Face milling cutter

Abstract

A face milling cutter comprising: - a tool body (2); - several primary cutting inserts (60) mounted on each primary insert seat (30); and - a reference insert (50) mounted on a reference insert seat (20); and - a finishing insert (40) mounted on a finishing insert seat (10). The reference and primary cutting inserts (50, 60) are configured to be detachably mounted on their insert seats at a fixed position when viewed axially from the tool body. The reference insert seat (20) is positioned further forward within the tool body than the primary insert seat (30), so that the reference insert protrudes forward from the tool body beyond the axial foremost point of each primary cutting insert. The position of the finishing insert (40) can be adjusted by an adjustment mechanism (70) so that it is positioned at substantially the same height as the axial foremost point of the reference insert (50) or further forward with that axial foremost point.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a face milling cutter according to the preamble of claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] A face milling cutter is a rotary cutting tool used to perform face milling operations on a workpiece. In a face milling operation, a flat surface is cut perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tool body of the face milling cutter. A face milling cutter may be equipped with multiple cutting inserts that are detachably mounted in each insert seat within the tool body of the face milling cutter. Each individual cutting insert may be provided with multiple identical cutting edges, allowing each cutting insert to be switched to a different working position. When the cutting edge of a cutting insert is worn, the cutting insert can be repositioned within its insert seat and mounted in a new working position with a different cutting edge in the active cutting position.

[0003] In a face milling cutter of the type described above, it is previously known that multiple mutually identical primary cutting inserts are used in combination with one or more finishing inserts, each primary cutting insert is configured to perform so-called roughing, i.e., chip removal with a relatively large cutting depth, by means of a main cutting edge currently placed at an active cutting position, and each finishing insert is configured to perform so-called finishing, i.e., shallow surface smoothing, of the milled surface on the workpiece by means of a surface-wiping cutting edge currently placed at an active cutting position. In this case, each finishing insert must be mounted in the tool body of the face milling cutter at such a position that its active surface-wiping cutting edge protrudes a short distance forward from the front end of the tool body beyond the axial foremost point of each primary cutting insert. It is previously known that, in order to enable such positioning of the finishing inserts within the tool body while taking into account the tolerances of the primary cutting inserts, finishing inserts, and insert seats, the position of each finishing insert is axially adjustable in the tool body. This adjustability can be provided, for example, by an adjustable cassette mounted on the tool body and configured to support a finishing insert against the tool body.

[0004] EP 3 375 552 A1 discloses a face milling cutter comprising a tool body provided with multiple identical insert sheets, wherein a plurality of primary cutting inserts are configured to be detachably mounted on each of the insert sheets at a fixed position when viewed axially from the tool body, and at least one finishing insert is configured to be detachably mounted on an adjustable cassette on one of the insert sheets to allow adjustment of the position of the finishing insert axially from the tool body.

[0005] JP 4330709 B2 discloses a different type of face milling cutter in which several primary cutting inserts are mounted on each insert seat at a fixed position when viewed axially from the tool body, and one finishing insert is adjustably mounted on an associated insert seat, so that the position of the finishing insert can be adjusted axially from the tool body.

[0006] US 2009 / 0060662 A1 discloses a face milling cutter in which several primary cutting inserts fixedly mounted on each insert seat of the tool body and three finishing inserts adjustablely mounted on each insert seat of the tool body are provided so that the position of each finishing insert can be adjusted in the axial direction of the tool body.

[0007] In a face milling cutter of the aforementioned type having several fixed, i.e., non-adjustable mounted primary cutting inserts and one or more adjustable finishing inserts, it is important to adjust the position of each finishing insert so that the active surface-wiping cutting edge of the finishing insert protrudes forward from the tool body of the face milling cutter by a short distance, for example, 0.03 to 0.10 mm, beyond the axial foremost point of each primary cutting insert when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the tool body, so that the finishing insert can perform the intended finish of the milled workpiece surface in an appropriate manner. However, the exact position of the axial foremost point of the primary cutting insert may vary slightly from cutting insert to cutting insert due to tolerances of the primary cutting insert and its insert seat. Therefore, in order to achieve accurate positioning of an adjustable finishing insert for a fixed primary cutting insert, it is necessary to establish the exact position of the axial foremost point of each primary cutting insert by an appropriate measurement technique before the positioning of the finishing insert can be performed, which can be a somewhat time-consuming and cumbersome task. The problem to be solved

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a face milling cutter of the aforementioned type having a new and advantageous design. means of solving the problem

[0009] According to the present invention, the above objective is achieved by a face milling cutter having the features defined in claim 1.

[0010] The face milling cutter according to the present invention is,

[0011] - A tool body having a front end and an opposite rear end, wherein the rear end is configured to be attached to a machine, and the longitudinal axis of the tool body extends between the rear end and the front end of the tool body;

[0012] - At least two primary cutting inserts;

[0013] - Reference Insert;

[0014] - Final insert;

[0015] - Several insert sheets provided in the tool body and distributed evenly or at least substantially evenly in the circumferential direction of the tool body, wherein these insert sheets are:

[0016] At least two primary insert seats configured to accommodate each of at least two primary cutting inserts, wherein each primary cutting insert is configured to be detachably mounted to an associated primary insert seat at a fixed position when viewed from the axial direction of the tool body.

