Rotatable cutting head and rotary cutting tool having torque transmission surfaces on assembly projections - Patents.com

Abstract

The cutting head rotatable about a head axis has a cap portion and an assembly projection joined to the cap portion. The cap portion has N cutting portions circumferentially alternating with N head grooves. The assembly projection has N circumferentially spaced engagement portions, each including a radially outward clamping surface and a torque transmission surface. In a cross section taken on a head plane perpendicular to the head axis, a first imaginary circle having a first diameter surrounds the N clamping surfaces, and the N radially outermost torque points of the N torque transmission surfaces define a second imaginary circle having a second diameter. The second diameter is greater than 90 percent of the first diameter. The rotary cutting tool includes a tool shank extending along a shank axis and a head-receiving pocket at a front end of the rotary cutting tool, and the cutting head is releasably secured within the head-receiving pocket.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotatable cutting head having torque transmission surfaces on assembly lugs for use in metal cutting operations in general, and drilling operations in particular, and to a rotary cutting tool having such a cutting head. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of cutting tools used in drilling operations, there are several examples of rotary cutting tools in which the cutting head has torque transmission surfaces on assembly lugs.

[0003] US 6,582,164 discloses a removable tip having a front end and a rear end. The front end has two cutting portions circumferentially alternating with two tip flutes, and the rear end is defined by a shaft adapted for insertion into a connecting bore in a drill body and having diametrically opposed external threads extending therefrom. Each external thread has a tapering radius that defines a drive surface that cooperates with a drive surface of a corresponding internal thread in the drill body to transmit rotational forces between the drill body and the removable tip.

[0004] US 10,071,430 discloses a cutting head configured to be inserted into a support of a modular rotary tool. The cutting head has a coupling pin having a torque surface and a clamping surface on its outer periphery. The coupling pin is divided into a forward pin section and a rearward pin section. The forward pin section is defined by a circumferential groove. A stop surface for axial pull-out safety is formed in the transition area between the two forward and rearward pin sections. The torque surface and the clamping surface are arranged in different pin sections. The clamping surface is preferably formed on the forward pin section, and the torque surface is preferably formed in the rearward pin section. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved rotatable cutting head having torque transfer surfaces on assembly lugs.

[0006] It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved rotatable cutting head configured to transmit high levels of torque between the tool shank and the assembly lugs.

[0007] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved rotary cutting tool configured for efficient and optimized transmission of torque between the tool shank and the rotatable cutting head. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a cutting head rotatable about a head axis in a cutting rotation direction, the head axis establishing a forward axial direction and a rearward axial direction, the cutting head comprising: a cap portion having N cutting portions circumferentially alternating with N head grooves, and a cap base surface facing in an axial rearward direction; an assembly projection joined to the cap portion and extending axially rearward from the cap base surface; The assembly projection is an assembly end surface distal to the cap portion and facing in an axially rearward direction; N circumferentially spaced engagement portions; and Each engaging portion includes a radially outward clamping surface and a torque transmission surface facing opposite the cutting rotation direction; N is an integer equal to or greater than 2, In a cross section taken on a first head plane perpendicular to the head axis, intersecting the N engaging portions, and passing through the N clamping surfaces and the N torque transmission surfaces, a first imaginary circle having a first diameter and centered about the head axis surrounds the N clamping surfaces; a second imaginary circle centered about the head axis and having a second diameter is defined by the N radially outermost torque points of the N torque transmission surfaces; The second diameter is greater than 90 percent and less than 100 percent of the first diameter.

[0009] There is also provided in accordance with the present invention a rotary cutting tool comprising, in combination: a tool shank extending along a shank axis and having a head-receiving pocket at a forward end; a cutting head of the type described above, releasably secured within the head-receiving pocket in the tool's assembled position; Equipped with.

