Tool assembly configured for swiss-style machining

Abstract

To provide an improved tool assembly suitable for use in Swiss-style machining, and components in the tool assembly.SOLUTION: A grooving or part-off tool assembly for Swiss-style machining includes a holder. The holder includes an elastic constantly closed holder fastening part. In a preferred embodiment, the holder fastening part energizes a blade holding a cutting insert against a pocket side abutting surface of a holder pocket.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The subject matter of the present invention relates to so-called Swiss-style machining, and more particularly to tool assemblies configured for slotting or parting-off operations. [Background technology]

[0002] Hereinafter, the designations "Swiss" or "Swiss-type" may be omitted for the sake of brevity. It will be understood that while the design of the present invention is designed first and foremost to operate within the inherent confines of Swiss-type CNC machines, the advantageous design features may be beneficial even in non-Swiss-type operations.

[0003] Swiss-type machining tool assemblies and their components are specifically designed for use in so-called Swiss-type CNC machines (lathes), which differ from other typical CNC machines (lathes) in that Swiss-type tool assemblies are assembled close together in a "gang," making removal and installation of cutting inserts (or "inserts") difficult due to space limitations.

[0004] The unique features of Swiss-style machining, such as the location of the cutting edge (the cutting edge is essentially aligned with the top corner of the holder shank in a front view of the holder), are further detailed, inter alia, in the applicant's previous patent publications U.S. Pat. No. 9,901,986 and U.S. Pat. No. 10,583,495, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0005] Briefly, in addition to the unique chip forming device claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,901,986, it is further noted that for the present application, a typical Swiss-type cutting insert (106) is shown with a threaded bore (112) extending through its side surface. This design allows access for insert removal and replacement in a tightly packed Swiss-type tool assembly.

[0006] Another common insert design involves a similar insert, but with two such threaded holes, as exemplified in applicant's publication U.S. Pat. No. 10,471,517, in which a tool assembly is shown that allows removal and installation of the insert from either of the two sides.

[0007] In US Pat. No. 10,583,495, a unique tool assembly is presented which provides the insert without the threaded holes and also a different solution which overcomes the above mentioned space limitations which make it difficult to secure and remove the insert. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] It is an object of the present application to provide an improved tool assembly and components thereof suitable for use in Swiss-style machining, as well as an improved method of securing the components to a holder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to a first aspect of the subject matter of the present application, there is provided a holder comprising: opposing holder first and second sides, the holder first and second sides defining a first lateral direction from the holder second side toward the holder first side and a second lateral direction opposite the first lateral direction; opposing holder front and rear ends, the holder front and rear ends defining a forward direction from the holder rear edge toward the holder front ends and a rearward direction opposite the forward direction; opposing holder top and bottom sides, the holder top and bottom sides defining an upward direction from the holder bottom side toward the holder top side and a downward direction opposite the upward direction; the holder pocket extends along the holder first side and has a pocket-side abutment surface facing the first side direction, a pocket-bottom abutment surface located below the pocket-side abutment surface and facing upward, and a pocket-rear abutment surface located rearward of the pocket-side abutment surface and facing forward; the holder fastening portion extends above the pocket-side abutment surface and has a fastening portion having a resilient hinge portion and a fastening portion upper abutment surface facing downward, and an intermediate portion extending from the resilient hinge portion to the fastening portion, and the resilient hinge portion is configured to resiliently bias the fastening portion downward.

[0010] In summary, the basic concept of the holder of the present invention is a so-called "normally closed" one-piece fastening, or more precisely, a resilient hinge fastening. While normally closed upper jaws of insert seats are known to fasten onto cutting inserts, such configurations are not generally known in Swiss-style tool assemblies. (The insert seat is also called an "insert pocket." However, the seat in this application is referred to as a "holder seat" because the insert seat is part of the holder and is not to be confused with a blade seat.) One reason for this is that during a typical Swiss-style machining operation, a probe is extended and impacts the cutting insert to determine its location. It is understood that any insert not secured with a thread (often two threads) increases the risk of the cutting insert being dislodged from its desired position when impacted by a probe. Therefore, with rare exceptions, a typical Swiss-style machining tool assembly has cutting inserts with one or two bore holes for threaded assembly of the cutting insert to the holder.

[0011] Nevertheless, the inventive concept provides a fixed assembly which, in initial testing so far, has proven to be robust enough to withstand said impacts.

[0012] It should also be noted that known normally closed upper jaws for insert seats typically extend longitudinally, not laterally. In the present invention, the holder fasteners extend above the pocket-side abutment surface. Unlike holders for other applications, a relatively high level of stability is required, and therefore the holder fasteners of the present invention work in conjunction with the pocket-side abutment surface in addition to the three-point contact of the upper, lower, and rear abutment surfaces. In other words, in contrast to, for example, parting blades, where the upper jaws of the insert pocket extend only longitudinally, the present invention allows the fasteners to stably secure the blade or cutting insert against the pocket-side abutment surface (stability is a particularly important factor in Swiss-style machining, where the workpiece is typically not held at two ends, as in other machining processes). In other words, the holder fasteners of the present invention are lateral holder fasteners, not longitudinally oriented fasteners or jaws. Preferably, the holder fastening portion extends at least partially in the first lateral direction (or preferably extends strictly in the first lateral direction) so as to extend above the pocket-side abutment surface, or in other words, the holder fastening portion overhangs the pocket bottom abutment surface.

[0013] Transverse fasteners are not known in other machining applications, which typically include a screw to drive so-called "normally open" fasteners into a closed position, but this does not apply to the present invention. The reason a normally open fastener design is advantageous over the "normally closed" one-piece fastener design of the present invention is that a normally open fastener design typically, in theory, has a longer tool life than a fastener with an elastic hinge (i.e., a screw can be replaced, whereas an elastic hinge loses its elasticity after a certain amount of use, etc.).

[0014] However, in the present design, which is specifically conceived to take advantage of Swiss-style machining, it is difficult to access the upthreads in such fasteners due to the space limitations of a typical Swiss-style gang (e.g., there may be another holder closely packed directly above the holder), and therefore it was determined that the benefits of a normally closed resilient holder fastener outweigh the disadvantages.

[0015] It will be noted from the drawings that when it is said that the pocket bottom abutment surface is located "below" the pocket side abutment surface, this refers to the majority of the pocket side abutment surface, because the pocket bottom abutment surface and the pocket side surface meet at the lowest region of the pocket side abutment surface. In other words, "below" does not mean that the pocket bottom abutment surface and the pocket side abutment surface must be spaced apart. This also applies to the pocket rear abutment surface, which is located rearward of the pocket side abutment surface.

[0016] Further advantageous features of the holder are further described below.

[0017] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in terms of the following aspects and preferred features of the blade according to the present invention (the blade itself is, by definition, configured to hold at least one cutting insert), however it is also possible for the holder of the present invention to directly fix cutting inserts (for example even standard cutting inserts, such as the so-called DO-GRIP (registered trademark) cutting inserts manufactured by the applicant Iscar Ltd).

[0018] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a tool assembly comprising a holder according to the first aspect and either a cutting insert or a parting blade secured directly within the holder pocket by the holder fastener. In the option where a parting blade is part of the tool assembly, the tool assembly may further comprise a cutting insert secured to the parting blade.

[0019] In the bladed option, the cutting insert is preferably a single cutting edge solid cutting insert (for example a standard cutting insert such as the so-called SELF-GRIP® cutting insert manufactured by the applicant Iscar Ltd).

[0020] The cutting insert or blade according to this embodiment may include drive holes, as further described below.

[0021] However, while cutting inserts with drive holes are feasible (not shown, but of unitary construction, the illustrated blade and cutting insert can have the same shape even if made from a cutting insert material such as cemented carbide), it is preferable that the cutting insert be a solid structure (i.e., without any holes, such as those for receiving fastening screws, to secure the insert), since in this case the cutting insert can be simply and economically pressed. As mentioned above, Swiss-style cutting inserts typically have one or two holes extending through their sides, which allows for structurally strong attachment to the holder, but significantly increases the manufacturing cost of the cutting insert. Utilizing a resilient holder fastener allows for the use of much simpler and less expensive solid cutting inserts, such as the DO-GRIP® cutting insert (or others) mentioned above. Similarly, for the blade and cutting insert option secured to the blade, the SELF-GRIP® cutting insert (or others) mentioned above can be used.

[0022] As will be described below, blades with such drive holes may allow for the use of simple cutting inserts with solid construction, as well as advantageous easy assembly.

[0023] It is particularly advantageous to form the cutting insert with a tapered top and / or bottom surface, most preferably where both the top and bottom surfaces are tapered.

[0024] Thus, with the exception of one preferred embodiment of the cutting insert described above having drive holes (which are beneficial for the unique fastening method described in the third aspect below), all of the other embodiments and aspects allow for the use of significantly more economical cutting inserts (e.g., SELF-GRIP® or similar cutting inserts) compared to typical Swiss-style cutting inserts with side-opening holes.

[0025] Elastic fastening of cutting inserts is known, but is not known to the applicant in Swiss-style machining, which typically involves the impact of the above-mentioned probe on the cutting insert and cannot involve the described lateral elastic fastening.

[0026] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for securing a cutting insert or blade to a holder according to the first aspect. Such a method may include a first step of partially placing the cutting insert or blade in a semi-assembled state (or "semi-assembled position") on a holder pocket, and a second step of applying a rearward force on the cutting insert or blade. The rearward force causes the cutting insert or blade to slide rearward along the pocket abutment surface, abutting and raising the fastener abutment surface until the rearward movement is stopped by the cutting insert or blade abutting the pocket rear abutment surface, thereby bringing the cutting insert or blade into a fully assembled state (or "fully assembled position").

[0027] In other words, a single backward force is applied onto the cutting insert or blade to achieve complete fixation of the fastening insert or blade, or, alternatively, the method does not involve a step in which the user or a tool held by the user directly contacts the holder fastener to move the holder fastener.