[0017] A reference insert seat configured to accommodate a reference insert, wherein the reference insert is configured to be detachably mounted to the reference insert seat at a fixed position when viewed from the axial direction of the tool body; and

[0018] A finishing insert sheet configured to accommodate a finishing insert, wherein the finishing insert is configured to be detachably mounted to the finishing insert sheet, and the various insert sheets comprising the finishing insert sheet;

[0019] - Includes an adjustment mechanism associated with the finish insert seat to adjust the position of the finish insert in the axial direction of the tool body.

[0020] Several insert sheets are provided in the tool body and are distributed evenly in the circumferential direction of the tool body, or as a result of manufacturing tolerances or as a result of differential pitch known in the art and reducing the risk of self-vibration and chatter, at least substantially evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the tool body.

[0021] A reference insert seat is arranged further forward within the tool body than at least two primary insert seats when viewed from the reference direction, from the rear end of the tool body toward the front end of the tool body, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tool body, so that the reference insert protrudes forward from the tool body beyond the axial foremost point of each primary cutting insert in the reference direction. The position of the finishing insert in the axial direction of the tool body can be adjusted by an adjustment mechanism so that, when viewed from the reference direction, the finishing insert is positioned within the tool body with the axial foremost point of the finishing insert at substantially the same height as or further forward than the axial foremost point of the reference insert. As previously mentioned, the reference insert seat is positioned further forward within the tool body compared to the primary insert seat to ensure that when the reference insert is accurately mounted on the reference insert seat, it is always positioned with an axial foremost point further forward in the aforementioned reference direction than the axial foremost point of each primary cutting insert, which ultimately means that the machine operator only needs to pay attention to the position of the axial foremost point of the reference insert when adjusting the axial position of the finishing insert. Therefore, the machine operator does not need to set the position of the axial foremost point of any of the primary cutting inserts in relation to the adjustment of the axial position of the finishing insert, which means that such adjustment can be performed in a relatively quick manner.

[0022] Additionally, the reference insert sheet is arranged within the tool body in one of the following positions depending on the number of primary insert sheets:

[0023] - If an even number of primary insert sheets are provided in the tool body, the reference insert sheet is arranged opposite or substantially opposite to the finishing insert sheet;

[0024] - When an odd number of primary insert sheets are provided in the tool body, the reference insert sheet is arranged as close as possible to a point on the periphery of the tool body located opposite the finishing insert sheet.

[0025] Therefore, in the latter case, considering the aforementioned uniform distribution or at least substantially uniform distribution of all insert sheets in the circumferential direction of the tool body, the reference insert sheet constitutes one of the two insert sheets within the tool body arranged closest to a point on the periphery of the tool body located opposite the finishing insert sheet.

[0026] When an even number of primary insert sheets are provided in the tool body, the reference insert sheet is positioned opposite the finish insert sheet. However, as a result of manufacturing tolerances or the presence of differential pitch, the reference insert may also be positioned substantially opposite the finish insert sheet.

[0027] By arranging the reference insert seat opposite the finish insert seat, or at least arranging it as close as possible to a point on the periphery of the tool body that is positioned opposite the finish insert seat, it may be possible, if desired, to use the reference insert as an additional finish insert with an adjustable finish insert mounted on the finish insert seat. If the reference insert is to be used as such an additional finish insert, the machine operator only needs to adjust the axial position of the adjustable finish insert so that it is located within the tool body having an axial foremost point that is at the same height as, or at least substantially the same height as, the axial foremost point of the reference insert when viewed from the axial direction of the tool body. In this case, it is advantageous for each of the finish insert and the reference insert to be located within the tool body having an axial foremost point that is 0.03 to 0.07 mm, preferably 0.05 mm further forward than the axial foremost point of each primary cutting insert when viewed from the aforementioned reference direction. In a situation where a single finishing insert is used, the axial position of the adjustable finishing insert mounted on the finishing insert seat is adjusted so that, when viewed from the reference direction, it is positioned within the tool body with an axial foremost point further forward than the axial foremost point of the reference insert.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a finishing insert seat is arranged in a cassette configured to be mountable within a tool body and to support a finishing insert. In this case, an adjustment mechanism may be configured to adjust the position of the cassette within the tool body, and the position of the finishing insert in the axial direction of the tool body can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the cassette within the tool body. Alternatively, the finishing insert seat may be formed directly within the tool body, and the adjustment mechanism may be configured to adjust the position of the finishing insert in the axial direction of the tool body by acting directly on the finishing insert.