[0010] For a better understanding, the invention will now be described, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which dashed and dotted lines represent cutting boundaries for partial views of elements, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a cutting head according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of a cutting head according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of the cutting head shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the cutting head shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a side view of the cutting head shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting head shown in FIG. 5 taken along line VI-VI. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting head shown in FIG. 5 taken along line VII-VII. [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view of a rotary cutting tool according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the rotary cutting tool shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a side view of the rotary cutting tool shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary cutting tool shown in FIG. 10 taken along line XI-XI. [Figure 12]FIG. 1 is a front view of a tool shank according to some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] A first aspect of the invention relates to a cutting head 20 rotatable about a head axis AH in a cutting rotation direction RC.

[0013] The head axis AH establishes a forward axial direction DF and a rearward axial direction DR.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cutting head 20 is preferably manufactured by compacting, pressing and sintering a cemented carbide such as tungsten carbide, and may be coated or uncoated.

[0015] The cutting head 20 includes a cap portion 22 and an assembly projection 24 joined to the cap portion 22 .

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the cap portion 22 has N cutting portions 26 circumferentially alternating with N head grooves 28, and a cap base surface 30 facing in the rear axial direction DR.

[0017] It should be understood that throughout the specification and claims, N is a specific integer greater than or equal to 2, and thus the number of head grooves 28 is equal to the number of cutting portions 26 .

[0018] As shown in FIG. 3, each cutting portion 26 has radially extending cutting edges 32, and the N radially outermost cutting points NCO of the N radially extending cutting edges 32 may define an imaginary cutting circle CC having a cutting diameter DC.

[0019] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments of the present invention, the imaginary cutting circle CC may have a center that is coincident with the head axis AH.

[0020] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the cutting head 20 may be used in drilling operations. Thus, the cutting head 20 may be a drill head in which the radially extending cutting edges 32 also extend axially rearward DR.

[0021] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the cutting head 20 may exhibit N-fold symmetry about the head axis AH.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, the assembly projection 24 extends axially rearward from the cap base surface 30 and includes N circumferentially spaced engagement portions 34.

[0023] It should be understood that the N engaging portions 34 equal the number of N cutting portions 26 .

[0024] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cap base surface 30 may be perpendicular to the head axis AH.

[0025] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the cap base surface 30 may comprise N circumferentially spaced coplanar cap base minor surfaces 30a.

[0026] The assembly projection 24 also includes an assembly end surface 36 that is distal from the cap portion 22 and faces in the rearward axial direction DR.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present invention, the N head grooves 28 extend axially rearward from the cap portion 22 and intersect the assembly end face 36, and the plurality of N engagement portions 34 may be circumferentially alternating with the N head grooves 28.

[0028] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the assembly end surface 36 may be flat.

[0029] Further, in some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, the assembly end surface 36 may be axially spaced from the cap base surface 30 by a first height H1, which may be less than 30 percent of the cutting diameter DC, i.e., H1<0.30×DC.

[0030] For embodiments of the present invention in which the first height H1 is less than 30 percent of the cutting diameter DC, the assembly projections 24 can be considered axially small, and the cutting head 20 can advantageously be manufactured with a reduced amount of cemented carbide.

[0031] 1 to 5, each engagement portion 34 has a radially outward clamping surface 38 and a torque transmission surface 40 facing opposite the cutting rotation direction RC. In the assembly projection 24, the clamping surface 38 and the torque transmission surface 40 overlap in the axial direction (i.e., along the head axis AH).

[0032] In some embodiments of the present invention, each clamping surface 38 may be positioned to rotate ahead of its associated torque transmission surface 40 relative to the cutting rotation direction RC.

[0033] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the clamping surface 38 and torque transfer surface 40 of each engagement portion 34 may be circumferentially spaced apart by a corner surface 42 .

[0034] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the N clamping surfaces 38 may be tapered in the forward axial direction DF, as shown in FIG.

[0035] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, each clamping surface 38 does not intersect with the assembly end surface 36 .

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, each engagement portion 34 includes an end chamfer 43, and each clamping surface 38 may be spaced from the assembly end surface 36 by an associated end chamfer 43.

[0037] By configuring N torque transmission surfaces 40 to be arranged on the assembly projection 24 opposite the cap portion 22, it is advantageously possible to optimally position the cutting portion 26, for example, with respect to cutting tip deployment and cutting tip flow, and no additional space needs to be provided for torque transmission between the tool shank and the cap portion 22 of the cutting head.

