction from the two fastening portion sides such that the slot-engagement angle is an exterior angle.

[0037] At least one slot-engagement feature may include a slot-engagement groove extending lengthwise along the slot-engagement feature longitudinal axis. The slot-engagement wedge surfaces may be located on opposite lateral sides of the slot-engagement groove.

[0038] The at least one slot-engagement feature may include two elongated slot-engagement projections extending lengthwise along opposite lateral sides of the slot-engagement groove.

[0039] The at least one slot-engagement feature may include exactly one slot-engagement groove and exactly two slot-engagement protrusions.

[0040] At least one slot engagement feature may be formed on the base jaw undersurface. The two slot engagement wedge surfaces may each include a non-recessed slot engagement portion along their axial extent and a recessed slot engagement portion along their axial length extending between the non-recessed slot engagement portion and the fastening portion front end face, the recessed slot engagement portion being recessed relative to the non-recessed slot engagement portion. No slot abutment surface is formed on the recessed slot engagement portion.

[0041] The slot engagement feature longitudinal axis may be parallel to the slot longitudinal axis.

[0042] At least one slot engagement feature may include a slot engagement center surface extending between the two slot engagement wedge surfaces. The slot engagement center surface may be flat.

[0043] The slot engagement center plane may intersect the slot longitudinal plane.

[0044] Each of the two slot engagement wedge surfaces may include a slot ramp surface. A slot engagement angle defined by each slot ramp surface may be greater than or equal to 95° and less than or equal to 100°.

[0045] On a given side of the slot longitudinal plane, the slot engaging wedge surface may be further from the fastening portion side surface than the slot longitudinal plane.

[0046] The lateral slot engagement distance may be greater than or equal to 1.5 mm and less than or equal to 2.5 mm.

[0047] The insert receiving slot may include a first insert engaging feature and a second insert engaging feature, the first insert receiving slot formed in the fastener jaw surface and the second insert receiving slot formed in the base jaw surface.

[0048] At least one slot engagement feature may exhibit mirror symmetry about the slot longitudinal plane.

[0049] The at least one slot engagement feature may extend from one axial end of the insert-receiving slot to the other axial end relative to the slot longitudinal axis.

[0050] For a better understanding of the present application and to show how it may be carried into practice, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cutting tool according to the present application. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the cutting tool shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the cutting insert shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the cutting insert shown in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a top view of the cutting insert shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is an end view of the cutting insert shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 7a] FIG. 7 is a first detailed view of FIG. 6. [Figure 7a] FIG. 7 is a second detailed view of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a side view of the fastening portion of the tool holder showing the insert-receiving slot shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an end view of the fastening portion shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10a] FIG. 10 is a first detailed view of FIG. 9. [Figure 10b] FIG. 10 is a second detailed view of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a side view of a fastening portion with a cutting insert fastened within the insert-receiving slot. [Figure 12a] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting tool taken along line XIIa-XIIa in FIG. 11 . [Figure 12b] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting tool taken along line XIIb-XIIb in FIG. 11 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity or several physical components may be contained within a single functional block or element. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

[0053] In the following description, various aspects of the subject matter of the present application are described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are shown in sufficient detail to provide a thorough understanding of the subject matter of the present application. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the subject matter of the present application may be practiced without the specific configurations and details presented herein.

[0054] Attention is first directed to Figures 1 and 2, which illustrate a cutting tool 20 of a type used for parting off or slotting, in accordance with some embodiments of the present subject matter. The cutting tool 20 has a cutting insert 22 and a tool holder 24, in which the cutting insert 22 is releasably fastened.

[0055] 3, the cutting insert 22 has an insert longitudinal axis A and is elongated along the insert longitudinal axis A in the same direction as the tool holder 24. The cutting insert 22 includes two opposing insert end faces 32 and an insert peripheral surface 30 extending between the two insert end faces 32. The insert peripheral surface 30 extends about the insert longitudinal axis A. The insert longitudinal axis A may intersect the two insert end faces 32. The insert peripheral surface 30 includes an elongated upper surface 26 and an elongated lower insert surface 28 opposite the elongated upper surface 26. The insert peripheral surface 30 includes two opposing insert side surfaces 33 that connect the elongated upper and lower insert surfaces 26 and 28 and also connect the two insert end faces 32. In contrast to the typical inserts shown in, for example, US2017 / 0320143, the cutting insert 22 does not have a through bore for a fastening member.

[0056] 3 to 6, the cutting insert 22 has an insert longitudinal plane P1, which includes the insert longitudinal axis A and passes through the middle between the insert side surfaces 33. The insert longitudinal plane P1 intersects the insert upper surface 26 and the insert lower surface 28 as well as the insert end surface 32. The cutting insert 22 has an insert midplane M, which includes the insert longitudinal axis A and passes through the middle between the insert upper surface 26 and the insert lower surface 28. The insert midplane M intersects the insert end surface 32 and the insert side surface 33. The cutting insert 22 has an insert vertical axis V, which is oriented perpendicular to the insert midplane M and is included in the insert longitudinal plane P1. The insert vertical axis V intersects the insert upper surface 26 and the insert lower surface 28. The cutting insert 22 has an insert transverse axis L, which is oriented perpendicular to the insert longitudinal plane P1 and is included in the insert midplane M. The insert transverse axis L intersects the insert side surface 33. With reference to Figures 3 and 6, according to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the insert upper surface 26 and the two insert side surfaces 33 may intersect distal to the insert end surface 32 to define an insert upper plane PU. Similarly, the insert lower surface 28 and the two insert side surfaces 33 may intersect distal to the insert end surface 32 to define an insert lower plane PL. The insert upper plane PU and the insert lower plane PL may be parallel to the insert midplane M (and to each other).