[0029] In terms of the normal tolerances of different types of cutting inserts typically used in face milling cutters, it is advantageous for the reference insert sheet to be positioned within the tool body 0.02 to 0.10 mm, preferably 0.03 to 0.07 mm, and more preferably 0.05 mm further forward than at least two primary insert sheets when viewed from the aforementioned reference direction. Within the same batch of cutting inserts, the dimensional tolerance of the ground cutting inserts, i.e., cutting inserts machined by grinding, is usually about ±0.005 mm. By positioning the reference insert sheet at least 0.02 mm further forward than at least two primary insert sheets when viewed from the reference direction, it is ensured that when the reference insert and the primary cutting inserts consist of ground cutting inserts from the same batch, the reference insert is always positioned within the tool body with its axial foremost point further forward in the reference direction than the axial foremost point of each primary cutting insert. If the reference insert sheet is positioned more than 0.10 mm further forward within the tool body than at least two primary insert sheets when viewed from the reference direction, there is a risk that the finishing insert will protrude too much axially from the axial foremost point of the primary cutting inserts into the tool body, cutting chips of undesirably large thickness, which will cause rapid wear of the finishing inserts. The dimensional tolerance of the directly pressed cutting inserts within the same batch of cutting inserts may be approximately ±0.015 mm. By positioning the reference insert sheet at least 0.03 mm further forward within the tool body than at least two primary insert sheets when viewed from the reference direction, it is ensured that when the reference insert and the primary cutting inserts consist of directly pressed cutting inserts from the same batch, the reference insert will always be positioned within the tool body with its axial foremost point further forward in the reference direction than the axial foremost point of each primary cutting insert.Arranging the reference insert seat more than 0.07 mm further forward within the tool body than at least two primary insert seats when viewed from the reference direction, when the primary cutting insert and possibly also the reference insert are directly pressurized cutting inserts from the same batch, may result in an undesirably long axial distance between the axial foremost point of the reference insert and the axial foremost point of the primary cutting insert, which means that the finishing insert may protrude too much axially from the axial foremost point of the primary cutting insert beyond the tool body and risk rapid wear. Arranging the reference insert seat more than 0.05 mm further forward within the tool body than at least two primary insert seats when viewed from the reference direction will provide a good balance between good surface finish and the service life of the finishing insert.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the radially outermost point of the finishing insert is arranged closer to the longitudinal axis of the tool body than the radially outermost point of each of the at least two primary cutting inserts. This causes the finishing insert to wear less than the primary cutting insert, which is particularly advantageous when the finishing insert has the form of a wiper insert that can be mounted on the tool body at only one working position or fewer alternative working positions than the primary cutting insert.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the radially outermost point of the reference insert is arranged closer to the longitudinal axis of the tool body than the radially outermost point of each of the at least two primary cutting inserts. As a result, the reference insert is less worn than the primary cutting insert, which is particularly advantageous when the reference insert has the form of a wiper insert that can be mounted on the tool body at only one working position or fewer alternative working positions than the primary cutting insert.

[0032] At least two primary cutting inserts, a reference insert, and a finishing insert may be substantially geometrically identical to each other. Therefore, in this case, a specially designed wiper insert is not used in the finishing insert sheet or the reference insert sheet. However, as an alternative, the finishing insert may have the form of a specially designed wiper insert having a shape different from that of at least two primary cutting inserts. In the latter case, it may be possible to use a type of primary cutting insert that has no surface-wiping cutting edge. The wiper insert is provided with a surface-wiping cutting edge longer than the possible surface-wiping cutting edge on the primary cutting insert. Additionally, when the reference insert performs the finishing, the reference insert may also have the form of a specially designed wiper insert having a shape different from that of at least two primary cutting inserts.

[0033] In a face milling cutter in which at least two primary cutting inserts and reference inserts are substantially geometrically identical to each other, the position of the finishing insert in the axial direction of the tool body has the advantage of being adjustable by an adjustment mechanism so that, when viewed from the aforementioned reference direction, the finishing insert can be positioned within the tool body with its axial foremost point 0.03 to 0.07 mm, preferably 0.05 mm, further forward than the axial foremost point of the reference insert.

[0034] The primary cutting inserts are preferably of a type that allows each primary cutting insert to be mounted on an associated primary insert seat at two or more different working positions. Additionally, the reference insert may be of a type that allows it to be mounted on a reference insert seat at two or more different working positions.

[0035] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the tool body is provided with a marking indicating the position of a reference insert seat on the tool body. This allows the machine operator to identify the reference insert in a quick and reliable manner when the axial position of the finishing insert is to be adjusted.

[0036] Additional advantageous features of the face milling cutter according to the present invention will appear from the dependent claims and the following description. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0037] With reference to the attached drawings, a specific description of an embodiment of the present invention cited as an example is as follows. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a front milling cutter according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a plan view of the front milling cutter of Figure 1. Figures 3 and 4 are partially exploded perspective views of the front milling cutter of Figure 1 viewed from different directions. Fig. 5 is a side view of the front milling cutter of Fig. 1. FIG. 6 is an enlarged schematic perspective view of a primary cutting insert and a reference insert included in the front milling cutter of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a front milling cutter according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a plan view of the front milling cutter of Figure 7. FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 are partially exploded perspective views of the front milling cutter of FIG. 7 viewed from different directions. FIG. 11 is an enlarged schematic perspective view of a primary cutting insert and a reference insert included in the front milling cutter of FIG. 7. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a front milling cutter according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a plan view of the front milling cutter of Fig. 12. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the adjustment mechanism and cassette included in the front milling cutter of FIG. 1 to 13. FIG. 15 is a perspective view from a different direction of the cassette shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 17 is a front view of the adjustment mechanism shown in FIG. 14. Fig. 18 is a side view of the adjustment mechanism shown in Fig. 14. Figure 19 is a section along the line IXX-IXX of Figure 5. FIGS. 20 and FIGS. 21 are perspective views of different directions of a cutting insert included in the front milling cutter of FIGS. 1 to 13. FIG. 22 is a plan view of the cutting insert of FIG. 20 and FIG. 21. FIGS. 23 and FIGS. 24 are perspective views from different directions of a finishing insert included in the front milling cutter of FIGS. 7 to FIGS. 13. FIGS. 25 and 26 are plan views from different directions of the finishing inserts of FIGS. 23 and 24. Fig. 27 is a side view of the finishing insert of Figs. 23 and 24. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0038] Three different embodiments of a face milling cutter (1) according to the present invention are illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 13. The face milling cutter (1) comprises an elongated tool body (2) and is configured to rotate around a rotation axis (3). The tool body (2) has a front end (2a) and a rear end (2b) opposite to it. The longitudinal axis (4) of the tool body (2) extends between the rear end (2b) and the front end (2a) of the tool body, and this longitudinal axis (4) coincides with the rotation axis (3) of the face milling cutter (1). The rear portion of the tool body (2) forms a connecting member (5), through which the tool body (2) can be mounted directly or via an intermediate tool holder to a rotating spindle of a machine, such as a milling machine or a drilling machine. In the front portion of the tool body (2), a plurality of insert sheets (10, 20, 30) are provided, which are distributed evenly or at least substantially evenly in the circumferential direction of the tool body (2) and configured to accommodate each cutting insert (40, 40', 50, 50', 60). Thus, the insert sheets (10, 20, 30) are distributed evenly or at least substantially evenly around the longitudinal axis (4) of the tool body (2). Each insert sheet (10, 20, 30) is positioned in the transition area between the front end (2a) and the periphery (6) of the tool body (2), and each insert sheet (10, 20, 30) is opened toward the front end (2a) of the tool body (2) so that the cutting insert (40, 40', 50, 50', 60) mounted on the insert sheet protrudes axially toward the tool body (2) beyond the front end (2a) of the tool body (2), and is also opened toward the periphery (6) of the tool body (2) so that the cutting insert (40, 40', 50, 50', 60) mounted on the insert sheet protrudes radially toward the tool body (2) beyond the periphery (6) of the tool body (2). A chip pocket (7) is provided in the tool body (2) at the front of each insert sheet (10, 20, 30) when viewed in the intended rotational direction (R) of the tool body (2).