[0028] The rearward force can be applied to the forward-most portion of the cutting insert or blade (e.g., using a soft-nose hammer). Alternatively, a standard two-pin cutting insert insertion tool can be rotated within a hole formed in the holder (similar to how a cutting insert is typically inserted into an insert pocket). While the tool is rotated, the force applied to the forward-most portion of the cutting insert or blade is linear. Alternatively, in the most preferred embodiment shown, a novel drive hole, illustrated in the drawing (which in the illustrated embodiment is a blade), is formed in the blade (or cutting insert) to apply the rearward force to the blade (or cutting insert). In the latter embodiment, the rearward force can be applied to the inner portion (rather than the outer periphery) of the cutting insert or blade.

[0029] Although this method is referred to as the "locking" method, the third step for removal may involve applying a forward force on the cutting insert or blade, sliding the cutting insert or blade forward along the pocket abutment surface until it abuts against the fastener abutment surface, and raising the fastener abutment surface until an initial semi-assembled state is reached in which a subsequent removal step is possible. In the first two embodiments described in the previous paragraph, removal may be achieved by a relief hole or recess located at the rear end of the holder pocket. In the third embodiment, the forward force may be applied inside the drive hole.

[0030] Alternatively, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a different method for securing a cutting insert or blade to a holder according to the first aspect is provided. In this aspect, a user, or more specifically, a tool held by the user, directly moves the holder fastener (in the illustrated embodiment, the tool is referred to as a thrust key). Such a method may include a first step of applying an upward force on the holder fastener to move the fastening portion away from the pocket bottom abutment surface, and a second step of partially placing the cutting insert or blade on the pocket bottom abutment surface. A subsequent, preferred but optional step may apply a rearward force on the cutting insert or blade until the rearward movement of the cutting insert or blade stops by abutting against the pocket rear abutment surface. After the second or third step, the holder fastener is released, and the holder fastener resiliently moves toward the pocket bottom abutment surface, securing the cutting insert or blade.

[0031] In such a method, the holder fastening portion is preferably formed by a lever-receiving structure. Alternatively, for example, a tool can be pressed between the holder fastening portion, preferably a middle portion of the holder fastening portion, and the holder upper portion, and the holder fastening portion can be moved upward by levering force. However, the former option of a lever-receiving structure (illustrated in the drawings as a fastening hole) is preferred for control purposes. It will be appreciated that such tools may be quite small and require significant force to fasten the machining cutting insert or blade, and therefore it is very easy to apply excessive force to the resilient fastening holder, damaging it. Therefore, said lever-receiving structure is preferred. Even more preferred, for the same reason, are the holder pocket holes illustrated in the first embodiment in the drawings, in which case the holder fastening part will not be damaged by excessive force being applied (because in such an embodiment the user does not come into direct contact with the holder fastening part, but the cutting insert or blade only applies a controlled upward force indirectly on the holder fastening part (the upward force is limited by the precisely manufactured height)).

[0032] Although this method is referred to as the "stick" method of removal, there may be a subsequent step of applying the same upward forward force on the holder fastener to move the fastened portion away from the pocket bottom abutment surface, and removing the cutting insert or blade from the pocket rear abutment surface. The holder fastener is then released, and the holder fastener resiliently moves toward the pocket bottom abutment surface.

[0033] The above aspects are optionally directed to either a cutting insert or a blade (configured to hold a cutting insert) held by a holder according to the first aspect. The following aspects are specifically directed only to blades configured with a blade seat that holds a cutting insert.

[0034] Blades configured for Swiss-style machining are uncommon and likely do not exist. "Blade," for purposes of this specification and claims, means a component configured to hold a cutting insert and configured for assembly into a holder, which in turn is configured for assembly into a machine turret or gang. In other words, the term blade, as used herein, excludes (or is not intended to refer to) a component having a blade portion and an integral (enlarged cross-section) shank (typically having a square cross-section) configured to be held directly within a machine turret or gang.

[0035] The primary reason blades are known in standard CNC machining operations but not in Swiss-style machining is that typical Swiss-style machining operations are dedicated to much smaller applications and, therefore, use only much smaller tool assemblies. To provide some scale, the blade illustrated in the drawings has a maximum blade height BH of approximately 11 mm, a maximum blade length BL of approximately 22 mm, and a maximum blade thickness BT of less than 1 mm. In other words, the blade itself is similar in size to a SIM card or a fingernail. Given that known blades are significantly larger, a more appropriate name for the blade in this application might be "microblade" or "mini-blade." However, such a name is not currently common practice, and so dimensions are provided to distinguish it from prior art blades designed for different machining applications.

[0036] Returning to the present invention, it is theorized that one reason blades are not used in Swiss-style machining is that the small sizes discussed above allow the use of cutting inserts without the additional component of a blade that would be required in the tool assembly. While typically cemented carbide cutting inserts are often small due to stamping and cost limitations, the sizes under consideration are certainly common for cutting inserts.

[0037] Fewer components in a tool assembly are preferred because stiffness is lost for each extra supported component (i.e., a tool assembly having a holder, blade, and cutting insert is less stiff than a tool holder having a holder that directly supports the cutting insert).

[0038] Furthermore, the preferred blades of the present invention are made from metal, more preferably steel, as is typical in the metal cutting industry for components other than cutting inserts. However, as is known, metal blades (especially thin blades such as those desired for grooving or parting off) are more prone to bending than cutting inserts made from harder materials (typically cemented carbide). Clearly, therefore, the primary design choice for a Swiss-style tool assembly is the cutting insert, not the blade that holds the cutting insert.

[0039] The present invention is based on the observation that a typical Swiss-type tool assembly includes relatively expensive cutting inserts, and that the loss of rigidity from the use of blades for the reasons discussed above is outweighed by the economic benefits (particularly over solid cutting inserts, and even more preferably over single-edged cutting inserts for reasons explained below). Accordingly, the present invention utilizes blades in the discovery that economical solid cutting inserts (i.e., solid cutting inserts that are more economical than known Swiss-type cutting inserts with flanking holes) can subsequently be utilized.

[0040] However, there are inherent difficulties in utilizing Swiss machining blades.

[0041] As previously mentioned, Swiss-style machining typically includes a position measurement probe that abuts the cutting insert during inspection, but to date, it has been discovered that preferred embodiments utilizing non-threaded cutting inserts, as well as preferred embodiments utilizing non-threaded blades, are sufficiently robust to avoid being dislodged by the impact of the probe.

[0042] Regarding the issue of the blade being more flexible than the cutting insert, the holder of the present invention preferably includes a permanently closed holder fastener, so that the force that the fastener applies to the fairly small blade is controlled at the holder manufacturing stage and not dependent on the user tightening the screw on the blade. Although, while the permanently closed holder fastener of the present invention is certainly preferred because it protects the blade from bending and solves the problem of space limitations in Swiss-gang configurations, it will be understood that the blade aspect of the present invention is not limited to use in any particular holder.

[0043] The always-closed holder fastener also allows for fastening of the blade without a screw extending through the blade itself, it being understood that with fairly thin metal blades, a screw abutting the side of the blade can cause unwanted bending of the blade.

[0044] Additionally, the transverse holder fasteners provide more stability than longitudinally oriented holder fasteners, such as are desirable for Swiss-style operation.

[0045] After the initial concept was found to be feasible, further advancements to preferred blade assembly features were developed. That is, although an embodiment with drive holes is described above, it can be incorporated into any one of the other aspects comprising the blade. As will become apparent, such drive holes minimize the possibility of the blade bending.

[0046] Each of the following aspects highlights an independent advantageous feature discovered for blades according to the present invention, and all of the above features may be incorporated into any blade of the present invention.

[0047] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blade, the blade comprising: opposing first and second blade sides; opposing leading and trailing blade edges; opposing top and bottom blade edges; a first and second blade seat, each comprising a base seat jaw and a second seat jaw opposite the base seat jaw, the first and second blade seats configured for elastic fastening; a maximum blade height (BH) measured from the bottom blade edge to the top blade edge; a maximum blade length (BL) perpendicular to the maximum blade height (BH) measured from the leading edge to the trailing edge; and a maximum blade thickness (BT) perpendicular to the maximum blade height (BH) measured from the first side to the second side, wherein the maximum blade thickness (BT) is less than the maximum blade height (BH), and the maximum blade length (BL) satisfies the condition: L<45 mm; the first blade seat opens at the leading blade edge and the second blade seat opens at the trailing blade edge.

[0048] In summary, this embodiment of the present invention essentially differs from known blades in that a blade smaller than nearly all typical blades is defined (L<45 mm), but further comprises two blade seats. No known blade of similar size also has the benefit of a second blade seat, which is believed to double the productivity of the blade.

[0049] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blade comprising: opposing first and second side blade portions; opposing leading and trailing edge blade portions; opposing top and bottom edge blade portions; a first blade seat opening at the leading edge blade portion; the first blade seat comprising a basic seat jaw portion configured for elastic fastening and a second seat jaw portion opposing the basic seat jaw portion; and a drive hole opening at the first and second side blade portions.

[0050] The novel drive holes of the present embodiment allow the blade to be assembled into the holder pocket without the problem of bending the relatively thin blade as much as when rearward forces are applied to the outer periphery of the blade.

[0051] Such drive holes also allow for the assembly of relatively small blades into the holder in a user-friendly manner and with many of the advantages discussed above.

[0052] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tool assembly comprising a holder according to the first aspect and a blade according to the sixth aspect, the holder further comprising a holder guide hole opening into the pocket side abutment surface.

[0053] Thus, a driver key, which may be a simple cylindrical rod (or have additional features described below), can be inserted through the driver hole into the holder guide hole and then moved to apply a rearward force on the driver hole, moving the blade rearward. The holder guide hole is preferably narrowed so that the key can be used as leverage against the narrowed portion of the hole, but it is also possible for the holder guide hole to simply be enlarged or, for example, elongated in the rearward direction compared to the blade driver hole, in which case the entire driver key can simply be inserted and moved rearward to move the blade. In either case, the relatively stiffer holder prevents damage to the relatively thinner blade. Naturally, the narrowed portion shown is preferred to control blade thrust.

[0054] Preferably, in all embodiments in which the blade includes a drive hole, the drive hole includes an inner hole surface that extends perpendicular to the first side of the blade and the second side of the blade. This allows the drive hole to be simply fabricated, for example, by laser cutting. In particular, other holes may be non-flat in that they are designed to receive a screw head (and therefore are designed with a so-called bell shape) or to receive a threaded screw shank (and therefore are designed with a screw hole inner surface). The drive hole of the present invention may be as described above because it is not designed to receive a screw.