[0057] Located on at least one of the end faces 32 and integrally formed therewith (i.e., having a single, integral structure) is a cutting portion 34. The cutting portion 34 may have a cutting edge 36 associated with the insert upper surface 26. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, there may be two cutting portions 34. In such a configuration, the cutting insert 22 may be indexable at both ends and exhibit mirror symmetry about an insert transverse plane P2, which is oriented perpendicular to the insert longitudinal axis A, includes the insert transverse axis L, and passes midway between the insert end faces 32. Alternatively, one of the cutting portions 34 may be associated with the insert lower surface 28 (not shown), in which case the cutting insert 22 may not exhibit mirror symmetry about the insert transverse plane P2, but instead exhibit 180° rotational symmetry about the insert transverse axis I. The cutting insert 22 may be narrower in width (ie, along the insert transverse axis L) than in height (ie, along the insert vertical axis V).

[0058] 4-7b, the cutting insert 22 includes at least one elongated insert engagement feature 40, the insert engagement feature 40 being formed on at least one of the insert upper surface 26 and the insert lower surface 28. That is, the at least one engagement feature 40 is formed on the insert upper surface 26 and / or the insert lower surface 28. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the cutting insert 22 may include a first insert engagement feature 40 and a second insert engagement feature 40, the first insert engagement feature 40 being formed on the insert upper surface 26 and the second insert engagement feature 40 being formed on the insert lower surface 28. That is, each of the insert upper surface 26 and the insert upper surface 28 has an insert engagement feature formed thereon.

[0059] The at least one insert engagement feature 40 extends longitudinally along an insert engagement feature longitudinal axis I in a direction between the insert end faces 32. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the insert engagement feature longitudinal axis I may be parallel to (offset from) the insert longitudinal axis A. The at least one insert engagement feature 40 may extend from one axial end to the other axial end of the cutting insert 22 relative to the insert longitudinal axis A.

[0060] With particular reference to FIGS. 4-5 and 7a-7b, according to some embodiments of the present subject matter, at least one insert engagement feature 40 may include an elongated insert engagement protrusion 42 extending lengthwise along the insert engagement feature longitudinal axis I. At least one insert engagement feature 40 may include two insert engagement feature grooves 44 extending lengthwise along opposite lateral sides of the insert engagement protrusion 42. The two spaced apart insert engagement grooves 44 are preferably spaced apart from one another along the entire length of the insert engagement groove 44 and are preferably parallel to one another. Thus, each insert engagement groove 44 is located between the insert engagement protrusion 42 and one of the insert side surfaces 33. Preferably, at least one insert engagement feature 40 may include a total of exactly one insert engagement protrusion 42 and exactly two insert engagement grooves between opposing insert side surfaces 33.

[0061] At least one insert engagement feature 40 includes two elongated opposing insert engagement wedge surfaces 46. One insert engagement wedge surface 46 may be associated with each groove 44. The two insert engagement wedge surfaces 46 extend along the insert engagement feature longitudinal axis I. That is, the two insert engagement wedge surfaces 46 extend lengthwise in the direction of the insert engagement feature longitudinal axis I. The two insert engagement wedge surfaces 46 are located on either side of the insert engagement feature longitudinal axis I in a view along the insert vertical axis V. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the insert wedge surfaces 46 may be located on either lateral side of the insert engagement protrusion 42.

[0062] The two insert engagement wedge surfaces 46 are inclined in opposite lateral directions (i.e., in opposite directions along the insert transverse axis L) in a direction toward the insert longitudinal axis A. The two insert engagement wedge surfaces 46 converge toward one another to define an insert engagement acute angle θ. The insert engagement angle θ is measured in a view along the insert longitudinal axis A.

[0063] 7a and 7b, in configurations in which at least one insert engagement feature 40 includes an insert engagement protrusion 42 (i.e., at least one insert engagement feature 40 includes a male member), the two insert engagement wedge surfaces 46 converge outwardly (i.e., away from the insert longitudinal axis A) in a direction from the two insert side surfaces 33 such that the insert engagement acute angle θ is an interior angle. In such cases, the two insert engagement wedge surfaces 46 may face away from one another.

[0064] Alternatively, at least one insert engagement feature 40 may include a female member. In such a configuration (not shown), the two insert engagement wedge surfaces 46 converge inwardly (i.e., toward the insert longitudinal axis A) in a direction from the two insert side surfaces 33 such that the insert engagement angle θ is an exterior angle. The two insert engagement wedge surfaces 46 may face toward each other. The former configuration is preferred. It should be understood that throughout the detailed description and claims, an "interior angle" refers to an angle between two surface components of a member face measured on the interior side of the member, while an "exterior angle" refers to an angle between two surface components of a member face measured on the exterior side of the member.

[0065] Returning to FIG. 7a, according to some embodiments of the present subject matter, at least one insert engagement feature 40 may be formed on the insert top surface 26. On a given side of the insert longitudinal plane P1, the insert engagement wedge surface 46 may be further from the insert side surface 33 than the insert longitudinal plane P1. The two insert engagement wedge surfaces 46 do not extend beyond the insert top plane PU in a direction away from the insert midplane M. In other words, the two insert engagement wedge surfaces 46 are on the same side of the insert top plane PU as the insert midplane M and the insert longitudinal axis A.