[0039] The insert sheets (10, 20, 30) provided in the tool body (2) include the following:

[0040] - A single finishing insert sheet (10) configured to receive and support a cutting insert that forms a finishing insert (40, 40') of a face milling cutter (1);

[0041] - A reference insert sheet (20) configured to receive and support a cutting insert constituting a reference insert (50, 50') of a face milling cutter (1); and

[0042] - Two or more primary insert sheets (30) configured to receive and support each cutting insert constituting the primary cutting insert (60) of the face milling cutter (1).

[0043] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 11, the tool body (2) is provided with six primary insert sheets (60) spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the tool body. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 13, the tool body (2) is provided with five primary insert sheets (30) spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the tool body. However, the tool body (2) may, alternatively, be provided with any other suitable number of primary insert sheets (30), provided that the number of primary insert sheets is greater than two, particularly depending on the diameter of the tool body. For example, two primary insert sheets (30) may be provided for a tool body of a smaller diameter, while more than six primary insert sheets (30) may be provided for a tool body of a larger diameter.

[0044] When an even number of primary insert sheets (30) are provided in the tool body (2), the finishing insert sheet (10) and the reference insert sheet (20) are positioned opposite each other as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 and FIGS. 7 to 10. When an odd number of primary insert sheets (30) are provided in the tool body (2), as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the reference insert sheet (20) constitutes one of two insert sheets within the tool body (2) that are arranged closest to a point (P) on the periphery (6) of the tool body positioned opposite the finishing insert sheet (10). The tool body (2) has the advantage of being provided with a marking (8) indicating the position of the reference insert sheet (20) on the tool body (2). In the illustrated embodiment, such marking (8) is arranged on the front end surface (9) of the tool body (2) and has the shape of an arrow having an arrowhead (8a) facing the reference insert sheet (20). The marking (8) can, of course, be designed in any other suitable way and, alternatively, can be arranged on the periphery (6) of the tool body (2) or within the chip pocket (7) associated with the reference insert sheet (20).

[0045] The finishing inserts (40, 40') can be detachably mounted on the finishing insert sheet (10). The front milling cutter (1) includes an adjustment mechanism (70) associated with the finishing insert sheet (10), and the position of the finishing inserts (40, 40') in the axial direction of the tool body (2) can be adjusted by the adjustment mechanism. Accordingly, the precise position setting of the finishing inserts (40, 40') along the longitudinal axis (4) of the tool body (2) can be adjusted by the adjustment mechanism (70).

[0046] The reference inserts (50, 50') are configured to be detachably mounted to the reference insert seat (20) at a fixed position when viewed from the axial direction of the tool body (2). Therefore, the position of the reference inserts (50, 50') in the axial direction of the tool body (2) is not adjustable. Correspondingly, each primary cutting insert (60) is configured to be detachably mounted to its associated primary insert seat (30) at a fixed position when viewed from the axial direction of the tool body (2). Therefore, the position of each primary cutting insert (60) in the axial direction of the tool body (2) is not adjustable.

[0047] When a primary cutting insert (60) is mounted on a primary insert seat (30), the primary insert seat (30) is arranged at the same height when viewed from the axial direction of the tool body (2) so that when viewed from the reference direction (D1) from the rear end (2b) of the tool body (2) toward the front end (2a) of the tool body parallel to the longitudinal axis (4) of the tool body, the axial foremost point (61) of each individual primary cutting insert (60) is positioned at the same height as the axial foremost point (61) of each other primary cutting insert (60).

