Long, thin insert holders and cutting tools

Abstract

The insert holder (24, 36) has spaced apart upper and lower jaws, with the upper jaw (38) resiliently rotatable relative to the lower jaw (40) about an angled pivot axis. The insert holder (24, 36) includes a forwardly disposed insert mounting portion (32, 36) that includes a forwardly projecting clamping finger (56) and a forwardly projecting support rib (58). The clamping recess (42) is partially defined by an elongated recessed hinge surface (52) formed on the angled hinge portion (50). The recessed hinge surface (52) includes first and second hinge ends (54A and 54B) that are longitudinally spaced from each other. The second hinge end (54B) is located forward of the first hinge end (54A).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The subject matter of this application relates to external groove insert holders, particularly to such insert holders having a lower jaw and a resilient upper jaw, still more particularly to such upper and lower jaws having clamping fingers and support ribs, respectively, and still more particularly to such clamping fingers having coolant outlets on the clamping fingers to direct coolant from above toward the cutting area. [Background technology]

[0002] A cutting tool for external groove cutting operations on a workpiece may include an insert holder and a cutting insert resiliently clamped within an insert-receiving pocket. The insert holder may include an upper jaw and a lower jaw spaced apart by a clamping recess and connected by a hinge portion. The upper jaw is resiliently movable relative to the lower jaw. The insert-receiving pocket is located in the clamping recess. The insert-receiving pocket may include clamping fingers and support ribs formed on the upper and lower jaws, respectively, the clamping fingers and support ribs forming part of the insert-receiving pocket.

[0003] The insert holder may include coolant passages that extend from the lower jaw to the upper jaw and supply coolant to the cutting area from above.

[0004] The cutting insert can be "gripped" and secured within the insert-receiving pocket, i.e., the lower and upper jaws resiliently clamp the cutting insert and bias the upper jaw toward the lower jaw without the need for additional elements such as screws. An example of such an insert holder is disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 10,556,272 BB, in which coolant passages extend through the hinge portion.

[0005] Alternatively, the lower and upper jaws may be biased with additional elements, such as screws, to increase the clamping force on the cutting insert. An example of such an insert holder is disclosed in US 9,908,180 B2. As in US 10,556,272 BB, the coolant passages extend through the hinge portion. The cross-sectional dimensions of the coolant passages (through the hinge portion) are limited by the thickness of the hinge portion (in the axial direction of the insert holder). Another example is disclosed in US 8,388,268 B2, for example, in which the coolant passages extend through an additional clamping screw. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It is an object of the present subject matter to provide an improved external groove insert holder having an insert mounting portion with coolant outlets on the clamping fingers to direct coolant from above toward the cutting area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided an elongated insert holder having a holder longitudinal axis defining opposite anterior and posterior directions, the insert holder comprising: a holder end surface formed at the front end of the insert holder and intersected by the holder longitudinal axis; a holder outer peripheral surface extending circumferentially around the holder longitudinal axis and including a holder surface closer to the pocket and a holder surface farther from the pocket; a shank portion and an insert assembly portion located at a front end of the shank portion; an upper jaw and a lower jaw spaced apart by a clamping recess recessed into an end face of the holder, the upper jaw being resiliently movable relative to the lower jaw by rotation about an angled pivot axis; forwardly projecting clamping fingers and forwardly projecting support ribs located on each of the upper and lower jaws; an insert-receiving pocket extending along a pocket longitudinal axis and configured to receive a cutting insert therein, the insert-receiving pocket being formed within the clamping recess and at least partially defined by upper and lower pocket surfaces formed on the upper and lower jaws, respectively, and extending over the clamping fingers and support ribs, respectively, to define a pocket front opening; Equipped with The insert receiving pocket opens on the holder surface closest to the pocket, the elastic upper and lower jaws are connected by an angled hinge portion; the clamping recess is partially defined by an elongated recess hinge surface formed on the angled hinge portion between the upper and lower jaws; The elongated recessed hinge surface includes a first hinge end and a second hinge end spaced longitudinally from one another along the holder longitudinal axis, the second hinge end being located forward of the first hinge end.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a cutting tool comprising an insert holder of the type described above and a cutting insert releasably and resiliently clamped within the insert-receiving pocket.

[0009] It should be understood that the above is a summary and that the features described below may be applicable to the subject matter of the present application in any combination, for example, any of the following features may be applicable to an insert holder or a cutting tool.

[0010] The holder outer peripheral surface may further include opposing upper and lower holder surfaces connecting the pocket-proximal and distal holder surfaces. The upper holder surface may further include a shank upper surface, an assembly portion upper surface, and an upper jaw rear surface extending between the shank upper surface and the assembly portion upper surface, the upper jaw rear surface facing away from the holder end surface.

