Turning tools

Abstract

The present invention relates to a turning tool for metal cutting, including a tool body (1) having an insert seat (8), a clamping member (11), and a clamping pin (17). The clamping pin connects the tool body (1) and the clamping member (11) to clamp a cutting insert (9) to the insert seat (8). The clamping pin (17) has a shaft (18) axially movably received in a bore (10) of the tool body and operable to move to a first axial position. In the first axial position, the clamping pin (17) is configured to engage with the clamping member (11) and press the clamping member (11) toward an upper surface (4) of the tool body, thereby clamping the cutting insert (9) to the insert seat (8) when the cutting insert (9) is received in the insert seat (8). In the first axial position, the first coolant outlet opening (22) in the head (20) is located above the upper surface (14) of the clamping member (11) and the shaft (18) is axially slidably received in the tool body bore (10) for axial movement. The turning tool further includes a locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the shaft (18) in the tool body bore (10) against at least axial sliding toward the tool body top surface (4) in the first axial position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a turning tool for cutting metals, comprising a tool body with an insert seat, a clamping member and a clamping pin, the clamping pin connecting the tool body and the clamping member to clamp the cutting insert to the insert seat. [Background technology]

[0002] US2019 / 0160549 discloses a turning tool including a fastener for fixing the clamp and the tool body together, clamping a turning insert in an insert pocket. The fastener extends through a hole in the clamp and into a threaded hole in the tool body. The fastener has an external thread and is threaded into the threaded hole in the tool body to clamp the turning insert under the clamp in the insert pocket. The fastener has an internal coolant channel, which includes several openings located in the head of the fastener. The clamp has an internal coolant channel, which has an exit opening near the edge of the clamped turning insert. At a particular angular position of the fastener, one of these openings in the head is aligned with the internal coolant channel in the clamp, establishing a fluid connection between these two coolant channels to direct coolant to the turning insert. A problem with this known turning tool is that the clamping of the turning insert cannot be adjusted without affecting the supply of coolant. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to at least partially eliminate the above-mentioned problems. This object is achieved according to the invention by means of a turning tool as defined in claim 1.

[0004] The turning tool according to the invention for metal cutting comprises: A tool body, A tool body having a top surface, an insert seat for receiving a cutting insert, the insert seat being disposed at a front end on an upper surface of the tool body; a bore in the tool body spaced from the insert seat and extending downwardly from an opening in the upper surface of the tool body; a tool body including: A clamping member, Located on the top surface of the tool body, A base body, An upper surface of the base body; a bottom surface of the base body facing the top surface of the tool body; a through hole in the clamping member extending from an opening in the top surface of the base body to an opening in the bottom surface of the base body and aligned with the bore in the tool body; A base body having a clamping arm protruding from the base body and having at least a portion extending above the insert seat; a clamping member including: A clamping pin, Connect the tool body and clamping member to a longitudinal shaft having a longitudinal axis and extending through the through hole of the clamping member into the bore of the tool body, The shaft is axially movably received in the bore of the tool body and is operable to move to a first axial position; A head at the top end of the shaft; a coolant channel having a first outlet opening at the head; a clamping pin including: Including, The clamping pin is configured to engage with the base body in the first axial position and press the base body together with the protruding clamping arm toward the upper surface of the tool body, thereby clamping the cutting insert to the insert seat when the cutting insert is received in the insert seat, At the first axial position, the first outlet opening in the head is located above the top surface of the base body; The shaft is axially slidably received in the bore of the tool body so as to be axially movable; The turning tool further includes a locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the shaft in the bore of the tool body at the first axial position against at least axial sliding toward the top surface of the tool body.

[0005] The clamping pin's shaft, axially slidably mounted in the bore of the tool body, allows the clamping pin to move axially without changing its angular position. Thus, the clamping pin's angular position can remain constant as it moves axially downwards to apply a clamping force to the clamping member and thus to the clamping arm. Once the desired clamping force is reached, the locking mechanism can be operated to lock the clamping pin in the bore of the tool body. Thus, the clamping pin is locked against axial sliding towards the top surface of the tool body so that the cutting insert can be securely clamped under the clamping arm to the insert seat. In this locked position, the clamping pin's shaft is in a first axial position in the bore of the tool body and the first outlet opening in the clamping pin's head is located above the top surface of the base body of the clamping member. Thus, unlike the prior art, the relative angular position of the clamping member and the clamping pin is not restricted by an internal coolant channel in the clamping member that must be maintained in fluid communication with the coolant channel in the clamping pin. Instead, the turning tool according to the invention can be constructed with the first outlet opening in the head facing in any desired direction relative to the direction of extension of the clamping arm, thus allowing independent selection of the clamping force, the angular position of the clamping arm and the angular position of the coolant outlet.

[0006] The turning tool according to the invention includes a clamping member, a clamping pin, and a tool body having an insert seat. The clamping pin is arranged so that the clamping member and the tool body together clamp a cutting insert received in the insert seat thereto. In this application, the position of the insert seat is defined as being at the front end of the turning tool. When operated to clamp the cutting insert, the direction of the sliding movement of the shaft in the bore of the tool body is defined as a downward movement. The top and bottom faces are the surfaces facing up and down, respectively, and are coincident with the corresponding directions of the longitudinal axis of the shaft, respectively. Similarly, expressions such as up and down refer to the direction of and the downward movement of the shaft along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Expressions such as inward and outward are relative to the center of the tool body. The turning tool according to the invention is suitable for cutting metals. In other words, the turning tool is suitable for receiving and clamping cutting inserts for cutting metals. Preferably, the turning tool is further suitable for receiving and clamping cutting inserts for cutting other materials, such as composite materials.

