A tool holder having a cylindrical fixing hole extending rearward from a front fixing surface and a fastening hole intersecting the front fixing surface

Abstract

The tool holder has a holder body, a first fastening member, and a first fastening member. The holder body includes a fixing portion and an assembling portion located behind the fixing portion. The fixing portion has a front fixing surface facing forward, a cylindrical fixing hole that opens in the front fixing surface and extends rearward from the front fixing surface, and a longitudinally extending primary slot that connects the fixing hole to the fixing outer surface. The first fastening member occupies the first fastening hole and crosses the primary slot. The first fastening member occupies the first fastening hole, and the first fastening hole intersects the first fastening hole and opens in the front fixing surface. The fixing hole has a first primary diameter of the fixing hole, and the first primary diameter of the fixing hole decreases and increases when the first fastening member rotates around the first fastening member axis in the first fastening direction and the first non-fastening direction, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tool holder and a cutting tool including the tool holder and a tool shank. The tool holder is for use in all metal cutting processes, and more particularly, in turning and drilling operations where the cutting tool is stationary.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of tool holders used in turning and drilling operations where the cutting tool is stationary, there are several examples of tool holders configured to clamp and receive a cylindrical tool shank.

[0003] German Utility Model No. 8311045 discloses a tool holder for a cylindrical tool shank, particularly for a boring bar. The tool holder has a clamping head slotted to form mutually adjustable clamping jaws and a bushing that can be received within a chuck of a machine tool. The clamping head has a cylindrical hole that extends along the entire length of the clamping head and the bushing together with the slot. The clamping jaws are adjusted relative to each other by two screws that cross the slot in the region of the clamping head.

[0004] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 202314 discloses a holder for a boring tool. The holder is formed from a sleeve and increases the stability of holding a cutting element, improves the machining accuracy of the boring tool, and prevents chipping of the cutting edge. In the sleeve of the holder, a rod-shaped cutting element is inserted into a central hole of the sleeve and clamped by clamping means. A slit is provided in a portion of the sleeve from the front end of the sleeve to the longitudinal middle of the sleeve, and the slit is in a region from the central hole of the sleeve to its outer peripheral surface. Further, the holder has a fastener for clamping the slit portion of the sleeve so as to change the inner diameter of the central hole.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved tool holder.

[0006] It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved tool holder having a cylindrical fixing hole in the front end portion.

[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved tool holder having a fastening member that is easily accessible from the front end portion.

[0008] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved tool holder having a front end fixing portion configured to be small.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] According to the present invention, there is provided a tool holder having a longitudinal axis defining a forward - rearward direction, and comprising a holder body, a first clamping member, and a first fastening member. The holder body has a fixing portion and an assembling portion located behind the fixing portion. The fixing portion has a front fixing surface facing forward, a cylindrical fixing hole intersecting the front fixing surface and extending rearward from the front fixing surface along the longitudinal axis, a fixing outer surface extending rearward from the front fixing surface, and a longitudinally extending primary slot connecting the fixing hole to the fixing outer surface and intersecting the front fixing surface. The first clamping member has a first clamping shaft extending along a first clamping shaft axis, and the first clamping shaft occupies a first clamping hole in the fixing portion and crosses the primary slot. The first fastening member extends along a first fastening member axis and occupies a first fastening hole in the fixing portion, and the first fastening hole intersects the first clamping hole and opens to the front fixing surface. In a cross - section taken in a first fixing plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and intersecting the primary slot, the fixing hole has a first primary diameter of the fixing hole measured parallel to the first clamping shaft axis or the axial projection of the first clamping shaft axis. When the first fastening member rotates about the first fastening member axis in the first fastening direction, the first fastening member operably engages the first contact surface of the first tightening shaft, reducing the first primary diameter of the fixing hole. After the first fastening member rotates about the first fastening member axis in the first non-fastening direction opposite to the first fastening direction, the first fastening member operably separates from the first contact surface of the first tightening shaft, increasing the first primary diameter of the fixing hole.

[0010] Next, for better understanding, the present invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, the present invention relates to a tool holder 20 having a longitudinal axis AL defining a forward direction DF - a rearward direction DR, and comprising a holder body 22, a first clamping member 24, and a first fastening member 26. The holder body 22 has a fixing portion 28 and an assembling portion 30 located behind (i.e., along the longitudinal axis AL) the fixing portion 28.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the holder body 22 can be manufactured from hardened steel.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1-7, the fixing portion 28 has a front fixing surface 32 facing the forward direction DF, a cylindrical fixing hole 34 intersecting the front fixing surface 32 and extending rearward along the longitudinal axis AL from the front fixing surface 32, and a fixing outer covering surface 36 extending rearward from the front fixing surface 32.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, the front fixing surface 32 can be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AL at least in the intersection region by the fixing hole 34.

[0016] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the portion of the fixing portion 28 does not extend in front of (i.e., along the longitudinal axis AL) the pre-fixing surface 32.