[0011] The upper jaw rear surface may extend between a holder surface proximal to the pocket and a holder surface distal to the pocket.

[0012] The second hinge end may be located anterior to the posterior surface of the maxilla.

[0013] The first hinge end may be located posterior to the posterior surface of the maxilla.

[0014] The first hinge end may intersect the holder face closer to the pocket, and the second hinge end may intersect the holder end face or the holder face farther from the pocket.

[0015] The first hinge end may intersect the holder face closer to the pocket, and the second hinge end may intersect the holder face farther from the pocket.

[0016] The recessed hinge surface may extend linearly in a direction between the first hinge end and the second hinge end, and in a top view of the insert holder, the angled hinge axis forms an acute hinge angle with the holder longitudinal axis, the acute hinge angle being greater than or equal to 45° and less than or equal to 80°.

[0017] The insert holder may include a coolant passageway extending from the lower jaw to the upper jaw through the angled hinge portion.

[0018] The coolant passage may include a passage vertical portion that may extend from the lower jaw to the upper jaw through the angled hinge portion.

[0019] The pocket lower surface may include a pocket lower clamping surface. The pocket upper surface may include pocket upper clamping surfaces facing each other toward the pocket lower clamping surfaces. The insert-receiving pocket may include a pocket stop surface formed on one of the pocket upper surface and the pocket lower surface generally facing toward the pocket front opening to position the cutting insert at a predefined axial position.

[0020] The pocket stop surface may be located rearward of a portion of the holder end face laterally adjacent the insert-receiving pocket.

[0021] The pocket stop surface may be formed on the bottom surface of the pocket.

[0022] The upper and lower pocket clamping surfaces may be formed entirely on the clamping fingers and support ribs, respectively.

[0023] The insert holder may further include a resilient slot formed within the clamping recess and extending rearwardly from the insert-receiving pocket toward a face of the holder remote from the pocket.

[0024] The upper jaw portion may not have a fastening recess or a through hole that opens to the outer peripheral surface of the holder.

[0025] The upper jaw portion may include a clamping recess and a through hole that opens to the outer peripheral surface of the holder.

[0026] The cutting insert may be longitudinally elongated in a direction defining the insert longitudinal axis and may include two opposing insert end faces and an outer peripheral insert surface extending between the insert end faces, the outer peripheral insert surface extending circumferentially around the insert longitudinal axis and including opposing upper and lower insert surfaces, two opposing insert side surfaces connecting all of the two insert end faces, and a cutting edge formed at an intersection between the upper insert surface and a first of the two insert end faces. The lower insert surface may include an insert lower abutment surface. The upper insert surface may include upper abutment surfaces facing each other away from the at least one lower abutment surface. A second of the two insert end faces may include an insert stop surface.

[0027] The pocket stop surface may abut the insert stop surface. The pocket lower clamping surface may abut the insert lower abutment surface. The pocket upper clamping surface may abut the insert upper abutment surface.

[0028] For a better understanding of the present application and to show how it may be carried into practice, reference is now made to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the cutting tool shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is another perspective view of the insert holder shown in FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment, showing the hidden clamping recesses and coolant passages. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front end view of the insert assembly portion shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a first side view of the insert assembly portion shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a second side view of the insert assembly portion shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 7] A top view of the insert holder shown in Figure 3. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an insert holder according to a second embodiment, showing the concealed clamping recesses and coolant passages. [Figure 9] A top view of the insert holder shown in Figure 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cutting insert shown in FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] It should be understood that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity, or several physical components may be subsumed within a single functional block or element. Where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements.

[0031] In the following description, various aspects of the present subject matter are described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in sufficient detail to provide a thorough understanding of the present subject matter. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present subject matter may be practiced without the specific configurations and details presented herein.

[0032] Attention is first directed to FIG. 1 , which illustrates a cutting tool 20 for chip removal according to some embodiments of the present subject matter. The cutting tool 20 has a cutting insert 22, which may typically be made from cemented carbide. The cutting tool 20 also has an insert holder 24, which may typically be made from steel. The cutting tool 20 is an external grooving tool, and the cutting insert 22 is a grooving insert. The cutting tool 20 is adjustable between a release position and a clamping position. In the clamping position of the cutting tool 20, the cutting insert 22 is releasably attached to the insert holder 24.