[0048] The reference insert sheet (20) is positioned further forward within the tool body (2) than each primary insert sheet (30) when viewed from the reference direction (D1), so that when the reference inserts (50, 50') are mounted on the reference insert sheet (20), they protrude a short distance (d) forward from the tool body (2) in the reference direction (D1) beyond the axial foremost point (61) of each primary cutting insert (60), as schematically illustrated in FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 11. Thus, when the reference inserts (50, 50') and the primary cutting inserts (60) are mounted on their associated insert sheets (20, 30), the axial foremost point (51) of the reference inserts (50, 50') is positioned further forward in the reference direction (D1) than the axial foremost point (61) of each primary cutting insert (60). The reference insert sheets (50, 50') are suitably positioned 0.02 to 0.10 mm, preferably 0.03 to 0.07 mm, more preferably 0.05 mm further forward within the tool body (2) than each primary insert sheet (30) when viewed from the reference direction (D1).

[0049] The position of the finishing insert (40, 40') in the axial direction of the tool body (2) can be adjusted by an adjustment mechanism (70) so that, when viewed from the reference direction (D1), the finishing insert (40, 40') is positioned at the same height as, or at least substantially the same height as, the axial foremost point (51) of the reference insert (50, 50') in the reference direction (D1), or further forward than the axial foremost point (51) of the reference insert (50, 50') in the reference direction (D1), so that when viewed from the reference direction (D1), the finishing insert (40, 40') has the axial foremost point (41) of the finishing insert within the tool body (2). The adjustment mechanism (70) is preferably designed so that the finishing insert (40, 40') can be positioned within the tool body (2), wherein its axial foremost point (41) is positioned at least 0.03 mm, preferably at least 0.05 mm, further forward in the reference direction (D1) than the axial foremost point (51) of the reference insert (50, 50').

[0050] The axial foremost point (51) of the reference insert (50, 50') is intended to be used as a reference point by the machine operator when it is necessary to adjust the position of the finishing insert (40, 40') in the axial direction of the tool body (2). Such adjustment may be necessary, for example, when a new finishing insert (40, 40') is mounted on the finishing insert seat (10) and / or a new reference insert (50, 50') is mounted on the reference insert seat (20), or when either the finishing insert (40, 40') and the reference insert (50, 50') are repositioned on the insert seat (10, 20) and mounted in a new working position. When a face milling cutter (1) is used for a face milling operation in which the finish is performed with only one finish insert, the axial position of the finish insert (40, 40') mounted on the finish insert sheet (10) is adjusted so that its axial foremost point (41) is positioned further forward in the reference direction (D1) than the axial foremost point (51) of the reference insert (50, 50'). When a face milling cutter (1) is used for a face milling operation in which the finish is performed jointly by two finish inserts, the axial position of the finish insert (40, 40') mounted on the finish insert sheet (10) is adjusted so that, when viewed from the reference direction (D1), its axial foremost point (41) is positioned at the same height as, or at least substantially the same height as, the axial foremost point (51) of the reference insert (50, 50'). In the latter case, the reference insert (50, 50') acts as a second finishing insert together with the adjustable first finishing insert (40, 40') mounted on the finishing insert sheet (10).

[0051] The radially outermost point (42) of the finishing insert (40, 40'), that is, the point of the finishing insert positioned at the longest distance from the longitudinal axis (4) of the tool body (2), is preferably positioned closer to the longitudinal axis (4) of the tool body (2) than the radially outermost point (62) of each primary cutting insert (60). Additionally, the radially outermost point (52) of the reference insert (50, 50'), that is, the point of the reference insert positioned at the longest distance from the longitudinal axis (4) of the tool body (2), is preferably positioned closer to the longitudinal axis (4) of the tool body (2) than the radially outermost point (62) of each primary cutting insert (60).