[0038] It should be appreciated that the importance of optimally positioning the cutting portion 26 is greater for cap portions 22 having smaller cutting diameters and cutting heads 20 having values of N greater than 2, ie, N>2.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 6 , in a cross section taken on a first head plane PH1 that is perpendicular to the head axis AH, intersects the N engagement portions 34, and passes through the clamping surfaces 38 and the torque transmission surfaces 40, a first imaginary circle C1 having a first diameter D1 surrounds the N clamping surfaces 38.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present invention, in a cross section taken at the first head plane PH1, each clamping surface 38 may lie on a first imaginary circle C1.

[0041] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first diameter D1 may be greater than 70 percent of the cutting diameter DC, ie, D1 > 0.70 x DC.

[0042] Furthermore, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments of the present invention, the first imaginary circle C1 may have a center that coincides with the head axis AH.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 6, in a cross section taken at the first head plane PH1, the N radially outermost torque points NTO of the N torque transmission surfaces 40 define a second imaginary circle C2 having a second diameter D2.

[0044] It should be understood that throughout the specification and claims, the N radially outermost torque points NTO may be the radially outermost torque points of the N torque transmission surfaces 40 in the first head plane PH1 rather than the absolute radially outermost torque points of the N torque transmission surfaces 40.

[0045] It should be appreciated that in some embodiments of the present invention, the second imaginary circle C2 may have a center that coincides with the head axis AH.

[0046] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the second diameter D2 is greater than 90 percent and less than 100 percent of the first diameter D1, i.e., 0.90×D1 < D2 < 1.00×D1.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second diameter D2 can be greater than 95 percent and less than 100 percent of the first diameter D1, i.e., 0.95×D1 < D2 < 1.00×D1.

[0048] It should be understood that by configuring the N torque transmission surfaces 40 such that the second diameter D2 is greater than 90 percent of the first diameter D1, advantageously, a high level of torque transmission between the tool shank and the mounting projection 24 can be enabled.

[0049] It should be understood that in embodiments of the present invention where the first diameter D1 is greater than 70 percent of the cutting diameter DC, a high level of torque transmission can be further ensured.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6, in a cross-section taken in the first head plane PH1, each corner surface 42 is convexly curved and can be tangentially adjacent to the associated clamping surface 38 of the corner surface 42.

[0051] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, in a cross-section taken in the first head plane PH1, each torque transmission surface 40 linearly extends from its respective radially outermost torque point NTO and can define a first virtual straight line L1.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, each first virtual straight line L1 can pass through another part of the mounting projection 24.

[0053] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, each torque transmission surface 40 can be planar.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 6, each radially outermost torque point NTO can be included within a second head plane PH2 that includes the head axis AH.

[0055] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, in a cross section taken at the first head plane PH1, each first imaginary straight line L1 can form a first angle α1 with the associated second head plane PH2.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first angle α1 may be less than 35 degrees, ie, α1<35°.

[0057] It will be appreciated that in embodiments of the present invention where the first angle α1 is less than 35 degrees, the N torque transmission surfaces 40 are advantageously oriented such that torque transmission between the tool shank and the assembly projection 24 can occur efficiently.

[0058] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, N can be equal to 3, i.e., N=3, and as shown in Figure 6, in a cross section taken at the first head plane PH1, the plurality of N torque transmission surfaces 40 can define a virtual torque triangle TT.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, the N radially outermost torque points NTO of the N torque transmission surfaces 40 may lie outside the imaginary torque triangle TT.

[0060] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, a third imaginary circle C3 having a third diameter D3 may be inscribed in the torque triangle TT, and the third diameter D3 may be less than 60 percent of the first diameter D1, i.e., D3<0.60×D1.

[0061] It should be appreciated that in embodiments of the present invention in which the third diameter D3 is less than 60 percent of the first diameter D1, the N torque transmission surfaces 40 are advantageously oriented so that torque transmission between the tool shank and the assembly projection 24 can occur efficiently.