[0033] Attention is now directed to FIGS. 2-7, which illustrate an insert holder 24 in accordance with the present application. The insert holder 24 is configured to be oriented in the opposite forward direction D. F and backward D R 5, 7, and 9. The insert holder 24 includes a holder outer circumferential surface 26 that extends circumferentially along the holder longitudinal axis B. The holder outer circumferential surface 26 intersects and bounds a holder end face 28 at a front end of the insert holder 24. The holder longitudinal axis B may intersect the holder end face 28. It should be understood that the use of the terms "front" and "rear" throughout this specification and claims refers to relative positions in the direction of the holder longitudinal axis B toward the left and right of FIGS. 5, 7, and 9, respectively.

[0034] The holder outer periphery 26 includes a pocket-proximal holder surface 32a and a pocket-distant holder surface 32b. The pocket-proximal holder surface 32a and the pocket-distant holder surface 32b are opposite one another. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the holder outer periphery 26 may include opposed upper and lower holder surfaces 30a and 30b. The pocket-proximal holder surface 32a and the pocket-distant holder surface 32b connect the upper and lower holder surfaces 30a and 30b. Note that in a front end view of the insert holder 24 (i.e., FIG. 4), the pocket-proximal holder surface 32a is located on the right-hand side of the insert holder 24, and the pocket-distant holder surface 32b is located on the left-hand side of the insert holder 24.

[0035] According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the holder end face 28 may be a multi-sided holder end face having multiple minor faces facing in different directions. In this non-limiting example shown, the holder end face 28 may include a first holder minor end face 28a and a second holder minor end face 28b. The first holder minor end face 28a and the second holder minor end face 28b may be adjacent (i.e., connected) to one another. The first holder minor end face 28a may be oriented perpendicular to the holder longitudinal axis B. The first holder minor end face 28a may be located between the pocket-proximal holder face 32a and the second holder minor end face 28a. The second holder minor end face 28b may be angled rearward as the second holder minor end face 28b extends from the first holder minor end face 28a toward the pocket-distant holder face 32b. The second holder minor end surface 28b may be located between the holder surface 3ba remote from the pocket and the first holder minor end surface 28a. The second holder minor end surface 28b may be adjacent to the holder surface 32b remote from the pocket.

[0036] The insert holder 24 includes a shank portion 34 and an insert mounting portion 36 located at the forward end of the shank portion 34. Both the shank portion 34 and the insert mounting portion 36 are circumferentially defined by the holder outer periphery 26. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the shank portion 34 and the insert mounting portion 36 may be integrally formed together to have a single, unitary structure. That is, the insert holder 24 does not have a separate adapter of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,403.

[0037] 3, insert holder 24 includes upper jaw 38 and lower jaw 40. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, upper jaw 38 and lower jaw 40 may be integrally formed together to have a single, unitary structure.

[0038] 4, the upper jaw 38 and the lower jaw 40 are spaced apart by a clamping recess 42. The clamping recess 42 is recessed into the holder end face 28. Due to the above-described configuration, the insert holder 24 has a bifurcated configuration.

[0039] 4 and 5, according to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the clamping recess 42 may be defined by at least opposing upper and lower recess surfaces 43a, 43b formed on the upper and lower jaws 38, 40, respectively. The upper and lower recess surfaces 43a, 43b face each other.

[0040] The upper jaw 38 is resiliently movable relative to the lower jaw 40, rotating about an angled pivot axis P. As shown in FIG. 7 , according to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the angled pivot axis P can be non-orthogonal to the holder longitudinal axis B. According to a first embodiment of the present subject matter, the upper jaw 38 can be configured to resiliently clamp the cutting insert 22 without the use of an additional separate clamping device, such as a clamping screw or other fastener. That is, the upper jaw 38 and the lower jaw 40 can independently grip the cutting insert 22. Thus, the upper jaw 38 does not have a clamping recess 42 or a through-hole opening into the holder outer peripheral surface 26 (particularly the upper holder surface 30 a) for receiving a clamping screw. 8 and 9, according to a second embodiment of the present subject matter, upper jaw 38 may include a through hole 44a that opens into recess lower surface 43a and holder outer peripheral surface 26 (particularly upper holder surface 30a) for a clamping screw 47. Lower jaw 40 may include a threaded hole 44b that opens into recess lower surface 43b for threaded engagement with clamping screw 47.

