A system and method for holding cutting inserts, and cutting inserts for use therein.

Abstract

A cutting tool holder (102, 104, 10B, 11B, 19B) system for mounting cutting inserts (124, 500, 560, 800) on top, comprising: a tool holder (102, 104, 10B, 11B, 19B); a clamp (128) rotatable relative to the tool holder between a clamp position in which the clamp (128) clamps the cutting insert (124, 500, 560, 800) and a release position in which the clamp (128) allows the insert (124, 500, 560) to be removed from the seat (120); a compression unit (150) that applies a clamping force (154, 174, 590) in the clamp position; and a rotation unit (130) that allows the user to rotate the clamp (128) by hand.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter of the present disclosure relates to a cutting tool holder system that operates to securely mount a cutting insert for performing a cutting operation, and more particularly to a cutting tool holder system comprising a cutting tool holder and a clamp that operates to clamp the cutting insert within the cutting tool holder.

Background Art

[0002] One example of the type of cutting tool holder used in the devices referred to in the subject matter of the present disclosure is disclosed in the applicant's U.S. Patent No. 10,500,647.

[0003] Cutting tool holders typically accommodate a cutting insert seated therein and are adapted to remove material from a workpiece during a cutting operation such as milling, drilling, and turning. Many tool holders include multiple cutting inserts, and each cutting insert can be formed with at least one, two, or more cutting edges.

[0004] To withstand the relatively high operating loads during use, cutting inserts are typically manufactured from expensive and high-quality carbide. Therefore, cutting inserts can be shaped to be as small as possible in order to save costs.

[0005] Typically, a cutting insert is securely fixed to the seat of a cutting tool holder to prevent the cutting insert from inadvertently disengaging from the seat during a high-load cutting operation. In conventional cutting tool holders, the cutting insert is attached within the seat of the cutting tool holder by a fastener that enters into the bottom of the seat of the cutting tool holder through a bore of the cutting insert and / or clamped by using a clamping member on the seat, which requires a specified tool to apply a relatively large force to unclamp the clamping member to remove the cutting insert from the seat.

[0006] Due to the high working load during cutting operations, the cutting edges of cutting inserts wear rapidly, especially when cutting hard materials such as metals, and therefore require frequent replacement or regrinding. Indexing or completely replacing fixed cutting inserts, as in conventional methods, requires removing the fasteners, reorienting or removing the cutting inserts, and reinstalling the cutting inserts into the cutting tool seat by the fasteners. Each of these operations is difficult and time-consuming, especially when multiple such cutting inserts need to be indexed. In addition, when cutting inserts are clamped to the seat, tools such as torque wrenches, hex wrenches, or similar are required to overcome the high clamping force in order to release the cutting inserts. [Overview of the initiative]

[0007] According to a first aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure, a cutting tool holder system is provided which operates to securely mount a cutting insert for performing a cutting operation, the cutting tool holder system comprising: a cutting tool holder having a body having a seat configured to mount a cutting insert when assembled for work; a clamp having a cutting insert engaging portion and rotatably mounted on the cutting tool holder, the clamp being rotatably operated between a clamp position in which the clamp is operable to apply a clamping force to at least a cutting insert positioned within the seat to prevent the cutting insert from being removed from the seat, and a release position in which the clamp is enabled to remove the insert from the seat; a compression unit configured to facilitate the application of a compressive force toward the cutting tool holder in order to enable the clamp to apply a clamping force while at least the clamp is positioned in the clamp position; and a rotation unit configured to enable the clamp to move rotationally relative to the cutting tool holder between the clamp position and the release position by applying a rotational force in a magnitude corresponding to the magnitude of the user's manual force.

[0008] In some embodiments, the compression unit is operable to be compressed to a first degree while the clamp is positioned in the clamped position and to a second degree while the clamp is positioned in the unclamped position, wherein the second degree is the same as or greater than the first degree.

[0009] In some embodiments, the compression unit may comprise one of a compression spring element, a piston, a mechanical fastener, and a ratchet mechanism.

[0010] In some embodiments, the body of the cutting tool holder can be formed with a cavity inside, and the compression unit is positioned at least partially within the cavity.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cavity may have a broader portion that extends to a narrower portion that forms a first peripheral shoulder and a second peripheral shoulder, and the compression unit is at least partially confined between the first peripheral shoulder and the second peripheral shoulder.

[0012] In some embodiments, the body of the cutting tool holder may have a clamp-facing surface that faces the clamp, and the cutting insert engagement portion of the clamp is configured to rise above the clamp-facing surface during rotation of the clamp.

[0013] In some embodiments, the cutting tool holder system may further include an upward positioning configuration for raising the cutting insert engagement portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the lifting configuration may comprise at least one of the following: an inclined surface configured to engage with a vertical adjacent surface and to be positioned at least partially in the same direction as at least a portion of the rotational movement of the clamp when operated between a clamped position and an unlocked position; and a vertical adjacent surface configured to engage with the inclined surface and to advance along the inclined surface during rotational movement. In some embodiments, the lifting configuration may comprise one of the inclined surface and the vertical adjacent surface, and it should be understood herein that the other of the vertical adjacent surface and the inclined surface is positioned on a cutting insert.

[0015] In some embodiments, the inclined surface can be sloped so as to gradually rise in a direction extending from the clamp-facing surface to the clamp, and in the same direction as at least a portion of the rotational movement of the clamp when it is operated from the clamped position to the released position.

[0016] In some embodiments, the inclined surface can be defined on the clamp or on the cutting tool holder, and the perpendicular adjacent surface can be defined on the cutting tool holder or clamp positioned on the opposite side.

[0017] In some embodiments, the clamp can define a lower surface facing the cutting tool holder, and the inclined surface can be positioned on either the lower surface or the clamp-facing surface.

[0018] In some embodiments, one of the inclined surface and the vertical adjacent surface can be defined on the cutting insert engagement portion.

[0019] In some embodiments, the cutting tool holder system may further include a cutting insert, and the other of the inclined surface and the vertical adjacent surface may be defined on the cutting insert.

[0020] In some embodiments, the inclined surface may include a deep region associated with the clamping position of the clamp and a surface region associated with the unclamping position of the clamp, and the vertical adjacent surface may include at least one projection projecting toward the inclined surface.

[0021] In some embodiments, when the clamp is positioned in the clamping position, the projection can be located in the deep region, and when the clamp is positioned in the release position, the projection can be located in the surface region, or closer to the surface region than to the deep region.

[0022] In some embodiments, the inclined surface may have a curvature about the axis of rotation of the clamp, and the curvature of the inclined surface is different from the curvature of the rotational motion of the clamp about the axis of rotation.

[0023] In some embodiments, the curvature of the inclined surface may cause a tendency for the clamp to move at least in a direction extending from the seat toward the rear section of the main body while rotating the clamp from the unclamped position to the clamped position.

[0024] In some embodiments, the cutting insert engagement portion may include a projection extending toward the insert.

[0025] In some embodiments, the clamp may be formed having at least one recess configured to position the user's fingers on the clamp in order to apply a rotational force utilizing the user's hand power.

[0026] In some embodiments, rotational motion can be operated by applying manual force from the user, without the use of tools.

[0027] In some embodiments, the clamp may include a rear clamp portion located on the opposite side in the horizontal direction of the cutting insert engagement portion, the body may include a rear body portion located on the opposite side in the horizontal direction of the seat portion, the extension portion may extend from one of the rear clamp portion and the rear body portion, and is configured to move slidably along the other of the rear body portion and the rear clamp portion during the rotational movement. In some embodiments, the other of the rear body portion and the rear clamp portion may include a groove having a wall, and the wall is configured for the slidable movement of the extension portion during the rotational movement.

[0028] In some embodiments, the groove may have a curvature centered on the rotation axis of the clamp, and the curvature of the groove is different from the curvature of the rotational movement of the clamp centered on the rotation axis.

[0029] In some embodiments, due to the curvature of the inclined surface, there may be a tendency for the groove to move at least in the direction extending from the seat portion toward the rear body section of the body while rotating the clamp from the unclamped position to the clamped position.

[0030] In some embodiments, the clamp can be formed to have a bore positioned substantially orthogonally to the clamp opposing surface and aligned with the cavity.

[0031] In some embodiments, the rotating unit may include a shaft operable to be inserted into the bore and the cavity, and the shaft is configured to rotate the clamp in a rotational movement.

[0032] In some embodiments, the clamp can include a fastening member configured to fasten the shaft to the clamp near the upper end of the shaft.

[0033] In some embodiments, the compression unit may include a support member having an upper side and a lower side, and a compression element, and the compression element is mounted on the upper side of the support member.

[0034] In some embodiments, the shaft may be formed having an enlarged head at its lower end, which is positioned to abut against the lower side of the support member.

[0035] In some embodiments, the compression element can be compressed to at least a first degree by fastening its shaft to a fastening member.

[0036] In some embodiments, the rotating unit may be equipped with a low-friction member to reduce friction arising from the compressive force applied to the clamp by the compression unit, thereby facilitating rotational motion. In some embodiments, the low-friction member may be one of a stationary bearing surface, a rotatable bearing, a ball bearing, a gear, and a belt.

[0037] In some embodiments, the cutting tool holder system may further include cutting inserts.

[0038] In some embodiments, the rotating unit may include a helical rotating unit configured to allow the clamp to move in a helical rotational motion relative to the cutting tool holder between a clamped position and an unlocked position by applying a rotational force, the helical motion moving the cutting insert engaging portion perpendicularly away from the body.

[0039] According to a second aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure, a cutting insert is provided configured to be mounted in a seat formed within the body of a cutting tool holder, the body being configured to face a clamp having a clamp-facing surface and a cutting insert engagement portion, the clamp being configured to face a clamp rotatably engaged with the cutting tool holder, the clamp being rotatably operated between a clamp position for preventing the cutting insert from being removed from the seat and a release position for enabling the cutting insert from being removed from the seat, the cutting insert comprising an insert upper surface having a horizontal axis and a lateral axis, and a first mounting element formed on the insert upper surface and configured to engage with a second mounting element formed on the clamp for mounting the cutting insert in the seat, the first mounting element comprising one of a recess formed on the insert upper surface and configured to at least partially engage with a corresponding projection formed on the clamp, the recess being curved about an axis perpendicular to the insert upper surface, and a projection protruding from the insert upper surface and configured to at least partially engage with a corresponding recess formed on the clamp.

[0040] In some embodiments, the projection may have a height that is dimensioned such that, when the cutting insert is seated within the seat, it protrudes at least partially in the axial direction above the clamp-facing surface of the body.

[0041] In some embodiments, the projection may be a central projection that protrudes from the midpoint of the upper surface of the insert along at least one of the horizontal and lateral axes.

[0042] In some embodiments, the projection may have a side wall that includes a curved surface.

[0043] In some embodiments, the protrusion can be formed integrally with the cutting insert.

[0044] In some embodiments, the cutting insert may have an insert bottom surface and further comprises another projection protruding from the insert bottom surface.

[0045] In some embodiments, the recess may include a cavity configured to lock a corresponding projection formed on the clamp into it.

[0046] In some embodiments, the recess may have an inclined wall configured to guide a corresponding projection formed on the clamp into the recess if the corresponding projection formed on the clamp moves unintentionally.

[0047] In some embodiments, the inclined wall can be configured to guide a corresponding projection formed on the clamp out of the recess when a rotational force is applied to the clamp to move it from the clamped position to the released position.

[0048] A third aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure provides a cutting tool holder system that operates to securely mount a cutting insert for performing a cutting operation, the cutting tool holder system comprising a cutting insert having an insert top surface, a first mounting element formed on the insert top surface, a tool holder having a seat, and a clamp rotatably engaged with the tool holder, the clamp being rotatably operable between a clamp position in which the clamp is operable to apply a clamping force to at least the cutting insert positioned within the seat to prevent the insert from being removed from the seat, and a release position in which the clamp is capable of removing the insert from the seat, the clamp comprising a second mounting element formed on the lower opposing surface of the cutting insert engaging portion facing the cutting insert, A clamp comprising a second mounting element configured to engage with a first mounting element formed on a cutting insert for mounting the cutting insert within a seat, wherein the first mounting element comprises one of the following: a recess formed on the upper surface of the insert and configured to at least partially engage with a corresponding projection formed on the clamp, the recess being curved about an axis perpendicular to the upper surface of the insert; and a projection protruding from the upper surface of the insert and configured to at least partially engage with a corresponding recess formed on the clamp, wherein the second mounting element comprises one of the following: a projection protruding from a lower opposing surface and configured to at least partially engage with a corresponding recess formed on the upper surface of the insert; and a recess formed on the lower opposing surface and configured to at least partially engage with a corresponding projection formed on the upper surface of the insert.

[0049] In some embodiments, the recess may include a cavity configured to lock a corresponding projection into it.

[0050] In some embodiments, the recess may have an inclined wall configured to guide the corresponding projection into the recess if the corresponding projection moves unintentionally.

[0051] In some embodiments, the inclined wall can be configured to guide the corresponding projection out of the recess when a rotational force is applied to the clamp to move the clamp from the clamped position to the released position.