[0055] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention there is provided a tool assembly comprising a holder according to the first aspect and a blade resiliently held in the holder by a holder fastening portion, the blade comprising a blade seat configured for resiliently fastening.

[0056] It will be appreciated that having a blade resiliently held by a holder, with the blade itself configured to resiliently hold the cutting insert, is not a trivial solution, since the blade may accidentally be ejected from the holder when removing the cutting insert from the blade seat. This is especially true if the removal directions of the blade and the cutting insert are the same (in the illustrated example, both removal directions are forward). Therefore, the holder fastening is preferably configured to apply a greater clamping force to the blade than the clamping force the blade is configured to apply to the cutting insert held in the blade seat. In other words, the first clamping force applied on the parting blade in the holder pocket is greater than the second clamping force applied on the cutting insert in the blade seat.

[0057] In particular, the tool assembly and its components may be thread-free, thereby allowing for easier manufacturing and compactness (both because there is no need to accommodate screw(s) and because a threaded hole requires a relatively larger thickness in the component than an unthreaded hole). In other words, the tool assembly may comprise only the holder, the blade and the cutting insert (such definition excludes tools used for inserting and removing the blade and cutting insert, such as drive keys, and covers only the components involved during machining).

[0058] In other words, the tool assembly and its components may be devoid of threads. More specifically, the tool assembly is devoid of threads for the purpose of assembling the blade to the holder and assembling the cutting insert to the blade. Threads or threads may be present for purposes unrelated to the present invention (e.g., threads may be provided to allow adjustment of the shank within the turret). It will be understood that the features of a tool assembly that are devoid of threads or threads relate to the elastic manner in which the blade is held in the holder and the cutting insert is held to the blade (or, in the alternative, the elastic manner in which the cutting insert is held to the holder).

[0059] In view of the uniquely advantageous construction of small blades, it will be appreciated that a different way of defining such blades other than providing numerical dimensions is to describe the ratio of the blade seat to the solid portion of the blade.

[0060] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blade, the blade comprising: opposing first and second side blade portions; opposing leading and trailing blade edges; opposing top and bottom blade edges; a first blade seat opening at the leading edge portion and including a primary seat jaw portion and a second seat jaw portion opposite the primary seat jaw portion, the first blade seat being configured for elastic fastening; a maximum blade height BH measured from the bottom edge of the blade to the top edge of the blade; a maximum blade length BL measured perpendicular to the maximum blade height BH from the first blade side to the second blade side; and a maximum seat length SL parallel to the maximum blade length BL measured from the forward-most point of the first blade seat adjacent the blade leading edge to the rear-most point of the first blade seat distal to the blade leading edge, wherein the maximum blade thickness BT is less than the maximum blade height BH, and the maximum blade length BL and the maximum seat length SL define a length-to-seat ratio BL / SL that satisfies the condition: BL / SL<5.

[0061] For blades where the blade seats are open at the leading and trailing edges, the small size blade may be defined slightly differently from the ninth embodiment.

[0062] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blade, the blade comprising: opposing first and second blade sides; opposing leading and trailing blade edges; opposing top and bottom blade edges; a primary seat jaw portion and a second seat jaw portion opposite the primary seat jaw portion, the first and second blade seats being configured for elastic fastening; a maximum blade height BH measured from the bottom blade edge to the top blade edge; a maximum blade length BL measured from the leading blade edge to the trailing blade edge; and a maximum blade length BL perpendicular to the maximum blade height BH. The blade has a maximum blade thickness BT measured from the blade first side to the blade second side, and a seat-to-seat length STS parallel to the maximum blade length BL and measured parallel to the maximum blade length BL between the distal-most portions of the first and second blade seats, wherein the first blade seat opens at the blade leading edge and the second blade seat opens at the blade trailing edge, the maximum blade thickness BT is less than the maximum blade height BH, and the maximum blade length STS and the maximum blade height BH define a seat-to-seat ratio STS / BH that satisfies the condition: STS / BH>1.2.

[0063] A similar, yet different, definition is provided according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in which a blade is provided, the blade having opposing first and second side blade portions, opposing leading and trailing blade edges, opposing top and bottom blade edges, a first blade seat opening on the leading edge and including a primary seat jaw and a second seat jaw opposite the primary seat jaw, the first blade seat being configured for elastic fastening, a maximum blade height BH measured from the bottom edge to the top edge of the blade, a maximum blade length BL perpendicular to the maximum blade height BH and measured from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the blade, and a maximum blade thickness BT perpendicular to the maximum blade height BH and measured from the first side to the second side of the blade, the maximum blade thickness BT being less than the maximum blade height BH, and the maximum blade length BL and the maximum blade height BH defining a length-to-height ratio BL / BH satisfying the condition: BL / BH>1.2.

[0064] It will be understood that the further defined blades of the ninth, tenth and eleventh aspects are directed to various definitions of advantageous small blades that are particularly useful in Swiss-style applications and may be used in the previous method, holder and assembly aspects and incorporated as further features of the previous blade aspects.

[0065] A specific tool developed for a tool assembly having the fastening hole, the holder guide hole, or the drive hole is referred to herein as a "driver key." It will be understood that a drive key in the form of a simple cylindrical rod may be used to secure a cutting insert or blade in a holder having a corresponding holder guide hole. However, it is preferred that the drive key have an increasing cross-sectional portion. The increasing cross-sectional portion is made larger in size than the drive hole and holder guide hole so as to act as a stop. This may ensure that the user only needs to be concerned with the drive movement and does not have to manually control the depth to which the drive key extends into the holder. It is also preferred that the drive key include a handle.

[0066] Thus, according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drive key comprising a first key end and a second key end, and an elongated intermediate key body extending between the first and second key ends, the drive key further comprising a handle adjacent the first key end, the second key end having a first cross-sectional area and extending rearward of the second key end an actuation portion, the intermediate key body having a second cross-sectional area larger than the first cross-sectional area, located between the handle and the second key end and forming an end of the actuation portion.

[0067] Next, various preferred features related to the driving key are detailed.

[0068] Preferably, the first cross-sectional area is circular.

[0069] Preferably, the second cross-sectional area is circular.

[0070] Preferably, the driver key, except for the handle, is made from metal.

[0071] Preferably, the drive key, excluding the handle, has an elongated rod shape. This does not necessarily mean that the cross-sections need be uniform, as different cross-sections are described above. In other words, the elongated rod shape may have a radial step, slope, or other configuration at the transition between the first cross-sectional area and the second cross-sectional area.

[0072] It will be appreciated that the driving key according to this aspect is only a preferred embodiment and that even a cylindrical rod may be used.

[0073] According to any of the above aspects of the method, a further step can include inserting a driver key into either the fastener hole, the holder guide hole, or the driver hole until axial movement stops when the second cross-sectional area abuts the respective hole into which the driver key is inserted. A subsequent step can be levering or moving the driver key to drive the holder fastener, blade, or cutting insert.

[0074] According to any of the above aspects of the tool assembly, the tool assembly may further include a driver key having only a single cylindrical actuation portion (i.e., excluding two-pin keys that insert a cutting insert by a rotational movement). Preferably, the driver key has the basic shape of an elongated rod. The driver key may further include any of the above-mentioned features. In such an assembly, an advantage is that the entire assembly has fewer parts than a screw assembly. For example, in an assembly having a blade, the entire assembly strictly comprises only four components for assembly and operation (i.e., the holder, the blade, the cutting insert secured to the blade, and the driver key). For example, in an assembly having only a cutting insert with a driver hole, the entire assembly strictly comprises only three components for assembly and operation (i.e., the holder, the cutting insert secured to the holder, and the driver key).

[0075] A further advantage of the method of assembling / removing the blade or cutting insert by extending the drive key or drive hole is that even while removing the blade or cutting insert, the drive key still extends through the blade or cutting insert and holder, so the blade or cutting insert will not fall to the floor even though it is no longer secured to the holder.

[0076] Preferred further features according to any one of the previous aspects are:

[0077] Next, various preferred features relating to the blade shape are detailed.

[0078] For compact blades, the length-to-seat ratio BL / SL preferably satisfies the condition: BL / SL<5, more preferably BL / SL<4, or most preferably BL / SL<3.5. In particular, as can be seen from the illustrated example, the maximum seat length SL is measured from the corner (the outermost part of the blade seat) to the end of the slot. If a blade has two or more blade seats and they are not identically shaped, it is intended to use the blade seat with the larger maximum seat length SL.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, to further stabilize the blade for Swiss-type operation, a preferred further optional reinforcing portion (shown as a "first reinforcing portion" and a "second reinforcing portion") may be provided that extends not only below the blade seat but also forward of the blade seat. Such reinforcing portions are merely optional, and an alternative definition of the elongated blade shape may be defined by the maximum blade seat length STS. In the illustrated example, the blade seat length STS is measured between the first and second corners of the blade seat associated with the blade seat jaws. Preferably, the blade seat-to-height ratio STS / BH satisfies the condition: STS / BH > 1.2, more preferably STS / BH > 1.4. However, due to horizontal space constraints, it is still desirable that the blade not be excessively elongated in the horizontal direction. Therefore, it is preferred that the blade seat-to-height ratio STS / BH satisfy the condition: STS / BH < 2.4, more preferably STS / BH < 2.0.

[0080] Generally, regardless of the number of blade seats or the size of the blade seats, blades with regular shapes (triangular, square, hexagonal, etc.) are feasible, but it is preferable for the blades to be elongated to improve the vertical compactness of the Swiss gang. Additionally or alternatively, relative to the previous size definitions, the length-to-height ratio BL / BH preferably satisfies the condition: BL / BH > 1.2, or preferably BL / BH > 1.5. However, due to space constraints in the horizontal direction as well, it is still desirable for the blades not to be excessively elongated in the horizontal direction. Therefore, it is preferable for the length-to-height ratio BL / BH to satisfy the condition: BL / BH < 2.6, preferably BL / BH < 2.4.

[0081] Regarding dimensions in quantitative terms, the maximum blade length BL preferably fulfills the condition: BL<45 mm, more preferably BL<35 mm, and most preferably BL<30 mm. However, the length of the blade cannot be reduced to zero. Therefore, the blade BL preferably also fulfills the condition: BL>15 mm, preferably BL>20 mm.