[0062] In some embodiments of the present invention, the N torque transmission surfaces 40 are angled outward in the forward axial direction DF, so that portions of the N torque transmission surfaces 40 axially forward of the first head plane PH1 may lie outside the torque triangle TT, as shown in FIG. 6 .

[0063] It will be appreciated that for embodiments of the present invention in which the N torque transmission surfaces 40 are angled outward in the forward axial direction DF, the N engagement portions 34 can be made very strong.

[0064] As shown in FIGS. 1-5, each torque surface 40 may be formed within a torque blocking portion 44 of a respective engagement portion 34 .

[0065] In some embodiments of the present invention, each torque transmission surface 40 may intersect an adjacent mating surface 46 to form a straight torque boundary edge 48 .

[0066] As shown in FIG. 5, each torque transmission surface 40 defines a third head plane PH3, and each third head plane PH3 may intersect the assembly projection 24 along an associated torque boundary edge 48.

[0067] In some embodiments of the present invention, each interface surface 46 may intersect one of the head grooves 28 .

[0068] As shown in FIG. 7, each torque boundary edge 48 defines a second imaginary straight line L2 that does not intersect or pass through any other portion of the assembly projection 24.

[0069] 7, each second imaginary straight line L2 does not intersect or pass through any other portion of the cutting head 20, except that each second imaginary straight line L2 coincides with a respective torque boundary edge 48. This can be seen from an observation of FIG. 7, in that neither of the two portions of the second imaginary straight line L2 extending from the end of the torque boundary edge 48 overlaps with the "cutting" or "diagonal" portion of the cutting head 20.

[0070] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, each second imaginary straight line L2 may intersect with the first head plane PH1.

[0071] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 5, each torque boundary edge 48 may intersect the first head plane PH1.

[0072] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, each torque boundary edge 48 may intersect the assembly end face 36, as shown in FIGS.

[0073] It should be appreciated that for embodiments of the present invention in which each second imaginary straight line L2 does not intersect or pass through any other portion of the cutting head 20 other than coinciding with the respective torque boundary edge 48, the associated torque transmission surface 40 may be formed by a grinding operation, thereby providing sufficient clearance for the large diameter grinding wheels typically used to perform such grinding operations.

[0074] It should also be appreciated that the N torque transmission surfaces 40 can be very accurate after the grinding operation.

[0075] In such an embodiment of the present invention, for example an embodiment where N=3, the assembly projection 24 may be configured such that the first imaginary straight line L1 associated with each torque transmission surface 40 passes through a different portion of the assembly projection 24.

[0076] As shown in Figures 8-12, a second aspect of the present invention relates to a rotary cutting tool 50 which, in combination, includes a tool shank 52 extending along a shank axis AS and having a head-receiving pocket 54 at a forward end 56, and a cutting head 20 releasably secured to the head-receiving pocket 54 in the assembled position of the tool.

[0077] In some embodiments of the present invention, the tool shank 52 may preferably be manufactured from tool steel.

[0078] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the rotary cutting tool 50 may be used in drilling operations. As can be seen in these figures, the cutting tool 50 is a drill 50 comprising a drill head 20 and a drill shank 52.

[0079] Additionally, in some embodiments, the cutting head 20 may be releasably secured to the head-receiving pocket 54 without the need for additional fasteners, such as clamping screws.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, the head-receiving pocket 54 may include N circumferentially spaced fixed portions 58, each having a shank support surface 60 facing axially forward.

[0081] In some embodiments of the present invention, the N shank support surfaces 60 may be coplanar.

[0082] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the N shank support surfaces 60 may be orthogonal to the shank axis AS.

[0083] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the head-receiving pocket 54 has an axially forward facing bottom surface 62 that may be axially spaced apart from the N shank support surfaces 60 by a second height H2.

[0084] In some embodiments of the present invention, the bottom surface 62 may be planar.