[0017] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the fixing hole 34 can be a through hole extending throughout the longitudinal range of the holder body 22.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the longitudinally extending primary slot 38 connects the fixing hole 34 to the fixing outer surface 36 and intersects the pre-fixing surface 32.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, the fixing portion 28 can have an elastically displaceable fixing jaw portion 40 and a fixed base jaw portion 42, and the fixing jaw portion 40 and the base jaw portion 42 can be separated by the primary slot 38.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the primary slot plane PS1 can be disposed between the fixing jaw portion 40 and the base jaw portion 42 within the primary slot 38.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present invention, the primary slot plane PS1 can be parallel to the longitudinal axis AL or offset from the longitudinal axis AL. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, the primary slot plane PS1 and the primary slot 38 can extend from the fixing hole 34 to the fixing outer surface 36 in a tangential direction rather than a radial direction.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first tightening member 24 has a first tightening shaft 44 extending along the first tightening shaft axis ACS1, and the first tightening shaft 44 occupies the first tightening hole 46 within the fixing portion 28 and crosses the primary slot 38.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first tightening shaft 44 can be held within the first tightening hole 46 without being screwed in.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 6, in a cross-section taken on a first fixing plane PF1 that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis AL and intersects the primary slot 38, the fixing hole 34 has a first primary diameter DFB1' of the fixing hole measured parallel to the first tightening shaft axis ACS1 or the axial projection of the first tightening shaft axis ACS1.

[0025] Also, as shown in Fig. 6, in a cross-section taken on the first fixing plane PF1, the fixing hole 34 has a second diameter DFB1'' of the fixing hole measured at a first fixing first rotation offset angle α1 of 45 degrees from the first primary diameter DFB1' of the fixing hole, and a third diameter DFB1''' of the fixing hole measured at a first fixing second rotation offset angle α2 of 90 degrees from the first primary diameter DFB1' of the fixing hole.

[0026] It will be understood that each of the first primary diameter DFB1' of the fixing hole, the second diameter DFB1'' of the fixing hole, and the third diameter DFB1''' of the fixing hole includes the longitudinal axis AL and is measured via the longitudinal axis AL.

[0027] Except for the circumferential portion of the fixing hole 34 where the primary slot 38 intersects, in the tool holder 20 where the fixing jaw portion 40 does not elastically displace with respect to the base jaw portion 42, the fixing hole 34 may have a circular cross-sectional shape, and the first primary diameter DFB1' of the fixing hole, the second diameter DFB1'' of the fixing hole, and the third diameter DFB1''' of the fixing hole may be equal.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first tightening shaft axis ACS1 may be included within the first fixing plane PF1.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 6, in a cross-section taken on the first fixing plane PF1, the primary slot 38 has a primary slot width W1 measured parallel to the first tightening shaft axis ACS1 or the axial projection of the first tightening shaft axis ACS1.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present invention, the primary slot width W1 may be less than 20 percent of the first primary diameter DFB1' of the fixing hole, i.e., W1 < 0.20 × DFB1'.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 7, the first fastening member 26 extends along the first fastening member axis AFM1 and occupies the first fastening hole 48 in the fixing portion 28.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first fastening hole 48 may be a threaded hole, and the first fastening member 26 may be screwed and held in the first fastening hole 48.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 7, the first fastening hole 48 intersects the first tightening hole 46 and opens to the front fixing surface 32.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present invention, the front fixing surface 32 may be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis AL in the region where the first fastening hole 48 opens to the front fixing surface 32.

[0035] Since the first fastening hole 48 opens to the front fixing surface 32, the first fastening hole 48 is configured to receive the first fastening member 26. Thus, it will be understood that the first fastening member 26 is accessible to the operator from a location in front of the front fixing surface 32.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, in the front view of the holder body 22, a first virtual circle C1 having a first diameter D1 circumscribes the fixing portion 28.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present invention, the center of the first virtual circle C1 may not coincide with the longitudinal axis AL.

[0038] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first primary diameter DFB1' of the fixing hole may exceed 30 percent of the first diameter D1, that is, DFB1'>0.30×D1.

[0039] In such an embodiment of the present invention, even though the fixing hole 34 and the first fastening hole 48 open to the front fixing surface 32, in the front view of the holder body 22 shown in FIG. 3, it will be understood that the fixing portion 28 is small in the radial direction.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the first fastening hole 48 may be located within the fixing jaw portion 40.

[0041] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first fastening member axis AFM1 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis AL.

[0042] In embodiments of the present invention where the first fastening member axis AFM1 is parallel to the longitudinal axis AL and the first tightening shaft axis ACS1 is included within the first fixing plane PF1, it will be appreciated that the first fastening member axis AFM1 is perpendicular to the first tightening shaft axis ACS1.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the fixing jaw portion 40 may be elastically displaceable about an elastic rotation axis AR extending parallel to the longitudinal axis AL.

[0044] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the primary slot 38 may be located on the first side S1 of the first longitudinal plane PL1 including the longitudinal axis AL, and the elastic rotation axis AR may be located on the second side S2 opposite to the first longitudinal plane PL1.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first tightening hole 46 and the first fastening hole 48 may be located on the first side S1 of the first longitudinal plane PL1.