[0082] Additionally or alternatively, it is preferred that the maximum blade height BH meets the condition: BH<45 mm, more preferably BH<25 mm, and most preferably BH<20 mm. However, the blade height cannot be reduced to zero. Therefore, it is preferred that the blade height BH also meets the condition: BH>5 mm, preferably BH>10 mm.

[0083] For the sake of completeness, for parting-off operations, the smallest possible blade thickness that provides sufficient structural strength is preferred. In this application, the small blades of the present invention are different from regular parting-off blades, which most commonly have a blade thickness of 2 mm or 3 mm. More specifically, the blades of the present invention preferably have a maximum blade thickness BT that meets the condition: BT<1.6 mm, more preferably BT<1.2 mm, and most preferably BT<1.0 mm, or even BT<0.8 mm. However, the blade thickness cannot be reduced to zero. Therefore, the blade thickness BT also preferably meets the condition: BT>0.5 mm.

[0084] It is preferred that the blades have a flat shape (i.e., without any protrusions extending laterally from the blade first side and blade second side). For clarity, protrusions do not refer to simply thickening the center portion of the blade to increase structural stability. It will be understood that certain adapter-type components have laterally extending protrusions for assembly purposes rather than for structural strength purposes.

[0085] Various preferred features associated with the blade seat and the cutting insert held by the blade seat will now be detailed.

[0086] It will be appreciated that such a thin blade seat is preferably elastic, since there is little space for a screw hole to hold a screw. The elastic blade seat of the blade can be of any known configuration. Specifically, an elastic blade seat does not have a screw or fastener to hold the cutting insert in the seat, but rather uses elastic movement of typically one of the jaws of the seat. Each blade seat herein comprises a primary seat jaw (i.e., a primary seat jaw located below the cutting insert, or in other words, located on the opposite side of the cutting insert relative to the rake face of the cutting insert) and a secondary seat jaw. The secondary seat jaw illustrated in the drawings herein can be defined as extending above the cutting insert and located above the primary seat jaw. Another known configuration is one in which the secondary jaw is located rearward of the primary seat jaw, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 9,259,788. In embodiments where the maximum blade thickness BT of the blade is excessively small (1 mm or less), the cutting insert is formed with opposing tapered surfaces, and both the primary seat jaw portion and the secondary seat jaw portion are formed with tapered surfaces to assist in assembling the cutting insert into the bendable metal blade.

[0087] It is preferable for a blade to have no more than two blade seats (i.e., either one or two blade seats) so as not to weaken an already small blade by removing too much material. This is because a blade seat located below another blade seat that holds an active cutting insert during machining weakens the area below the active blade seat, and this weakening is much more pronounced in Swiss-machined and / or overly thin blades than in larger blades. It can therefore be seen why it is most preferable for a blade to have exactly two blade seats (which makes the blade more economical than having a single blade seat). However, it should be noted that, for the reasons explained, three or more blade seats are feasible, so one blade seat is a feasible but less preferred option. However, two blade seats is certainly considered to be the optimal number.

[0088] While it is possible to position the blade seats at diametrically opposite corners (e.g., one in the upper right corner and one in the lower left corner in a side view of the blade), it is preferable to use a mirror-symmetric configuration (one in the upper right corner and one in the upper left corner in a side view as illustrated). In other words, preferably, both the first and second blade seats open closer to the top edge of the blade than to the bottom edge of the blade. In other words, it is preferable that both blade seats are adjacent to the top edge of the blade.

[0089] This allows for various advantages, including a more compact blade design. Because the holder pocket is recessed within the cross-sectional contour of the holder, the blade can be elongated without impacting compactness (i.e., height, which is particularly important in Swiss-style applications). Furthermore, a blade pocket near the top edge of the blade and another near the bottom edge are entirely feasible, but they reduce blade support from the blade pocket along the bottom edge. In other words, the rear blade seat (i.e., the second blade seat in the drawing) is associated only with a non-critical abutment surface, i.e., the pocket rear abutment surface, which is essentially a stop, resulting in less loss of support. It will be appreciated that the majority of the force on the blade is downward. It will also be appreciated that, regardless of other design features, full support for the blade on the pocket bottom abutment surface is advantageous over a blade that is not supported below the blade seat.

[0090] Preferably, the pocket bottom abutment surface extends under at least a portion of the forward-most blade seat (i.e., the effective blade seat, illustrated as the blade first seat). More preferably, the pocket bottom abutment surface extends under the entire forward-most blade seat, providing complete support under the forward-most blade seat. In the most preferred embodiment, the pocket bottom abutment surface even extends forward of the area under the forward-most blade seat. Naturally, in the latter preference, this portion can be referred to as a reinforcement portion. In other words, the blade can include a reinforcement portion extending from below and forward of the forward-most blade seat and extending to the blade bottom edge. In assembly, the reinforcement portion at the blade bottom edge abuts the pocket bottom abutment surface. It will be appreciated that this blade is more stable than conventional blades, which typically do not receive partial support under the blade seat. This blade can also be defined for the blade alone, for example, with the blade bottom edge extending under the entire blade seat. It is more preferred that the blade bottom edge extend forward of the blade seat. In other words, the reinforcement portion preferably extends from the blade seat to the blade bottom edge. Preferably, the reinforcement portion extends forward of the blade seat.

[0091] While solid cutting inserts have been described as being preferred, it should be noted that single-cutting-edge inserts are also preferred. Cutting inserts with two or more cutting edges (i.e., indexable cutting inserts) are more economical, but they may also reduce the cutting depth. Furthermore, in the holder illustrated in the first embodiment, because the blade is inserted with a sliding motion, additional cutting edges would interfere with such insertion due to the influence of the pocket-side abutment surface (this does not apply to the second embodiment, in which the holder fastening portion is raised and the cutting insert or blade is inserted laterally). Pocket-side abutment surfaces alternating with relief recesses at the height of the cutting edge are possible, but would reduce the stability of the blade adjacent the fastening portion and cause the blade to bend. Thus, at least for the sliding-motion embodiment, the blade allows for the use of significantly smaller, and therefore more economical, cutting inserts.

[0092] With respect to the definition of a corner, a primary seat jaw and a blade leading edge may meet at a first corner. Similarly, in an embodiment with two blade seats, another primary seat jaw and a blade trailing edge may meet at a second corner. A second seat jaw and a blade upper edge may meet at a third corner. Similarly, in an embodiment with two blade seats, another second seat jaw and a blade upper edge may meet at a fourth corner.

[0093] Various preferred features relating to fastening and / or assembly are now detailed.

[0094] The holder fastenings theoretically fasten the blade sides as they bias the blade against the pocket side abutment surfaces, but the preferred option is for the blade top edge to have a top edge taper.

[0095] More specifically, the taper can be from a first side of the blade to a second side of the blade (a single bevel), or more preferably, the taper tapers from both the first and second sides (i.e., a double bevel, such as an upside-down V) so that the blade is replaceable.

[0096] Similarly, the blade bottom edge includes a bottom edge taper, which may also be a single beveled surface, but is preferably a double beveled surface. It will be understood that if the blade includes a top edge taper, the corresponding fastener upper abutment surface will include a fastener upper tapered portion. Similarly, if the blade includes a bottom edge taper, the corresponding pocket bottom abutment surface will include a pocket bottom tapered portion.

[0097] In order to reduce the amount of force lifting the elastic holder fastening, the tapered portion of the blade upper edge preferably comprises a blade tapered upper edge length TTL, which is preferably smaller than the blade maximum (total) upper edge length MTL of the blade upper edge. More precisely, the blade maximum upper edge length MTL and the blade tapered upper edge length TTL define a top-edge ratio MTL / TTL that satisfies the condition: MTL / TTL>2, or more preferably MTL / TTL>3.

[0098] The blade bottom edge is preferably longer than the blade top edge to provide additional structural strength below the blade seat where the greatest force is applied on the blade (i.e., downward as opposed to aft).

[0099] Both the top and bottom blade edges are preferably tapered to help hold the blade against lateral forces during machining, with distinct advantages: reducing the structural strength at the top blade edge (by shortening the length of the top blade edge), i.e., reducing the amount of force required to lift the fasteners, while allowing the blade's tapered top edge to be moved to a fully assembled state (which may take longer if the blade's tapered top edge is relatively longer). Therefore, the blade's tapered top edge length TTL (i.e., the tapered portion of only the top blade edge) is preferably shorter than the blade's tapered bottom edge length TBL (i.e., the tapered portion of only the bottom blade edge), defining a tapering ratio TTL / TBL<1. Preferably, TTL / TBL<0.75, more preferably TTL / TBL<0.50, and most preferably TTL / TBL<0.25.

[0100] Preferably, the tapered upper edge portion is located above the recessed portions, which also reduces the amount of force and / or time required to lift the holder fastening portion. Preferably, the tapered upper edge portion is located between the two recessed portions.

[0101] Preferably, the upper edge taper extends both forward and downward on one side of the upper edge taper, and extends both backward and downward on the other side of the upper edge taper. In other words, the upper edge taper may preferably have a point or apex, which may further reduce the force / time required to fasten the blade.

[0102] Preferably, the upper edge taper is centrally located, especially for indexable blades having two blade seats adjacent the blade upper edge.

[0103] Preferably, the bottom edge taper extends along the majority of the blade bottom edge. It will be appreciated that the longer the taper, the more lateral stability is provided. This is in contrast to the reduced length of the top edge taper, which is preferably reduced for different benefits. Most preferably, the bottom edge taper extends along the entire blade bottom edge.

[0104] Alternatively, the structural strength described above may be defined by a blade having a reinforcing portion extending downward and forward from the blade seat. More precisely, the blade may have a first reinforcing portion extending downward and forward from a first corner. In an embodiment in which the second blade seat opens at the blade trailing edge, the blade may have a second reinforcing portion extending downward and rearward from a second corner. In the above definition, the first corner and second corner are located at the point where the base seat jaw of the first blade seat meets the blade leading edge and the point where the base seat jaw of the second blade seat meets the blade trailing edge, respectively.

[0105] Preferably, the blade bottom edge extends in a straight line in a side view of the blade. It will be understood that blades with a (step-shaped) lower front stop are not replaceable in the same sliding manner and therefore are not designed with two blade seats at the leading and trailing edges of the blade.

[0106] Various preferred features associated with the drive holes will now be detailed.