[0041] The insert holder 36 may have a "turret" basic shape. Specifically, according to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the upper holder surface 30a may include a shank upper surface 45, an assembly portion upper surface 46, and an upper jaw rear surface 48 extending between the shank upper surface 45 and the assembly portion upper surface 46. The upper jaw rear surface 48 faces away from the holder end surface 28 (i.e., in a rearward direction D). R The upper jaw rear surface 48 may extend between the pocket-proximal holder surface 32a and the pocket-distant holder surface 32b. The upper jaw rear surface 48 may demarcate the shank portion 34 from the insert mounting portion 36. The upper jaw rear surface 48 may extend in a rearward direction D. R 3B may define the upper jaw 38. It should be noted that such a configuration may limit the volume of the insert holder 24 near the rear of the clamping recess 42 (i.e., at the angled hinge portion described below) and thus preclude the provision of coolant passages, particularly when the coolant passages extend vertically.

[0042] As shown, the insert holder 24 has a holder vertical axis V1 that passes through the upper holder surface 30a and the lower holder surface 30b at the insert mounting portion 36. The holder vertical axis is perpendicular to and may intersect the holder longitudinal axis B. The insert holder 24 also has a holder horizontal axis L1 that passes through the pocket-proximal holder surface 32a and the pocket-distal holder surface 32b. The holder horizontal axis L1 is perpendicular to and may intersect both the holder longitudinal axis B and the holder vertical axis V1. The insert mounting portion 36 has a mounting portion width W measured along the horizontal axis L1, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0043] 4 and 5, the resilient upper jaw 38 and the lower jaw 40 are connected by an angled hinge portion 50. The clamping recess 42 is defined in part by an elongated recess hinge surface 52 formed on the angled hinge portion 50 between the upper jaw 38 and the lower jaw 40. Specifically, the recess hinge surface 52 extends between an upper recess surface 43 a and a lower recess surface 43 b. The recess hinge surface 52 extends longitudinally along the angled pivot axis P. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the recess hinge surface 52 may be concavely curved between the upper recess surface 43 a and the lower recess surface 43 b.

[0044] Elongated recessed hinge surface 52 includes a first hinge end 54a and a second hinge end 54b spaced longitudinally from first hinge end 54a. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, recessed hinge surface 52 may extend linearly in a direction between first hinge end 54a and second hinge end 54b. Thus, in a top view of insert holder 24 perpendicular to upper holder surface 30a (i.e., FIG. 7), (hidden) recessed hinge surface 52 may be straight.

[0045] Also shown in top view, angled pivot axis P forms an acute hinge angle β with holder longitudinal axis B as elongated recess hinge surface 52 extends between near-pocket holder surface 32a and far-pocket holder surface 32b. In some non-limiting embodiments, acute hinge angle β can be between 45° and 80°.

[0046] According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the first hinge end 54a can be located rearward of the upper jaw rear surface 48. Thus, the clamping recess 42 can extend rearward within the shank portion 34 (the upper jaw 38 and the lower jaw 40 are partially located within the shank portion 34). The first hinge end 54a can intersect the upper jaw rear surface 48 or the holder surface 32a proximal to the pocket.

[0047] The second hinge end 54b is located forward of the first hinge end 54a, thereby forming an angled hinge portion. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, this advantageously allows for placement of coolant passages through the angled hinge portion 50 by positioning the upper jaw rear surface 48 further rearward without extending the angled hinge portion 50. Thus, the overhang of the insert mounting portion is reduced, which may improve cutting tool life and performance. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the second hinge end 54b may be located forward of the upper jaw rear surface 48. The second hinge end 54b may intersect the holder end face 28 or the holder face 32b distal to the pocket.

[0048] According to a first embodiment of the present subject matter, the first hinge end 54a can intersect the near-pocket holder surface 32a and the second hinge end 54b can intersect the far-pocket holder surface 32b. In such a configuration, the fastening recess 42 opens to the near-pocket holder surface 32a, the holder end surface 28, and the near-pocket holder surface 32a.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 7 , the first hinge end 54a and the second hinge end 54b can be longitudinally spaced apart from one another by a hinge end longitudinal separation distance D1. The hinge end separation distance D1 can depend on various other dimensions associated with the insert holder 24. In embodiments in which the first hinge end 54a and the second hinge end 54b open to laterally opposite pocket-proximal and pocket-distal holder faces 32a and 32b, respectively, the ratio D1 / W of the hinge end separation distance D1 to the assembly portion width W can be within a predetermined range consistent with the hinge acute angle β described above. In this non-limiting embodiment, the axial position of the holder transverse axis L1 (in the anterior-posterior direction) can coincide with the axial position of the second hinge end 54b on the pocket-distal holder face 32b.

[0050] According to a second embodiment of the present subject matter (see FIGS. 8 and 9), the first hinge end 54a can intersect the proximal holder face 32a, and the second hinge end 54b can intersect the holder end face 28 (or more precisely, the second minor holder end face 28b). In such a configuration, the clamping recess 42 opens into the proximal holder face 32a and the holder end face 28.