[0052] A fourth aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure provides a method for selectively mounting a cutting insert on a seat formed in the body of a cutting tool holder during a clamping mode and for removing the cutting insert from the seat during a release mode, wherein the body is formed having a clamp-facing surface configured to face a clamp having a cutting insert engaging portion, and the method includes seating the cutting insert on the seat; applying a compressive force to the clamp toward the cutting tool holder between both the clamping mode and the release mode; clamping the cutting insert on the seat by applying a clamping force to at least the cutting insert via the cutting insert engaging portion of the clamp during the clamping mode, thereby preventing the cutting insert from being removed from the seat and the clamping force being enhanced by the compressive force; and releasing the cutting insert by rotating the clamp relative to the cutting tool holder using a rotational force of a magnitude corresponding to the magnitude of the user's manual force during the release mode.

[0053] Embodiment More specific details will be provided in the detailed description, but the following are non-limiting examples of different embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure. 1. A cutting tool holder system that operates to securely mount a cutting insert on top for performing a cutting operation, wherein the cutting tool holder system, at least when assembled for operation, (a) A cutting tool holder having a body with a seat configured to mount a cutting insert on top, (b) A clamp having a cutting insert engaging portion, rotatably mounted on a cutting tool holder, wherein the clamp is rotatably operated between a clamp position in which the clamp is operable to apply a clamping force to at least a cutting insert positioned within the seat to prevent the cutting insert from being removed from the seat, and a release position in which the clamp is capable of removing the mounted insert from the seat, (c) A compression unit configured to facilitate the application of a compressive force toward the cutting tool holder to enable the clamp to apply a clamping force while the clamp is positioned in the clamping position, (d) A cutting tool holder system comprising: a rotating unit configured to allow the clamp to move rotationally between a clamped position and a released position relative to the cutting tool holder by applying a rotational force of a magnitude corresponding to the magnitude of the user's manual force; 2. A cutting tool holder system according to Embodiment 1, wherein the compression unit is operable to be compressed to a first degree while the clamp is positioned in the clamped position and to a second degree while the clamp is positioned in the unclamped position, the second degree being the same as or greater than the first degree. 3. A cutting tool holder system according to either embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the compression unit comprises one of a compression spring element, a piston, a mechanical fastener, and a ratchet mechanism. 4. A cutting tool holder system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the body of the cutting tool holder is formed with a cavity inside, and the compression unit is positioned at least partially within the cavity. 5. A cutting tool holder system according to Embodiment 4, wherein the cavity has a broader portion that extends to a narrower portion that forms a first peripheral shoulder and a second peripheral shoulder, and the compression unit is at least partially confined between the first peripheral shoulder and the second peripheral shoulder. 6. A cutting tool holder system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the body of the cutting tool holder has a clamp-facing surface that faces the clamp, and the cutting insert engagement portion of the clamp is configured to rise above the clamp-facing surface during rotation of the clamp. 7. A cutting tool holder system according to embodiment 6, further comprising an upward arrangement configuration for raising the cutting insert engagement portion. 8. The rising configuration is An inclined surface configured to engage with a vertically adjacent surface, positioned at least partially in the same direction as at least a portion of the rotational movement of the clamp when operated between the clamped position and the released position, A cutting tool holder system according to Embodiment 7, comprising at least one of the following: a vertical adjacent surface configured to engage with an inclined surface and advance along the inclined surface during rotational motion therefor. 9. A cutting tool holder system according to Embodiment 8, wherein the inclined surface is sloped so as to gradually rise in a direction extending from the clamp-facing surface to the clamp, and in the same direction as at least a portion of the rotational movement of the clamp when operated from the clamped position to the released position. 10. A cutting tool holder system according to Embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the inclined surface is defined on the clamp or in the cutting tool holder, and the vertical adjacent surface is defined in the cutting tool holder or clamp positioned on the opposite side. 11. A cutting tool holder system according to Embodiment 10, wherein the clamp defines a lower surface facing the cutting tool holder, and the inclined surface is positioned on either the lower surface or the clamp-facing surface. 12. A cutting tool holder according to Embodiment 9, wherein one of the inclined surface and the vertical adjacent surface is defined on the cutting insert engagement portion. 13. A cutting tool holder system according to Embodiment 12, further comprising a cutting insert, wherein the other of the inclined surface and the vertical adjacent surface is defined on the cutting insert. 14. A cutting tool holder system according to any one of embodiments 8 to 13, wherein the inclined surface includes a deep region associated with the clamping position of the clamp and a surface region associated with the unclamping position of the clamp, and the vertical adjacent surface has at least one projection projecting toward the inclined surface. 15. A cutting tool holder system according to Embodiment 14, wherein when the clamp is positioned in the clamping position, the protrusion is located in the deep region, and when the clamp is positioned in the release position, the protrusion is located in the surface region, or closer to the surface region than the deep region. 16. A cutting tool holder system according to any one of embodiments 8 to 15, wherein the inclined surface has a curvature about the axis of rotation of the clamp, and the curvature of the inclined surface is different from the curvature of the rotational motion of the clamp about the axis of rotation. 17. A cutting tool holder system according to Embodiment 16, wherein, due to the curvature of the inclined surface, the clamp tends to move at least in a direction extending from the seat toward the rear section of the main body while rotating the clamp from the unclamped position to the clamped position. 18. A cutting tool holder system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein the cutting insert engaging portion has a projection extending toward the insert. 19. A cutting tool holder system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein the clamp is formed having at least one recess configured to position the user's fingers on the clamp in order to apply rotational force using the user's hand power. 20. A cutting tool holder system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein rotational motion is operable by applying manual force by the user without the use of a tool. 21. The clamp comprises a rear clamp portion located horizontally opposite the cutting insert engagement portion, and the body comprises a rear body portion located horizontally opposite the seat portion. A cutting tool holder system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the extension extends from one of the rear portion of the clamp and the rear portion of the main body and is configured to move slidably along the other of the rear portion of the main body and the rear portion of the clamp during rotational motion. 22. A cutting tool holder system according to Embodiment 21, wherein the rear portion of the main body and the other rear portion of the clamp are provided with a groove having a wall, the wall being configured for the sliding movement of the extension during rotational motion. 23. A cutting tool holder system according to Embodiment 22, wherein the groove has a curvature about the axis of rotation of the clamp, and the curvature of the groove is different from the curvature of the rotational motion of the clamp about the axis of rotation. 24. A cutting tool holder system according to Embodiment 23, wherein the curvature of the groove causes the clamp to tend to move at least in a direction extending from the seat toward the rear section of the main body while rotating the clamp from the unclamped position to the clamped position. 25. A cutting tool holder system according to Embodiment 4 or any one of Embodiments 5 to 24 dependent on Embodiment 4, wherein the clamp is formed having a bore positioned substantially perpendicular to the clamp-facing surface and aligned with the cavity. 26. A cutting tool holder system according to embodiment 25, wherein the rotating unit comprises a shaft that is operable to be inserted into a bore and cavity, and the shaft is configured to rotate the clamp in a rotational motion. 27. A cutting tool holder system according to embodiment 26, comprising a fastening member configured to fasten the shaft to the clamp near the upper end of the shaft. 28. The compression unit, A support member having an upper and a lower part, A compression element, A cutting tool holder system according to embodiment 27, wherein the compression element is mounted on the upper side of the support member. 29. A cutting tool holder system according to embodiment 28, wherein the shaft is formed with an enlarged head at its lower end, and the head is positioned to abut against the lower side of a support member. 30. A cutting tool holder system according to Embodiment 28 or 29, dependent on Embodiment 2, wherein the compression element is compressed to at least a first degree by fastening the shaft to a fastening member. 31. A cutting tool holder system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 30, wherein the rotating unit is equipped with a low-friction member to reduce friction arising from the compressive force applied to the clamp by the compression unit, thereby promoting rotational motion. 32. A cutting tool holder system according to Embodiment 31, wherein the low-friction member comprises one of the following: a stationary bearing surface, a rotatable bearing, a ball bearing, a gear, and a belt. 33. A cutting tool holder system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 32, further comprising a cutting insert. 34. A cutting tool holder system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 33, comprising a helical rotating unit configured such that, by applying a rotational force, the clamp moves in a helical rotational motion relative to the cutting tool holder between a clamped position and a released position, wherein the helical motion moves the cutting insert engaging portion perpendicularly away from the body. 35. A cutting insert configured to be mounted in a seat formed within the body of a cutting tool holder, wherein the body is formed having a clamp-facing surface and a cutting insert engagement portion, and is configured to face a clamp that is rotatably engaged with the cutting tool holder, the clamp being rotatably operable between a clamp position for preventing the cutting insert from being removed from the seat and a release position for enabling the cutting insert from being removed from the seat, and the cutting insert is, The upper surface of the insert has a horizontal axis and a lateral axis, A first mounting element is formed on the upper surface of the insert and configured to engage with a second mounting element formed on the clamp for mounting the cutting insert within the seat, wherein the first mounting element is A recess formed on the upper surface of the insert and configured to at least partially engage with a corresponding projection formed on the clamp, the recess being curved about an axis perpendicular to the upper surface of the insert, A cutting insert comprising one of the following: a projection that protrudes from the top surface of the insert and is configured to at least partially engage with a corresponding recess formed on the clamp. 36. A cutting insert according to embodiment 35, wherein the protruding portion has a height sized such that when the cutting insert is seated within the seat, it protrudes at least partially in the axial direction above the clamp-facing surface of the main body. 37. A cutting insert according to embodiment 35 or 36, wherein the projection is a central projection that protrudes from the midpoint of the upper surface of the insert along at least one of the horizontal axis and the lateral axis. 38. A cutting insert according to any one of embodiments 35 to 37, wherein the protruding portion has a side wall including a curved surface. 39. A cutting insert according to any one of embodiments 35 to 38, wherein the protruding portion is formed integrally with the cutting insert. 40. A cutting insert according to any one of embodiments 35 to 39, wherein the cutting insert has an insert bottom surface and further comprises another projection protruding from the insert bottom surface. 41. A cutting insert according to any one of embodiments 35 to 40, wherein the recess includes a recess configured to lock a corresponding projection formed on the clamp into it. 42. A cutting insert according to Embodiment 41, wherein the recess has an inclined wall configured to guide a corresponding projection formed on a clamp into the recess if the corresponding projection formed on the clamp moves unintentionally. 43. A cutting insert according to Embodiment 42, wherein the inclined wall is configured to guide a corresponding projection formed on the clamp out of the recess when a rotational force is applied to the clamp to move the clamp from the clamped position to the released position. 44. A cutting tool holder system that operates to securely mount a cutting insert on top for performing a cutting operation, wherein the cutting tool holder system It is a cutting insert, The top surface of the insert, A first mounting element formed on the upper surface of the insert, A tool holder with a seat formed therein, A clamp having a cutting insert engaging portion and rotatably engaged with a tool holder, wherein the clamp is rotatably operable between a clamp position in which the clamp is operable to apply a clamping force to at least a cutting insert positioned within a seat to prevent the insert from being removed from the seat, and a release position in which the clamp is capable of removing the insert from the seat, wherein the clamp comprises a second mounting element formed on the lower opposing surface of the cutting insert engaging portion facing the cutting insert, the second mounting element being configured to engage with a first mounting element formed on the cutting insert for mounting the cutting insert within the seat, The first attachment element is, A recess formed on the upper surface of the insert and configured to at least partially engage with a corresponding projection formed on the clamp, the recess being curved about an axis perpendicular to the upper surface of the insert, It comprises one of the following: a projection that protrudes from the upper surface of the insert and is configured to at least partially engage with a corresponding recess formed on the clamp, The second attachment element is, A protruding portion is configured to protrude from the lower opposing surface and at least partially engage with a corresponding recess formed on the upper surface of the insert, A cutting tool holder system comprising one of the following: a recess formed on the lower opposing surface and configured to at least partially engage with a corresponding projection formed on the upper surface of the insert. 45. A cutting insert according to embodiment 44, wherein the recess includes a recess configured to lock a corresponding projection inside. 46. ​​A cutting insert according to Embodiment 45, wherein the recess has an inclined wall configured to guide the corresponding protrusion into the recess if the corresponding protrusion moves unintentionally. 47. A cutting insert according to embodiment 46, wherein the inclined wall is configured to guide the corresponding projection out of the recess when a rotational force is applied to the clamp to move the clamp from the clamped position to the released position. 48. A method for selectively mounting a cutting insert onto a seat formed within the body of a cutting tool holder during clamp mode, and for removing a cutting insert from the seat during release mode, wherein the body is formed having a clamp-facing surface configured to face a clamp having a cutting insert engagement portion, and the method is (a) Sealing the cutting insert in the seat, (b) Applying a compressive force to the clamp toward the cutting tool holder during both the clamping mode and the unclamping mode, (c) During clamping mode, clamping the cutting insert to the seat by applying a clamping force to at least the cutting insert through the cutting insert engagement portion of the clamp, thereby preventing the cutting insert from being removed from the seat. The clamping force is amplified by the compressive force, and the clamping action is... (d) A method comprising, during the release mode, releasing a cutting insert by rotating the clamp relative to the cutting tool holder using a rotational force of a magnitude corresponding to the magnitude of the user's manual force. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0054] Embodiments are described herein, only as non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order to better understand the subject matter disclosed herein and to illustrate how it may actually be carried out. [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a cutting tool holder system according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded view of the cutting tool holder system. [Figure 3A] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cutting tool holder system, shown in its clamped operating mode. [Figure 3B] This is a cross-sectional view along line IIIB-IIIB in Figure 3A, showing the operating mode in the clamped state. [Figure 4A]Figure 1 is a perspective view of the cutting tool holder system, shown in its clamped operating mode. [Figure 4B] This is a cross-sectional view along line IVB-IVB in Figure 4A, showing the operating mode in the clamped state. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of a cutting tool holder system according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 6A] Figure 5 is a first exploded view of the cutting tool holder. [Figure 6B] Figure 5 is a second exploded view of the cutting tool holder. [Figure 7A] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the cutting tool holder system, shown in a clamped operating mode. [Figure 7B] This is a cross-sectional view along line VIIB-VIIB in Figure 7A, shown in the clamped operating mode. [Figure 8A] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the cutting tool holder system, shown in its clamped operating mode. [Figure 8B] This is a cross-sectional view along line VIIIB-VIIIB in Figure 8A, showing the operating mode in the clamped state. [Figure 9A] Figure 5 is a perspective rear view of the cutting tool holder, shown in its clamped operating mode. [Figure 9B] Figure 5 is a perspective rear view of the cutting tool holder, shown in the operating mode with the clamp released. [Figure 10A] Figure 10A shows a perspective view of the clamp of the cutting tool holder system from below, and Figure 10B shows a perspective view of the body of the cutting tool holder, according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure, where the cutting tool holder system is in a clamped operating mode (Figure 10C) and an unclamped operating mode (Figure 10D). [Figure 10B] Figure 10A shows a perspective view of the clamp of the cutting tool holder system from below, and Figure 10B shows a perspective view of the body of the cutting tool holder, according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure, where the cutting tool holder system is in a clamped operating mode (Figure 10C) and an unclamped operating mode (Figure 10D). [Figure 10C]Figure 10A shows a perspective view of the clamp of the cutting tool holder system from below, and Figure 10B shows a perspective view of the body of the cutting tool holder, according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure, where the cutting tool holder system is in a clamped operating mode (Figure 10C) and an unclamped operating mode (Figure 10D). [Figure 10D] Figure 10A shows a perspective view of the clamp of the cutting tool holder system from below, and Figure 10B shows a perspective view of the body of the cutting tool holder, according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure, where the cutting tool holder system is in a clamped operating mode (Figure 10C) and an unclamped operating mode (Figure 10D). [Figure 11A] This is a perspective view of the clamp of a cutting tool holder system from its lower side, according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 11B] This is a perspective view of the body of a cutting tool holder according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 12A] Figure 12A shows a perspective view of the spring support of a cutting tool holder system according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure, as well as the cutting tool holder system in the operating mode of the clamped state (Figure 12B) and the operating mode of the unclamped state (Figure 12C). [Figure 12B] Figure 12A shows a perspective view of the spring support of a cutting tool holder system according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure, as well as the cutting tool holder system in the operating mode of the clamped state (Figure 12B) and the operating mode of the unclamped state (Figure 12C). [Figure 12C] Figure 12A shows a perspective view of the spring support of a cutting tool holder system according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure, as well as the cutting tool holder system in the operating mode of the clamped state (Figure 12B) and the operating mode of the unclamped state (Figure 12C). [Figure 13A] This is a perspective view of a cutting tool holder system in a clamped operating mode according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 13B] This is a perspective view of a cutting tool holder system in an operating mode in the unclamped state according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 14A]This is a cross-sectional view along line XIVB-XIVB in Figure 14A of a perspective view of a cutting tool holder system according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 14B] This is a cross-sectional view along line XIVB-XIVB in Figure 14A in an operating mode in a clamped state according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 14C] This is a cross-sectional view along line XIVB-XIVB in Figure 14A in the operating mode of the clamp-release state according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 15A] This is a cross-sectional view along line XVB-XVB in Figure 15A of a perspective view of a cutting tool holder system according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 15B] This is a cross-sectional view along line XVB-XVB in Figure 15A in an operating mode in a clamped state according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 15C] This is a cross-sectional view along line XVB-XVB in Figure 15A in the operating mode of the clamp-release state according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 16A] This is a perspective view of a cutting tool holder system according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 16B] This is a cross-sectional view along line XVIB-XVIB in Figure 16A in an operating mode in a clamped state according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 17A] This is a perspective view of a cutting tool holder system according to an embodiment of the subject matter of the present disclosure, with its clamps shown transparently. [Figure 17B] Figure 17A is an exploded view of a cutting tool holder system according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure, with its clamps shown transparently. [Figure 17C] This is a further exploded view of a cutting tool holding system in a clamped operating mode according to an embodiment of the subject matter of the present disclosure, with the clamp transparently shown. [Figure 18A]Figures 18D and 18D show a perspective view of a cutting tool holder system in a release mode (18A), an intermediate mode (18B), another intermediate mode (18C), and a clamping mode (18D), a section view along line XVIIIE-XVIIIE in Figure 18B (18E), a section view along line XVIIIF-XVIIIF in Figure 18C (18F), and a section view along line XVIIIG-XVIIIG in Figure 18D (18G). [Figure 18B] Figures 18D and 18D show a perspective view of a cutting tool holder system in a release mode (18A), an intermediate mode (18B), another intermediate mode (18C), and a clamping mode (18D), a section view along line XVIIIE-XVIIIE in Figure 18B (18E), a section view along line XVIIIF-XVIIIF in Figure 18C (18F), and a section view along line XVIIIG-XVIIIG in Figure 18D (18G). [Figure 18C] Figures 18D and 18D show a perspective view of a cutting tool holder system in a release mode (18A), an intermediate mode (18B), another intermediate mode (18C), and a clamping mode (18D), a section view along line XVIIIE-XVIIIE in Figure 18B (18E), a section view along line XVIIIF-XVIIIF in Figure 18C (18F), and a section view along line XVIIIG-XVIIIG in Figure 18D (18G). [Figure 18D] Figures 18D and 18D show a perspective view of a cutting tool holder system in a release mode (18A), an intermediate mode (18B), another intermediate mode (18C), and a clamping mode (18D), a section view along line XVIIIE-XVIIIE in Figure 18B (18E), a section view along line XVIIIF-XVIIIF in Figure 18C (18F), and a section view along line XVIIIG-XVIIIG in Figure 18D (18G). [Figure 18E]Figures 18D and 18D show a perspective view of a cutting tool holder system in a release mode (18A), an intermediate mode (18B), another intermediate mode (18C), and a clamping mode (18D), a section view along line XVIIIE-XVIIIE in Figure 18B (18E), a section view along line XVIIIF-XVIIIF in Figure 18C (18F), and a section view along line XVIIIG-XVIIIG in Figure 18D (18G). [Figure 18F] Figures 18D and 18D show a perspective view of a cutting tool holder system in a release mode (18A), an intermediate mode (18B), another intermediate mode (18C), and a clamping mode (18D), a section view along line XVIIIE-XVIIIE in Figure 18B (18E), a section view along line XVIIIF-XVIIIF in Figure 18C (18F), and a section view along line XVIIIG-XVIIIG in Figure 18D (18G). [Figure 18G] Figures 18D and 18D show a perspective view of a cutting tool holder system in a release mode (18A), an intermediate mode (18B), another intermediate mode (18C), and a clamping mode (18D), a section view along line XVIIIE-XVIIIE in Figure 18B (18E), a section view along line XVIIIF-XVIIIF in Figure 18C (18F), and a section view along line XVIIIG-XVIIIG in Figure 18D (18G). [Figure 19A] This is a perspective view of the clamp of a cutting tool holder system from its lower side, according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 19B] This is a perspective view of the body of a cutting tool holder according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0055] Refer to Figures 1 and 2, which are perspective views and exploded views of the cutting tool holder system 100. As seen in Figures 1 and 2, the cutting tool holder system 100 comprises a cutting tool holder 102 including a body 104 and a shank 106 extending from a rear section 108 of the body. The body 104 is formed with a seat 120 in its front section 122. The seat 120 is configured on which a cutting insert 124 (Figure 3A) is mounted.