[0085] As shown in FIGS. 8, 10 and 11, in the assembled position of the rotary cutting tool 50, The cap base surface 30 faces N shank support surfaces 60; The head axis AH coincides with the shank axis AS, Each clamping surface 38 contacts one radially inward abutment surface 64 of the fixed portion 58; Each torque transmission surface 40 contacts one drive surface 66 of the fixed part 58, and each drive surface 66 can face in the cutting rotation direction RC.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, each drive surface 66 extends generally radially inward from the associated abutment surface 64 .

[0087] In some embodiments of the present invention, the cap base surface 30 may contact N support surfaces 60 .

[0088] As shown in FIG. 10, the second height H2 can exceed the first height H1.

[0089] For embodiments of the present invention in which the second height H2 exceeds the first height H1, the mounting end face 36 of the cutting head may be axially spaced from the bottom surface 62 of the head-receiving pocket.

[0090] It should be understood that in the assembled position of the rotary cutting tool 50, the N clamping surfaces 38 contact the N abutment surfaces 64, and the N torque transmission surfaces 40 contact the N drive surfaces 66, but no other surfaces of the assembly projections 24 contact the tool shank 52.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 11, in a cross section taken at a first tool plane PT1 that coincides with a first head plane PH1, the radially outermost contact point between each torque transmission surface 40 and the drive surface 66 that connects to each torque transmission surface 40 may occur at the radially outermost torque point NTO of the torque transmission surface.

[0092] It will be appreciated that in such an embodiment of the present invention, torque transmission between the N drive surfaces 66 and the N torque transmission surfaces 40 is optimized as the most effective torque transmission occurs at the radially outermost contact points.

[0093] In some embodiments of the present invention, each abutment surface 64 may be positioned to rotate ahead of its associated drive surface 66 relative to the cutting rotation direction RC.

[0094] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the N abutment surfaces 64 may extend radially inward in the forward axial direction DF.

[0095] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the present invention, the N abutment surfaces 64 and the N clamping surfaces 38 may be correspondingly inclined in the forward axial direction DF.

[0096] For embodiments of the present invention in which the N abutment surfaces 64 and the N clamping surfaces 38 are correspondingly inclined in the forward axial direction DF, the clamping force between the N abutment surfaces 64 and the N clamping surfaces 38 may be directed axially rearward and radially inward.

[0097] The present invention also relates to a method of assembling a rotary cutting tool 50, the method comprising: a) orienting the cap base surface 30 to face N shank support surfaces 60; b) aligning the head axis AH with the shank axis AS; c) rotationally aligning the N head grooves 28 with the N fixed portions 58; d) inserting the assembly projection 24 into the head-receiving pocket 54; e) rotating the cutting head 20 about the head axis AH in a direction opposite to the cutting rotation direction RC until the N clamping surfaces 38 are held against the N abutment surfaces 64 and the N torque transmission surfaces 40 are in contact with the N drive surfaces 66; Includes.

[0098] In some embodiments of the present invention, in step d) of tool assembly, the assembly projections 24 may be inserted into the head-receiving pockets 54 until the cap base surfaces 30 contact the N shank support surfaces 60 .

[0099] In step e) of tool assembly, an embodiment of the present invention in which the convexly curved corner surface 42 tangentially adjoins the N clamping surfaces 38 advantageously allows for smooth engagement between the N engaging portions 34 and the N fixing portions 58.

[0100] It should be appreciated that in step e) of tool assembly, the second diameter D2 may need to be less than 100 percent of the first diameter D1 to successfully hold the N clamping surfaces 38 against the N abutment surfaces 64.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 8-12, the tool shank 50 may have a generally cylindrical outer shank surface 68.

[0102] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the shank outer periphery 68 has a shank diameter DS, which may be less than the cutting diameter DC.

[0103] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the second height H2 may be less than 30 percent of the shank diameter DS, ie, H2<0.30×DS.

[0104] As shown in FIGS. 8-12, N shank grooves 70 may be formed in the shank outer peripheral surface 68 and extend along the shank axis AS.

[0105] In some embodiments of the present invention, N shank grooves 70 may extend axially rearward from the shank forward end 56, and N fixed portions 58 may circumferentially alternate with the N shank grooves 70.