[0051] The insert holder 24 includes forward-projecting clamping fingers 56 located on the upper jaw 38. A portion of the holder end face 28 is located on the front end of the clamping fingers 56. The insert holder 24 also includes a forward-projecting support rib 58 located on the lower jaw 40. The support rib 58 provides additional support for the cutting insert 22. Another portion of the holder end face 28 is located on the front end of the support rib 58. The clamping fingers 56 and the support rib 58 are thinner than the remainder of the upper jaw 38 and the lower jaw 40, respectively. Therefore, it should be noted that the insert holder 24 is suitable for (deep) external grooves, rather than blade forms known in the art (e.g., as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,033,622). The clamping fingers 56 and the support rib 58 are thinner than the cutting insert 22 to avoid interference during the cutting operation. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, according to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the clamping fingers 56 may be shorter than the support rib 58. 7, the insert mounting portion 32 (including the support ribs 58 and the clamping fingers 56) has a mounting portion length M measured in the direction of the holder longitudinal axis B. The mounting portion length M defines the overhang of the insert mounting portion 36. The mounting portion length M may be longer than the hinge end separation distance D1 described above.

[0052] 2-6, the insert holder 24 includes an elongated insert-receiving pocket 60. The insert-receiving pocket 60 is configured to receive the cutting insert 22 therein. The insert-receiving pocket 60 is formed within the clamping recess 42. More specifically, the insert-receiving pocket 60 is defined, at least in part, by an upper pocket surface 62a and a lower pocket surface 62b formed on the upper jaw 38 and the lower jaw 40, respectively. Even more specifically, the upper pocket surface 62a and the lower pocket surface 62b are located on the upper recess surface 43a and the lower recess surface 43b, respectively. The insert-receiving pocket 60 extends longitudinally along a pocket longitudinal axis L. The upper pocket surface 62a and the lower pocket surface 62b are oriented in a forward direction D. FThe first holder minor end face 28a extends over the clamping fingers 56 and the support rib 58, respectively, to define a pocket front opening 66. The insert-receiving pocket 60 therefore opens to the holder end face 28. The pocket upper surface 62a and the pocket lower surface 62b may be elongated. The pocket front opening 66 is of a size sufficient to allow insertion of the cutting insert 22 into the insert-receiving pocket 60. A pocket longitudinal axis L passes between the pocket upper surface 62a and the pocket lower surface 62b and through the pocket front opening 66. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the first holder minor end face 28a may be located laterally adjacent to the insert-receiving pocket 60 (or more precisely, the clamping fingers 56 and the support rib 58). In a side view of the insert holder 24 (i.e., FIG. 5 or FIG. 6), the pocket longitudinal axis L may define a pocket axis angle α with respect to the holder longitudinal axis B. The pocket axis angle α may be non-zero.

[0053] The insert-receiving pocket 60 also opens to the near-pocket holder surface 32a. In other words, the insert-receiving pocket 60 is directly adjacent (i.e., adjacent to) the near-pocket holder surface 32a. The pocket top surface 62a and the pocket bottom surface 62b intersect with the near-pocket holder surface 32a.

[0054] According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the insert-receiving pocket 60 may be the basic form of a clamping slot, suitable for receiving an elongated groove insert of the type known in the art (e.g., as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,556,272) that allows for the performance of external grooves on a workpiece. Also, in some embodiments, the insert holder 24 may have only a single insert-receiving pocket 60, rather than two or more insert-receiving pockets circumferentially spaced along the periphery, such as in a groove milling tool.

[0055] 4, according to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the insert-receiving pocket 60 may be oriented along a pocket plane PP. The pocket plane PP includes the pocket longitudinal axis L and intersects the pocket upper surface 62a and the pocket lower surface 62b. The pocket plane PP may be parallel to the holder longitudinal axis B.

[0056] The pocket lower surface 62b includes a pocket lower clamping surface 68. The pocket lower clamping surface 68 is for firmly clamping a corresponding surface on the cutting insert 22. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the pocket lower clamping surface 68 may extend longitudinally in a direction parallel to the pocket longitudinal axis L. The pocket lower clamping surface 68 may be formed entirely on the support rib 58.

[0057] 5 and 6, according to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the pocket lower clamping surface 68 may include two pocket lower clamping minor surfaces 68a, 68b that are spaced apart from one another along the pocket longitudinal axis L, in a direction away from the pocket front opening 66, by a lower relief recess 70 that is recessed into the pocket lower surface 62b. The pocket lower clamping surface 68 may be concave V-shaped.