[0007] According to the invention, the locking mechanism is configured to releasably lock the shaft in the bore of the tool body at a first axial position against at least axial sliding towards the top surface of the tool body. Optionally, the clamping pin can also move further axially downward beyond the first position when it is locked. This downward direction is in a direction that enhances the clamping force on the cutting insert received in the insert seat. In some applications, even if the clamping force is excessive, it is not critical. Each such embodiment can be beneficial in that the locking mechanism can be of a simple and low-cost type.

[0008] According to at least one embodiment, the locking mechanism is configured to operate from below the tool body. In one such embodiment, the bore in the tool body is a through hole. The clamping pin has a shaft that extends through the through holes in both the clamping member base body and the tool body. According to each such embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a lower end of the shaft that projects outside of the through hole below a bottom surface of the tool body and a stop member.

[0009] In each of the other embodiments, the lower end of the shaft is located inside the bore of the tool body such that the shaft does not protrude beyond the bottom surface of the tool body. The bore of the tool body can be a blind hole. The bore of the tool body is located in the tool body away from the insert seat. In other words, the bore of the tool body is located outside the space that the cutting insert occupies when clamped.

[0010] According to at least one embodiment, the locking mechanism is configured to releasably lock the shaft in the bore of the tool body against axial sliding in both axial directions in a first axial position. Such a locking mechanism achieves that the cutting insert is clamped with a constant clamping force, which can be suitably selected for the cutting insert in question and the cutting operation to be performed. Another advantage is that the axial position of the first outlet opening is fixed in the first position.

[0011] According to at least one embodiment, the locking mechanism is configured to releasably lock the shaft in the bore of the tool body against relative rotation in a first axial position, which can be achieved essentially by a sufficiently large clamping force and friction between the clamping pin and the clamping member or between the clamping pin and parts of the locking mechanism.

[0012] Preferably, the locking mechanism is configured to releasably lock the shaft in the tool body bore in the first axial position against relative rotation with positive locking. Positive locking is understood as a surface shaped to prevent relative rotation. For example, the shaft has a polygonal cross-section that fits with a corresponding polygonal cross-section of the tool body bore. Alternatively, the locking mechanism may comprise a protrusion on the shaft or on a separate member that engages with a mating recess or stop member in the tool body bore, or vice versa.

[0013] These embodiments are advantageous in that the angular position of the first outlet opening is fixed in the first position, therefore more precise direction of the coolant stream exiting the first outlet can be achieved.

[0014] Preferably, the locking mechanism is configured to releasably lock the shaft in the bore of the tool body against axial sliding in both the axial direction and against relative rotation in the first axial position. Thus, a fixed position of the first outlet opening can be provided in the first position and therefore a fixed direction of the stream of fluid coolant exiting therefrom. This also allows for the provision of a fixed clamping force.

[0015] According to at least one embodiment, the shaft has a cylindrical outer surface and the bore of the tool body has a cylindrical inner surface. The radii of these surfaces are preferably approximately the same, such that the shaft fits slidably and rotatably in the bore. Preferably, the shaft of the clamping pin extends with play through the through hole of the clamping member, or such that it is at least axially slidable and rotatable. Thus, the exact angular position of the first outlet opening can be adjusted, for example, by turning the clamping pin in the bore of the tool body before placing the clamping pin in the first axial position for clamping the cutting insert. In each of the embodiments in which the locking mechanism allows the shaft to rotate even when locked in the first position, the angular position of the first outlet opening can be advantageously adjusted even when the cutting insert is clamped in the insert seat, for example, by exceeding a certain force.

[0016] According to at least one embodiment, the tool body includes a first tool body lateral surface that extends downwardly from the top surface of the tool body on one side thereof. The locking mechanism includes: a tool body side hole including a first portion connecting a first side of the tool body with the tool body bore; a bearing surface on the shaft; an actuation bar mounted in a first portion of the side bore of the tool body for movement relative to the shaft, the actuation bar including an interlocking section having an interlocking surface for interacting with the abutment surface at an internal portion thereof; Including, The actuation bar is operable to move to a locking position where the mating surface presses against the abutment surface to lock the clamping pin in the first axial position when the shaft is in the first axial position. This embodiment is advantageous in that the locking mechanism can be operated from that side of the turning tool while the clamping member simultaneously provides a clamping force to the cutting insert from above. With prior art turning tools, in some applications, for example when the turning tool is mounted on a multi-spindle machine, access from above to release or tighten the clamp may be difficult or even impossible. The turning tool must then be removed from the machine to index or replace the cutting insert, which is inconvenient.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment, a mating section between a mating surface of the actuation bar and an abutment surface of the shaft are constructed to lock through friction, the mating surface being, for example, an end surface of the actuation bar and the abutment surface being a portion of the exterior surface of the shaft.

[0018] Preferably, locking is achieved in that the mating section geometrically blocks upward movement of the shaft. The mating surface of the mating section is arranged to abut an upwardly facing abutment surface of the shaft, the abutment surface being located below the mating section. For example, the locking mechanism further includes a shaft recess extending from the shaft entrance opening transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and At the first axial position, the entrance opening of the shaft faces a first portion of the side bore of the tool body; the abutment surface is a surface facing upward in the recess; When the actuation bar is in the locked position, the mating section is located in the shaft recess. Due to the location of the mating section and the abutment surface, the mating surface is configured to press the abutment surface against the inside of the recess, thus preventing upward movement of the clamping pin. Preferably, the mating section is also in engagement with a side wall of the shaft recess to provide positive locking of relative rotation between the shaft and the bore of the tool body.