[0107] While prior art blades may have holes configured for the removal or installation of cutting inserts (hereinafter referred to as "removal holes" and designated "55" in FIG. 4C), the novel drive holes of the present invention are not removal holes. Thus, even in the present invention, which is directed to small blades, the blade still comprises additional holes beyond the two holes shown. In other words, a blade according to the present invention may comprise more holes than blade seats (e.g., in the example showing two blade seats, the two removal holes and the additional holes are the drive holes). In other words, a blade according to the present invention may preferably have more holes than insert seats. However, it is feasible that a single hole may be designed for two purposes.

[0108] Preferably, the propulsion holes are located symmetrically between the two blade seats.

[0109] Preferably, the drive holes are located closer to the lower edge of the blade than the blade seat or seats (in embodiments having more than one blade seat), which may provide more structural stability to the blade than introducing a material deficit directly between the two voids (i.e., the blade seats).

[0110] Preferably, the drive holes are larger than each of the respective extraction holes.

[0111] Preferably, the maximum dimension PH of the drive hole satisfies the condition PH > 2 mm. More preferably, PH > 3 mm. However, for small blades, PH < 5 mm is also preferred to prevent excessive weakening of the blade. In an exemplary embodiment, the drive hole is preferably cylindrical, and the maximum dimension PH of the drive hole is the diameter as shown in side view. However, the drive hole may have another shape or even be elongated. For ease of manufacture, a cylindrical shape is the most preferred shape.

[0112] If the blade is mirror symmetric about a plane midway between the leading and trailing ends of the blade, the propulsion hole is preferably midway through the blade.

[0113] Next, various preferred features associated with the holder pocket are detailed.

[0114] In theory, the holder fastening portion abuts against the cutting insert side or the blade side for more secure fastening, but the fastening portion upper abutment surface can preferably be inclined inward so as to face downward and toward the second side. This allows the fastening force to be directed toward both the pocket side abutment surface and the pocket bottom abutment surface. By similar reasoning, the pocket bottom abutment surface preferably is inclined inward so as to face upward and toward the second side. Most preferably, the fastening portion upper abutment surface and the pocket bottom abutment surface are both inclined inward toward each other toward the pocket side abutment surface.

[0115] A feasible option for the pocket rear abutment surface is to slope inward towards the pocket side abutment surface, but in embodiments where the pocket bottom abutment surface and / or the fastening part abutment surface are tapered, it is more preferred that the pocket rear abutment surface does not slope and preferably faces only in the forward direction. In other words, preferably, the pocket rear abutment surface is perpendicular to the pocket side abutment surface. The reason for this is that the pocket bottom abutment surface and / or the fastening part abutment surface are already tapered, which provides sufficient lateral support and allows for a more economical manufacture of the pocket rear abutment surface (and the corresponding cutting insert or blade trailing edge).

[0116] The pocket bottom abutment surface may be formed as one or more point contacts, but is preferably elongated in the direction of the second side in a side view of the holder first side. In comparison, the pocket rear abutment surface may be relatively shorter in most cases since it provides a stop function (as opposed to the pocket bottom abutment surface, which receives most of the machining forces).

[0117] Preferably, the pocket-side abutment surface extends behind the fastening portion, preferably behind the entire holder fastening, which makes it possible to make the blade structurally stronger (since the gap formed by the blade seat is relatively smaller than the material portion of the blade and if the blade were shorter in the forward / rearward direction).

[0118] Preferably, the pocket rear abutment surface is located rearward of the entire holder fastening portion.

[0119] Preferably, the pocket rear abutment surface faces downward and forward to help prevent rotation of the blade or cutting insert fastened to the holder.

[0120] Various preferred features relating to the holder fastener are now detailed.

[0121] According to some embodiments, the holder fastener is preferably solid (ie, without holes).

[0122] The resilient hinge portion is preferably spaced from the first side to allow movement without plastic deformation. Preferably, the resilient hinge portion extends from the top side of the head adjacent the second side of the holder. Furthermore, preferably, the resilient hinge portion does not extend beyond the second side of the holder (allowing for a more compact configuration).

[0123] Preferably, the intermediate portion extends strictly in the first lateral direction only (ie reduces forward overhang from the blade within the gang).

[0124] Various preferred features relating to the holder guide holes will now be detailed.

[0125] The holder guide hole may be a blind hole, but is preferably a through hole that opens to both the first side of the holder (more precisely, the pocket-side abutment surface) and the second side of the holder, thereby enabling the cutting insert or blade to be assembled and removed from both sides of the holder using a driving key.

[0126] The holder guide hole is preferably elongated in the front and rear directions. The holder guide hole preferably has a narrowed portion. The holder guide hole is preferably hourglass-shaped (or, alternatively, x-shaped).

[0127] It will be appreciated that the holder guide holes are preferably not threaded, as no screws are intended to be used. Likewise, the entire holder is preferably not threaded (or "unthreaded").

[0128] Various preferred features related to Swiss machining applications are now detailed.

[0129] Regarding the basic structure of the holder, the holder preferably comprises an elongated shank portion and a head portion extending forward of the shank portion, which differs from typical blade holder structures such as those exemplified in U.S. Pat. No. 9,259,788.

[0130] A holder pocket is formed at least partially on the head portion at a first side of the holder.

[0131] Preferably, the holder pocket extends rearward of the head portion (the head portion being defined from the front end of the holder to the rearmost point of the holder fastening portion).

[0132] The shank portion may include opposing shank first and second sides connected by a shank top side and a shank bottom side. All of these sides are preferably flat. A square cross section is possible, although a rectangular cross section is also a viable option. For applications other than Swiss-style machining turrets, shank portions of different shapes, such as cylindrical, are also feasible.

[0133] For compactness, when viewed from the front end of the holder (i.e., looking rearward), the entire holder preferably lies within the shank first side, shank second side, shank top side, and shank bottom side of the shank portion (i.e., within the cross section of the shank portion or the "forward profile" of the shank). This necessarily excludes the holder fastening portion, which would reduce the compactness of the holder. However, the head portion cross section preferably extends beyond the cross section of the shank portion (in the above-mentioned figures) only at the holder fastening portion, and not in any further direction.

[0134] In other words, in a front view of the holder (i.e., a view of the front end), it is preferred that the only portion of the holder that extends beyond the contour of the shank portion is in an upward direction. In other words, in a front view of the holder, the shank portion has a contour, and the only portion of the holder that extends outside the contour of the shank portion extends in an upward direction.

[0135] Similarly, in a view of the front end of the holder in the rearward direction, except for the top edge of the blade, the blade is within the cross section of the shank portion.

[0136] In a view of the holder front end in the rear direction, the cutting edge of the cutting insert is preferably in the upper (upper right or upper left) region of the holder (said region excluding the holder fastening from consideration).

[0137] For a better understanding of the subject matter of the present application, and to show how it may be carried out in practice, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0138] [Figure 1A] 1 is a side perspective view of a tool assembly in a fully assembled state (or, alternatively, a "fastened" or "locked" state) according to the present invention. FIG. [Figure 1B] 1B is a side perspective view of the tool assembly of FIG. 1A from a different side than that shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1B is a top view of the cutting insert of the tool assembly of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2B]FIG. 2B is a front view of the cutting insert of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2B is a side view of the cutting insert of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2B is a rear view of the cutting insert of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side view of a driving key. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1B is a top view of the blade of the tool assembly of FIG. 1A. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a front view of the blade of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4B is a side view of the blade of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4D] FIG. 4B is a rear view of the blade of FIG. 4A. [Figure 4E] FIG. 4B is a bottom view of the blade of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5] 1A-1C are side views of different blades and cutting inserts assembled to the blades according to the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1B is a top view of the holder of the tool assembly of FIG. 1A. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a rear view of the holder of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6B is a side view of the holder of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6B is a front view of the holder of FIG. 6A. [Figure 6E] 6B is a side view of the holder of FIG. 6A from a different side than that shown in FIG. 6C. [Figure 7A] 1B is a partial top view of the tool assembly of FIG. 1A (the word "partial" is intended only to indicate that the complete holder is not shown). [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a rear view of the tool assembly of FIG. 7A. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7B is a partial side view of the tool assembly of FIG. 7A. [Figure 7D] FIG. 7B is a front view of the tool assembly of FIG. 7A. [Figure 7E] 7D is a partial side view of the tool assembly of FIG. 7A from a different side than that shown in FIG. 7C. [Figure 8A]9 is a partial side perspective view of the tool assembly of FIG. 1A in a semi-assembled state, the view being in the same direction as the arrow designated "VA" in FIG. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is a partial side view of the tool assembly of FIG. 8A. [Figure 8C] 8B is a partial side perspective view of the tool assembly of FIG. 8A, the view being in the same direction as the arrow designated "VC" in FIG. 9. [Figure 8D] 8D is a cross-sectional view of the holder taken along line VIIID-VIIID of FIG. 6C. [Figure 9] 8B along line IX-IX of the tool assembly, the drive key of FIG. 3 is shown in four different positions. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10 is an exploded side perspective view of another tool assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a side perspective view of the tool assembly of FIG. 10A. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10B is a front view of the tool assembly of FIG. 10A. [Figure 11A] FIG. 10B is a side perspective view of the tool assembly of FIG. 10A further comprising a drive key. [Figure 11B] 11B is a side perspective view of the tool assembly of FIG. 11A from a different side than that shown in FIG. 11A. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0139] 1A and 1B, there is illustrated a first Swiss-style tool assembly 10. The assembly 10 includes a holder 12, a blade 14 assembled to the holder 12, and a cutting insert 16 assembled to the blade 14.

[0140] The cutting insert 16 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2D.

[0141] The cutting insert 16 is a standard single cutting edge solid cutting insert (commercially available under the name SELF-GRIP® by the applicant) configured to be retained by a resilient pocket.

[0142] The cutting insert 16 includes a cutting portion 18 and a shank portion 20 extending from the cutting portion 18 .

[0143] The cutting insert 16 comprises a rake face 22 (over which chips are intended to flow), a front clearance face 24A that tapers inward with increasing distance from the rake face 22, a first side clearance face 24B, and a second side clearance face 24C.

[0144] The rake face 22 preferably has a chip forming device 26 .