[0106] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, the N shank flutes 70 may extend spirally along the shank axis AS.

[0107] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, N shank grooves 70 may intersect the bottom surface 62 of the head-receiving pocket.

[0108] It should be appreciated that in the assembled position of the rotary cutting tool 50, the N shank flutes 70 may correspond at least partially with the N head flutes 28.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 11, in a cross section taken at a first tool plane PT1, each fixing portion 58 subtends a first angular range E1 about the shank axis AS between two circumferentially adjacent shank grooves 70.

[0110] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first angular range E1 may be less than 80 degrees, ie, E1<80°.

[0111] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first angular range E1 may be less than 70 degrees, ie, E1<70°.

[0112] It should further be appreciated that in some embodiments of the present invention, the first angular range E1 is measured around the circumference of the shank outer periphery 68.

[0113] It should be appreciated that for embodiments of the present invention in which the first angular range E1 is less than 80 degrees, the N shank grooves 70 may have an increased volume and therefore advantageously provide increased space for chip evacuation.

[0114] As shown in FIGS. 9, 11 and 12, each abutment surface 64 may be circumferentially spaced from the associated drive surface 66 by a fixed recess 72 having a concave surface 74 .

[0115] As shown in FIG. 11, in a cross section taken at the first tool plane PT1, each concave surface 74 may be located outside the first imaginary circle C1.

[0116] It should be appreciated that in the assembled position of the rotary cutting tool 50, each concave surface 74 may be radially spaced from one of the corner surfaces 42 of the cutting head.

[0117] Also, as shown in FIG. 11, in a cross section taken on the first tool plane PT1, each concave surface 74 has a radially outermost concave point NRO.

[0118] In some embodiments of the present invention, each radially outermost concave point NRO may be located at least twice as far from the first imaginary circle C1 as each radially outermost torque point NTO.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 11, each radially outermost concave point NRO is contained within a first shank plane PS1 that includes the shank axis AS, and each fixed portion 58 includes a first fixed sub-portion 58a and a second fixed sub-portion 58b located on either side of the associated first shank plane PS1.

[0120] It should be appreciated that in the assembled position of the rotary cutting tool 50, each first shank plane PS1 may intersect one of the corner faces 42 of the cutting head.

[0121] In some embodiments of the present invention, each abutment surface 64 may be disposed on one of the first fixed sub-portions 58a and each drive surface 66 may be disposed on one of the second fixed sub-portions 58b.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 11, in an embodiment of the present invention in which the shank outer peripheral surface 68 is generally cylindrical in a cross section taken at the first tool plane PT1, the first wall thickness T1 of each fixing portion 58 in the respective fixing recess 72 may be smaller than the second wall thickness T2 of the fixing portion 58 at the circumferentially adjacent abutment surface 64.

[0123] It should be appreciated that in such an embodiment of the invention, each first fixed sub-portion 58a and respective abutment surface 64 may be resiliently displaceable independently of the second fixed sub-portion 58b.

[0124] It will also be appreciated that in such an embodiment of the present invention, the second fixed sub-portion 58b maintains a high level of rigidity, allowing torque transmission between each drive surface 66 and the torque transmission surface 40 connecting to each drive surface 66 to occur with a high level of efficiency and stability.

[0125] For embodiments of the present invention in which the second height H2 is less than 30 percent of the shank diameter DS, the provision of a locking recess 72 in each locking portion 58 is highly effective in providing a suitably high level of resilience to the associated first locking sub-portion 58a during tool assembly step e) above, while directing a suitably high level of clamping force from the respective abutment surface 64 to the associated clamping surface 38.

[0126] As shown in FIGS. 8-12, each fixed portion 58 includes an angled transition surface 76, and each transition surface 76 may be positioned to rotate following its associated drive surface 66 relative to the cutting rotation direction RC.

[0127] In some embodiments of the present invention, each transition surface 76 may be inclined in the rear axial direction DR opposite the cutting rotation direction RC.

[0128] Also, in some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 10, each transition surface 76 may intersect with an adjacent following shank groove 70 axially rearward of the first head plane PH1.