[0019] The actuation bar can extend outside the first portion of the tool body side aperture and can have a portion that protrudes beyond the first side. Or, the actuation bar can terminate inside the first portion of the tool body side aperture. An operator can manipulate the actuation bar directly or with a tool such as a screwdriver or wrench. Preferably, the actuation bar comprises a single, integral bar, where the mating section is an interior portion, such as an inner end. In each such embodiment, the mating surface follows any movement of the actuation bar.

[0020] Preferably, the actuation bar has a longitudinal axis that is aligned with a first portion of the tool body side bore. The actuation bar is movably mounted in the first portion of the tool body side bore, e.g., by being axially movable and / or rotatable about the longitudinal axis. For example, the actuation bar can be axially slidable or include male threads that mate with female threads in the first tool body side bore.

[0021] The actuation bar can be movably mounted relative to the shaft, for example by being axially movable towards and away from the shaft, or by being axially movable inside a recess in the shaft, where the mating section is located in the shaft recess and / or is movably disposed in and out of it. Alternatively or additionally, the actuation bar can be rotatable, thereby being movable relative to the shaft. The mating section may be axially movable and / or rotatable inside the shaft recess.

[0022] In one embodiment in which the actuation bar is rotatable, the mating section includes an eccentric portion, such as a cam, upon which the mating surface is disposed. To place the actuation bar in its locking position, the actuation bar is axially positioned and rotated until the mating surface on the eccentric portion is axially aligned with the abutment surface in the recess and these two surfaces mesh.

[0023] Preferably, the abutment surface is an upwardly facing wedge surface that tapers toward the shaft entrance opening. The mating surface includes a downwardly facing wedge surface that tapers inwardly. When the actuation bar is manipulated to move to the locking position, the mating section moves inwardly in the shaft recess, causing the mating surface to slide against the abutment surface and urge the shaft to the first axial position. This embodiment, and one embodiment including an eccentric mating surface, are examples of preferred embodiments in that the locking mechanism also functions as a mechanism for urging the clamping pin downward to urge the shaft to the first position. Thus, the locking mechanism is a mechanism for tightening and locking the clamping pin.

[0024] When viewed in a cross section including the longitudinal axis of the shaft and the central longitudinal axis of the first portion of the side bore of the tool body, the abutment surface and the engagement surface form an angle α of at least 3° and at most 45° with the central longitudinal axis of the first portion of the side bore of the tool body. This range ensures that the inward movement of the actuation bar over a convenient length is replaced by an axially downward movement of the shaft corresponding to a suitable clamping force. If the angle is large, there is a risk that the force required to move the actuation bar inwardly will be excessive. If the angle is small, the engagement surface would have to be undesirably long. Preferably, the angle α is at least 10° and at most 30°.

[0025] According to one preferred embodiment, the shaft recess is a through hole with a central longitudinal axis intersecting at the same angle α with the central longitudinal axis of the first portion of the axis of the side hole of the tool body. Thus, when making the shaft recess by drilling an inclined cylindrical hole through the shaft, the tapered abutment surface is preferably made directly. In each of the other embodiments, the shaft recess is a blind hole or an open channel. The recess can have any suitable cross section. The abutment surface can be a curved surface, for example as a part of a cylindrical shaft hole wall. In each of the other embodiments, the abutment surface is a flat surface. The mating surface can also be a curved surface or a flat surface, for example as a part of a conical surface.

[0026] Generally, the shape and relative positions of the abutment and mating surfaces are designed to provide the desired locking in a first position of the shaft and, optionally, to translate movement of the actuation bar into downward sliding of the shaft.

[0027] In the first axial position, the first outlet opening in the head is located above the upper surface of the base body, or in other words above the opening of the through hole of the clamping member in the upper surface of the base body. In each of the embodiments, the first outlet opening is located above any part of the clamping member in the direction towards the insert seat. Preferably, the entire first outlet opening is so located. Usually, the first outlet opening is directed forward towards the insert seat. Here, the stream of cooling liquid flowing out through the first outlet opening will wash away at least a part of the cutting insert when the cutting insert is clamped to the insert seat. In each of the embodiments, the stream of cooling liquid does not come into contact with the clamping member before crossing the cutting insert. In each of the other embodiments, the stream of cooling liquid is directed by the upper surface of the clamping arm. The first outlet opening can be provided with a nozzle.

[0028] According to at least one embodiment, the head has a longitudinally extending front side, where the first outlet opening is located at the front side. The coolant channels include a first internal exit channel, which has a central longitudinal axis and extends from an internal location in the head to the first outlet opening. The central longitudinal axis of the first exit channel and the longitudinal axis of the shaft form an acute angle β. The internal location in the head is thus located axially above the first outlet opening. Preferably, the acute angle β has a value of 45° or more. Preferably, the extension of the central longitudinal axis of the first exit channel intersects with a point at which the active cutting edge of the cutting insert is located when the cutting insert is clamped in the insert seat. These embodiments are advantageous in that the exit channel allows the coolant to be directed to a desired location without additional means such as a nozzle.

[0029] According to at least one embodiment, The tool body includes a second tool body side extending downwardly from the upper surface of the tool body opposite the first tool body side; the tool body side aperture further includes a second portion connecting the second tool body side surface with the tool body bore; the shaft is axially slidable in the tool body bore to two angular positions spaced 180° apart such that in a first axial position an entrance opening of the shaft selectively faces either a first portion of the tool body side aperture or a second portion of the tool body side aperture; the coolant channel has a second outlet opening at the head, the second outlet opening being angularly spaced 180° from the first outlet opening; The actuation bar is selectively movably mounted in a first portion or a second portion of the side aperture of the tool body and is operable in both positions to move to a locking position with a matching angular position when the shaft is in the first axial position.