[0058] The pocket upper surface 62a includes an upper pocket clamping surface 72. The upper pocket clamping surface 72 is for firmly clamping a corresponding surface on the cutting insert 22. The upper pocket clamping surfaces 72 face each other toward the lower pocket clamping surfaces 68 (i.e., the upper pocket clamping surfaces 72 and the lower pocket clamping surfaces 68 face each other). According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the upper pocket clamping surfaces 72 may be concave V-shaped. The upper pocket clamping surfaces 72 may be formed entirely on the clamping fingers 56.

[0059] 5, the insert-receiving pocket 60 includes a pocket stop surface 74 formed on one of the pocket upper surface 62a and the pocket lower surface 62b. The pocket stop surface 74 serves to position the cutting insert 22 at a predefined axial position (i.e., relative to the pocket axis) when the cutting insert 22 is inserted into the insert-receiving pocket 60. The pocket stop surface 74 also serves to prevent the cutting insert 22 from being displaced further inwardly into the insert-receiving pocket 60 along the pocket longitudinal axis L during a metalcutting operation. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the pocket stop surface 74 may be formed on the pocket lower surface 62b.

[0060] The pocket stop surface 74 faces generally toward the pocket front opening 66 to act as a stop. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the pocket stop surface 74 may face perpendicular to the pocket longitudinal axis L. The pocket stop surface 74 may be flat.

[0061] 7, according to some embodiments of the present subject matter, pocket stop surface 74 may be located rearward of a portion of holder end face 28 laterally adjacent insert-receiving pocket 60 (i.e., the portion adjacent to the insert-receiving pocket in a direction toward holder face 32b distal from the pocket). In other words, pocket stop surface 74 is closer to shank portion 34 than the portion of holder end face 28 laterally adjacent said insert-receiving pocket 60. Such a configuration may reduce the overhang of the insert-mounting portion.

[0062] 4-6 , according to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the insert holder 24 may include a resilient slot 76 formed within the clamping recess 42. The resilient slot 76 is primarily designed to provide a desired flexibility to the upper jaw 38. The upper jaw 38 should be sufficiently flexible to allow insertion of the cutting insert 22 into the insert-receiving pocket 60. At the same time, the upper jaw 38 should be sufficiently rigid to provide sufficient clamping of the cutting insert 22.

[0063] According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the resilient slot 76 extends rearward from the holder end face 28. The resilient slot 76 merges with the insert-receiving pocket 60.

[0064] According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the insert holder 24 may include a coolant passage 78 extending from the lower jaw 40 to the upper jaw 38 through the angled hinge portion 50. The coolant passage 78 includes a passage inlet 80 and a passage outlet 82. The passage inlet 80 and the passage outlet 82 are in fluid communication with each other. The passage outlet 82 is located on the clamping finger 56 and is configured to direct the coolant passage toward the cutting area. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the passage outlet 82 may be located in the upper jaw 38.

[0065] The coolant passage 78 may include a passage vertical portion 84. The passage vertical portion 84 is oriented perpendicular to the holder longitudinal axis B and extends in a direction between the upper and lower holder faces 30 a, 30 b. The passage vertical portion 84 may extend from the lower jaw 40 to the upper jaw 38 through the angled hinge portion 50.

[0066] 10, which illustrates the cutting insert 22. The cutting insert 22 is integrally formed to have a single, integral structure. The cutting insert 22 includes two opposing insert end faces 86 and an insert outer peripheral surface 88 extending between the two insert end faces 86. The insert outer peripheral surface 88 extends circumferentially about an insert longitudinal axis A. The insert longitudinal axis A defines the insert length, i.e., the direction in which the cutting insert 22 is longitudinally elongated and has its largest dimension. The insert outer peripheral surface 88 includes opposing insert upper and lower surfaces 90 and 92, and two opposing insert side surfaces 94 connecting the two insert end faces 86. The cutting insert 22 does not have a through-hole for a retention screw.

[0067] In this non-limiting example shown, the cutting insert 22 includes two cutting edges 96 formed at the intersection of the insert top surface 90 and each of the two insert end faces 86. In other words, the cutting insert 22 may be a double-ended cutting insert or a two-way indexable cutting insert. However, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to double-ended cutting inserts. For example, the present invention also applies to a single-ended cutting insert having a single cutting edge 96 formed at the intersection of the insert top surface 90 and one of the insert end faces 86. A portion of the insert top surface 90 adjacent to each cutting edge 96 serves as a rake surface 97a. A portion of each insert end face 86 adjacent to each cutting edge 96 serves as a clearance surface 97b.