[0056] Typically, the seat portion 120 is secured to the body 104 by a central screw 126(3B) inserted into the front section 122 of the body 104, or by any other fastener.

[0057] Generally, the cutting insert 124 is securely mounted to the seat 120 by a clamp 128, which is rotatably engaged with and / or mounted to the body 104 by any preferred means, such as a rotating unit 130. Generally, the rotating unit 130 comprises any preferred rotating element for rotatably engaging the clamp 128 with the body 104 and / or the cutting insert 124.

[0058] For example, the rotating unit 130 includes an elongated element 132 that engages with the clamp 128 and is operable to rotate the clamp 128 from at least the clamped position (used herein synonymously with the operating mode of clamped mode or clamped state) (Figures 3A and 3B) to the unclamped position (used herein synonymously with the operating mode of unclamped mode or unclamped state) (Figures 4A and 4B). In the clamped position, the cutting insert engaging portion 134 of the clamp 128 engages with the cutting insert 124 (Figure 3A) to prevent the cutting insert 124 from being removed from the seat 120. Generally, the cutting insert engaging portion 134 is defined on the lower surface 136 of the clamp 128 and on its front section 138.

[0059] It should be noted that the cutting insert engagement portion 134 can be defined at any location along the clamp 128.

[0060] To operate from the clamped position to the released position, the elongated element 132 optionally rotates the cutting insert engaging portion 134 of the clamp 128 toward the clamp-facing surface 140 of the main body 104 so as to move at least partially away from the cutting insert 124, thereby allowing the cutting insert 124 to be removed from the seat portion 120.

[0061] In general, the rotating unit 130 can be positioned in any suitable location within the tool holder 102. For example, the elongated element 132 may be positioned along (for example, parallel to) the longitudinal axis ax1 (Figure 3B) of the clamp 128 and the body 104, or it may be at least partially inserted into a portion of the clamp 128 and a portion of the body 104.

[0062] Generally, the elongated element 132 is inserted into a bore 142 formed within the clamp 128 and into a cavity 146 formed within the body 104. For example, the clamp bore 142 and the body cavity 146 may be aligned with each other and co-aligned with the longitudinal axis ax1.

[0063] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3B, the clamp bore 142, the body cavity 146, and the elongated element 132 inserted therein are positioned centrally within the clamp 128 and body 104 along the longitudinal axis ax1.

[0064] In all embodiments described herein, it should be understood that the elongated element 132 and the clamp bore 142 are dimensioned relative to each other such that a tolerance exists between the elongated element 132 and the clamp bore 142, allowing the elongated element 132 to move (no matter how small) within the clamp bore 142 in directions other than vertical along the axis of rotation (in addition to vertical movement). This tolerance allows for movement of the clamp relative to the body in directions other than vertical along the axis of rotation (in addition to vertical movement), such as tilting or pivoting movement caused by either an upward configuration or a horizontal force application mechanism (described in detail below herein).

[0065] The clamp 128 is operable to apply a compressive force (illustrated by arrow 154 in Figure 3B) toward the cutting tool holder 102 in an axially downward orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis ax1 via the compression unit 150. Generally, according to embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure, the compression unit 150 is operable to apply a compressive force 154 during clamp mode when the clamp 128 is in the clamped position and during unclamp mode when the clamp 128 is in the unclamped position.

[0066] Figures 3A to 4B show the clamped operating mode (Figures 3A and 3B) and the unclamped operating mode (Figures 4A and 4B), respectively, and depict the cutting insert 124 mounted on the seat portion 120. These are perspective views and cross-sectional views of the cutting tool holder system 100 of Figure 1, respectively.

[0067] Generally, the compression unit 150 is assembled within the body 104 (or clamp 128) between the first barrier 164 and the second barrier 166 in order to keep the compression unit 150 under compression through both clamp mode and unclamp mode. For example, the first barrier 164 and the second barrier 166 may be defined within the body cavity 146, as will be further described.

[0068] Generally, the compression unit 150 is compressed to a first degree during clamp mode, measured by, for example, a first length X1 in Figure 3B, and to a second degree during unclamp mode, measured by, for example, a second length X2 in Figure 4B. In the exemplary cutting tool holder system 100 in Figures 3A to 4B, the compression lengths X1 and X2 are shown to be substantially similar, indicating that the compression force 154 of the compression unit 150 is maintained at least during both the clamp mode and the unclamp mode.

[0069] The compressive force 154 applied to the clamp 128 causes the clamp 128 to apply a clamping force (illustrated by arrow 174 in Figure 3B) in at least an axially downward orientation (relative to the longitudinal axis ax1 and parallel to the compressive force 154). During the clamping mode, the insert engagement portion 134 is continuous with (i.e., in direct contact with) at least a portion of the cutting insert 124, and therefore the clamping force 174 is applied to the cutting insert 124, and thus the cutting insert is firmly seated in the seat portion 120.

[0070] In general, the rotating unit 130 facilitates the rotation of the clamp 128 in a rotational motion illustrated by arrow 180, from the clamped position shown in Figures 3A and 3B to the released position shown in Figures 4A and 4B. This at least partially disengages the insert engaging portion 134 from the cutting insert 124 to a degree sufficient to remove the cutting insert 124 from the seat 120, allowing for its indexing, regrinding, or replacement.