[0030] According to one such embodiment, the side holes of the tool body including the first and second portions are located between the first and second tool body sides and are mirror symmetrical across a central longitudinal plane that includes the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

[0031] The exit channels, including the first and second exit channels extending from an internal location in the head to the second outlet opening, may also be mirror symmetric across a transverse plane perpendicular to the central plane, for example.

[0032] These embodiments are advantageous in that the locking mechanism of the turning tool can be operated from both sides of the tool body. Preferably, the side holes in the tool body are through holes which can be suitably drilled. Optionally, the inactive portions of the side holes in the tool body and / or the inactive outlet openings in the head can be blocked.

[0033] According to at least one embodiment, the clamping pin has a cylindrical shaft and a head protruding radially from the shaft. The head may be concentric with a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The head includes a downwardly facing clamping surface. The clamping pin is configured to mate with the base body in a first axial position to press the base body toward the upper surface of the tool body with the downwardly facing clamping surface abutting the upper surface of the base body.

[0034] The coolant channel in the shaft may be an internal channel and may define the space between the bore of the tool body and the shaft. The coolant channel may include different locations along the axial extension of the shaft, where the coolant channel is an internal channel along a first location and the space between the bore of the tool body and the shaft along a second location. The exit channel in the head may be in fluid communication with an inlet opening in the shaft or the head. In one preferred embodiment, the inlet opening is located in a downwardly facing surface of the shaft recess. The coolant channel in the clamping pin is typically in fluid communication with the coolant channel in the tool body, which is in turn in fluid communication with a coolant source.

[0035] According to each of the embodiments, the clamping member is a separable component. It can be dropped and removed from the tool body. According to each of the other embodiments, the clamping member and the tool body are formed as one integral piece. Such embodiments of the turning tool may include a weakened portion that acts as an integral hinge for the clamping member.

[0036] According to at least one embodiment, the clamping member is biased towards a relaxed state, where it can be lifted from the tool body to remove or index the cutting insert received in the insert seat without the clamping force from the clamping pin. This biasing force may be applied by means of a compression spring that supports at one end the bottom surface of the base body and at the other end the top surface of the tool body or a shoulder surface on the shaft. In each embodiment where the clamping member and the tool body are integral, this biasing force can be unique. This biasing force must be overcome when moving the clamping pin to the first axial position in order to clamp the cutting insert.

[0037] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a turning tool according to any of the respective embodiments above includes a cutting insert received in the insert seat.

[0038] In the following, the exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a turning tool according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of a turning tool; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a first embodiment of a turning tool; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a top view of a first embodiment of a turning tool. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a cross-section along VV of the first embodiment of the turning tool according to FIG. 4; [Figure 6] 6 shows a cross-sectional view along VI-VI of a first embodiment of a turning tool according to FIG. 4, locked in a first position. [Figure 7] 6 shows a cross-sectional view along VI-VI of the first embodiment of the turning tool according to FIG. 4, released from the first position. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a turning tool according to the present invention; [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a turning tool corresponding to the view of FIG. 5, released from the first position. [Figure 10] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a turning tool, corresponding to the view of FIG. 5, locked in a first position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of a turning tool according to the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a turning tool corresponding to the view of FIG. 5, released from the first position. [Figure 13] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a turning tool, locked in a first position and corresponding to the view of FIG. 5 . [Figure 14] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a turning tool according to the invention, corresponding to the view of FIG. 5 .

[0040] All figures are schematic and not necessarily to scale, and show only those components generally necessary to clarify each of the embodiments, while other components may be omitted or merely suggested. Unless otherwise indicated, like reference numerals refer to like or corresponding components in different figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] A first embodiment of a turning tool according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. The turning tool includes a tool body 1. The tool body 1 includes a shaft portion 2 and a head portion 3. In each of the other embodiments, the tool body 1 may include only the head portion 3.

[0042] The tool body 1 has a top surface 4, a first side surface 5, a second side surface 6, and a bottom surface 7. At a front end, the tool body has an insert seat 8 for receiving a cutting insert 9. The insert seat 8 is a recess in the top surface 4 that includes a support surface that ensures that the cutting insert 9 is accurately positioned to expose a cutting edge in the desired location when the cutting insert 9 is clamped to the insert seat 8.

[0043] The tool body bore 10 extends downwards from the top surface 4 towards the bottom surface 7 in the tool body 1. The tool body bore 10 is a blind hole and has a circular cross section. It is spaced apart from the insert seat 8, or in other words is located outside the space occupied by the cutting insert 9, in this embodiment rearward in the direction towards the shaft section 2. The tool body bore 10 includes an upwardly facing shoulder surface 27, which extends circumferentially at the upper end such that the tool body bore 10 has a larger diameter at the upper end. An inlet opening 45 for the coolant is provided at the lower end of the tool body bore 10. The inlet opening 45 is connectable to an external coolant source through the tool body coolant channeling 48.

[0044] The upper surface 4 is provided with a recess 36 which is located rearward of the tool body bore 10 towards the shaft section 2. A clip 38 is attached to the recess 36 by means of a screw 37.

[0045] The turning tool further comprises a locking mechanism comprising a tool body side hole 24. The tool body side hole 24 comprises a first portion connecting an opening in the side surface 5 of the first tool body with the tool body bore 10 and a second portion connecting an opening in the side surface 6 of the second tool body with the tool body bore 10. Both portions of the tool body side hole 24 have an internal female thread. The tool body side hole 24 has a central longitudinal axis 25, which extends across the tool body 1 at an angle ε to the extension of the shaft portion 2 of the tool body 1, as seen in the top view according to FIG. 4. This angle ε is chosen to provide easy access to the locking mechanism at the head portion 3 and is 65° in this embodiment. In each of the other embodiments, this angle can be between 45 and 135°, preferably between 60 and 120°.