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the finishing insert sheet (10) is arranged within a cassette (80) configured to be mounted on the tool body (2) and to support the finishing inserts (40, 40'). In this case, the position of the finishing insert sheet (10) in the axial direction of the tool body (2), and the corresponding position of the finishing inserts (40, 40') in the axial direction of the tool body (2), can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the cassette (80) within the tool body (2) by the adjustment mechanism (70). The tool body (2) is provided with a recess (90) configured to accommodate the cassette (80) and the adjustment mechanism (70), and this recess (90) is open toward the front end (2a) of the tool body (2) and toward the periphery (6) of the tool body. In the illustrated example, the cassette (80) is provided with a through hole (81) configured to accommodate a screw-shaped fastening element (82). The fastening element (82) extends through a through hole (81) in the cassette (80) and engages in a threaded hole (92) in a tangential support surface (93) in the recess (90). The fastening element (82) includes an elongated shaft (82a) provided with an external thread configured to engage with a corresponding internal thread in the threaded hole (92), and a head (82b) fixed to the shaft (82a). The shaft (82a) has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole (81) in the cassette (80), so that the shaft (82a) is received with clearance within the through hole (81), thereby allowing a small movement of the cassette (80) in the axial direction of the tool body (2) under the influence of the adjustment mechanism (70) when the position of the finishing insert (40, 40') in the axial direction of the tool body (2) is adjusted by the adjustment mechanism. A tangential abutment surface (83) (see FIG. 14 and FIG. 15) is provided on the rear side of the cassette (80) and is configured to be bonded to a tangential support surface (93) within the recess (90) when the cassette is mounted within the recess.The cassette (80) is also provided with a radial bonding surface (84) configured to bond to a radial support surface (94) within the recess (90) when the cassette is mounted within the recess (90) (see FIG. 15 and FIG. 19). A finishing insert sheet (10) is arranged at the top of the cassette (80), and the cassette has a bottom surface (87) at the opposite bottom.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, the adjustment mechanism (70) comprises a wedge member (71) and a screw (72), wherein the screw (72) extends through a through hole (73) within the wedge member (71). The screw (72) comprises an elongated shaft (72a) provided with an external thread (74) configured to engage with a corresponding internal thread (75) within the through hole (73) of the wedge member (71), and a head (72b) fixed to the shaft (72a). The wedge member (71) is movable along the shaft (72a) of the screw when the screw (72) is rotated relative to the wedge member. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the wedge member (71) and the screw (72) are received in the seat (95) at the lower end of the aforementioned recess (90) in the tool body (2), wherein the outer slide surface (76) on the wedge member (71) slides into a corresponding slide surface (96) in the seat (95) and the head (72b) of the screw is joined to the inner wall (97) in the seat. The wedge surface (77) on the wedge member (71) slides into a bottom surface (87) of the cassette (80) and the wedge surface (77) has an inclination with respect to the slide surface (76) such that when the wedge member (71) moves radially outward within the seat (95) along the shaft (72a) of the screw, the wedge member (71) applies force to the cassette (80) forward in the reference direction (D1). A socket (78) designed for releaseable engagement with a torque tool (not shown) is provided at the outer free end of the shaft (72a) of the screw (72) so that the torque tool can be connected to the shaft (72a) when the screw (72) is rotated to move the wedge member (71) forward in the reference direction (D1) in relation to the adjustment of the position of the finish insert (40, 40') in the axial direction of the tool body (2). The adjustment mechanism (70) may also be designed in any other suitable manner.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the finishing insert (40, 40') is releasedly secured to the associated finishing insert sheet (10) by a screw-shaped fastening element (11) that extends through a through hole (63, 43) within the finishing insert (40, 40') and engages with a threaded hole (13) (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 9) in a tangential support surface (14) within the finishing insert sheet (10). The finishing insert sheet (10) is also provided with two lateral support surfaces (15a, 15b) for supporting the finishing insert (40, 40') when mounted on the finishing insert sheet (10).

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the reference insert (50, 50') is releasedly secured to the associated reference insert sheet (20) by a screw-shaped fastening element (21) that extends through a through hole (63, 43) within the reference insert (50, 50') and engages with a threaded hole (23) (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 10) within a tangential support surface (24) within the reference insert sheet (20). The reference insert sheet (20) is also provided with two lateral support surfaces (25a, 25b) for supporting the reference insert (50, 50') when mounted on the reference insert sheet (20).

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, each primary cutting insert (60) is releasedly secured to an associated primary insert sheet (30) by a screw-shaped fastening element (31) that extends through a through hole (63) within the primary cutting insert (60) and engages with a threaded hole (33) (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 10) within a tangential support surface (34) within the primary insert sheet (30). Each primary insert sheet (30) is also provided with two lateral support surfaces (35a, 35b) for supporting the primary cutting insert (60) when mounted on the primary insert sheet (30).

[0057] As an alternative to screw-type fastening elements (11, 21, 31), the finishing insert (40, 40'), reference insert (50, 50'), and primary cutting insert (60) may be configured to be releaseably fixed to the associated insert seat (10, 20, 30) by a suitable clamping means.

[0058] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6, the primary cutting insert (60), the reference insert (50), and the finishing insert (40) are all geometrically identical to each other, or at least substantially geometrically identical to each other. Thus, the primary cutting insert (60), the reference insert (50), and the finishing insert (40) have the same shape. The cutting inserts (40, 50, 60) illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6 are of the type illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 20 through 22, but of course, they may be designed in any other suitable way. The cutting inserts illustrated in FIGS. 20 through 22 have a basic polygonal shape and are rotatable to four different working positions. The cutting insert includes first and second major faces (64a, 64b) arranged on the opposite side of the cutting insert and functioning as the upper and lower faces of the cutting insert. The cutting insert has a central axis (C) extending between the first and second main surfaces (64a, 64b). The cutting insert is provided with a through hole (63), which extends centrally through the cutting insert between the first and second main surfaces (64a, 64b). The central axis (C) of the cutting insert coincides with the central axis of the through hole (63). A peripheral relief surface (65) extends around the cutting insert between the first and second main surfaces (64a, 64b). The peripheral relief surface (65) includes a first main side surface (66a), a second main side surface (66b), a third main side surface (66c), and a fourth main side surface (66d). The peripheral relief surface (65) also includes the following:

[0059] - A first corner side (67a) positioned between the first and second main sides (66a, 66b);

[0060] - A second corner side (67b) positioned between the second and third main sides (66b, 66c);

[0061] - A third corner side (67c) positioned between the third and fourth main sides (66c, 66d); and

[0062] - A fourth corner side (67d) positioned between the first and fourth main sides (66a, 66d).

[0063] The first main cutting edge (68a) extends along the first main side (66a) and is formed at the intersection between the first main side (66a) and the first main side (64a). The second main cutting edge (68b) extends along the second main side (66b) and is formed at the intersection between the second main side (66b) and the first main side (64a). The third main cutting edge (68c) extends along the third main side (66c) and is formed at the intersection between the third main side (66c) and the first main side (64a). The fourth main cutting edge (68d) extends along the fourth main side (66d) and is formed at the intersection between the fourth main side (66d) and the first main side (64a).