[0129] Additionally, in some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 12, each transition surface 76 may intersect the associated shank support surface 60 radially outward of the associated drive surface 66 .

[0130] As shown in FIGS. 8-12, each transition surface 76 may be circumferentially spaced from the associated drive surface 66 by an angled relief surface 78 .

[0131] It will be appreciated that in some embodiments of the present invention, the N flank surfaces 78 may be configured to provide sufficient space for performing tool assembly step e) while preventing inadvertent contact between the N engaging portions 34 and the N fixing portions 58, particularly in the area of the N mating surfaces 46 of the cutting head.

[0132] As shown in FIGS. 8-12, the tool shank 52 may include N axially extending coolant passages 80, each of which may open onto one of the transition surfaces 76.

[0133] Although the present invention has been described in some detail, it should be understood that various substitutions and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

1. A cutting head (20) rotatable about a head axis (AH) in a cutting rotation direction (RC), said head axis (AH) establishing a forward axial direction (DF) and a backward axial direction (DR), said cutting head (20) comprising: a cap portion (22) having N cutting portions (26) circumferentially alternating with N head grooves (28), and a cap base surface (30) facing the axial rearward direction (DR); an assembly projection (24) joined to the cap portion (22) and extending axially rearward from the cap base surface (30); The assembly projection (24) is an assembly end surface (36) distal from the cap portion (22) and facing in the axial rearward direction (DR); N circumferentially spaced engagement portions (34); each said engaging portion (34) including a radially outward clamping surface (38) and a torque transmission surface (40) facing opposite to said cutting rotation direction (RC); N is an integer of 2 or greater, In a cross section taken on a first head plane (PH1) perpendicular to the head axis (AH), intersecting the N engaging portions (34), and passing through the N radially outward clamping surfaces (38) and the N torque transmission surfaces (40), a first imaginary circle (C1) having a first diameter (D1) and centered on the head axis (AH) surrounds the N radially outward clamping surfaces (38); a second imaginary circle (C2) having a second diameter (D2) and centered on the head axis (AH) is defined by the N radially outermost torque points (NTO) of the N torque transmission surfaces (40); The second diameter (D2) is greater than 90 percent and less than 100 percent of the first diameter (D1); The N head grooves (28) extend axially rearward from the cap portion (22) and intersect the assembly end face (36); A cutting head (20) wherein the N engaging portions (34) alternate circumferentially with the N head grooves (28).

2. 2. The cutting head (20) of claim 1, wherein, in a cross section taken in the first head plane (PH1), each of the torque transmission surfaces (40) extends linearly from a respective radially outermost torque point (NTO) to define a first imaginary straight line (L1).

3. The cutting head (20) of claim 2, wherein each of the first imaginary straight lines (L1) passes through a different portion of the assembly projection (24).

4. N is equal to 3, 4. The cutting head (20) according to claim 1, wherein in a cross section taken in the first head plane (PH1), the N torque transmission surfaces (40) define a virtual torque triangle (TT).

5. 5. The cutting head (20) according to claim 4, wherein the N torque transmission surfaces (40) are inclined outward in the axial forward direction (DF), so that in a cross section taken in the first head plane (PH1), portions of the N torque transmission surfaces (40) axially forward of the first head plane (PH1) are located outside the imaginary torque triangle (TT).

6. 6. The cutting head (20) according to claim 1, wherein, in a cross section taken in the first head plane (PH1), each of the radially outward clamping surfaces (38) lies on the first imaginary circle (C1).

7. Each of said cutting portions (26) has a radially extending cutting edge (32); N radially outermost cutting points (NCO) of the N radially extending cutting edges (32) define an imaginary cutting circle (CC) centered on the head axis (AH) and having a cutting diameter (DC); The cutting head (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first diameter (D1) is greater than 70 percent of the cutting diameter (DC).

8. The assembly end surface (36) is axially spaced a first height (H1) from the cap base surface (30); The cutting head (20) of claim 7, wherein the first height (H1) is less than 30 percent of the cutting diameter (DC).