[0145] The cutting edge 28 extends along an intersection line between the rake face 22, the front clearance surface 24A, the first side clearance surface 24B, and the second side clearance surface 24C.

[0146] The shank portion 20 includes an upper shank surface 30A, a lower shank surface 30B, a first side shank surface 30C and a second side shank surface 30D, and a rear shank surface 30E.

[0147] The overall shape of the cutting insert 16, and in particular the shank portion 20 of the cutting insert 16, is a straight, elongated basic shape.

[0148] The cutting edge width CW of the cutting edge 28 is greater than the cutting body portion width CBW of the shank portion 20. Therefore, this type of cutting insert can be used for grooving or parting-off operations with depths that are not limited by the length of the cutting insert.

[0149] In this preferred example, the cutting edge width CW is 0.8 mm.

[0150] The upper shank surface 30A is tapered, or more precisely, as best shown in Figure 2D, the upper shank surface 30A tapers inward to form a basic concave shape.

[0151] The lower shank surface 30B is tapered. More precisely, as best shown in Figure 2B, the lower shank surface 30B tapers inward to form a basic concave shape.

[0152] For such small dimensions, it is preferred that both the upper shank surface 30A and the lower shank surface 30B be tapered to facilitate assembly of the cutting insert 16 onto the very thin bendable blade 14.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 3, a driving key 32 is illustrated.

[0154] The drive key 32 has a first key end 34A and a second key end 34B, and an elongated intermediate key body 34C extending between the first key end 34A and the second key end 34B, and a handle 36 is provided adjacent to the first key end 34A.

[0155] The end of the second key end 34B has a first cross-sectional area CS1 which in this example is circular.

[0156] Extending rearward of the second key end 34B is an actuating portion 38 which extends to a distal end 40, the actuating portion 38 having a second cross-sectional area CS2 which in this example is circular and, more importantly, is larger in at least one direction than the first cross-sectional area CS1.

[0157] The drive key 32 includes a first truncated cone portion 42A and a second truncated cone portion 42B, and has a basic shape as shown in the figure that is an elongated rod.

[0158] The blade 14 will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4A to 4E.

[0159] Blade 14 includes opposing blade first and second sides 44A, 44B, opposing leading and trailing blade edges 46A, 46B, and opposing top and bottom blade edges 48A, 48B.

[0160] In this example, the blade 14 further comprises two blade seats, a first blade seat 50 and a second blade seat 52, which are preferably identical as shown.

[0161] Each blade seat comprises a primary seat jaw portion 54A, a secondary seat jaw portion 54B (located above the primary seat jaw portion 54A in this example), and a slot end portion 54C connecting the primary seat jaw portion 54A and the second seat jaw portion 54B.

[0162] The base washer jaw 54A is tapered, preferably outwardly tapered in this example, to form a base convex shape that mates with a concave shape on the lower shank surface 30B of the cutting insert.

[0163] The second washer jaw 54B is tapered. More precisely, as best shown in Figure 2B, the second washer jaw 54B tapers outwardly to form a basic convex shape that mates with the concave shape of the upper shank surface 30A of the cutting insert.

[0164] The first blade seat base jaw 54A and the blade leading edge 46A meet at a first corner 56A.

[0165] The base seat jaw 54A of the second blade seat and the blade trailing edge 46B meet at a second corner 56B.

[0166] The first blade seat second seat jaw 54B and the blade upper edge 48A meet at a third corner 56C.

[0167] The second blade seat second jaw 54B and the blade upper edge 48A meet at a fourth corner 56D.

[0168] Blade first side 44A and blade second side 44B are generally flat except for a thin portion 58A and a slightly thicker portion 58B. The reason for the different thicknesses is that the metal blade is so thin that it can flex under fastening and / or machining forces.

[0169] Referring briefly to FIG. 5, an alternative, slightly thicker blade 14′ differs substantially from the blade of FIG. 4C only in that it has a completely flat shape with no thinner or thicker portions, as it is sufficiently strong to withstand the forces.

[0170] The trailing edge 46B includes a flat trailing abutment surface 60. Preferably, the flat trailing abutment surface 60 is spaced from the second blade seat 52 so that, if the second blade seat 52 is the first seat to be used in a machining operation and the second blade seat 52 is damaged during machining, the blade 14 can still be re-sealed and used without damaging or bending the trailing abutment surface 60 (which would be more likely to be damaged or bent if it were closer to the blade seat). Note also that the flat trailing abutment surface 60 extends rearward and downward (i.e., is angled) to further help prevent rotation of the blade 14 when machining forces are applied to the cutting insert 16 in the first blade seat 50.

[0171] Blade 14 is mirror symmetric about a plane P that extends through the middle of blade 14 .

[0172] Thus, if leading edge 46A has a corresponding flat "rear abutment surface" indicated at 62, it serves the same purpose as rear abutment surface 60 when the cutting insert is assembled in second blade seat 52.

[0173] Additionally, some features are designated for ease of reading only on one side of the blade 14. For example, the maximum seat length SL is noted only for the blade second seat 52, but is clearly the same for the blade first seat 52. In either case, when noted in the reverse direction for the second blade seat 52, the maximum seat length SL is measured from the second corner 56B to the slot end 54C.

[0174] The blade upper edge 48 comprises an upper edge tapered portion 64 (i.e., having a convex shape as shown in FIG. 4D ) and, on either side of the blade upper edge 48, a relieved portion 66. "Relieved" means that there is no tapered portion intended for abutment. As shown, the so-called relieved portion 66 is lower than the tapered portion 64. Thus, the relieved portion 66 may be further tapered, but will not contact the corresponding holder fastening due to the height of the relieved portion 66.

[0175] More precisely, the upper edge tapered portion 64 comprises a first minor tapered edge 64A that slopes upwardly across the plane P from a relief portion 66 to an apex 68. When the blade first seat 50 is occupied and active by the cutting insert 16, the first minor tapered edge 64A is active for fastening.

[0176] Sloping downwardly on the other side of the apex 68 is a second minor tapered edge 64B.

[0177] Blade bottom edge 48 includes a bottom edge taper 70 (ie, having a convex shape as shown in FIG. 4D) that extends along the entire blade bottom edge 48, as shown in FIG. 4E.

[0178] A first reinforcing portion 72 (illustrated as “first reinforcing portion and second reinforcing portion”) extends below and forward of the forward-most portion of the blade first seat (which in this example is the first corner 56A). This first reinforcing portion 72 provides additional structural support when a cutting insert (not shown) is assembled and operated within the blade first seat 50.

[0179] A second reinforcing portion 74 (illustrated as “first reinforcing portion and second reinforcing portion”) extends below and rearward of the second corner 56A. This second reinforcing portion 74 provides additional structural support when a cutting insert (not shown) is assembled and operating within the blade first seat 50.

[0180] To provide a perspective on the geometry of the exemplary blade 14, the quantifiable dimensions are as follows: blade tapered top edge length TTL = 5 mm, blade maximum top edge length MTL = 18 mm, blade tapered bottom edge length TBL = maximum blade length BL = 25 mm, blade height BH = 11.5 mm, maximum blade thickness BT = 1 mm, maximum seat length SL = 8 mm, and blade seat length STS = 21 mm. Thus, in the given embodiment, the top edge ratio MTL / TTL is equal to 18 / 5 = 3.6, the tapered section ratio TTL / TBL is equal to 5 / 25 = 0.2, the length-to-seat ratio BL / SL is equal to 25 / 8 = 3.1, the seat-to-height ratio STS / BH is equal to 20 / 11.5 = 1.7, and the length-to-height ratio BL / BH is equal to 25 / 11.5 = 2.2.

[0181] In this embodiment, the drive hole 76 opens into the blade first side and the blade second side. The drive hole 76 has a hole inner surface 78 that extends perpendicular to the blade first side and the blade second side. The drive hole maximum dimension PH is shown, and in this example, if the drive hole 76 is cylindrical, the drive hole maximum dimension PH is the diameter of the drive hole 76.

[0182] The holder 12 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6E.

[0183] Holder 12 includes a holder first side 78A, a holder second side 78B, a holder front end 78C, a holder rear end 78D, a holder top side 78E, and a holder bottom side 78F.

[0184] For the sake of understanding, the directions are as shown: a first lateral direction DS1, a second lateral direction DS2, a forward direction DF, a backward direction DR, an upward direction DU and a downward direction DD.

[0185] The exemplary holder 12 may preferably further comprise an elongated shank portion 80 and a head portion 82. An imaginary interface plane 84 generally indicates where the shank portion 80 and the head portion 82 meet. It will be appreciated that in this example, there is an increase in cross-sectional area forward of the imaginary interface plane 84, which prevents the portion of the holder 12 forward of the interface plane 84 (referred to herein as the head portion 82) from being inserted into a turret (not shown) or gang (not shown) designed to fasten the shank portion 80.

[0186] The holder 12 further includes a holder fastening portion 86 located on the holder upper side 78E.

[0187] As shown in FIG. 6B, shank portion 80 further comprises a shank first side 88A, a shank second side 88B, a shank top side 88C, and a shank bottom side 88D. In particular, in the back and front views shown in FIGS. 6B and 6D, respectively, it is apparent that the only direction in which a portion of holder 12 extends outside the shank portion's outline (or "footprint"; in a non-limiting example, the square outline created by flat-shaped shank first side 88A, shank second side 88B, shank top side 88C, and shank bottom side 88D) is in the upward direction DU (only significantly beyond holder fastening portion 86). Furthermore, the only portion of holder 12 that extends outside the shank portion's outline extends upward.

[0188] 7B and 7D, it is shown that the blade 14 and cutting insert 16 may extend slightly beyond the contour in the first direction DS1. However, this extension is not considered significant (e.g., in this example, the extension is less than 1 mm). Furthermore, a small portion 90 of the head portion 82 extends further in the upward direction DU to ensure full support of the blade 14 relative to the head portion 82 (preventing bending). However, the extension of the small portion 90 is not significant enough to increase the compact profile of the holder 12, because the much larger holder fastener 86 already prevents the holder 12 from being inserted further back into a turret (not shown) or gang (not shown), and further extends in the upward direction DU much more than the small portion 90.

[0189] The holder 12 further includes a holder pocket 92 .

[0190] The holder pocket 92 includes a pocket side abutment surface 94 extending along the holder first side 78A, a pocket bottom abutment surface 96, and a pocket rear abutment surface 98.