[0071] For example, the clamp 128 is rotated to at least partially contact the clamp-facing surface 140 of the body 104. In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the clamp 128 is shown to be completely disengaged from the cutting insert 124 and at least partially positioned on the clamp-facing surface 140, and optionally supported by the clamp-facing surface 140 (e.g., completely on the clamp-facing surface 410, and / or with a portion of the insert engagement portion 134 suspended externally from the body 104 and insert 124). In some embodiments, the entire insert engagement portion 134 can be suspended externally from the body 104 and insert 124, and that portion does not engage with or is not positioned on the clamp-facing surface 140.

[0072] Generally, the magnitude of the applied clamping force 174 is selected to be sufficient to firmly clamp the cutting insert 124 to the seat 120 during clamping mode. In conventional systems, the release of such force is typically performed by pulling the compression unit and / or by axially lifting the clamp 128 parallel to the longitudinal axis ax1. This requires applying a relatively large lifting force and, in non-limiting embodiments, must be done using a tool such as a wrench. However, according to embodiments of the subject disclosed herein, the aforementioned rotational motion 180 facilitates operation from clamping mode to unclamping mode, and vice versa. The magnitude of the torque, i.e., the rotational force, for performing the rotational motion 180 can be significantly smaller than the magnitude of the lifting force while achieving the same effect, to the extent that the magnitude of the torque can correspond to the magnitude of the user's manual force. This allows the rotational motion to be performed without tools, by applying the user's manual force, without the use of tools.

[0073] In conventional systems, the lifting force may be approximately 30 kilograms or more, or approximately 20 kilograms or more, or approximately 10 kilograms or more, or a partial range and variable thereof.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the axis of rotation of the rotational motion 180 is the angular axis ax1.

[0075] Refer to Figures 5-6B, which show a perspective view (Figure 5), a first exploded view (Figure 6A), and a second exploded view (Figure 6B) of the cutting tool holder system 200, respectively. Unless otherwise specified, the cutting tool holder system 200 is the same as described for the cutting tool holder system 100.

[0076] In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp 128 is sized to facilitate gripping while rotating in a rotational motion 180. For example, the clamp 128 has an elongated body extending from its front section 138 to its rear section 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp 128 is formed with one or more pairs of recesses 220, which are configured to facilitate the positioning of the user's fingers on the clamp 128 in order to apply rotational force by the user's hand power. It should be understood that the description herein regarding facilitating the positioning of the user's fingers on the clamp and thus ease of rotation applies to all embodiments / models described herein.

[0077] Generally, the cutting insert engaging portion 134 of the clamp 128 is sized to contact a portion of the cutting insert 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting insert engaging portion 134 includes a projection 210. The projection 210 extends downward from the clamp 128 toward the body 104 and is shaped to apply a clamping force 154 to the cutting insert 124. In the embodiments of Figures 5 to 8B, the lower surface 136 of the projection 210 is generally flat. In some embodiments, the projection 210 may be shaped to have a recess adapted to grip the cutting insert 124, as will be further described below with reference to Figures 14A to 15C and Figures 18A to 18C.

[0078] Generally, the clamp 128 is rotatably engaged with the body 104 via an elongated element 132 (Figure 2) of the rotating unit 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated element 132 comprises a shaft 224 formed with a bolt portion 226 and an enlarged head 228 formed at the lower end 230 of the shaft 224. A laterally penetrating bore 234 is defined at the upper end 236 of the shaft 224 and sized to accommodate a fastening element 240 (e.g., a screw or bolt) used to fasten the shaft 224 to the clamp 128 within the clamp bore 140. The lower end 230 of the shaft 224 is positioned within the body cavity 146. In some embodiments, the shaft 224 may be screw-connected to the clamp 128 by a screw connection portion 242, as shown, for example, in Figure 15A.

[0079] Generally, the rotating unit 130 includes low-friction members to reduce friction resulting from the compressive force 154 applied to the clamp 128 and / or body 104 by the compression unit 150. In non-limiting embodiments, the low-friction members include ball bearings 248, stationary bearing surfaces, rotatable bearings, gears, belts, and / or washers (e.g., washers 250 shown in Figures 12A and 12B).

[0080] In some embodiments, the aforementioned friction can be mitigated by a torque-enhancing element (e.g., a spring) or any other suitable (optionally toolless) element designated to increase the rotational motion 180.

[0081] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4B, the clamp 128 operates to rotate in a rotational motion 180. The cutting tool holder system 200 includes an upward position configuration 260 (Figure 7A) configured to raise the clamp 128 while rotating it. Thus, the clamp 128 rotates in a helical motion 262.

[0082] In this specification, the term “rising” is intended to include, within its scope, even the smallest increase in the distance between the lower surface of the clamp and the clamp-facing surface and / or the cutting insert (e.g., in the cutting insert engagement portion). In embodiments including a rising configuration, “rising configuration” is intended to mean that the rotation of the clamp between the clamped position and the released position is movement along a helical path rather than a circular path.

[0083] Generally, the upward configuration 260 comprises at least two aligned pairs of axially opposing surfaces. The first surface is an inclined surface 264 constructed using a curved slope. In the illustrated embodiment, the arch of the slope of the inclined surface 264 is substantially circular to correspond to the rotational motion 180. In some embodiments, the arch of the slope of the inclined surface 264 may have different curvatures (rotating or non-rotating) around the axis of rotation of the clamp, so as to be further described below herein, so as not to correspond to the rotational motion 180. The slope is configured to gradually rise in the same direction as the rotational motion 180 when the clamp 128 is operated from the clamped position to the unclamped position and in the direction extending from the body 104 to the clamp 128. Thus, the inclined surface 264 constitutes a recess formed on the clamp-facing surface 140, or on the lower-facing surface 136 of the clamp 128, or, in some embodiments (further described below herein), on the upper surface of the cutting insert. The second surface is a perpendicular adjacent surface 266 to the inclined surface 264 (for example, the perpendicular adjacent surface 266 is positioned axially above the inclined surface 264 along the longitudinal axis ax1). The perpendicular adjacent surface 266 is configured to be continuous with the inclined surface 264, thereby allowing it to advance on the inclined surface 264, thereby raising the clamp 128 during the rotational motion 180, and thus performing the helical rotation 262 of the clamp 128.

[0084] In general, the elevation configuration 260 can be defined at any suitable location within the cutting tool holder system 200, for example, the inclined surface 264 may be defined on the clamp 128 or on the cutting tool holder 104, and the vertical adjacent surface 266 may be defined on the cutting tool holder 104 or clamp 128 positioned on the opposite side. In some embodiments (for example, as further described below with respect to Figures 19A and 19B), the inclined surface may be defined on the cutting insert.

[0085] In this specification, it should be understood that the inclined surface (in all embodiments described herein having an inclined surface) has a slope that extends from the body 104 to the clamp 128 (extending vertically upward when a cutting tool parallel to the longitudinal axis is in use) and rises in the same direction as the rotational motion 180 in the direction in which the clamp rotates to displace from the clamped position to the unclamped position (counterclockwise in the illustrative embodiment). For example, in embodiments in which the inclined surface is formed within the body 104 or insert of the cutting tool holder, the inclined surface slopes from the deep region (deeper in the surface compared to the surface region) toward the surface region in the direction in which the clamp rotates to displace from the clamped position to the unclamped position (counterclockwise in the illustrative embodiment). In embodiments in which the inclined surface is formed on the lower surface 136 of the clamp 128, the inclined surface slopes from the surface region to the deep region (deeper in the surface compared to the surface region) toward the direction in which the clamp rotates to displace from the clamped position to the unclamped position (counterclockwise in the illustrative embodiment). The inclined surface is curved about an axis perpendicular to the surface on which the inclined surface is formed and has a slope as described herein, so the inclined surface should be understood as being formed as part of a spiral that winds up from bottom to top in the direction of rotation (counterclockwise in the exemplary embodiment) that causes the clamp to be displaced from the clamped position to the unclamped position.

[0086] It should be further understood herein that the slope of the inclined surface (in all embodiments described herein having an inclined surface) is inclined at an angle suitable for facilitating the movement of the corresponding vertically adjacent surface thereon when a rotational force of a magnitude corresponding to the user's hand force is applied to the clamp. In other words, the slope is predetermined to facilitate the upward movement of the clamp when a rotational force of a magnitude corresponding to the user's hand force is applied to the clamp.

[0087] For example, the slope of the inclined surface is determined to optimize an effective angle of elevation while maintaining ease of rotation. In some embodiments, the slope of the inclined surface is determined so that an effective lift is achieved without increasing the force required to rotate the clamp beyond a force corresponding to the magnitude of the user's manual force.

[0088] In some embodiments, the slope of the inclined surface may be an angle in the range of 15° to 60° relative to the horizontal plane. In other words, the helical angle of the clamp's helical motion may be in the range of 15° to 60°. The rotational force required to rotate the clamp from the clamped position to the released position may be less than or equal to the rotational force equivalent to a lifting force of 10 kilograms.

[0089] It should be further understood herein that the inclined surface (in all embodiments described herein having an inclined surface) also acts as a guide surface for maintaining the corresponding projection within the depth region, while not allowing the projection to disengage from the inclined surface due to inadvertent movement of the cutting insert and clamp during operation of the cutting insert. For example, in clamp mode, when the projection attempts to disengage from the inclined surface (or the inclined surface attempts to move relative to the projection) due to inadvertent movement of the cutting insert, the slope of the inclined surface returns the projection (or the inclined surface) to its intended position in the depth region. Thus, the slope of the inclined surface minimizes the force required to move the projection and the inclined surface relative to each other.

[0090] In the illustrated embodiments shown in Figures 5 to 8B, a single inclined surface 264 is engraved into the clamp-facing surface 140 and formed having deep regions 270 (7A and 8A). The deep regions 270 slope upward curvilinearly toward the surface region 272 in the same direction as the orientation of the rotational motion 180. The vertical adjacent surface 266 includes at least one projection 276 projecting from the lower surface 136 of the clamp 128 toward the inclined surface 264. Generally, the projection 276 is configured to have a surface that operates to slide forward along the inclined surface 264. In the illustrated embodiments, the projection 276 is formed as a hemisphere or may have any rounded (or any other shape) surface. Further embodiments of the upward position configuration 260 and its location are described in further detail with reference to Figures 10A to 13B and Figures 19A and 19B.

[0091] In some embodiments, the clamp 128 is formed on a clamp rear section 208 having a downward-facing extension 280 and is configured to slide along the body rear section 108 during rotational motion 180 and / or helical motion 262. In the illustrated embodiment, the body rear section 108 is formed having a groove 282 surrounded by a wall 284. The wall 284 is bounded on its first side by a first adjacent wall that functions as a first wall barrier 286 and on its second side by a second adjacent wall that functions as a second wall barrier 288. The wall 284 is configured for the sliding motion of the extension 280 on it during rotational motion 180 and / or helical motion 262, as will be further described with reference to Figures 9A and 9B.

[0092] Generally, at least one sealant is provided to be disposed within the system 200 to prevent workpiece residue and / or cooling fluid from entering the cutting tool holder 102 and / or clamp 128. In non-limiting embodiments, the sealant may include O-rings, gaskets, and / or adhesives.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the sealant comprises a first seal ring 290 sized to be positioned between the ball bearing 248 and the clamp-facing surface 140 within the body 104, and a second seal ring 294 sized to be positioned between the body 104 and the clamp 128 within the body 104. Optionally, additional sealant may be provided within the cutting tool holder 102 and / or the clamp 128.

[0094] In non-limiting embodiments, the compression unit 150 comprises any compression means, such as a piston, a mechanical fastener, a ratchet mechanism, and / or a spring element 300, such as a leaf spring, a coil spring, and / or a helical spring.

[0095] Generally, the spring element 300 is located at any location within the main body 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring element 300 is mounted on a spring support 304 (i.e., a support member) sized to support the spring element 300. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring support 304 includes a central hole 306 surrounded by an inner side wall 308 connected to an outer side wall 312 via an annular base 310 (Figure 7B).

[0096] In general, the main body 104 is formed with a hole 320 at its bottom surface 158, which leads to a base cavity 146 for assembling at least the rotating unit 130 and the compression unit 150, as will be further described with reference to Figures 7A to 8B. During operation, the hole 320 is sealed by a tightly engaged, removable cover 324.

[0097] Figures 7A to 8B show the clamped operating mode (Figures 7A and 7B) and the unclamped operating mode (Figures 8A and 8B), respectively, and depict the cutting insert 124 mounted on the seat portion 120. These are perspective views and cross-sectional views of the cutting tool holder system 200 shown in Figure 5.

[0098] Generally, the assembly of the cutting tool holder system 200 is carried out by positioning the shaft 224 within the clamp bore 142 and fastening the shaft to the clamp 128 at its upper end 236 by inserting the fastening element 240 into the through bore 234. The lower end 230 of the bolt portion 226 of the shaft 224 seats within the central hole 306 of the spring support 304, and the head portion 228 abuts against the underside of the support base 310. The spring element 300 is disposed within the support base 310 surrounding the bolt portion 226. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing 248 is disposed above the spring element 300 surrounding the bolt portion 226, but it should be understood that the positions of the spring element 300 and the bearing 248 may be reversed, and furthermore, the bearing 248 may be disposed in any other suitable location.