[0046] The turning tool further includes a clamping member 11, which includes a base body 12 and a clamping arm 13. The clamping arm 13 projects forwardly from the base body 12 and extends at least in part above the insert seat 8. The base body has a base body top surface 14 and a base body bottom surface 15.

[0047] The clamping member through hole 16 extends through the clamping member 11 from an opening in the base body top surface 14 to an opening in the base body bottom surface 15. The clamping member through hole 16 has an elliptical cross section, with its major axis extending generally in the direction of the protruding clamping arm 13. The clamping member through hole includes a downwardly facing shoulder surface 28, which extends circumferentially at its lower end such that the clamping member through hole 16 has a portion at its lower end with a larger diameter.

[0048] The base body 12 has a flange 39 at the end opposite the protruding clamping arm 13. The flange 39 extends downwardly from the bottom surface 15 of the base body and has a rear surface in which a groove 40 is provided.

[0049] The clamping member is positioned on the tool body 1 such that the base body bottom surface 14 and the tool body top surface 4 face one another, the clamping member through hole 16 is aligned with the base body bore 10, the clamping arm 13 extends over a portion of the insert seat 8, and the flange 39 sits in the recess 36. The clamping member 11 is attached to the tool body by means of a clip 38 which loosely engages in a groove 40.

[0050] The turning tool further includes a clamping pin 17. It includes a longitudinal shaft 18 extending along a longitudinal axis 19. At the upper end of the shaft 18, the clamping pin 17 has a head 20 which projects radially from the shaft 18. The head 20 is concentric with the longitudinal axis 19 of the shaft 18 and is cylindrical. The head 20 includes a downwardly facing clamping surface 21 and a front side surface 55 which forms part of the circumferential side surface of the head 20.

[0051] A shaft recess in the form of a throughbore 26 extending transversely through the shaft 18 is also part of the locking mechanism. The throughbore 26 has an abutment surface in the form of an upwardly facing bore wall 30. The throughbore 26 has a central longitudinal axis 56 intersecting the longitudinal axis 19 at an obtuse angle, an entrance opening at the axially lower side of the throughbore 26, and an exit opening at the axially upper side of the throughbore 26.

[0052] The clamping pin 17 includes a coolant channel 23 having a first outlet opening 22 and a second outlet opening 22 in the circumferential surface of the head 20. The coolant channel 23 includes a first internal exit channel 41 and a second internal exit channel 41. The first and second exit channels each have a central longitudinal axis 42 and extend from an internal location in the head 20 to the respective first and second outlet openings 22. The internal location in the head 20 is a central location axially above the outlet openings 22. The central longitudinal axis 42 of the first exit channel 41 and the longitudinal axis 19 of the shaft 18 form an acute angle β of more than 45°, in this embodiment 77°. In the axial end view of the clamping pin 17, in comparison with FIG. 4, the central longitudinal axis 42 of the first exit channel intersects with the central longitudinal axis of the through hole 26 (and with the central longitudinal axis 25 of the first portion of the tool body side hole 24) at an angle φ. This angle is chosen to provide both easy access to the locking mechanism (described below) and the desired direction of the exiting coolant stream. Typically, this angle φ is between 70 and 110°, and in this embodiment is 90°. As can be seen, the direction of the exiting coolant stream is different for the extension of the clamping arm 13.

[0053] The coolant channel 23 includes an interior portion extending longitudinally in the shaft 18. The interior portion has a coolant inlet opening 43 in the downwardly facing wall of the throughbore 26.

[0054] The clamping pin 17 is arranged with its shaft 18 which extends through the through hole 16 of the clamping member into the bore 10 of the tool body. Here, the shaft 18 is axially movably received in the bore 10 of the tool body. The entrance opening of the through hole 26 has an overlap with the internal opening of the first part of the side hole 24 of the tool body. Between the lower end of the through hole 26 and the exit opening of the shaft, the shaft has an outer surface part 49. This is located at a distance to the longitudinal axis 19 which is less than the radius of the bore of the tool body. Viewed in a section including the longitudinal axis 19 of the shaft 18 and the central longitudinal axis 25 of the first part of the side hole 24 of the tool body, the abutment surface in the form of an upwardly facing part of the bore wall 30 forms an angle α of 18° with the central longitudinal axis 25 of the first part of the side hole 24 of the tool body. In other words, this part of the bore wall 30 constitutes an upwardly facing wedge surface which tapers towards the entrance opening of the shaft.

[0055] The downwardly facing clamping surface 21 of the head 20 faces the upper surface 14 of the base body of the clamping member 11. The first outlet opening 22 of the first internal exit channel 41 faces the insert seat 8. The second internal exit channel 41 is closed by a plug 47. A helical spring 29 is disposed around the shaft 18 and bears at one end against an upwardly facing shoulder surface 27 in the tool body bore 10 and at the other end against a downwardly facing shoulder surface 28 in the clamping member through hole 16. A sealing ring 44 surrounds the shaft 18 and provides a fluid seal in the tool body bore 10 while allowing axial movement of the shaft 18.

[0056] The locking mechanism further includes an actuation bar 31, which includes a mating section 32 at its inward end. The outer end of the actuation bar is cylindrical and has an external male thread. The mating section 32 constitutes a truncated cone with an inwardly pointing, truncated end. At the transition to the truncated cone, the outer end of the actuation bar 31 has a diameter that corresponds approximately to the diameter of the entrance opening of the through hole 26 in the shaft 18. The mating section 32 includes a mating surface in the form of an outer surface 33 of the truncated cone. The outward end face of the actuation bar is provided with a hexagonal socket 34 facing away from the truncated cone.