[0068] The insert lower surface 92 includes at least one lower insert abutment surface 98. According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the at least one lower insert abutment surface 98 can extend parallel to the insert longitudinal axis A. The insert lower surface 92 can include a single lower insert abutment surface 98 that is flat (not shown). According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the insert lower surface 92 can include two lower insert abutment surfaces 98 that are offset (i.e., spaced apart from each other) in the longitudinal direction of the cutting insert 22. Each of the lower insert abutment surfaces 98 can have a convex V-shape that complementarily corresponds to the shape of the lower pocket clamping surface(s) 68.

[0069] The insert upper surface 90 includes an insert upper abutment surface 100. The insert upper abutment surface 100 is for abutting against a corresponding surface within the insert-receiving pocket 60. The insert upper abutment surface 100 faces away from the at least one insert lower abutment surface 98 and away from each other (in other words, the insert upper abutment surface 100 and the at least one insert lower abutment surface 98 face away from each other). The insert upper abutment surface 100 may have a convex V-shape that complements the shape of the pocket upper clamping surface 72.

[0070] At least one insert end face 86 may include an insert stop surface 102. In this non-limiting example shown, both insert end faces 86 may include an insert stop surface 102. The insert stop surfaces 102 are for abutting against corresponding pocket stop surfaces 74 within the insert-receiving pocket 60. Each insert stop surface 102 may be flat.

[0071] 12-13, which illustrate a cutting tool 20 in accordance with the subject matter of the second embodiment of the present application. The cutting tool 20 includes a cutting insert 22 that is releasably and elastically clamped within an insert-receiving pocket 60 of an insert holder 24. The outermost cutting edge 96 (proximate the pocket front opening 52a) forms an effective cutting edge 96a.

[0072] According to some embodiments of the present subject matter, the pocket stop surface 74 can abut an insert stop surface 102. The pocket lower clamping surface 68 can abut one of the at least one insert lower abutment surface 98. The pocket upper clamping surface 72 can abut an insert upper abutment surface 100.

[0073] Although the subject matter of the present application has been described in some detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. In the opposite forward direction (D Ｆ ) to the rear (D Ｒ 1. An elongated insert holder (24) having a holder longitudinal axis (B) defining a length from a base end to a base end, said insert holder (24) comprising: a holder end surface (28) formed at the front end of the insert holder (24) and intersected by the holder longitudinal axis (B); a holder outer peripheral surface (26) extending circumferentially around the holder longitudinal axis (B) and including a holder surface (32a) near the pocket and a holder surface (32b) far from the pocket; a shank portion (34) and an insert assembly portion (36) located at the front end of the shank portion (34); an upper jaw (38) and a lower jaw (40) spaced apart by a clamping recess (42) recessed into the holder end face (28), the upper jaw (38) being resiliently movable relative to the lower jaw (40) by rotation about an angled pivot axis (P); forwardly projecting clamping fingers (56) and forwardly projecting support ribs (58) located on said upper jaw (38) and said lower jaw (40), respectively; an insert-receiving pocket (60) extending along a pocket longitudinal axis (L) and configured to receive a cutting insert therein, the insert-receiving pocket (60) being formed within the clamping recess (42) and at least partially defined by pocket upper and lower surfaces (62a and 62b) formed on the upper and lower jaws (38 and 40), respectively, and extending over the clamping fingers (56) and the support rib (58), respectively, to define a pocket front opening (66); Equipped with The insert receiving pocket (60) opens to the holder surface (32a) on the side closer to the pocket, the resilient upper jaw (38) and the lower jaw (40) are connected by an angled hinge portion (50); the clamping recess (42) is defined in part by an elongated recess hinge surface (52) formed on the angled hinge portion (50) between the upper jaw (38) and the lower jaw (40); the elongated recessed hinge surface (52) having a first hinge end (54a) and a second hinge end (54b) spaced longitudinally from one another along the holder longitudinal axis (B); The second hinge end (54b) is located forward of the first hinge end (54a).

2. The holder outer peripheral surface (26) further includes an upper holder surface (30a) and a lower holder surface (30b) that connect the holder surface (32a) closer to the pocket and the holder surface (32b) farther from the pocket, 2. The insert holder (24) of claim 1, wherein the upper holder surface (30a) comprises a shank upper surface (45), an assembly portion upper surface (46), and an upper jaw rear surface (48) extending between the shank upper surface (45) and the assembly portion upper surface (46), the upper jaw rear surface (48) facing away from the holder end surface (28).

3. 3. An insert holder (24) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper jaw rear surface (48) extends between a holder surface (32a) proximal to the pocket and a holder surface (32b) distal to the pocket.