[0066] Returning to FIG. 7b, according to some embodiments of the present subject matter, at least one insert engagement feature 40 may be formed on the insert lower surface 28. On a given side of the insert longitudinal plane P1, the insert engagement wedge surface 46 may be closer to the insert side surface 33 than the insert longitudinal plane P1. The two insert engagement wedge surfaces 46 formed on the insert lower surface 28 do not extend beyond the insert lower plane PL in a direction away from the insert midplane M. In other words, the two insert engagement wedge surfaces 46 are on the same side of the insert lower plane PL as the insert midplane M and the insert longitudinal axis A.

[0067] According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, in configurations with two insert engagement features 40 (formed on the insert upper surface 26 and the insert lower surface 28), the two insert wedge surfaces 46 belonging to the first insert engagement feature 40 formed on the insert upper surface 26 are identical to the two insert engagement wedge surfaces 46 belonging to the second insert engagement feature 40 formed on the insert lower surface 28, except for the axial length of the insert wedge surfaces 46. At least one insert engagement feature 40 may exhibit mirror symmetry about the insert longitudinal plane P1.

[0068] The two insert-engaging wedge surfaces 46 are spaced apart from each other laterally along the insert transverse axis L by an insert-engaging lateral distance d. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the insert-engaging lateral distance d may be greater than or equal to 1.5 mm and less than or equal to 2.5 mm. Preferably, the insert-engaging lateral distance d may be equal to 2.13 mm.

[0069] According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, at least one insert engagement feature 40 may include an insert engagement central surface 48 extending between two spaced apart insert engagement wedge surfaces 46. That is, the two insert engagement wedge surfaces 46 are located on either side of the insert engagement central surface 48. The insert engagement central surface 48 extends lengthwise in a direction along the insert engagement feature longitudinal axis I. The insert engagement central surface 48 may be concavely curved in a view along the insert engagement feature longitudinal axis I. Thus, the apex of the insert engagement protrusion 42 may include an elongated insert concave surface 49. The insert engagement central surface 48 (and the insert concave surface 49) may intersect the insert longitudinal plane P1.

[0070] 7a-7b, the two insert engagement wedge faces 46 have an insert engagement height H measured in the direction of the insert vertical axis V. The insert engagement height H is greater than 0.1 mm. The insert engagement height H is less than 0.5 mm. Preferably, the insert engagement height H may be equal to 0.2 mm. Because the insert engagement height H is less than 0.5 mm, the two insert engagement protrusions 42 are less susceptible to breakage. The insert engagement lateral distance d is greater than 5 times the insert engagement height H. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the insert engagement height H may be measured between two spaced apart insert tangent planes TP oriented parallel to the insert midplane M, the two spaced apart insert tangent planes TP being tangent to each insert engagement wedge face 46 at an extreme end point (i.e., the end point is located where the insert engagement wedge face 46 changes direction relative to the insert vertical axis V).

[0071] 7a-7b, each of the two insert-engaging wedge surfaces 46 includes an insert abutment surface 50 that abuts a corresponding surface on the insert-receiving slot of the toolholder. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, each insert abutment surface 50 may be flat.

[0072] The insert engagement angle θ defined by each insert abutment surface 50 is equal to or greater than 90° and equal to or less than 110°. When the insert engagement angle θ defined by each insert abutment surface 50 exceeds 110°, the insert abutment surface 50 tends to slide laterally past the corresponding abutment surface on the insert-receiving slot when the cutting insert 22 is subjected to a lateral cutting force CF. Preferably, the insert engagement angle θ defined by each insert abutment surface 50 may be equal to or greater than 95° and equal to or less than 100°. More preferably, the insert engagement angle θ defined by each insert abutment surface 50 may be equal to 98.8°.

[0073] Attention is now directed to FIG. 8, which illustrates a tool holder 24 that releasably holds a cutting insert 22 as described herein. The tool holder 24 is rotatable in a forward direction D. F From rear direction D R8 and 11. It should be understood that use of the terms "forward" and "rearward" throughout this specification and claims refers to relative positions toward the left and right in Figs. 8 and 11, respectively, in the direction of the holder longitudinal axis B. The tool holder 24 has a body portion 58 and a fastening portion 60 located at a front end of the tool holder 24. The fastening portion 60 may be formed integrally with the body portion 58. The fastening portion 60 includes two opposing fastening portion sides 63 and a fastening portion front end face 64 extending between the fastening portion sides 63 at a front end of the fastening portion 60. The fastening portion 60 has an insert receiving slot 62 opening into the fastening portion front end face 64 to form a front slot opening 65. The insert receiving slot 62 opens laterally into the two opposing fastening portion sides 63. The insert receiving slot 62 is longitudinally elongated in a direction defining a slot longitudinal axis C. The insert receiving slot 62 has an upper clamping jaw 66 and a lower base jaw 68, with the upper clamping jaw 66 being resiliently displaceable relative to the lower base jaw 68. The upper clamping jaw 66 has a clamping jaw surface 70. The lower base jaw 68 has a base jaw undersurface 72. Generally, the clamping jaw surface 70 faces the base jaw undersurface 72. The insert receiving slot 62 includes a slot rear surface 74 extending between the clamping jaw surface 70 and the base jaw undersurface 72. The slot longitudinal axis C intersects the slot rear surface 74 and passes through the front slot opening 65. A portion of the slot rear surface 74 may act as an axial stop. At least the clamping portion 60 is blade-like such that the tool holder 24 is suitable for parting and groove turning operations. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the entire tool holder 24 may be a blade (assemblyable to a block). The slot longitudinal axis C is parallel to the holder longitudinal axis B and may be offset from the holder longitudinal axis B.