[0057] The actuation bar 31 rests in the first portion of the tool body side bore 24, where the external thread of the outer end is in mesh with the internal thread in the first portion of the tool body side bore 24. When viewed in a cross section including the longitudinal axis 19 of the shaft 18 and the central longitudinal axis 25 of the first portion of the tool body side bore 24, the mating surface in the form of an outer conical surface forms an angle α of 18° with the central longitudinal axis 25 of the first portion of the tool body side bore 24. In other words, the mating part of the conical surface constitutes a downwardly facing wedge surface tapering inwards.

[0058] The hexagonal socket 34 is accessible by means of a hexagonal key 35 through an opening in the first side 5 of the tool body 1. A second portion of the tool body side bore 24 is closed by a plug 46.

[0059] The steps of mounting the cutting insert 8 on the insert seat of the first embodiment of the turning tool will now be described with main reference to Figs.

[0060] Due to the spring 29 and the play allowed for the clip 38 in the groove 40, the clamping member remains biased upwards to a position where the cutting insert 9 can be placed under the clamping arm 13 in the insert seat 8. After the cutting insert is placed, the hex key 35 is inserted into the first portion of the tool body side bore 24 and engages with the socket 34. By turning the hex key 35 clockwise, the actuation bar 31 is screwed inwardly into the first portion of the tool body side bore 24. Here, the external male thread of the actuation bar 31 engages with the internal female thread in the first portion of the tool body side bore 24. The outer surface 33 of the truncated cone is thus moved inwardly into the through bore 26 in the shaft 18 and engages with an abutment surface in the form of the upwardly facing bore wall 30. As the actuation bar 31 is manipulated to screw it further inward, the outer surface 33 of the truncated cone slides against the abutment surface 30, which forces the shaft 18 against the biasing force from the spring 29 to slide axially downward in the bore 10 of the tool body. Eventually, the downwardly facing clamping surface 21 of the head 20 engages the upper surface 14 of the base body, pushing the base body 12, together with the protruding clamping arms 13, towards the upper surface 4 of the tool body. This causes the flange 39 of the base body to slide against the surface in the recess 36, thus pulling the clamping member 11 rearward, towards the shaft portion 2 of the tool body 1. This relative movement between the clamping member 11 and the shaft 18 is made possible by the elliptical cross-section of the clamping member through-hole 16.

[0061] The actuation bar 31 causes the shaft 18 of the clamping pin 17 to slide axially downward in the bore 10 of the tool body, so that the clamping arm 13 engages with the cutting insert 9 in the insert seat 8 and presses the cutting insert 9 downward and backward against the support surface in the insert seat 8. When the clamping pin 17 reaches a first axial position, the cutting insert 9 is clamped to the insert seat 8 and the cutting edge is exposed in the desired position. Furthermore, the actuation bar 31, which has a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the entrance opening of the through hole 26 in the shaft 18, is located in the entrance opening in the first portion, so that the shaft 18 is releasably locked against axial sliding in both directions. In addition, the clamping pin is suitably locked against relative rotation to the tool body 1 by positive locking through the actuation bar 31 abutting against the side surface 30 of the through hole 26. Clamping of the cutting insert 9 in the insert seat 8 is preferably achieved by operating an actuation bar 31 from this side of the turning tool, while the clamping pin 11 provides the clamping force from above.

[0062] Coolant is provided by connecting an inlet opening 45 at the lower end of the tool body bore 10 to an external coolant source via tool body coolant channeling 48. When the shaft 18 is in a first axial position, the inlet opening 45 is located below the lower end of the shaft 18. The coolant flows from the inlet opening 45 upward in the tool body bore 10, across an outer surface portion 49 of reduced diameter on the shaft 18, to the through hole 26 through its exit opening. Here, leakage of the coolant from the tool body bore 10 is prevented by a plug 46 at the second portion of the tool body side hole 24, by an actuation bar at the first portion of the tool body side hole 10, and by a sealing ring 27 on the shaft 18. Instead, the coolant is admitted to the longitudinally extending interior portion of the coolant channel 23 through the inlet opening 43 in the downwardly facing bore wall of the through hole 26. From an internal location in the head 20 , the coolant flows through a first internal exit channel 41 in the head 20 and exits through a first outlet opening 22 .

[0063] In the first axial position, the first outlet opening 22 in the head 20 is located above the upper surface 4 of the base body. Due to the pressure provided by the coolant source and the position and angle of the exit channel 41, the outflowing coolant is directed towards the edge of the cutting insert 9 which is clamped in the insert seat 8. The extension of the clamping arm 13 can be suitably chosen according to preference and independently of the desired direction of the coolant stream.

[0064] The first embodiment of the turning tool described above can be conveniently operated from both the first and second tool body side faces 5, 6. The tool body side hole 24 including the first and second portions is mirror symmetrical about a mid-plane located between the first and second tool body side faces and including the longitudinal axis of the shaft 18. This plane of symmetry corresponds to the plane shown in FIG. 5. The shaft 18 of the clamping pin 17 is axially slidable in the tool body bore 10 to two angular positions spaced apart by 180° such that in the first axial position the entrance opening of the shaft selectively faces either the first portion of the tool body side hole 24 or the second portion of the tool body side hole 24.

[0065] The first outlet opening 22 is angularly spaced from the second outlet opening by 180°. Depending on this angular position, one of the first or second outlet openings 22 in the head faces towards the cutting insert 9, the other one faces towards the rear and is blocked by a plug 47.