[0099] In general, as described above, the spring element 300 is assembled to be confined between the first barrier 164 and the second barrier 166 (Figure 3B) in order to maintain the spring element 300 under compression through both the clamping and unclamping modes. In the illustrated embodiment, the hole 320 of the body 104 extends through the wider portion 354 of the body cavity 146 to the peripheral first shoulder 360. The wider portion 354 recedes toward the narrower portion 364 of the body cavity 146 to the peripheral second shoulder 368. During assembly, the shaft 224 is fastened to the clamp 128 via the fastening element 240, thereby biasing the head 228 of the shaft 224 to press against the support base 310. The support 304 is confined by the first shoulder 360 at its outer side wall 312. As described above, the spring element 300 is mounted on the support base 310. The bearing 248 is positioned on the spring element 300 and is constrained by the second shoulder 368. Thus, the spring element 300 is compressed between the support base 310, which functions as a first barrier 164, and the second shoulder 368, which functions as a second barrier 166. As described above with reference to Figure 3B, during the clamping mode, the spring element 300 is compressed to a first degree, measured by, for example, a first length X1, as shown in Figure 7B.

[0100] In general, with the raised configuration 260, during clamping mode, the clamp 128 is tilted, i.e., positioned with an angular displacement indicated by angle ang1 in Figure 7B. Thus, the rear section 208 of the clamp is raised above the rear section 108 of the main body, forming a gap between them. The gap decreases toward the front section 138 of the clamp, and therefore the cutting insert engaging portion 134 is continuous with the cutting insert 124. Thus, the clamping force exerted on the cutting insert 124 by the cutting insert engaging portion 134 (illustrated by arrow 380 in Figure 7B) is also tilted and includes a horizontal component V1 and a vertical component V2. Therefore, when the magnitude of the clamping force 174 is the same as the clamping force 380, it is observed that the vertical component V2 of the clamping force 380 is smaller than the vertical component of the clamping force 174 (which is substantially the same as the magnitude of the clamping force 174 itself). Therefore, to overcome the clamping force 380 in the cutting tool holder system 200 to move from the clamped position to the unclamped position, a rotational force smaller than the rotational force required to overcome the clamping force 174 (including only the vertical component V2) in the cutting tool holder system 100 is needed.

[0101] Generally, moving the clamp 128 from the clamped position to the released position is performed by rotating the clamp 128 with a rotational motion 180 (Figure 3A). As described above, with the rising configuration 260, when the clamp 128 is moved from the clamped position to the released position, the clamp 128 gradually rises in the same direction as the rotational motion 180. Therefore, in addition to the rotational motion 180, the clamp 128 is raised axially (for example, vertically) along the longitudinal axis ax1, thereby resulting in a helical motion 262.

[0102] As described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4B, the rotational motion 180 can be performed by applying manual force by the user, even without a tool. In some embodiments, it is understood that by operating the clamp 128 in the cutting tool holder system 200 with a helical motion 262, it becomes easier to use a manually applicable force that is even smaller than the force required to operate the clamp 128 by the rotational motion 180 alone.

[0103] Furthermore, the rear clamp section 208 is raised above the rear body section 108, thereby intended to prevent friction that would otherwise occur during the rotation of the rear clamp section 208 while it is continuous with the rear body section 108.

[0104] Focusing on the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that the helical motion 262 is facilitated by rotating the clamp 128 while advancing the projection 276 along the inclined surface 264. During the clamping modes shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the projection 276 is initially positioned hidden within the deep region 270 of the inclined surface 264, and as seen in Figure 7A, the projection 276 is retracted into the deep region 270.

[0105] As the clamp 128 rotates from the clamped position to the released position, the projection 276 slides forward along the inclined surface 264 toward the surface region 272. As seen in Figures 8A and 8B, the projection 276 is thus raised, which in turn raises the insert engaging portion 134 as it rotates away from the insert 124. The insert engaging portion 134 disengages from the cutting insert 124 to a degree sufficient to remove the cutting insert 124 from the seat 120, allowing it to be indexed, regrinded, or replaced.

[0106] As described above, the spring element 300 is compressed to a first degree during clamp mode, measured by a first length X1. Generally, while the clamp 128 is rotating in a helical motion 262, the rotation unit 130 is lifted by the rise of the insert engagement portion 134. Thus, the compression unit 150 is compressed to a greater second degree, measured by a second length X2 (Figure 8B) which is smaller than the first length X1.

[0107] In the illustrated embodiment, the shaft 224 is fastened to the clamp 128 by the fastening element 240. As the clamp 128 rotates from the clamped position to the unclamped position, the insert engagement portion 134 of the clamp 128 rises, and with it the shaft 224 is lifted. The shaft head 228, in contact with the spring support 304, pushes the spring support 304 upward, compressing the spring element 300 to a second length X2. In the exemplary cutting tool holder system 200, the compressed length X2 is shown to be less than the compressed length X1, indicating that the compressive force on the compression unit 150 in the unclamped mode (Figures 8A and 8B) is increased compared to the clamped mode (Figures 7A and 7B).

[0108] In some embodiments, the curvature of the inclined surface 264 about the axis of rotation of the clamp 128 may differ from the curvature of the rotational motion of the clamp 128, thereby causing (or at least tending to cause) the clamp 128 to move in a direction extending between the rear section 208 and the front section 138 of the clamp during the rotational motion 180 of the clamp. For example, the curvature of the inclined surface (whether the inclined surface is positioned on the clamp or on the cutting tool holder) may be configured to tend to move the clamp (if it does not move) in a direction extending from the seat toward the rear section of the body during the rotation of the clamp from the unclamped position to the clamped position. It should be understood that, as specified herein, the difference in curvature of the inclined surface from the rotational curvature of the clamp is intended to result in the curvature of the inclined surface defining the path of the corresponding projection and causing the clamp to tend to move at least in a direction extending from the seat toward the rear section of the body during the rotation of the clamp from the unclamped position to the clamped position.

[0109] In this specification, the phrase "tends to move" should be understood to mean that a force is applied to the clamp in a direction extending from the seat toward the rear section of the main body. The force applied to the clamp also applies that force to the cutting insert in the same direction, thereby tightening the clamp on the cutting insert in the direction of the force.

[0110] Therefore, according to some embodiments, the raised configuration can act as a rearward force application mechanism that applies a rearward force to the clamp (in a direction extending from the seat toward the rear section of the main body), thereby causing the clamp to apply a rearward force to the cutting insert.

[0111] In embodiments where the inclined surface 264 is positioned on the lower side of the clamp 128 and between the axis of rotation of the clamp and the front end of the clamp (facing the seat), the surface region of the inclined surface 264 (or the region where the protrusion is located during the clamp release mode) may be closer to the axis of rotation than the deeper region of the inclined surface 264 (or the region where the protrusion is located during the clamp mode). In embodiments where the inclined surface 264 is positioned on the lower side of the clamp 128 and between the axis of rotation of the clamp and the rear end of the clamp (opposite side of the front end), the surface region of the inclined surface 264 (or the region where the protrusion is located during the clamp release mode) may be further from the axis of rotation than the deeper region of the inclined surface 264 (or the region where the protrusion is located during the clamp mode).

[0112] Furthermore, in embodiments in which the inclined surface 264 is positioned on the cutting tool holder (clamp-facing surface) between the rotation axis of the clamp and the front end (facing the seat) of the clamp-facing surface, or on the cutting insert, the surface region of the inclined surface 264 (or the region where the protrusion is located during the release mode) may be further from the rotation axis than the deeper region of the inclined surface 264 (or the region where the protrusion is located during the clamp mode). In embodiments in which the inclined surface 264 is positioned on the cutting tool holder (clamp-facing surface) between the rotation axis of the clamp and the rear end (opposite side of the front end) of the clamp-facing surface, the surface region of the inclined surface 264 (or the region where the protrusion is located during the release mode) may be closer to the rotation axis than the deeper region of the inclined surface 264 (or the region where the protrusion is located during the clamp mode).

[0113] Therefore, in all of the above orientations of the inclined surface, the rotational movement from the unclamped mode to the clamping mode causes the clamp to move backward (or at least tend to move backward) in the direction extending from the front clamp section 138 to the rear clamp section 208, thereby applying a clamping force to the cutting insert in the direction extending from the front clamp section 138 to the rear clamp section 208, i.e., a horizontal component V1 of the clamping force is added.

[0114] Therefore, according to the above embodiment, it is recognized that only the horizontal component V1 of the clamp increases, thereby not increasing the rotational force required to overcome the clamping force to move the cutting tool holder system from the clamped position to the released position, while simultaneously increasing the total clamping force that maintains the cutting insert in place.

[0115] It should be understood that the above description regarding adding (or increasing) the horizontal component V1 of the clamping force applies to all embodiments of the elevated configuration described herein.

[0116] Refer to Figures 9A and 9B, which are perspective rear views of the cutting tool holder system 200 of Figure 5, shown in the operating modes of the clamped state (Figure 9A) and the unclamped state (Figure 9B). As seen in Figure 9A, in the clamped state, the extension 280 is positioned proximal to the first wall barrier 286. During the rotational movement 180 and / or helical movement 262 of the clamp 128, the extension 280 slides forward along the wall 284 within the groove 282. In the unclamped state, further rotation of the extension 280 is prevented by the second barrier 288. Thus, the cutting insert engaging portion 134 is restricted to rotating from above the cutting insert 124 (in the clamped state) to above the clamp-facing surface 140 substantially adjacent to the cutting insert 124 (in the unclamped state). In some embodiments, the groove may not include the first and second barriers.

[0117] In some embodiments, the groove or recess 282 and extension 280 may be manufactured and configured to act to add (or increase) the horizontal component V1 of the clamping force in the same manner as described above for the inclined surface and projection (upward configuration), thereby acting as a rearward force-applying mechanism that applies a rearward force to the clamp (in a direction extending from the seat toward the rear section of the main body of the body), thereby causing the clamp to apply a rearward force to the cutting insert. For example, a cutting holder system according to any embodiment described herein may include a configuration of grooves (or recesses) 282 and extensions 280 (whether forming an upward configuration (as described with respect to Figures 13A and 13B) or not forming an upward configuration (as described with respect to Figures 9A and 9B)) for the purpose of adding (or increasing) the horizontal component V1 of the clamping force in the same manner as described above for the arrangement of inclined surfaces and protrusions, while the grooves serve as inclined surfaces (whether they are inclined (i.e., also form an upward configuration) or not forming an upward configuration), and the extensions serve as protrusions. It should be understood herein that, for the purpose of adding (or increasing) the horizontal component V1 of the clamping force, the grooves 282 and extensions 280 can be positioned at any location along the clamp and body other than their respective rear sections 208 and 108.

[0118] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 9A and 9B, the curvature of the wall 284 may differ from the curvature of the rotational motion of the clamp. The portion of the wall 284 in which the extension 280 is positioned (and in contact with the wall 284) in clamp mode (Figure 9A) may be further from the axis of rotation than the portion of the wall 284 in which the extension is positioned (and in contact with the wall 284) in release mode (Figure 9B). Therefore, when the clamp is rotated from the unclamped mode to the clamped mode, the extension 280 moves along the wall 284 (while contacting the wall 284) and simultaneously moves in a direction extending from the front clamp section 138 to the rear clamp section 208, thereby tending to move the clamp 128 (on which the extension 280 is formed in the exemplary embodiment) at least rearward in the direction extending from the front clamp section 138 to the rear clamp section 208, thereby applying a clamping force to the cutting insert in the direction extending from the front clamp section 138 to the rear clamp section 208, i.e., added to the horizontal component V1 of the clamping force.

[0119] In some embodiments, the rearward force application mechanism can be realized by a projection (e.g., an extension 280) protruding from the rear section of the clamp, and the wall 284 can constitute the rear wall of the body of the cutting tool holder without the groove 282. In some embodiments, the wall 284 can be formed as a tapered surface instead of being formed as a vertical wall.

[0120] Therefore, it should be understood herein that in all embodiments of the cutting tool holder systems described herein, the objectives of the raised configuration and the objective of increasing the horizontal component of the clamping force can be achieved by a single configuration (raised configuration) or separate configurations. Furthermore, in all embodiments of the cutting tool holder systems described herein without a raised configuration, the configuration for increasing the horizontal component of the clamping force can be realized in the form of grooves or recesses and protrusions or extensions.

[0121] In some embodiments, the groove 282 and the extension 280 can be repositioned, i.e., the groove 282 can be positioned in the clamp and the extension 280 can be positioned in the body of the cutting tool holder, thereby fulfilling some or all of the purposes described above, as will be understood herein.

[0122] Refer to Figures 10A to 13B, which show alternative or additional elevation configurations to the exemplary elevation configuration 260 shown in Figures 7A to 8B.

[0123] Refer to Figures 10A to 10D, which show the cutting tool holder system 200 in a perspective view of the lower side of the clamp 128 (10A), a perspective view of the main body 104 (10B), and in the operating mode of the clamped state (Figure 10C) and the operating mode of the released state (Figure 10D).