[0046] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first longitudinal plane PL1 may be parallel to the first tightening shaft axis ACS1.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6, in a cross-section taken in the first fixing plane PF1, the elastic rotation axis AR may be located in the vicinity of the minimum fixing wall thickness TW between the fixing outer surface 36 and the fixing hole 34. MIN of.

[0048] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, the fixing jaw portion 40 may extend away from the rotational elastic axis AR around the fixing hole 34 in the first circumferential direction DC1, and the base jaw portion 42 may extend away from the elastic rotational axis AR in the second circumferential direction DC2 opposite to the first circumferential direction DC1 around the fixing hole 34.

[0049] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 6, the fixing outer surface 36 may have a longitudinal groove 50 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis AL, and the minimum fixing wall thickness TW MIN may be measured between the longitudinal groove 50 and the fixing hole 34.

[0050] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the primary slot plane PS1 may intersect the longitudinal groove 50.

[0051] When the first fastening member 26 rotates about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first fastening direction FD1, the first fastening member 26 operably engages the first contact surface 52 of the first fastening shaft 44 and reduces the first primary diameter DFB1' of the fixing hole.

[0052] Also, when the first fastening member 26 rotates about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first fastening direction FD1, the primary slot width W1 is reduced.

[0053] It will be appreciated that while the first fastening member 26 rotates about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first fastening direction FD1, the fixing jaw portion 40 undergoes elastic displacement relative to the base jaw portion 42 and may apply a first clamping force F1 to the cylindrical tool shank 54 occupying the fixing hole 34, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0054] After the first fastening member 26 rotates about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first fastening direction FD1, the tool shank 54 may be clamped and held in the fixing hole 34 of the holder so as to form the cutting tool 56.

[0055] The cutting tool 56 can have several possible configurations, including, for example, a turning tool shank 54 having a replaceable cutting insert 58, or a single-piece integral drill shank incorporating a cutting head (not shown), as shown in FIG. 8.

[0056] It will also be appreciated that, even though the primary diameter DFB1' of the fixing hole decreases after the first fastening member 26 rotates about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first fastening direction FD1, the primary diameter DFB1' of the fixing hole can still exceed 30 percent of the first diameter D1.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the first fastening member 26 rotates about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first fastening direction FD1, the secondary diameter DFB1'' of the fixing hole also decreases. However, the elastic displacement of the fixing jaw 40 relative to the base jaw 42 can be smaller at a first fixing first rotation offset angle α1 of 45 degrees from the primary diameter DFB1' of the fixing hole. Thus, after the first fastening member 26 rotates about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first fastening direction FD1, the secondary diameter DFB1'' of the fixing hole can exceed the primary diameter DFB1' of the fixing hole.

[0058] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, for the tertiary diameter DFB1''' of the fixing hole measured exclusively between two points on the base jaw 42, the rotation of the first fastening member 26 about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first fastening direction FD1 does not cause a change in the tertiary diameter DFB1''' of the fixing hole.

[0059] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the radially expandable sleeve 60 may occupy the fixing hole 34, and the tool shank 54 may be clamped and held in the fixing hole 34 through the sleeve 60. The difference between the first primary diameter DFB1' of the fixing hole, the first secondary diameter DFB1'' of the fixing hole, and the first tertiary diameter DFB1''' of the fixing hole is compensated by the sleeve 60 after the first fastening member 26 rotates about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first fastening direction FD1, and the first clamping force F1 is circumferentially distributed around the tool shank 54, and the inner sleeve surface 62 of the sleeve 60 having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape clamps the tool shank 54 to contact the tool shank 54.

[0060] It will be appreciated that several radially expandable sleeves 60 having different inner diameters may be provided, whereby a "properly sized" sleeve 60 corresponding to the diameter of the tool shank 54 clamped circumferentially therein can be inserted into the fixing hole 34.

[0061] It should also be appreciated that the tool holder 20 can advantageously be used in a CNC machine with spatial constraints such as requiring a plurality of cutting tools 56 to be arranged very close to each other, for example, in a Swiss-type machine where several rows of cutting tools 56 are arranged side by side on a fixed back plate (not shown). In the case of such a CNC machine configuration where lateral access may be a problem, the first fastening member 26 of each tool holder 20 is advantageously accessible from a location in front of each front fixing surface 32.

[0062] In the case of an embodiment of the present invention where the fixing hole 34 is a through hole, the range in which each tool shank 54 projects forward from the front fixing surface 32 is adjustable, and in the case of a Swiss-type machine where several rows of cutting tools 56 have different shank lengths and configurations, it should be further appreciated that the projecting ranges of the plurality of effective cutting tips associated with the tool shank 54 can be advantageously adjusted to be in a virtual plane.

[0063] Subsequently, when the first fastening member 26 rotates about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in a first non-fastening direction UDI opposite to the first fastening direction FD1, the first fastening member 26 operably separates from the first contact surface 52 of the first fastening shaft 44 and increases the first primary diameter DFB1' of the fixing hole.

[0064] Also, subsequently, when the first fastening member 26 rotates about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first non-fastening direction UDI, the primary slot width W1 increases.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present invention, subsequently, when the fastening member 26 rotates about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first non-fastening direction UDI, the second primary diameter DFB1'' of the fixing hole also increases.