[0074] 8-9, the insert receiving slot 62 has a slot longitudinal plane P1', which includes a slot longitudinal axis C and intersects the fastening jaw surface 70 and the base under-jaw surface 72. The insert receiving slot 62 has a slot mid-plane M', which includes a slot longitudinal axis C and intersects midway between the fastening jaw surface 70 and the base under-jaw surface 72. The insert receiving slot 62 has a slot vertical axis V', which is oriented perpendicular to the slot mid-plane M' and is contained within the slot longitudinal plane P1'. The slot vertical axis V' intersects the fastening jaw surface 70 and the base under-jaw surface 72. The insert receiving slot 62 has a slot transverse axis L', which is oriented perpendicular to the slot longitudinal plane P1' and is contained within the slot mid-plane M'. The slot transverse axis L' passes midway between the fastening jaw surface 70 and the base under-jaw surface 72. The insert-receiving slot 62 has a slot transverse plane P2' that is oriented perpendicular to the slot longitudinal axis C, contains the slot transverse axis L', and passes midway between the front slot opening 65 and the rear slot face 74.

[0075] 9 and 10a-b, the insert receiving slot 62 includes at least one elongated slot engagement feature 78, where the at least one elongated slot engagement feature 78 is formed in at least one of the fastening jaw surface 70 and the base under-jaw surface 72. That is, the at least one slot engagement feature 78 is formed in the fastening jaw surface 70 and / or the base under-jaw surface 72. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the insert receiving slot 62 can include a first slot engagement feature 78 and a second slot engagement feature 78, where the first slot engagement feature 78 is formed in the fastening jaw surface 70 and the second slot engagement feature 78 is formed in the base under-jaw surface 72. That is, each of the fastening jaw surface 70 and the base under-jaw surface 72 has a slot engagement feature 78 formed therein.

[0076] At least the slot engagement feature 78 extends longitudinally along a slot engagement feature longitudinal axis S in a direction between the front slot opening 65 and the rear slot face 74. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, at least one slot engagement feature 78 may extend from one axial end of the insert-receiving slot 62 to the other axial end relative to the slot longitudinal axis C. In configurations in which the at least one slot engagement feature 78 is located on the base under-jaw surface 72, the slot engagement feature longitudinal axis S may be parallel to (or offset from) the slot longitudinal axis C.

[0077] With particular reference to Figs. 8 and 10a-b, according to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the at least one slot engagement feature 78 may include a slot engagement groove 80 extending lengthwise along the slot engagement feature longitudinal axis S. The at least one slot engagement feature 78 may include two elongated slot engagement protrusions 82 extending lengthwise along both lateral sides of the slot engagement groove 80. The two spaced apart slot engagement protrusions 82 are preferably spaced apart from one another along the entire length of the slot protrusions 82 and are preferably parallel to one another. Thus, each slot engagement protrusion 82 is located between the slot engagement groove 42 and one of the fastening portion sides 63. Preferably, the at least one slot engagement feature 78 may include exactly one slot engagement groove 80 and exactly two slot engagement protrusions 82 in total between both sides of the tool holder, e.g., between two opposing fastening portion sides 63. The two slot engagement protrusions 82 are rigid. That is, the two slot engagement protrusions 82 are not deformable.

[0078] At least one slot engagement feature 78 includes two elongated opposing slot engagement wedge surfaces 84. One slot engagement wedge surface 84 may be associated with each protrusion 82. The two slot engagement wedge surfaces 84 extend along the slot engagement feature longitudinal axis I'. That is, the two slot engagement wedge surfaces 84 extend lengthwise in the direction of the slot engagement feature longitudinal axis S. The two slot engagement wedge surfaces 84 are located on either side of the slot engagement feature longitudinal axis I' in a view along the slot normal axis V'. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, the slot engagement wedge surfaces 84 may be located on opposite longitudinal sides of the slot engagement groove 80.

[0079] The two slot-engaging wedge surfaces 84 are inclined in opposite lateral directions (i.e., in opposite directions along the slot transverse axis L') in a direction toward the slot longitudinal axis C. The two slot-engaging wedge surfaces 84 converge toward one another to define a slot-engagement acute angle θ'. The slot-engagement angle θ' is measured in a view along the slot longitudinal axis C.

[0080] 10a and 10b, in a configuration in which at least one slot-engagement feature 78 includes a slot-engagement groove 80 (i.e., at least one slot-engagement feature 78 includes a female member), the two slot-engagement wedge surfaces 84 converge outwardly (i.e., away from the slot longitudinal axis C) in a direction from the two fastening portion sides 63 such that the slot-engagement angle θ′ is an exterior angle. In such a case, the two slot-engagement wedge surfaces 84 may face toward each other.

[0081] Alternatively, at least one slot engagement feature 78 may include a male member. In such a configuration (not shown), the two slot engagement wedge surfaces 84 converge inwardly (i.e., toward the slot longitudinal axis C) in a direction from the two fastening portion side surfaces 63, such that the slot engagement angle θ′ is an interior angle. In such a case, the two slot engagement wedge surfaces 84 may face away from each other. The former configuration is preferred. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, on a given side of the slot longitudinal plane P1′, the slot engagement wedge surface 84 may be further away from the fastening portion side surface 63 than the slot longitudinal plane P1′.