[0124] As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the raised configuration 400 comprises two (or more) pairs, each of which comprises a first surface (e.g., an inclined surface 264 shown in Figure 10A) and a second surface (e.g., a vertically adjacent surface 266 shown here as a projection 276 in Figure 10A). In the illustrated embodiment, the inclined surface 264 is engraved in the body 104 on the clamp-facing surface 140. The two inclined surfaces 264 are positioned approximately opposite each other at equidistant from a common center of gravity of the inclined surfaces 264. Two corresponding projections 276 protruding from the lower surface 136 of the clamp 128 are aligned with the corresponding inclined surfaces 264.

[0125] As shown in Figure 10C, during clamp mode, each of the protrusions 276 is initially positioned hidden within the deep region 270 of the inclined surface 264.

[0126] As shown in Figure 10D, as the clamp 128 rotates from the clamped position to the released position, the projection 276 slides forward along the inclined surface 264 toward the surface region 272. Therefore, the projection 276 is raised, which in turn raises the insert engaging portion 134 as it rotates away from the insert 124. This releases the cutting insert 124 from the cutting tool holder 102, as described above.

[0127] Refer to Figures 11A and 11B, which are perspective views of the lower side surface 136 of the clamp 128 and the main body 104 (11B).

[0128] As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, the raised configuration 410 comprises two (or more) pairs, each of which comprises a first surface (e.g., an inclined surface 264 shown in Figure 11B) and a second surface (e.g., a vertically adjacent surface 266 shown here as a projection 276 in Figure 11A). In the illustrated embodiment, the inclined surface 264 is configured on the clamp-facing surface 140 from which it emerges, and is generally positioned opposite to each other at equidistant from the common center of gravity of the inclined surface 264. Two corresponding projections 276 protruding from the lower surface 136 of the clamp 128 are aligned with the corresponding inclined surface 264.

[0129] In Figures 11A and 11B, one of the inclined surfaces 264 is formed as a slope having a deep region 412 that slopes upward in a curved manner toward the surface region 414 in the same direction as the orientation of the rotational motion 180 and / or helical motion 262.

[0130] Similar to the operating modes described with reference to Figures 10C and 10D, during the clamping mode, each of the protrusions 276 is first positioned on the deep region 412 of the inclined surface 264.

[0131] As the clamp 128 rotates from the clamped position to the released position, the projection 276 slides forward along the inclined surface 264 toward the surface region 414. Thus, the projection 276 is raised, which in turn raises the insert engaging portion 134 as it rotates away from the insert 124. As a result, the cutting insert 124 is released from the cutting tool holder 102, as described above.

[0132] Figures 12A to 12C show perspective views of the spring support 420 equipped with the raised configuration 424 (Figure 12A) and the cutting tool holder system in the operating mode of the clamped state (Figure 12B) and the operating mode of the released state (Figure 12C).

[0133] As shown in Figure 12A, the spring support 424 may be the same as the spring support 304 in Figures 1A to 11B, but further includes an upward arrangement configuration 424. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring support 420 includes an upper portion 430 and a lower portion 432. Similar to the upward arrangement configuration 260 in Figures 10A to 10D, two inclined surfaces 264 are engraved on the lower portion 432. Each inclined surface 264 is aligned in pair with one of the protrusions 276 that project from the upper portion 430.

[0134] As shown in Figure 12B, during clamping mode, each of the protrusions 276 is initially positioned hidden within the deep region 270 of the corresponding inclined surface 264.

[0135] As shown in Figure 12C, as the clamp 128 rotates from the clamped position to the released position, the projection 276 slides forward along the inclined surface 264 toward the surface region 272. Thus, the projection 276 is raised, which in turn raises the upper portion 430 of the spring support 424, thereby raising the shaft 244 and the clamp 128 as the insert engaging portion 134 rotates away from the cutting insert 124. This releases the cutting insert 124 from the cutting tool holder 102 as described above.

[0136] In general, it should be noted that the upward arrangement configuration 424 of the spring support 420 may include any one of the upward arrangement configurations described above.

[0137] Furthermore, it should be noted that the elevated configuration may be formed, for example, on the shaft 224 and / or within the body 104, or within any one of the surfaces or components within the cutting tool system holder described herein.

[0138] This is a perspective view of a cutting tool holder system equipped with an elevated configuration 440 in the operating mode of the clamped state (Figure 13A) and the operating mode of the released state (Figure 13B). Refer to Figures 13A and 13B.

[0139] Generally, the upward configuration 440 comprises a first inclined surface 264 formed as an inclined portion 444 defined within the groove 282. The second vertical adjacent surface 266 comprises an extension 280 or any other similar configuration. The inclined portion 444 comprises a deep region 446 that slopes upward curvilinearly toward the surface region 448 in the same direction as the orientation of the rotational motion 180 and / or helical motion 262.

[0140] As shown in Figure 13A, during clamp mode, the extension 280 is initially positioned on the deep region 446 of the inclined portion 444.

[0141] As shown in Figure 13B, as the clamp 128 rotates from the clamped position to the released position, the projection 280 slides forward along the inclined portion 444 toward the surface region 448. Therefore, the extension 280 is raised, which in turn raises the insert engaging portion 134 as it rotates away from the insert 124. This releases the cutting insert 124 from the cutting tool holder 102, as described above.

[0142] It should be noted that the raised configurations described with reference to Figures 5 to 12C are shown to be positioned around the longitudinal axis ax1, close to the clamp cavity 142 and the bore cavity 146. These raised configurations can be positioned in any preferred location, such as in the clamp rear section 208 and the body rear section 108, as shown in Figures 13A and 13B, or in the cutting insert engagement portion and the cutting insert, as shown in Figures 19A and 19B and further described below herein. Furthermore, the inclined surfaces and projections can be reversibly positioned. For example, the inclined surfaces can be positioned on the clamp, and the projections can be formed on the cutting tool holder or cutting insert. In embodiments with two or more pairs of inclined surfaces and projections, one or more of the pairs can be reversibly positioned, for example, one or more of the inclined surfaces can be positioned on the clamp, while one or more of the inclined surfaces can be positioned on a cutting tool holder having opposing projections.

[0143] In this specification, in all embodiments of the cutting tool holder systems described herein that do not have an upward configuration and / or have an upward configuration other than that consisting of the extension 280 and groove 282, the configuration of the extension 280 and groove 282 is optional (whether or not shown in the corresponding drawings), and the cutting tool holding system can operate without the configuration of the extension 280 and groove 282. In other words, with the exception of those described with respect to Figures 13A and 13B (where the upward configuration consists of the extension 280 and groove 282 and is the only upward configuration), in all embodiments of the cutting tool holder systems described herein, the configuration of the extension 280 and groove 282 is optional, and the cutting tool holder system can operate without the configuration of the extension 280 and groove 282.

[0144] Figures 14A to 14C show a perspective view of the cutting tool holder system 490 (14A), and cross-sectional views along line XIVB-XIVB in Figure 14A during the operating mode in the clamped state (Figure 14B) and the operating mode in the unclamped state (Figure 14C).

[0145] As shown in window A of Figure 14A, the cutting insert 500, which defines an upper surface 502 (used herein interchangeably with the upper surface of the insert) and a lower surface 504 at its base 508, is formed such that at least one projection 510 protrudes from the upper surface 502. A generally central horizontal axis ax2 and a generally central orthogonal lateral axis ax3 are defined in the plane of the upper surface 502. The upper surface 502 faces the clamp 128 (i.e., the upper surface 502 is the clamp interface surface). It should be understood herein that the upper surface of the cutting insert (used herein interchangeably with the upper surface of the insert) is intended to mean the surface that faces the clamp when the cutting insert is positioned in the seat for its work.

[0146] Generally, the protrusions 510 are positioned at any location on the upper surface 502 and are aligned with the recesses 520 formed within the cutting insert engagement portion 134 of the clamp 128, i.e., on the underside of the cutting insert engagement portion 134.

[0147] In some embodiments, the projection 510 is positioned at at least one midpoint (e.g., center) of the horizontal axis ax2 and / or the lateral axis ax3. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection 510 is positioned at the center of both the horizontal axis ax2 and the lateral axis ax3.

[0148] Generally, the projection 510 comprises a side wall 512 and an upper surface 514, defining a height H1 and a diameter D1 (window in View A). The height H1 and diameter D1 are sized to allow the cutting insert engaging portion 134 to grip the insert projection 510 and subsequently apply a clamping force (e.g., clamping force 174 in Figure 3B) to the cutting insert 500 via the projection 510, while ensuring that the projection 510 does not break under load from the clamping force 174.

[0149] Generally, the projection 510 is designed so that its height H1 protrudes at least partially (for example, completely) axially above the clamp-facing surface 140 of the main body 104. This positions the projection 510 within the recess 520 of the cutting insert engagement portion 134, enabling gripping by the recess, and also allows the aforementioned clamping force 174 to be transmitted from the clamp 128 to the base 508 of the insert 500 via the projection 510.

[0150] The height H1 and diameter D1 are dimensioned to be large enough to withstand the clamping force 174, but may be designed to be small enough to reduce costs and to prevent the formation of a relatively large gap between the clamp 128 and the clamping surface 140, which could allow workpiece residue to inadvertently enter between the clamp 128 and the clamping surface 140.

[0151] Generally, the sidewall 512 is formed having any preferred surface that allows it to be gripped by the cutting insert engagement portion 134 in the recess 520. In some embodiments, the sidewall 512 includes a rectangular cross-section. In some embodiments, the sidewall 512 includes a cylindrical wall as shown in Figure 14A, or a frustoconical wall 524 as shown in Figure 15A, or, in non-limiting embodiments, a curved surface such as a cone or ellipsoid.

[0152] As explained, the clamping force is applied to the base 508 of the insert 500 via the protrusion 510.

[0153] In some embodiments, the recess 520 or any other surface of the cutting insert engagement portion 134 can apply a clamping force to the upper surface 514 of the projection 510. Thus, the transmitted clamping force is applied to the base 508 of the insert 500 parallel to the longitudinal axis ax1 (Figure 3B).

[0154] In the embodiments shown in Figures 14A to 14C, the recess 520 is designed to have a curved surface 522 formed with a curvature determined to be continuous with the side wall 512 of the projection 510, on a contact surface 526 defined on a portion of the side wall 512. It should be noted that minimizing the contact surfaces (curved surface 522 and the corresponding contact surface 526) between the cutting insert engagement portion 134 and the insert 500 may be advantageous because the frictional force applied to the cutting insert engagement portion 134 is thereby limited. This may lead to an extended lifespan for the clamp 128 and / or the insert 500.

[0155] Since the contact surface 526, which is continuous with the recessed curved surface 522, is defined in the side wall 512, the transmitted clamping force is applied at least partially to the base 508 of the cutting insert 500 in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis ax1, as indicated by arrow 530 in view B of Figure 14A. The transmitted clamping force clamps the insert 500 to the seat 120 during the clamping mode, as shown in Figure 14B.

[0156] As shown in Figure 14C, as the clamp 128 rotates from the clamped position to the released position, the curved surface 522 moves away from the contact surface 526 as the insert engaging portion 134 rotates away from the insert 500. Thus, the cutting insert 500 is now released from the cutting tool holder 102, as described above.

[0157] Figures 15A to 15C show a perspective view (15A) of the cutting tool holder system 550, as well as cross-sectional views along line XVB-XVB in Figure 15A in the operating mode in the clamped state (Figure 15B) and the operating mode in the unclamped state (Figure 15C).

[0158] As seen in window A of Figure 15A, the cutting insert 560 includes an upper projection 570 that protrudes from the upper surface 502 of the cutting insert body 508. The cutting insert 560 is similar to the cutting insert 500 in Figures 14A to 14C. However, in the embodiment of the cutting tool holder system 550, the cutting insert 560 includes an additional lower projection 580 that protrudes from the bottom surface 504 of the base 508. An additional projection may be provided. The lower projection 580 may have a height and diameter defined so as to seat within a hole 584 formed in the seat 120. Note that the hole 584 may be formed in a conventional seat.

[0159] Furthermore, as described above, the side wall 524 of the upper projection 570 is provided with a frustoconical wall. In the illustrated embodiment, the side wall of the lower projection 580 is similarly provided with a frustoconical wall, but it may be provided with any preferred surface.

[0160] In the embodiments shown in Figures 15A to 15C, the cutting insert engagement portion 134 is designed to have a curved surface 522 of the recess 520. The curved surface 522 is formed with a curvature sized to be continuous with the side wall 524 of the projection 570 at the defined contact surface 526 above.

[0161] Since the contact surface 526, which is continuous with the recessed curved surface 522, is defined in the side wall 524, the transmitted clamping force is applied to the base 508 of the insert 560 perpendicular to the orientation of the side wall 524, in the orientation indicated by arrow 590 in view B of Figure 15A. This applied force 590 includes a vertical component V2 parallel to the longitudinal axis ax1, and a horizontal component V1 perpendicular to it. As described with reference to Figures 5 to 8B, when the clamping force 590 includes a horizontal component V1, the vertical component V2 is reduced thereby. Therefore, overcoming the clamping force 590 to operate the cutting tool holder system 550 from the clamped position to the unclamped position is facilitated by a rotational force of a smaller magnitude than the rotational force required to overcome a clamping force that includes only a vertical component (e.g., clamping force 174).

[0162] As shown in Figure 15B, during clamping mode, the contact surface 526 of the projection 570 is continuous with the corresponding curved surface 522 of the clamp 128, thereby keeping the insert 560 in the clamped position.