[0066] After the first fastening member 26 has rotated sufficiently about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first non-fastening direction UDI, the fixing jaw portion 40 no longer elastically displaces relative to the base jaw portion 42, and the first primary diameter DFB1', the second primary diameter DFB1'', and the third primary diameter DFB1''' of the fixing hole can be made equal.

[0067] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fixing jaw portion 40 can be separated from the assembly portion 30 by a secondary slot 64 that traverses the primary slot 38.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, the secondary slot 64 can communicate with the primary slot 38.

[0069] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the secondary slot 64 can be located behind the first fixing plane PF1.

[0070] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the radially expandable sleeve 60 that occupies the fixing hole 34 can extend rearward from the front fixing surface 32 and intersect the secondary slot 64.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 10, in a cross-section taken in a second longitudinal plane PL2 that is parallel to the primary slot plane PS1 and intersects the fixed jaw portion 40, the assembly portion 30 and the fixed jaw portion 40 can be completely separated by the secondary slot 64.

[0072] In some embodiments of the present invention, in a cross-section taken in any plane that is parallel to the primary slot plane PS1 and intersects the fixed jaw portion 40, the assembly portion 30 and the fixed jaw portion 40 can be completely separated by the secondary slot 64.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 4, the base jaw portion 42 can merge with the assembly portion 30 or be integrally connected to the assembly portion 30.

[0074] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the secondary slot plane PS2 can be disposed between the fixed jaw portion 40 and the assembly portion 30 within the secondary slot 48.

[0075] In some embodiments of the present invention, the secondary slot plane PS2 can be orthogonal to the longitudinal axis AL.

[0076] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the secondary slot plane PS2 can be orthogonal to the primary slot plane PS1.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 5, in a top view of the holder body 22, the secondary slot 64 can have a secondary slot width W2 that is measured orthogonal to the secondary slot plane PS2.

[0078] In some embodiments of the present invention, the rotation of the first fastening member 26 about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first fastening direction FD1 or the first non-fastening direction UD2 does not cause a change in the secondary slot width W2.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 7, 11, and 12, the first contact surface 52 can be disposed within the first contact recess 66 in the first fastening shaft 44.

[0080] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first fastening member 24 may have a first fastening head 68 at one end of the first fastening shaft 44, and as shown in FIG. 7, the first abutting recess 66 and the first fastening head 68 may be located on both sides of the primary slot 38.

[0081] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first abutting surface 52 may generally face the first fastening head 68. More specifically, at least a portion of the first abutting surface 52 may be inclined and may have a surface facing the first fastening head 68.

[0082] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 7, the first fastening hole 46 may open into a portion of the fixed covering surface 36 associated with the base jaw portion 42, and thus may be configured to receive the first fastening member 24 through the base jaw portion 42.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the first fastening member 26 may have a first fastening end portion 70 and a second fastening end portion 72, and a threaded fastening portion 74 extending between the first fastening end portion 70 and the second fastening end portion 72 along the first fastening member axis AFM1.

[0084] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first fastening end portion 70 may have a recessed or protruding torque transmission shape, such as TORX (trademark) or ALLEN (trademark), and may be accessible from a location in front of the pre-fixed surface 32.

[0085] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second fastening end portion 72 may have a generally frustoconical shape, and the second fastening end portion 72 may operably engage the first abutting surface 52 of the first fastening shaft 44.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 10, the first fastening shaft 44 may be non-circular in a cross-section taken along the first fastening shaft axis ACS1.

[0087] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first tightening shaft 44 may have an elliptical shape in a cross section taken along the first tightening shaft axis ACS1.

[0088] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first tightening hole 40 may extend along a first tightening hole axis ACB1 coaxial with the first tightening shaft axis ACS1, and the first tightening hole 46 may have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the first tightening shaft 44 in a cross section taken along the first tightening hole axis ACB1. In the case of such an embodiment of the present invention, the first tightening member 26 is not rotatable about the first tightening shaft axis ACS1 within the first tightening hole 46, and thus, advantageously, it will be understood that the second fastening end portion 72 of the first fastening member can securely connect with the first abutting recess 66 of the first tightening shaft and can operably engage the first abutting surface 52.

[0089] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the tool holder 20 may further include a second tightening member 76 and a second fastening member 78.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 7, the second tightening member 76 has a second tightening shaft 80 extending along a second tightening shaft axis ACS2, and the second tightening shaft 80 occupies a second tightening hole 82 within the fixing portion 28 and may cross the primary slot 38.

[0091] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second tightening shaft 80 may be held within the second tightening hole 82 without being screwed in.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 15, in a cross section taken on a second fixing plane PF2 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AL and intersecting the primary slot 38, the fixing hole 34 has a second primary diameter DFB2' of the fixing hole measured parallel to the second tightening shaft axis ACS2 or the axial projection of the second tightening shaft axis ACS2.

[0093] Also, as shown in FIG. 15, in a cross section taken on the second fixing plane PF2, the fixing hole 34 has a second secondary diameter DFB2'' of the fixing hole measured at a second fixing first rotation offset angle β1 of 45 degrees from the first diameter DFB2' of the fixing hole, and a third diameter DFB2''' of the fixing hole measured at a second fixing second rotation offset angle β2 of 90 degrees from the first diameter DFB2' of the fixing hole.