[0064] The first surface-wiping cutting edge (69a) extends along the first corner side (67a) and is formed at the intersection between the first corner side (67a) and the first main surface (64a). The second surface-wiping cutting edge (69b) extends along the second corner side (67b) and is formed at the intersection between the second corner side (67b) and the first main surface (64a). The third surface-wiping cutting edge (69c) extends along the third corner side (67c) and is formed at the intersection between the third corner side (67c) and the first main surface (64a). The fourth surface-wiping cutting edge (69d) extends along the fourth corner side (67d) and is formed at the intersection between the fourth corner side (67d) and the first main surface (64a).

[0065] When mounted on any of the insert sheets (10, 20, 30), the cutting insert shown in FIGS. 20 to 22 is arranged such that the second main surface (64b) or at least a part thereof is bonded to the tangential support surface (14, 24, 34) of the insert sheet, and two of the main side surfaces (66a-66d) or at least a part thereof are bonded to each of the two side support surfaces (15a, 15b, 25a, 25b, 35a, 35b) of the insert sheet.

[0066] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 13, the primary cutting inserts (60) are geometrically identical to each other or at least substantially identical to each other, whereas the reference insert (50') and the finishing insert (40') have the form of wiper inserts having a shape different from that of the primary cutting inserts. The primary cutting inserts (60) illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 13 are of the type described above and illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 20 through 22, but of course, they may be designed in any other suitable way.

[0067] The finishing insert (40') and reference insert (50') illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 13 are geometrically identical to each other, or at least substantially identical to each other, and are of the type illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 23 through 27, but of course, they may be designed in any other suitable way. The wiper insert illustrated in FIGS. 23 through 27 has a basic polygonal shape. The wiper insert includes first and second main surfaces (44a, 44b) arranged on opposite sides of the wiper insert and functioning as the upper and lower faces of the wiper insert. The wiper insert is provided with a through hole (43), which extends through the wiper insert between the first and second main surfaces (44a, 44b). A main relief surface (45) extends around the wiper insert between the first and second main surfaces (44a, 44b). The main relief surface (45) includes a first main side (46a), a second main side (46b), a third main side (46c), a fourth main side (46d), and a fifth main side (46e). A first surface-wiping cutting edge (49a) extends along the first main side (46a) and is formed at the intersection between the first main side (46a) and the first main side (44a). A second surface-wiping cutting edge (49b) extends along the second main side (46b) and is formed at the intersection between the second main side (46b) and the first main side (44a). A first main cutting edge (48a) extends along the fifth main side (46e) and is formed at the intersection between the fifth main side (46e) and the first main side (44a). The second main cutting edge (48b) extends along the third main side (46c) and is formed at the intersection between the third main side (46c) and the first main side (44a).

[0068] When mounted on either of the finishing and reference insert sheets (10, 20), the wiper insert is arranged so that the second main surface (44b) or at least a part thereof is bonded to the tangential support surface (14, 24) of the insert sheet. When a wiper insert of the type shown in FIGS. 23 to 27 is used in a face milling cutter (1) of the type shown in FIGS. 7 to 13 which is configured to rotate in the rotational direction (R) shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, FIGS. 12 and FIGS. 13, the wiper insert is mounted on an associated insert sheet (10, 20) such that the first surface-wiping cutting edge (49a) and the first main cutting edge (48a) are in an active cutting position, and the third and fourth main sides (46c, 46d) or at least a part thereof are bonded to each of the two side support surfaces (15a, 15b, 25a, 25b) within the insert sheet. However, a wiper insert of the type shown in FIGS. 23 to 27 may also be used in a face milling cutter configured to rotate in the opposite direction. In the latter case, the wiper insert is mounted on an associated insert sheet such that the second surface-wiping cutting edge (49b) and the second main cutting edge (48b) are in an active cutting position and the fourth and fifth main sides (46d, 46e) or at least a portion thereof are bonded to the respective side support surfaces within the insert sheet.

[0069] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6, the surface-wiping cutting edges (69a-69d) provided on the finishing and reference inserts (40, 50) have the same length as the surface-wiping cutting edges (69a-69d) provided on the primary cutting insert (60). In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7 through 13, the surface-wiping cutting edge (49a) provided on the finishing and reference inserts (40', 50') is longer than the surface-wiping cutting edges (69a-69d) provided on the primary cutting insert (60).

[0070] The cutting inserts (40, 50, 60) included in the illustrated face milling cutter (1) are single-sided cutting inserts having cutting edges arranged only along the periphery of the first main face (44a, 64a). However, the face milling cutter according to the present invention may, as an alternative, be provided with one or more double-sided cutting inserts having cutting edges arranged along the periphery of the first main face and also along the periphery of the second main face.