[0163] As shown in Figure 15C, as the clamp 128 rotates from the clamped position to the released position, the curved surface 522 moves away from the contact surface 526 as the insert engaging portion 134 rotates away from the insert 560. Thus, the cutting insert 560 is now released from the cutting holder 102 as described above.

[0164] It should be noted that the cutting tool holder system 550 is shown to include the clamp 128 and cutting tool holder 102 in Figures 11A and 11B. This is shown as an exemplary system and may include any other suitable clamp and cutting tool holder configuration.

[0165] Generally, the cutting inserts 500 and 560 are formed from any suitable material, such as a material having sufficient hardness to withstand the respective clamping forces 530 and 590.

[0166] Generally, the projections 510 of the cutting insert 500, and the projections 570 and / or 580 of the cutting insert 560, may be formed from the same or different material as the base 508.

[0167] In some embodiments, the projection 510 of the cutting insert 500 and the projections 570 and / or 580 of the cutting insert 560 are fabricated together with the base 508 to form the monolithic cutting inserts 500 and 560, respectively.

[0168] It should be noted that either the cutting tool holder systems 490 and 550 may be equipped with any one of the components of the cutting tool holder systems 100 and / or 200, or the cutting tool holder systems shown in Figures 1A to 13B (e.g., the clamp 128 and the cutting tool holder 104), with necessary modifications. Similarly, the cutting inserts 500 and 560 may be incorporated into the cutting tool holder systems 100 and / or 200, or the cutting tool holder systems shown in Figures 1A to 13B, with necessary modifications.

[0169] Figures 16A and 16B show a perspective view of the cutting tool holder system 600 (16A) and a cross-sectional view along line XVIB-XVIB in Figure 16A in the operating mode in the clamped state (Figure 16B).

[0170] As shown in Figure 16A, the cutting insert 124 may be similar to the cutting inserts in Figures 1A to 13B, and may be formed with a central hole 610 that is at least partially (for example, completely) through. Note that the hole 610 may be formed in the conventional cutting insert 124.

[0171] As shown in Figure 16B, the seat portion 120 is formed with a rod 620. The rod 620 has a diameter D2 suitable for being fitted into the hole 584 of the seat portion 120 and the hole 610 of the insert 124. The rod 620 has a height H2 that is long enough to extend through the hole 584 of the seat portion 120 and the hole 610 of the insert 124, and a height (similar to the height H1 described above in Figure 14A) that protrudes at least partially (e.g., completely) axially above the clamp-facing surface 140 of the body 104.

[0172] The cutting tool holder system 600 offers the advantage of applying a clamping force to the upper portion (e.g., the protrusion 510) of the base 508 of the cutting insert, and is understood to be easier to use with the conventional cutting insert 124.

[0173] In this specification, in all embodiments described with respect to Figures 14A to 16B, recesses formed within the clamp (e.g., recess 520 in Figures 14A to 15C, and recesses formed within the clamp corresponding to rod 620 in Figures 16A to 16B), and corresponding protrusions can additionally constitute an upward-facing configuration, while the recesses can include inclined surfaces (the bottom surface of the recesses can be inclined) that engage with the upper surface of the corresponding protrusions and are configured to operate in the same manner as described herein for embodiments of the upward-facing configuration.

[0174] Furthermore, it should be understood that in all the embodiments described herein with respect to Figures 14A to 16B, the recesses formed within the clamp (e.g., the recess 520 in Figures 14A to 15C, and the recesses formed within the clamp corresponding to the rod 620 in Figures 16A to 16B), and the corresponding protrusions can additionally (or alternatively) constitute an arrangement configuration for increasing the horizontal component of the clamping force. For example, the curvature of the recesses formed within the clamp around the axis of rotation can be different from the curvature of the rotational motion of the clamp, and can operate in the same manner as described herein with respect to arrangement configurations for increasing the horizontal component of the clamping force.

[0175] Refer to Figures 17A to 17C, which are a perspective view (17A) of a cutting tool holder system according to an embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure, an exploded view (17B) of the cutting tool holder system of Figure 17A, and a further exploded view (17C) of the cutting tool holder system in an operating mode in a clamped state.

[0176] As shown in Figure 17A, the cutting tool holder system 700 may be the same as that described for any one of the cutting tool holder systems in Figures 1 to 16B, with the addition of a cooling unit 702. Generally, the cooling unit 702 includes any suitable flow path (open or closed), such as a conduit configured to carry a cooling fluid from a cooling source to the cutting insert 124. Cooling of the insert 124 is typically performed during the cutting operation of the workpiece. The conduit may be configured in any suitable manner for guiding the cooling fluid to the insert 124.

[0177] Generally, channels may be formed within any component of the cutting tool holder system 700, such as within one or more of the shank 106, body 104, clamp 128, and / or insert 124.

[0178] In the illustrated embodiment, the conduit comprises a pipe assembly including a first pipe section 712 that is at least partially (e.g., completely) housed within a shank 106. The first pipe section 712 is shown to be screw-engageable within the shank 106 and to extend laterally to a second pipe section 714 housed within a body 104. The second pipe section 714 is shown to extend upward (parallel to or at an angle to) the longitudinal axis ax1 (Figure 3B) through a clamp 128 from the body 104. A third pipe section 718 extends from the second pipe section 714, generally inclined, into a front section 138 of the clamp 128, starting above the insert 124, to deliver coolant to the cutting insert during operation of the cutting insert.

[0179] As shown in Figures 17B and 17C, the cutting tool holder 102 and clamp 128 are formed to have a volume for accommodating the conduit. In the illustrated embodiment, the shank 106 is formed with a threaded recess 720 for engaging with the first pipe section 712 and extending through to a first bore 722. A second bore 724 is formed within the body 104, extending through the clamp 128 and accommodating the second pipe section 714 therein. A third bore 726 is formed within the clamp 128 and is sized to accommodate the third pipe section 718 therein. An external coolant source can be connected to the threaded recess 720 for introducing coolant.

[0180] The following are different perspective views of the cutting tool holder system 750 in its unclamped mode (18A), clamped mode (18D and 18G), and intermediate modes between the clamped and unclamped modes (18B, 18C, 18E, and 18F), referencing Figures 18A to 18G.

[0181] As shown in Figures 18A to 18G, the cutting insert 800 defines a top surface 802 (used herein interchangeably with the top surface of the insert) formed by having at least one projection 810 projecting from the top surface 802. The projection 810 may be formed integrally with the cutting insert 800 or (as described, for example, with respect to Figures 16A and 16B) it may be the upper portion of a rod extending at least partially through the cutting insert 800. It should be understood herein that the top surface of the cutting insert means the surface that faces the clamp when the cutting insert is positioned within the seat for its work. It should be understood herein that the clamp 128 of the cutting tool holder system 750 is configured to operate in the same manner to clamp and unclamp the cutting insert, as described herein for all embodiments described above.

[0182] Generally, the protrusions 810 are positioned at any location on the upper surface 802 and are aligned with the recesses 820 formed within the cutting insert engagement portion 134 of the clamp 128, i.e., on the underside of the cutting insert engagement portion 134.

[0183] In some embodiments, the projection 810 is positioned at least at the midpoint of the upper surface 802.

[0184] Generally, the projection 810 is formed as a hemisphere extending from the upper surface 802 so as to be at least partially received within the recess 820. For example, the projection 802 has a height dimensionally determined to project at least partially axially above the clamp-facing surface 140 when the cutting insert 800 is seated within the seat. In some embodiments, the projection 810 may be formed to have other shapes.

[0185] As is best seen in Figures 18E to 18G, the recess 820 has a bottom surface 822 that engages with the top of the projection to apply a clamping force to the projection 810 and therefore to the cutting insert 800. The bottom surface 822 includes an intermediate region 824 that extends between the open end 822A and the closed end 822B and has a depth smaller than the surrounding region, thereby forming a recess 826 between the intermediate region 824 and the closed end 822B, corresponding to the location where the projection is placed in clamp mode (as shown in Figure 18G). The recess 826 includes an inclined wall 826A that constitutes a guide surface for the projection 810 to lock the projection 810 therein and to guide the projection 810 into the recess 826 in case the projection 810 (or cutting insert 800) and the clamp 128 move inadvertently relative to each other. For example, accidental movement may occur during a cutting operation, in which case the protrusion 810 will not fall out of the recess 820 due to the recess 826. In other words, in the event of accidental movement, the recess 826 prevents the clamp 128 from unintentionally rotating and entering the unclamping mode, thereby preventing the cutting insert 800 from being accidentally removed from the seat.

[0186] Due to the recess 826, a minimum amount of rotational force is required to rotate the clamp from the clamped position to the unclamped position to move the projection 810 out of the recess 826. When the clamp 128 is rotated from the unclamped position to the clamped position, as shown in the intermediate mode in Figures 18B and 18E, the open end 822A of the recess 820 first moves above the projection 810, thereby receiving the projection within the recess 820. Further rotation engages the inclined wall portion 824A between the intermediate region 824 and the open end 822A with the projection 810, thereby lifting the clamp 128 away from the cutting insert 800 until the intermediate region 824 traverses the projection 810, as shown in another intermediate mode in Figures 18C and 18F. Further rotational motion causes the clamp 128 to drop (by compressive force) toward the cutting insert 800, as shown in the clamping modes of Figures 18D and 18G, causing the recess 826 to drop onto the projection 810, thereby locking the projection 810 into the recess 826.

[0187] As the clamp 128 is rotated from the clamped position to the released position, the inclined wall portion 826A of the recess 826 (extending toward the intermediate region 824) engages with the projection 810, and the clamp 128 is lifted upward away from the cutting insert 800 until the intermediate region 824 crosses the projection 810. Once the intermediate portion 824 crosses the projection 810, further rotation of the clamp 128 causes the open end 822A to move beyond the projection 810, thereby releasing the projection 810 from the recess 820.

[0188] It should be understood herein that in some embodiments, the portion of the recess 820 extending between the open end 822A and the intermediate region 824 may be formed as an inclined surface to constitute an upward-facing configuration (together with the projection 810) that operates in the same manner as any one of the above-described embodiments of the upward-facing configuration.

[0189] It should be understood herein that in some embodiments, the recess 820 and projection 810 can constitute an arrangement configuration for additionally (or alternatively) increasing the horizontal component of the clamping force. For example, the curvature of the recess about the axis of rotation can be different from and operate in the same manner as the curvature of the rotational motion of the clamp, in the same manner as described herein with respect to arrangement configurations for increasing the horizontal component of the clamping force.

[0190] Refer to Figures 19A and 19B, which show yet another example of the elevated configuration: a perspective view of the lower side of the clamp 128 (19A) and a perspective view of the main body 104 (19B).

[0191] As shown in Figures 19A and 19B, the rise configuration 400 comprises a pair of surfaces including a first surface (e.g., the inclined surface 264 shown in Figure 19B) formed on the upper surface (the surface facing the clamp) of the cutting insert 124 and a second surface (e.g., the vertically adjacent surface shown here as the projection 276 in Figure 19A) formed on the lower surface of the cutting insert engagement portion 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the inclined surface 264 is engraved within the upper surface of the cutting insert 124, and the projection is formed on the lower surface of the cutting insert engagement portion 134, and is configured to operate in the same manner as the rise configuration described above with respect to Figures 5 to 13B.

[0192] During clamping mode, the projection 276 is positioned within the deep region 270 of the inclined surface 264. When the clamp 128 is rotated from clamping mode to unclamping mode, the projection moves toward the surface region 272, which is coplanar with the top surface of the insert, and rises due to the slope of the inclined surface 264. Further rotation causes the projection 276 to completely detach from the cutting insert, thereby making it possible to remove the cutting insert 124 as described above.

[0193] It should be understood herein that in some embodiments, the inclined surface 264 and the projection 276 can constitute an arrangement configuration for additionally (or alternatively) increasing the horizontal component of the clamping force. For example, the curvature of the inclined surface about the axis of rotation can be different from and operate in the same manner as the curvature of the rotational motion of the clamp, in the same manner as described herein with respect to arrangement configurations for increasing the horizontal component of the clamping force.

Claims

1. A cutting tool holder system that operates to securely mount a cutting insert on top for performing a cutting operation, wherein the cutting tool holder system is at least assembled for operation, (e) A cutting tool holder having a body having a seat portion configured to mount the cutting insert on top, (f) A clamp having a cutting insert engaging portion and rotatably mounted on the cutting tool holder, wherein the clamp is rotatably operated between a clamp position in which the clamp is operable to apply a clamping force to at least the cutting insert positioned within the seat to prevent the cutting insert from being removed from the seat, and a release position in which the clamp is capable of removing the insert from the seat, (g) A compression unit configured to facilitate the application of a compressive force toward the cutting tool holder to the clamp, so as to enable the clamp to apply the clamping force while the clamp is positioned at least in the clamping position, (h) A rotating unit configured to allow the clamp to move rotationally between the clamped position and the released position relative to the cutting tool holder by applying a rotational force of a magnitude corresponding to the magnitude of the user's manual force, A cutting tool holder system wherein the body of the cutting tool holder has a clamp-facing surface that faces the clamp, and the cutting tool holder system further comprises an upward arrangement configuration for raising the cutting insert engaging portion above the clamp-facing surface during rotation of the clamp.