[0094] It will be understood that each of the first diameter DFB2' of the fixing hole, the second secondary diameter DFB2'' of the fixing hole, and the third diameter DFB2''' of the fixing hole includes the longitudinal axis AL and is measured via the longitudinal axis AL.

[0095] In the tool holder 20 where the fixing jaw portion 40 does not elastically displace with respect to the base jaw portion 42 except for the circumferential portion of the fixing hole 34 where the primary slot 38 intersects, the fixing hole 34 can be circular, and the first diameter DFB2' of the fixing hole, the second secondary diameter DFB2'' of the fixing hole, and the third diameter DFB2''' of the fixing hole can be equal.

[0096] Also, in the tool holder 20 where the fixing jaw portion 40 does not elastically displace with respect to the base jaw portion 42, since the fixing hole 34 is cylindrical, it will be understood that the first diameter DFB2' of the fixing hole, the second secondary diameter DFB2'' of the fixing hole, and the third diameter DFB2''' of the fixing hole can be equal to the first diameter DFB1' of the fixing hole, the second secondary diameter DFB1'' of the fixing hole, and the third diameter DFB1''' of the fixing hole.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 7, the second tightening shaft axis ACS2 can be parallel to the first tightening shaft ACS1.

[0098] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second tightening shaft axis ACS2 can be included within the second fixing plane PF2.

[0099] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second fixing plane PF2 can be located in front of the secondary slot 64.

[0100] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second fixing plane PF2 may be spaced apart from the first fixing plane PF1 and may be located in front of or behind the first fixing plane PF1.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 7, the second fastening member 78 may extend along the second fastening member axis AFM2 and occupy the second fastening hole 84 within the fixing portion 28.

[0102] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second fastening hole 84 may be a threaded hole, and the second fastening member 78 may be screwed and held within the second fastening hole 84.

[0103] It will be appreciated that the first fastening member 26 and the second fastening member 78 may be the same except for having different lengths.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 7, the second fastening hole 84 may intersect the second tightening hole 82 and open to the front fixing surface 32.

[0105] In some embodiments of the present invention, the front fixing surface 32 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis AL in the region where the second fastening hole 84 opens to the front fixing surface 32.

[0106] Since the second fastening hole 84 opens to the front fixing surface 32, the second fastening hole 84 is configured to receive the second fastening member 78, and thus it will be appreciated that (the operator) can access the first fastening member 26 from a location in front of the front fixing surface 32. Also, in such embodiments of the present invention, despite the fixing hole 34 and the first fastening hole 48 and the second fastening hole 84 opening to the front fixing surface 32, the first primary diameter DFB1' of the fixing hole may exceed 30 percent of the first diameter D1, and in the front view of the holder body 22 shown in FIG. 3, it will be appreciated that the fixing portion 28 may be radially small.

[0107] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second fastening hole 84 may be located within the fixing jaw portion 40.

[0108] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second fastening member axis AFM2 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis AL.

[0109] In the case of an embodiment of the present invention where the second fastening member axis AFM2 is parallel to the longitudinal axis AL and the second clamping shaft axis ACS2 is included in the second fixing plane PF2, it will be understood that the second fastening member axis AFM2 is perpendicular to the second clamping shaft axis ACS2.

[0110] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 10, the first clamping shaft axis ACS1 and the second clamping shaft axis ACS2 may be included in a third longitudinal plane PL3 parallel to the longitudinal axis AL.

[0111] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first fastening member axis AFM1 and the second fastening member axis AFM2 may be included in the third longitudinal plane PL3.

[0112] In some embodiments of the present invention, when the second fastening member 78 rotates about the second fastening member axis AFM2 in the second fastening direction FD2, the second fastening member 78 can operably engage the second contact surface 86 of the second clamping shaft 80 and reduce the second primary diameter DFB2' of the fixing hole.

[0113] Before the second fastening member 78 rotates about the second fastening member axis AFM2 in the second fastening direction FD2, in the tool holder 20 where the first fastening member 26 rotates about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first fastening direction FD1, the fixing jaw 40 has already undergone an elastic displacement relative to the base jaw 42, and it will be understood that the second primary diameter DFB2' of the fixing hole has already at least partially decreased as the first primary diameter DFB1' of the fixing hole decreases. In such a case, when the second fastening member 78 subsequently rotates about the second fastening member axis AFM2 in the second fastening direction FD2, it can promote a further slight decrease in the second primary diameter DFB2' of the fixing hole, and as shown in FIG. 16, it will be understood that a second clamping force F2 can be applied to the tool shank 54 held in the fixing hole 34.

[0114] In the case of an embodiment of the present invention in which the tool shank 54 is clamped and held in the fixing hole 34 via the sleeve 60, the difference between the first secondary diameter DFB2' of the fixing hole, the second secondary diameter DFB2'' of the fixing hole, and the third secondary diameter DFB2''' of the fixing hole is compensated for by the sleeve 60 after the second fastening member 78 rotates about the second fastening member axis AFM2 in the second fastening direction FD2, and the second clamping force F2 is circumferentially distributed around the tool shank 54, and the inner sleeve surface 62 having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape is brought into clamping contact with the tool shank 54.