[0082] Returning to FIG. 8, according to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, at least one slot engagement feature 78 may be formed in the base under-jaw surface 72. The two slot engagement wedge surfaces 84 may each include a non-recessed slot engagement portion 88 and a recessed slot engagement portion 90 along their axial extent, the recessed slot engagement portion 90 extending between the non-recessed slot engagement portion 88 and the fastening portion front end surface 64. The recessed slot engagement portion 90 may be recessed along its axial length relative to the non-recessed slot engagement portion 88. That is, the recessed slot engagement portion 90 is further from the slot longitudinal axis C than the non-recessed slot engagement portion 88. The non-recessed slot engagement portion 88 may be spaced from the fastening portion front end surface 64 by the recessed slot engagement portion 90, the recessed slot engagement portion 90 having a recessed portion axial length LR of 2 mm or less (measured along the slot longitudinal axis C). The slot abutment surface 92 is not formed in the recessed slot engagement portion 90. Thus, the slot abutment surface 92 may be spaced from the fastening portion front end surface 64 .

[0083] According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, in a configuration with two slot engagement features 78, where a first slot engagement feature is formed in the fastening jaw surface 70 and a second slot engagement feature is formed in the base under-jaw surface 72, the two slot wedge surfaces 84 belonging to the first slot engagement feature 78 formed in the fastening jaw surface 70 are identical to the two insert engagement wedge surfaces 46 belonging to the second slot engagement feature 78 formed in the base under-jaw surface 72, except for the axial length of the slot wedge surfaces 84. At least one slot engagement feature 78 may exhibit mirror symmetry about the slot longitudinal plane P1′.

[0084] 10a-b, the two slot engagement wedge surfaces 84 are spaced apart from each other laterally along the slot transverse axis L' by a slot engagement transverse distance d'. The slot engagement transverse distance d' is less than the insert engagement transverse distance d. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the slot engagement transverse distance d' may be greater than or equal to 1.5 mm and less than or equal to 2.5 mm. Advantageously, such a configuration allows the slot abutment surfaces (described below) to be spaced apart sufficiently laterally to provide a stable fastening. Preferably, the slot engagement transverse distance d' may be equal to 1.9 mm.

[0085] According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, at least one slot engagement feature 78 may include a slot engagement center surface 86 extending between two slot engagement wedge surfaces 84. That is, the two slot engagement wedge surfaces 84 are located on either side of the slot engagement center surface 86. The slot engagement center surface 86 may extend lengthwise in the direction of the slot engagement feature longitudinal axis S. The slot engagement center surface 86 may be flat. The slot engagement center surface 86 may intersect the slot longitudinal plane P1′.

[0086] According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, each of the two slot engagement wedge surfaces 84 may include a slot inclined surface 94. The slot inclined surface 94 may be flat. The slot engagement angle θ′ defined by each slot inclined surface 94 may be less than the insert engagement angle θ defined by each insert engagement wedge surface 46. The slot engagement angle θ′ defined by each slot inclined surface 94 may be greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 110°. Preferably, the slot engagement angle θ′ defined by each slot inclined surface 94 may be greater than or equal to 92.5° and less than or equal to 97.5°. More preferably, the slot engagement angle θ′ defined by each slot inclined surface 94 may be equal to 94°.

[0087] 10a-b, the two slot engagement wedge surfaces 84 have a slot engagement height H' measured in the direction of the slot vertical axis V'. The slot engagement height H' is greater than 0.1 mm. The slot engagement height H' is less than 0.5 mm. Preferably, the slot engagement height H' may be equal to 0.28 mm. Because the slot engagement height H' is less than 0.5 mm, the two slot engagement protrusions 82 are rigid. That is, the two slot engagement protrusions 82 are not deformable. The slot engagement lateral distance d' is greater than 5 times the slot engagement height H'. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the slot engagement height H' can be measured between two spaced apart slot tangent planes TP' oriented parallel to the slot midplane M', and which are tangent to each slot engagement wedge surface 84 at an extreme end point (i.e., the end point is located where the slot engagement wedge surface 84 changes direction relative to the slot normal axis V'). The slot engagement height H' can exceed the insert engagement height H.

[0088] 10a-b, each of the two slot-engagement wedge surfaces 84 includes a slot abutment surface 92 that abuts a corresponding surface on the cutting insert 22. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, each slot abutment surface 92 may transition into an adjacent slot inclined surface 94. Each slot abutment surface 92 may be convexly curved in a cross-sectional view taken in a plane perpendicular to the slot longitudinal axis C (i.e., as shown in FIGS. 12a-b).

[0089] The slot engagement angle θ' defined by each slot abutment surface 92 may be greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 110°. When the slot engagement angle θ' defined by each slot abutment surface 92 exceeds 110°, the insert abutment surface 50 tends to slide laterally past the slot abutment surface 92 when the cutting insert is subjected to a lateral cutting force CF. Preferably, the slot engagement angle θ' defined by each slot abutment surface 92 may be greater than or equal to 95° and less than or equal to 100°.

[0090] 1 and 2 , the cutting tool 20 has a cutting insert 22 that is releasably fastened between an upper clamping jaw 66 and a lower base jaw 68. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the cutting insert 22 may be resiliently fastened between the upper clamping jaw 66 and the lower base jaw 68.

[0091] Each insert engagement feature 40 engages with a corresponding slot engagement feature 78. The two slot engagement wedge surfaces 84 converge in the same outward or inward direction as the direction of the two insert engagement wedge surfaces 46 from the two fastening portion side surfaces 63. That is, if the two insert engagement wedge surfaces 46 converge outward in the direction from the two insert side surfaces 33, the two slot engagement wedge surfaces 84 converge outward in the direction from the two fastening portion side surfaces 63. Similarly, if the two insert engagement wedge surfaces 46 converge inward in the direction from the two insert side surfaces 33, the two slot engagement wedge surfaces 84 converge inward in the direction from the two fastening portion side surfaces 63. It should be noted that when the insert engagement angle θ is an interior angle, the slot engagement angle θ′ is an exterior angle, and vice versa. According to some embodiments of the subject matter of the present application, also referring to FIGS. 11-12b, the insert engagement protrusion 42 may be located in the slot engagement groove 80. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the insert engagement groove 44 may be located within the slot engagement projection 82. The insert concave surface 49 is unoccupied.