2. The cutting tool holder system according to claim 1, wherein the compression unit is operable to compress to a first degree while the clamp is positioned in the clamp position and to compress to a second degree while the clamp is positioned in the unclamp position, the second degree being the same as or greater than the first degree.

3. The cutting tool holder system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the compression unit comprises one of a compression spring element, a piston, a mechanical fastener, and a ratchet mechanism.

4. The cutting tool holder system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the body of the cutting tool holder is formed having a cavity inside, and the compression unit is at least partially positioned within the cavity.

5. The cutting tool holder system according to claim 4, wherein the cavity has a broad portion, the broad portion extending to a narrow portion that forms a first peripheral shoulder and a second peripheral shoulder, and the compression unit is at least partially confined between the first peripheral shoulder and the second peripheral shoulder.

6. The aforementioned rising arrangement configuration, An inclined surface configured to engage with a vertical adjacent surface, when operated between the clamping position and the release position, is positioned in the same direction as at least a portion of the rotational movement of the clamp and at least partially in the same direction. A cutting tool holder system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising at least one of the following: a vertical adjacent surface configured to engage with the inclined surface so as to advance along the inclined surface during the rotational motion along the inclined surface.

7. The cutting tool holder system according to claim 6, wherein the inclined surface is sloped so as to gradually rise in a direction extending from the clamp-facing surface to the clamp, and in the same direction as at least a portion of the rotational movement of the clamp when it is operated from the clamp position to the release position.

8. The cutting tool holder system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the inclined surface is defined on the clamp or on the cutting tool holder, and the vertical adjacent surface is defined on a cutting tool holder or clamp positioned on the opposite side.

9. The cutting tool holder system according to claim 8, wherein the clamp defines a lower surface facing the cutting tool holder, and the inclined surface is positioned on either the lower surface or the clamp-facing surface.

10. The cutting tool holder system according to claim 9, wherein one of the inclined surface and the vertical adjacent surface is defined on the cutting insert engagement portion.

11. The cutting tool holder system according to claim 10, further comprising the cutting insert, wherein the other of the inclined surface and the vertical adjacent surface is defined on the cutting insert.

12. The cutting tool holder system according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the inclined surface includes a deep region associated with the clamping position of the clamp and a surface region associated with the unclamping position of the clamp, and the vertical adjacent surface has at least one projection projecting toward the inclined surface.

13. The cutting tool holder system according to claim 12, wherein when the clamp is positioned in the clamp position, the protrusion is disposed in the deep region, and when the clamp is positioned in the release position, the protrusion is disposed in the surface region, or closer to the surface region than the deep region.

14. The cutting tool holder system according to any one of claims 6 to 13, wherein the inclined surface has a curvature about the axis of rotation of the clamp, and the curvature of the inclined surface is different from the curvature of the rotational motion of the clamp about the axis of rotation.

15. The cutting tool holder system according to claim 14, wherein, due to the curvature of the inclined surface, the clamp tends to move at least in a direction extending from the seat toward the rear section of the main body while rotating the clamp from the unclamped position toward the clamped position.

16. The cutting tool holder system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the cutting insert engaging portion comprises a projection extending toward the insert.

17. The cutting tool holder system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the clamp is formed having at least one recess configured to position the user's fingers on the clamp so as to apply the rotational force using the user's hand power.

18. The cutting tool holder system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the rotational motion can be operated by applying manual force by the user without the use of a tool.

19. The cutting tool holder system according to claim 4 or any one of claims 5 to 18 dependent on claim 4, wherein the clamp is formed having a bore positioned substantially perpendicular to the clamp-facing surface and aligned with the cavity.

20. The cutting tool holder system according to claim 19, wherein the rotating unit comprises a shaft that is operable to be inserted into the bore and the cavity, and the shaft is configured to rotate the clamp by the rotational motion.

21. The cutting tool holder system according to claim 20, wherein the clamp comprises a fastening member configured to fasten the shaft to the clamp near the upper end of the shaft.

22. The aforementioned compression unit A support member having an upper and a lower part, A compression element, The cutting tool holder system according to claim 21, wherein the compression element is mounted on the upper side of the support member.

23. The cutting tool holder system according to claim 22, wherein the shaft is formed having an enlarged head at its lower end, and the head is positioned to abut against the lower side of the support member.

24. The cutting tool holder system according to claim 22 or 23, as dependent on claim 2, wherein the compression element is compressed to at least the first degree by fastening the shaft to the fastening member.

25. The cutting tool holder system according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the rotating unit comprises a low-friction member for reducing friction arising from the compressive force applied to the clamp by the compression unit, thereby promoting the rotational motion.

26. The cutting tool holder system according to claim 25, wherein the low-friction member comprises one of a stationary bearing surface, a rotatable bearing, a ball bearing, a gear, and a belt.

27. A cutting tool holder system according to any one of claims 1 to 26, further comprising a cutting insert.

28. The cutting tool holder system according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the rotating unit comprises a helical rotating unit configured to allow the clamp to move in a helical rotational motion relative to the cutting tool holder between the clamped position and the released clamped position by applying the rotational force, and the helical motion moves the cutting insert engaging portion perpendicularly away from the main body.

29. A cutting insert configured to be mounted in a seat formed within the body of a cutting tool holder, wherein the body is formed having a clamp-facing surface and is configured to face a clamp, the clamp has a cutting insert engagement portion and is rotatably engaged with the cutting tool holder, the clamp is rotatably operable between a clamp position for preventing the removal of the cutting insert from the seat and a release position for enabling the removal of the cutting insert from the seat, and the cutting insert is, The upper surface of the insert has a horizontal axis and a lateral axis, The first mounting element is formed on the upper surface of the insert and is configured to engage with a second mounting element formed on the clamp for mounting the cutting insert within the seat, wherein the first mounting element is A recess formed within the upper surface of the insert and configured to at least partially engage with a corresponding projection formed on the clamp, the recess being curved about an axis perpendicular to the upper surface of the insert, A cutting insert comprising one of the following: a projection that protrudes from the upper surface of the insert and is configured to at least partially engage with a corresponding recess formed on the clamp.

30. The cutting insert according to claim 29, wherein the protruding portion has a height that is dimensioned to protrude at least partially in the axial direction above the clamp-facing surface of the main body, and as a result the cutting insert is seated within the seat portion.

31. The cutting insert according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the protrusion is a central protrusion that protrudes from the midpoint of the upper surface of the insert along at least one of the horizontal axis and the lateral axis.

32. The cutting insert according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the protruding portion has a side wall including a curved surface.

33. The cutting insert according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the protruding portion is integrally formed with the cutting insert.

34. The cutting insert according to any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the cutting insert has an insert bottom surface and further comprises another protrusion protruding from the insert bottom surface.

35. The cutting insert according to any one of claims 29 to 34, wherein the recess includes a recess configured to lock in the corresponding projection formed on the clamp.

36. The cutting insert according to claim 35, wherein the recess has an inclined wall configured to guide the corresponding projection formed on the clamp into the recess if the corresponding projection formed on the clamp moves unintentionally.

37. The cutting insert according to claim 36, wherein the inclined wall is configured such that when a rotational force is applied to the clamp to move the clamp from the clamped position to the released position, it guides the corresponding protrusion formed on the clamp out of the recess.

38. A cutting tool holder system that operates to securely mount a cutting insert on top for performing cutting operations, wherein the cutting tool holder system, It is a cutting insert, The top surface of the insert, A cutting insert comprising a first mounting element formed on the upper surface of the insert, A tool holder formed with a seat portion, A clamp comprising a cutting insert engaging portion and rotatably engaged with the tool holder, wherein the clamp is rotatably operable between a clamp position in which the clamp is operable to apply a clamping force to at least the cutting insert positioned within the seat to prevent the insert from being removed from the seat, and a release position in which the clamp is capable of enabling the removal of the insert from the seat, wherein the clamp comprises a second mounting element formed on the lower opposing surface of the cutting insert engaging portion facing the cutting insert, wherein the second mounting element is configured to engage with the first mounting element formed on the cutting insert for mounting the cutting insert within the seat, The first mounting element is, A recess formed within the upper surface of the insert and configured to at least partially engage with a corresponding projection formed on the clamp, the recess being curved about an axis perpendicular to the upper surface of the insert, The clamp comprises one of the following: a projection that protrudes from the upper surface of the insert and is configured to at least partially engage with a corresponding recess formed on the clamp, The second mounting element is A protruding portion that protrudes from the lower opposing surface and is configured to at least partially engage with a corresponding recess formed on the upper surface of the insert, A cutting tool holder system comprising one of the following: a recess formed in the lower opposing surface and configured to at least partially engage with a corresponding projection formed on the upper surface of the insert.

39. The cutting insert according to claim 38, wherein the recess includes a recess configured to lock the corresponding projection inside.

40. The cutting insert according to claim 39, wherein the recess has an inclined wall configured to guide the corresponding protrusion into the recess if the corresponding protrusion moves unintentionally.

41. The cutting insert according to claim 40, wherein the inclined wall is configured to guide the corresponding protrusion out of the recess when a rotational force is applied to the clamp to move the clamp from the clamped position to the released position.

42. A method for selectively mounting a cutting insert onto a seat formed within the body of a cutting tool holder during clamp mode and removing the cutting insert from the seat during release mode, wherein the body is formed having a clamp-facing surface configured to face a clamp having a cutting insert engagement portion, and the method comprises an upward arrangement configuration, (e) seating the cutting insert within the seat portion, (f) Applying a compressive force to the clamp toward the cutting tool holder during both the clamping mode and the unclamping mode, (g) During the clamping mode, clamp the cutting insert to the seat by applying a clamping force to at least the cutting insert through the cutting insert engaging portion of the clamp, thereby preventing the cutting insert from being removed from the seat. The clamping force is promoted by the compressive force, and the clamping action is performed. (h) A method comprising, during the clamp release mode, releasing the cutting insert by rotating the clamp relative to the cutting tool holder using a rotational force of a magnitude corresponding to the magnitude of the user's manual force, wherein during the rotation of the clamp, the cutting insert engaging portion of the clamp is raised above the clamp-facing surface by the raised arrangement configuration.

43. A cutting tool holder system that operates to securely mount a cutting insert on top for performing a cutting operation, wherein the cutting tool holder system is at least assembled for operation, (a) A cutting tool holder having a body with a seat portion configured to mount the cutting insert on top, (b) A clamp having a cutting insert engaging portion and rotatably mounted on the cutting tool holder, wherein the clamp is rotatably operated between a clamp position in which the clamp is operable to apply a clamping force to at least the cutting insert positioned within the seat to prevent the cutting insert from being removed from the seat, and a release position in which the clamp is capable of enabling the removal of the insert from the seat, (c) A compression unit configured to facilitate the application of a compressive force toward the cutting tool holder to enable the clamp to apply the clamping force, at least while the clamp is positioned in the clamping position, (d) A rotating unit configured to allow the clamp to move rotationally between the clamped position and the released position relative to the cutting tool holder by applying a rotational force of a magnitude corresponding to the magnitude of the user's manual force, The clamp comprises a rear portion of the clamp located on the horizontal opposite side of the cutting insert engagement portion, and the body comprises a rear portion of the body located on the horizontal opposite side of the seat portion. A cutting tool holder system in which an extension extends from one of the rear portion of the clamp and the rear portion of the main body and is configured to slide along the other of the rear portion of the main body and the rear portion of the clamp during rotational motion.

44. The cutting tool holder system according to claim 43, wherein the rear portion of the main body and the other of the rear portion of the clamp are provided with a groove having a wall, the wall being configured for the sliding movement of the extension during the rotational motion.

45. The cutting tool holder system according to claim 44, wherein the groove has a curvature about the axis of rotation of the clamp, and the curvature of the groove is different from the curvature of the rotational motion of the clamp about the axis of rotation.

46. The cutting tool holder system according to claim 45, wherein the curvature of the groove causes the clamp to tend to move at least in a direction extending from the seat toward the rear section of the main body while rotating the clamp from the unclamped position toward the clamped position.

47. A method for selectively mounting a cutting insert onto a seat formed within the body of a cutting tool holder during clamp mode, and for removing the cutting insert from the seat during release mode, wherein the body is formed having a rear portion of the body located on the horizontal opposite side of the seat, a clamp-facing surface configured to face a clamp having a cutting insert engagement portion, and a clamp having a rear portion of the clamp located on the horizontal opposite side of the cutting insert engagement portion, and the method is (a) Sealing the cutting insert on the seat, (b) Applying a compressive force to the clamp toward the cutting tool holder during both the clamping mode and the unclamping mode, (c) During the clamping mode, the cutting insert is clamped to the seat by applying a clamping force to at least the cutting insert through the cutting insert engaging portion of the clamp, thereby preventing the cutting insert from being removed from the seat. The clamping force is promoted by the compressive force, and the clamping action is performed. (d) During the clamp release mode, the cutting insert is released by rotating the clamp relative to the cutting tool holder using a rotational force corresponding to the magnitude of the user's manual force, A method wherein the extension extends from one of the rear portion of the clamp and the rear portion of the main body and is configured to move slidably along the other of the rear portion of the main body and the rear portion of the clamp during the rotational motion.

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