[0066] In each of the alternative embodiments, the first and second portions of the tool body side hole 24 may be angled relative to one another such that they are not linearly aligned and the coolant outlet openings 20 in the heads 22 of the clamping pins 17 are thereby spaced apart by the same angle.

[0067] The actuation bar 31 is selectively movably mounted in a first or second location of the tool body side hole 24, where the other of these locations is blocked by a plug 46. Clamping from the side 6 of the second tool body corresponds to clamping from the side 5 of the first tool body as described above.

[0068] Figures 8 to 10 and 11 to 13 show a second and third embodiment of the present invention, which differ from the first embodiment mainly due to the design of the locking mechanism, therefore the first and second embodiments will be described only with respect to their locking mechanisms and related features.

[0069] In the second embodiment of figures 8 to 10 the locking mechanism comprises a tool body side hole 24 of similar design to the first embodiment. The tool body side hole 24 therefore comprises a first portion connecting an opening in the side surface 5 of the first tool body with the tool body bore 10 and a second portion connecting an opening in the side surface 6 of the second tool body with the tool body bore 10.

[0070] A shaft recess in the form of a throughbore 26 extending transversely through the shaft 18 is also part of the locking mechanism. The throughbore 26 has a central longitudinal axis intersecting the longitudinal axis 19 at an angle of approximately 90° and has entrance and exit openings at the same axial distance from the head 20. The throughbore 26 has an abutment surface in the form of a bore wall 30 facing upwardly.

[0071] The locking mechanism of the second embodiment further includes an actuation bar 31, which includes an internal portion of a mating section 32. The mating section includes an eccentric portion 50 having a cam surface 51 as a mating surface. The outward end of the actuation bar is cylindrical. The outward end face of the actuation bar 31 is provided with a hexagonal socket 34 facing away from the eccentric portion 50.

[0072] Both of these portions of the tool body side hole 10 have a threaded portion for threadably receiving the plug 46 and a smooth portion for supporting the outer end of the actuation bar 31. The actuation bar 31 is rotatably supported with its outer end located in the first portion of the tool body side hole 24 and with the mating section located inside the through hole 26. The actuation bar 31 is prevented from axial movement by an eccentric portion 50 that abuts the side wall of the tool body bore 10.

[0073] To clamp the cutting insert 8 to the insert seat 9, the hex key is inserted into a first portion of the side hole of the tool body and engages with the socket 34. By turning the hex key 35 clockwise, the eccentric part 51 rotates in the through hole 26 and engages with an abutment surface in the form of the upwardly facing hole wall 30. Further rotation of the actuation bar 31 causes the cam surface 51 to slide and press against the abutment surface 30, which exerts a force on the shaft 18 against the biasing force from the spring 29, which slides axially downwards in the bore 10 of the tool body. Eventually, the clamping pin 17 reaches a first axial position and is operably locked there by at least the friction between the cam surface 51 and the upwardly facing hole wall 30.

[0074] The locking mechanism of the third embodiment as shown in Figures 11 to 13 includes a bore in the tool body in the form of a through hole 52. The through hole 52 in the tool body extends from an opening in the top surface 4 of the tool body to an opening in the bottom surface 7 of the tool body. The locking mechanism further includes a threaded portion at the lower end of the shaft 18 and a nut 53.

[0075] To clamp the cutting insert 8 to the insert seat 9, the clamping pin 17 is pushed downwards by compressing the head 20 until the threaded portion at the lower end of the shaft protrudes beyond the bottom surface 7 of the tool body. The nut is screwed onto the threads of the threaded portion of the shaft 18. Further turning of the nut 53 causes the nut to slide against the bottom surface 7, forcing the shaft 18 to slide axially downwards in the bore 10 of the tool body against the biasing force from the spring 29. Eventually, the clamping pin 17 reaches a first axial position and is operably locked there by at least the friction in the threads and between the nut 53 and the bottom surface 7.

[0076] Figure 14 shows a fourth embodiment of a turning tool according to the invention. The fourth embodiment differs from the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 7 in that the clamping member 11 is an integral part of the tool body 1. The tool body includes a weakened portion 54 which acts as an integral hinge to bias the clamping member away from the top surface 4 of the tool body. The fourth embodiment is shown with the same type of locking mechanism as described in connection with the first embodiment. However, the fourth embodiment also functions with the locking mechanisms of the second and third embodiments.

Claims

1. 1. A turning tool for metal cutting, comprising: A tool body (1), A tool body has an upper surface (4), an insert seat (8) for receiving a cutting insert (9), the insert seat (8) being arranged at a front end on the upper surface (4) of the tool body; a bore (10) in the tool body spaced from the insert seat (8) and extending downwardly from an opening in the top surface (4) of the tool body; A tool body (1) including: A clamping member (11), Located on the top surface (4) of the tool body, A base body (12), A top surface (14) of the base body; a bottom surface (15) of a base body opposite the top surface (4) of the tool body; a clamping member through hole (16) extending from the opening in the top surface (14) of the base body to an opening in the bottom surface (15) of the base body and aligned with the tool body bore (10); A base body (12) having a clamping arm (13) protruding from the base body (12) and having at least a portion extending above the insert seat (8); A clamping member (11) including: A clamping pin (17), The tool body (1) and the clamping member (11) are connected together, a longitudinal shaft (18) having a longitudinal axis (19) extending through the clamping member through hole (16) and into the tool body bore (10), the shaft (18) being axially movably received in the tool body bore (10) and operable to move to a first axial position; a head (20) at the upper end of the shaft (18); a coolant channel (23) having a first outlet opening (22) in said head (20); A clamping pin (17) comprising: the clamping pin (17) is configured to engage with the base body (12) in the first axial position and press the base body (12) together with the protruding clamping arm (13) towards the upper surface (4) of the tool body, whereby the cutting insert (9) is clamped to the insert seat (8) when the cutting insert (9) is received in the insert seat (8); A clamping pin (17); A turning tool for metal cutting comprising: At the first axial position, the first outlet opening (22) in the head (20) is located above an upper surface (14) of the base body; The shaft (18) is axially slidable and thus axially movably received in the bore (10) of the tool body, the turning tool further comprises a locking mechanism configured to releasably lock the shaft (18) in the tool body bore (10) at the first axial position against at least axial sliding towards a top surface (4) of the tool body. Turning tool for metal cutting.