[0115] In the case of an embodiment of the present invention in which the first clamping shaft axis ACS1 and the second clamping shaft axis ACS2 are respectively included in the first fixing plane PF1 and the second fixing plane PF2, and the second fixing plane PF2 is spaced apart from the first fixing plane PF1, the overall clamping force applied to the tool shank 54 is longitudinally distributed along the fixing portion 28 by two longitudinally spaced clamping force components, that is, the first clamping force F1 and the second clamping force F2. Thus, it will be appreciated that more secure clamping of the tool shank 54 within the fixing hole 34 is achieved.

[0116] In some embodiments of the present invention, subsequently, when the second fastening member 78 rotates about the second fastening member axis AFM2 in the second non-fastening direction UD2 opposite to the second fastening direction FD2, the second fastening member 78 is operably separated from the second contact surface 86 of the second clamping shaft 80, and the first secondary diameter DFB2' of the fixing hole can be increased.

[0117] In the case where the second fastening member 78 rotates about the second fastening member axis AFM2 in the second non-fastening direction UD2 before the first fastening member 26 rotates about the first fastening member axis AFM1 in the first non-fastening direction UD2, the fixing jaw 40 is still elastically displaced relative to the base jaw 42, and it will be appreciated that the first secondary diameter DFB2' of the fixing hole only undergoes a slight increase because the first clamping force F2 has been released.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 7, the second contact surface 86 can be disposed within a second contact recess 88 in the second tightening shaft 80.

[0119] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second tightening member 76 can have a second tightening head 90 at one end of the second tightening shaft 80, and as shown in FIG. 7, the second contact recess 88 and the second tightening head 90 can be located on both sides of the primary slot 38.

[0120] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, similar to how the first contact surface 52 can generally face the first tightening head 68, the second contact surface 86 can generally face the second tightening head 90.

[0121] It will be appreciated that the first tightening member 26 and the second tightening member 76 can be identical except that the lengths of the first tightening shaft 44 and the second tightening shaft 80 are different.

[0122] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second tightening hole 82 opens into a portion of the fixed outer surface 36 associated with the base jaw 42, and thus can be configured to receive the second tightening member 76 through the base jaw 42.

[0123] As shown in FIGS. 1 - 7, the assembly portion 30 has a front assembly surface 92 and a rear assembly surface 94 that face in the forward direction DF and the rearward direction DR, respectively.

[0124] In some embodiments of the present invention, the assembly portion 30 can include a first assembly hole 96 and a second assembly hole 98 that each have a first assembly hole axis AMB1 and a second assembly hole axis AMB2, respectively, and each of the first assembly hole 96 and the second assembly hole 98 can open into the front assembly surface 92 and the rear assembly surface 94.

[0125] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first assembly hole axis AMB1 and the second assembly hole axis AMB2 can be parallel to the longitudinal axis AL.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 3, in the front view of the holder body 22, the first mounting hole 96 and the second mounting hole 98 can be separated by the fixing portion 28.

[0127] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first mounting screw and the second mounting screw (not shown) respectively occupy the first mounting hole 96 and the second mounting hole 98, and can be screwed into the first screw hole and the second screw hole within the above-mentioned fixed back plate, and the first mounting screw and the second mounting screw can be accessible from a location in front of the pre-assembly surface 92. In the case of such an embodiment of the present invention, it will be understood that the first fastening member 26 and the first mounting screw and the second mounting screw (which respectively occupy the first mounting hole 96 and the second mounting hole 98) can advantageously be accessible from the same location in front of the pre-assembly surface 92.

[0128] Also, in the case of an embodiment of the present invention where the second fastening hole 84 opens on the front fixing surface 32, it will be understood that the first fastening member 26, the second fastening member 78, and the first mounting screw and the second mounting screw can all advantageously be accessible from the same location in front of the pre-assembly surface 92.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 3, the fourth longitudinal plane PL4 can include the first mounting hole axis AMB1, the second mounting hole axis AMB2, and the longitudinal axis AL, and the first mounting hole axis AMB1 and the second mounting hole axis AMB2 can be equidistant from the longitudinal axis AL. In the case of such an embodiment of the present invention, it will be understood that the tool holder 20 can advantageously have two indexing positions on the fixed back plate, whereby indexing from the first indexing position to the second indexing position is achieved by rotating the tool holder 20 180 degrees about the longitudinal axis AL.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 2, the assembly portion 30 can have a cylindrical assembly extending portion 100 that protrudes rearward from the rear assembly surface 94.

[0131] In some embodiments of the present invention, the fixing hole 34 can intersect the annular rear end surface 102 of the assembly extending portion 100.

[0132] Although the present invention has been described in some detail, it should be understood that various modifications and corrections can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention claimed below.