[0191] 6C, the holder pocket 92 extends rearward of the interface plane 84. In other words, the holder pocket 92 extends rearward of the head portion 82. Thus, the holder pocket 92 can be said to be partially formed on the head portion 82, although in less preferred embodiments, the holder pocket 92 can be completely formed on the head portion 82.

[0192] The pocket rear abutment surface 98 faces in the downward direction DD and the forward direction DF, as best shown in FIG. 6C.

[0193] In FIG. 6C, the minimum pocket height PM is shown, measured parallel to the upward direction DU and the downward direction DD from the pocket bottom abutment surface 96 to the fastener upper abutment surface 104.

[0194] Returning to the holder fastening portion 86, the holder fastening portion 86 further comprises a resilient hinge portion 100, a fastening portion 102 having a fastening portion upper abutment surface 104 facing downward in the direction DD, and an intermediate portion 106 extending from the resilient hinge portion to the fastening portion.

[0195] In particular, the resilient hinge portion 100 is integrally formed with the remainder of the holder 12 so as to have a unitary, unified structure therewith, and is therefore configured to resiliently bias the fastening portion 102 downward when a force is applied to the fastening portion 102 in the upward direction DU. Such a configuration may preferably include an inner edge 108 of the resilient hinge portion 100, which is curved to reduce stress (i.e., stress as the fastener upper abutment surface 104 moves in the upward direction DU to enable fastening), and such a configuration also includes a fastening gap 110 between the middle portion 106 and the remainder of the holder 12 below the middle portion 106 to enable actuation of the resilient hinge portion 100. Another additional feature is that the holder fastener portion 86 is solid (or, in other words, lacks a threaded hole of the type known from prior art fasteners to threadably couple the fastener to the holder). The embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11 includes a hole, but the design of this hole is not previously known. Nevertheless, both examples lack holes for receiving screws as known in the prior art.

[0196] It can thus be seen that the holder fastening portion 86 is configured to fasten a blade or insert without threading to the holder 12 that holds the blade or insert therein.

[0197] Preferably, as best shown in Figure 6A, intermediate portion 106 extends parallel to first direction DS1 and second direction DS2. It will be appreciated that if intermediate portion 106 were angled in the forward direction DF or the rearward direction DR, it would most likely reduce the amount that holder 12 could be inserted into a turret or gang (because holder fasteners 86 would further obstruct such insertion). Alternatively, head portion 82 would need to be more elongated to achieve the same cutting depth (because holder fasteners 86 would obstruct the workpiece if head portion 82 remained the same size).

[0198] In particular, as best shown in FIG. 6D, the fastening portion 102 extends above the pocket-side abutment surface 94 .

[0199] For a more secure fastening, the fastening portion upper abutment surface 104 is inclined inwardly so as to face the downward direction DD and the second lateral direction DS2.

[0200] Similarly, the pocket bottom abutment surface slopes inwardly so as to face the upward direction DU and the second lateral direction DS2.

[0201] As best seen in FIG. 6C, the pocket bottom abutment surface 96 is elongated and, for example, fully supports the entire blade 14 as shown in FIG. 7C.

[0202] While the present invention is generally directed to a resilient fastening-based tool assembly 10, a particularly advantageous assembly design and method has been developed that is considered an entirely separate and advantageous invention.

[0203] However, it is clearly advantageous in combination with the fastening base holder 12 shown and described above.

[0204] 6C, the holder 12 further includes a holder guide hole 112 that opens into the pocket-side abutment surface 94. In this example, the holder guide hole 112 is elongated in the forward direction DF and the rearward direction DR.

[0205] 6E, the holder guide hole 112 is a through hole that opens into the holder second side portion 78B and allows for assembly to or removal from the holder second side portion 78B. Similarly, the holder guide hole 112 is also elongated in the holder second side portion 78B.

[0206] Referring to FIG. 8D, it is shown that the holder guide hole 112 may advantageously include a narrowed portion 114 .

[0207] In detail, the holder guide hole 112 may have a first hole portion 116 opening to the holder first side portion 78A, a second hole portion 118 opening to the holder second side portion 78B, and a central hole portion 120 located between the first hole portion 116 and the second hole portion 118.

[0208] The first hole portion 116 may include a first rearmost hole edge 122A and a first frontmost hole edge 122B. The first rearmost hole edge 122A and the first frontmost hole edge 122B taper (or, in other words, converge) as they approach the central hole portion 120.

[0209] The second hole portion 118 may include a second rearmost hole edge 124A and a second frontmost hole edge 124B. The second rearmost hole edge 124A and the second frontmost hole edge 124B taper (or, in other words, converge) as they approach the central hole portion 120.

[0210] 7A-7E, tool assembly 10 is shown in a fully assembled state. Some notable features from the views shown are the compact form of tool assembly 10 and the fact that holder guide hole 112 is not clearly visible as a circular opening in the side views of FIGS. 7C and 7E.

[0211] More specifically, the forward-most thrust hole portion 126 partially covers the holder guide hole 112. Thus, when the thrust key 32 is inserted into the holder guide hole 112 (at an angle inclined in the first direction DS1 and the second direction DS2, as described in the description of FIG. 9 ), the thrust key 32 can contact the forward-most thrust hole portion 126 and move the blade 14 forward from the fully assembled state to the partially assembled state. In the partially assembled state, the blade 14 still rests on the pocket bottom abutment surface 96 but is no longer fastened by the holder fastening portion 86.

[0212] 8A-8C, the tool assembly 10 is shown in a semi-assembled state. In this position, the blade's first minor tapered edge 64A may contact the fastener abutment surface 104, but is not held in place by the fastener abutment surface 104. In other words, the holder fastener 86 is in a normally closed position that prevents rearward movement of the blade 14.

[0213] 8B, the holder guide hole 112 is not clearly visible as a circular opening, but the rearward drive hole portion 128 partially covers the holder guide hole 112. Thus, when the drive key 32 is inserted into the holder guide hole 112 (at an angle oblique to the first direction DS1 and the second direction DS2), the drive key 32 contacts the rearward drive hole portion 128 and can move the blade 14 in the rearward direction DR from the partially assembled state shown in FIGS. 7A-7E to the fully assembled state.

[0214] 8A and 8C are angled views showing the circular opening of the holder guide hole 112 (ie, showing the view into which the drive key 32 is inserted).

[0215] Referring also to Figure 9, the drive key 32 (in the position shown in 32A) is shown oriented parallel to the view direction indicated by "VC," which corresponds to the view of Figure 8C. Similarly, the drive key 32 (in the position shown in 32C) is shown oriented parallel to the view direction indicated by "VA," which corresponds to the view of Figure 8A.

[0216] For purposes of understanding only, the same propulsion key 32 is shown in a first key position, a second key position, a third key position, and a fourth key position (32A, 32B, 32C, 32D) to illustrate generally how an exemplary blade 14 is brought between a semi-assembled state and a fully assembled state.

[0217] To illustrate one exemplary mode of assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, in operation, in a first step, the exemplary blade 14 is placed on the holder pocket 92 in the semi-assembled state shown in FIG. 8C.

[0218] In the second step, first, the drive key 32 (referring to the first position 32A), and more precisely the second key end 34B, is first inserted into the holder guide hole 112 through the holder second side 78B, then exits the holder guide hole 112 through the holder first side 78A, and then extends through the drive hole 76.

[0219] The illustrated embodiment of the drive key 32 has a preferred but optional enlarged cross section that begins at the second frusto-conical portion 42B, which abuts the holder 12 and prevents the drive key 32 from being over-inserted into the holder guide hole 112 (i.e., a stop function).

[0220] In the first position 32A, the actuating portion 38 contacts the second rearmost hole edge 124A of the second hole portion and the rearmost propulsion hole portion 128 of the blade.

[0221] The driver key 32 remains within the holder guide hole 112 and the driver hole 76, but the handle 36 is moved in the forward direction DF, orienting the driver key 32 as shown in the second position 32B (even though the driver key 32 is still within the holder guide hole 112 and the driver hole 76). This causes the actuating portion 38 to pivot at the central hole portion 120, exerting a rearward force FR on the rearward driver hole portion 128 and sliding the blade 14 in the rearward direction DR until the rearward movement is stopped by the blade's rear abutment surface 60 abutting the pocket rear abutment surface 98.

[0222] As can be seen generally from FIG. 8A, the maximum blade height BH of the blade 14 is greater than the minimum pocket height PM (FIG. 6C), so that the rearward relative movement of the blade 14 generates an upward lifting force FL on the holder fastening portion 86.

[0223] After the blade 14 reaches the fully assembled position (eg, FIG. 7C), the resilient holder fasteners 86 exert a configured downward force FD on the blade 14 to retain the blade 14 within the holder pocket 92.

[0224] Thus, the blade 14 is now fully assembled in the holder 12 as shown in Figure 7C.

[0225] To return the blade 14 to the semi-assembled state, the third step may involve the opposite movement to the first two steps: inserting the drive key 32 into the holder guide hole 112 and the drive hole 76 in the orientation shown in the second position 32B, and moving the handle 36 in the rearward direction DR (now abutting the forward-most drive hole portion 126 of the blade).

[0226] An alternative option for performing the second step above will now be briefly described: Such step may be performed by first inserting the drive key 32 shown in the third position 32C through the drive hole 76, then inserting it into the holder guide hole 112 at the holder first side 78A, and then exiting the holder guide hole 112 through the holder second side 78B.

[0227] After said insertion, the actuating portion 38 contacts the same portions of the holder 12 as previously described, namely the second rear hole edge 124A of the second hole portion and the rear propulsion hole portion 128 of the blade.

[0228] Next, with the drive key handle 36 adjacent the holder first side 78A, the handle 36 now moves in the rearward direction DR, orienting the drive key 32 as shown in the fourth position 32D (even though the drive key 32 is still within the holder guide hole 112 and drive hole 76), thereby creating the same rearward force described above.

[0229] Similarly, to return the blade 14 to the semi-assembled state, first insert the drive key 32 through the drive hole 76 in the orientation shown at 32D, then pass it through the holder guide hole 112, and then move the handle 36 in the forward direction DF.