2. 2. The turning tool for metal cutting according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to releasably lock the shaft (18) in the tool body bore (10) against relative rotation in the first axial position with a positive locking.

3. The tool body (1) includes, on one side thereof, a first tool body side surface (5) extending downwardly from a top surface (4) of the tool body; The locking mechanism comprises: a tool body side hole (24) including a first portion connecting the first tool body side surface (5) with the tool body bore (10); an abutment surface on the shaft (18); an actuation bar (31) mounted in the first portion of the tool body side bore (24) for relative movement to the shaft (18), the actuation bar including an interlocking section (32) having an interlocking surface at an internal portion thereof for interacting with the abutment surface; Including, the actuation bar (31) is operable to move to a locking position in which, when the shaft (18) is in the first axial position, the mating surface presses against the abutment surface to lock the clamping pin (17) in the first axial position. A turning tool for metal cutting according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the locking mechanism further includes a shaft recess extending from a shaft entrance opening transverse to the longitudinal axis (19) of the shaft (18); At the first axial position, the shaft entrance opening faces the first portion of the tool body side bore (24); the abutment surface is an upwardly facing surface in the shaft recess, When the actuation bar (31) is in the locking position, the mating section (32) is located in the shaft recess. A turning tool for metal cutting according to claim 3.

5. the abutment surface is an upwardly facing wedge surface tapering toward the shaft entrance opening; the mating surface includes an inwardly tapered, downwardly facing wedge surface; when the actuation bar (31) is manipulated to move to the locking position, the mating section (32) moves inwardly in the shaft recess, causing the mating surface to slide against the abutment surface and urge the shaft (18) to the first axial position. A turning tool for metal cutting according to claim 4.

6. 6. The turning tool for metal cutting according to claim 5, wherein, as viewed in a cross section including the longitudinal axis (19) of the shaft (18) and a central longitudinal axis (25) of the first portion of the tool body side bore (24), the abutment surface and the mating surface form an angle α of at least 3° and at most 45° with the central longitudinal axis (25) of the first portion of the tool body side bore (24).

7. 7. The turning tool for metal cutting according to claim 6, wherein the shaft recess is a through bore (26) having a central longitudinal axis (56) that intersects with the central longitudinal axis (25) of the first portion of the tool body side bore (24) at the same angle α.

8. The mating surface includes a surface (33) shaped as a frustum of a cone; the actuation bar (31) includes external threads that mate with internal threads in the first portion of the tool body side bore (24); When the actuation bar (31) is operated to move to the locking position, the actuation bar (31) is screwed inward. A turning tool for metal cutting according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

9. the tool body bore (10) includes an inlet opening (45); When the shaft (18) is in the first axial position, the inlet opening (45) is located below a lower end of the shaft (18); the coolant channel (23) of the clamping pin (17) is an internal channel having a coolant inlet opening (43) located on a surface facing downwards in the shaft recess in the form of the through hole (26); the shaft (18) has an outer surface portion located between the lower end and the shaft exit opening of the through hole (26) at a distance to the longitudinal axis (19) that is less than the radius of the tool body bore (10) so that coolant can pass by the shaft (18) in the tool body bore (10) from the inlet opening (45) of the tool body bore (10) to the coolant inlet opening (43) of the internal channel of the clamping pin (17). A turning tool for metal cutting according to claim 7.

10. The head (20) has a longitudinally extending front side, The first outlet opening (22) is located on the front side, The coolant channel (23) includes an internal exit channel (41); The internal exit channel (41) has a central longitudinal axis (42) and extends from an internal location in the head (20) to the first outlet opening (22); the central longitudinal axis (42) of the internal exit channel (41) and the longitudinal axis (19) of the shaft form an acute angle β having a value of 45° or greater; A turning tool for metal cutting according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. 11. The turning tool for metal cutting according to claim 10, wherein an extension of the central longitudinal axis (42) of the internal exit channel (41) intersects a point at which an active cutting edge of the cutting insert (9) is located when the cutting insert (9) is clamped in the insert seat (8).

12. the tool body (1) includes a second tool body side (6) extending downwardly from the tool body top surface (4) opposite the first tool body side (5); the tool body side aperture (24) further includes a second portion connecting the second tool body side surface (6) with the tool body bore (10); The shaft (18) is axially slidable in the tool body bore (10), and in the first axial position, the shaft entrance opening is: the first portion of the tool body side hole (24); or the second portion of the tool body side hole (24); The ion beam is selectively opposed to the ion beam. The coolant channel (23) has a second outlet opening (22) in the head (20); The second outlet opening (22) is angularly spaced from the first outlet opening (22) by 180°; the actuation bar (31) is selectively movably mounted in the first portion or the second portion of the tool body side bore (24) and is operable in both positions to move to the locking position when the shaft (18) is in the first axial position; A turning tool for metal cutting according to any one of claims 3 to 9.

13. A turning tool for metal cutting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping member (11) is a separable component.

14. A turning tool for metal cutting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping member (11) is biased away from the top surface (4) of the tool body.

15. The turning tool for metal cutting according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cutting insert (9) received in the insert seat (8).

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