[0092] The at least one insert engagement feature 40 abuts the at least one slot engagement feature 78 at the insert abutment surface 50 and the slot abutment surface 92. Such a configuration provides improved stability to the cutting insert 22 in the insert-receiving slot 62 against lateral cutting forces CF (i.e., in the direction of the slot transverse axis L'). According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the at least one insert engagement feature 40 may abut the at least one slot engagement feature 78 only at the insert abutment surface 50 and the slot abutment surface 92. That is, the remainder of the at least one insert engagement feature 40 may be spaced apart from the remainder of the at least one slot engagement feature 78. Similarly, it is noted that the remainder of the insert upper surface 26 and / or the insert lower surface 28 that are not part of the insert engagement feature 40 may be spaced apart from the remainder of the fastening jaw surface 70 and / or the base jaw lower surface 72 that are not part of the slot engagement feature 78. It is further noted that in particular, the slot inclined surface 94 does not contact the at least one insert engagement feature 40. It is still further noted that the common interface between the at least one insert engagement feature 40 and the at least one slot engagement feature 78 does not include serrations, which have a series of interlocking alternating valleys and peaks, as disclosed, for example, in WO 2004 / 062839, potentially resulting in an over-determined configuration and unstable installation.

[0093] Although the subject matter of the present application has been described in some detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. For example, the insert-engaging wedge surface 46 and / or the slot-engaging wedge surface 84 may include two component surfaces axially separated by a notched (i.e., recessed) portion as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 9,033,622.

Claims

1. A cutting tool (20), comprising: a cutting insert (22) elongated longitudinally in a direction defining an insert longitudinal axis (A); a tool holder (24) having a fastening portion (60); The cutting insert (22) comprises: two opposing insert end faces (32) and an insert outer peripheral surface (30) extending between the two opposing insert end faces (32) around the insert longitudinal axis (A), the insert outer peripheral surface (30) comprising elongated opposing insert upper and lower surfaces (26 and 28) and two opposing insert side surfaces (33), the insert end faces (32) and the insert outer peripheral surface (30) connecting the insert upper and lower surfaces (26 and 28) at at least one of the insert end faces (32) having an integral cutting portion (34); an insert longitudinal plane (P1) that includes the insert longitudinal axis (A) and passes midway between the two opposing insert side surfaces (33); an insert midplane (M) that includes the insert longitudinal axis (A) and passes between the insert upper surface (26) and the insert lower surface (28); an insert vertical axis (V) oriented perpendicular to said insert mid-plane (M) and contained within said insert longitudinal plane (P1); an insert transverse axis (L) oriented perpendicular to said insert longitudinal plane (P1) and contained within said insert mid-plane (M); at least one elongated insert engagement feature (40) formed on at least one of the insert upper surface (26) and the insert lower surface (28); wherein at least one said insert engagement feature (40) extends longitudinally in a direction between said insert end faces (32) along an insert engagement feature longitudinal axis (I); At least one of the insert engagement features (40) comprises two insert engagement wedge surfaces (46), the two insert engagement wedge surfaces (46) extending along the insert engagement feature longitudinal axis (I) and defining an insert engagement acute angle (θ), the insert engagement acute angle (θ) being: a) by converging outwards in directions from the two insert sides (33) so that the insert engagement angle (θ) is an interior angle; or b) by converging inwards in directions from the two insert sides (33) so that the insert engagement angle (θ) is an external angle. Defined, Each of the two insert engagement wedge surfaces (46) has an insert abutment surface (50), and the insert engagement angle (θ) defined by each of the insert abutment surfaces (50) is greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 110°; The fastening portion (60) is two opposing fastening portion side surfaces (63) and a fastening portion front end surface (64) extending between the two opposing fastening portion side surfaces (63) at a front end of the tool holder (24); an insert-receiving slot (62) extending longitudinally in a direction defining a slot longitudinal axis (C) and opening into the fastening portion front end face (64) and forming a front slot opening (65); and the insert receiving slot (62) has: an upper clamping jaw (66) having a clamping jaw surface (70); a lower base jaw (68) having a base jaw lower surface (72) facing the clamping jaw surface (70), wherein the upper clamping jaw (66) is elastically displaceable relative to the lower base jaw (68); a slot rear surface (74) extending between said clamping jaw surface (70) and said base under-jaw surface (72); a slot longitudinal plane (P1′) that includes the slot longitudinal axis (C) and intersects the fastening jaw surface (70) and the base jaw subsurface (72); a slot mid-plane (M') that includes the slot longitudinal axis (C) and passes midway between the clamping jaw surface (70) and the base jaw subsurface (72); a slot normal axis (V') oriented perpendicular to said slot mid-plane (M') and contained within said slot longitudinal plane (P1'); a slot transverse axis (L') oriented perpendicular to said slot longitudinal plane (P1') and contained within said slot mid-plane (M'); at least one elongated slot engagement mechanism (78) formed on at least one of the clamping jaw surface (70) and the base under-jaw surface (72); wherein at least one said slot engagement feature (78) extends longitudinally in a direction between said front slot opening (65) and said rear slot face (74) along a slot engagement feature longitudinal axis (S); at least one said elongated slot-engagement feature (78) comprises two elongated opposing slot-engagement wedge surfaces (84), said slot-engagement wedge surfaces (84) extending along said slot-engagement feature longitudinal axis (I') and converging in the same outward or inward direction as the direction from the two said fastening portion side surfaces (63) to the two said insert-engagement wedge surfaces (46), thereby defining a slot-engagement acute angle (θ'); each of the two slot-engagement wedge surfaces (84) includes a slot abutment surface (92), and the slot engagement angle (θ′) defined by each of the slot abutment surfaces (92) is greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 110°; The cutting insert (22) is releasably fastened between the upper fastening jaw (66) and the lower base jaw (68); The cutting tool (20), wherein the at least one insert engagement feature (40) abuts the at least one slot engagement feature (78) at the insert abutment surface (50) and the slot abutment surface (92).