Claims

1. A tool holder (20) having a longitudinal axis (AL) defining the forward direction (DF) - rear direction (DR), comprising a holder body (22), a first clamping member (24), and a first fastening member (26), The holder body (22) has a fixing portion (28) and an assembly portion (30) located behind the fixing portion (28), The fixing portion (28) has a front fixing surface (32) facing the forward direction (DF), a cylindrical fixing hole (34) that intersects the front fixing surface (32) and extends rearward from the front fixing surface (32) along the longitudinal axis (AL), a fixing outer surface (36) that extends rearward from the front fixing surface (32), and a longitudinally extending primary slot (38) that connects the fixing hole (34) to the fixing outer surface (36) and intersects the front fixing surface (32), The first clamping member (24) has a first clamping shaft (44) that extends along the first clamping shaft axis (ACS1), the first clamping shaft (44) occupies the first clamping hole (46) in the fixing portion (28) and crosses the primary slot (38), The first fastening member (26) extends along the first fastening member axis (AFM1), occupies the first fastening hole (48) in the fixing portion (28), the first fastening hole (48) intersects with the first tightening hole (46) and opens to the front fixing surface (32), In a cross-section taken at a first fixing plane (PF1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (AL) and intersecting the primary slot (38), the fixing hole (34) has the first clamping shaft axis (ACS1) or the first primary diameter of the fixing hole (DFB1') measured parallel to the axial projection of the first clamping shaft axis (ACS1), When the first fastening member (26) rotates around the first fastening member axis (AFM1) in the first fastening direction (FD1), the first fastening member (26) The first contact surface (52) of the first clamping shaft (44) is operably engaged, and the primary diameter (DFB1') of the first fixing hole is reduced. When the first fastening member (26) subsequently rotates around the first fastening member axis (AFM1) in a first non-fastening direction (UDI) opposite to the first fastening direction (FD1), the first fastening member (26) operably separates from the first contact surface (52) of the first clamping shaft (44), increasing the primary diameter (DFB1') of the first fixing hole, the tool holder (20).

2. The tool holder (20) according to claim 1, wherein the first fastening member axis (AFM1) is parallel to the longitudinal axis (AL).

3. The tool holder (20) according to claim 1, wherein the first clamping shaft (ACS1) is contained within the first fixing plane (PF1).

4. The aforementioned fixing portion (28) has an elastically displaceable fixing jaw portion (40) and a fixed base jaw portion (42), The tool holder (20) according to claim 1, wherein the fixed jaw portion (40) and the base jaw portion (42) are separated by the primary slot (38).

5. The fixed jaw portion (40) is separated from the assembly portion (30) by a secondary slot (64) that crosses the primary slot (38), The base jaw portion (42) merges with the assembly portion (30), The tool holder (20) according to claim 4, wherein the secondary slot (64) communicates with the primary slot (38).

6. The tool holder (20) according to claim 4, wherein the fixed jaw portion (40) is elastically displaceable about an elastic rotation axis (AR) that extends parallel to the longitudinal axis (AL).

7. In the cross-section taken at the first fixing plane (PF1), The elastic rotation axis (AR) is the minimum fixing wall thickness (TW) between the fixing outer surface (36) and the fixing hole (34). ＭＩＮ The tool holder (20) according to claim 6, located in the vicinity of ).

8. In the cross-section taken on the first fixing plane (PF1), the fixing hole (34) has a first secondary diameter (DFB1'') of the fixing hole measured at a first fixing rotation offset angle (αl) of 45 degrees from the first primary diameter (DFB1') of the fixing hole. When the first fastening member (26) rotates around the first fastening member axis (AFM1) in the first fastening direction (FD1), it reduces the secondary diameter (DFB1'') of the first fastening hole. The tool holder (20) according to claim 1, wherein the first fastening member (26) subsequently rotates around the first fastening member axis (AFM1) in the first unfastening direction (UDI) to increase the secondary diameter (DFB1'') of the first fastening hole.

9. In the front view of the holder body (22), the first virtual circle (C1) having a first diameter (D1) is tangent to the fixing portion (28), The tool holder (20) according to claim 1, wherein the primary diameter (DFB1') of the first fixing hole is greater than 30 percent of the first diameter (D1).

10. The tool holder (20) according to claim 1, wherein the first tightening shaft (44) is held without being screwed into the first tightening hole (46).

11. The device further comprises a second tightening member (76) and a second fastening member (78), The second clamping member (76) has a second clamping shaft (80) that extends along the second clamping shaft axis (ACS2), the second clamping shaft (80) occupies the second clamping hole (82) in the fixing portion (28) and crosses the primary slot (38), The second fastening member (78) extends along the second fastening member axis (AFM2) and occupies the second fastening hole (84) within the fixing portion (28). In a cross-section taken at a second fixing plane (PF2) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (AL) and intersecting the primary slot (38), the fixing hole (34) has a second primary diameter (DFB2') of the fixing hole that is measured parallel to the axial projection of the second clamping shaft axis (ACS2) or the second clamping shaft axis (ACS1). The second fastening hole (84) intersects with the second tightening hole (82) and opens to the front fixing surface (32), When the second fastening member (78) rotates around the second fastening member axis (AFM2) in the second fastening direction (FD2), the second fastening member (78) operably engages with the second contact surface (86) of the second tightening shaft (80), reducing the primary diameter (DFB2') of the second fastening hole. The tool holder (20) according to claim 1, wherein when the second fastening member (78) subsequently rotates around the second fastening member axis (AFM2) in a second non-fastening direction (UD2) opposite to the second fastening direction (FD2), the second fastening member (78) is operably separated from the second contact surface (86) of the second clamping shaft (80), thereby increasing the primary diameter (DFB2') of the second fastening hole.