[0071] Of course, the present invention is not limited in any way to the embodiments described above. On the contrary, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there are many possibilities for modifications without departing from the basic spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

Claim 1 As a face milling cutter, - a tool body (2) having a front end (2a) and an opposite rear end (2b), wherein the rear end (2b) is configured to be attached to a machine, and the longitudinal axis (4) of the tool body (2) extends between the rear end (2b) and the front end (2a) of the tool body; - at least two primary cutting inserts (60); - reference inserts (50, 50'); - finishing inserts (40, 40'); - several insert sheets (10, 20, 30) provided on the tool body (2) and distributed evenly or at least substantially evenly in the circumferential direction of the tool body (2), wherein the insert sheets are: At least two primary insert seats (30) configured to accommodate each of the at least two primary cutting inserts (60), wherein each primary cutting insert (60) is configured to be detachably mounted to an associated primary insert seat (30) at a fixed position when viewed from the axial direction of the tool body (2). A reference insert sheet (20) configured to accommodate the above reference inserts (50, 50'), and The various insert sheets (10, 20, 30) comprising a finishing insert sheet (10) configured to accommodate the finishing insert (40, 40'), wherein the finishing insert (40, 40') is configured to be detachably mounted to the finishing insert sheet (10);- The tool body (2) includes an adjustment mechanism (70) associated with the finishing insert seat (10) to adjust the position of the finishing insert (40, 40') in the axial direction of the tool body (2), and the reference insert (50, 50') is configured to be detachably mounted to the reference insert seat (20) at a fixed position when viewed in the axial direction of the tool body (2), and the reference insert seat (20) is arranged further forward from the tool body (2) than the at least two primary insert seats (30) when viewed in the reference direction (D1) from the rear end (2b) of the tool body toward the front end (2a) of the tool body parallel to the longitudinal axis (4) of the tool body (2), so that the reference insert (50, 50') passes the axial foremost point (61) of each primary cutting insert (60) in the reference direction (D1) and the tool The position of the finishing insert (40, 40') in the axial direction of the tool body (2), which protrudes forward from the main body (2), is adjustable by the adjusting mechanism (70) so that, when viewed from the reference direction (D1), the finishing insert (40, 40') is positioned within the tool body having the axial foremost point (41) of the finishing insert (40, 40') at substantially the same height as or further forward than the axial foremost point (51) of the reference insert (50, 50'), and the reference insert sheet (20) is arranged within the tool body (2) opposite or substantially opposite to the finishing insert sheet (10) when the at least two primary insert sheets (30) are an even number, and the reference insert sheet (20) is arranged within the tool body (2) when the at least two primary insert sheets (30) are an odd number, A face milling cutter characterized by constituting one of two insert sheets within the tool body (2), which is arranged closest to a point (P) on the periphery of the tool body (2) positioned opposite to the finishing insert sheet (10). Claim 2 A face milling cutter according to claim 1, wherein the finishing insert sheet (10) is arranged in a cassette (80) configured to be mountable to the tool body (2) and to support the finishing insert (40, 40'). Claim 3 A face milling cutter according to claim 2, characterized in that the position of the finishing insert (40, 40') in the axial direction of the tool body (2) is adjustable by adjusting the position of the cassette (80) within the tool body (2) by the adjustment mechanism (70). Claim 4 A face milling cutter according to claim 1, characterized in that the reference insert sheet (20) is arranged 0.02 to 0.10 mm further forward within the tool body (2) than the at least two primary insert sheets (30) when viewed from the reference direction (D1). Claim 5 A face milling cutter according to claim 1, characterized in that the outermost radial point (42) of the finishing insert (40, 40') is arranged closer to the longitudinal axis (4) of the tool body (2) than the outermost radial point (62) of each of the at least two primary cutting inserts (60). Claim 6 A face milling cutter according to claim 1, characterized in that the outermost radial point (52) of the reference insert (50, 50') is arranged closer to the longitudinal axis (4) of the tool body (2) than the outermost radial point (62) of each of the at least two primary cutting inserts (60). Claim 7 A face milling cutter according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least two primary cutting inserts (60), the reference insert (50), and the finishing insert (40) are substantially geometrically identical to each other. Claim 8 A face milling cutter according to claim 1, wherein the at least two primary cutting inserts (60) and the reference insert (50) are substantially geometrically identical to each other, and the finishing insert (40') has the shape of a wiper insert having a shape different from the shape of the at least two primary cutting inserts (60) and the reference insert (50). Claim 9 A face milling cutter according to claim 1, wherein the at least two primary cutting inserts (60) are substantially geometrically identical to each other, and each of the reference insert (50') and the finishing insert (40') has the shape of a wiper insert having a shape different from the shape of the at least two primary cutting inserts (60). Claim 10 A face milling cutter according to claim 1, characterized in that the finishing insert (40, 40') and the reference insert (50, 50') are located at the same height or substantially the same height when viewed from the axial direction of the tool body (2). Claim 11 A face milling cutter according to claim 10, wherein the finishing insert (40, 40') and the reference insert (50, 50') each have their axial foremost point (41, 51) located within the tool body (2) and are positioned 0.03 to 0.07 mm further forward than the axial foremost point (61) of each primary cutting insert (60) when viewed from the reference direction (D1). Claim 12 A face milling cutter according to claim 7, characterized in that the position of the finishing insert (40, 40') in the axial direction of the tool body (2) is adjustable by the adjustment mechanism (70) so that, when viewed from the reference direction (D1), the finishing insert (40, 40') has its axial foremost point (41) positioned within the tool body (2) 0.03 to 0.07 mm further forward than the axial foremost point (51) of the reference insert (50, 50'). Claim 13 A face milling cutter according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the primary cutting inserts (60) can be mounted on an associated primary insert seat (30) at least two different working positions. Claim 14 A face milling cutter according to claim 1, characterized in that the reference insert (50) is mountable on the reference insert sheet (20) at least two different working positions. Claim 15 A face milling cutter characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 14, the tool body (2) is provided with a marking (8) indicating the position of a reference insert sheet (20) on the tool body (2).

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