2. 2. The cutting tool (20) of claim 1, wherein the at least one insert engagement feature (40) abuts the at least one slot engagement feature (78) only at the insert abutment surface (50) and the slot abutment surface (92).

3. Each of said insert abutment surfaces (50) is flat; 2. The cutting tool (20) of claim 1, wherein each said slot abutment surface (92) is convexly curved in a cross section taken in a plane perpendicular to said slot longitudinal axis (C).

4. the two insert engagement wedge surfaces (46) converge outward in a direction from the two insert side surfaces (33) such that the insert engagement angle (θ) is an interior angle; 2. The cutting tool (20) of claim 1, wherein the two slot-engagement wedge surfaces (84) converge outward in a direction from the two fastening portion side surfaces (63) such that the slot-engagement angle (θ′) is an exterior angle.

5. The cutting insert (22) comprises a first insert engagement feature (40) and a second insert engagement feature (40), the first insert engagement feature being formed on the insert upper surface (26) and the second insert engagement feature being formed on the insert lower surface (28); 2. The cutting tool of claim 1, wherein the insert-receiving slot comprises a first slot engagement feature and a second slot engagement feature, the first slot engagement feature being formed in the fastening jaw surface and the second slot engagement feature being formed in the base jaw undersurface.

6. The cutting tool (20) of claim 1, wherein the cutting insert (22) is resiliently clamped between the upper clamping jaw (66) and the lower base jaw (68).

7. A cutting insert (22) elongated longitudinally in a direction defining an insert longitudinal axis (A), said cutting insert (22) comprising: two opposing insert end faces (32) and an insert outer peripheral surface (30) extending between the two opposing insert end faces (32) around the insert longitudinal axis (A), the insert outer peripheral surface (30) comprising elongated opposing insert upper and lower surfaces (26 and 28) and two opposing insert side surfaces (33), the insert end faces (32) and the insert outer peripheral surface (30) connecting the insert upper surface (26) and the insert lower surface (28) at at least one of the insert end faces (32) having an integral cutting portion (34); an insert longitudinal plane (P1) that includes the insert longitudinal axis (A) and passes midway between the two opposing insert side surfaces (33); an insert midplane (M) that includes the insert longitudinal axis (A) and passes between the insert upper surface (26) and the insert lower surface (28); an insert vertical axis (V) oriented perpendicular to said insert mid-plane (M) and contained within said insert longitudinal plane (P1); an insert transverse axis (L) oriented perpendicular to said insert longitudinal plane (P1) and contained within said insert mid-plane (M); at least one elongated insert engagement feature (40) formed on at least one of the insert upper surface (26) and the insert lower surface (28); wherein the at least one insert engagement feature (40) extends longitudinally in a direction between the insert end faces (32) along an insert engagement feature longitudinal axis (I); At least one of the insert engagement features (40) comprises two insert engagement wedge surfaces (46), the two insert engagement wedge surfaces (46) extending along the insert engagement feature longitudinal axis (I) and defining an insert engagement acute angle (θ), the insert engagement acute angle (θ) being: a) by converging outwards in directions from the two insert sides (33) so that the insert engagement angle (θ) is an interior angle; or b) by converging inwards in directions from the two insert sides (33) so that the insert engagement angle (θ) is an external angle wherein the two insert engagement wedge surfaces (46) have an insert engagement height (H) measured in the direction of the insert vertical axis (V), and the insert engagement height (H) is less than 0.5 mm; Each of the two insert engagement wedge surfaces (46) has an insert abutment surface (50), and the insert engagement angle (θ) defined by each of the insert abutment surfaces (50) is greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 110°; The two insert engagement wedge surfaces (46) are spaced apart laterally from each other along the insert transverse axis (L) by an insert engagement transverse distance (d), the insert engagement transverse distance (d) being greater than five times the insert engagement height (H).

8. The insert (22) of claim 7, wherein each insert abutment surface (50) is flat.

9. The cutting insert (22) according to claim 7, wherein the two insert-engaging wedge surfaces (46) converge outward in directions from the two insert side surfaces (33) such that the insert-engaging angle (θ) is an interior angle.

10. At least one of the insert engagement features (40) comprises an elongated insert engagement projection (42) extending lengthwise along the insert engagement feature longitudinal axis (I); The cutting insert (22) of claim 7, wherein the insert-engaging wedge surfaces (46) are located on opposite lateral sides of the insert-engaging projection (42).

11. 11. The cutting insert (22) of claim 10, wherein the at least one insert engagement feature (40) comprises two insert engagement feature grooves (44) extending lengthwise along opposite lateral sides of the insert engagement projection (42).