9. The cutting head (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the N radially outward clamping surfaces (38) are tapered in the forward axial direction (DF).

10. Each of said torque transmission surfaces (40) is formed within a torque interruption portion (44) of a respective engagement portion (34); Each of said torque transmission surfaces (40) intersects an adjacent mating surface (46) to form a straight torque boundary edge (48); 10. The cutting head (20) of claim 1, wherein each linear torque boundary edge (48) defines a second imaginary straight line (L2) that does not intersect or pass through any other portion of the assembly projection (24).

11. 11. The cutting head (20) of claim 10, wherein each of the second imaginary straight lines (L2) does not intersect or pass through any other portion of the cutting head (20) except that each of the second imaginary straight lines (L2) coincides with a respective one of the linear torque boundary edges (48).

12. 12. The cutting head (20) of claim 10 or 11, wherein each said linear torque boundary edge (48) intersects said first head plane (PH1).

13. Each of said torque transmission surfaces (40) defines a third head plane (PH3); The cutting head (20) of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein each said third head plane (PH3) intersects said assembly projection (24) along an associated said linear torque boundary edge (48).

14. A rotary cutting tool (50) comprising, in combination: a tool shank (52) extending along a shank axis (AS) and having a head-receiving pocket (54) at a forward end (56); a cutting head (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, releasably secured within the head-receiving pocket (54) in an assembled position of the rotary cutting tool (50); A rotary cutting tool (50) comprising:

15. The head-receiving pocket (54) comprises N circumferentially spaced fixed portions (58), each of the fixed portions (58) having a shank support surface (60) facing axially forward, and in the assembled position of the rotary cutting tool (50): The cap base surface (30) faces N of the shank support surfaces (60); The head axis (AH) coincides with the shank axis (AS), each said radially outwardly facing clamping surface (38) contacts a radially inwardly facing abutment surface (64) of one of said fixed portions (58); 15. The rotary cutting tool (50) of claim 14, wherein each of the torque transmission surfaces (40) contacts one drive surface (66) of the fixed portion (58), each drive surface (66) facing in the cutting rotation direction (RC).

16. 16. The rotary cutting tool (50) of claim 15, wherein the N radially outward clamping surfaces (38) and the N abutment surfaces (64) are inclined in the forward axial direction (DF).

17. 17. The rotary cutting tool (50) of claim 15 or 16, wherein, in a cross section taken at a first tool plane (PT1) coinciding with the first head plane (PH1), the radially outermost contact point between each of the torque transmission surfaces (40) and the drive surface (66) connected to each of the torque transmission surfaces (40) occurs at a radially outermost torque point (NTO) of the torque transmission surface (40).

18. The tool shank (52) has a generally cylindrical shank outer periphery (68); The rotary cutting tool (50) of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein N shank grooves (70) are formed in the shank outer peripheral surface (68) and extend along the shank axis (AS).

19. 20. The rotary cutting tool (50) of claim 18, wherein the N shank flutes (70) extend axially rearward from a forward end (56) of the tool shank (52), and the N stationary portions (58) circumferentially alternate with the N shank flutes (70).

20. In a cross section taken on a first tool plane (PT1) coinciding with the first head plane (PH1), Each said fixed portion (58) subtends a first angular range (E1) about said shank axis (AS) between two circumferentially adjacent said shank grooves (70); 20. The rotary cutting tool (50) of claim 19, wherein the first angular range (E1) is less than 80 degrees.

21. Each of the abutment surfaces (64) is circumferentially spaced from the associated drive surface (66) by a locking recess (72) having a concave surface (74); 21. The rotary cutting tool (50) according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein in a cross section taken at a first tool plane (PT1) coinciding with the first head plane (PH1), each of the concave surfaces (74) is located outside the first imaginary circle (C1).

22. In a cross section taken at the first tool plane (PT1), Each of said concave surfaces (74) has a radially outermost concave point (NRO), 22. The rotary cutting tool (50) of claim 21, wherein each said radially outermost recessed point (NRO) is located at least twice as far from said first imaginary circle (C1) as each said radially outermost torque point (NTO).

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