4. 4. An insert holder (24) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second hinge end (54b) is located forward of the upper jaw rear surface (48).

5. The insert holder (24) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first hinge end (54a) is located rearward of the upper jaw rear surface (48).

6. the first hinge end (54a) intersects with the holder surface (32a) closer to the pocket; An insert holder (24) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the second hinge end (54b) intersects the holder end face (28) or the holder face (32b) remote from the pocket.

7. 7. The insert holder (24) of claim 6, wherein the first hinge end (54a) intersects the holder surface (32a) closer to the pocket and the second hinge end (54b) intersects the holder surface (32b) farther from the pocket.

8. the recessed hinge surface (52) extends linearly in a direction between the first hinge end (54a) and the second hinge end (54b); 8. The insert holder (24) of claim 1, wherein, in a top view of the insert holder, the angled hinge axis (P) forms an acute hinge angle (β) with the holder longitudinal axis (B), the acute hinge angle (β) satisfying 45°≦β≦80°.

9. The insert holder (24) of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the insert holder (24) comprises a coolant passage (78) extending from the lower jaw (40) to the upper jaw (38) through the angled hinge portion (50).

10. The coolant passage (78) includes a vertical passage portion (84); 10. The insert holder (24) of claim 9, wherein the channel vertical portion (84) extends from the lower jaw (40) to the upper jaw (30) through the angled hinge portion (50).

11. The pocket lower surface (62b) includes a pocket lower clamping surface (68); The pocket upper surface (62a) has a pocket upper clamping surface (72) facing toward the pocket lower clamping surface (68), 11. The insert holder (24) according to claim 1, wherein the insert-receiving pocket (60) comprises a pocket stop surface (74), the pocket stop surface (74) being formed on one of the pocket upper surface (62a) and the pocket lower surface (62b) that generally faces toward the pocket front opening (66), so as to position the cutting insert at a predefined axial position.

12. 12. The insert holder (24) of claim 11, wherein the pocket stop surface (74) is located rearward of a portion of the holder end face (28) laterally adjacent the insert-receiving pocket (60).

13. 13. The insert holder (24) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the pocket stop surface (74) is formed on the pocket lower surface (62b).

14. 14. The insert holder (24) of claim 1, wherein the upper pocket clamping surface (72) and the lower pocket clamping surface (68) are integrally formed on the clamping finger (56) and the support rib (58), respectively.

15. An insert holder (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a resilient slot (76) formed in the fastening recess (42) and extending rearward from the insert receiving pocket (60) towards a holder face (32b) remote from the pocket.

16. The insert holder (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the upper jaw portion (34) is free of the fastening recess (38) and of through holes opening into the holder outer peripheral surface (26).

17. An insert holder (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the upper jaw portion (34) is provided with the fastening recess (38) and a through hole (44a) that opens into the holder outer peripheral surface (26).

18. A cutting tool (20), comprising: An insert holder (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 17; a cutting insert (22) releasably and elastically clamped within said insert-receiving pocket (60); A cutting tool (20) comprising:

19. The cutting insert (22) is longitudinally elongated in a direction defining an insert longitudinal axis (A); two opposing insert end faces (86) and an insert outer peripheral surface (88) extending between the insert end faces (86), the insert outer peripheral surface (88) extending circumferentially around the insert longitudinal axis (A) and including opposing insert upper and lower surfaces (90 and 92) and two opposing insert side surfaces (94) connecting the two insert end faces (86); a cutting edge (96) formed at an intersection line between the insert upper surface (90) and a first of the two insert end surfaces (86); Equipped with the insert lower surface (92) includes an insert lower abutment surface (98); the insert upper surface (90) comprises an insert upper abutment surface (100) facing away from the at least one insert lower abutment surface (98); 20. The cutting tool (20) of claim 18, wherein a second of the two insert end faces (86) comprises an insert stop surface (102).

20. The pocket lower surface (62b) includes a pocket lower clamping surface (68); The pocket upper surface (62a) has a pocket upper clamping surface (72) facing toward the pocket lower clamping surface (68), the insert-receiving pocket (60) includes a pocket stop surface (74), the pocket stop surface (74) being formed on one of the pocket upper surface (62a) and the pocket lower surface (62b) generally facing toward the pocket front opening (66) to locate the cutting insert at a predefined axial position; the pocket stop surface (74) abuts the insert stop surface (102); The pocket lower clamping surface (68) abuts against the insert lower abutment surface (98); 20. The cutting tool (20) of claim 19, wherein the pocket clamping surface (72) abuts the insert abutment surface (100).

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