12. The cutting insert (22) of claim 11, wherein the at least one insert engagement feature (40) comprises exactly one insert engagement protrusion (42) and exactly two insert engagement grooves (44).

13. 8. The cutting insert (22) of claim 7, wherein the cutting insert (22) comprises a first insert engagement feature (40) and a second insert engagement feature (40), the first insert engagement feature being formed on the insert upper surface (26) and the second insert engagement feature being formed on the insert lower surface (28).

14. 8. The cutting insert (22) of claim 7, wherein at least one insert engagement feature (40) extends from one axial end to the other axial end of the cutting insert (22) relative to the insert longitudinal axis (A).

15. A tool holder (24) comprising a fastening portion (60), said fastening portion (60) comprising: two opposing fastening portion side faces (63) and a fastening portion front end face (64) extending between the fastening portion side faces (63) at the front end of the tool holder (24); an insert-receiving slot (62) extending longitudinally in a direction defining a slot longitudinal axis (C) and opening into the fastening portion front end face (64) and forming a front slot opening (65); and the insert receiving slot (62) has: an upper clamping jaw (66) having a clamping jaw surface (70); a lower base jaw (68) having a base jaw lower surface (72) facing the clamping jaw surface (70), wherein the upper clamping jaw (66) is elastically displaceable relative to the lower base jaw (68); a slot rear surface (74) extending between said clamping jaw surface (70) and said base under-jaw surface (72); a slot longitudinal plane (P1′) that includes the slot longitudinal axis (C) and intersects the fastening jaw surface (70) and the base jaw subsurface (72); a slot mid-plane (M') that includes the slot longitudinal axis (C) and passes midway between the clamping jaw surface (70) and the base jaw subsurface (72); a slot normal axis (V') oriented perpendicular to said slot mid-plane (M') and contained within said slot longitudinal plane (P1'); a slot transverse axis (L') oriented perpendicular to said slot longitudinal plane (P1') and contained within said slot mid-plane (M'); at least one elongated slot engagement mechanism (78) formed on at least one of the clamping jaw surface (70) and the base under-jaw surface (72); wherein at least one said slot engagement feature (78) extends longitudinally in a direction between said front slot opening (65) and said rear slot face (74) along a slot engagement feature longitudinal axis (S); At least one of the slot engagement features (78) comprises two elongated opposing slot engagement wedge surfaces (84), the slot engagement wedge surfaces (84) extending along the slot engagement feature longitudinal axis (I') and defining a slot engagement acute angle (θ'), the slot engagement acute angle (θ) being: a) by converging outwards in a direction from the two fastening portion sides (63) so that the slot engagement angle (θ′) is an exterior angle; or b) by converging inwards in directions from the two fastening portion sides (63) so that the slot engagement angle (θ′) is an interior angle Defined, the two slot-engagement wedge surfaces (84) have a slot-engagement height (H') measured in the direction of the slot vertical axis (V'), and the slot-engagement height (H') is less than 0.5 mm; Each of the two slot-engaging wedge surfaces (46) has a slot abutment surface (92), and the slot engagement angle (θ) defined by each slot abutment surface (92) is greater than or equal to 90° and less than or equal to 110°; The two slot-engagement wedge surfaces (84) are spaced laterally from each other along the transverse axis (L') by a slot-engagement lateral distance (d'), and the slot-engagement lateral distance (d') is greater than five times the slot-engagement height (H').

16. 16. The tool holder (24) of claim 15, wherein each said slot abutment surface (92) is convexly curved in a cross section taken in a plane perpendicular to said slot longitudinal axis (C).

17. 16. The tool holder (24) according to claim 15, wherein the two slot-engagement wedge surfaces (84) converge outward in a direction from the two fastening portion side surfaces (63) such that the slot-engagement angle (θ′) is an exterior angle.

18. At least one of the slot engagement features (78) includes a slot engagement groove (80) extending lengthwise along the slot engagement feature longitudinal axis (S); 18. The tool holder (24) of claim 17, wherein the slot-engaging wedge surfaces (84) are located on opposite lateral sides of the slot-engaging groove (80).

19. 20. The tool holder (24) of claim 18, wherein the at least one slot-engagement feature (78) comprises two elongated slot-engagement protrusions (82) extending lengthwise along opposite lateral sides of the slot-engagement groove (80).

20. 20. The tool holder (24) of claim 19, wherein the at least one slot-engagement feature (78) comprises exactly one slot-engagement groove (80) and exactly two slot-engagement protrusions (82).

21. At least one said slot engagement mechanism (78) is formed in said base under-chin surface (72); each of the two slot-engagement wedge surfaces (84) includes a non-recessed slot-engagement portion (88) along the axial extent of the slot-engagement wedge surface (84) and a recessed slot-engagement portion (90) extending along the axial length of the slot-engagement wedge surface (84) between the non-recessed slot-engagement portion (88) and the fastening portion front end face (64), the recessed slot-engagement portion (90) being recessed relative to the non-recessed slot-engagement portion (88); 16. The tool holder (24) of claim 15, wherein the slot abutment surface (92) is not formed in the recessed slot engagement portion (90).

22. 16. The tool holder (24) of claim 15, wherein the insert-receiving slot (62) comprises a first insert-engaging feature (78) and a second insert-engaging feature (78), the first insert-receiving slot being formed in the fastening jaw surface (70) and the second insert-receiving slot being formed in the base jaw undersurface (72).

23. 16. The tool holder (24) of claim 15, wherein at least one said slot-engaging feature (78) extends from one axial end to the other axial end of said insert-receiving slot (62) relative to said slot longitudinal axis (C).

Images