12. The tool holder (20) according to claim 11, wherein the second fastening member axis (AFM2) is parallel to the longitudinal axis (AL).

13. The tool holder (20) according to claim 11, wherein the second clamping shaft (ACS2) is contained within the second fixing plane (PF2).

14. The first clamping shaft axis (ACS1) and the second clamping shaft axis (ACS2) are contained within a third longitudinal plane (PL3) parallel to the longitudinal axis (AL), The tool holder (20) according to claim 11, wherein the first fastening member shaft (AFM1) and the second fastening member shaft (AFM2) are contained within the third longitudinal plane (PL3).

15. The assembly portion (30) has a front assembly surface (92) and a rear assembly surface (94) facing the front direction (DF) and the rear direction (DR), respectively. The assembly portion (30) includes a first assembly hole (96) and a second assembly hole (98), each having a first assembly hole shaft (AMB1) and a second assembly hole shaft (AMB2), respectively. The tool holder (20) according to claim 1, wherein the first assembly hole (96) and the second assembly hole (98) each open to the front assembly surface (92) and the rear assembly surface (94), respectively.

16. The fourth longitudinal plane (PL4) includes the first mounting hole axis (AMB1) and the second mounting hole axis (AMB2), and the longitudinal axis (AL), The tool holder (20) according to claim 15, wherein the first mounting hole axis (AMB1) and the second mounting hole axis (AMB2) are equidistant from the longitudinal axis (AL).

17. A tool holder body (22) having a longitudinal axis (AL) defining the forward direction (DF) - rear direction (DR), wherein the tool holder body (22) is Assembly part (30) and The fixing portion (28) located in front of the assembly portion (30) and The fixed portion is equipped with, The aforementioned front fixing surface (32) facing the forward direction (DF), A cylindrical fixing hole (34) intersects the front fixing surface (32) and extends rearward from the front fixing surface (32) along the longitudinal axis (AL), and is configured to receive a tool shank. The fixing outer surface (36) extends rearward from the aforementioned front fixing surface (32), The fixing hole (34) is connected to the fixing outer surface (36), and a longitudinally extending primary slot (38) intersects the front fixing surface (32), The first threadless fastening hole (46) extends from the fixed outer surface (36) to both sides of the primary slot (38), A threaded first fastening hole (48) extends along the longitudinal axis (AL), intersects the first fastening hole (46), and opens into the front fixing surface (32). A tool holder body (22) is provided with the following.

18. The aforementioned fixing portion (28) has an elastically displaceable fixing jaw portion (40) and a fixed base jaw portion (42), The fixed jaw portion (40) and the base jaw portion (42) are separated by the primary slot (38), The fixed jaw portion (40) is separated from the assembly portion (30) by a secondary slot (64) that crosses the primary slot (38), The base jaw portion (42) merges with the assembly portion (30), The tool holder body (22) according to claim 17, wherein the secondary slot (64) communicates with the primary slot (38).

19. A second threadless fastening hole (82) is parallel to the first threadless fastening hole (46), passes through the fixed outer surface (36), and extends to both sides of the primary slot (38), A threaded second fastening hole (84) extends along the longitudinal axis (AL), intersects the second fastening hole (82), and opens into the front fixing surface (32). The tool holder body (22) according to claim 17, further comprising the above.

20. A tool holder (20), wherein the tool holder (20) is A tool holder body (22) according to any one of claims 17, A first clamping member (24) having a first clamping shaft (44) extending along a first clamping shaft axis (ACS1), wherein the first clamping shaft (44) occupies the first clamping hole (46) and the first clamping member (24) traverses the primary slot (38), The first fastening member (26) extends along the first fastening member axis (AFM1) and occupies the first fastening hole (48) and The mounting hole (34) is provided with a first mounting plane (PF1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (AL) and intersecting the primary slot (38), and in a cross-section taken on the first mounting plane (PF1) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (AL) and intersecting the primary slot (38), the mounting hole (34) has a first primary diameter (DFB1') of the mounting hole measured parallel to the first clamping shaft axis (ACS1) or the axial projection of the first clamping shaft axis (ACS1), When the first fastening member (26) rotates around the first fastening member axis (AFM1) in the first fastening direction (FD1), the first fastening member (26) operably engages with the first contact surface (52) of the first tightening shaft (44), reducing the primary diameter (DFB1') of the first fastening hole. After the first fastening member (26) rotates around the first fastening member axis (AFM1) in a first non-fastening direction (UDI) opposite to the first fastening direction (FD1), the first fastening member (26) operably separates from the first contact surface (52) of the first clamping shaft (44), increasing the primary diameter (DFB1') of the first fixing hole, in the tool holder (20).

Images