[0230] It will be appreciated that the blade 14 may be fully assembled by inserting a drive key into one side of the holder 12, and the blade 14 may be partially assembled by inserting a drive key 32 into the other side of the holder 12.

[0231] The example tool assembly 10 described above has many advantages, such as minimizing the risk of damaging the holder fastener 86 (because the operator does not directly move the holder fastener 86) and preventing parts from falling off (because the drive key 32 remains in the part between states).

[0232] However, smaller blades or cutting inserts that do not require the height for the drive holes may be used in the embodiment shown in Figures 10-11B.

[0233] Only significant differences will be described in detail, and an apostrophe (') will be used to indicate features with similar functionality. Features that are not significantly different from previous embodiments can be assumed to be the same.

[0234] 10A-11B, a second Swiss-style tool assembly 10′ is illustrated. The assembly 10′ includes a holder 12′, a blade 14′ assembled to the holder 12′, and a cutting insert 16′ assembled to the blade 14′.

[0235] The cutting insert 16' is of the same type as the cutting insert 16 previously described.

[0236] The illustrated drive key 32' (FIGS. 11A and 11B) is simply a cylindrical rod, but may have any of the features of the drive key 32 previously described.

[0237] Blade 14' differs primarily in that top edge taper 64' does not include two sloping sub-tapered edges, but simply extends parallel to blade bottom edge 48, and blade 14' lacks drive holes. Apart from these two differences related to function, blade 14' may have any of the features of blade 14 already described.

[0238] Holder 12' differs primarily in that holder 12' does not have holder guide holes, and instead, holder fastener portion 86' includes fastener holes 130'.

[0239] More precisely, the fastening holes 130' are formed in the fastening portion 102' of the holder fastening portion 86'. Furthermore, the fastening holes 130' face a first lateral direction DS1' and a second lateral direction DS2' (FIG. 10C; the illustrated directions are arbitrarily shown as opposite directions to the previous example, since the holder pockets in the current example are on opposite sides of the holder 12'. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the particular sides are irrelevant to the present invention), allowing side access of the drive key 32' from both sides, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B.

[0240] Additionally, the intermediate fastener portion 106' includes an upper pry protrusion 132' (which is optionally, but preferably, convex as shown).

[0241] The lever protrusion 132' further includes a guide recess 134' oriented toward the fastening hole 130' (i.e., parallel to the first lateral direction DS1' and the second lateral direction DS2') and can stabilize the drive key 32' when the guide recess 134' abuts against the drive key 32'.

[0242] With particular reference to Figures 11A and 11B, it is shown that the drive key 32' can be inserted through the fastening hole 130' in both the first lateral direction DS1' and the second lateral direction DS2', leveraging or pivoting the lever protrusion 132' to move the first key end 34A' in the downward direction DD and apply a force on the fastening portion 102' in the upward direction DU.

[0243] Thereafter, the blade 14 ′ (or cutting insert) may be inserted into the holder pocket 92 and, in particular, positioned on the pocket bottom abutment surface 96 .

[0244] Thereafter, by removing the upward force, the fastening portion 102' then resiliently moves downward, securing the blade 14' to the holder 12'.

Claims

1. a holder including: opposing holder first and second sides, the holder first and second sides defining a first lateral direction from the holder second side toward the holder first side and a second lateral direction opposite the first lateral direction; opposing holder front and rear ends, the holder front and rear ends defining a forward direction from the holder rear ends toward the holder front end and a rearward direction opposite the forward direction; opposing holder top and bottom sides, the holder top and bottom sides defining an upward direction from the holder bottom side toward the holder top side and a downward direction opposite the upward direction; and a holder first side, the holder front and a holder pocket located at an intersection line of an upper side of the holder; and a holder fastening portion located on the upper side of the holder, the holder pocket extending along a first side of the holder and comprising: a pocket side abutment surface facing in the first side direction; a pocket bottom abutment surface located below the pocket side abutment surface and facing in the upward direction; and a pocket rear abutment surface located rearward of the pocket side abutment surface and facing in the forward direction, the holder fastening portion extending above the pocket side abutment surface and comprising: a fastening portion having an elastic hinge portion and a fastening portion upper abutment surface facing in the downward direction; and an intermediate portion extending from the elastic hinge portion to the fastening portion, the elastic hinge portion being configured to elastically bias the fastening portion downward.

2. 2. The holder of claim 1, wherein the pocket bottom abutment surface also faces in the second side direction and is therefore inclined inward to face the upward direction and the second side direction, and the fastening portion upper abutment surface also faces in the second side direction and is therefore inclined inward to face the downward direction and the second side direction.

3. The holder according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a holder guide hole that opens in the pocket-side contact surface.

4. The holder of claim 3 , wherein the holder guide hole comprises a narrowed portion.

5. The holder of claim 4 , wherein the holder guide hole is hourglass-shaped.

6. A holder as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the holder comprises an elongated shank portion and a head portion extending forward of the shank portion, and the holder pocket is at least partially formed on the head portion on a first side of the holder.

7. The holder of claim 6 , wherein the holder pocket extends rearward of the head portion.

8. 8. A holder according to claim 6 or 7, wherein in a front view of the holder, the shank portion has an outer shape, and the only part of the holder that extends outside the outer shape of the shank portion extends in an upward direction.

9. a blade having opposing first and second blade sides, opposing leading and trailing blade edges, opposing top and bottom blade edges, a first blade seat and a second blade seat, each having a base seat jaw and a second seat jaw opposite the base seat jaw, the first blade seat and the second blade seat configured for elastic fastening; a maximum blade height BH measured from the bottom blade edge to the top blade edge; and a maximum blade length BL perpendicular to the maximum blade height BH and measured from the blade leading edge to the blade trailing edge; and a maximum blade thickness BT perpendicular to the maximum blade height BH and measured from the blade first side to the blade second side, wherein the maximum blade thickness BT is less than the maximum blade height BH, and the maximum blade length BL satisfies the condition: L<45 mm, and the first blade seat opens at the blade leading edge and the second blade seat opens at the blade trailing edge.

10. The blade of claim 9 further comprising a drive hole opening into said blade first side and said blade second side.

11. The blade of claim 10 , wherein the drive hole comprises an inner hole surface extending perpendicular to the blade first side and the blade second side.

12. 12. A blade according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the propulsion holes are located symmetrically between the first blade seat and the second blade seat.

13. A blade according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the propulsion hole is located closer to the lower blade edge than the first blade seat and the second blade seat.

14. 14. The blade of claim 9, further comprising a maximum seat length SL parallel to the maximum blade length BL and measured from a forward-most point of the first blade seat adjacent the blade leading edge to a rear-most point of the first blade seat distal to the blade leading edge, wherein the maximum blade length BL and the maximum seat length SL define a length-seat ratio BL / SL that satisfies the condition: BL / SL<5.

15. 15. The blade of claim 9, further comprising a blade seat length STS parallel to the maximum blade length BL and measured parallel to the maximum blade length BL between a most distal portion of the first blade seat and the second blade seat, wherein the maximum blade seat length STS and the maximum blade height BH define a seat-to-height ratio STS / BH that satisfies the condition: STS / BH>1.

2.

16. A blade according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the maximum blade length BL and the maximum blade height BH define a length-height ratio BL / BH that satisfies the condition: BL / BH>1.

2.

17. A blade according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein both the primary washer jaw portion and the secondary washer jaw portion are formed with tapered surfaces.

18. The blade according to any one of claims 9 to 17, wherein the blade comprises only the first blade seat and the second blade seat.

19. A blade according to any one of claims 9 to 18, wherein both blade seats are adjacent to the blade upper edge.

20. A blade according to any one of claims 9 to 19, wherein the blade bottom edge extends forward of the first blade seat.

21. A blade according to any one of claims 9 to 20, wherein the blade top edge comprises a top edge taper that tapers from both the first side and the second side.

22. 22. The blade of claim 21, wherein the blade upper edge has a maximum blade upper edge length MTL, and the upper edge tapered portion edge has a blade tapered upper edge length TTL, the blade maximum upper edge length MTL and the blade tapered upper edge length TTL defining a top-edge ratio MTL / TTL that satisfies the condition: MTL / TTL>2.

23. 23. A blade according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the upper edge convergent portion is located between two relieved portions.

24. 24. A blade according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the upper edge tapered portion extends both forward and downward on one side of the upper edge tapered portion and both aft and downward on the other side of the upper edge tapered portion.

25. A blade according to any one of claims 9 to 24, wherein the blade bottom edge is longer than the blade top edge.

26. A blade according to any one of claims 9 to 25, wherein the blade bottom edge extends in a straight line in a side view of the blade.

27. A tool assembly comprising the holder according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and either a cutting insert or a parting blade fixed directly in the holder pocket by the holder fastening portion.

28. 28. The tool assembly of claim 27, wherein a parting blade is secured directly within the holder pocket by the holder fastener, and a cutting insert having a solid structure and a single cutting edge is secured within the parting blade.

29. 29. The tool assembly of claim 27 or 28, wherein a parting blade is resiliently fastened in the holder pocket by the holder fastening portion, the parting blade comprising a blade seat configured to resiliently fasten a cutting insert.

30. 30. The tool assembly of claim 29, wherein a cutting insert is resiliently fastened within the blade seat of the parting blade, and a first fastening force exerted on the parting blade within the holder pocket is greater than a second fastening force exerted on the cutting insert within the blade seat.

31. A tool assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the pocket bottom abutment surface extends beneath the entire forward most blade seat of the blade.

32. 32. The tool assembly of claim 31, wherein the pocket bottom abutment surface extends below and forward of a forward-most blade seat of the parting blade.

33. A tool assembly according to claim 29, wherein the parting blade is as defined in any one of claims 9 to 26.

34. A method for fixing the cutting insert or the parting blade to the holder according to any one of claims 1 to 8, said method comprising: a first step of partially placing the cutting insert or the parting blade on the holder pocket in a semi-assembled state; a second step of applying a rearward force on the cutting insert or the parting blade; wherein the rearward force causes the cutting insert or the blade to slide in the rearward direction along the pocket abutment surface, and the fastening portion abutment surface is abutted and raised until the rearward movement is stopped by the cutting insert or the parting blade abutting the pocket rear abutment surface, thereby bringing the cutting insert or the blade into a fully assembled state.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein the parting blade is a parting blade according to any one of claims 9 to 26.

Images